Happy Happy Joy Joy!

My copy of the Christie's catalogue of the Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Berge collection of 2o th Century Decorative Arts arrived today. Yay! No matter that its too late to bid, because I couldn't have afforded anything in the sale anyway, unless I'd sold everything I own, including a few of my organs. I would have happily done so had I thought that my husband and I could raise a family someday inside this amazing Jean-Michel Frank cabinet...

Yum!

Collett & Zarzycki

It's all things London in my mind this week. Partly because I'm still obsessing over that office by Candy & Candy, and partly because a good friend of mine who lives there celebrated a birthday this week, and I'm missing her terribly. So to round out the week here is another great find - London-based design firm Collett ~ Zarzycki. Hope you enjoy - and have a great weekend!

I want Candy!

Happy Monday! I found these images over the weekend when one of the employee's of London based design firm Candy & Candy sent me an email. I felt, firstly, that I must have been living under a rock not having heard of these guys before, and secondly, that perhaps I'd died and gone to heaven. The work this firm is doing is so amazing!

The design and property development firm was founded by the Candy brothers Nick and Christian (hence the name) when they were both in their twenties with just a ₤6,000 loan from their Grandmother. Less than ten years later, and several properties later, the Candy brothers are now developing the most expensive properties in the world, with clients that include Royalty, World Leaders and the Uber Rich. So rich are their clientele, in fact, that they claim to be above the worldwide recession. Having worked for the worlds wealthy elite for so long has provided the brothers a lifestyle that most of us only dream about. They live in Monaco (tax reasons), have several super yachts, and mix with the rich and famous on a daily basis. Nice work if you can get it! - I only hope they give me a call if they plan to open an office in Hong Kong! All kidding aside...I hope you enjoy these pics as much as I did.

As if the projects the staff of Candy & Candy get to work on aren't great enough...they also get to work in what I have to say is the most amazing looking office I've ever seen! Check out the pics below...like I said guys, give me a ring if you need staff in Hong Kong!

Herve Van Der Straeton

I found these pics of Hervé van der Straeton's (one of my favorite designers, wh0 I'm sure will be - looking back -an outstanding figure of 21st Century design) Paris apartment on photographer Simon Watson's website and had to share - just because I'm thinking all things French this week, and because I've not seen them published elsewhere. Enjoy - and have a great weekend!

Sydney Moderne

This spread from the Aussie Vogue Living back in 2006 makes it an oldy - but its definitely a goody in my books! All this talk of French Moderne reminded me of this gorgeous Sydney home decorated by Sally Greenaway - and I don't know why I haven't posted it already, its absolutely one of my favorites - hope you enjoy!

The entrance hall is a hint at what else is to come.... the lanterns, along with a lot of the furniture in the home, are by Christian Liaiagre.

I adore the mix of textures in this room, its so sumptuous!

What a beautiful place to curl up with a book!

I am loving these dark timber cabinets in the kitchen. The bar stools and lights are also by Liaigre.

I love this bedroom - it's blissfully serene. The suspension lights are by India Mahdavi, side table by Christian Liaigre, and the bedlinen by Muriel Grateau.

The Christian Liaigre chaise in the master bedroom was originally designed for Rupert Murdoch.

The same dark wood from the kitchen is used in the bathroom, along with cararra marble, to great effect.

All photos by Prue Ruscoe from Vogue Living July/August 2006.

French Moderne

Well it's no real secret that I'm a bit of a Francophile. I can't really explain why it is that I love French design the way I do. They have a knack for creating beauty, regardless of the style, medium or era - a beauty that is timeless and just so quintessential. I've been a little obsessed with these modern interiors the last few weeks so I thought I'd share them with you all. Modern minimalism in the hands of the French is nothing short of exquisite!

Christian Liaigre

Henri Becq

Damien Langlois-Meurinne

Olivier Lempereur

Christophe Delcourt