Chris Connell Design on the MAP

Clean minimal lines. Beauty in simple form and enjoyment in function. Modern and fabulous. Chris Connell and his design studio are not only interior designers and architects but symbiotically are MAP International, classic contemporary Australian furniture. His spaces are elegant and at ease but as we all know less may be more but it's also a darn sight more difficult to achieve than more. It is all about well executed details, about making everything look effortless but always about the quality of design. I've included some of the design studio's commercial work after the jump. Those of you familiar with Melbourne's cafe scene will know and most likely already love these dining spaces. 

  

  

 

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Gary Spain

I came across the portfolio of San Francisco interior designer Gary Spain the other night and was immediately smitten with his work. He's like a less wacky version of Jonathan Adler. You may have seen him on a few blogs already (as I noticed when googling him) but I had to jump on the bandwagon because I really admire his funky spaces. A plethora of colour, pattern and furniture of different eras creating an ecelctic and modern vibe.

  
  
  
  

Retro going, going, gone

At last dear readers we turn the final pages of Storage, A House and Garden Book, Melinda Davis, Pantheon Books, New York, 1978. I'm sad to be finished. It was an interesting look at retro rooms that at times didn't appear all too retro. It just goes to show that good design is timeless (and bad design a giggle many years on). I would truly move into the first home in a heart beat and the second, the bedroom, is spot on for the latest rustic southern European look sweeping blogs and magazines. Even the vintage TV is a hot collector's item! There is the strangest fireplace after the jump that has me shaking my head. I think it's the gold leaf ceiling and I think I like it! So retro lovers and loathers which ones push your buttons?

     

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