Design Debate

What a lovely space, this now stylish restaurant was once a tax agency in Stockholm, Sweden. Transformed from tiny pokey rooms, the space has been opened up by Richard Lindvall into an impressive space. Many different types of material have been used - concrete, leather, maple wood, black iron - and all brought together with coffee colours, the space is transformed. I especially like the signage at the centre, and what feels like bistro touches with wooden chairs and cosy corners.  The space is naturally bright and I think the ample lighting helps it from feeling too cold. Splashes of green foliage soften the masculine feel. A lovely space and quite a transformation! 

When I look at Lieke van der Vorst's illustration I feel I get a real glimpse into her world. One of chickens, and veg patches and friends, patterns and imagination. I love the deep and thoughtful colours, how she uses pattern and the animals that find themselves invited to the party. Her bears in particular have such character! I just couldn't select which pictures to show you, all so lovely. Liekeland is the label Lieke van der Vorst created for her wares and this lovely mobile vehicle was converted into the shop. From postcards and tote bags, all responsibly sourced and good for the environment.  Found at Design Crush .

I am so impressed by the work of Ron van der Ende . He makes sculptures in relief purely from reclaimed wood and handles perspective masterfully. I think when it comes to art I am always impressed the most by things I know I could never do, and being accurate is not my best skill, I am better at impressions of the world around us. Ron van der Ende manages to create something new and interesting from what others discard and he perfectly represents his subject matter. The patience and time needed must be immense! He says "I am interested in artefacts that have once inspired enthusiasm but that we have come to look upon with indifference. I want to reexamine these objects thoroughly and up close. I want to hold them to the light and see how their meaning has changed." Originally found at Miss Moss .

So when I think of a tree house I think being close to nature, wood and well, being attached to a tree. Jono Williams had other ideas. The Skysphere is his futuristic offering that is actually powered solely by the sun and controlled from his smartphone. Anything futuristic makes me think of the Sixties which is always a little strange thinking retro when looking forward. But this raised pod looks like it could have landed from space. Williams by day is a computer graphic designer but this personal project has really taken off, people are asking if they can have one too! The benefits to William's treehouse are obvious, a 360-degree window means unspoilt views and the structure's design means it can be set up virtually anywhere. The 33-foot tall tower has fingerprint entry and a motorised door, high-speed internet, a rooftop stargazing platform and neon lighting at night. I like how he has incorporated the solar panels and basically what he has...

What a dining experience! Imagine enjoying a meal six meters below the waterline. Subsix restaurant is located in the PER AQUUM Niyama resort in the Maldives and has been transformed by   Poole Associates . The interior is amazing with a ceiling dripping with thousands of strands of capiz shells in waves just like looking  up through the water. The seats are fun and feel like they would be quite at home on the sea bed and the bar is clam-inspired with a fiberglass shell. The lighting shifts throughout the day from pure white to lavender during dinner, and blue into the late night. But all this is of course secondary to the epic view. No matter how captivating your dinner dates' conversation is, your eyes will be drawn to the parrotfish, Moray eels, and butterflyfish or the other 90 coral reef species viewable in the surrounding water.  Found at My Modern Met.  

Sometimes I found the best graphic design projects we do are the ones with the tight briefs, or constrained budgets. I think it can be the same for architecture too.  This residence is in the outskirts of Brussels and is beautiful. Originally wanting to create an ultra-modern concept house, planning restraints meant that much of the original house needed to be preserved. The result though I think is a worthy statement. Designed by architects dmvA the additions are thoughtfully done. The façades of the existing house were painted bright white with two sculptural white shapes added to connect the inside and outside - all linking house, pool and garden. Found at Home Adore .

Today I stumbled upon the work of French illustrator Babeth Lafon . She now lives in Berlin and although starting as a graphic designer and art director her focus has become illustration - and I just love her work. Lafon's illustrations feature in magazines like Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and Ad Magazine.  I think the reason her style so wonderfully works in beauty editorial is her lightness of touch. Her colour palette is reminiscent of those oh so chic French macarons and the solid forms are always complemented by translucent powder, delicate lace or dappled textures.   Sherbet hues with delicate textures make her works memorable and beautiful to behold. Found at Design is mine.