Blogging My Way

About a month ago I started an e-course called Blogging Your Way that was founded by Holly Becker of Decor8, one of the first blogs I ever read and loved. Although I anticipated good things I had no idea how brilliant the journey would end up being. Holly is such an inspiration to new and seasoned bloggers alike and we are so fortunate that she shares her wealth of experience and knowledge with us. Joined by some amazing guest teachers the classes cover everything from interior styling and photography to how to publish an e-mag. Although I have yet to master photoshop, find my voice a hundred percent or take my own snapshots, I now have the tools to help me get there.

I've always loved design and I know I've said it before but I get such a thrill from sharing what I find with you, my readers. There is so much inspiration to be found around the world and web, in books and magazines. In fact, I really believe you can find it wherever you look. 

The course has inspired me to take risks and reach my goals. What's really special is that I have you lovely readers to share every step of the way with. So I hope you will come with me as I continue to do what I love and build on what I've started. Some things you can expect to see are updates on our home build, when it gets underway, progress with my own interior styling, photography, and interviews with some creative people.

I'm also currently working on the redesign of my blog, with the help of a professional, so changes are in sight...

And that's me, The Design Chaser. Blogging MY way.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'll be back tomorrow with 'Homes to Inspire'.  

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Reading Nooks

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As another busy week flies by I find myself wishing for more hours in the day. Not just to get through my to-do lists but also to sneak in some relaxation time. I've treated myself to a couple of favourite magazines and a new book this week so I'd love nothing more than some reading time over the weekend.....

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Do you have a special corner of  your home where you can curl up with a good book and your favourite drink? It's Winter here so I'm craving an open fire, cosy blanket and soft cushions to stay toasty warm. Whether your choice of furniture is a sofa, rocking chair and ottoman, luxurious daybed, comfy vintage chair, bean bag or swing chair there are plenty of ways to make this corner of your home a stylish one.

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Interior Awards 2012 | Winners Announced

Following on from my previous post announcing the finalists (which you can read here) over 150 guests gathered at Auckland's Imperial Lane last night for the much anticipated reveal of the Interior Award winners for 2012.

From the one hundred and twenty entries from more than 60 New Zealand design practices here are the winners. 

Supreme Award Winner and Culture and Civic Award Winner - St Thomas’ Chapel in St. Matthew-in-the-City Church by Salmond Reed Architects.

Retail winner - Platinum Sports Co. by Switch and Frame Architecture. 

Hospitality winner - Novotel Auckland Airport by Warren and Mahoney. 

Workplace winner - Stephenson & Turner Wellington Design Studio by Stephenson & Turner. 

Installation Design winner - Children of Tangaroa Exhibition, Maritime Museum, Auckland by Bureaux Ltd. 

Emerging Design Practice Award winner - Assembly Architects.

For more information on the winners and to see photos from the awards night have a look here.

Source: http://architecturenow.co.nz/

Paper Cut Project

When I first laid eyes on these gorgeous art installations I was completely taken aback. And that was before I saw that they were made from paper. Paper Cut Project is a collaboration between Nikki Nye, a fine arts graduate and fashion blogger, and Amy Flurry, a freelance writer, editor and stylist. Inspired by a love of fashion and an appreciation of the elegance and beauty of paper they have transformed this humble material into stunning sculptures, props and accessories. Using only a steel blade knife and glue their designs are complex and really quite amazing. Piece by piece they are painstakingly assembled to produce stunning and dramatic forms across several different disciplines.

Catching the attention of the world's top fashion houses including Hermes and Cartier these exquisite art gallery pieces can also be spotted on runways, in window installations and editorial spreads. I keep picturing one hung on the wall in my home. Preferably the side profile horse from the exclusive collection for Hermes ... or maybe the owl from the Anamalia Series ... I guess for now I'll have to settle for looking at these.

The talented duo Nikki Nye and Amy Flurry

Source: http://supertacular.com/

Through the Lens of | Richard Powers

I often marvel at the work of UK photographer Richard Powers as I flick through magzines such as Living etc, Inside Out, Urbis, Vogue Living and Elle Decoration. Self taught, he began by shooting everything but now photographs mostly interiors and architecture. The reason for this is an obvious one - it's his passion.

Richard's work is prolific. As well as a long list of magazines Richard shoots for architects and designers wordwide and also book publishers. The Iconic House by Dominic Bradbury, published by Thames & Hudson involved photograhing 60 increcible architectural homes around the world. Sounds like a dream job to me! A follow up book The Iconic Interior came out earlier this year. These would make fabulous addtions to the coffee table don't you think?

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These photos from Richard's interiors portfolio show what an amazing eye he has. The spaces are incredible and he captures the light beautifully. 

Richard's website showcases a lot more of his work including a library of 50 houses he has photographed. Take a look here.

Norm Architects | Design

I've already given you a taste of Norm and their amazing residential architecture. Actually it was more like a three course meal than a taste. I went a bit crazy and posted loads and loads of images but due to the calibre of their work and my love of Danish design I found it really hard to pick and choose! If you missed that first post you will find it here. In keeping my promise I'm going to show you some of the awesome design products from Norm. 

Just to recap Norm is the Copenhagen Design Studio of Architects Kasper Rønn and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, whose projects include residential architecture, commercial interiors and industrial design. Much like the homes they create, their products have a Scandinavian minimalist style and are highly functional with the upmost attention to detail. They are influenced not only by Nordic Values but also traditional Japanese design. The result is a collection of beautifully crafted pieces for the home, each with an element of surprise.

Here are a some of their homewares. 

Norm Paint Cups. I love these.  

Norm Bottle Grinder. Very cool. 

Norm Kettle Thermo Jug. This would impress visitors popping over for a cuppa!

Norm Pods. Cooking in style. 

Norm produces furniture with a contemporary Scandinavian approach to design.

Norm Blox. This is a magnetic book case system. Not only is it easy on the eye 
it's very versatile.

The Raft Collection for design brand &Tradition comprises the Raft Stool and Raft Table which are inspired by drift wood.

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I see a timeless beauty in these pieces with their mix of natural wood and industrial metal. I think they would look amazing in both workspaces and dining areas. 

Norm has also started doing some very cool lighting products. The Milk Lamp for &Tradition is inspired by the classic Nordic milk stool. Made in white translucent glass, acrylic and oak it has been sized to fit into any corner of the home to provide a sensory feeling and cosy atmosphere.

Inspired by the street lamps of Paris, Barcelona and New York, Kasper and Jonas have designed an indoor pendant made of brown marble and glass. I really like this contrast - strong marble with the soft roundness of the glass. Hung on its own or in a group, I think the Mass Light is stunning.

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