Genesin Studio & Moodboards

A post on Sideboard Styling that I wrote over a year ago immediately sprung to mind when I saw the image below. Two favourite images included the Flos 265 Lamp, and now I can add this one to the list. I've mentioned before how much I'd  love to own this design classic for our living room, preferably near the picture wall, extended over the sofa. But the line of it over a sideboard gets me every time. I also love the grouping of ceramics and books together with the simple circle print. 

This elegant, minimalist style is seen throughout Hazelwood Park Residence in South Australia, designed by Genesin Studio, who recently received the Emerging Practice Award at the 2013 Australian Interior Design Awards. A new build for a family of four, I love the 1950’s style architecture and mid-century modern furniture. 

The stunning use of marble in the kitchen, together with wood panelling gets my heart racing as does the extensive use of marble in the bathrooms. Together with the oversized round mirror, the room below is a real showstopper. 

Another Flos lamp in the living area (imagine owning two!) and I'm positively drooling. 

To see more projects by Genesin, including an incredible retail space, pop over here. 

Photo credit: Jonathan van der Knaap

Here are my latest moodboards, curated as always from my Pinterest boards.  

The one above was in celebration of reaching a milestone - 5000 likes on Facebook! Big, big thanks to those of you who follow along - I love sharing my daily snippets of design goodness with you all! 

We have a long list of house stuff to do this weekend, including getting the String Shelf assembled, and hopefully getting some artwork up. The bathroom mirrors should go in next week (fingers crossed) and building the fence should commence, so we are making progress! Have a lovely break and I'll see you back here Monday x 

Sideboard Styling

I love a good sideboard. Even though it's one piece of furniture I have yet to acquire, it's definitely on the wishlist!  

Today's sideboards come in many different modern and contemporary styles but because they date back to the 18th century, there are always antique and vintage finds on offer. I particularly love mid-century sideboards which work well in all styles of interiors, contemporary or classic. They have a timeless quality but a coat of white paint or splash of colour will give them a modern edge.

Aesthetically sideboards can make a big impact in hallways, living or dining areas, but they are also a versatile and practical addition to the home. Depending on the design, they can be useful for both storing and displaying items. Keep the things you want hidden behind closed doors or in drawers, and the things you want to display on open shelving and/or on top of the sideboard. 

Often it's the sideboard styling (on top of and around the sideboard) that really creates the magic! I often stumble across examples of how to do this really well, so I thought I'd share some ideas with you today. 

Let your sideboard shine by keeping things minimal. I love the look of pendant lights hanging nearby, or extendible wall-mounted lights. Because sideboards are usually quite close to the ground, you can hang your lights low, or extend wall mounted lights right down over them, for added interest.

 

Sideboards provide a great place to display art and framed photos. Leaning them against the wall can be a stylish alternative to hanging them. Or you can do both!

Grouping similar items together on top of a sideboard can create a nice focal point. I really like the look of grouping ceramics in one colour. 

A nice way of bringing some greenery into the home, a sideboard provides a great surface for a small pot plant. 

Are you a fan of sideboards? Which is your favourite style? 

All images: source

Simon James

Simon James has been at the forefront of New Zealand design for some time now. Having been in production since 1996 when he received his Bachelor of Spatial Design from Auckland University of Technology, his contemporary designs are forward thinking, sleek and functional and have been exhibited in major cities around the world including Tokyo, New York and Milan.

The company Simon James Design was established in 1998 as a means for Simon to distribute his own work, and to represent some of the best international and local design talent. He also regularly works with architects and other design professionals creating innovative furniture and lighting solutions.

The Simon James Showroom, located in Upper Queen Street, Auckland, showcases products suited to the home or office, and is open to both commercial and retail clients.

Here are some of my favourite pieces. The 'Halford Bed' was originally a bespoke piece designed for my cousin Sarah (lucky girl), so the name stuck. When we build our house, this is the bed I want, and not just because it bears my name, but because I love the blond wood and beautiful, minimalist design. I also want the Trestle Table, Silver Ash Sideboard and Fleetwood Sofa. Am I being greedy? Probably, but with furniture this divine, I just can't help it!  

Trestle Table

Zepher Sofa and L5 Table

Silver Ash Sideboard

Halford Bed

Hawk Bar Leaner

Fleetwood Sofa 

Mabel Dining Table

Jetson Sofa (without arms)

Hawk Table 

The Simon James Concept Store is located at The Department Store. Take a look at my previous posts on this luxury retail space here and here. Located on the ground floor, you will find a stunning collection of luxury homeware, jewellery and design, carefully hand-picked by Simon and also available from his online store. An ever-changing, beautifully thought out selection, here are some current pieces that I'm lusting after. 

1. Benah Cleo Scarf | 2. Elva Tote | 3. Jessica McCormack Jewellery  
4. Benah Kodi Bag | 5. Bank In The Form Of A Pig by designer Harry Allen  
6. Stanley Pendant in copper | 7. David Trubridge Coral Light | 8. La Gras Table Lamp | 9. So Soap Body Soap | 10. Cup by David Chipperfield

You'd think that would be enough eye-candy for one post, but I just have to tell you about the Simon James Wedding Journal. If you are planning a wedding, or know someone who is, then you must check this out immediately! 'A carefully curated selection of wedding advice, inspiration and etiquette', beautifully presented in a 'blog' format, what more could the bride-to-be need? Full of gorgeously inspiring images and advice on everything from the dress to the cake, I'm seriously considering renewing my vows, just so I can utilise this fabulous site!

Here's a taste of what you'll find.

Wedding Inspiration: Taylor Tomasi Hill

How could the accessories editor of US Teen Vogue not have a fairytale wedding? Taylor Tomasi Hill, streetstyle star and super stylist, married her high school sweetheart in 2011 after almost 18 years of love. Themed around The Great Gatsby, there were lights in the trees, caprese salad, steak and chocolate cake and lots of dancing. Our favourite detail? Guests were asked for their shoe size upon RSVP – and found a pair of silver kicks for dancing on the back of their chair when they arrived for dinner. Perfect.

To create a wishlist of beautiful homewares, design objects, lighting and furniture for your wedding, take a look at the Simon James Design Gift Registry Service .