Love handles

I do love a good piece of hardware. There have been times, while working on a large project, when I've thought if I have to specify another hinge or handle I will die, but I do find it immensely satisfying finding the right hardware for a project. A great design is all in the details, and if you find something that works with your concept its a great moment.  Door handles particularly. Many people might not give them a lot of thought, but they are often the very first object that a person will see and feel in the space you're designing, and if you get it right, it makes all the difference.

I'm still wrapped up in my love affair with brass (and bronze)....and so these little beauties caught my eye. I particularly love the combination with dark wood and the edginess they'd bring to a space. They're the kind of love handles I don't mind having ;)

 

Joseph Giles

 

Tanna Hardware

Nanz Co.

Gordon Watson

 DLV Designs

This lovely New York loft is another that's been percolating in the back of my mind of late. I love the colours...I wouldn't mind doing something along these lines with the industrial space we are currently living in (although I WISH our ceilings were that high!). Designed by legendary Sydney based firm Burley Katon Halliday for an Aussie expat in NYC.

Funnily enough, our walls are a similar colour to this (although perhaps more of a mushroom), and our sofa is very similar to this...

This apartment was published in both Elle Decor and Vogue Living a few years ago, so I think these pics are a mix from both.

Rees Roberts

Its funny how you can kinda like a space on first viewing, but its then filed away somewhere in your subconscious, and after it has time to percolate, upon a second viewing just looks crazy amazing? Well this townhouse in NYC by Rees Roberts is one of those places. For me anyway. I love the dramatic colours in the dining room (and how great are those upholstered Prouvé dining chairs?), and the contrast of the light ethereal colours in the living space. So beautiful. I'm also kinda digging that pink tiger pattern on those footstools. The colours in that room come together so well I'm finding it rather inspiring.

Gresham's

If proof were needed that Hong Kong is well and truly on the art, antique and design map, then Gresham's would be it. Gresham's is Hong Kong's only mid-market auction house - a welcome addition, or alternative, to Sotheby's and Christie's.

Gresham's was founded by long-time Hong Kong resident, Steve Freeman, (you may recognise his name from his profile as co-founder of the HK magazine that we all know and love) and opened its doors on June 22 this year.

“In recent years, Hong Kong has become the world's third centre of arts and antiques—after New York and London—attracting thousands of collectors every year. As a part of that scene, Gresham's aims to offer the best quality arts and antiques at prices that are affordable to a wider audience,” says founder Steve Freeman.

Categories sold at Gresham’s include contemporary art, western and Asian furniture, ceramics, Asian art, Chinese painting, mid-century and modern design, fine silver, watches and jewellery, carpets, maps, prints, posters and much more. Gresham’s is scheduled to hold Saturday afternoon auctions at least three times a month. Each auction aims to showcase 200+ lots with pre-auction website listings and public viewings available. With two successful auctions already under their belt, the third - scheduled for tomorrow - will focus on Arts of China and Asia.

Doors will open this Saturday 12 noon, with the auction commencing at 3pm at Gresham’s lovely 6,000 ft2 saleroom in Ap Lei Chau.

I have my eye on these lovely silver Chinese miniature teapots. Super cute.

Gresham’s is open for consignments and bidders, and provides free and confidential valuations.

RIP David Collins

This may well be the hardest blog post for me to write.

I was sitting on the sofa browsing twitter on my phone last night while my husband washed our after dinner dishes...only to find news of the tragic death of my favorite designer, David Collins. At first I thought I had the name wrong, then that maybe it was a hoax. But no. Unfortunately a link to Vogue with an obituary & tribute confirmed the news. I am devastated.

How does this affect me personally? No, we were not family, or friends. We never met. We did exchange emails however. And I can tell you the day I saw an email in my inbox from David Collins I almost had a heart attack from the palpatations. In a way that having some direct communication from one of your idols can only do. "You know I am your biggest fan" he said about the blog. Those words will stay with me forever.

I think the first time I became aware of his work was when his own apartment was published. I fell quickly and totally in love, and had to know more, and see more. I fet like I'd found a simpatico soul, a kindred spirit, on the other side of the world. I love his aesthetic, and I feel we were inspired by many of the same things. On a personal and very selfish level, I'm so sad that we will not get to see any more of his beautiful work.

My heart goes out to his family, friends, staff, clients and anyone in his life. If nothing else, the tragic circumstances surrounding his death should serve as a reminder to all of us to live each day as if it were your last.

May you rest in peace, Mr Collins.

Duddell's

The latest name on the tip of everyone's tongue in this city is Duddell's, located in the floors above Shanghai Tang in their new Duddell street manse, was brought to us by the F&B wunderkind team who are also responsible for favorites such as The Press Room group, Jia Boutique Hotels, Duecento Otto & 22 Ships.

Duddell's 10,000 square foot interior, which is spread over two floors, was designed by the one and only Isle Crawford, who seems to be another favorite around here.

I finally stuck my head in yesterday and can say that the space is rather lovely, and surprisingly quite minimal. The lower level is a Cantonese-cuisine restaurant, while the upstairs bar / lounge area facing the lush looking 2,000 sq ft terrace has more of a private-club-like ambiance. In typical Crawford style all of the spaces are decorated with a mix of classic 20th C designs and apparently custom designed furniture.

In addition to the food and drinks on offer, the space doubles as a space to showcase local art.  They apparently have plans to launch a continuous programme of talks, performances, film screenings and other events and there’s also talk of a rotating, guest-curated exhibition programme, and rumours Ai Weiwei may be a possibility to take on that task.

I think this might become the new regular haunt for dim sum and drinks with out of town guests!

get happy

Getting excited for the release of this in just a few months. Love these guys.

Toogood

Studio Toogood, that is.

I don't know why I haven't posted this lovely London Townhouse sooner...but my subscription to Est magazine reminded me.

Faye Toogood, previously a marvellous stylist for World of Interiors magazine, has founded her own studio and is producing some wonderful work. And not just interiors. Under her creative direction they also work on projects for branding, art installations and more.

I love this townhouse in London, particularly the Living room and Master bedroom...the colours are slightly ethereal, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record...I love the mix of furnishings.  The bespoke carpet runner down the stairs is a touch of genius, and other elements - like the wardrobe doors - help to make the space feel more youthful and less serious. Its English, but not stuffy. I love it.