Confection perfection

Finished at last! Over the past few months we have been following the progress of a Marie Antoinette inspired confection of a hair salon designed by Scott Weston .... from intricate scale model through mock up and manufacture. Now Scott has sent us photos of the finished salon.

“As promised here are some images taken at practical completion with my builder of the hair salon. Everyone from builder, sub-contractor to client just thinks it looks like the model & are all very proud. We built it in record time 6 weeks from shell to beautifully built joinery fitments. Our client's chic & quirky french style salon opens this Monday 22nd September 2008 at the IVY.”

Stunning! Stunning! Stunning!

A mid-century renovation

My sister found a link to an incredible home renovation that had me in awe. The Lorna house was built in 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona and was named after the home's former owner of 40 years. Architect Shawn Kaffer decided to modernize the ranch-style house and WOW, did he ever. To get an idea of the extent of the renovation, here's a quote from Kaffer: "God rest her soul, Lorna had stuccoed the entire house. I couldn't sandblast with the way the stucco was applied, so I was out there with a chisel for about a year and half." (??!!??!!) I thought I'd include some before photos as well.

B Five Studio

I am smitten with the portfolio of New York and Philadelphia based architecture and interior design studio B Five. Seriously smitten. I love the unpretentious spaces they create and there is something yummy in each of the photos. Glossy white painted floors, bright artwork, fun light fixtures, expansive windows, tiled fireplaces...and OMG that blue floor!!

Taylor Hannah Architect

Interior and exterior are equally important for Toronto design firm Taylor Hannah Architect. Dee Dee Taylor Hannah and her talented team craft everything from the perfect jewel box bathroom to jets and yachts. Their work is timeless, luxurious and oh so elegant. But there's more. Dee Dee is also the co-owner of a successful construction and project management company .... conception to completion.

Lawson Robb

Extraordinary places for extraordinary people. That's what Lawson Robb state on their website. This London based architecture and interior design firm create rooms that stand out from the crowd. Clean lines and modern finishes with attention to detail are obvious but it's the luxury of space that speaks to me here. Private and public, positive and negative, the joy of having space.

Images from Lawson Robb - Architecture and Interior Design