Inspired

Here's hoping the stairway of No.8 will end up looking something like this classic beauty!

Michele Bonan is the creative force behind this work and an architect & interior designer whose work I admire and find incredibly inspiring. The JK Place in Capri, JK Place Firenze, Florence along with the Heidelberg Suites in Germany (from which this image is taken) are just some of his notable projects.

...sigh!!

Images via: Heidelberg Suites,  Hotel Chic

This image seriously stopped me in my tracks.

I don't know what it was...the shot of colour from the vintage Eames chair, the striking shell-like centrepiece or that hide (ok-so faux would be better). I think it's just a simple case of all these elements and more make up a pretty spectacular room!

This is the home of interior designer, Marie Olsson Nylander and no wonder it seems to be popping up on so many blogs - it's unbelieveable! The mixture of colours, patterns and textures she's created in her home is the best I've seen in a long time. This image, I hadn't seen, which I found here via Annaleena's blog.

Take a look there too..it's worth it! x

Waxing lyrical

It doesn't take much to get me talking about the work of Jo Berryman and a lot more to get me to stop!!

To my delight, the February issue of Living etc which arrived today features Jo's latest project - The Folly, a 16th century farmhouse in the Cotswolds. Yes, palpitations ensued - this woman has a serious knack for creating amazing spaces!

Jo's enviable style is evident throughout the farmhouse, yet she has remained sympathetic to it's history and her ability to combine antique finds with glamorous touches couldn't work better in such a space.

What's lovely to see are elements of her North London home, such as artwork and select pieces of furniture looking so at home in a distinctly different setting.

The one thing I really admire and which is evident throughout every Matrushka scheme is the extremely effective use of colour. Matt, chalky shades tend to be used as a base creating a blank canvas, and combined with pieces of art and accessories, they really help to bring out the tones and hues of these objects.

...The best part, the Folly is available to rent !!

Yes, long walks in fresh country air followed by evenings by the fire with friends and comforting suppers cooked on the kitchen's Aga can be yours too! I know where I'd like to spend my next weekend away!!

Just the perfect weekend retreat don't you think? x

All images: Matrushka

Industrial dining

How about this for a pop-up?!

This spectacular temporary restaurant set within a live construction site, is the work of London-based architects Carmody Groarke. What makes this restaurant even more interesting is that it was constructed using borrowed materials from the team on site. I love the concept!

Aside from the dramatic location, it's another scheme which proves how the most simple, raw materials can be used to such great effect. I don't know about you, but I would have loved to have spent an evening here overlooking the surrounding London skyline. I also thought what an amazing space for a wedding reception - as long as none of your guests suffer from vertigo that is!!!!

Found over at the blog of another talented London-based design practice, B3 Designers.

Must have been in a colorful mood today as this interior caught my eye this morning.

The work of Gwen Driscoll seen over at My Notting Hill.

Loving the lilac and yellow combo!

Marjorie Skouras

No doubt many of you will have seen this beautiful image recently.

I spotted it over at Greige and fell in love with the chandelier instantly...doesn't it work perfectly in that unassuming space?

Oh and just to divert for a sec, take a look at the industrial wedding in today's post over at Greige. Fantastic in every way! Now back to the chandelier (!!) I have to admit, I wasn't aware of the designer right away.

However, a trip to the lovely Ada & Darcy proved very informative and led me to Marjorie Skouras and more of these beauties in plenty of colourways.

Equally lovely interior accessories too...

...and images of her beautiful chandeliers used in her own interior schemes.

Footloose and clutter free

Today was spent tying up a few loose ends before the weekend and organising some files on my laptop.

It's good to have a de-clutter once in a while and I always find it de-clutters my brain at the same time! I especially  love this image above...it makes me feel calm and collected...the simplicity of the materials, the monochrome palette and the addition of that amazing rug for a little bit of 'wow'! Have a lovely weekend! x 

Image: via Desire To Inspire

Diamond in the rough

I'm loving the Rough Luxe hotel in London, the latest interior scheme by internationally acclaimed designer, Rabih Hage. No gimmicks....just exactly what it say's on the tin! Whilst we're heading down to London at the end of next month, we'll be resting our weary heads in our lovely friend's flat in Notting Hill post carnival festivities!! I'd love to have a good old nosey round this place too! Thanks ej for telling me about this one! x

All images: Rough Luxe

Jo Berryman

Do you ever have days where you could just pack up your belongings and move straight in to someone else's home? Well, if they let you that is! Today, I am having one of those days. May I present to you the home of Jo Berryman, owner of interior design and event styling company, Matrushka. 

Many of you may recognise her home from the April 2009 issue of Living etc. I certainly did following yesterday's post and I couldn't resist posting more images today which didn't feature in the magazine. Whilst Jo's North London home exudes contemporary chic, this is also met with a relaxed feel through the use of edgy British design. 

Varying shades of white throughout the ground floor serve as a backdrop to showcase carefully selected furniture pieces and fabulous artwork and photography from the likes of Damien Hirst and Helmut Newton. Jo's styling background and well-honed eye is evident throughout and ornaments and books are displayed in a personal and creative way, making them works of art themselves in each room.  It is not only in her own home that she has perfected this refined yet laid-back look, head on over to the Matrushka website to see more wonderful spaces Jo has created.

All images: Ist Option