and I'm off

It's been one of those frantic weeks trying to get everything done before I leave, hence the absence of recent posts.  I'm off for a few weeks to travel, do bit of work, see family, have fun and of course there is a wedding in Nantucket to add to the mix.  Going to visit some of my favourite cities...Paris and New York.  And a few new places too including Havana!  I'll be home 38 000km later, what a huge carbon footprint that is, oh dear, but the world is there to be explored.  Now to extract the cat from my suitcase which he has been sleeping in all day, send the last emails and finish packing.  I'm taking a small blog holiday, but I'll try and do a few posts while I am away.  And not to worry, I'll take lots of photos...

found here

get on your bike

Sophia Loren.  more here

Photograph: Pierluigi Praturlon

tusculum house

I had every intention of posting this earlier in the week, but somehow its Thursday already.  Well here it is, the Tusculum residence in Sydney.  The rear facade is in complete contrast to the street facade, the best of both worlds.  Just my kind of mix.

Found here 

Smart Design Studio

snippet

A small pause in a busy day. Found here

a sailors life

A few great illustrations all by Jon Contino 

stamped

Brilliantly simple and easily reproduced on demand, while all created through a series of stamps.  This inspiring graphic design is by Eszter Laki for Zsofi Dobos.  Less is really more. via the design ark

new york storefronts

A peek at yesterday through a collection of New York storefronts taken in 2004, many of which have now closed. All from the new book by the talented James and Karla Murray

widlund house

Elegant, well detailed and light (white), 3 of my ultimate design criteria.  Another beauty designed by the swedish Claesson Koivisto Rune

found here

gone fishing

Whilst not a fisherman myself, I have a few in the family and the remoteness and simpleness of this hut appeals. Kitted out with a cosy fur and a hot cuppa, it looks like a welcome respite from the elements, before you slide it along to your next spot...

found here

photos by Astrid Rohde Wange & Olav Lunde Arneberg

design by Gartnerfuglen Arkitekter

plotting a new course

The last few months have seen us working towards a new adventure that sadly its no longer too be. To fill the gaping hole left by the disappointment which swallowed our plans, its time to celebrate new ideas and the fact that we won't be leaving the sunshine.  Packing up the house and micro-chipping the cats averted (they are at least grateful), now to focus on new opportunities and creative endeavours.  Plenty of cups of tea later, interspersed with the odd glass of wine to sooth the soul, I'm feeling positive and there is going to be an all round change.  Exciting and scary as I embark on this new chapter...  I've already been working on a few new designs and plans.  Its upwards and onwards!