The pleasure of discovering Koskela

Sydney weather is absolutely divine this time of year, and I was lucky enough to have some time aside this week to catch up with a wonderful friend for lunch, and ooooooh did I love where she took me. Hidden in an industrial, quite rugged, and very design-ey part of town, I had the pleasure of discovering Koskela. Owned and run by one talented duo, Russel Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky, Koskela is like no other furniture company I've ever stepped foot in. Inspired by their own lives and the things that surround them Russel's Australian furniture designs are both delectably beautiful as well as functional.

I loved this place because it immersed me in what I can describe as a beautiful jungle of delicious colour, form, depth and texture. The amazing space welcomes you with a funky little restaurant called Kitchen by Mike, where one can indulge in honest, candidly cooked and finger-licking good dishes. As I devoured my perfectly seasoned grilled chicken alongside a peach and rocket salad, I couldn't help peeking in what was the enticing furniture showroom beyond. So naturally, once we did explore the showroom my heart began to dance.

What a space!! The pieces are laid out with the most perfect care, and made to sing and come alive with additional accessories from other Australian designers. I say 'perfect care' though the space, at the same time, is so relaxed and inviting, it actually feels like someone's home, one's incredible oversized loft, oozing succulent ruggedness and open to one and all...

Another aspect that stood out to me is the sheer attention that everything is given. The company card I picked up on my way out was an experience of touch, a soft yet beautifully matte, slightly textured, card, carrying the same feeling and ideology as the showroom. Koskela's website is also an amazing place to visit, it is just such a natural extension of the showroom sensation that it simply leaves one's aesthetic taste buds hungry for more.

Photography by - Bisera Gondevska (me! :)

Delicious eye candy - Anish Kapoor at Sydney's MCA!

I've been sharing lots of great things, photos, images, art and exhibitions that I've come across in Paris, but 'yikes!' does ravishing Sydney have a feast of cultural deliciousness to offer! I recently went to see the work of one of my favourite artists, Anish Kapoor, and did so right here in my hometown of Sydney. The exhibition is an absolute must-see and it is housed in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney's Circular Quay, or MCA for short. 

Just getting there is an amazing experience... walking down the quay and lapping up the sunshine while watching the mild harbour waves slap the shore and sway the ferries. I stopped for an amazingly delicious and well-deserved coffee at the museum's cafe terrace before heading inside to enjoy the show, which runs through to April of this year. For the depth and breadth and 'wow' moments that the  exhibition has to offer, tickets are very fairly priced at $20AUD.

I was, honestly, very taken aback by the simplicity, depth of colour and intrigue in Kapoor's work. I adore the way he uses beautifully opulent and abundant saturated colour to create optical illusions that hide soft curves... or do they?? One is never quite sure of the depth of any curve, nor the limits of any shape. The tension of wanting to desperately touch the exquisite work and its rich colour is almost tear-jurkingly painful, although I promise no finger print of mine will be found... I resisted!

I'm such a fan of straight lines and simplicity and rarely find curves indulgent, but I absolutely melt when I see the seductive curves of Anish Kapoor's work. I urge all who are lucky enough to be Sydney to go along. Below you'll find some pics I took myself. Enjoy!!

A Sydney X-mas vibe

So goodbye Paris (for now) and hello wonderful sun-kissed and delicious Sydney! After what has been a big life move from one glorious city to another, and a two-week Nest of Pearls silence, one far too long to excuse, I'm using this lazy and fun-filled x-mas day to relaunch the spirit of the blog and share a wonderful little fresh and vibey interior that for me embodies so many wonderful ingredients that Sydney has to offer.

Designed by the Tribe Studio, who are based in Sydney's funky Surry Hills, this lolly, gem of an apartment belongs to a couple of bridge enthusiasts whose collection of games paraphernalia has been used to deck out the space and create an edgy yet soft, modern feel. Moreover, beautifully simple straight lines frame views of Sydney's Bondi beach as well as the harbour, and I simply love the warm, soft cherry colours, finding them totally appropriate for a relaxing and laid back xmas afternoon. 

Images courtesy of - tribe studio via afflante