It's not about faces, just places, spaces: The Colourful Loft by Jean Verville

Holy shiz balls.  Now this is what I call colourtastic.

When so many are afraid of colour, it is just utter joy when I see a home such as this.

The brief was to design a space that could house and show-off a colourful collection of contempory art.  Jean Verville is a Canadian based Architect who I'm sure delighted his clients with this original solution.  

Avoiding the obvious - all white walls - he has created playful arrangement and unusual focal points using colour and form.  

Pure colour-blocking genius.

Good Prod: The Stendig Calender

I walked into a friends house and the first thing she said to me was "I'm sorry, I don't have much colour in my house, it's mainly just black and white sorry".  My reply was simple.  "Black and white are colours too you know!"

I have been really loving the B & W of late (paired with some brighties o' course) and this timeless combo just rings my bells.

Image from Zoma Design

Image from here

The Stendig calender is a gift from the monochrome gods (or in my case from Paperroom, who now stock them here in NZ).

This calender was designed in 1966 by Massimo Vignelli and was that year put in the design collection at the Museam of Modern Art in New York - the only calender to have that honor.

It's a big mother.  3 ft by 4 ft or 122cm W x 92cm H.

As I said, the girls from Paperroom have got a shipment in and they are $125 each.

The months are randomly either black with white graphic or the reverse.  Once that month 

has gone use it as wrapping paper or some other crafty project.

Image from Nionio Design

Iconic and graphic coolieo...

Winner: Of the Jane Denton Artwork

Oh I wish you could all have won this giveaway - such fantastic feedback I have had from you all.  You obviously like a giveaway so will look into many more - prom!

'Diamonds' in my hot little hand - soon to be in Grace's!

So the lucky duck (and new owner of the above stunner) is...

Grace!

(via the randomiser)

I will contact you via email to get your details.  Well done and congratulations Grace!

A huge thanks again to Jane Denton for supplying the coolest giveaway.

Happy weekend to you all.

In Print: Alex Fulton's Christmas

I teased you with a photo of a Christmas styling shoot that was coming up and now I can reveal all.

Your Home and Garden Magazine asked me to style a corner of a room 'christmas styles' which I was more that happy to do, but typical me, I agreed to do it with a deadline of 4 days, with jet-lag after returning from a 3 month trip from Europe (I know I know - I wouldn't feel sorry for me either!)

I did have to tame some of my ideas because of the constraint of time so this really is the designwithwhatchagot version.

I also thought I would give you more detail on the finer points so that you might like to steal some of my ideas and time saver tips.  Bonus extras include behind the scenes (BHTS)!

* The Stockings

Cheap as chippies from The Warehouse - They had naff felt cut-outs of a map NZ that had been glued on so I turned them over and used black electrical tape to make the stripes.

BHTS: I usually use Santa sacks that I got from Country Road a few years ago but unfortunately they had gone AWOL along with my bright red Christmas tree that was supposed to be the main event (see below for the alternative idea)

*The Christmas Tree

As mentioned I had a mad panic as I couldn't find my tree!  We had just moved to Blenheim and still hadn't unpacked all our boxes.  I was a women possession rifling through all the unopened boxes.  Turned out I had left it in the attic back in Christchurch.  I only found that out last week when it suddenly came to me at a very inappropriate moment (another story)

For this shoot I used my beautiful Swedese Coat Rack that I brought about 6 years ago from Simon James Design.  I wrapped it with red fairy lights and bingo - contemporary tree.  Trust me - it looks much better when it's dark!

* The Presents

Fake of course!  No really they are!  And you know what...I'm leaving them there, they look so good.  It also makes me feel like I've done all my Christmas shopping!

I had grand plans of painting out this room with two colours (white and black), including a bright colour for the skirting and fireplace.  Time, again, not on my side so I had to make the most of the 'beige' walls.  The wall coloured reminded me of newsprint so I tootled off to the local newspaper where they sell a huge roll for $4!  So handy for present wrapping - just add your touch with bows, stamps and even get the kids to design there own wrapping paper!  Again the electrical tape came out as a cheap, but visually effective, way to wrap pressies.

*The Logs

My husband really knows now not to ask too many questions.  I texted him asking to buy those log-shaped-logs from the petrol station.  Then asked him to paint them white.  All the while he just smiled and nodded.  That's my guy.

BTHS: I had thought about painting logs for some time after seeing an image way back so I thought this was the perfect chance to do it.  My only advice is to not attempt to paint the black graphics after a couple of wines.  Needless to say those ones did not make the final shot.

Find the article inside this issue

Is there something you want to know about from this?  A product that you spotted that you want to know more about or where to get it from?

Just ask and I will tell all.

* Your Home and Garden Facebook is here

Giveaway: Jane Denton Artwork

Sorry...what?  Did you just say a Jane Denton Artwork??  

Yes, yes I did.  

Jane has kindly offer you, my wonderful readers, a chance to win this very one! 

Worth $255!!

"Diamonds"  

It's a beauty alright and it's called "Diamonds"

This piece will be unframed.

RRP unframed is $255, RRP framed is $395.  Size very roughly is 48cm x 35cm.

Jane specialises in Textile art and Design and "Diamonds" on one the designs in her range.  These artworks are made with wool in various colours.  

Her shapes and patterns make them very contemporary but also timeless.  

Close-up of "Crosses" (featured in Meg McMillans home from Teapea)

Jane's quote from Vic Bibby's Blog Cush and Nooks

They would suit most interiors and you cannot know how happy I was when she agreed to give one away on this very blog.

She also gave up some time to answer some question so that we could get to know her a little better...

This is Jane.  

Q1: Hello Jane Denton, can you please tell me what you do?

I’m an artist/designer and a mum to two wee kids – Sophie & George.   I create my unique art by stitching beautiful wool onto canvas in different shapes and patterns.  In the past they’ve been quite bold pieces but recently I’ve been moving into a softer colour palette.  

Q2: Colour and form play a very starring role in your creations - tell me why?

I love colour - by keeping designs simple, it gives my pieces impact and allows the colours to shine.  I normally start with design and form, and then think about the colour palette.

Q3: Who or what do you get inspiration from?

I read a few daily blogs which I find really inspiring – Design Files, Design Sponge & Cush and Nooks.  Pinterest is also a really useful tool - I’m always interested in colour combinations and patterns.

Q4: Describe the ultimate space to create in?

I love working anywhere that has lots of natural light - I usually start in the kitchen and follow the sun round the house with my dog Maggie following behind.

Q5: What are your favourite design, eating and drinking haunts in Wellington?

I’ve always loved Small Acorns and my other new favourite is online store Let Liv – both sell beautiful home wares.  I enjoy a wine at Ancestral or Dragonfly garden bars with my husband and friends when we get the chance.   And Capitol and Floriditas are old favourites for eating out.

Q6: Have you got any new projects in the pipeline?

Yes!  I’m really looking forward to working with an Auckland-based design store to create a series of textiles, and I have an exciting collaboration with a local designer in the pipeline.  I also have lots of ideas for some new pieces over the summer using softer and more subtle colours.

Q7: If you weren't doing what you do now - what would you be doing?

I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing - I thought about this question for a whole day!!   I’ve always been passionate about colour, textiles and all things interior.  I love my creative work, and I’m so happy that I can work from home and be around for my kids.

Thanks so much Jane - love your work and very excited to see some JD collabs in the pipeline.

Back to the giveaway...

To enter please leave a comment below and tell me your favourite Jane-piece from her website www.janedenton.co.nz and as always if you like mine and Jane's facebook pages they will earn you an extra two entries!

We will draw this on Friday the 23rd November.  Heaps of time to wrap it up and pop it under the tree.  To: Me, From: Me xx

"Squares" Framed

Jane's new work "Delicate Dusk"

"Delicate Dusk" in situ

Good luck my design buns.

Bargin Bomb: Household Linens

Oh lovely day.  Household linens have a good sale on with two of my favourite patterns...

Remember this from last year featured on Apartment Therapy blog?

Image by Maddie from Colourmethere

Well it's our old bedroom, starring the Franklin duvet!  Many of you asked where I got it from so now is your chance to purchase for yourself!  I love these as the quality is sooo good.

They also have the Tartan too.  

ALSO - they are doing a wee comp where if you like them on Facie then they could give you a $500 voucher.  In to win peeps.

*This is NOT paid advertising.  Just needed to share some good bargs.

Shop it up: Shop 35

Now that's I'm based in Marlborough I'm 'hitting the road' a little more often to source and see suppliers.  It's a great chance to crank the tunes and have some me-time while I'm at it.

I find it a nice change in pace as I can't check blogs, tweet updates and repin images.  It's time just to think and process - oh and of course drive!

Last week I was scooting  back from Christchurch when I needed a coffee break and stopped of in the small (but well formed) town of Cheviot.  

Shop 35 is run by Phils Morris.  She's a vivacous, bright and designy.  So is her shop.

Her eye for colour is evident and definately caught my attention when I spotted a cute little blue stool out-front.  At $55 it was snapped up and stored for one of my daughters christmas presents.

The shop is set-up in a cute old house that immediately sets an inviting tone.  Inside does not disapoint either.  Phils stocks some yummy local and international designers and they all compliment each other beautifully.

All the while I was there she had a constant stream of locals and just-travelling-throughers but she treated them all as if they were long lost buds.  It's so re-freshing to get that retail detail that is so often lost and lacking in many shops I pop into (and that's many my design bunnies).  

Fact:  Phils loves finding kooky/odd/funny fairies for the xmas tree, and this year she has high heeled ones.  Be quick though as word is out and you have to be in quick.

Fact:  Phils quickly got a large crush on my navy sparkly lace-up shoes.  But as luck had it she didn't let that get in the way of a new accaintance and a new design-bond was made!

Thanks Shop 35 and see you next trip.

Also in Cheviot

The White Cat Emporium - Italian and French Antiques

Two Rivers Gallery and Cafe - good coffee with art/sculpture

Looking at: Spring/Summer 2012 from Fabrice Le Nezet

Glory days my friends.  

Art and the 80's have collided in an photo print from London based Artist and Designer Fabrice Le Nezet.

Le Nezet has taken mini wooden blocks, and stretched, pulled and posed them into classic Olivia Newtron-Bomb type shapes, complete with lycra and fluffy legwarmers!

A little sexy and a little silly, they are fastinating, funny and glam.  The perfect combination.  I can't stop staring!

Spotted over at Design Folio.

Good Prods: Rekindle

Good prod, good ethos and a good person behind the prod.  

All born from the simple thought that wood should not be wasted, Juliet Arnott Rekindle Founder, Development Director  & Occupational Therapist, advocates that wood shall be transformed into beautiful furniture.

And so it is.

Rekindle is a social enterprise (look it up) that uses waste wood to create amazing furniture.  It's aim is to not only transform wood but to change communities by "actively promoting craftsmanship, skill sharing and appreciation of the reuse of timber"

Such a good story, with such a positive ending (that we hope will never end).

Love this stuff.

Images by Laura Forest 

Question Time: Rugs

Confession time.  I'm a naughty Interior Design.  Naughty and slack.  

Long story short - I asked for questions from my super-rad readers and they came back with some beauties.  Great story so far.  That was back in May.  Not so good now.

Here is no.1

Question:  

"Where do you go for the coolest greatest contemporary floor rugs?"  Charlotte

and

"Same thing! I am looking for a bright rug for a family living area, would love some stripes like we had for 'the mat' at school in the 70's! Any suggestions on where to find....?"  Fiona

Great questions girls and I hear your rug pain.  There is nothing worst than flicking through your favourite overseas mag and spotting some floor gem, then scanning the details and finding it's some horrendous price and on the other side of the world.  

Or worse still it's cheap as chippies (and still in another hemisphere).  Such is the luck of being here in wee New Zealand.  

Sources such as Pinterest and design blogs can be as equally mean.  We know they just want to help but it's just a design carrot we can't reach.

Paul Smith Rug for The Rug Company 

I have good news and bad.  

Bad news first.  Rugs, like carpet and furniture, are only as good as what they are made of and how they are constructed.  Sorry, but you get what you pay for.

Good news is that I have found you some options

Low end:

Briscoes, Ezibuy,Warehouse and Spotlight - all cheap and cheerful but a positive plus about big players are that they usually rip off designs from the high end stores.  Therefore you get  an "inspired by" look at 1/4 the price.  Remember that you pay for what you get so don't expect these puppies to be family heirlooms but great for a couple of years.

Briscoes 'Habitat' Printed Cow Rug $29.99 (NZD)

Ezibuy 'Gabbi' Floor Rug $99.00 (NZD)

Spotlight 'Carved' Rugs $199.00

The Warehouse'Tabriz" Zebra Rug $149.99

The Warehouse Maison D'Or Pinacle Circle Rug in Pink

Mid end:

First port-o-call is IKEA.  Yes, we can get them here.  No there is no big blue shed in South Auckland but online there are a few suppliers (via Trademe) they will bring in what you want and also have a small supply of stock rugs (and other IKEA favourites)

Nood - another mid-ranger with a good selection of contemporary and mod rugs.

Decor Rugs - A NZ website I found that has a varied range with a few hidden gems amongst them.

Decor Rugs "Mysterio"

IKEA "Lusy Blom"

IKEA PS 2012

IKEA "Stockholm Figur"

High end:

CRONZ - I love these guys and use them frequently to custom-make for my clients (and for me!).  Remember my stripy stair-case?  They can customise patterns, colours, shape, size, pile, cut, and everything else you want in a rug.  They also tell me they are expanding and bringing a new range.  Exciting stuff.

Designer Rugs - Now we are talking.  These are some of my favy-favs.  They have a super range of in-house designs and also a range where they have collaborated with tip-top designers such as Greg Natale, Akira Isogawa, Catherine Martin and Dinosaur Designs.

Dilana - Christchurch (NZ) based rug company have been producing high quality rugs for many a year.  They also collaborate with NZ artist and showcase some absolute ripper designs.  There are limited editions from Martin Popperwell, Richard Killeen, Andrew McLeod, John Lyall and Phillip Trusttum.  Great grand.

Designers Guild - Again they have a varied range from children's to contemporary designs.  Floral , stripe patterns and plains - these numbers don't shy away from colour and impact.

Designers Guild "Owl"

Dilana Rug - Fold Up Doll by Philip Trustum

Dilana Rug - Homage to Meccano by John Lyall

Dilana Rug - Study for Grid Floor Work by Martin Popplewell

DIY options:

If you are a weeny crafty there is also many tuts out there to DIY.  Rag rugs, braided rugs and burlap rugs just to name a few.  Have a lookee at the this link from Apartment Therapy.

I have also seen DIY's for customising plain rugs to patterned - see here.

From Family Fun Blog

From A Beautiful Mess Blog

From Apartment Therapy Blog

Rug tips:

* Use your rug to take colour clues for your room.  It's the easiest way to tie in colours.  It's still OK to clash patterns but doing it with a similar colour palette makes more sense and easier on the eye.

* Rug don't just have to stay on the floor - they make excellent wall hangings!  Good for sound reduction and absorption too.

* Invest in a good quality rug if you want it to last. 

* Take a rug home on approval and test it in the space.  What looks good in the shop or online may completely change when you get it home and in the space.

* Rug is art for your floor so take the time to look around and fall in love with a rug.

* Use you favourite Interior Designer (me) to help you choose a rug.  They also should be able to pass on a discounted price being in the trade.

* Don't forget to look in unexpected places - like flax rugs from Samoan trader shops, plastic woven mats from thrifty shops and Trademe for second hand rugs.  You will be amazed what you can find when you look!