The Best Venue in NZ - a Treehouse Restaurant..

<div style="text-align: center;">Magical.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.yellowtreehouse.co.nz/">The Yellow Treehouse Restaurant</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The challenge put forth by the NZ Yellow Pages: build a restaurant in a tree</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The result by Pacific Environments Architects: stunning architecture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I ever become independently wealthly (read: win the lotto!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I think this is where the bubbly will be poured. Please come :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="945" src="http://www.contemporist.com/photos/yellowtreehouse_08_01.jpg" width="630" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3024" height="420" src="http://devule.com/modern/treehouse-dining-area-design.jpg" title="treehouse dining area design" width="630" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3022" height="945" src="http://devule.com/modern/treehouse-facade-design-image.jpg" title="treehouse facade design image" width="630" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3025" height="945" src="http://devule.com/modern/treehouse-bridge-design-picture.jpg" title="treehouse bridge design picture" width="630" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3021" height="945" src="http://devule.com/modern/treehouse-facade-design.jpg" title="treehouse facade design" width="630" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This beautiful structure sits unused, at the moment..</div><div style="text-align: center;">but it has soared onto my destination wish list.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spectacular, isn't it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">til next time..</div>

The Best Venue in NZ - a Treehouse Restaurant..

Magical. The Yellow Treehouse Restaurant The challenge put forth by the NZ Yellow Pages: build a restaurant in a tree The result by Pacific ...

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Dawn LeBlanc: Unmasking Beauty through Photography

<div style="text-align: center;">I'm not really even sure how to describe these images.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A bit speechless - which is very unusual for me :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Aunt used to press flowers and make her own stationary.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every occasion a handmade card would come in the mail, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the beauty of the most common flowers and foilage was exposed there... </div><div style="text-align: center;"> forever preserved within.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cherished them, tucking those bits of paper away...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thats what these images remind me of.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photographer <b><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/MemberProfile.aspx?MID=91e72840-6ac7-43a9-a0ec-dbc5accad1ec">Dawn LeBlanc</a></b> is documenting nature's exquisite radiance for all of us - </div><div style="text-align: center;">a reminder that we don't always have to create new visual treats,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> we just have to be mindful of the ones we are overlooking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lizanthus in Space</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lizianthus in Space" class="BigImage photo" height="486" id="ctl00_BodyPlaceHolder_largeImage" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/45115a31-08a2-4c90-abcd-e990e007bd32/uploadedartwork/450X450/0cab289a-6f1d-4ac3-96cd-c3bf42aa44c7.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Broken</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Broken" class="BigImage photo" height="640" id="ctl00_BodyPlaceHolder_largeImage" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/45115a31-08a2-4c90-abcd-e990e007bd32/uploadedartwork/450X450/90b22aa1-5f38-4e12-980e-e39a33930395.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="452" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Sprite</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="The Sprite II" class="BigImage photo" height="576" id="ctl00_BodyPlaceHolder_largeImage" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/bd215fcb-6dd6-4b60-9cbe-03062a66bc35/uploadedartwork/450X450/72a24f0e-824d-49d7-b997-79330ed4df23.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="640" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dahlietta in White</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Dahlietta in White" class="BigImage photo" height="640" id="ctl00_BodyPlaceHolder_largeImage" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/46b3cd5f-a40c-44d1-b813-5f4140a50a4d/uploadedartwork/450X450/a11673bf-ce85-471b-9912-cdd595bb653e.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="622" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Leaves I - this was the image that led me to Dawn's work..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Leaves I" class="BigImage photo" id="ctl00_BodyPlaceHolder_largeImage" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8ce0a7e4-f648-4a4e-81ed-710408f81f1d/uploadedartwork/450X450/492495be-740a-46e6-938e-824be01ff8cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and finally.. Red Sunflower, can't you feel it's pride in a job well done?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Red Sunflower" class="BigImage photo" height="640" id="ctl00_BodyPlaceHolder_largeImage" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8ce0a7e4-f648-4a4e-81ed-710408f81f1d/uploadedartwork/450X450/c1015b2a-4ea3-47f3-9b28-2e099ebc8c66.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="439" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Stunning. Open-mouthed gaping.. so wonderful.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow the extended family arrives for a beach day and overnight visit - </div><div style="text-align: center;">catch you on the flipside :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">til next time...</div>

Dawn LeBlanc: Unmasking Beauty through Photography

I'm not really even sure how to describe these images. A bit speechless - which is very unusual for me :) My Aunt used to press flowers ...

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A Sunday Smile.. Poetry at the Beach

<div style="text-align: center;">These make me happy..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229353674494990082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAEu3oGkmq550UHF3WVLAb1oimdCZMWE9iJS6u3UlM7gUpl5T0lyP0_OwURSuSNDe4OJ1P1WLfj4DxQRINjeCvibKAoCrYO2hULeeyMtdzm89pdYudXrfsn74zekSIaWA6UjiY8NCKcHc/s640/DSC03048.JPG" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">part of a larger art installation at Crane Beach, Ipswich, Mass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the poem in it's entirety:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Align<br /><br />This beach has a history of habits.<br />the moon, a constant clock,<br />has always given rise to tides<br />wave by wave<br />the water wakes and sighs<br />shortens the sand<br />lengthens a swim.<br /><br />The wind<br />has always known<br />how to nudge<br />and urge<br />the sand into action,<br />setting a dune on<br />a blade of grass<br />a foothold for<br />more wind<br />tangling the memory of<br />a pitch pine’s roots.<br /><br />The sun signals<br />the terns<br />to journey,<br />a compromise<br />for more daylight.<br />the birds adjust, nest in our tracks,<br />because it makes,<br />for a fledgling,<br />a future.<br /><br />The lee of this chain<br />has been under the guidance<br />of the moon, the wind, and the sun<br />sage counsel to this,<br />our changing beach.<br />These are the habits<br />that a beach can honor.<br /><br />*<br /><br />Our habitat of habit is gilded<br />glossy and glaring,<br />we burn like the sun<br />assert like the wind<br />a pushy moon<br />sere and surge.<br /><br />Our wrack line seedless<br />our water, a faucet left on<br />a cumbersome coil<br />an indirect route<br />a spill.<br /><br />Our errands, bulked up<br />by consumer muscle,<br />not graceful and direct on legs<br />like the plover<br />nothing like the fleeting<br />shadow of wingspan.<br /><br />Our thirst sharper than salt,<br />we need, buy, sell, discard<br />more<br /><br />All<br />to get away<br />for a day like this<br />separate and splendid<br />from indoor life<br />to pretend proportion<br />and feel small against the sea.<br /><br />*<br /><br />To be small again,<br />let morning light illuminate you<br />wave water cleanse you<br />the breeze power you<br />and let your footsteps,<br />a simple shift<br />from sole to sand,<br />fall lighter on this earth.<br /><br />Find a second life<br />for all<br />that you own<br />bury nothing,<br />but let it tumble<br />in a new<br />and useful way<br />bring home only what you need<br />need less.<br /><br />Align with the sun, the wind and the moon<br />in their difficult work<br />to erase our footsteps<br />our surfeit<br />blend in like the plover<br />cast a shorter shadow<br />shift like the dune<br />adopt an inconvenience<br />so that we may keep<br />the sea<br />level.<br /><br />Colleen Michaels<br />April, 2008</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229353876422393170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYrwdzzPUK6sxDU0W0lW2_ikwlUvTYR-oeyDaXTZ3f48_TqZgd2hukEfeQBpRwfz2hTgtNjnztagi9EwlsJQiF3sjsvp86JlkTRXghsLiyfPfOAyuUfB1avIvCMyHlXCidZSPyIfnwIqj/s640/DSC03052.JPG" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Sunday, friends..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">til next time..</div>

A Sunday Smile.. Poetry at the Beach

These make me happy.. part of a larger art installation at Crane Beach, Ipswich, Mass. Here is the poem in it's entirety: Align This bea...

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Eye Spy a Trend: Mixed Material Cabinetry

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For those of us who feel that reclaimed wood isn't quite sleek enough,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and laquered cabinetry is too sleek-</div><div style="text-align: center;"> these beauties have the best of both worlds..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I spotted this on the lovely Ashlina's blog, <b><a href="http://www.thedecorista.com/2010/08/french-fabulous.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SecretsOfDomesticBliss+%28secrets+of+domestic+bliss%29">The Decorista</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://agedandgilded.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5504d31c888330134861e73a9970c-800wi" width="436" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's much to see here, but focus in on those lower cabinets..</div><div style="text-align: center;">that's not a door treatment you see every day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">From French Elle Decor - c'est parfait, non?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another example, for those of who are us white kitchen lovers..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="photo" height="500" src="http://style-files.com/images/kitchenwood500-2.jpg" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://style-files.com/2008/08/19/kitchen-inspiration-2/">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the flipside, wood frames and laquered doors - I LOVE this one:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WxeV2pE_sZKARNuX6Nxlk-31bDnhphJaFHQQdpjnOz1aXnLhyhHwad91bY2mH721TXykuV6vAv5SH_QeJjSkEJm8vC_nMjQhdcc90ZC9omo4EtTHbZH4-I48yRKhI8AIr71PjkOuskY/s400/kitchen+2.jpg" width="387" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.modernests.com/2009/03/kitchen-cabinetry-trend-and-gothic-modern.html">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A whole kitchen is quite a commitment.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps a piece of furniture to update a room?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's loads of mixed bag options floating about:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous wood and leather cabinet.. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Walnut Leather Cabinet" class="hero-image resized bookmark-image" height="400" id="341201" src="http://www.furnitureseen.com/ProductPhotos/Large/walnut%20leather%20cabinet.jpg" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://static1.rumjack.com/images/pictureframe-300.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; height: 288px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 29px; padding-top: 3px; width: 249px;" width="345" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.stylehive.com/bookmark/walnut-leather-cabinet-341201">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sexy Seguro media console from <b><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/living-room-storage/seguro-54%22-media-console/s586229">Crate and Barrel</a></b>..<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPC-61U3EfYGQGSPneLvOyrIDwrmxv7vIpLHgfslz2dBqJ26rEUKPSqXLupKDBq6nVb32tmvufxkrDCvof-k0DVHVncw3Yq5T-RxyFSt6otv9RvLUVi_jMdkySiAzp_P-x0Mpd_6f6-Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-08-19+at+10.29.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPC-61U3EfYGQGSPneLvOyrIDwrmxv7vIpLHgfslz2dBqJ26rEUKPSqXLupKDBq6nVb32tmvufxkrDCvof-k0DVHVncw3Yq5T-RxyFSt6otv9RvLUVi_jMdkySiAzp_P-x0Mpd_6f6-Q/s640/Screen+shot+2010-08-19+at+10.29.32+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Pratt Desk from <b><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/pratt-desk-g152/?pkey=coffice-desks">West Elm</a>..</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><img alt="Pratt Desk" class="photo" height="400" id="hero-image" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/rk/images/wcm/products/201028/0010/img65m.jpg" title="Pratt Desk" width="400" /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <b><a href="http://www.vivavi.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1293">Dandelion Graphic Dresser</a></b> is a decorative take on mixed-materials:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dandelion Graphic Dresser" border="0" height="311" hspace="0" src="http://www.vivavi.com/catalog/images/res/dandelion_dresser_side_six.jpg" title=" Dandelion Graphic Dresser " vspace="0" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few of Ikea's newest products:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mandal Series</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MANDAL 4-drawer chest white Width: 31 1/8 " Depth: 18 7/8 " Height: 40 1/2 " Width: 79 cm Depth: 48 cm Height: 103 cm " border="0" height="250" id="productImg" src="http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/0107524_PE257206_S3.JPG" width="250" /><img alt="MANDAL 6-drawer dresser white Width: 54 3/4 " Depth: 18 7/8 " Height: 31 1/8 " Width: 139 cm Depth: 48 cm Height: 79 cm " border="0" height="250" id="productImg" src="http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/0107525_PE257207_S3.JPG" width="250" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stuva storage combo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="STUVA Storage combination with bench white Width: 118 1/8 " Depth: 19 5/8 " Height: 50 3/8 " Width: 300 cm Depth: 50 cm Height: 128 cm " border="0" height="250" id="productImg" src="http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/0112691_PE264586_S3.JPG" width="250" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and if you fancy a DIY, a so-easy-it-will-take-your-breath-away <b><a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2010/07/semihandmade.html">Ikea hack</a></b>:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="491" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzWk8puQurphnWPzZ9QapQEq2MB089_PKKJ7AZImFZV-vl4CewoT-dIYJo3-1v8t9xMj-eaUEY0pea_4r55GjEXDghif-9V34yDI2okbM4csYMx9ngc40lx3Gxf6ryTXJago_KJRfFWle/s1600/mod3_1-704414.jpg" width="624" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like the contrast of rustic and refined,</div><div style="text-align: center;">smooth and rough,</div><div style="text-align: center;">light and dark.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It makes a space more interesting, yes?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">til next time..</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Eye Spy a Trend: Mixed Material Cabinetry

For those of us who feel that reclaimed wood isn't quite sleek enough,  and laquered cabinetry is too sleek-  these beauties have the be...

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Now Available: Mass Produced Rare Finds

<div style="text-align: center;">I know that I love these pieces.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know that I have always wished I would find one, lurking at the back of some dingy re-sale shop..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but I'm not sure how I feel about having a gorgeous piece that three of my neighbors may have, as well..<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKvqmSYydVZZflVmcQ6rG5jfKdQqTZrh2YizrzbKzHz_Sho4X-nCwxzK9ulZ_49InaO7HJGV3Su2xksOeO1KG7ttgZ2hF47XCcPzYEGuJmbCNheonixj60lFV2QEs62GHnkHf-lB50Ac/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-08-19+at+10.21.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKvqmSYydVZZflVmcQ6rG5jfKdQqTZrh2YizrzbKzHz_Sho4X-nCwxzK9ulZ_49InaO7HJGV3Su2xksOeO1KG7ttgZ2hF47XCcPzYEGuJmbCNheonixj60lFV2QEs62GHnkHf-lB50Ac/s640/Screen+shot+2010-08-19+at+10.21.46+AM.png" width="522" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/index.jsp">Restoration Hardware French Post Office Desk</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Markham Console Bar, Rustic Wheat stain" height="576" id="hero-image" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201029/0020/img77l.jpg" tabindex="0" title="Markham Console Bar, Rustic Wheat stain" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/markham-console-bar/">Pottery Barn Markham Console Bar</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />What are your thoughts?<br /><br />Does the design appeal of these pieces make you want one,<br />despite the fact that they have become decidedly more common?<br /><br />til next time..</div>

Now Available: Mass Produced Rare Finds

I know that I love these pieces. I know that I have always wished I would find one, lurking at the back of some dingy re-sale shop.. but I...

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Finally, A Chic Children's Wallpaper Alternative

<div style="text-align: center;">An Interview with : Victoria Cramsie of <b><a href="http://www.paperboywallpaper.co.uk/wallpaper/hand-made/hand-made-1.html">Paper Boy Wallpaper</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After meeting <b><a href="http://twitter.com/PaperBoyLondon">Victoria Cramsie</a></b> on twitter, I went to her site and was delighted by what I found:</div><div style="text-align: center;">chic wallpapers for kids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An oxymoron you say?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a look, and tell me what you think..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="product-gallery-image" src="http://www.paperboywallpaper.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/b/l/blue_animal-magic-in-situ.jpg" title="" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">no dodgy sports or princess themes here..</div><div style="text-align: center;">instead, an edgy animal themed paper with glossy skeletons amping up the cool factor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She tries on dinosaurs, and comes up with a version that's more Andy Warhol than Sesame Street:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="product-gallery-image" src="http://www.paperboywallpaper.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/r/e/reduced_dyathinkesaurus_green_4_1.jpg" title="" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I asked Victoria if she would mind answering a few questions for the blog, and she graciously obliged..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10: You have created these papers from hand-drawn images - do you have a back ground in design or art?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>VC: No, I don't have a background in design/art.  But I have always had a love of fabrics and wallpaper.  I think we are all able to draw and compose a design.  I work with some really fantastic technicians - Robert who prints my wallpaper and Lousie Hatley who prints my fabric.  It's really important to have found the right people to work with.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">10: Paperboy was inspired by yours sons, Rory and Archie.  Which patterns have they chosen for their rooms?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>VC: Rory and Archie can't seem to make up their minds as to what they would like in their rooms.  Each time they see a new color-way or me drawing a new design they are 'sure' that that is the one they want.  I am just waiting for them to settle firmly on one before committing to it.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10: What is your favourite color combination in a boys room?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>VC: I love silver and purple as a combination for  boys rooms - can you tell from the wallpapers and fabric I have.. I think it suits us all, them and me, to have such sparkly color-ways.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10: What has been your best moment on your Paperboy journey?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>VC: My best moment was seeing the first roll of wall paper.  I cried.  There have been lots of moments like that in the past year.  The first order. The first fabric print.  The first cushion.. endless tears...</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10: What's next for Paperboy?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>VC: What's next.. to get this first collection fully pulled together with wallpaper and fabric sample books.  And then move onto the new designs.  which are all done (in my head) but just need to get into production.  It will be much quicker and simpler he second time.  Perhaps a few less tears of joy, but probably a few less tears of frustration, too.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><img alt="" id="product-gallery-image" src="http://www.paperboywallpaper.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/g/r/gray_hand-made_insitu_1.jpg" title="" width="600" /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fantastic woman, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;">When someone pours their heart and soul into a project it really shows.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you so much, Victoria, for taking the time to answer my questions - hope that you enjoy continued success with PaperBoy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The paper above, called "Hand Made", is my favourite..</div><div style="text-align: center;">high contrast color and silhouettes make for a paper that's imaginative and not at all cutesy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be watching for the next patterns.. won't you?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">til next time..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Finally, A Chic Children's Wallpaper Alternative

An Interview with : Victoria Cramsie of Paper Boy Wallpaper After meeting Victoria Cramsie on twitter, I went to her site and was delighted...

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Attention CEO's: How to Increase Productivity and Raise Spirits in the Office!

<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I showed you some interiors by the <b><a href="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/index.html">DeCesare Group</a></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I want to share some work spaces they designed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Print them off, stash them around the office, maybe someone will get the hint!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/ddg/ddgpics3.jpg" style="text-align: right;" width="640" /><br /><br /><br />creature comforts: these chairs really beat the green and burgundy lovelies that so many offices have floating around..<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/ddg/ddgpics7.jpg" style="text-align: right;" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />reclaimed woods, GORGEOUS doors and chandeliers? Yes please.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/ddg/ddgpics2.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="512" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="" border="0" height="500" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/ddg/ddgpics5.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="447" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Photography studio goodness...<br />those subway signs are destined to go the way of the "keep calm" posters,<br /> but their graphic quality is quite admirable, isn't it?</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/atj_photo/atjpics1.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/atj_photo/atjpics2.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br />Slightly softer in the office area - oatmeal linen and walls, warm tones in the photography.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/atj_photo/atjpics4.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br />Retail that looks good enough to bring home... don't you love those lights?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/matage/matagepics2.jpg" width="299" /></div><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/matage/matagepics1.jpg" width="312" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A gallery wall done right - sometimes these get a bit scattered.<br />This is cohesive but has loads of interest.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="http://www.decesaredesigngroup.com/commercial/matage/matagepics3.jpg" style="text-align: right;" width="640" /><br /><br />There you are.<br />Think those will inspire the boss?<br />How does your work space compare?<br />I'm a one-woman show over here, but perhaps one day there will be a 10 Rooms Office :)<br /><br />Taking the kids to Wonderland today.. roller coaster mania -<br /> think they have inherited their Mum and Dad's love for speed!<br /><br />tomorrow I have another interview for you..<br /><br />til next time..<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Attention CEO's: How to Increase Productivity and Raise Spirits in the Office!

Yesterday I showed you some interiors by the DeCesare Group . Today I want to share some work spaces they designed. Print them off, stash th...

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