Harry and Sal's Design Blog

HARRY: I am loving all things Thomas Paul at the moment. Velocity has a bunch of his stuff. The tray (below) is made from melamine and it's only $18. I also think the lacy gothic plates are fantastic. It jumps on the lace trend without being too girly.

Labels: Ceramics, Dining, Harry

posted by cerentha harris at 11/27/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Maarten Baptist of WAT Design came up with the elegant flatware pictured above. It's called Open Air and is made of high grade steel. It's $185 for 6 table settings. Sounds reasonable to me. Check out Core77's wrap up of Danish designers, including Baptist. Joost Wever's stuff is fantastic. I love the watering can (below) and the clothes rack. Nice clean smart design. Lovely.

Labels: Dining, Harry, Kitchen, Outdoor

posted by cerentha harris at 11/02/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: It's dinner time and I've got two hungry grumpy kids so this is a real quick one. Couldn't resist these recycled melamine plates. How cool are they! I love the segmented dinner plates and the simple little tumblers. Perfect for picnics, bbqs or the kids.

Labels: BBQ, Dining, Green, Harry, Outdoor

posted by cerentha harris at 10/28/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: Apologies dear reader for the sparseness of our postings in recent days, we've been experiencing some technical difficulties, and add to that poor Harry was laid low with a wicked flu! But, onward... I've been meaning to write about this table for a couple of weeks now. DWR have introduced a new rosewood top to celebrate the anniversary of Eero Saarinen's pedastal collection. They are built from all sustainable materials and feature a nifty medallion on the bottom to remind us how special they are!

Labels: 711, Dining, Furniture

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 9/23/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: More Maine goodies. Geoffrey Warner is another Maine artist whose work I really enjoyed. Geoffrey's range of furniture features some exquisite cabinetry that you can see above, as well as including tables, desks, chairs, lamps and even mobiles. I really love the walnut stool, that's some impressive joinery! There is a distinct folk art influence to many of his designs, which I'm not such a fan of and even a Craftsman feel to some of the pieces, but there are also some really beautiful, simple pieces that have an effortless elegance. Enjoy!

Labels: Dining, Furniture, Sal

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 8/30/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Yippeeee...Sal is back! So nice to hear from her. I'm looking forward to hearing about her Maine finds. My endless search for the perfect coffee/dining table continues. I love these ones at Orange22. Sleek and slightly girly with that floral cut out. Nice combination of high design and craftiness. Trawling through Target I found the Linear coffee table that Urban Outfitters also sells. They've also got a nice round table in the Linear range with all the same positive attributes (enviromentally sound and inexpensive). At the higher end there's this cool wire and glass table. I like the busyness of the wire...it's new at DWR. I've been seeing a lot of this wire stuff in magazines.

Labels: Dining, Furniture, Harry

posted by cerentha harris at 8/29/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY I got an elegant Stelton tray for mother's day this year. I really enjoy using it but for some things it is too small. It certainly doesn't cut it as a breakfast-in-bed tray. I found these lovely Deadly Squire trays yesterday (above top). I also like these bent bamboo trays from Portland-based Michael Arras that I found on etsy. And I am quite partial to these Marimekko trays. Then there is always Offi's walnut tray (above bottom) that seems the most table-like of the lot.

Labels: 94, Dining, Harry

posted by cerentha harris at 8/26/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY I've long been an admirer of Karim Rashid. There's a joy and exuberance to the Canadian designer's work - I'm thinking especially of his chairs (check out the blue Butterfly chair he designed for Magis). He recently opened an online store where you can peruse all his wares. But if you want to buy check out modernretro. They've got a great collection of design items and not only do they seem to sell things a little cheaper than everyone else, they are also having a sale on all their vases - including Rashid's 2002 "Rim" bud vase (it doubles as a candle holder).

Labels: Dining, Harry, Kitchen, Ornaments, Seating

posted by cerentha harris at 8/22/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY For the first time in over two centuries Royal Copenhagen has created a service in black. They are clearly trying to capture a younger market with the Mega series. (A bit like Wedgewood's dalliance with Jasper Conran and more recently Vera Wang). And I have to say they've got me. I like the abstract floral pattern and I love the matt black beakers (although I can hear my friend Ruth frowning at all that depressing black!) I've been looking for dinner plates and these just may be it.

Labels: Ceramics, Dining, Harry

posted by cerentha harris at 8/20/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY I had a very busy week! I met with Louise Olsen and Liane Rossler, the women from Dinosaur Designs. Their new homeware ranges are gorgeous - very organic and feminine. They've also done a rather masculine chess set that could be perfect for father's day (in Australia that's September 2). What I fell totally in lust with were their hand blown glass. I love that drop of colour suspended in crystal clear glass. The good news for those in LA is Dinosaur Designs is now stocked by Sheila on Melrose.

Labels: Ceramics, Dining, Floral, Harry

posted by cerentha harris at 8/17/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: You can always look to Ikea to come up with an inexpensive take on a modern classic. The Docksta dining table is very simple and elegant with a nod to the space-obsessed aesthetic so popular in the 1950s. It's a perfect breakfast table for a small kitchen corner and comes at an unbelievable price of $149! With such a saving you could then splash out for some Eames plywood dining chairs which would look great with this, or the Boxy chair on Room and Board would also look cool. But if you are watching that budget, Ikea's Gilbert chairs below are a steal at $49.

Labels: 711, Dining, Sal

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 8/14/2007 1 Comments

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HARRY: I'm strangely drawn to all things yellow right now. This striped crystal tumbler is so lovely - part of Barney's own range, that also includes some rather cool black crystal high ball glasses. Black and blue are all over the interiors magazines here in Sydney (I wish they had better website so I could link to them for you). It's cropping up in homewares and on walls and rugs. My feeling is we'll be seeing a lot of purples, blues and blacks in interiors. Check out Pantone - the colour gurus - website for some inspiration. And Colourlovers has some lovely combos (plus an interesting blog). And of course there is the queen of color (and trends) forecasting, Li Edelkoort (I want to look just like her when I'm a bit older).

Labels: Dining, Furniture, Harry, Walls

posted by cerentha harris at 8/03/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: I don't expect to find cool stuff at Neiman Marcus but I really like this picnic set. The cups and plates look like Missoni might have a hand in the design. And the backpack has a detachable wine holder - what's not to love. For more picnic basket choices check out Target...they've got a huge range. I also like the idea of taking a stripy canvas bag from QuelObjet and packing it with your own picnic essentials. With the weather warming up in Sydney and already lovely and sunny in Los Angeles I think a picnic is perfect in either hemisphere.

Labels: Dining, Harry, Outdoor

posted by cerentha harris at 7/26/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: The mix of luxury and function is what turns this teapot into something so very covetable. Chic Italian architect and designer Paola Navone has taken a classic Victorian design and updated it by dipping the piece in high-grade platinum. Lush. The Gingerbread collection she designed for Lando is also extraordinary. Those shelves are just too cool. Her stuff is available in the States and Australia. Also check out the Oprah story on Navone. She does an amazing open house each year at her home in Milan. I want to go to that party! And Treehugger has done a great bit on her rattan pieces. For a look at her most recent work - the Gray collection for Gervasoni - check out Stylepark's site. It launched in Milan this year.

Labels: Ceramics, Dining, Furniture, Kitchen

posted by cerentha harris at 7/25/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: Continuing on the theme of table accessories, there are some novel approaches beyond conventional napkins, placemats and tablecloths. A favorite local store of Harry and mine here in Venice, that also has a great online presence is the Japanese boutique Tortoise. They have a collection of Japanese hand dyed cloths called Tenugui that can be used for a multitude of purposes. In times past they served as everything from a bandage, to towel to handkerchief. You could use them for napkins, or just use the fabric for accent color in your home as these are really beautiful designs.

Labels: 711, Dining, Japanese, Kitchen, Sal, Textiles

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 7/24/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Today the contents of our house is being wrapped and boxed and packed into a container (they are still deciding if it's 20 or 40 foot) and loaded onto a ship. It will arrive in Sydney sometime in September. So I am just a little distracted! I did want to post this great ceramic artist before we packed up the modem. An email from Scott Rench arrived a while back and both Sal and I loved his work. It's smart and beautiful. I especially love the limited edition mugs (or cups as you call them in the U.S). His day job is in advertising, which he fell into when he realised he knew more about design than a lot of the design majors at university. He makes stuff specifically to sell on his online store but he also does custom work. The cups for $12 seem like a good way to buy an original piece!

Labels: Art, Ceramics, Dining

posted by cerentha harris at 7/17/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: It's wrong, I know, to love a dining chair. But I do love my Eames DCM. Sal posted her new tag (711) for their house renovation - we will also be renovating our place in Sydney. We're working with great architects and can't wait to get started. And, although it wont begin til next year (2008) we've still managed to start shopping for a house that only appears on paper. I'll tag my stuff 94 (our house number) so you'll have an idea of what we're collecting. When we moved to LA two years ago we bought these DCM chairs for the new house in Sydney. Hilarious. But we needed an excuse to spend that much money. They were worth every penny. They are so comfortable and they look like a piece of sculpture. What more could you ask for from a chair? Best of all Herman Miller is releasing them in new colours this fall - imagine the chair in purple?

Labels: 94, Dining, Furniture, Kitchen, Seating

posted by cerentha harris at 7/16/2007 1 Comments

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HARRY: My two favourite streets in Los Angeles for walking, eating and shopping are Abbot Kinney in Venice and Third Street in West Hollywood (the blocks between La Cienega and Fairfax). One of my all time faves on Third is Zipper. The owners, Steve Saden and Elizabeth Cashour, describe it as a modernist general store and, in 1993, they were one of the first to open on Third. I love their eclectic design eye (and the bowl of chocolate covered sunflower seeds by the cash register). This delicate spun metal nest and porcelain egg is just lovely. A little sculpture for your bookshelves. And at $30 it's not going to break the bank. Best spot to eat? Try the recently opened and very French Little Next Door ... delicious baguettes and excellent coffee (the wild mushroom Eggs Benedict is also amazing). Enjoy!

Labels: Ceramics, Dining, Eats, Furniture, Textiles

posted by cerentha harris at 7/14/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Another great non-plastic bag. I came across this linen one, from Swedish designer Lotta Jansdotter, on Greener Grass Design. The simple leaf design reminds me of those beautiful round-leaf eucalyptus trees (does anyone know the name of these gems?) Jansdotter has repeated the same pattern on a runner, place mats, napkins, coasters and porcelain plates. She's also designed some lovely stationery. Check out the journals with their sweet pale green sprouts.

Labels: Art, Bags, Dining, Stationery, Style

posted by cerentha harris at 7/13/2007 2 Comments

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HARRY: Going green seems to be on everyone's mind right now. There was an interesting story by Anne Raver in the NYT's on a bamboo grower in Washington who has figured out a way to grow bamboo from test tubes. Supposedly this tenacious plant is in short supply because it's hard to propagate. Environmentalists are dubbing bamboo the new "it" plant because (once you get it going) it thrives without pesticides, grows quickly, pumps oxygen back into the atmosphere and its porous fibers make a cloth as soft as silk. Plus there's a whole wonderful range of homewares that are crafted from this versatile wood. West Elm has a bunch of bamboo products including bamboo/cotton sheets. I also found Bambu - naf name, but a great site. They sell through places like Sur la Table and have just opened their own online store. Go on, go green with style.

Labels: Dining, Kitchen

posted by cerentha harris at 7/11/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Whimsy Press is such a great name for a stationery site. It took Sal and I a long time to come up with our name so I have a lot of respect for those sites who get it right. It's harder than you think! Whimsy is a collection of designers who also have an ad agency. They came up with a line of double-sided wrapping paper which they've morphed into a slew of cool products that includes these placemats. Besides looking good, they're also a bargain - you get a pack of 8 for $9. Also make sure you check out their wrapping tips for inspiration.

Labels: Art, Dining, Kitchen, Stationery

posted by cerentha harris at 7/10/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Actually this chair isn't heavy at all...just at a loss this morning when it comes to pithy headlines. But it is a great outdoor chair I found on the Conran site. And if you're like me and want your outdoor stuff to be no fuss and stay outdoors then this chair is perfection. The powder coated steel doesn't rust (unless you scratch the paint) and it wipes down with a cloth. I wish all my furniture was that easy. While you're on the Conran site check out the cool new outdoor lanterns.

Labels: Dining, Furniture, Kitchen, Lighting, Outdoor

posted by cerentha harris at 7/07/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: New York magazine ran the classic 'what will be hot' story a few months ago. One of the things I loved were the great pics. Check out these shots of Domino editor, Deborah Needleman's, home (supposedly Domino is the next House & Garden). I love the high ceilings and those lovely big globe light shades. I like the paper one - a good inexpensive solution.

Labels: Architecture, Dining, Harry, Lighting

posted by cerentha harris at 7/04/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: There are certain online stores that I feel honor-bound to check out at least once a week to see what new delights lie in store. One of these gems is Clio Home, which always has a good selection of new and interesting work, from a truly diverse collection of designers. I especially love these porcelain Signe Tealight Holders that I also spotted last week in Weego Home. Also worth checking out is the very pretty Rikke Jug, as well as the Black Forest Dinnerware.

Labels: Ceramics, Dining

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 7/02/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: No, this isn't a print. Although I guess you could frame it. It's a teatowel and I do love a good teatowel. It must to be absorbent - I hate the ones that just seem to shift the water around. And it's a plus if it also looks good. These cotton French ones look absolutely luscious. A perfect injection of colour into an all-white kitchen. At $18 they wont break the bank either.

Labels: Dining, Kitchen, Textiles

posted by cerentha harris at 6/29/2007 0 Comments

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SAL: I have to admit, I've always been somewhat of a pleb when it comes to wine, kind of comes down to, if I like it I'll drink it. However, that being said, a recent birthday gift turned me on to the value of decanting your pour before imbibing. It rounds out the edges and has proven well-worth the effort with vintages of every caliber since. There is a huge variety of decanters out there, it seems I'm not the only one to have cottoned on to this idea! Suede Box, above, have an elegant solution, but it comes at a none too elegant price at $250! I found some equally attractive alternatives over at Crate and Barrel and Clio has a beautiful selection also.

Labels: Dining, Eats

posted by Sal Taylor Kydd at 6/26/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Tse & Tse is the brilliant collaboration of French designers Catherine Levy and Sigolene Prebois. Not only do they have the best dinnerware on the planet (check it out and see if you disagree!), they also have a very cool and whimsical website. So French. So very desirable. Right now my favourites are the Hungry bowls followed closely by the Thirsty Stemmed Glasses (the white ones lined with gold).

Labels: Dining, Kitchen

posted by cerentha harris at 6/26/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: Philippe Starck has come up with a range of plastic dinnerware. The clever platter has a spike that holds glasses and bowls in place. Sleek and durable they come in gold or silver. I love the idea of packing a summer picnic and using these stylish utensils. Thank you Daily Olive for that great find.

Labels: BBQ, Dining

posted by cerentha harris at 6/25/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: OK, so here is another family member with a great eye for design - my brother. Sam is a cabinet maker and works with some of the best architects in Sydney. He also occasionally makes furniture for his bossy sister. He has finally put together a website. I love that he graduated from Sydney University after majoring in psychology and philosophy and then ended up working with his hands. This is a pic of my old apartment in Rushcutters Bay in Sydney. My husband and I decided to renovate when I was pregnant and I think Sam was still working on it as I was driven home from the hospital with Jack! Phil Moore, a lovely Sydney architect, did the design. We moved to a house in Leichhardt when Jack was around 2. I was so sad to leave that lovely little apartment. (My dad made the dining table...but that's a whole other story!)

Labels: Dining, Furniture

posted by cerentha harris at 6/21/2007 0 Comments

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HARRY: One of the things I will miss about Los Angeles is the great shopping. I was at HD Buttercup today (returning a birthday present) and it is packed to the rafters with great homewares and furniture. And such good prices. The wonderful old factory in Culver City is now filled with over 50 manufacturers who sell directly to the public - they call it manutailing. Not particularly catchy, but a good idea. Cut out the middleman and keep prices down. I love the furniture at Floor-Model - you can see from the pic that it's lots of mid-century Danish and Swedish stuff. They also have great sales - check their website for details.

Labels: Dining, Furniture, Outdoor, Seating, Vintage

posted by cerentha harris at 6/19/2007 0 Comments

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