BlogTourNYC: No.5

 architecture, collaborations, decorative, Designer-Maker, events, furniture, homewares, inspirational, interiors, product design  No Responses »
Apr 052013
 

No5 BlogTourNYC: No.5

1.) Brooklyn Bridge in all its glory taken whilst traversing it over to its namesake, 2.) the foyer at the 68, Jay St., Brooklyn studios where Eric Manigian creates his furniture magic, 3.) the only way to take a shower is with Mr Steam. Luxurious showering with steam therapy (complete with aromatherapy, music and lights), can be yours with just the installation of a small generator. Sounds like my kind of shower, 4.) Manhattan skyline taken from the Brooklyn bridge, 5.) Fifty Five Washington Street was the first stop-off for the Brooklyn Design Tour, to see the studios of interior designer, Chris Coleman, and to hear about BKLYN Designs. An interiors show that’s been very busy putting Brooklyn’s talent on the map (thanks to Karen Auster from Auster Agency), 6.) Jenn Air‘s Floating Glass Series, inc.; French door refrigerator, TriFecta™ Dishwasher & Double Wall Oven with V2™ Vertical Dual-Fan Convection System, 7.) a pile of timber at carpenter, Mark Jupiter‘s studio, 8.) the bathroom wallpaper at the Standard Hotel, NY, 9.) the lady of Liberty at sunset during our marvellous BlogTourNYC finale evening boat tour of Manhattan, courtesy of Mr Steam. Thank you!

With many thanks to all the Modenus‘ BlogtourNYC sponsors: Miele, Mr Steam, Silestone by Cosentino, Blanco, Poggenpohl, Du Verre, Barber Wilsons, NKBA, Jenn Air, Victoria + Albert Baths

A Reflected Glory

 architecture, Art, colour, inspirational, photography  No Responses »
Feb 192013
 

Jessica Backhaus A Reflected Glory

This series of photographs ‘I Wanted To See The World’, by German-born photgrapher Jessica Backhaus are simply sublime. A glorious variety of reflected colours which magically conjure up the architectural delight that is Venice. Now, I know we’re all kicking ourselves for not coming up with the idea, for as with all great ideas, it’s strikingly obvious once someone’s done it but I’m delighted that it is Jessica’s. There’s a innocence and joy that infuses her work and her approach to light and colour and the use of angles is exceptionally pleasing, and can be seen throughout all her projects. Having happily spent hours wandering around taking pictures myself, a few years back, this project truly sums up summery Venice for me, though if only I’d concentrated on the reflections. Damn.

Stack ‘Em Up

 architecture, Art, colour, decorative, fun things, furniture, inspirational, organisational, photography, random  No Responses »
Feb 132013
 

Michael Johansson Stack Em Up

The more I wander through Swedish artist, Michael Johansson‘s website of sometime-colour-coded-but-always-stacked-up household paraphernalia which for once, actually does include the kitchen sink, the more I like it. Actually, it’s definitely verging more on the love. They are WICKED. And so NEAT. There are a variety of installation spaces, from exhibition to domestic places and areas of whimsy but all executed with the same precision and care. I can’t begin to imagine the time and effort that goes into filling each void but the shopping must be fun. It’s beautiful mundanity.

Scratch The Surface

 architecture, decorating, decorative, events, interiors, product design, surfaces, texture  No Responses »
Feb 072013
 

Surface Design Scratch The Surface

I have to confess, it was my first visit to the Surface Design Show, how I’ve managed to miss it, I don’t know but I shan’t be again. A really good mix of wall surfaces, flooring and ceiling treatments all on display for our pleasure. It was good for me, because not only was my surfaces folder on my computer’s address book looking a little neglected, I realised that I don’t really know much either off hand. So, it was most definitely a school day for me. These were my top ten bits. Some of them were so splendid that they might well pop up again on the blog, for a more in-depth look, but until then, this teasing taste is all you’ll get. I hope you’ll see something you’ll like. (apologies for the gap in the listings at number 9, I wasn’t paying enough attention and forgot the list the company. Ooops)

1.) Hi- Macs Natural Acrylic Stone 2013 colour range, 2. selection of materials on display at the Scin stall, 3.) unsure due to lack of labelling, but could be Formica Group, 4.) amazing natural clay plaster, in different shades and textures at Clay Works, 5.) pictorial concrete, could this be any more exciting? Well done to Graphic Relief, 6.) I am so smitten with this wall treatment. I would love to have this in my own home. Clever, too. Giles Miller, 7.) Francesca’s Paints, another welcome addition to the environmental independent paint market, with lots of eco-emulsion nice shades on offer, 8.) Bottle Alley Glass, a close up detail of the beautiful effect made from bottle glass, 10.) For all those after painted veneer, Eden Anglo French are your chaps.

Nature, Woven

 architecture, Art, collaborations, colour, decorative, Designer-Maker, fun things, inspirational, interiors, nice things, product design, shops, textiles  No Responses »
Feb 052013
 

Chinoiserie Nature, Woven

We’ve all been interested in all things Chinese at some point or another and no more so than the French in the 18th century. Chinoiserie emerged in the mid 17th century and could be seen influencing all areas of art and design; from your common porcelain plate to large architecture pagodas in gardens, and whilst it may not have maintained its popularity throughout time, like all good trends, it keeps coming back. And here it is, and this time also embracing the other current popular trend, pastels. This Chinoiseries collection of rugs is designed by Ramy Fischler for Tai Ping, the custom carpet company. Inspired by natural forms, these rugs conjure up romantic ideas of moving water, pebbles and earth in delicate pastel hues all of which are handmade from wool, silk and flax. Like the nature these rugs seek to emulate, their design is raw and natural, escaping the norm (squares and rectangles) to break new ground and escape parameters allowing the design to include unusual shapes and edges reflecting the modulating personality of the world around us.

Rugs featured: 1.) Orléans, 2.) Condé, 3.) Berri I, £POA, Tai Ping

The Glamour of the Big Screens

 architecture, decorative, events, fun things, inspirational, interiors, London, nice things, things to do  No Responses »
Dec 122012
 

Barbican Cinema The Glamour of the Big Screens

I’ve been very excited at prospect of a brand new cinema complex at the Barbican. The current screens have always felt a little bit lost and forgotten, and were located at the end of such a long windy corridor that you always wondered if you’d ever make it back out again. Though it did mean that often you’d have the screens to yourself. Mum and I used to go a lot, as it was so close to both her work and our home. Many a tear was shed, a giggle gurgled and ice cream slurped in the quiet plushness of the old screens.
The new screens are splendid, I can tell you, but one mustn’t skip to the pinnacle without describing the ascent, eh what-what? The ‘shop’ front is Edward Hopper-esque heaven and the inside has measures of both 50′s film star glamour and contemporary chic to keep all viewers happy. There are beautiful chairs, mirrored ceilings, burnished copper counters, sweeties in glass jars, old film posters framed and even a wall of film clips montaged interspersed with those scanny-griddy barcode-y things that enables you to download film scripts. The cinemas themselves are simple in comparison, but no less dowdy. Off-setting the lipstick-red leather chairs with a plush rouching of steel-grey fabric encasing the room, you can’t help but feel delightfully cosy. Well, it’s hardly a objective review, but what do you expect from a girl who loves the Barbican. Top marks to Dannatt, Johnson Architects for a marvellous job on the interiors.

Welcome To The World Of The Junk King

 architecture, recycled  1 Response »
Oct 012012
 

The Junk King from Evan Burns on Vimeo.

Directed by Evan Burns
Cinematography by Garyle Morgan & Mitzi Morrow
Produced by Eduardo Tobias

A world of junk. For real. Though it sometimes that’s what it feels like cathedral or not. This guy is possibly not completely here with us but fascinating nonetheless. Indulge your inner crazy and imagine how you would build your castle of junk. Brilliant and nicely done.

A Red Brick Beauty

 architecture, colour, photography, texture  No Responses »
Aug 312012
 

AugustBreak 310812 A Red Brick Beauty

The final bit of pretty for you before terms starts next week. A shot of Darlington train station whilst waiting for a very delayed train earlier on this year. Pretty Victorian ironwork, highlighted against the red brick. Lovely.

Cubist Stairs

 architecture, Art, colour, decorative, exhibitions, inspirational, interiors, London, nice things, photography  No Responses »
Aug 302012
 

AugustBreak 300812 Cubist Stairs

A trip to Tate Britain earlier on in the year and this decorated staircase gave me so much pleasure (as did the exhibition that I went to see). This is by architect David Tremlett and his team of assistants took 12 days to colour in the Manton staircase with pastel crayons using their palms. Lovely. Watch a video of the making here

Roar, Lion, Roar

 architecture, decorative, interiors, London, nice things, things to do  No Responses »
Aug 242012
 

AugustBreak 240812 Roar, Lion, Roar

This is a lion in one of my favourite churches in the city of London. I often try and visit during Open House London. He survived a major bomb hit during the second world war and is still here to tell the tale. Lovely fella.

pixel Roar, Lion, Roar
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