Papa Goose

On a flying visit to Melbourne last night, I stopped by Papa Goose in Flinders Lane for a bite to eat.  Loved everything about it - the setting, the lighting, the food - and especially.....the toilets!

Above images via Papa Goose

I have this weird obsession with hotel/restaurant/public-space toilets.  Apologies for the quality of these two shots, taken with my phone.  Is it sad that I take photos of toilets I think are cool? I just think if a designer has taken the time to really think about this usually unappealing and utilitarian aspect of a space, it shows a major appreciation for details.  And we all know that god is in the details! (thank you Mr Ludwig Mies van der Rohe).

Victoria Beckham

There are not many designers that make me truly desire what they send down the runway.  Victoria Beckham is my one exception.  I adore everything that she does.   She may have her detractors, but seriously, this girl knows how to make women look good.  

Images via The Sartorialist and Victoria Beckham

Harts Lane, Daylesford

Daylesford has been on my list of places to get to for a long while now.  Still haven't managed it.  This is the place I want to stay when we do eventually make it.  Harts Lane.

All images via Daylesford Getaways

Emma Jeffs Window Film

A while back, whilst searching for inspiration for bathrooms, I came across a couple of pics with window film applied for privacy reasons.   I love this idea, particularly for a bathroom.  Recently I saw some of Emma Jeffs work in a magazine and visited her website.

 

Award winning UK designer Emma Jeffs' passion for materials and print led her to form her own screen-printing company in 2000 under the name Surface Material Design. In 2004 Emma was awarded a UK government NESTA two-year research fellowship. The grant enabled her to undertake in-depth research into print technologies onto a range or materials within industry. Equipped with this new knowledge Emma began producing work, both within her studio, and in conjunction with some notable UK based companies.

Commuting within London on the top decks of buses, Emma developed a loathing for grey net curtains and she soon set about developing a solution to rid London of the net curtain forever. By printing lace patterns onto frosted etched vinyl Emma created an elegant and functional product and in 2006, she launched a collection of contemporary decorative window films for homes today. You can now find her collection of window films in the most stylish of windows all over the world, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. 

Emma is based in the UK and international shipping can be arranged by contacting Emma directly. She also has some cool sample packs, to try before you buy.

 All images via Emma Jeffs

Clare Cousins

Clare Cousins Architects is a Melbourne-based architecture and interior design practice established in 2005. I love some of the stuff they have been doing:

 

 

Interestingly, Clare also designed some of the Aesop shops in Australia, including the one in the Canberra Centre, which I've always admired.

 

Using devices to enhance the experience of warmth, light, sound and scent, and specific concepts unique to each location, such as the interactive product dispenser boxes cut into the façade of the Canberra store, each outlet is designed to stand alone yet equally reflect the qualities of the brand. 

All images via Clare Cousins

Print-a-Porter

I love a good graphic print adorning the walls of my home.  Unforunately, genuine vintage posters and artworks can cost a bomb these days.  So I was very excited to stumble upon Print-a-Porter recently - unique, stylish, affordable.....and produced out of Melbourne!

 

Freelance graphic designer Anthony Harding began Print-A-Porter after a round-the-world adventure awoke a borderline-obsession with vintage graphics. He currently lives in Melbourne, Australia, where he spends his days crafting artwork and designs for all kinds of advertising and design clients, as well as indulging his passion for posters and prints via Print-A-Porter. 

Print-A-Porter has some of the most beautiful vintage original and collectable reprints to ever grace your walls. Add a bold splash of colour from the likes of Cuba, Russia, the former Yugoslavia or Israel, with brilliant, affordable graphic artworks from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Just order from our online store and we’ll ship your artwork to wherever you call home.

 

 

All images via Print-a-Porter

Harry Seidler townhouse

I want to sell my house immediately and buy this Harry Seidler townhouse in Yarralumla.  I have always adored the Lakeview complex, and would cut off my right arm to live there.  Unfortunately, I'd probably have to sell my house two or three times over to afford it.

SIGH.

All images via Allhomes.com.au