Finding the Perfect Cheese Board

Having recently acquired (and by that I mean impulsively handing over my credit card and purchasing things I really shouldn’t be getting at least until our new house is built and paid for!) some gorgeous Cutipol cutlery including their sexy cheese knife, I have been umm-ing and ahh-ing over the best serving platter to use them with. Do I go cheap, do I go spensy, quality or trendy, do I wait for my kitchen to be a resolved design, or heaven forbid, actually built?!

Anyway, to hopefully help me in this (first-world problems) decision making, I thought I’d share a few I’ve found and hope that someone comments and sways my mind in the right direction. Here goes...


Barton Marble Rectangular Board by Country Road. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Barton Marble Rectangular Board by Country Road}


Square porcelain chopping block by Slab and Slub. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Square porcelain chopping block by Slab and Slub}


Slate cheese board by West Elm. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Slate cheese board by West Elm}


Cheese Paddle No. 9 by Sands Made in Melbourne. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Cheese Paddle No. 9 by Sands Made in Melbourne}


Olive Wood Rustic Cutting Board at West Elm. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Olive Wood Rustic Cutting Board at West Elm}


Colour Platter by Karimoku New Standard available at Stylecraft. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Colour Platter by Karimoku New Standard available at Stylecraft}


Barton Long Board in Oak by Country Road. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Barton Long Board in Oak by Country Road}


Hello Cheesy Boards - I love their burnt pun-tacular boards from their etsy store. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Cheesy Boards Hello - I love their burnt pun-tacular boards from their etsy store}


Monaco Cheesy Cheese Slate board by Boska at Peter’s of Kensington. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Monaco Cheesy Cheese Slate board by Boska at Peter’s of Kensington}


Coorabel chopping board by Eco Chopping Boards in Byron Bay from local Camphor Laurel timber. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Coorabel chopping board by Eco Chopping Boards in Byron Bay from local Camphor Laurel timber} 


Kitchen Board No. 1 by Sands Made. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Kitchen Board No. 1 by Sands Made}


Smooth flat porcelain serving plate in the Life range from Target - only 10 bucks!. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.
{Even considering just getting this smooth flat porcelain serving plate in the Life range from Target - only 10 bucks!}


PS. here are my Goa range Cutipols Happy

Cutipol Goa cutlery. Finding the Perfect Cheese Board.



What do you think?

xo Romona


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The Monochrome Kitchen

While my boys (big and smalls) passed the hot Australia day with games and music, I took the opportunity to get some work done on our developing house plans. The drawing board lead to the Mac and modelling software, which inevitably lead to procrastination (i.e. doing ‘research’ on Pinterest and Houzz). I am always amazed by how many hours can pass while I am trapped in interior eye-candied cyberspace. 

My obsession at the moment is designing the perfect kitchen for my family - it needs to be robust enough to handle the two boys, clean and simple enough for my ‘minimalist’ husband and eclectic enough to suit my many varies tastes. Easy, right!

I have always loved a black and white kitchen, the bar constantly moving on the proportional scale between the two. A few years ago, I would have been happy with almost all crisp, glossy white, but I have been swinging towards textured black with glossy white accents lately, as it seems so many of you are as well. Here are a few (and by that I mean heaps!) of black and white kitchens to get you inspired.


#Black kitchen with pattern tile, architectural moulding and detailed cabinetry - by Greg Natale. From The #Monochrome #Kitchen, the RSD Blog.
{Loved this even before I saw it was Greg Natale’s work - should have guess that from the pattern and mouldings but I always end up loving his style}


Striking Kitchen in 33 Mackenzie Street Tower Melbourne By Elenberg Fraser. From The #Monochrome #Kitchen, the RSD Blog.
{Striking Kitchen in 33 Mackenzie Street Tower Melbourne By Elenberg Fraser}

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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?!
{
Harbour House by uber-talented Arent&Pyke. How yum is that Christian Liaigre console table?!}

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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. More #concrete on the blog.
{Prahran Hotel interiors by Techné Architects}

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Melbourne Life Instyle 2013

More than a week late, but since it was my birthday last week (and it’s my blog) I’m cutting myself some slack.

Last week’s Melbourne Life Instyle event was set inside Melbourne’s beautiful Royal Exhibition building. I had been to events here before but never have I seen it so crammed full of designer goodies. I swear they somehow increased it to twice the size than the last time I was there - and I had the blisters and aching calves to prove it!

Unfortunately, my BFF and I were so caught up dragging each other between stands, squealing (yes, big girl squealing!) and jumping on the spot in excitement that I completely forgot to take any onsite pix. No excuse, but, well, we were basically sprinting between stands since they were all so beautiful and we only had a few hours away from kids in which to see it all. Although if you ask our wonderful husbands, we were gone much longer than anticipated! I may have to do another post on some of the best designs because we saw them pre-release and I prefer to let the actual designers launch their products (and not get in any trouble - no-one likes a PO’d artist!)

Here are some of my favourite stands from the show and their pretty pretty wares.


#Cloud coat hangers, Pom Pom #garland and furry #animals by Down to the Woods. Who wouldn’t want this entire setup for a cute little girls room? More products from Melbourne Life Instyle 2013 on the RSD Blog.
{Cloud coat hangers, Pom Pom garland and furry animals by Down to the Woods. Who wouldn’t want this entire setup for a cute little girls room?}


Hello #sign in limited edition #Gold by Down to the Woods. More products from Melbourne Life Instyle 2013 on the RSD Blog.
{Hello sign in limited edition Gold by Down to the Woods for some fun glamour}

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Aqua vital!

This one could be a big one! My all time favourite colour, AQUA BABY!!! And not to forget her chic older sister, Teal. Or her rich cousin, Turquoise! It is no surprise that these colours have made it three times out of the last ten Pantone Colours of the Year: 2010’s Turquoise, 2005’s Blue Turquoise and 2003’s Aqua Sky). They also work great with this year’s colour, Emerald. These blue-green hues are reminiscent of warm, tropical beaches and cool, refreshing surf. Of bright, flashing jewels and rich, cascading gemstones. My engagement ring is Aquamarine, so I guess I’m a little biased Happy

As usual some of these are around my house already and others I am just abso coveting and dropping hints to hubby and family (this is also a good way to see if they read the blog!)

Baby Rhino, aqua resin by Fenton & Fenton - it’s taking me back to a bit of bebop and rocksteady TMNT days! | More #aqua #teal & #turquoise on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Baby Rhino, aqua resin by Fenton & Fenton - it’s taking me back to a bit of bebop and rocksteady TMNT days}

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Ruby ruby ruby ruby!

While in the past our Valentine’s day was spent enjoying delectable French cuisine et le vin under flattering, flickering candlelight, these days (i.e. post-kiddies) it has become an accidental tradition to get the kids to bed on time, get chinese take-away (all the naughty yummy dishes we normally try to resist) and sit on the couch watching a movie.

Vintage Valentine’s Day cards, at Vintage & Nostalgia Co. See More #Valentines #Ruby #Red on the RSD Blog. www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Vintage Valentine’s Day cards, Vintage & Nostalgia Co.}


So to get in the spirit of V-day, I am sharing a bunch of my favourite red and pink products-n-pics to get you in the mood, whether you celebrate valentines day or just want a spicy boost to life. Ruby, crimson, cherry, blood, fire engine, imperial, evil-queen apple, fuchsia, magenta, rust, salmon and all the Pantones in between, whatever your shade of choice, hopefully there is something here to tickle your fancy.

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Industriart

I had hinted at this post a looong while back while soaking up the Australiana for Aussie Day. Forgive my tardiness, but I really wanted to get the best of the million Instagram pics I took at this wonderland of vintage and eclectic treasures. Industriart is the brainchild of the amazing Roni DiCandilo (and I’m sure husband Nick gets a word in to). This hidden gem (actually, it’s more like an epic, Aladdin’s cave of gems) is tucked away in the industrial maze of Bellevue, Perth.

“The idea started initially as an outlet for the many and varied things that my husband and I have collected over many years. However, for two hoarders, it is difficult to part with all your treasures at once, so the concept then became a shop of 'Pure Indulgence' selling only things that we like - retro, vintage, new, serious and not-so serious.”


Make sure you get on over and check out the wonders (and bargains!) ASAP. I have my eye on more than a few of the furniture items and eclectic baubles in the front room and that cool secret back area. I can’t wait for the next Perth trip to do some real damage!



Glass treasures. Some of these are now in my personal collection | More #vintage and #industrial treasures at Industriart on the RSD Blog. www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Vintage glass treasures. Some of these are now in my personal collection}


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The Fine Design Market


I had intended to share this with you right after getting home from it, however the week just sped past. So, it’s a little late, but here we go.

On Sunday (13 Jan) I had a pleasant (but pricey) surprise. A wealth of local design talents with plentiful, purchasable pretties, of which I did readily partake. The Fine Design Market, held every second Sunday of the month, was right there in my own backyard (almost), and I only just discovered it. A suggestion from a friend separated only by a day from seeing a large sign on the side of the road.

The Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


A venture by the Manningham City Council at the new MC² (Manningham City Square) in Doncaster, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, aims to showcase new independent design and arts featuring Australian made and designed products. Their mission is "to support both emerging and established designers and artists by providing a platform to showcase their quality work and help them to connect with their audience". Good on them and lucky us!

The new Municipal Building hosts the market stalls on its high, monumental back parade. I was surprised to see such stunning local talent (I know, very bad of me to assume that it would be a disappointment).

I’ll highlight a few of my favourites below (so good I purchased them), and you will have to go along to get a look at the other goodies yourself. Yes, mainly because I was so giddy with retail therapy while I was there that I forgot to take any pictures.

Hello Felton at the Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Hello Felton are a graphic design company with quirky and colourful cards, prints and paper artwork. I love the nice little touch of vintage recipes on the back of their business postcards}

Colourful handmade bowls at Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Hand-made ceramics. Colours to lust over}

Jewellery by Miss Emilie and Serra Studio. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Gorgeous hand-made statement necklaces by Serra Studio (left) and Miss Emilie (right)}

Super Cute t-shirts by Fuji at Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Super cute t-shirts for my boys by Fuji kids by Fujinella}


I think I’ll be going back early next time to check out some Jude fashion and Bird Meets Bliss screen-printings. Oooo, and maybe a print from the gorgeous Minka Svarcs too!

Designers at Fine Design Market. More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/


The next one is on Sunday, 10th February 2013, and I strongly suggest you get along. I was informed that half the designers weren’t in attendance, probably still on holiday-mode like myself, and it should be even bigger, brighter and better next time. Get along - you won’t be disappointed!

xo Romona


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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Helen Kontouris

Seen in Space and Stylecraft showrooms this year during Melbourne’s Saturday InDesign, her supple and simple furniture inspires. She has collaborated with the likes of One Third Design, Alessi, Schiavello, Ritzenhoff and Celda, with her works being showcased in Belle, Vogue, InDesign, Artichoke, Monument and many other national and international publications.

Her design ethos is perhaps best described in her own words. “We live & breathe a culture of dreams, process & creativity. Our approach to each project is an opportunity to discover, learn, evolve, simplify, interpret, innovate and create. Strong creative partnerships are formed through our commitment, value, contribution & growth of our clients businesses. Our role as designer is not to give you the safe or predictable result.  We sometimes challenge & redefine the project to enable us to explore the possibilities we strongly believe in, whilst always respecting the client’s decision.”

“We believe ecology in design today, rests on the role of the designer as cultural architect, creating products with clear purpose, intelligent material appropriateness & function that arrest you with their beauty & promote a movement ‘against throwawayism’.  You are emotionally attached enough not to discard it.  When you no longer need it, give it to someone whom you know admires it or to charity for those who need it more now, than you."

I love that responsibility is taken as the designer to promote, encourage and even demand a holistic lifecycle approach to both the purchase and the retirement of their products. There is no reason that a product should not continue its life-after-you in one form or another, whether it is in perfect condition (go ebay or lucky friends), restorable (gumtree or second hand store), or completely decrepit (recycle those bits into something else or see what can be picked up for recycling by your council). Oh, how I miss the mass hard rubbish display around the neighbourhood at council collection time - it hurts to see people’s unwanted treasures now get picked up quickly and efficiently on individual basis, crushed into nothingness, when those poor items could easily have had another life or two. I digress.

She has a fun and informative website and blog, in which you get to read about her design processes and the happenings in the life of a talented designer, as well as peruse her many fabulous designs in detail, including the ones below. All images are from her website, which you can check out here.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces of hers.

The Penelope is a simple and classic steel and timber beauty, that was on display at Stylecraft during Saturday InDesign 2012. The masculine, honest structure of the legs complements the smooth streamlined timber top, allowing the polished woodgrain to feature.

Penelope Table and Side Table/Stool by Helen Kontouris | More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Penelope Table and side table/stool - available at Stylecraft}

Her Scoop Egg Cup & Spoon collaboration with Alessi is a stand-out. What can I say - I am sure you have all seen this lovely, sculptural piece before. Beautiful but functional is epitomised in this lustrous and decadent egg cup. What a glamourous Sunday breakfast would be had with this baby. Puts my cheapo wire one to shame! It is now on the Christmas list.

Scoop Egg cup & Spoon for Alessi by Helen Kontouris | More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Scoop Egg cup & Spoon for Alessi - Available at most department stores or online}


The La La Lamp is a floor lamp made of two conic, internally opaline coated fabric shades with a noiseless IGBT technology dimmer. Classic geometry combined with quirky lines create a real feature for any space. Unfortunately, I can’t find exact stockists in Australia, but it was featured at a Schiavello event and since they also stock her La La Stool, I am sure they could help you out.

La La Lamp by Helen Kontouris | More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{La La Lamp for Kundalini Italy}

La La Stool by Helen Kontouris | More on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{La La Stool, Available at Schiavello}

The graceful lines and soft appearance of the Panier stool belies the fact that it is made from 100% recyclable Polyethylene and suitable for indoors or outdoors. Shortlisted for the best 'Object – furniture and lighting' in the IDEA Awards 2012 (to be announced November), this design highlights yet another triumph for Helen.


Panier Stool by Helen Kontouris | Read more on the RSD Blog www.rsdesigns.com.au/blog/
{Panier Stool, Available at Space}


I hope you enjoyed the first of what I hope will be many posts shining the spotlight on Australian Design.
Who is your favourite Australian Designer?

xo Romona
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