Happy First Day of September

There is nothing like the first day of September to know that better things are to come - warmer weather, longer days and more sunshine. Things just seem more promising at this time of the year.
Here's a rather grand and welcoming dining set up on a grassy roof-top terrace in New York (yep, that's the impressive skyline to the left) to help look towards summer.
Photograph by Francois Harlard for Vogue Magazine via Habitually Chic.

Abigail Ahern's London Home on The Selby

LOVE this dog!

Here is the home of London designer, Abigail Ahern via The Selby.
She's a fan of dark inky colours on the walls as her home demonstrates so well. She also believes that interiors should have personality and not to be taken too seriously. Good advice.
Read more about what she likes here or see more of The Selby house tour here.
Photographs via The Selby.

Swedish Farmhouse and Sustainable Furniture by Norrgavel.

As noted from Emma's blog, here are some catalogue photos from Swedish furniture company, Norrgavel (North End) which were taken at remote farmhouse in Jamtland, Sweden. Norrgavel are known for their sustainable and classic furniture.
They have used the calm and stripped back aesthetic of this farmhouse to their full advantage as they display their wares for their Autumn brochure. Cosy.
Photographs via Norrgavel.

The Versatile Tio Chair by Goldsworthy

I was reminded about the versatile Tio Chair by a client today as a suggestion for her home. Designed by Nathan Goldsworthy, this chair was launched in 2006 and won the NZ Best Award for Sustainable Design.
"Due to its ability to change, the Tio chair can remain contemporary and adapt to new environments" It is easy to change the covers of the Tio chair to suit any environment or style with only 1.3m of fabric required to do so. The chair also has generous dimensions which allows for comfortable lounge seating.

I received an email from Nathan Goldsworthy - who let me know that the Tio chair is now available in Oak (the above chair images are in pine), which is more robust and has a different look, ie. looks even better!
Photographs via Backhouse.

Paris versus New York

Hurricane Irene has given New York City big headlines of late and maybe making it the less ideal place to visit right now. However, if you had a choice, would you live in Paris or New York? Graphic designer Vahram Muratyan resides at both and demonstrates the differences of these two legendary cities through his great graphic posters. Check out his blog Paris vs. New York - a tally of two cities for more of his work and to buy his posters.
Photographs via Paris vs New York.

Stylish Kitchen from Inside Out Magazine.

The latest issue of Inside Out magazine (September/October) has the home of Australian fashion designer, Lisa Gorman and her partner, furniture storeowner, Dean Angelucci on the cover. Here is their very stylish kitchen. Check out the other photos that didn't make the magazine here.
Photographs via Inside Out.

A Great Bed Head-Board with Shelving.

Here is a cool example of an effective and useful head board around the bed.
This is from the Sydney home of stylist Megan Morton and she says this “Can you imagine what it’s like to wake up knowing all these amazing books are behind me?!” Yep, she's pretty happy with this. See the rest of her interesting home here.
Photographs via The Design Files.

White Kitchen with a Dash of Black

I have been away in Auckland to check out the New Zealand Gift Fair over the last few days which is why my blog has been quiet.
Back in the office - I have a new kitchen installation coming up in early October so I am in process of getting in touch with contractors and getting everything ready with the joiners. This kitchen was designed earlier this year so it will be exciting to see it come together in the flesh.
I found this Californian kitchen on Remodelista - it is from a cottage in Napa Valley and the kitchen is very similar to the asethetic of the kitchen that we are working on. It is going to be a white kitchen with panelled doors/drawers and we have a black stone bench top as well as black hardware to complete the look. I am project managing this job so will let you know about its progress. Watch this space.
Photographs via Remodelista.

Knight Floor Light by David Moreland

Knight Floor light by David Moreland. Available in black, white and green.

I'm really liking this Knight Floor Light by New Zealand designer, David Moreland. I saw it on display at Backhouse and what is effective about this design is that the base can go under the sofa if you want the light closer for reading. Great - no bulky bases! I have proposed this light for a job of mine where there are some tight corners besides the seating areas. Knight Floor Lights are made out of a mild steel tube base and spun aluminium shade - and the white looks rather fab.

Photograph via David Moreland Design.

Woven Textile Design by Eleanor Pritchard

Another cold day in Wellington - a day where one of these gorgeous blankets wouldn't go amiss. These lovely bold and geometric blankets are the work of Eleanor Pritchard from the UK. She designs and samples these in her London studio while the final run are made in a small traditional mill in Wales. All woven in 100% pure new wool, these textile designs are a nod to midcentury asethetics and apparently they're a hit with architects. Well, no surprise there.
Photographs via Eleanor Pritchard.

Monogrammed Hankerchiefs - Coming Soon

Do you like the look of these monogrammed hankerchiefs? I've had some samples done as I intend to sell these on the Charlotte Minty online store, which is coming your way soon! There will be all kinds of colourful hankies with colourful monograms - you'll be able to choose what colour you like and which initials you want. I like these mini-Burberry check hankies above which come in the three colours. I'll keep you posted when the online store opens and what else will be available.
Photograph by Charlotte Minty.

Snow in Wellington and at 292.

Earlier today - Snowdrop flowers surrounded by snow at the Minty's HQ.



Snow flurries at 292 - has been like this for most of the day.

Wellington has been having a unusual winter - first it was so mild, we got excited about an early Spring. However, Mother Nature surprised us with once in a lifetime 'polar blast' that we have not seen in Wellington for a long time, if ever. For those who don't know Wellington (or New Zealand) very well, we just don't get snow here, just the rare dusting on the hills every few decades. How today has changed that...
Photographs by Charlotte Minty.

White Tiled Walls in the Bathroom

I was forwarded these images from a client who is keen to tile her Powder Room walls from floor to ceiling with white gloss bevelled subway tiles. They really do look effective in these spaces.
This bathroom belongs to David Jimenez, a well known US visual merchandiser and interior decorator. See the rest of his Kansas City house here.
Photographs via House Beautiful.

Successful Television Integration.

I think this is a great example of having a TV in the living area - locating it in the bookshelves means the black rectangle doesn't stand out as much. This is a great move.
Happy Friday everyone.
Photograph via Lonny.

The Elegant Showroom of Slow Wood.

I have previously featured the lovely Slow Wood furniture range by Christien Starkenburg on this blog (see it here). Recently, I came across these visuals of her elegant showroom, which shows off her collection rather nicely.
Photographs via Slow Wood.