Design Debate

I still don't believe it, I mean do you? These 'cardboard' vases held together by 'tape' are actually ceramic, made by French potter Jaques Monneraud . The detail is so spot on, something that looks relatively simple took may hours mixing three different stonewares and testing out just the right glaze for the tape. He totally nailed it. Monneraud explores his 'what if..' ideas on his Instagram account, sometimes the mind wanders and you think, could I make that?  With this project, 'Carton', Monneraud was playing with the idea of not trusting appearances, and says he always liked the idea of unalterable cardboard. Something that looks so temporary and makeshift but is actually substantial and whole.  I love his website as well, beautifully laid out with copy that is light-heartedly written, such as the blurb for Vase No.13 " If you are here, you probably know that this vase is not made of cardboard, but of ceramic. It is turned and shaped entire...

Such a sympathetic and warming renovation I stumbled upon today, I wanted to share it with you. Peter and Rachel Harford-Cross, architects from Glasgow, decided it was time to renovate a prized family abode. This fisherman's cottage once belonged to Peter's grandmother and now passing to his parents, he wanted to carefully introduce some creature comforts without compromising the integrity of this remote island shelter.   The small space has been thoughtfully restored using, where possible, reclaimed items that totally feel at home in a traditional Scottish bothy.  What I particularly like is the clever hide away kitchen, the downstairs is all open plan but having the smooth honey plywood conceal the little kitchenette allows the lounge to feel calmer, tidying any mess away. All the cooking and heating comes from one little stove, a lovely focal point for the room.  The main bedroom has a hidden rail so a curtain can sweep it away for privacy. Up a restored wooden la...