A couple new shops

Last week we had a couple new advertisers join with us and I wanted to give them a shout out today before I head out for our traditional Sunday breakfast at the pub (there is nothing like some grease and garlic butter potatoes after a looooong week).

First up is Kitchen Art Studio. This studio is made up of George, an advertising photographer with 30 years experience, and his daughter Amanda, a recent graduate from NY University Tisch School of the Arts. During the day they work on advertising photography and when they're not doing that they're creating imagery for your walls at affordable prices (and they even come framed!). Check out some of my favourites below.

  

Click to read more ...

Freedom Summer 2011

Last week I flew to Sydney for the launch of Freedom's Summer 2011 range. Earlier this year they relaunched their look taking Freedom from dowdy and forgotten to fun and fashionable. Even though Freedom paid for my fares and accommodation I'm not the kinda gal who waxes lyrical about a brand unless I think it is great. This is everyday furniture for everyday Aussies (and New Zealanders) with a clever, quirky and stylish vibe. What really caught my attention was their limited edition range (and I really mean limited as the last season's limited pieces sold out quickly). A chinoiserie patterned canopy chair in bold red, an in your face ketchup coloured wingback that is willowy at the same time, a midnight black leather wingback and ottoman so matt that it is almost stealthy and a canapé that is a quirky and stylish statement piece. The Jack and Jill ottomans are sure to be a hit too. And the prices are great ... but you'll have to wait until the catalogue comes out to find out just how great ;)

  

So many other pieces caught my eye. There are wonderful hammered metal coffee tables and side tables as well as a chunky, boxy leather sofa. The Asia Daze range is rich with red and black lacquers and asian influenced homewares. Great vintage posters, larger than life floor lamps, cute rugs and a narrow dining table perfect for limited space. Team the table up with turquoise stools and it's love at first sight. Summer bright outdoor settings and clever wooden screens and box seats are perfect for apartment balconies. The Freedom designers have come up with a great range. The night was styled by Megan Morton who kept me entertained from the moment she urged me to drink up my pineapple cocktail as she walked me through the range. Hi to Lisa from The Red Thread and lovely finally putting a face to stylist Heather Nette King. Thanks Freedom. I had a fab time and the range is super! Release is timed for August 22. Until then you can see more after the jump ...

Click to read more ...

Sydney suggestions?

I'm off to Sydney this week for a couple of days. (Thanks Freedom! I can't believe it's time for the new season's furniture launch already!) I plan to (window) shop till I drop. Last time I was in Sydney I blitzkrieged Surry Hills and Redfern. Vampt and Seasonal Concepts were stand outs but honestly you can't walk a block in these suburbs without finding a retail gem. Now I need suggestions for my next design hunt and gather. The Society Inc is on the books but number one is a visit to Sydney's hottest new shop Pure and General. Owned by Linda Gregoriou (her home sent the blogoshere into fits of jealousy) and managed by Cassandra Karinsky. Definitely can't wait to meet Cassandra at last! But I'm greedy. I need more suggestions. Shops, cafes, hole in the wall coffee, spill the beans so to speak!.

k19studio

It's almost Friday (thank gawd) and I wanted to do a quick post before I hit the sack to welcome a new advertiser to desire to inspire. k19studio is recently established in Germany, with the notion that people can bring original modern artwork into their homes at a fraction of the cost of art found in galleries. Here is a bit of info: Pictures presented by k19studio are the geometric abstract painting executed in the technique of acrylic on canvas or acrylic on aluminum. Attention! It's not printed matter, it's not posters, it's the real original pictures, each of which, the artist makes individually, manually.
On the k19studio site a few themes each with a set of samples and various sizes are presented. You can choose the sample and the size you like. From this sample we will make the picture in the acrylic on canvas or on aluminum technique for you. Each sample is used a limited number of times (max. 5)
Check out some very cool completed works below (the organic geometry line is my favourite):

More than vacuum cleaners

It's Wednesday night in Australia and I'm not at home. Oh no! I'm in Sydney and I'm in a masterclass with Tetsuya Wakuda (he's been voted one of the world's most influential chefs). When we are finished learning at the master's feet we are indulging in a degustation menu at his restaurant. I am indeed a very lucky ducky :) Ooooh I wonder if duck in on the menu? Yum. Why am I here? Electrolux. Tetsuya is their ambassador and this is a fabulous, "girl can but dream" junket and I don't want to wake up. Thanks Electrolux! Oh yes, and they also do vacuum cleaners ;)