The house of Casper Faassen

Dutch interior designer Jeroen van Zwetselaar of ZW6 has transformed this 1930s semi-detached house into the perfect home of artist Casper Faassen. Light and shadow, open yet contained, new and old, the design breathes new life into the building. I love the house striped back to its bones, a white box containing the kitchen and dining room slipped into exposed brick shell, love the airy loft bedroom, the hard floors softened by rugs and always the art, the beautiful art.

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The Forge

A unique space for the creative and curious in Bristol, England The Forge provides the perfect space for events and gatherings, workshops and talks. Oh my! The exposed brick, those windows, the cast iron stair case, the historic exterior and the surrounding streets.

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Blending in

When an architect makes an effort to redesign a house that still blends in with its surroundings. Kudos to Toronto architecture firm Johnson Chou for this wonderful project (which maybe can inspire and architect or 2 here in Ottawa). I adore this home inside and out and will be using this as inspiration whenever I get around to doing something with the exterior of my house. (How does a house built in 1940 NEVER have any landscaping done?! It's so embarrassing). And check out a previous feature on this talented firm here. 

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Saturday get-together

Saturdays are for leisurely get-togethers with friends. Breakfast and a large cup of coffee to get the body in gear. (You know that Aussies can't function without their cappuccino, flat white or latte fix in the morning.) Late brunch because last night went on a little too long. Even a cocktail hour wind down after a long day of doing nothing much. I'd love if this espresso and cocktail bar was just down the road from my gaff. I'd certainly be on a first name basis with the staff. Love the marble hex tile creeping up the exposed brick wall and the reclaimed brass shelving designed to look like a bar cart suspended from the ceiling. Holborn Grind, London by Biasol: Design Studio.

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Morgan's Pub

It's a very slow day in my part of the world with the promise of more of the same over the long weekend. My plans include lazing around the house, perhaps a book, perhaps a little work in the garden, maybe some old school record playing. And as much as I love my own home I wish I was kicking back in Morgan's Pub, now a family home in Peckham, London and part of The Plum Guide.

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