Design Debate

  Such an unusual approach in architecture, but one as a fellow creative I must say really appeals. Having total control from start to finish can be a luxury in the design world but architects Chan & Eayrs ensure just that. Like their latest project in a converted former shoe factory in Shoreditch, London. First they find the site and then live - sometimes camp - in it a while. Next they strip it back to the integrity of the building and re-imagine the space. One project at a time, Chan & Eayrs can really understand the light of the place, how the space is best used and then go far and wide to find just the right materials, objects and furniture to craft a truly unique home. Then the project is sold for a fare penny, this one named the Beldi, at £3,200,00. The Beldi is a breath of fresh air from the madness of London just below. Soft natural wood accompanies calming green plastered walls and handmade tiles. Light and airy, the space feels like ...

Nicely done, I just came across the branding for the Birmingham Design Festival and thought it was worth sharing. Simple in concept but full of that Midlands friendliness and personality.  The word 'forward' has accompanied the city's coat of arms since 1838 and lent itself perfectly to such an event. Using a main colour palette of grey and blue, accents of yellow, red and green were introduced to add to the vibrancy and energy of the brand.  I always love the application part of a branding project and the merchandise here looks great. With one of the designers, Luke Tonge, being a fellow Falmouth graduate I had to share! See more at ID .    

    Ooo these look lovely. I love a vintage car, they just encourage you to gaze, to stare and appreciate every line and curve. The beauty of these drawings is that they invite you to stay a while longer and take in every inch of the craftsmanship and skill.  Italian artist and photographer Alessandro Paglia has really captured the spirit of these classic pieces of design, all through hours of detailed pen work. His subjects range from a 1937 Bugatti Atlantic Type 57 to a 1970 Lamborghini Miura.  More than photography, Paglia's drawings are hyper-real making use of the paper's texture and creating artworks that go beyond black and white.  originally found at The Cool Hunter . 

Here's some colourful design to brighten up your Tuesday! Have you heard of the company Izzy Wheels? Taking the world by storm, Izzy Wheels was set by one sister for another, a way to empower and personalise her wheelchair. Ailbhe wanted to create a way for her sister Izzy to express who she is and her bubbly personality through her wheelchair. What started out as a college project has become a product line featured in Vogue and winning 10 awards. The wheelchair covers are designed by different artists in bright and eye-catching colours and patterns. Ailbhe says that her sister and many others see their wheelchairs as aiding their freedom, something that shouldn't look so clinical and cold but should be celebrated. Their catch phrase is "If you can't stand up, stand out"! You can check out their latest range online and read an interview with Ailbhe at Design Sponge .  

    I think you could almost put anything on this site and it wouldn't take away from that wow location. Thankfully though the designer owners chose McLean Quinlan architects and together created an elegant home that merges the best of an American cabin and a European chalet. What a view, it is just so breathtaking - in the true sense of that phrase! The building frames the view very honestly, understanding it is merely the frame to that work of art. Simple, honest and natural materials are used creating a calming and minimal space. My experience of coming face to face with mountains his how they give you a welcome dose of perspective. Problems shrink, calm descends and the babbling stops.  The owners and the architects here have created a home that is confident, it doesn't need to shout or vie for attention. The building is a strong, a secure embrace. A place to watch the clouds run over the steadfast landscape and to savour the ever ch...

In Cincinnati, USA you can find Sartre , the new restaurant attached to the Rhinegiest brewery. The interior has been designed by Lauren Geremia and its beautiful. The perfect balance of old and new. From the curved olive green upholstered benches to the exposed brick and polished brass. The reclaimed bar was a real find and Lauren has cleverly lowered the ceiling in places softening the noise.  So many textures add to the feeling the restaurant is established, though it was an empty room when they started. Its the details that reinforce the feeling of quality, right down to the leather coasters!    

Watercolours can often be thought of as subtle, perhaps lacking impact in some cases - not so with the artworks of Ben Norris . The American brought a depth and vitality to his paintings which I really enjoy. Living from 1910 to 2006, Norris mainly stayed and taught in Hawaii, and was quite influential amongst his peers.  I adore how Norris brings out the pattern in his chosen landscapes. They feel all up close and personal, I can loose myself in those vivid greens!