This week's Great Designs blog takes us to Sydney, Australia, where designers and decorators Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke work together to "emulate the inspiration of their clients." The two started their firm, Arent&Pyke, back in 2007, and in 2009 they won an Australian Interior Design Award for a contemporary apartment they worked on. After looking through their portfolio, I'm not sure which project I love most, but here are some of my faves:
A rich blue and crisp whites complement the surrounding scenery in this Balmoral Beach galley kitchen. Recycled timber floors introduce warmth.
Classic cup pull hardware looks oh-so-right on these drawers and cupboards.
This simple but well-thought-out backyard in Vaucluse has a fuss-free resort vibe. The patio's clean lines define the zones. Bruce Stafford Architects worked on this home, too.
In contrast with those bright spaces, this grand Randwick home features contemporary furnishings placed next to historical architecture. Some of the other rooms feature colourful paint choices, but I most favour the moody look of these fireplace hearths.
For more interiors from Down Under, visit arentpyke.com.
Photo credits:
Arent&Pyke
Lately I've forgotten about my love for rich jewel-tone walls and deep grasscloth wallpaper. Instead, I'm captivated by simple neutral interiors, curious furniture finds and striking artwork. (A phase? I'm not sure.) This week's Best of the Web blog highlights a few black-and-white interiors that inspired me this week, and an intriguing line of furniture. There's a bit of a floral kick at the end for those of you who need a bit more colour in your life — I haven't forgotten about it completely!
1. Katherine Yaphe of Oliver Yaphe posts photos of Danish artist Tenka Gammelgaard's contemporary home featured in Brazil's Casa Vogue. I especially love the large calligraphy brushes in the studio area.
2. Danielle de Lange of The Style Files looks inside photographer and interior designer Benedikte Ugland's industrial Swedish home.
3. Julie at Remodelista blogs about San Francisco-based designer Antonio Martins' home. Loving the rustic desk turned bathroom vanity.
4. Michelle of Ten June guest blogs for Centsational Girl about the many ways to incorporate the oh-so-popular floral look in your home, whether you prefer modern Marimekko prints or painterly pieces.
5. Harry of Moco Loco shares the "Triplets" — whimsical furniture designs by Steffen Schellenberger. Tweaking chair proportions changes its purpose from a seat into a coatrack, storage, shelf, etc. Creative!
What inspired you this week?
Photo credits:
1. Casa Vogue Brazil April 2012 issue, photography by Idha Lindhag, via Elle Sweden, Oliver Yaphe & Tant Johanna
2. Skona Hem, photography by Anna Kern, via The Style Files
3. California Home + Design, photography by Drew Kelly, via Remodelista
4. Layla Grace via Centsational Girl
5. Steffen Schellenberger via Moco Loco
When we asked readers to submit photos of their living room for a chance to be featured on Houseandhome.com, we were overwhelmed by the responses. H&H readers then voted for their favourites, and B.C. designer/builder Dawna Jones' own black-and-white living room came in first. This space isn't the only gorgeous room in her house — the rest of Dawna's home is stunning, too, so we had to share the photos. Many thanks to Linda Sabiston for the amazing shots:
Dawna has been in the building business for over 16 years, working alongside her husband Bruce Jones of Venture Enterprises. Understanding what happens at every stage of construction has been a huge asset for her as a designer.
The west coast — with its ocean views and natural beauty — inspires Dawna's designs. She describes her style as simple and organic, and loves texture. She enjoys contrast, too, which is evident in her home's black-and-white colour scheme. This timeless approach means she won't tire of her decorating choices quickly, and can easily revamp the look if need be.
Dawna's favourite room in her house? The kitchen, or "the party house" as she calls it. A large door to the patio opens up almost 18-feet for easy flow between indoors and out.
Each room takes advantage of the ocean view. This dining room table was built by Dawna's husband Bruce.
Her loft-like bedroom also offers stunning views of the mountainside. "In the summer it's like sleeping in a treetop," she says.
When it comes to decorating, Dawna says, "It's always important to me to have a mix. I think people are surprised when they come in and realize it's not 'super modern' and minimal. That is not me!"
For those on the Sunshine Coast, you may also see Dawna working at Swallow's Nest, a vintage furniture store. Learn more about Dawna and her work at dawnajonesdesign.blogspot.com.
I'm off to dream about rooms with a view...
Photo credits:
Linda Sabiston, First Impressions Photography
Is it too early to be thinking about picnics? Admittedly summer is still over a month away, but the stores are telling me it's time to get ready. On my to-do list: enjoy a classic picnic experience, even if it's in my own backyard. These finds are sure to help anyone achieve the perfect al fresco dining experience:
For a true picnic, gingham check is a must. Go for classic red or blue napkins, or buy an inexpensive piece of fabric to use as a tablecloth. Gingham check napkins, set of six, $43, Pottery Barn.
In place of disposable cutlery, take along fun stainless steel utensils with plastic handles. You can use these indoors, too. Picnic flatware in blue stripes or green, set of 20, $28, West Elm.
Pack light and opt for durable dinnerware. Drink the beverage of your choice in style with these stackable acrylic wine glasses. Stackable acrylic wine glasses in clear, blue, green or orange (not shown), set of four, $12, Crate & Barrel.
Chill drinks on ice in a bucket and grill on the go with a portable barbecue. Outdoor metal drink bucket, $24, BBQ grill, $40, West Elm.
And what picnic is complete without a classic wicker basket? The basket for two on the right comes with plates, flatware, wine glasses and a wine bottle opener. Jacquelyne picnic basket, $77, rattan picnic basket for two, $103, Pottery Barn.
Now to pack the perfect meal!
Photo credits:
1, 5. Pottery Barn
2, 4.West Elm
3.Crate & Barrel
Originally from the fashion industry, Jarlath Mellett launched his well-known Manhattan-based design studio (named Jarlath Mellett) back in 2005. Since then, the studio's well-thought-out spaces have been featured in magazines like Elle Decor and Lonny, and while I love the interiors featured, I'm especially fond of these exteriors:
This look may not be completely practical should it start to rain, but if clouds are out of the forecast, why not bring an indoor armchair and lamp outdoors?
Chandeliers (multiple!) feel right at home in this Hamptons hideaway. According to the studio's site, Jarlath "customizes the environments to reflect the personality, family and history of each client." Would love to meet these owners!
This garden room is actually on the inside of a downtown loft, but wouldn't it be neat to dub your condo balcony a "garden room", even if it's only half the square footage?
See more inspiring spaces by Jarlath Mellett at jarlathmellet.com. For outdoor living ideas, browse our guide..
Photo credits:
1-2. Jarlath Mellett, photography by Tria Giovan
3. Jarlath Mellett, photography by Heather Culp
Oh, to be a kid again! Kids' rooms and nurseries today are home to unique colour schemes beyond the once-typical pastel blues and pinks. This week's Best of the Web roundup features oh-so-cute rooms for little ones:
1. Emma Reddington of The Marion House Book embraces nautical style and deep blues in her son Henry's new room.
2. Apartment Therapy takes us into the eclectic bedroom of two-year-old Jasper in Australia.
3. Katie and her partner Matt, of Katie's Pencil Box, forego wallpaper and paint beautiful peachy peonies in their future daughter's nursery.
4. Shannon of Googiemomma builds a classic bunk bed-filled retreat for her four daughters. Thanks for sharing, Young House Love.
5. Alberta designer Alykhan Velji chooses a sophisticated yellow, grey and white palette for a nursery.
For more kids' room ideas, browse our guide.
Photo credits:
1. The Marion House Book
2. Apartment Therapy, photography by Kate Challis
3. Katie's Pencil Box
4. Googiemomma
5. Alykhan Velji, screenshot from video by Bookstrucker Photography