Timeless sentiments

Found this today on the internets while searching for something entirely unrelated...

"Innovation is often the ability to reach into the past and bring back what is good, what is beautiful, what is lasting"

Well said, Sister Parish.

I have a new design crush...

Okay, so I know I've had a few of these lately, but I think this guy is definitely one to watch - even though he's already in the Architectural Digest top 100 list. Pierre Yovanovitch a former couture designer for Pierre Cardin, is now designing interiors. Yovanovitch's own apartment in Paris, seen below, was what kick started his career change, and I can definitely see why.

Several views of the stunning entrance - it's so crisp and refreshing, and just a hint at what else is to come.

A few different angles of the living room - I love the mix he has going on here. It's quite masculine in a sense, but I think I'd feel quite comfortable in this space. Rather than filling the apartment with French treasures he has instead mixed pieces by important American designers such as Edward Wormely, Frank Lloyd-Wright and James Mont with early 20th century Scandinavian pieces, which I think has given it a great feeling of warmth.

I'm so in love with the panelling on these dining room walls!

Two different study areas - the floors in the image above are stunning!!

Photos from Architectural Digest Feb 2008 by Marina Faust (more images can be found on the website), and Home Journal May 2008 by JF Jassaud.

Dealer Direct

Have you ever been stuck trying to find a specific piece for a client, or for yourself? Well, the hunt is over - well, partly. Bond & Bowery have introduced a new search function to their website called "Dealer Direct". All you need to do is register an account with the site (it's free and easy!) and then leave your details and specifications on the "Dealer Direct" page. Your listing will be posted anonymously on the Bond & Bowery network for 30 days, during which time all of their dealers have the opportunity to help fulfil your request. It's that simple!

Shelton, Mindel & Assoc.

To say that I'm a little besotted with this apartment by NY design firm Shelton, Mindel & Assoc. is a bit of an understatement...I think obsessed might be closer to the truth!

It's so full of light (which my current apartment, if you've seen the photos, is not) and fantastic furniture, as well as great bones...well I could go on, but let's just say I don't think I'd change a thing about it!

Quirky lighting mixed with some vintage classics make for a great reading spot.

This is my favorite view. I'm seriously drooling over the amount of bookshelves they have here...I'm running out of space in our new place already! And how nice it would be to have a terrace off the living room like that. Well, a girl can dream.


Found via Desire to Inspire, those girls never fail to do so.

Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi

With offices in three of the world's great cities, decades of experience and some very chic interiors around the world to show for it, it's surprising that I had not heard of the design firm Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi sooner.

The three partners work separately - but also often together - on commissions that defy definition. There is a great mix here, and quite a few of them I could move right into and be quite happy without changing a thing. Hope you like them as much as I do!

I wish...

...I was going to the 20th Century Art & Design show in San Francisco.

But for the sake of my bank account, it's probably a good thing I'm not!

If I was going though I'd also have to check out another great resource that was emailed to me - Ruby Lane. A group of antique and art shops situated in a small area of cobblestone streets - it looks adorable. I'm dying to go to San Francisco - it looks like such a beautiful city. I guess I'll just add it to the list of must see destinations...

Another new book release

Another of my favorite French publishers, Editions de L'Amateur, has a volume on André Domin & Marcel Genevrière from the house of Dominique on it's upcoming titles list, and I for one am very excited! Written by Félix Marcilhac, renowned Gallerist of 20th Century furniture and objets d'art, this is definitely going to be on my wish list. I think my hubby might need to book a container for the load of books I'm expecting as pressies for X-mas this year!

Pictured above: Dominique dining setting available through 1stDibs.com

Australiana

Do you remember the exquisite sets and costumes from the 2001 movie "Moulin Rouge"?

Aussie Oscar award-winning designer Catherine Martin is the woman behind those spectacular creations, and has quite a few other notable movie production credits to her name. Her premiere homewares collection was launched recently with a range of rug designs for Australia's Designer Rugs, and is soon to be followed by wallpapers, paints, tabletop and bedding designs. The collection is made up of Australian flora and fauna, which Martin is reported to have studied for the production of the upcoming movie epic "Australia" (with husband and director Baz Luhrmann). I love how she has managed to create elegant and timeless designs from some of Australia's most iconic emblems, without them being kitschy in any way. My two favorites (below) are reminiscent of times gone by, just a little nostalgic, but also very au courant.

"Lace"

"Feathers"

Catherine Martin & Baz Luhrmann's Sydney home was featured in the latest Vogue Living, and I couldn't resist sharing this image with you. She's done a great job of incorporating her product into their home (probably for marketing purposes, but there's nothing wrong with a little shameless self promotion some times!). This room has such a fresh, relaxed feel to it - to me it feels like it could be in the middle of the city, in the countryside, or by the beach. Love it!

Speaking of shameless self-promotion, I hope to be able to share some exciting news and projects with you in the near future, so stay tuned!

Above image from Vogue Living (Australia) Magazine Sept/Oct 2008 issue, photography by Peter Brew-Bevan.