Bedtime Stories gives you something to read in case of insomnia. Take your time gives you something to do during dinner. This tablecloth, with 300 riddles printed on it, is designed by SEMdesign from The Netherlands. I like the concept: you will never be bored during dinner and there will always be things to talk about. The questions and answers to these riddles are mixed and can be read from both ends of the table. There are empty spaces that you can put your plate on.
In these interiors furniture in different shades have been used to give some colour to the environment. I like the chairs in different colours in the top images!
(images from House of Pictures)
Perhaps you know Dinosaur Designs from their great jewellery collection. But did you know that this Australian company also produces a fab range of colourful home accessories?
Their homewares collection, made from resin, includes bowls, spoons, jars, plates, vases, dishes, jugs and cups. Each prototype object is modelled three-dimensionally by hand, using a type of plasticine. The lack of perfectly straight lines and the unevenly finger-smoothed surface of any selected prototype is captured in a mould and then enhanced, as each object is cast. They are then drilled, sanded and finished by hand in the Sydney studio. Many prototypes are never cast and the process of experimentation and failure is key to the ongoing development of Dinosaur Designs’ products. Click here to go to their website where you can see their entire collection.
They also have a great collection of rugs made from 100% New Zealand wool. These gorgeous rugs are available from Designer Rugs.
What do you prefer? A serene, zen-like bathroom like the ones from NEW SPACES. Or would you rather have some colour in your bathroom? If you do, can choose to have only the bathtub in a bold colour (like the image above). Or you can go all the way as in the images below where also the walls are bright coloured.
(images from Marie Claire Maison)
Last month we talked about white interiors and furniture. This week will be about colour! To start I want to show you this retro-style interior in which bright turquoise and orange have been used as accent colours. I normally tend to stick with neutrals for walls and then add some colour by using colourful accessories. But these gorgeous turquoise walls could make me change my mind! I also like the Eames dining chairs in different colours and shapes.
More colourful interiors, art & home accessories to come later this week!
(images from Image Location)
I don’t talk about fashion very much on the style files but I do want to share with you one of my favorite brands for casual women’s clothing, Naketano. What I like about Naketano is that their clothing is casual (you can label it as street wear) but it is feminine as well. In the eyes of Nicole Christensen, Naketano´s head designer, a fashion designer receives ultimate accolade when a piece of clothing becomes a favourite piece. Their philosophy is that essentially, you have to like what you wear. You have to like it so much, that your piece changes your mood positively. Naketano also puts a focus on high quality fabrics and craftsmanship.
Naketano is based in Germany but luckily they ship world-wide from their webshop. Check out their online shop to see their new collection. The images above show some of my favourite pieces (I have the grey Lari Hooded Dress and the Herbert t-shirt in Olive!).
Tiago da Fonseca sent me a email to inform me about project SLEEPLESS. SLEEPLESS is a collaboration between The Great Eastern Hotel and fourteen students from the Royal College of Art’s acclaimed Design Products department led by Professor Ron Arad. Reactive installations and objects invite guests and visitors to take part in an experience and step into a hidden dimension where a hotel is more than just a place for the night. Part of the project is Bedtime Stories. This blanket, designed by Tiago da Fonseca, has several sheets containing a traditional bedtime story. Each “page” adds a layer of linen making you warmer (or cooler) and comfier hopefully guiding you and your partner into a pleasant night’s sleep. Click here to see all the other great designs that are part of the project.
I love this desk that I found on Better Living Trough Design. The Piu Desk is actually two tables in one, as it easily can be converted from a workspace to a dining or conference table with a few small adjustments. By adding or subtracting the modular storage containers, available in sets (one large and one small) of white or orange, the function of the table can change in an instant. This cool table is now for sale at Design Within Reach. The price is $999 (in stead of $1498). The Panton Chair Classic, in the image used as desk chair, combines very well with the Piu desk I think.
It’s weekend! And with Monday being a national holiday it is a long weekend in this part of the world. Enjoy it!
With this cool site Spell with flickr you can create words, like the word weekend above, by using Flickr photos of letters. Isn’t this cool?!
By the way, next week the style files will be all about colour. Colourful interiors, bright coloured furniture and home accessories in bold colours will be featured, with lots and lots of inspirational images!
Whenever I am in Amsterdam I make sure to visit Zara Home. They always have such a wonderful collection! During a recent visit I picked up a copy of their Summer 2007 catalogue. It’s worth to get a copy as it is packed with beautiful & inspiring images. You can also view the catalogue online here.
Here some images from the catalogue. As you can see there is a lot of greys and (off) whites (trend colours for this year!). These neutral shades combined give a beautiful effect. I especially love the top image, with all the different vases. Click here to go to the Zara Home website, where you can find a store locator.
