dashing diys

i'm going to begin collecting diy ideas in the hopes of one day employing them in my own home.  i really like projects that make use of industrial and reclaimed elements.  here are a few that caught my eye:

via hindsvik

via manhattan nest

via marumodern

diy table

those tables from yesterday's post reminded me of this little creation by debi van zyl:

poured concrete slab top, hairpin legs from ebay!

i love the texture that the wood grain leaves on the concrete and the simplicity of the hairpin legs.

sunday tea

Hermés has opened a new shop in shanghai called shang xia.  the interior was created by famed architect kengo kuma and the brand is run by shanghai designer jiang qiong'er.  the walls and ceiling of the shop are draped with a shape-retaining, hexagonally cut cloth that gives an airy, cloud-like feel.  the rest of the store is minimal but rich, displaying delicate porcelain teaware, capes made of cashmere felt, and fine jewelry.  what's not to love?...as usual.

images: shang xia, kengo kuma
book via amazon: kengo kuma 

casual elegance

once in a while i come across an image of some thing or some place that i can not get out of my mind. this home was featured in the january issue of elle decoration uk. the space is so comfortable and casual looking but it also has an elegance to it that i really love. the chairs are amazing, covered in an eggplant velvet.

evocative lighting

i love the way the lighting sweeps in from the perimeter of this restaurant done by gundry & ducker in london. and those chairs in the bar area, you just can not go wrong with a thonet bentwood. it may be a stretch, but those lamps the way they are hanging above each table evoke visions of traditional chinese or thai lanterns hanging along narrow streets or open markets.

and yes, it sure has been a while since i have blogged.

topic via dezeen

spool chairs

designer: keisuke fujiwara

thonet chairs as blank canvases...

via dezeen

terrariums

back in elementary school we were put to the task of constructing terrariums in big glass containers and i've been thinking lately of creating a new one (once i'm done moving). so i went searching for some inspiration and came across paula hayes who creates these amazing little environments in wonderful glass blobs...some not so little. plants really do make a space feel more cheerful and alive. just to know there's a beautiful little green life that depends on you for the occasional watering is kind of nice. i then discovered hayes's other projects like living necklaces...

which instantly reminded me of a project in the works by debi van zyl who has been knitting moss pockets out of metal thread

book via amazon: the new terrarium

the perfect wall lamp

this prouvé potence wall lamp shares the room with the red sofa in seguin's apartment. if i could have only have one light, i think this might be it.

a breath of fresh air

this is something that i have been curious about in the past but have never quite gotten around to exploring. NASA has come up with some interesting data on house plants and the air purifier review site has compiled the top 15 house plants that provide the greatest level of air purification. a 6 inch plant for every 100 square feet is recommended.

little ladies

while surfing around a while ago i came across these little dolls at spina design. the lower image is a collection of more traditional dolls made of a variety of different woods. i really love their simplicity.

history of kokeshi

browsing...

i have this continually growing collection of images/things that inspire; some are classics and some are old ideas with a new twist. juxtaposing differing styles, textures, patterns... for me creates a truly interesting space. e.g. the idea of the diamond in the rough - giving an industrial space a little sparkle with a vintage crystal chandelier or accent piece. taking old plantation blinds and giving them a new coat of high gloss lacquer. i particularly like the use of chain link, finished to perfection and installed inside the home.

links:

crystal ball, eames chair, chain link,

polychromie architecturale, spina design, kelly hoppen