De-clutter with Domesticity – design boutique Friday Favourite 19 February, 2010
Posted by designboutiqueguru in design boutique blog.Tags: bathroom, design boutique, domesticity, kitchen, storage
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Image credit: Domesicity
Fed up with never having enough storage space? These funky shelves from Domesticity are the perfect design solution for keeping any kitchen, bathroom or hallway tidy. Not only are they super stylish, they also provide an incredibly useful way to de-clutter and display your favourite treasures.
And if your home is already spick and span, take a look at these cool chalk notice boards, totally on trend and ideal for keeping your life in check. Being magnetic you can inject a bit of fun into your kitchen by putting up photos and recipes along with your all important notes.
Image credit: Domesticity
Visit the mydeco design boutique to see more of Domesticity’s great products along with lots more by our fantastic handpicked collection of designers.
Friday’s News: Purple rain, a modern neck of the woods and new from Fisher Price… 20 November, 2009
Posted by katiehodgkiss in Daily news.Tags: antonio lupi, bathroom, children, contemporary, eco-friendly, forest, news, pool, recycled art, rural home, rustic, sculpture, shower, toys
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Another year of Children in Need, another charity single. As a northern lass, I usually look forward to each of Peter Kay’s new endeavours, but the thought of a second ‘Amarillo’ plaguing the charts fills me with dread. Nevertheless, mydeco wishes the best of luck to those of you who are raising money, at home, school or in the office today. If you have a spare minute between the face painting and sponsored waxing, make sure you take a look at our selection of Friday’s best design news.
mydeco’s pick of the top three news stories:
1. dornob: Colourful ceiling shower concept seeks extra long curtain
Image credit: dornob
Sans curtain, this minimalist shower is probably only suitable for the exhibitionists amongst you. Created by innovative Italian company Antonio Lupi, the design utilises chromotherapy (that’s different coloured lighting to you and me), shifting from hues of red, green, purple and blue for the ultimate relaxing shower experience.
2. dornob: Rustic modern plus rural retro
Image credit: dornob
If you go down to the woods today…you’ll find a contemporary, eco-friendly home, built with materials which compliment the natural surroundings. This luxurious pad may be aesthetically rustic, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the design. The award-winning home by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architecture has separate wings for master and guest, who can enjoy the scenic hillside views out of their floor-to-ceiling windows. The icing on the cake? A ‘infinity pool’ that continues out of the house, forming a cascading forest waterfall. Is this the perfect home? Well it’s located in Utah, so no.
3. Inhabitat: Recycled toy sculptures will scare the kids
Image credit: Inhabitat
Remember how devastated you were when you’re mum decided to give all your toys to charity because you were too old for them? Well, imagine how you’d feel if she had donated them to this art project, which turns recycled toys (along with other materials) into terrifying gothic sculptures. According to the artist Kris Kuksi, this project is about ‘a new wilderness, refined and elevated, visualized as a cultivation emerging from the corrupt and demoralized fall of modern-day society.‘ Hear that kids? Still, Barbie will fit in well.
The best of the rest:
Inhabitat: Mons lavabo sink helps kids save water when washing hands
Cool Hunting: Frédérique Morrel at Le Printemps
Design Week: Green awards fail to pick packaging winner
The Telegraph: Property: Therapy for the City Weary
The Telegraph: Interiors: Bambi Sloan’s Apartment is a frenzy of colour
The Times: Tired of country life, downsizers are moving back to the city
The Times: Salisbury: an über town that has bucked the recession
Daily Mail: Interiors: Baby it’s gold inside
Ahh Friday, j’taime. However, the advent of the weekend does mean that you will have to survive without your daily fix of design news for two whole days. Don’t worry though, we’ll be back on Monday with all the design updates. See you then folks!
Monday’s News: An aMUSEing Eco-house, a Seamless Spa, and Sexy Socks! 19 October, 2009
Posted by Bethany Wrede Peterson in Bethany's blog, Daily news.Tags: bathroom, chair, closet, desk, diy, Eco, laundry, socks, spa, space-saving
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Welcome to the work week, everyone! In the latest news, PM Gordon Brown has warned of UK climate catastrophe; Royal Mail is slinking away for strike meetings; and Scotland’s pride, Rikki, got the boot on the X-Factor (sigh!). All is not lost, however, folks. We here at mydeco have some (really important) news that will alleviate your case of the Mondays!
Here, for your cloudy-day pleasure, are our top 3 picks:
1. The Telegraph: MUSE’s Devon Eco House Up for Grabs
If you’ve ever wanted to live like a rock star, (and let’s face it, who here hasn’t?) here’s your chance! Whether you’re a fan of MUSE or not, this eco-home is now back on the market. Can’t afford it? That’s okay – the really good news is that eco-chic just became much hipper.
Image Credit: The Telegraph
2. Design Milk: Furama Hotel Spa by Formwerkz
All this depressing news makes me want to head straight to the spa…in Singapore! Well, I may not be able to actually go, but we can all get some awesome bathroom inspiration from this super-cool seamless getaway.
Image Credit: Design Milk
3. The Independent: The Joy of Socks!
And speaking of seamless, you’ll be blissed out to find that you’ll be able to keep those summer skirts out of storage afterall! Seems that socks are a hit this season – especially those with a little bling. If splurging on Miu Miu’s embellished pair will break the bank, dust off that Bedazzler, and DIY. You may have to hand wash, but hanging these up will make your laundry room and closet a little bit brighter.
Image Credit: The Independent
And here’s the best of the rest:
The Times: Let Them Eat Cake! Agent Provocateur’s Serena Rees’ Bakery of Decadence
The Times: Renovating on the Cheap: Worth Every Penny
The Guardian: Yay! A Sunday Roast Revival For Those Hibernating Months
The Guardian: Is This a Good Time to Splash Out on Solar Energy?
The Independent: French Twist: how one couple brought a touch of the avant garde to the Languedoc
dornob: The Ultimate DIY! Modular Office Furniture: Wood Box Stroage, Desk and Chair
MoCo Loco: Retail Therapy: L’Eclaireur Paris by Arne Quinze
The Cool Hunter: The Lego Kitchen!
If rock stars with an eco-conscience, seamless spas, and sequined socks aren’t enough to lift your Monday spirits, perhaps these other stories on Agent Provocateur’s bakery, penny-saving reno secrets and the Lego kitchen (!!!) have done the job. If nothing else, don’t fret – we’ll be back at it tomorrow.
Monday’s news – Cheeky baths in the bedroom, Vivienne Westwood Wallpaper and a divine new chair from Vitra 28 September, 2009
Posted by katykimbell in Daily news.Tags: bathroom, bedroom, fashion, French design, Morocco, philippe starck, vegetal chair, vivienne westwood
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Good morning all, and welcome to the joys of Monday. I hope you’re feeling refreshed after the gorgeous autumnal weekend, and are now ready to tackle the week head-on. Over the last couple of days, London has been moving and shaking to the latest beats in the design world. For more scoop on the ups, downs, ins and outs of London Design week, keep checking our blog.
In the meantime, you can get an immediate fix, with our daily update of the latest news and gossip from the design world.
Image credit: The Times
Who says you need to have a separate room when it comes to soaking in a scented tub of bubbles? Mark Macauley, a documentary-maker from London, chose not to follow the general protocol when it comes to room distribution and opted for a deluxe bed/bathroom. Macauley took inspiration from designer hotels that have been playing with this unusual concept, and splashed out on a handmade £5,200 copper-clad bath that takes centre stage in the master bedroom. Does the concept really work outside a hotel? Read on and find out.
The Times – High tech glass will transform the way we live
The Telegraph – All aboard the Marrakesh Express
The curious blend of Arabic culture and modern style has led Marrakesh to become the bohemian playground of the rich and famous. But getting your hands on a divine Moroccan property may not be off the limits. Thanks to a sudden fall in prices, there are rich pickings to be had for the savvy investor.
Image credit: The Telegraph
There aren’t many fashion lovers out there who won’t admit to having a penchant for the gothic flair of Vivienne Westwood. And now, the grande dame of anarchic fashion, has designed a wallpaper collection for Cole & Son. Its 12 patterns are based on prints and weaves from the Westwood fashion collections. The two figures in the image above don the Dogtooth and Cut-Out-Lace motifs. Now it’s not just the corset, platforms and bag that we’re after…it’s the wallpaper too!
The Telegraph- Elle MacPherson finally sells her house!
The Daily Mail – Teal Appeal, the latest colour for Autumn
NYTimes – The French contemporary design scene is alive and well
AA Gill may have ripped Philippe Stark to pieces in The Sunday Times yesterday, but I’m quite the fan of the sexy Gallic designer. In recognition of all things French, The New York Times is celebrating contemporary French design and has picked out three top show-rooms to keep an eye out for.
Image credit: Vitra
It’s always fun to keep a look out for new products, and I simply love Vitra’s new Vegetal chair. The chair was inspired by shapes from the world of vegetation. The plant-like structure and the choice of six beautiful colours make this chair a contender for a future design classic.
Design Week -British legend Paul Smith is awarded medal at London Design week
Design Week -Tom Dixon says British design needs more focus
Design Week – Pearlfisher brands new energy drink
That’s all for now folk’s, but see you tomorrow for the next instalment.
Tuesday’s news: Unmissable Anish Kapoor pieces, on-trend shelving and a new home for the London Design Museum 22 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Daily news.Tags: Anish Kapoor, art, bathroom, exhibition, London Design Museum, property, Shelves
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After a late night spent at Heal’s 200th birthday party (more on that later today) what could be better for my sleepy head than a relaxing dip into today’s design and property news. Here’s what I found on today’s hunt…
The Guardian: London Design Museum gets a new home
Image credit: The Guardian
As lovers of the London Design Museum will know, its current home on the Thames enjoys beautiful views and the modernist-style building itself is striking. But it is a little pokey. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear then, that Kensington and Chelsea council’s planning committee has approved plans for the museum to take over the former Commonwealth Institute building on Kensington High Street. The new site is will offer three times more space and the opportunity to get the museum’s permanent collection out of storage and on display. And it’s just down the road from mydeco HQ – lunch time culture hit anyone?
The Guardian: Norman Foster to build on the moon
The Telegraph: Dartmoor property has moor appeal
The Telegraph: Witness sculptural genius this weekend
Image credit: Telegraph.co.uk
This Saturday, the long-awaited Anish Kapoor exhibition opens at the Royal Academy. Kapoor has become one of the most influential and pioneering sculptors of our time and the exhibition consists of a series of his signature works. Highlights include pigment works, stainless steel reflective sculptures and a major sculpture in the Annenberg Courtyard. Not to be missed.
Trendir: Sleek and sustainable bathroom fittings
Hooked on Houses: The narrowest house in NYC
Think you’re short of space? Check out this teeny tiny townhouse in Greenwich Village. It was built in 1873 in what was once just an alley and has a living space that’s just 8 1/2 feet wide and 42 feet long. Somehow, I think its owner might be in need of advice from our storage experts!
Homes and Property: Soho’s sexy new homes
Moco Loco: Get back to nature with the Ivy chair
Moco Loco: We love these new shelves
Image credit: Moco Loco
This awesome wire shelves by Viable London will be showcased at 100% Design London this week. Made from powder-coated, bright yellow, steel brackets and simple wooden shelves, they’re the perfect example of the ‘raw materials and glossy brights’ trend that Jenna, our resident style guru, has spotted emerging.
Right, I’m off to chat to jazz singer Mica Paris about her home style – look out for the interview in our style magazine and have a happy Tuesday!
Friday’s news: Grafitti porcelain, stylish salvaging and a real life house of cards 18 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Daily news.Tags: banksy, bathroom, bedroom, chairs, furniture, London Design Festival, tableware, tate modern, V&A
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Hands up who’s glad it’s Friday? Me too. And as an end of week treat I decided to settle down with a latte and a lemon muffin and lose myself in some lovely design and interior news for an hour. Bliss. Here are the latest snippets you really should hear about…
The Telegraph: Take a pew at the V&A
Image credit: The Telegraph
It’s all go at the V&A for London Design Festival. There’s fairy tale exhibition ‘All the better to see you with, my dear’, as well as ‘In Praise of Shadows’ – an exhibition by a dozen European designers exploring the potential of low-energy lighting. My top pick though is this impressive installation by Wallpaper* magazine, which echoes the chair arch built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s visit to High Wycombe in 1877. The installation was designed by Martino Gamper (of 100 chairs in 100 days fame) with chairs provided by Ercol. Totally beautiful and a great modern contrast to the museum’s 19th century architecture.
The Telegraph: Norway shines at London Design Festival
The Times: The Tate Modern is getting bigger – hurrah!
And on the subject of all things cultural, I spied some very exciting news today. Tate Galleries have announced that the Tate Modern is getting a £215million extension. Let the Sunday morning museum mooching commence!
The Times: Credit crunch designers become modern artisans
The Times: Check out London’s top design hotels
Moco Loco: Invite Banksy to tea with graffiti tableware
Image credit: Moco Loco
I am totally intrigued by this All City Tableware. An update on the family porcelain by Cabracega, Rita Gonzalez and Ricardo Vasconcelos, this traditional Portuguese porcelain dinner set has been given a contemporary twist with the urban language of graffiti motifs. It’s very brave, and the combination of such divergent styles almost doesn’t work. But somehow, it does. I’ve just added another piece to my fantasy homeware list: a Bansky-emblazoned teapot.
The Guardian: Beautiful orchard exhibition by Edwina Bridgeman
Trendir: Luxurious leather walls
Dornob: Upcycled furniture is the most stylish way to salvage
Image credit: Dornob
Designer and craftsman Rupert Blanchard only uses recycled and salvaged materials in his furniture, and with beautiful results. Combining elements from different eras, his designs manage to look simultaneously vintage, retro and totally timeless. Each section of the designs jostles to tell its story through chipped paint or scuffed varnish, but the clean lines and elegant compositions provide a sense of unity.
Dornob: Get pulled in by magnetic curtains
Modern Architecture and Design news: Chic social housing in the city of light
The Daily Mail: Welsh holiday resort on the crest of a new wave
The Daily Mail: You’ll never lose your room key in this hotel!
Image credit: The Daily Mail
And here’s something to send you off to the weekend with a smile. Holiday Inn’s Key Card Hotel, which opened yesterday in New York, includes a guest bedroom, bathroom and lobby made out of key cards. Each room is fully equipped with life-sized furniture, made out of, yes, you guessed it…
The 400 sq ft, two-ton construction in Manhattan will be in business until September 21 and was built by world record-holding ‘card-stacker’ Bryan Berg. Not the most stylish place to sojourn, but certainly an interesting feat of quirky design. If you’re heading to New York to spy on Carrie and co as they film their sequel, head down and check it out.
Have a great weekend…
1930s style glamour 11 September, 2009
Posted by vickyharrison in Vicky's blog.Tags: 1930s, bathroom, bedroom, glamour, image gallery, living room, romantic
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If you are a fan of 1930’s style then you’ll love these new images from BHS. The soft gold, cream and silver colour palette is romantic without being too over-the-top and the mirrored furniture and sparkling chandeliers keep the scheme feeling light and fresh.
I love the idea of hanging a chandelier over a roll-top bath for real glamour. See our room gallery for more bathroom inspiration.
For more inspiration see all romantic room schemes in our image gallery.
Friday news: Edible dishes, on-trend offices and the shower that’s got me in a lather 11 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Daily news.Tags: 9/11, architecture, bathroom, design, desk, Four Seasons restaurant, home office, sculpture, shower, tableware
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After a week of collection previews and launch parties I’m looking forward to a relaxed weekend in the country with my family and cats.
But before I head off for my train, there’s the small matter of sharing with you the latest design news I’ve picked from today’s offerings. Enjoy!
Dornob: No dessert until you’ve cleared your plate (and eaten it)
Image credit: Dornob
Actually, this delicate, paper-thin tableware is not designed to be eaten. But if you’re not feeling sufficiently sated by your spag bol you could be tempted to have a nibble. Made from tomatoes, carrots, peppers, peas and other veggies, these curious but charming pieces by Danish designer Geke Wouters are totally organic and very beautiful.
The Guardian: Save Victorian architecture!
Design Week: London’s new graduate design school promises hot, new talent
Design Week: LSE building gets an artistic twist
Design Week: Get the latest London Design Festival news
The Telegraph: Contemporary art storms Versailles
The Telegraph: Sculpture with its own 9/11 story
Image credit: The Telegraph
Today is the 8th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, and New Yorkers will hold a number of public and private memorials to mark the date. What most of us don’t realise is that more than 2,000 relics from the attacks (above) are currently stored in a hangar at JFK airport. Now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is offering the items to cities around the US for use in public memorials and sculptures. It’s good to see that something positive and beautiful can be created from such a tragic event.
Trendir: Pop-art is back – and it’s in your bathroom
BBC News: Stop press! UK City of Culture list unveiled
The Times: This season’s hottest office essentials
Image credit: The Times
With the kids back at school (are you secretly just a tiny bit relieved?) it’s time to turn your attention to your own office space. I love this Home desk by Vitra. It was initially created by George Nelson as a ‘ladies’ desk’ and made slightly smaller than was standard. It’s a perfect example of the ‘raw materials and glossy brights’ trend that our resident spotter has been harping on about. Check out our tips on creating the perfect workspace.
The Tines: Robert Cavalli’s glamorous garden shed
Interior Design: Go Greek with La Murrina – Cross lighting
Interior Design: This new shower design has got us in a right lather
Image credit: Interior Design
Love, love, love this new shower by Bmood. The unit combines a Cristalplant solid surfacing tray with orange or blue acrylic or transparent glass panels, which swivel to fit in the corner or centre of a wall. Team with the pop-art radiators from Antrax for a seriously funky bathroom.
Interior Design: The Netherlands’ stylish gift to New York
Interior Design: Yet more beautiful lights
Architectural Record: A birthday facelift for the Four Seasons Restaurant
If you’ve ever been to the Big Apple, you may have checked out (if not dined in) the legendary Four Seasons Restaurant, now in its 50th year. If you haven’t, you certainly should on your next trip. To celebrate its big 5-0, the restaurant’s famous Philip Johnson-designed interior is being over-hauled by Manhattan architect Belmont Freeman, FAIA. Well, it’s only fair the old girl gets a nip and tuck – she has to keep up with her plastic guests somehow. Happy birthday Four Seasons – you don’t look a day over 25.
Spending the night in Ben de Lisi’s apartment 10 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Uncategorized.Tags: bathroom, bedroom, ben de lisi, Ben de Lisi apartment, Ben de Lisi homeware collection, ceramics, Cushions, debenhams, garden, Grosvenor estates, hanging chair, Mayfair apartment, Park Lane apartment, retro
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Last night I was invited to snoop around the plush, Mayfair apartment that Ben de Lisi has re-modelled for Grosvenor estates.
Located just off Park Lane, the three-bedroom, 1,900 sq ft apartment has Ben de Lisi designed bathrooms and his own paintings and ceramics, as well other high-end pieces selected by the man himself. The swanky, champagne-filled launch party was last night, and I was more than happy to be amongst the throng.
Clutching my glass of welcome bubbly I head straight into a smart open plan kitchen. And am a little disappointed. The kitchen is immaculately finished and overlooks a cute private terrace, but the Ben de Lisi touch isn’t immediately apparent.
Sure, there are Tom Dixon pendant lights cutting an elegant silhouette over the table, and some striking ceramics in the acid brights that have characterised de Lisi’s Autumn/Winter collection. But for all the hype, I’d hoped for something more distinctive.
Heading to the living room, my hopes are realised. Glass tulip-shaped lights intertwine seductively on the walls, a Ben de Lisi designed, sleek, glass fireplace flickers quietly and a huge, retro, red leather pouffe invites me to lounge. Best of all is the back wall, which boasts a red and cream tree embroidered onto a chocolate brown backdrop. This is much more like it.
Down the open staircase, past the impressive stone feature wall (also de Lisi’s own design) are three bedrooms with gorgeous en-suite bathrooms – the largest a marvel in grey marble.
Of the three bedrooms, the master (above) is most definitely where de Lisi’s styling comes into its own. A second embroidered statement wall is the centrepiece of a boudoir that is all soft lights, squishy cushions and soothing hues. A hanging wicker egg chair dangles invitingly in one corner and french doors lead onto a private terrace with floor to sky mirrors. Bliss.
The two smaller bedrooms are less striking, although there are some funky cushions and plenty of interesting ceramics. But with the piles of stuff I hoard, I’m not sure that the storage space would quite cut it!
My tour over, I head to the huge shared garden at the rear of the apartment to share my verdict with the other guests as the evening draws in.
And what is my verdict? The apartment is perfect for those who are short of time and fat of wallet. Every room balances high-end with homely, and those where de Lisi’s influence is clear are gorgeous. But I can’t help thinking: with de Lisi’s new homeware collection now in Debenhams, who needs the man himself to recreate the look?
Make the most of small spaces 24 August, 2009
Posted by hollybarder in Uncategorized.Tags: bathroom, Christy, desk, home office, John Lewis, office desk, small spaces, study
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Every house, no matter the style, age or size, will inevitably have an awkward space, a box room, a nook here and a cranny there. Or, like me, your house may be a small awkward box. Ever wondered how to make the most of those infuriating small spaces? Well, mydeco is here to help. I’ve been busy uploading hundreds of inspirational images to the site, so you don’t have to spend hours searching for ideas.
Got a bit of space in the attic but the slanted ceiling taking up most of it? Yes, it may not be big enough to add another bedroom to your humble abode, but why not turn it into a study? Or a bathroom? As this compact study (below left) and this colourful bathroom (below right) show, good things really do come in small packages.
Image Credit: John Lewis (left) and Christy (right)
And who says a home office needs an entire room to itself? This under-the-stairs office (below right) takes an often idle space and turns it into a chic cubby-hole. Or why not find an ultra modern glass corner desk and create a barely-there work area in your living room?
Image Credit: John Lewis
Chimney breasts are a great way to create a little nook in your living room. Take inspiration from this modern white office space (above left) and use different flooring to section off areas of the room even more.
I really love this bold purple study that sits on a raised platform in the bedroom. It’s ideal for small flats or compact open-plan living spaces.
