Designer Insights
28 11 14. Trends
A quick boast to let you know that I have been interviewed for the Designer Insights project over on Terry's Blinds in the UK.
Here are the links to my recommended products above:
[1] Holiday table by Callum Campbell
[2] Wall boxes by Bonnie & Neil
[3] Bedding by Hunting for George
[4] Oh Buoy small lamp in blue by Treehorn Design
[5] limestone Factory Pendant by Inkster Maken
It was fun picking some beautiful trends and products out for them - thanks Tudor for inviting me to take part!
xo Romona
Courtesy of: Terrys Blinds
Here are the links to my recommended products above:
[1] Holiday table by Callum Campbell
[2] Wall boxes by Bonnie & Neil
[3] Bedding by Hunting for George
[4] Oh Buoy small lamp in blue by Treehorn Design
[5] limestone Factory Pendant by Inkster Maken
It was fun picking some beautiful trends and products out for them - thanks Tudor for inviting me to take part!
xo Romona
Comments
Raw geology
17 11 14. Products
We've been seeing agate coasters and book ends for a while, especially if you follow the musings of trendsetter Kelly Wearstler. Raw geology is turning up in more and more product and furniture design - here are a few stunning pieces that I have on my tremendously long lust-list.
{Table top-objects featuring re-appropriated industrial waste, more specifically scrap iron found in a Swedish forest, forms the basis for David Taylor's Slag series of candlesticks}
{Up-Down Light from Ben-Tovim Design is a contemporary twist on the classic industrial age height adjustable pendant light. A range of striking natural materials contrast with simple geometric forms to create a light that mixes functionality with a bold design statement}
Linen love
06 11 14. Products
We recently upgraded to a king-size bed, a necessity to avoid injury when you have two growing boys who do running jumps into the bed each morning. So I am now faced with purchasing new bedlinen, oh damn (read 'YAY!'). The assortment of colourful, stylish, fun bedlinen out at the moment is unbelievable. So hard to choose, but finding out I won a voucher from Aura made the decision a little easier (jealous?). Here are a few of my top choices for bedlinen at the moment, and the one that I ended up getting.
{Arro Home cushions and linen by Beci Orpin. I ended up getting the bottom Sketchbook floor cushion pictured, which rotates between an accent thrown on the bed, a handy floor cushion and an extra head rest when napping on the couch}
Chrissy Time
31 10 14. Products
I know Christmas has been all over the shops for months, even though it still seems so far away, but from experience, Christmas time will be here in a flash. So I thought I'd gather some festive cheer to share while there is still time to beat the courier rush season. Be quick though, some of these I've already added to cart and am just about to hit the paypal button!
{Beautifully crafted Papier-mâché Christmas ornaments by Mozi. I have a few from last year, so can't wait to get some more to add to the collection}
Perth's Got Talent 2
Further to my last Perth post here, I have found even more designs by the great students of Central Institute of Technology, UWA and Curtin Universities in Perth.
Here are just a few more examples of amazing WA talent from Decor + Design Melbourne 2014.
Here are just a few more examples of amazing WA talent from Decor + Design Melbourne 2014.
{Holiday table by Callum Campbell}
Sustainable House Day 2014
11 09 14. Sustainability | Events
Open the door to sustainable living by touring some of Australia’s most environmentally progressive homes on show at Sustainable House Day. This Sunday, 14th September, you have the opportunity to tour an amazing array of everyday Australian homes all built and created around the ideal of reducing their footprint on the earth.
By partaking in Sustainable House Day you can tap into local knowledge to learn how to successfully integrate renewable energy, recycling, and other sustainable practices into your home and lifestyle. This unique event is a valuable resource for anyone looking for inspiration, ideas and the key to sustainable living.
Homeowners, sponsors and local sustainable groups look forward to sharing their knowledge with you, plus I'll be volunteering at the Harrisdale home in WA for the day. There are homes and gardens open to the public throughout Australia. You can find more information about each house and its features on the webpage. This is a national event, but since I'm volunteering here in Perth, I've just highlighted a few WA ones below.
By partaking in Sustainable House Day you can tap into local knowledge to learn how to successfully integrate renewable energy, recycling, and other sustainable practices into your home and lifestyle. This unique event is a valuable resource for anyone looking for inspiration, ideas and the key to sustainable living.
Homeowners, sponsors and local sustainable groups look forward to sharing their knowledge with you, plus I'll be volunteering at the Harrisdale home in WA for the day. There are homes and gardens open to the public throughout Australia. You can find more information about each house and its features on the webpage. This is a national event, but since I'm volunteering here in Perth, I've just highlighted a few WA ones below.
{Carla and Ben’s House, 128A Roseberry St, Bedford WA}
Kid-size creations
28 08 14. Products
I've been staring at the bare walls of my two boys' rooms in our current rental just thinking what I could do with the space that would be transportable to any new home we make. With that in mind, here are a few products and inspiring images for kids rooms and play that doesn't have to sacrifice your desire to keep a grown up house. I thought someone else may also be facing this dilemma, so here are a few I've found so far.
{Tables Four Two in the classic grey colour set by Sheree B Product Design. She also does other colour schemes, but this was the best. She is incredibly friendly and helpful too!}
{Treehorn Designs Oh Buoy small lamp in blue. Not sure if I would put this in the boys room or steal it for myself}
Perth's Got Talent
It took travelling to the other side of the country to realise what amazing designers we have here on the sunset coast. I had already fallen in love with more than half of the designs before I looked up to the title of the stand and saw they were all students of Central Institute of Technology in Perth. I guess I could blame my seven year absence, but I was unaware that Central had such a prolific design scene and was more than just a place for short night courses in exotic languages - forgive me, that was my only experience. I am so happy to be shown my ignorance. Vivid was the first exhibit at Decor + Design that I walked through, and it wasn't until I saw the separate CIT stand that I realised so many of the entrants (and successful ones at that) were from my home town of Perth. Not to mention that more than half of the student entrants in the VIVID Design Competition were from WA - including CIT, University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University (my home turf!). Go West!
I've tried not to be too limiting of my selection of designs that I found at the conference, so if you notice that your design is not here, just know that I was so overwhelmed by the talent, I may have forgotten to grab a card or scribble a note. For now, enjoy all this sunny WA talent and I'm sure I'll have another post soon with more.
I've tried not to be too limiting of my selection of designs that I found at the conference, so if you notice that your design is not here, just know that I was so overwhelmed by the talent, I may have forgotten to grab a card or scribble a note. For now, enjoy all this sunny WA talent and I'm sure I'll have another post soon with more.
{Aerial Chair by Megan Devenish-Krauth, industrial designer at Megmeg. I want this!}
Quick distraction
23 07 14. Products
With so much going on in the world, my moving house, lack of internet connection and allergies from too many moving boxes seem like major #firstworldproblems.
Having said that, sometimes we all need a bit of aesthetic joy in our lives to remind us of people's potential to create beautiful things.
With all the above going on, I haven't yet sorted out my reams of notes, brochures and cards from the D+D conference yet, so I will leave you with just a taste of beautiful things from the conference. My iPhone pics seemed to have turned out a bit dull, so I will dedicate a couple of larger future posts to the amazing designers that I met and discovered (or rediscovered) at Decor + Design Melbourne once I have some quality images from the designers themselves. For now, enjoy this brief sample.
Having said that, sometimes we all need a bit of aesthetic joy in our lives to remind us of people's potential to create beautiful things.
With all the above going on, I haven't yet sorted out my reams of notes, brochures and cards from the D+D conference yet, so I will leave you with just a taste of beautiful things from the conference. My iPhone pics seemed to have turned out a bit dull, so I will dedicate a couple of larger future posts to the amazing designers that I met and discovered (or rediscovered) at Decor + Design Melbourne once I have some quality images from the designers themselves. For now, enjoy this brief sample.
{The Reykjavik Cabinet by Amy Perejuan-Capone of Horse on Toast, just one of the many talented sandgropers on display at D+D}
Off to Melbourne I go
09 07 14. Events
About to pop on the plane to good ol' Melbourne town for the Decor + Design Trade show (and of course catching up with all my wonderful people). I will fill you in on all the pretty-pretty designer goodness on my return next week. Until then, here's another teaser of some of the amazing designers on show...
{Sorrento Beach house Interiors by Shareen Joel of Shareen Joel Design (SJD) and Share Design}
{Design by Sonia Simpfendorfer of Nexus}
{Interiors by architecture studio Edwards Moore}
xo Romona
Spotlight on Australian Designers | Lab De Stu
05 07 14. Spotlight on Australian Designers | Designers
Ok, so when trying to find a product or image that summed up Lab De Stu for their VIVID at Decor + Design appearance, I ended up with a whole post on them.
Made up of Melburnians Adam Lynch, Dale Hardiman and André Hnatojko, these guys have kicked arse on the national and international design award scene since 2011. DQ calls them 'Industry Giants', and being in their very early 20's that is saying something!
Although I could have added every image from the website, I'll leave this pretty little teaser for you and let you explore their simple but beautiful website yourself. I'm sure I will have more to add later, once I've seen their wares at D+D this week.
Made up of Melburnians Adam Lynch, Dale Hardiman and André Hnatojko, these guys have kicked arse on the national and international design award scene since 2011. DQ calls them 'Industry Giants', and being in their very early 20's that is saying something!
Although I could have added every image from the website, I'll leave this pretty little teaser for you and let you explore their simple but beautiful website yourself. I'm sure I will have more to add later, once I've seen their wares at D+D this week.
{The Up Up pendant is a collaboration between Dale Hardiman from Lab De Stu and artist / jewellery designer Emily Green. Emily's signature polymer clay beads combine with Dale's lighting design prowess to present a beautiful collection of pendants. Picking this image from the colour range was quite difficult. I changed my mind several times}
D+D Melbourne less than a week away
04 07 14. Events
I can't wait for a few days of design and visual saturation at Furnitex and Decor + Design Melbourne next week! If you haven't heard about the stellar lineup of international industry speakers yet, check out my summary here, and get in really quick before tickets sell out!
However, the highlight of my conference visit always seems to be the VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design) competition. Now in it's 12th year, the talent in both the professional and student arenas never fail to amaze and inspire. It's almost a given that most of the designs seen at a VIVID competition will be featured in an abundance of mags and interiors by the end of the year. Looking forward to the return of a few previous highlights, especially Lab De Stu, Inkster Maken, Paul Townsin, Dezion Studio and Ben-Tovim Design. Just a taste below.
However, the highlight of my conference visit always seems to be the VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design) competition. Now in it's 12th year, the talent in both the professional and student arenas never fail to amaze and inspire. It's almost a given that most of the designs seen at a VIVID competition will be featured in an abundance of mags and interiors by the end of the year. Looking forward to the return of a few previous highlights, especially Lab De Stu, Inkster Maken, Paul Townsin, Dezion Studio and Ben-Tovim Design. Just a taste below.
{Cup by Andre Hnatojko of Lab De Stu comes in all manner of luxe finishes, including 24k gold or rose gold, brass, copper as well as classic white and matte black}
Geek Chic
Whether you are embracing your inner chemist, classic (80s) movie and toy enthusiast or just like a side of education with your fun and pretty, here are a few finds to get your nerd on. Enjoy!
{For a little randomness with your relativity, Progetti Rnd Lab Fun Time Random Clock at Top3}
How Hardwood Flooring Has Changed
*The following is written for the RSD blog by Jonathan Sapir M.D. of Wood and Beyond. They are ethical FSC certified vendors of hardwood from engineered to solid hardwoods.
Hardwood flooring has changed profoundly in recent years. These changes in floorboard technology, colour and texture mean that hardwood can fit a greater number of interiors than ever before. Here’s our visual recap to the latest trends in hardwood flooring.
Individuals are often concerned that their decision to fit natural hardwood will lead to the demise of natural habitat. In truth, thanks to organisation such as the FSC (FSC Forest Stewardship Council), hardwoods from trusted vendors are sourced from sustainable forests where trees are consumed based on a rigorous and controlled quota and new trees are planted instead. This process is called managed sourcing. Your vendor of choice will be able to share the origin of the hardwood.
Hardwood flooring has changed profoundly in recent years. These changes in floorboard technology, colour and texture mean that hardwood can fit a greater number of interiors than ever before. Here’s our visual recap to the latest trends in hardwood flooring.
Sustainable Sourcing
Individuals are often concerned that their decision to fit natural hardwood will lead to the demise of natural habitat. In truth, thanks to organisation such as the FSC (FSC Forest Stewardship Council), hardwoods from trusted vendors are sourced from sustainable forests where trees are consumed based on a rigorous and controlled quota and new trees are planted instead. This process is called managed sourcing. Your vendor of choice will be able to share the origin of the hardwood.
{Solid Hardwood Flooring}
Win Tickets to Decor + Design Melbourne's International Seminar Series
21 06 14. Competitions
Melbourne, here I come!
Aside from catching up with all my wonderful Melburnians, I'm itching to get back to Melbourne for the Decor + Design and Furnitex conferences this July. Although rebranded from the previously called Decoration + Design, if past events are anything to go by, attendance is a must - so much designer eye candy! (I've posted about past events here). Furnitex and Vivid are always a highlight, and the international and local speakers they organise are truly inspiring. We are super lucky enough to have double passes to each D+D International Seminar Series speaker to give away - more information on the giveaway at the end of the post!
This year there is a great lineup of local and international speakers, springing from all fields of interior design and architecture, from trend-forecasters to designers.
{Kari Whitman, Interior Designer to the stars}
Re-use Revolution breeds new App
14 06 14. Sustainability
I have put together a few of my faves from the recently launched Couchelo app below to showcase just a few of the large range of items available.
To celebrate the launch of the app, Will and the team are offering a $250 giveaway to 5 lucky people. More information on the giveaway at the end of the post!
To celebrate the launch of the app, Will and the team are offering a $250 giveaway to 5 lucky people. More information on the giveaway at the end of the post!
So get in there all my lucky, wonderful Melbourne and Sydney readers and snatch them up quick - or if you are feeling generous, feel free to send some of them my way 
.
Nautical dreams
The boys and I did a spontaneous day trip to Lancelin beach on Monday and I felt inspired to share some nautical ultramarine goodies with you. Some I own, some I lust after and some are just plain fun. Enjoy 
{ 1. Compass cushion, 2. Côte d'Azur Ice bucket, 3. Ahoy Door Mat, 4. Skull & Crossbones Cushion, 5. Hold Tight wall flag, 6. Pier Rope Table lamp, 7. World Map Sticker }
Terrariums and Potted Green
04 05 14. Products
Here's a follow-up from your requests for more, after posting Vertical Green #2. These fill the gap for some even smaller and affordable greenery options when you have limited space, budget or garden know-how.
{Ceramic Diamond Planters on table and Petite hanging Vase on the wall, both by LoveHate and available at Cranmore Home}
Black and White
Here are just a few pretty monotone goodies that have caught my eye lately. I'm desperately trying to restrain my purchasing until I have at least designed my house, let alone built it! Until then, I'll let you drool with me.
{Harbour House by uber-talented Arent&Pyke. How yum is that Christian Liaigre console table?!}
Gravity Light
31 03 14. Sustainability | Technology
I came across this project and just had to share. Sure, it's not pretty, but how innovative and what a great humanitarian effort. Well done Deciwatt and everyone that contributed through their Indiegogo campaign.
The GravityLight was the result of wanting to help solve the unreliable and unsafe lighting issue for the poverty-stricken 21% (more than 1.5 billion!) of the world's population. Deciwatt's mission is to provide affordable, sustainable and reliable light, anytime, that enables people to break free from the economic, health and environmental hazards of kerosene lamps.
The GravityLight is an innovative way of generating light and low levels of power from gravity. It takes only 3 seconds to lift the weight that powers GravityLight, creating 25 minutes of light on its descent. Can be used over and over again, anytime without the need for sunshine or batteries, therefore having no running costs and being extremely long lasting.
The GravityLight was the result of wanting to help solve the unreliable and unsafe lighting issue for the poverty-stricken 21% (more than 1.5 billion!) of the world's population. Deciwatt's mission is to provide affordable, sustainable and reliable light, anytime, that enables people to break free from the economic, health and environmental hazards of kerosene lamps.
The GravityLight is an innovative way of generating light and low levels of power from gravity. It takes only 3 seconds to lift the weight that powers GravityLight, creating 25 minutes of light on its descent. Can be used over and over again, anytime without the need for sunshine or batteries, therefore having no running costs and being extremely long lasting.
{The human-powered, Gravity-run LED GravityLight by Deciwatt. Image source}
Lamp revamp
Those that follow my mish-mashed Instagram account, may have seen my impulse buy at the Abbotsford Convent markets waaay back in Feb 2013. Some of you also commented on my lovely bedside table lamps from our real estate shots, home open and move. I've put together a quick summary of my DIY lamp update, but scoot down the page further for a bit more detail. Enjoy!
Concrete jungle
How could I not start a concrete post with the most stunning of my Melbourne-life BFF-date champagne-sipping locations?! The Prahran Hotel (II) by the multi-talented Techné Architects is simply stunning. If you live in Melbourne and haven't been, go! If you don't live in Melbourne, visit and go! Well worth the trip to sit in your own cosy concrete pipe, lean in for conspiratorial conversations or voyeuristically stare at passerbys, hoping they don't look up and catch you. The bar is stunning, the outdoor courtyard is stunning, the facade is stunning. The whole thing is… well, stunning. Its an occupational hazard that I wasted part of my day-sans-kids-with-BFF walking around looking at every little architectural detail, ooo-ing and ahh-ing, but it didn't take too long to shake it off, order up some bubbles from the cute young bar staff and settle ourselves down into comfort and seclusion. I just wished I had discovered it sooner in my Melbourne life, but no matter, its definitely high on the list for the next visit back to catch up with all my ex-locals.
{Prahran Hotel interiors by Techné Architects}
Vertical Green #2
15 01 14. Products
So the design and decoration world was going a bit nuts over green walls in 2013. I personally hope the trend continues. I don't think you can overdo it and kudos to anyone who has built, designed, installed, planned, housed or dreamed green walls in any form. No matter what you call them - vertical garden, green wall, wall planter, wall garden, living wall - and no matter what form they take - green wall, green roof, floor planter, tabletop or even suspended in midair - they inject much needed life, colour, oxygen and fragrance into our surroundings.
I have been through some of the benefits of green walls with some examples previously, here, but since there have been so many fantastic examples of late, I felt the need to give you all a second helping of green delights.
I have been through some of the benefits of green walls with some examples previously, here, but since there have been so many fantastic examples of late, I felt the need to give you all a second helping of green delights.
{The Florafelt F12 Greenwall growing panel by Fytogreen Australia as used in Kim & Matt's outdoor space on The Block Sky High 2013. The panels are made from 100% recycled PET plastic felt and are available from The Block Shop}