moving

(not sure where this image is from - love animal shots in interiors though!)

A quick note to let you know beautiful habitat has moved. I've unpacked and set up house @ thehabitatfiles.blogspot.com, stop by for a visit!

happy birthday scandi style

Today google introduced me to Joseph Frank! The google image changed to this great Scandi illustration to celebrate 125 years since Frank's birth.

So I had to look at all the patterns! But there is such an interesting back story. Joseph Frank was an Austrian architect who arrived in Sweden fleeing the Nazi's. In the time of the Bauhaus and the International Style, Frank provided a rich, colourful and decorative style. And his textile and furniture designs with Svenskt Tenn started when he was in his 50's, inspirational!

And now some pics!

all images from google

horizons

I'm not sure where this image is from (it is from my every growing pile of fav images).
if it is yours please let me know!

I love this photo, new horizons are a wonderful thing!

animals rule

Hailing from Cape Town, Animal Farm have created a great little Lite. Made from plantation timber and designed to fit an energy saving light bulb, these little timber creations not only look wonderfully raw and natural, they have minimal impact on the environment too!

no dyes or stains are used on the timber, and the red flex pictured is a great contrast too!

all images from the dsgnwrld website

tropicalia fever

This range was released back in 2008 at the Milan Furniture Show, but I had to mention them, even if it is a few years late! Designed by the super talented and prolific designer Patricia Urquiola, these creations remind me of the 70's string art that my grandmother had (and I always loved!). These stylish seat versions are available for indoors and out. It's hard to decide, neutrals or colour?!

all images from the bonluxat website

floral inspiration

A little bit of floral inspiration! This is the home and studio of artist Claire Basler. Can you guess which country?! A hint, it's from the latest elle uk! As the creator of large scale floral panels, I love how her art and inspiration takes over the whole space, and with such a great sense of scale! C'est magnifique!

love the large scale pendant!

and even in the bathroom!

all images from elle uk - march 2010

outofstock

Today I was looking for an interesting timber light and stumbled across the boya! This great little light has a solid oak or walnut base with a lovely tinted blown glass shade. It is from the design collective Outofstock, whose members hail from Singapore, Argentina and Spain. The website is well worth a look, there's a great playful vibe to the products! Apparently nautical beacons and marine buoys inspired these lamps - they do remind of seafaring days!

these product shots have such a nice warm glow too!
all images from the outofstock website

digital projects

living with that person by matt mullican

Yesterday I got a peek at the Maharam Digital Projects. It is a new wall product from Maharam (U.S. textile company - Paul Smith anyone!), who has collaborated with contemporary artists and designers to create some amazing patterns. The large scale digitally printed wallpapers are custom designed to the space, and there are so many diverse looks to choose from. Plus it is a great opportunity for contemporary artists to get their work out to the masses too! Below are just a few of my favs!

kicksilver by marilyn mintertaurus by sarah morrisfeathers by marian bantjes kaleidoscope house (small) by laurie simmons kaleidoscope house (small) by laurie simmons - close up pattern plaid by marian bantjes wavelength by joni sternbach

in the beginning times lies as a present in front of our feet by markus linnenbrinknew york times headlines (1900 - 2005) by a.j. bocchino process 18 by casey reas

swan by mats gustafon - close upfleur de lys by vik munizfleur de lys by vik muniz - the close ups are pretty amazing!

dutch clouds by karel martens

dutch clouds by karel martens - close up departure by tony conway - close up departure by tony conway

all images from the maharam website

what i heart this week (sleeves)

Partricia Urquiola for Gandia Blasco has created yet another amazing design, the Mangas rug. The English translation for Mangas is sleeves, and they do like like wonderful knitting experiments! The 100% wool creations are an eclectic mix of textures and colours, creating a lovely, homely feel (with with a big dose of style too!).

The prolific designer works in so many mediums, and it is always a lovely surprise to see what she has dreamed up, truly unique and beautiful!

all images from stardust

yuta badayala

I was reading the latest green mag and saw a fantastic new light from Koskela. The yuta badayaka is a collaboration between Koskela and Echo Island Arts. The weavers involved in the project include Mavis Warrngilna Ganambarr, Roslyn Malngumba, Margaret Bambalara and Julienne Gitjpulu, using traditional techniques of pandanus and bush string weaving.

It is great to see an Australian company seeking positive, creative partnerships with indigenous artists, promoting traditional techniques translated into a contemporary object such as this unique light.

all images from craft australia