Mensa

I don't normally go for glass topped tables but this I love. The base reminds me of David Trubridge's beautiful pendant lights - well, if one had been squashed slightly. I completely forgive the table it's glass top when you see the movement and shapes underneath. Only problem is I wouldn't want to put anything on it !

Image: Mensa table by Lazerian

Chaise longing

Some day I would like to own a chaise longue like this first picture. It looks so comfortable with its high back and snug arm rests - perfect proportions. I always smile when I see rooms with two chaises side by side as in the bottom picture. There is something very luxurious and intimate about having a sitting room designed for two - it says to me - we are going to suit ourselves here, just the two of us, nice and comfy side by side - to hell with everyone else !!

Images: via Fric and Frac, Homes and Gardens UK

Pale and interesting

Came across this UK based site which delivers on it's title admirably. Pale and Interesting does what it says on the tin and have a range of muted furniture, homewares and vintage finds to delight the white lover. The mirrors below are all antiques and I especially like the fluted pie crust mirror. It's inspired me to go to the next antiques and collectables fair I see advertised to pick through the old mirrors.

Images: Pale and Interesting

Sun light

We are having the most fabulous winter in Sydney - we have had blue skies for most of the last four weeks - to the extent that I am wondering should I water some of my plants. I can't remember when it last rained.

Its also been perfect weather to get my boys trained up on using their new Sunnan solar powered desk lamps from IKEA. A lovely idea - if you buy one IKEA will donate one to a child in a developing nation where there is no electricity so they cannot read or study after dark. So, I got one in blue and one in red and the boys are now on solar power. When the lamp runs out of power they put the solar cell out on the table outside before they go to school to charge up for the day. The cell pops out of the base so you don't have to move the lamp outside and you get about 9 hours of light from a day outside. ( you actually don't need the sun to be out to charge it but it is easier for a three year old to grasp the concept if it is !)

They are a great hit in my house and a good energy awareness lesson too I feel.

Image: Sunnan, IKEA

Rug Up

RugUp was a (very short) exhibition of contemporary rugs designed by COFA Textile Design students on display at Government House from 30 July to 2 August. I was hoping to attend the talk tomorrow night on contemporary Australian rug design and manufacture but can't make it happen this week unfortunately. The panel will include Neale Whitaker, Editor-in-chief of Belle, in conversation with industry experts Yosi Ta and Harold Luke and designers Akira Isogawa, Julie Paterson of cloth fabric and Liane Rossler of Dinosaur Designs which would make for an interesting forum I reckon. Tickets via the Historic Houses Trust if you can make it.

This rug is by Akira Isogawa and was featured in the current issue of Inside Out in a divinely renovated Paddington terrace.

Image: via Sydney Design 09

Paper Boat Press

I am a big fan of Paper Boat Press - Kylie Johnson's ceramics and poetry. This is her gorgeous range of kitchen labels. The other news from her newsletter is that she is taking orders for personalised Christmas stars and that she is having a winter sale offering 25% of if you put WINTER in the discount box. So I'd better get on with clicking that buy button.

Images: Paper Boat Press

Saturday in Design, Sydney

This is a slow blog - I am not very good at getting things posted quickly - more the tortoise than the hare. I attended Saturday in Design on the weekend and really enjoyed it. I will write about some of the shops and pieces that caught my eye - all in the fullness of time - but in the meantime here is a link to a fabulous post by Lucy at The Design Files which captures the mood and includes many of my favourite spots on the tour. So now thanks to Lucy I don't have to rush around and can direct you here.