S. Russell Groves

A big thanks to Habitually Chic for posting photos of the much awaited Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in NY - there are so many gorgeous rooms, I wish I could have been there to see them in person. There were a lot of familar names, including the Aussie newcomers to NY - Burley Katon Halliday, although a new one for me was S. Russell Groves. I checked out the rest of his portfolio last night and was so impressed. I've recently been loving interiors with lots of timber and a bit of a mid-century vibe, so these are really appealing to me right now. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

A retail project, however I could easily live with this as a living room setting. It even makes the ubiquitous Barcelona stool look super chic all over again. (I'm really hoping my Robsjohn-Gibbings slipper chair will look that nice once it's been recovered!)

I think the one above - or the one below might be my favorite...haven't quite decided yet...

A somewhat industrial looking bathroom, but I like it!

Today I'm loving

These handmade glazed terracotta tiles from Fez, Morocco, called "Zelliges" by Emery & Cie. I love the colour variation of each unique tile and how together they create something that looks almost organic. Their selection of colours is amazing - from lovely pale neutrals to dark and moody dark hues like chocolate or cinnabar.

The colour above is no. 12 "Blue Ciel Gris" - which I think might be my favorite.

They look stunning en masse in a bathroom or kitchen, as Ilse Crawford has done in her own home (above) and the London home of a client (below) - as featured in the lastest Domino Magazine.

Emery & Cie has a lovely range of products hand made in Morocco, so I recommend you check out their website if you like the look of these tiles.

Friday afternoon inspiration

I discovered the portfolio of Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects today, and have been drooling over these images ever since. Selldorf's interiors are modern, warm, a little eclectic, but most importantly, they look liveable! She mixes great furniture, and doesn't shy away from using colour. It also helps that she has great spaces to work with - some of these apartments are amazing. These are a few of my favorites, but I recommend you take a look at her website as there is much much more to see. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

(I think the one above my be my favorite)

Her bathrooms and kitchens are equally as inviting as her living spaces...

LOVE this kitchen...

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Tomaso Buzzi

I have a new designer obsession. Tomaso Buzzi (1900 - 1981) was a member of the Labirinto group from 1927, along with the renowned italian designer, Gio Ponti. An architect and furniture designer, Buzzi created a limited series of neo-classical furniture designs in the late 1920s. His commissions included furnishings for the School of Arts and Crafts, San Paolo, Brazil. In 1932 he assumed artistic direction of Venini, and exhibited his innovative glass techniques at the 1936 Venice Biennale.

(Above) A Credenza and Cabinet (both from 1929) are availalable, along with other pieces, in the upcoming Christie's 20th Century Decorative Arts auction in London on April 30. Both pieces have such gracious silouettes, and I absolutely love burlwood. So elegant!

"La Scarzuola" a convent in Umbria founded by St Francis of Assisi, was bought by Buzzi in the 50's in the hopes of transforming it. This, along with Palladio's villas in the north, will definitely be on my list of things to see next time I'm in Italy!

Today I'm loving...

This vintage mid-century looking clock. I have no idea who designed this piece (althought to me it looks a bit like Parzinger's style), so if anyone out there has any leads I'd love to know where to track one down!

Photography from the new Stepevi Rugs catalogue.

Happy Weekend!

I'm away for the weekend with some friends from Oz. They're here for a week so I might be light on posting during that time. Happy Friday, and have a great weekend everyone!

Random inspiration

I'm moving apartments in a few months. Our lease is up, and the landlord wants to raise the rent by 20% (as is happening all over Hong Kong at the moment). And, I don't really want to share my space with cockroaches, rats and termites anymore (I wish I were kidding). Hence, we are looking around. Part of me wished I was moving back to my own house in Melbourne, but we're not really ready to leave here just yet. So, apartment hunting we go. I'm also thinking its a good excuse to get the pre-loved furniture I bought finally recovered and have my space in a state that is at least partly photographable (is that even a word ?) so I can share some pics with you all. In the meantime, this is what is inspiring me at the moment...

Source unknown - I love this sofa - I can't get enough of green.

Living room by Shamir Shah - it looks comfortable and chic to me.

A Steven Gambrel living room - nothing else needs to be said...

An interior by Todd Romano - love this colour combination.

Markham Roberts own living area, as featured in Domino

An interior by Madeline Stuart

A crisp classic neutral room by Larry Laslo

Above 3 images of an interior by Joe Nye a great mix of warm toned timber and a neutral colour palette.

Interior by Jean-Louis Deniot - love the mix of styles he creates.

Image from Highland Court fabrics - I love how relaxed this room looks, and how comfortable and chic it is.

Image from Elle Decor Oct '07 - everyone's favorite front cover.

Apartment of the owners of Duane Modern/Antiques image from 1st Dibs - a great mix here - but what else would you expect from vintage furniture dealers!

Angela Free interior - again, I love the warm timber and the cool, neutral colours.

Source unknown - but a super cozy looking room. These colours might be too warm for HK, but I'm still a Melbourne girl at heart, and I will always love these warm tones.

The two images from my tear sheets file that won me my free pretty in Maison 21's competition. From old Australian Vogue Living magazines.

And last, but far from least, the bedroom from 1st Dibs founder Michael Bruno's Paris apartment - care of Katiedid. I can't stop thinking about this room, its just so chic. I love this chest of drawers because its so unique, but I really don't think I could live with furniture that's covered in dead elephant.

1st Dibs pick of the day

This armchair by Tommi Parzinger....just stunning!

I want!

I managed to get all through winter without lusting after boots....and then I saw these from Hermes...

just as it's started to warm up here. Of course I'd love a Kelly bag in the same pink croc. Asking too much? Probably...

Today I'm loving...

This 'Royere' box from Lorin Marsh...so chic!

although considering I just won a cute box, I really don't need another one...for a little while!