Luxaflex event at La Croix, Potts Point

I was the guest of Luxaflex recently at a lovely event at La Croix, Potts Point giving media and bloggers an overview of the extensive Luxaflex range and a preview of the new Luxaflex ipad app.  It is always fun to meet people who are passionate about their product and with deep deep knowledge about the textiles and technology we need to to both make the most of the sunshine and block it out when required.  Pearls of wisdom that I came away with were that alot of Luxaflex specialist fabric is made here in Australia as we know what we need to withstand our sun, Luxaflex collect and recycle old blinds, recycling the fibres into new fabric, they can now do widths of 6m (!) in some exterior products (great for those gap haters).  I love the Evo range of contemporary awnings and the very architectural exteriors louvres shown below.  La Croix was a delight also - designed by Iain Halliday in a palette of soft grey tumbled stone, marble and buttery grey leather cushions.  A perfect neutral backdrop for the shop's mirrors and decorative items scattered amongst the cafe tables.  Thanks again to Luxaflex for inviting me along.

Images: Luxaflex and La Croix

On Air by Penny Farthing Design House

This is the ideal gift for a busy mother - I would love one myself.  Imagine firing up your On Air sign when you are talking on the phone to discourage your offspring from interrupting you.  Or for outside a study when you really need to finish something when working from home.  Or, of less benefit, for your husband to light up while pretending to be on a conference call but really watching the cricket.  Designed by Penny Farthing Design House.

Image: Penny Farthing Design House

Upstairs Downstairs

Sometimes I suffer from interiors overload because my brain sees colours and fabrics and mouldings on walls - even when I am relaxing and watching TV.  I do love period dramas as much for the costumes and sets as the plot line.  Tune in to Upstairs Downstairs on the ABC, set in 1936 just before the war, there is lots to inspire.

Images: BBC Television

Bonnie and Nell

The Design Files Open House project has so many lovely things in the directory I am sure the Open House will be absolutely packed every day. 

Image: Bonnie and Nell via TDF

Phillipe I by Casamina

Special Philippe I tables by Casamina.  Lovely combination of turned leg and dipped in paint effect.

Image: Casamina via Habitus

Marble topped table

I search all the time for marble topped tables.  I just never seem to tire of the combination of marble and wood.  From memory this house in is LA.

Image: Simon Kenny

Typewriter Cushion Publisher Textiles

I have my eye on this cushion for a client's study ( possibly ) it has black silk piping and a typography print back all by Publisher Textiles.  The words on the back are from a book - possibly entitled How to Live Long, the name of the fabric.



Image: Publisher Textiles

Gula by Ximena Escobar

Stunning 'Gula' wallpaper/mural designed by for Colombian designer and illustrator Ximena Escobar for Wallpaper Republic.  Love that the design gives the impression that there is a picture rail and the detail is amazing.  Would love to use this to funk up granny's sitting room.

Images: Wallpaper Republic

Chiavari Chairs

Very special '50s Chiavari Chairs - already sold sadly at Nicholas & Alistair. 

Image: Nicholas & Alistair

Offspring - Nina's wall

Since the first series of Offspring I have been searching and searching for the source of the pressed metal wall in Nina Proudman's apartment.  Finally, this week, others on the same quest have bubbled to the surface of google and I now know, thanks to In the Night Sky that the panel is called Shield and is from Pressed Tin Panels in Bathurst.  Thank goodness as it was really starting to bother me.

More from Ochre

I should have known to look at Ochre's website before posting below.  The Arctic Pear also comes as a wall light and Ochre have even more beauty and brilliance to launch at 100% design in London in September.

Images: Ochre, 100% Design

Arctic Pear - the big one

Technical diffculties in abundance at present but am trying to keep trying to use blogger in IE9 - not easy I can tell you.  I have posted the Arctic Pear lamp before, but not its very glamorous big sister.


Image: via Citified

Place setting with a twist

The strong Aussie dollar makes shipping costs to our remote shores that little bit more realistic so I have been perusing the sites of those US companies that ship here more than usual - Anthropologie being one of them. Love this round rug based on fancy china plates.

Image: Anthropologie

Spillray

Nothing like Milan to draw me back to the blog. Much to update, am working for Porter's Paints and for clients as an interior designer. No shortage of bookmarks just shortage of bandwidth as ever. Always a fan of a cluster light -but don't they translate well to the wall ?

Images: Axolight

Carnival by Paul Smith

Love this rug by Paul Smith for the Rug Company. Have always been a fan of his work and I believe this design has picked up a few awards in 2010. It gives quite a different effect in landscape vs portrait.

Images: The Rug Company

Pop by Sheridan

This is exactly what I have been looking for to update my blue and white bedroom and to get the Kelly Wearstler look for way less. New from Sheridan is an affordable range of mix and match bed linen - this pillow case is $15. You can shop online or at certain stores. The one disappointment is that the flat sheets are all plain - so if anyone from Sheridan happens to read this please extend the range to include patterned flat sheets - especially in orange.

Images: Pop by Sheridan, Kelly Wearstler for Schumacher

Georgian splendour

I don't do a huge amount of real estate stalking but sometimes it can be very rewarding. Everyone will know that my homeland is really struggling economically. One outcome of this is that some pretty special properties are coming on to the market (not always for happy reasons) but at least we get to have a peek inside. I read the Irish Times online and this is where I found this great Georgian house. My parents lived around the corner from this house in a flat in a similar Georgian building when they were first married. They had to move out when I was born as children weren't allowed ! I love the way the owners of this property have allowed the architecture to sing and their impressive looking art collection to do the rest. The funky kitchen and orange table work well for me too. Lots more details here while the link lasts.

Images: via here

All good things will be yours . . .

Its been a long time between drinks here at Folder of Ideas but I am back now from my hols, finished my studies, no more homework so much more to time to read blogs and write posts.

A long way back there was a picture of this room on Desire to Inspire in the pets on furniture section but you could only see part of the board. I emailed Linda Roberts, the owner of the dog and the image to ask her for the full wording and its provenance. She had seen it written up her brother's sailboat and did not know here it came from but sent me back this lovely image of her home.

Good old google confirmed that this is indeed an old Swedish proverb. Wise words I thought for the new year - especially the eat less and talk less sections for yours truly. Happy new year to all and looking forward to another inspiring year. Sheila xx

Images: Linda Roberts, Mooch