Delicate surprises, by Sabine Marcelis

'The hallway is a place of transition, with the coatrack being at the centre of it all. Coats are hung and taken away. When a hook is empty we can instantly tell something is missing. Its function is very clear. The inspiration for this project was to blur this recognition and create a drawer and coatrack which don't reveal their function until in use.'

The above quote comes directly from the website of designer Sabine Marcelis and describes the objects that appear in the top three photos of this blog post. I felt that it explained the idea behind this cool little design so well that there was no reason why I should rechew it in my own words. The simplicity and elegance of the Hallway Objects is so soft and gentle... I don't think I've ever really been impressed by a coatrack, let alone inspired enough to blog about it. This particular one acts as more of a minimalist art form than a boring, dust-collecting coatrack.

I think the coatrack is my favourite, but I've snuck in a couple of more product designs here, also by Sabine Marcelis; Table-Table and House Wine. Table-Table bridges the professional world with the private one. Often playing quite a central role in the home, Sabine Marcelis explains how the table is used for both work and then homely comforts. And to best make this transition without a whole heap of hassle, the designer has introduced the unique properties of Electronically Switchable Smart Glass, allowing an effortless crossover between a transparent pane that shows the artist's tools, and then the opaque finish, appropriated for home use. But aside from its quirky and clever dual function, the table is simply just sassy as a stand-alone piece. 

For more information on the House Wine project I invite you to find out more here. 

Source - sabinemarcelis.com

Images courtesy of - sabinemarcelis.com

The vibrantly playful home of designer Brunno Jahara

What a bombastic burst of colour! This exuberant Rio home belongs to Brazilian product designer Brunno Jahara. Occupying the second floor of a 1910 townhouse verandah, the independent dwelling boasts 200 square metres of delectable interior, and is adorned with lavishly high ceilings. Unsurprisingly, it is home to a variety of Jahara's own work, ranging from furniture, lamps, and other various design objects, all signed by the designer himself. In addition, this vividly lively abode also houses works by other designers, such as Xavier Pauchard, Lina Bo Bardi, Piet Hein Eek, and Tobias Juretzek.

There is such a cool vibe in the balance between solid, vibrant colour meeting ruggedly, almost haphazardly finished walls. There seems to be an avoidance of the straight line, and an ingredient of the artisanal touch. There is something almost childlike in the interior, although it is evident that to balance such a rich pallet of both colour and texture requires sheer control and sophistication.

I love this space so much. I love that there is no fear of exploration and emancipation. Unique objects are ever so faultlessly placed alongside the perfect furniture piece, or centred in between brighly coloured doors. There is an effort to adhere to symmetry, but it is mischievously cheated, as the seat design on one chair is slightly different to that of its sister chair, or the burnt orange shutter which mirrors, yet contrasts, the violet shutter just one room away...      

Source - casa vogue globo

Images courtesy of - casa vogue globo

Photography by - filippo bamberghi via casa vogue globo

Cozy slip-in daybed, by Stephanie Hornig

Well, well, working 12 hour days and blogging regularly has proven to be a tricky affair... but the blog will not lose out!! As I get my groove back into order and align the needles on my compass I'm slowly starting to get back to blogging. Let's hope this dry spell is over for good!!

To get the creaky blog wheels turning, there's nothing better than fun and fresh product design, and I think this couch cocoon is the perfect piece to revive the action with. Created by London-based Austrian designer Stephanie Hornig, this cute invention is titled the Camp Daybed.

Born from a desire to make futons more comfy, the Camp Daybed is essentially a sleeping bag on legs. So rather than opening up or unfolding into a mattress with back poking springs, this padded design unzips to let you slip directly inside. It's such a clever and functional idea, executed efficiently, with no unneeded additional clutter or bits and bobs. I love the simple and fresh approach.

Images courtesy of - stephanie hornig via fastcodesign

Bikini Island debuting at Milan Furniture Fair 2013

With the ultimate design event of all design events having kicked off yesterday, I think it's only fair that we feast our hungry eyes on some of the wonderful and juicy newbies and gems that will be exhibited there over the next week. I am, of course, referring to the world famous Milan Furniture Fair, or as it's known in its Italian mother tongue, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile. Deeply and unashamedly envious of all who are there in person, I'm closely following friends, colleagues and bloggers who happen to be sending in live feeds as the days unfold.

Ok, so let's transport ourselves there, even if for a moment. Let me introduce you to one hot and funky furniture line that will be debuting at this year's fair. Bikini Island, by award winning German designer Werner Aisslinger, will be debuting as part of the Moroso collection. Designed with the modern rhythm of life in mind, the collection's designer explains that Bikini Island is an evolution in how we inhabit space. It is a step forward from the unidirectional sofas that made interaction with the television set a paradise, but interaction with each other dry and sometimes non-existant. 

This thinking is so spot on!! We very recently purchased a new sofa for our Sydney abode, and I have to say, it wasn't easy. We came across a huge number of couches and sofas that were one-directional and made lazying together on the couch boring and uncomfortable. In the end, through our love of design and perseverance we did land on the right, over-sized, gorgeously comfy, pillow overflowing L-shaped sofa. But damn, it seems that they're still thinking of the TV when designing furniture rather than human interaction. 

In a short interview with Stylepark, Werner Aisslinger goes on to explain that his inspiration for the Bikini Island was the new way of living, one often defined by wireless tablets, smart-phones and devices that allow us to be mobile, flexible, and forever on the move, rather than rigid, stationary and facing in one direction. The pieces that make up the Bikini Islands are all movable, swivel-able, and free to live as part of the bunch or be used alone. The modularity of the design is incredibly fun and modern, and the zesty choice of colours add a definite 'I want this NOW' factor. 

Source - stylepark & aisslinger, via fastcodesign

Images courtesy of - fastcodesign

Oooh-laa-laa... The heavenly simple, Sacos De Papel

Well, well. I think I know what I want for my next b'day present. Just to inject a little style, sass and primordial girly needs into our week, THIS IS A MUST HAVE!! I have veered a little away from the interiors that I normally like to post, but hey, design inspiration can, and should, come in any shape, form and texture. And speaking of texture, these little bags are so very sexy. Designed by ADAISM, some of the below beauties are already available and others are to come in the near future. You can peruse more of the drool-worthy collection on the ADAISM website.

My absolute lust for these pieces comes from their sheer minimalism that embodies timeless beauty. The form alone lends itself to the simplicity of a paper bag that folds over ever so simply, but yet, at the same time, it oozes sheer sexiness through the choice of material that the bags are adorned in. The detailing of the product is so exquisite that I haven't simply just decided on one for my next b'day, I'd like one in every colour, every texture, every size...

Images courtesy of - ADAISM