place settings to die for....

Lulu Aldunate born and bred in Buenos Aires, Argentina but now residing in New York has created these amazing place settings.

Lula combines ethnic with shabby & chic to create a unique style.

An interior designer, magazine & events designer and NOW product designer there is no end to Lula's talents.

Today, I wanted to share with you these place settings using vintage china placed over patterned cloths..There is no such thing as TOO MUCH where Lula is concerned!

I will definitely share with you more of Lula's work soon but for those of you who cant not wait visit her work NOW via.

kathryn m ireland.....

Todays inspiration comes from Kathryn M Ireland the queen of fabric and design.

Born and raised in UK Kathryn set off for LA in the mid 80's aspiring to be an actress and film maker... But, by the early 90's it was interior design that had caught her eye and since then she has never looked back ...she certainly isn't scared to try different things and I am certain that it is this flair and desire to push boundaries that bought her so much success.

Kathryn's look has been described as comfortable, bohemian, and family friendly with large doses of color and a lack of orthodoxy.

Since the early 90's Kathryn has been leading the way with her ideas - House & Garden included Ireland among "10 to Watch" architects and designers expected to influence 21st-century style and for the last decade, House Beautiful has named her one of the top 100 designers in the United States.

Kathryns has taken the US by storm and now has showrooms in UK, Spain, South Africa and Australia.

The website, www.kathrynireland.com is a good starting place for inspiration on fabrics and room design ideas...

Enjoy!

ideas...barn conversions

It's Monday morning and I am pretty certain that I am not alone in needing a little inspiration to kick start the week...!

Take a look at this superb barn conversion which is the work of the Dutch design group Ina & Matt.

Ina Meijer and Matthijs van Cruijsen are architects and designers who create homes with a sleek but informal edge. I particularly like this barn conversion which gives a sense of space but at the same time feels cosy. I love the use of wood throughout and whilst it is a barn conversion it isn't overly rustic.. I'd move in within a heart beat!

For more inspiration visit Ina and Matt's site to see other works.

I have reblogged from the interiordivine blog which is a superb source of great ideas....thank you!

wish list........all things ikat

The ikat influence is everywhere at the moment. I would hedge a bet that it is one of the only textile forms which feature as regularly on the catwalk as it does in the world of interiors right now.

The word “ikat” means “to bind and originates in Uzbekistan. It is an ancient way of creating designs in fabric by resist-dyeing the threads before the fabric is woven. Traditional Uzbek ikat cottons are often dyed in lively and engaging motifs representing the village life and beliefs of the people. Ikats are often symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige.

Ikat, an ancient technique has been very popular through out the interior design world - used in upholstery, soft furnishings and a whole range of accessories it is a great way to add colour to a space without going overboard.

On the catwalk ikat has seen a revival and it has featured in the Gucci, Matthew Williamson and Dries Van Norten 2010 Spring/Summer collections, to name but a few.

The following are great places to source all things ikat - Madeline Winerib, John Robshaw Interiors, Uzbek Crafts, Jayson Home & Garden and at the moment Anthropologie and it's sister brand Urban Outfitters have some superb ikat products.

The Ikat china, featured here can be sourced at LA's home decor boutique Distant.

One word of warning - It is very much quality not quantity that counts with ikat- Ikat touches are great, but over doing the ikat theme will leave you feeling decidedly ill!!!

Images taken from the following : designmyway, designspongeonline, blog.thefind and harpers bazaar.

La Strada della Dolce Vita....wish list

For inspiration and lavish over-sized images of colourful sumptuous floral prints, as-well as textiles and accessories from all over the world hunt down a copy of La Strada della Dolce Vita.

La Strada della Dolce Vita is a style book from Californian decorator Lynn von Kersting - indulge in a spot of globe trotting glamour and expect to be inspired.

The book is only available through Indigo Seas, von Kersting's LA emporioum a MUST if you are ever visiting the West Coast. Additionally next door, von Kersting and her husband own the uber trendy and acclaimed Ivy Restaurant another MUST MUST.

Taken from the book some wonderful lines by Axel Munthe ( La Storia di San Michele):

The house was small, the rooms were few

but there were loggias, terraces, and

pergolas all around it to watch the sun, the sea

and the clouds -- the soul needs more space

than the body.

Book costs approx $68 usd.