Wingårdhs through a special lens

More Scandinavian design and once again a great demonstration of understanding the site and how a building can relate to its environment. Swedish architectural firm Wingårdhs designed both these houses. Wide walls of glass address the views while private areas provide a warm cocoon. It's the spectacular and the everyday. Today's post is also a celebration of great photography. Åke E:son Lindman takes an already impressive design and adds the drama through his clever photography. Not just light or angles or composition it's his understanding of the architecture itself. Both websites will delight you.

Ok, yet another dog post

This one comes from Jenni: "I've just adored your pets on furniture pics and had to submit my favorite of our miniature schnauzer, Oskar. When he jumped into our papasan chair (mid living room renovation), I immediately thought he looked like a creature emerging from a rabbit hole (or being swallowed by one!)." Thanks Jenni (and Oskar)!

More doggie Monday

I just got this email that I had to share ASAP because the photos that accompany it are so cute I can't stand it.

"My name is Meredith and I love the Desire to Inspire blog, which I check for design ideas frequently. I especially love the posts with the pets and wanted to share one of my sister's pup Dixie. She is a real sweetie and a ham who loves to lounge on the couch. Anyway, my sister is named Cyndi and they live in Atlanta. Just thought you and Jo would like a chuckle at these photos." Thanks Meredith! (Photos posted here)

XTEN Architecture

Today is a civic holiday here (making it a 4 day weekend for me - YAY!) and I think the 8th day this summer where we're not expecting rain, so I have got to get off my laptop and get my butt outside and enjoy this weather while it lasts. But first, a little bit of award-winning modern architecture by XTEN Architecture, a firm located in Los Angeles, that is bound to knock your socks off.

Designs by Miha

Mihaela (Miha) Dosei of Romania wrote us recently and I wanted to share her email and photos she included with you.
"As many of your readers, I am extremely passionate about interior design and fairly new in the interior design field. As I am working on growing my firm your blog is more then just an inspiration to me. I find your blog unique and I want to let you know it is a source of inspiration not only for people that are passionate for interior decorating but also for many professionals in the field around the world.
I would like to share a few images of my work. I consider that any style is possible; things are not meant to just look good, they must work and be functional. Our homes should be a refuge in the face of the outside world stress, a place that will protect our calm and will satisfy and make us better, an oasis of stability and calm when everything that surrounds us is unpredictable and pretentious."
Miha, thanks so much for allowing us this glimpse of your work and I don't doubt you are going to have a very successful career ahead of you.