Off-Beat Market: Colin Schaelli

Its Friday and time for another Off-beat market. Check out the furniture of Colin Schaelli. Honestly, these images say it all and don't need me to add much more. Wow!

I posted this photo on my Tumblr site and it sort of stuck in my mind. I had to research where it came from and was glad to find this fantastically minimal series of furnishings. 

Occasionally, I'm asked why something as stark as this furniture; appeals to me. What about some color or decorative details? Here's the thing, when there is a beautiful form without too much decoration, my  imagination has the freedom to fill in the details. An overly decorated piece can become static in a way, it is what it is. Is this making sense or am I rambling? Maybe, I just don't like being told what to think:) I would love to know how some of you feel about this.

Dreaming of The Black Pearl

I know what you're thinking. "Oh, the Johnny Depp dreams again". Who me? Never...o.k. maybe. But that really isn't what I meant, by this title. Its actually the name of this gorgeous townhome  in Rotterdam. A total reformation of this century old building has resulted in an amazingly innovative home. I think my favorite detail is the bright green wall on the exterior. It looks like some sort of fabric, but I wasn't able to find any info. about it. Its awesome, though!!

The unusual details in this house are worth studying for a while. Especially if you need some ideas to kick you in the pants!  Find more info. at We Heart , Studio Rolf. fr , and one of my new favorite blogs The Best Part  .

Too Cool For School

This article from the New York Times, caught my eye today. Two New York designers decided to take a simple and clean approach to designing their East Hampton home. Their inspiration was the practical decor of a school building. I love this concept because it combines minimalism, modernism, and practicality. Of course, I never went to a school that looked this fabulous...but you get the picture;)

Outdoor Living, Down Under

Bringing the outdoors, in. I love that phrase, because it conjures up wonderful images in my mind. Images like this Australian home. Having easier access to the nature seems like the only way to live!

This kitchen is KILLER! The lines and those stairs...ahhh!!

Now, I do have to admit that I'm not really sold on the red bath. In concept, its cool but I don't know. That color is kind of throwing me off. How do you guys feel about it?

Despite the bath, I still want this home! Check out more pictures here.

Friday Favorite

Hello all! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Still struggling to be inspired.
I did want to share these beautiful photos I found today. So much beauty in such simplicity. I can't tell you where they came from, but I can tell you that I found them on a blog I am really loving right now. Its called Either the Drapes Go Or I Do. I couldn't resist that name and I'm so glad I found it. Perhaps for now I will enjoy other people's inspiration.
Have A Great Weekend!!

The Perfect View

This week I'm dreaming about a Mid-century home that is like a tree house for grown-ups and a tribute to the work of A. Quincy Jones.
It looks like it is made mostly of glass, but set in the beautiful environment of Santa Monica; who can question it?

I ADORE these beautiful shiny floors. I realize they have to be waxed, but it would be worth it.

In The Details

Sorry to leave all you on such a sad note for so many days. I will be away from home for several days, and spent the last two on the road. Until I get back with more inspiration, here is a tiny detail that I love. I don't know if this is a decal or paint, but doesn't make the room? God is in the details they say.

Mas Amor

(Translation: More Love)
I know many of you loved this incredible work space as much as I did. Dezeen posted a more extensive article with additional photos and an interview with the architect...just one problem. The interview is in Spanish, so you might need a translator. Its got great photos though!

Office With A View

Personally, I am not the cubicle type; but for this office space I might change my mind.

This incredible space is the office of Spanish architect Selgas Cano. I always feel inspired when sitting outside admiring nature. A work space like this probably overflows with creative ideas. Read more here.

This Just In....

At this precise moment, I am obsessing over this dining room.
More news later.

(Found via Deco-Inspiracion and Houzz)

A Woman's Point of View: Carol Isaak Barden

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Houston developer Carol Barden. It was an interesting series of events that got us in touch. Several weeks ago I posted photos of one of my favorite Houston homes that is on the market. The photos were picked up by several other sites which brought them to the attention of Carol. Why is this significant, you ask. Well, Carol is responsible for saving the home from the scrap heap several years ago. Swamplot wrote an interesting article breaking down the time line. So, we got in touch and I got the opportunity to visit with a fascinating woman with strong convictions on what makes a house a home.

As the developer, Barden conceives of every new project and then infuses her personal touches throughout the space. Several details I like in her homes, are first, the importance of nature. When a new home is ready to be built, existing trees are left standing. This is not something that is done nearly enough in Houston. Also, windows are placed to allow the homeowners to actually enjoy the beautiful greenery. This doesn't sound like an Earth shattering idea and yet many builders never actually do that! Perhaps my favorite details are the natural feeling brought inside via natural materials and textures. For someone who loves texture and earthy colors as much as I do, these homes really entice me:)

Carol believes women have a natural advantage when it comes to building and designing homes because they can visualize all the small details that a home needs. For example, the idea of having natural light in a bathroom for applying makeup. Separate vanities in the master bath, so couples don't have to watch each other spitting into the sink every day. Hey, we gotta keep some of the romance alive somehow! Barden's company is especially known for their beautiful and well thought out kitchens. Of course, designed with real people who cook in mind.

The Wabi Sabi house is one of Barden's most recent projects that garnered a lot of attention. It was based on the ancient Japanese concept of essentially finding beauty in imperfection. Personally, I am a believer in this concept and I'm sure many readers would not be surprised to know that about me;) If you are unfamiliar with the concept of Wabi-sabi, I highly recommend studying it.

This beautiful home was completed so succesfully that Carol already has a second one in the works. It should be scheduled to finish in the fall of '09 and I can't wait to see it! Hope you find these photos as inspiring as I do and have a great weekend, everyone.

Whiter Whites.

Glossy, bright, fresh, and light. I love all those words and they describe this kitchen well! This all white
color scheme is modern and timeless. I can imagine myself making a sparkling pitcher of lemonade along w/ a brightly colored salad in this fun place. Yummy! I wonder if this kitchen would help me lose weight?
Hmmm?

Will Someone Come To The Rescue?

Talk about a diamond in the rough! This house is listed as one that can be renovated,
or "build your own dream". In Houston that means this house's time is ticking!
It has a hefty price tag, but it is gorgeous.

This is such a great kitchen. If only it could be saved from the unfortunate slate floor.

So many wonderful possibilities!!

If I Could

Live out my dreams, I would definitely own these beautiful pieces.
Thanks to Me Melodia, for reminding me of this site. Do any of you remember this house?