Kitchen lighting

I've been reconsidering my ideas re. the pendant lights for the kitchen. I was planning on two of the Kartell lights below (in opaque white), but have been thinking maybe something more bespoke. Like these beautiful french and english vintage industrial lights from David Met Nicole. It will cost about $1,000 more however, so I'd better get planning the budget! They will be one of the things you really notice as you enter the room, so I think it's important to get it right. These vintage lights have a lot of character and I like the idea of them having some history and a bit of a story. Alternatively, instead of having two of these pendants over the bench, I could go for one big one over the Zuster dining table and just have spot lighting over the bench......?

Kartell FLYcon lights from Space Furniture.

Thuilot Associates

More landscaping inspiration. Simplicity seems to be the key to this design. Thuilot Associates have some lovely work on their website, and much of it looks very achievable. I just wish having a lawn in drought ravaged Canberra was an option.

All images Thuilot Associates.

Modern farmhouse

Check out this modern farmhouse. Not so much for the buildings themselves, but the landscaping. I am really liking the steel ball sculptures and the simplicity of the flattened gravel/trees/grass. Being in drought ridden Canberra (yes, it's rained three times this year. It's June), our garden is looking like the prototype for the scorched-earth policy. I want to do something really simple (and inexpensive) out the front of our place. Something similar to this would be awesome.

Images via Farmhouse Modern

Henrybuilt

How fantastic are these kitchens by Henrybuilt? Based in the US, the company focuses on sophisticated design and impeccable craftsmanship, which is evident in these beautiful images. I really like their use of timber and unusual design details. I am taking notes for our own kitchen renovation!

All images via Henrybuilt.

More kitchen flooring

Two inspiration pics for kitchen flooring. I particularly like the first, a dark grey tile laid in a (seemingly) random pattern. Both by Norm Arkitekter, via Plastolux.

Kitchen tiles

I haven't done a lot of research into the flooring for the kitchen yet, but just saw this image on Plastolux and the tiles really grabbed me.

I also like the simplicity of the white cabinetry in the image below. I am thinking no handles is definitely the way to go.


Kitchen by Eastvold Custom Woodworks

Clock

How much would I love this clock in my new kitchen? It's a French factory clock from David Met Nicole. Love that shop. I get their email updates, and it always make me rue the fact I live 300kms away from their store!

Uniform Studio

I'm not quite sure how, but I stumbled across the Flickr photos of Uniform Studio. LOVE. These guys live in Minneapolis, USA. Martha is an architect who now teaches at University, as well as being a clothing designer/maker. Her aesthetic is really strong - solid and clean with simple lines. This translates to both her home as well as her clothing. I love the colour palette of her home, as well as the light and the sense of space. She has two young children, but it seems she is very disciplined about maintaining order and having a home for everything. You can read more about her ideals and her home here. So inspiring.

I just love the built in unit above. This could be an alternative to the plain white floating credenza I was visualising for our family room. It has a lot more personality than just stark white doors.

This colour palette is to die for. The texture of the felted grey runner, the metallic bud vase and the yellow tray. Divine. Pared back simplicity.

Great area for the kids. This actually gives me some ideas for Isobel's playroom. Hadn't really thought about utilising the walls in that manner.

What a fantastic kids room. Playful, yet stylish. The colours, once again - awesome.

Could these pillows be a more perfect mix of colour and simplicity? I think not. Everything here just works so well together. LOVE IT.

Once again, great way of utilising the walls. And I love the idea of displaying special books in a display like manner.

Loving this 'Live What You Love' poster. Available on Etsy, I think I may have to get one.

Uniform Studio has a blog, a shop, and some very inspiring flickr photos.

Poliform kitchens

I love the simplicity and elegance of everything Poliform designs, and their kitchens are no exception. While I may have Poliform taste we will have a Laminex budget - so these are purely for inspiration. Many good ideas to be stolen and made our own!

I like the grooved handles on these timber door fronts.

I like the timber/white detail on these cabinets - the doors are timber but you can see the white cabinetry behind in the gap between the top of the door and the carcass.

All images Poliform Varenna.

Kitchen Inspiration: splashback

I'm getting serious about getting my kitchen plans together. I actually dusted off my drawing board on the weekend, after 3.5 years of being hidden away. I have measured up the existing kitchen and I'm in the process of drawing it all up accurately so I can start designing. Then comes the costing. I want a pretty firm idea of budget and what things are going to cost so I know what we're aiming for.

Here is some inspiration for the splashback. I love these white oval detailed tiles:

images via Remodelista

image via Heath Ceramics

Or these white mini-subway tiles look great too: