Harry and Sal's Design Blog: May 2007

HARRY: I've never owned a cake stand but I am drawn to them. It seems so frivolous (you can easily put a cake on a plate) but they are so pretty. Check out this one by Yvonne Lam and Gloria Law from MoMA. So elegant. And I love Alessi's 'Vague' cake stand that doubles as a fruit bowl.

Labels: Dining, Kitchen

posted by cerentha harris at 5/31/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: Harry metioned a while ago the renaissance of the coin purse and I think she's on to something. Check out this adorable little number available at UK indie-craft emporium Betty Joy. There's matching canvas shopper bag too if you really want to go crazy.

Labels: Bags

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/31/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: I've noticed the obsession with coral is morphing into sea urchins and coral used as a texture rather than an overall shape. Interesting. I've already blogged Muehling's cool coral stamped plates. Check out these rings from Australian designers Dinosaur Designs. Oh Joy posted DD's coral inspired bracelets but I really love these rings.

Labels: Jewelry, Style

posted by cerentha harris at 5/31/2007 0 Comments

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Rethink your walls beyond the limitations of conventional wallpaper. This broad and varied range of vinyl creations from Domestic transform your walls into a canvas. Above, designs from two designers UK-based - Mike and Katie. Also check out some of the latest decal designs from Blik. Personal fave - Undoboy.

Labels: Walls

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/31/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: The perfect stool or sidetable is hard to come by. Look at this amazing one in chrome at Inside Avenue. Pop it next to the couch and it will hold a drink or two. Or guests can perch on it when you run out of couch space. (They've also got a great collection of lamps to go with your new table). If you want something even cheaper, Urban Outfitters has some very cute examples - I especially like the retro white tin table with the tile motif.

Labels: Seating

posted by cerentha harris at 5/30/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: The selection of whimsical ceramics at Art Department never fails to delight. I just loved these Parisien-inspired stackable boxes - aren't the colors just divine?

Labels: Ornaments

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/30/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY Just trawling through Oh Joy and came across artist Jen Stark. This particular drawing goes so nicely with my frog placemats...perhaps there's a trend coming on. Not quite convinced that two things make a trend! Love the sinewy quality of her work...

Labels: Art

posted by cerentha harris at 5/30/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY I'm always on the lookout for napkins and placemats. These frog placemats are just lovely. The knots are based on the buttons you find on Chinese shirts. I like that they are made from flattened polyester cords - easy cleaning. Perfect addition to a summer table. Pair it with this cool Droog Design tablecloth designed by Chris Kabeland Ted Muehling's white coral plates. All horribly expensive but sooo pretty. For a great cheap find but not quite as elegant check out Cost Plus World Market - I recently got a set of 6 rust red cloth napkins for around $11.

Labels: Dining

posted by cerentha harris at 5/30/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: Ashley G's work reminds me a little of Yoshitomo Nara in it's whimsical portraits of childhood mundanity, minus the blood. I love the blank innocence of the subjects - a modern take on timeless situations. her collections can be found on Etsy - thanks Bloesem for pointing us in the direction of this gem.

Labels: Art, Kids

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/28/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY The best bath and the coolest shower. Boffi just knows how to do it. Marcel Wanders wonderful whimsical red flower tap gives all that bathroom minimalism such a nice kick.
I love that this bath gives you the organic avocado shape within a practical square. I think those egg-shaped baths are so beautiful but I can't help but think of all the dust and crud that will gather on underneath it. Unless you have full-time staff I think this Boffi bath by Naoto Fukasawa is perfection.

Labels: BedBath, Harry

posted by cerentha harris at 5/25/2007 1 Comments

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HARRY OK, I know I'm a little late. I just discovered Room & Board. They aren't close by so I ordered a catalog. And there stuff is great...and affordable. Love these trays. But also check out the armchairs. Nice design, great fabric for under $1000. I'm searching for the perfect armchair to go with our Case Study couch. We've decided you actually can over-Eames. The Quinn might be the answer (who comes up with these names!). In the meantime I think I need one of those trays...

Labels: Bags, Style

posted by cerentha harris at 5/25/2007 0 Comments

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OK I admit, these did remind me of our cute logo - but how could you resist these nikel-plated salt and pepper shakers from Pure Modern? At $22, you know it's just because you're worth it. Wrapables also has a cute take on the old table favorite with the Beeb Shaker Set - and I quote - "The functional role of the shakers take on an edge of interactivity, and softened to ergonomically fit the human hand. " $6 bucks a pop.

MORE:
Sur La Table: Traditional but efficient Salt & pepper mills
Flickr: Get inspired with pics of S&P Shakers from around the world

Labels: Dining

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/24/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY I love the work of Eva solo. Danish designers Henrik Holbaek and Claus Jensen produce such clever, streamlined products. The flower pot that waters itself, the fantastic white ceramic bird feeder. And I've just come across their bbq. Like all good Australians I have a mild obsession with grilling outdoors. Eva solo has a new line of bbq tools (which are fab) but it's this porcelain table top grill that really got me. It's portable so you can take it to the park or the beach (sandy sausages aren't my thing so I'd stick to the park) or just tote it to the backyard or balcony. Love it.
PS: They've also done a gas grill...it's a bit more expensive!

Labels: BBQ

posted by cerentha harris at 5/24/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY These luscious black tipped matches from the Curiosity Shoppe are only $5. And there are lots of other designs to choose from. You can also design your own through For Your Party - I know it's an ugly site but the matches are cute. We're always scrabbling through drawers looking for that fire stick thing ...you know the one. It has two buttons on it to baffle the kids. It usually takes me 3 or 4 goes to get the flame up and it's like a mini-blow torch once it gets going. I'd much rather scratch and hiss of matches...plus I love that smell after you blow the match out.

posted by cerentha harris at 5/24/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: As you approach remodeling your kitchen there are a few companies experimenting with modern materials that offer a refreshing change from your typical grantite counter top. Italian cabinet maker Poliform's Varenna kitchen line offers something sleek and modern for the contemporary home, whilst retaining a sense of warmth essential in the social-hub that today's kitchens have become. Complement your design with a Pegasus commercial-style faucet available at Home Depot for $247 and you're on your way! (Thanks Grassroots Modern!)

Labels: Kitchen

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/23/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY What do you get for $12.99? A really cool bag/home office from Target. I’m afraid I’m a bit of a Target addict so you will have to bear with me and these posts (I promise Target isn’t paying me a cent). I love the navy patent leather mixed with the crisp cotton canvas. And it fits my laptop, note book, camera and cell phone. It’s a portable home office as well as a handbag.
Other cool bags: leaf print bags from UK designer Orla Kiely...love them. I also cover this striped canvas tote with a snap closure and inside zip pocket from Art Effect.

Labels: Bags

posted by cerentha harris at 5/23/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY Bring back the coin purse. The nice thing about the latest spate in mini purse design is they also fit a neat clutch of credit cards, a lippie and maybe even a cell phone. I came across the purse above on etsy. It’s by an Australian designer Anna Laura and costs a a very happy $12. You'll find other lovely ones at The Curiosity Shoppe (love that they have matching pot holders and neckties!) for $20. And there's a stripy leather one from Anthroplogie with an old fashioned kisslock closure, $38.

Labels: Bags

posted by cerentha harris at 5/23/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY With spring here all things leafy are finding a way into our home. Twigs, blossoms, branches have been influencing designers for a while now. The joy for us is in the combining. Here a cushion covered in Florence Broadhurst’s blossoms echoes the wonderful graphic Algue designed by the ultra talented Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec - it hangs in a double swathe above our three seater couch. We picked up a set of 6 for $30 from San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art. Google Algue and you'll find it all over the place. Other mobiles/wall art I love are: Moon lily branches mobile for $155 from Konrad's and Los Angeles designer Dave Wiseman’s porcelain branches (thank you Grace at design*sponge)

Labels: Art, Floral, Seating

posted by cerentha harris at 5/23/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: Specializing in dishware from diners and restaurants across the country, Fishs Eddy are one of my favorite stores for authentic diner-style dinnerware and flatware. They now offer designs by NY fashion icon Cynthia Rowley as well as a whole range of orignal pieces not to be missed. Check out some of my favorites: Bird in a Tree, Spot on Dinnerware and the classic Dinner Whites.

Labels: Ceramics, Dining

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/23/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY Say ciao to all those plastic bags you drag home from the supermarket…and the paper ones. It seems paper is NOT better than plastic when you factor in the logging, pulping...all that stuff that goes into making paper.What to do? Go canvas. Celebs have embraced the reusable bag with Anya Hindmarch's cotton tote. She's scrawled I'm Not A Plastic Bag on the side, just inc ase you were wondering (available in the US in June). Her website has some interesting details on creating an environmentally friendly product and the impact this bag has had.
My feeling is this is just the beginning. Sydneysiders have been using their green Coles supermarket bags for a few years now. Designers are catching on. Expect to see a lot more of these earth friendly totes. I especially love the one above from Kozyndan.

Labels: Bags, Style

posted by cerentha harris at 5/23/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: I read somewhere – I wish I could remember where, that they described Waterworks as bathroom porn, or something along those lines and I couldn’t agree more! I can’t look through their catalogue without starting to salivate. Utter gorgeousness!

MORE:
Bryan Kerrigan - architectural tile
Waterworks - Echo collection (above)
Ann Sacks - ceramic floor tiles

Labels: BedBath, Sal

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/22/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY We just stumbled across this poster at Giant Robot (on Sawtelle in Los Angeles). A bargain for $20. I love the quirkiness of it. I've always loved the original by Katsushika Hokusai. Now I just have to figure out where to hang it. Dan and Kozy are freelance illustrators with a very nice sense of humour. They did this image for the cover of Giant Robot magazine. Check out the rest of the Kozyndan's work here.

Labels: Art

posted by cerentha harris at 5/22/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: Now I can take no credit for this recipe, I’m just doing my bit to spread the good word! If you’re like me and somewhat finicky about your bread and you like it Tuscan style then you have to give this recipe a go. The transplanting of the dough to the hot dutch over can be tricky, especially if you have small hands like me – that Is where oven gloves have come in mighty handy. Read on and all will become clear…

No-Knead Bread
Adapted from Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery
Time: About 1 1/2 hours plus 14 to 20 hours' rising

3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed.

1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.
2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.
3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.
4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Yield: One 1 1/2-pound loaf.

Labels: Eats

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/21/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY Stationery. There’s something satisfying about the right weight paper, the perfect colour and a simple elegant font. Target, of all places, has some great paper products. I am constantly amazed by their stock (no pun intended). Above is a note card I found today – a pack of 12 was $3.99. I’ve no idea what I’ll use it for but I’m sure they will come in very handy at some point. Other cool paper places: Petite Prints stamp paper with your silhouette. Sounds uncool but somehow it’s not. $48 for 28 cards. Love the palm leaf design at iomoi - $65 for 20 flat cards with lined envelopes.

Labels: Stationery

posted by cerentha harris at 5/21/2007 0 Comments

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The Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens art show is a mixed event - with a broad range of styles and talents. This year seemed larger than ever, with some really interesting artists displaying their work. Kelly Viss above I particularly enjoyed. She describes her work on her site: "The images are concrete, but should disintegrate as the viewer approaches, revealing the abstract soul within." Nice!

MORE:
Caroline Jones
Gabrielle Anderman
Kelly Viss
Timothy Wampler
Gerald Schwarz

Labels: Art

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/20/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY Agave seem so 90s but throw a couple of lovely stripey ones into the mix, add a few red hot pokers and a soft gray concrete wall and – voila, a whole new feel. I love the strong lines of this plant. Imagine this garden in 5 years…it’s going to look even better. Here's a few online garden centers that will satisfy all your succulent needs: yuccado.com has this striped agave for $15; buy red hot poker for $16 at plandelights.com; Check out ebay for lots and lots and lots of agave.

Labels: Outdoor, Plants

posted by cerentha harris at 5/20/2007 0 Comments

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As summer approaches, our minds turn to our gardens and the outside and the time comes to decide just how serviceable that rusting dining set really is! We've spotted some gorgeous new designs out there for outside dining that offer something a bit more unusual than your average teak and umbrella combo.

MORE:
Design Within Reach - Super sleek Deneb table and bench
Room & Board - Take a pew in the elegant Mariposa chair

Labels: Dining, Furniture, Outdoor

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/19/2007 0 Comments

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posted by cerentha harris at 5/18/2007

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SAL: In this digital age we live in, saving and recording every bit of your family's history is something we all take for granted, but it can be an overwhelming amount of data. Take a step back to something a little more traditional and save your family's story in a Good Stock Book. Tell your family story to these good folks and they'll save it for posterity in a handcrafted, personalized book which includes a family tree, vignettes about family members, and vintage illustrations. Some other great alternatives include these beautiful wallpaper-covered handmade journals from Freshly Blended and the all-new Martha Stewart Crafts has some classy scrapbooking projects.

Labels: Stationery

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/18/2007

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The lastest issue of Dwell ran an ad for Heath Ceramics that made me want to renovate my bathroom. The tiles are simply great. They are subway inspired rectangles but in the most wonderufl colours. And each one looks a little different from the others. A bespoke bathroom to truly relax in.

Labels: BedBath, Sal

posted by cerentha harris at 5/17/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: We all love beautiful flowers in the home, they bring warmth and color into the most austere of rooms. You can start by checking out your local antiques market for vintage millinery flowers. The ones pictured above were discovered by a dealer in an old warehouse in Germany, but Ebay often has some great finds. Combine them with these beautiful Sanibel vases from Crate and Barrel or again check out Ebay for vintage glass bottles which make great bud vases, perfect for drawing the eye to those forgotten unloved corners of the house.

Labels: Floral, Vintage

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/15/2007 0 Comments

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About Sal:

Sal began her career in Melbourne Australia as an Entertainment/Arts editor for an up and coming Internet start up called Looksmart. Since then she has worked for a number of leading Web portals, mainly in the Entertainment space. Sal most recently worked as a senior executive at Yahoo! Entertainment. Design has always been a passion for Sal, she has rebuilt her house from the ground-up and is now about to start a second building project, working with one of LA's leading architects David Thompson of Assembledge. Sal is married with two rambunctious children.

About Cerentha:

Cerentha is a Sydney-based journalist. For the last 10 years she has worked at the Sydney Morning Herald as a writer and editor. Her career started in New York as managing editor of the Political Science Quarterly. She immersed herself in all things political for 3 years. Then a friend offered her a job at Martha Stewart Living as a researcher – an offer to good to refuse. She went on to work at George Magazine. In 1996 she moved back to Sydney, began writing and editing at the Sydney Morning Herald. In 2001 she edited, Domain: Houses Inside and Out and in 2002 she wrote The Penguin Book of Keeping House. Somehow in amongst all that she got married and has two kids.

For both Harry and Sal, this blog is their dream job. They get to cover everything they love without answering to anyone but each other!

Labels: Harry, Sal

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 5/14/2007

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