A Simple Designer Bakery in Japan

I'm enjoying this minimal and beautifully designed bakery in Kyoto, Japan. Named Panscape, the bakery was designed by ninkipen! and uses a lovely range of materials. The counter is made of 10mm thick aluminium, the front display cabinet rests on a large roughly cut log and touches of gold are noted with the front step lettering and reflective panel on the wall beside the front cabinet. Just stunning.

Photographs by Hiroki Kawata via Archdaily.

Al Brown's Depot

Al Brown at Depot, Auckland

This is Depot - found on Federal Street, Auckland and it has been getting a lot of good buzz, which is no surprise as it has the clever Al Brown at its helm. The interiors, designed by Charlie Notts, are rustic and easy going (rather like Brown himself). I'm enjoying the open relationship between the service and eating areas as well as the overall industrial vibe.
Photographs by Florence Noble for Home New Zealand.

A Cool Store for Men

Save Khaki United at 254 Broome, New Yrok City.

This is a men's store called Save Khaki United (SKU) and is one of three stores located in New York City. SKU makes men's clothes and accessories and follows the motto "modern fit, timeless quality". I like how this store is presented - very relaxed and with no pretensions. The displays are simple and effective - using butcher hooks, nails and chunky timber. I can imagine my male friends being happy to shop here.
Photographs via SKU's Flickr

Stylish Aspen Holiday Home

It was over 5 years ago when I visited Aspen for my skiing holiday - how long ago that seems. While I was there, I got a little insight to how the wealthy lived from the rows of private planes on the airport runway to the large houses surrounding the Aspen township. I was even taken out for dinner by a billionaire client of my ski pro friend. It was very entertaining!
Here is the stunning Aspen holiday home of Aerin Lauder, beauty entrepreneur and granddaughter of Estee Lauder, featured in the latest Vogue. The place is modern and very stylish. No 'chalet' or 'winter ski lodge' cliches here - okay, maybe the deer head over the fireplace, however the rest of it is very classy. Read the article and see more photographs here.
Just thought I would let you know to keep an eye on the blog over the next couple of weeks - I am starting up a new feature that I hope you will all enjoy. Happy Friday.
Photographs via Vogue.

Stylish Home of a Book Publisher

I love books so when I saw the home of Angelika Taschen, a book publisher, on The Selby, I could not be anything but impressed. Not only does she publish great books and get to take them home, she has one stylish and beautifully composed home in Berlin. Nice.
Photographs via The Selby.

Ice Cube Celebrates the Eames

Love this video from Ice Cube talking about the Ray and Charles Eames in LA. Ice Cube studied architecture before his rap career took off. Gangsta talk and architecture - what a great mix.
Video by Pacific Standard Time via YouTube.

Start of a New Year

Well, here we are, 2012 is well and truly underway. I am back in office and easing myself into a routine. Nothing like a new year to get the office organised and up to scratch!
Here is a study/library storage found in a hallway for an interior designer using Ikea shelving. Looks effective!
Photograph via Nina Broberg/Livet Hemma.