Design Debate

I recently came across the home of Richard Shapiro, antiques dealer and head of Studiolo . I just love how he successfully blends antiques from all periods as well as different cultures into a high-end modern home, so seamlessly. This Malibu home was designed along with architect Douglas Burdge. The steel windows open to a view of the Pacific Ocean and frame it perfectly. The living room walls are dressed in frescoed plaster, brining together a 17th century Italian mirror, an antique Cypriot fireplace and 19th century Ghanaian wooden stools. The kitchen is completely minimal but I think the volcanic stone and black lacquer are beautifully brought to life with the flash of green.  Every detail is considered and with such a breath taking setting I think I am definitely feeling a little home envy! Originally post from Architectural Digest .

I absolutely adore this new ombre wallpaper from Sandberg. The Swedish brand have captured beautifully the landscape at dawn and dusk. These two designs are my favourite, 'Skymning' by Karolina Kroon and 'Gryning' by Sissa Sunding.  They manage to communicate an atmosphere which is really quite peaceful. I love wallpaper and would normally go for a bold graphic print but I am seduced by the watercolour hues in these designs.  There are some lovely bold stripes in the rest of the Carl Collection which are more familiar. The company Sandberg really balances well traditional craftsmanship and fresh modern tastes. They draw all their images by hand; taking inspiration from books, travel, nature, exhibitions and the environment around them.  I am also quite partial to the Raphael wallpaper, it would be like living in a forest! Lovely. One of our clients, Just Fab Design, stock Sandberg in their Launceston showroom. I absolutely love ...

What a great brand for Israeli airline El Al. This well loved traditional airline needed a new brand to introduce their customers to low cost travel. The idea being that choice is key, customers can choose the services they require. UP needed to stand out in a competitive market, and I love the brand Tel Aviv based design company Open created for them.  The bright blue and fluffy clouds are just so positive, they make me feel all happy and secure - good for an airline! Especially though, I like how the brand is applied so consistently. That is one of the parts of my job I love, applying the brand, or as I often refer to it, making it real. I've never had a chance to brand anything as big as an airplane though! Found via ID .

This is a lady with style. Not only do her layered creations speak of graphic boldness but they are intricate, uniform and brilliantly bright. Maud Vantours 's artwork has been used in editorial campaigns, on fashion products and as works of art in galleries. The French born artist and designer has a background in textiles and I think she has a real command of her material. Vantours' website words it well "She sculpts it in 3D layer after layer, by superimposing paper and colours to create inspired patterns in volume". I first saw her work on This is Colossal   and I felt it needed further exploring, and of course sharing with you! Oh and I love her promo picture too, super stylish.    

I came across this really beautiful brand at the Dieline . Gimsel, based in Rotterdam, is an organic supermarket that began 25 years ago. Recently they approached Studio Beige to create a new brand.  I just love the colours, stock and layout of the business cards, so Dutch in design. The illustrations are perfectly concise and neat. The retro feel is continued throughout the store and printed material. The layout and photography reminds me of some of the cookery books I have at home! The website is bang up to date though with large photographs encouraging those taste buds. The whole brand is quite moreish.  

Smart, very smart. A table that not only looks stylish but also has a very clever function. The 'Current Table' by Marjam van Aubel creates its own energy. The piece of furniture gathers energy from daylight to charge appliances like lamps, computers and phones.  The glass top consists of a dye synthesised solar cell, borrowing from photosynthesis and colour properties to create an electrical current. The beauty of this technology though is that it doesn't need direct sunlight to create its power, just diffused light.  Dutch designer Marjam has created previous to this table other furniture that gleans the sun's energy. She created units that draw energy from the daylight with glasses acting as cells.  I do think though the 'Current Table' takes this concept further. A very useful function and beautiful form.  Read more at Design Boom .