Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Old Suit, New Bedding


Ever wondered just what to do with all old and no longer worn suits?
Variegated, a Hudson Valley arts studio who specialise in textiles have designed and created a range of bedding using men’s suits fabrics, a modern twist on patchwork!

Each bedding set consists of a duvet cover, a pair of pillow cases and a bedcover. As the sets are made up solely of old fabrics they can only make as many bed sets as suits they can collect, the great thing about recycling this way is each set has its own unique colour and styles of fabrics used.

The bold patchworks make these sets ideal for a bachelor pad with the deep greys, blues and black fabrics skilfully blended to give a trendy look. The variations in the fabric’s and lining textures adds interest as well as making these bed sets very tactile, although I’m a little puzzled as to laundering with most suits ‘dry clean only’ I wonder if the sets can be thrown into the washing machine and drier?

These sets are not for the faint hearted price wise, with limited resources at present each set costs in excess of three thousand pounds, however, I feel that once the word and concept gets around there may be a few thrifty people about who will be popping along to old fashioned jumble sales or charity stores to snap up some out-dated suits and re-vamp them into their own versions of these chic bed sets.

Image source: www.getkempt.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Not Just Me.


So last week I wrote about my current infatuation with marble, and discovered that I am not the only one who loves it. While scrolling through Phorm Design's blog I found the amazing bathroom above. I was salivating on my monitor! The best part is that the rest of the house, designed by Pierre Yovanovitch is just as fabulous.


Alright, its almost 1:30 a.m. so I think I will go to bed. I'm sure a lot of you are losing sleep tonight watching the election results. With all the emotion, I'm having trouble winding down. Its definitely the verge of a new day here in the U.S. You all may realize, that the party I supported didn't win so obviously I am somewhat disappointed. On the other hand, I am SO proud of all the people who took their responsibilities seriously and voted! Even a young girl who had to call her mom just to ask what her address was. Hey, she got out there and did it. I really hope and pray, that more than a new President, we have a new found sense of patriotism and responsibility. I know I already used that word, but I think it is very important. I don't want to sound preachy, so I'm trying to keep my thoughts restrained.
My point is that although, I didn't vote for our new President; I feel that only good things can come from so many people realizing that they have to be involved in our country's affairs.
Again, sorry for the preachiness:)

9-Light Candelabra



Designed by Corin Mellor, son of the infamous 20th century designer David Mellor, this 9-light stainless steel candelabra reminds me of tubular wind chimes with a beautiful modern concept in providing light at both the dinner table or for creating subtle lighting effects with a warm and graceful appeal in the floor standing option.

The candelabra is based on the Advent wreath which he designed for Sheffield Cathedral last year, it consists of 32 stainless steel bars with eight candle holders radiating out from the central stem with the ninth set slightly higher. The black granite base off sets the polished steel with its decorative anodized coloured rings beautifully against the white candles.

Corin designed and created these candelabra exclusively for 20ltd.com. There are only six editions of each size available so anyone wishing to bring a real touch of Christmas into their home will have to order pretty sharply!

The floor size candelabra would provide an intimate atmosphere throughout the year in either traditional or contemporary homes as the use of polished stainless steel has been handcrafted by 380 individual components. The table size is ideal for large dining tables made from surfaces which would further bounce and reflect the light, adding a whole new dimension to the piece each time the candles are lit.

For me there is a magical and almost mystical feel to these candelabra, the delightful warmth and reflection of the flames dancing on the steel bars is mesmerising, very relaxing and extremely peaceful.

Image source: www.davidmellordesign.com

Monday, November 3, 2008

I Wish It Was Sunday.


'Cause that's my fun day. Ha! A gold star for anyone who remembers those lyrics. I really did have fun on Sunday at the Urban Market, but Monday I spent feeling sick...not fun. So, I'm going to keep the writing short and sweet, but I will share my favorite photos. (I guess that isn't very different).




These two lovely ladies are Sally Wheat and Jackie Sharbrough. Jackie took ownership of organizing the Market this year and is an antique dealer herself! Sally is also an antique dealer and designer who refurbished the amazing set of white chairs above. Some of Cote de Texas readers, may remember seeing her amazing house here. I've become a fan of her mid-century furniture and driftwood pieces. Both of their items can be found here.

So, most of my shopping trips consist of walking around and taking photos. I am happy to say that this trip actually turned up a treasure I had to have. This table is will work perfectly for a small project for my house. I need my husband to adjust it a little, so I'm not going to promise photos of the finished product. Sorry, Mark. I love him to death, but projects often take longer than I like.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

We Had So Much Fun.


We went on our first Trick-or-Treat trip. We really had so much fun, especially since the "big boy" picked his own costume! He was "Handy Manny"...its a toddler thing.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween

Photo via Silvino Mendonca

Hope all of you get lots of yummy treats. Go here for a creepy treat from me. (Courtesy of one of my creative heroes).

Louis XV Commode


Designed and manufactured by Axis FormLAB this Louis XV commode offers modern twist on period furniture. Made in MDF with white gloss enamel or rainbow coloured veneer, furniture grade plywood with an oak veneer surface or acrylic it provides an unusual and stylish way to display wine and serve drinks.

Louis XV commodes are traditionally flamboyant and ornate wooden cabinets with doors or drawers which are adorned with inlays, gilding or elaborate carving. Axis Form LAB have taken the overall basic shape and included the curved lines to produce an stylish and practical piece of furniture. The classical style and chic appearance make this commode perfect for ‘des res’ (desirable residence) homes of both traditional and contemporary design depending on which material is selected. The MDF and plywood versions are more in keeping with traditional or modern homes, while the transparent acrylic model is the ideal choice for contemporary homes.

Wine cellars are definitely a thing of the past, with the ‘in vogue’ custom of showing off your wine stock this Louis XV commode serves the purpose wonderfully, while also incorporating a much needed serving surface for informal snacks and nibbles. The one open side is ideal for storing glasses or displaying unusual shaped and coloured bottles of liqueurs or adding personal touches by displaying ceramic or glass dishes.

I am somewhat amused by the term ‘commode’, although it does refer to a chest of drawers, in the UK a commode is also the term given for a lidded seat which houses a chamber pot underneath!

Image source: www.axisformlab.com