47 Park Avenue

Instead of doing my usual blog favourites of late post today, at the last minute I decided to instead feature one really inspiring blog instead. I heard about 47 Park Avenue a while back via an email from one of its creators, Michael, an owner of London based locations company Shoot Factory. Michael and his partner Jonathan purchased 47 Park Avenue in May of last year, a stunning home (with 3 reception rooms! 5 bedrooms!) that was desperately in need of some wallpaper removal, paint jobs, walls knocked out and pretty much a complete overhaul. They've been working very hard to get their home out of the 50's and into the new millennium and while still a work in process, what has been accomplished so far is incredible. The vintage furniture and lighting they have sourced is all TO-DIE-FOR, and everything being painted black and white is just right-on. And their dogs are too cute! Their blog and the progress on their home is a must-follow. (I had to include some before photos so you get the full effect of the transformation).

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Purple Design

Purple Design, based in London, is an interior design firm that isn't afraid to go bold. While their style isn't for everyone, the glamourous, adventurous and luxurious approach is inspiring, and a nice break from the black and white Scandi vibe that seems rampant on this blog and many others.  

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Cabin in the garden

By the king of reclaimed materials Dave Coote ... he of locations agency, The Beach Studios, which he runs with his wife, Atlanta Bartlett and his on-line boutique store, Pale & Interesting. A big pot of tea, a sketch book, my dog wandering in and out. I'd be so happy to relax or to potter about. Wonder if I should keep it a secret from my friends? No!  More the merrier.

Narrowboat home

Perhaps one of the more unusual homes we have featured on Desire to Inspire. This narrowboat conversion is by Dominique Brown (blog here). Built in the 70s, gutted and refitted for a simple onboard life for a young couple, the boat is just 9m long and under 2m wide. The seating pulls out to a double bed. Shelves drop down, the bathroom and wardrobe are behind sliding doors at one end. A simple yet stylish life on the English canals.

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Primary colours

Check out this project we received from The Hub Design based in Shoreditch, London: Situated opposite Saint Pancras, the historical Queen Alexandra Mansions in Kings Cross is one of the most unique buildings of its kind. Each flat has its own layout, history and personality. In particular this property - a Bauhaus inspired project in which the Hub Design Limited designed, built, project managed and sourced everything for the property from the ground up. Our challenge was to create a minimal, stylish modern living space for art and design lovers, whilst providing storage solutions necessary in a small one bedroom property. Classic Eames furniture was used in conjunction with custom built shelving unit and a made-to-measure work space. I'm not usually a fan of primary colours but this is kind of fun! It's nice to see designers who aren't afraid of colour and go outside the box. 

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