The cook's kitchen

I had to revisit the MAKE architecture portfolio. There was a kitchen renovation I had to share. The kitchen/dining area of this art deco home was upgraded so that the owners could run a cooking school. Large enough to allow for classes, intimate enough for day to day living. I love the interplay of the black with the timber and the gleam of metallic highlights, the art deco style glass and steel doors and the rustic dining table. I would love to cook here. More importantly I would love to share my food with family and friends here.

Click to read more ...

Canal House

Monday means escape day. Run away from the beginning of the work week and dream of faraway places. Enter the dark and moody luxury of the Canal House boutique hotel in Amsterdam's Jordaan district. Waiting within is a secret green oasis bathed in dappled light. Light and dark, old and new, drawing inspiration from Dutch history and art. Shall we run away to the dark side? Work can wait.

Click to read more ...

A converted public library

Jessica Helgerson and her team BRING IT with each and every project. This time it's a public library in Portland which then became a church meeting hall which then became a totally gorgeous home. I am so smitten with their kitchens - how they look more like a living room than a typical kitchen. In this one it's achieved with shelving around the main section of cabinetry (with a ladder) - and very cool how it mimics the shelving on the opposite side of the room. (photos by Lincoln Barbour)

Click to read more ...

Black and gold

In my humble opinion, there is nothing sexier than black and gold. Put them in a kitchen with a gold velvet couch, graphic tile flooring and white subway tiles and I think I'm ready to pass out from sheer ecstasy. LAWD HALF MURSEY! Designed by Jessica Helgerson (we've had a girl crush on her since we statred this blog in 2007), photos by Lincoln Barbour.

Click to read more ...

I don't like eggnog

Never did like egg mixed with my alcohol. I might just have to change my mind. Circa at Prince of Wales Hotel St Kilda, Melbourne by Meme.