Bjornsdotter Design

I thought I'd share a little peek into the portofolio of Swedish decorator and stylist Ewa Björnsdotter. I'm always a fan of black furniture - and this post makes me want to grab a can of black paint and paint something. As a matter of fact, I've convinced myself to paint this chair black. It resides in my bedroom and since I brought home some black and white items from Ikea the other day for that space the chair totally needs to go black now. 

Storm Cottage

I love the New Zealand bach. The beach side cottage, the seaside shack, often painted black, pared back, perhaps even a little rough. Somewhere to escape, to interact with nature, to relax, to retreat. The Storm Cottage by architectural firm Fearon Hay with interiors by Penny Hay displays a robust exterior to the world but once inside it is warm, cocooning with a simple luxury. A stylish shelter in the wilds.

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Grateful Head Salon

Oh my word! Talk about rock and roll glam! Just in from Canadian photographer Brenda Liu, the Grateful Head Salon.

I photographed this for my friend Lysa Fina who owns the salon (located in Toronto). I think there are number of elements that would translate well into a home. The space has a rock 'n roll vibe with lots of funky details, for example the raised velvet skull wallpaper and the all red show stopping bathroom. It's far from the typical all white salons we are so used to.

I've included "before" photos so you can see the transformation of the space. The salon was designed with the help of Lysa's friend and professional set designer, Nancy Niksic. I hope you enjoy!

What a transformation. Love the bathroom, the distressed walls, the skulls and Brenda captures the space perfectly. With a salon this cool the hair must be hot!

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Sveinung Brathen

I thought I'd give you a short dose of eye candy this afternoon, via the fabulous photos of Norwegian photographer Sveinung Bråthen. I've got an emerald wall - the colour of the year says Pantone, some black - via a chalkboard wall in a dining room, a matte black kitchen cabinets (SWOON!), a black painted sections to highlight art (always been a fan of that technique), a black wall behind a black leather sofa (HOT!) and a couple of other goodies.  

GASS

Individual designs that fit individual needs. Sustainable, contemporary, with an emphasis on local materials and respect for site. Two projects from GASS Architecture Studios, located in Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa. The first, Westcliff Pavilion is a steel framed structure located on a ridge in Johannesburg. The two bedroom dwelling lightly touches the ground while its floating stone wall is a play on the local stone building materials and the notion of wall as sturdy and grounded. All in all a beautiful modernist box that sits softly in its surrounds.

The second project is the renovation of a flat in the Johannesburg suburb of Killarnery. Working within the existing constraints of the building but celebrating the beauty of its wall of windows, it is the new kitchen, though, that is a triumph. Oak and black tile ground the room and play against the light bright views from the windows.

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