Tagged: Design
Is it?
A lot hangs on ‘want’ these days – designs being produced for a perceived need. A bit like these Joseph Joseph freezer/fridge tupperware boxes.
At first glance – so clever! A wheel in the top to show the date stored – problem solved!
Second thought: But it doesn’t tell me what’s in there…
The truth: You can’t beat a sticky and a sharpie hashtag-Grandma-still-knows-best.
Laters, Kate x
Lighten the mood x
The plan for the garden light poles is well under way. The pound shop proved to be a rich source of materials, as did our local DIY store. So far I have £1 trugs for the bases, £4 two metre black poles, 2 bags of cement and some ‘s’ hooks ordered online (I’m hoping they’ll be the perfect shape for one end to sit in the pole, the other to hold the lights. We’ll see). The powers that be have promised summer will return this week, so hopefully it will be a gentle evenings activity putting it all together. Until then, enjoy these interior nods to summer where light and natural wood evoke thoughts of sunbeams and curled cats.
(All pics Pinterest)
Laters, Kate x
Pod x
The quote is back for the garden office: this could actually be happening! The basic design is based on the shape above with the high point of the roof at the front, it’s a bit of an optical illusion that makes the rest of the roof disappear. As above, there will be one long bench desk across the window leaving the majority of the floor space clear for the kids to potentially camp out as and when. The entrance will be down the left side (just out of sight in the picture). Ours will be slightly bigger than this with a little add on room on the right where the roof dips down, to provide extra storage for gardening equipment etc to make use of our irregular shaped garden which only pretends to be a rectangle.
Inside will be a cunning mixture of plywood…
pallet wood….
And white.
Lights will either be black, adjustable wall light/s.
Or possibly, depending on height/position a lamp like this one from Ikea at £29 hung against the ceiling. Why not?
And of course there needs to be a bright splash of colour with a vintage desk lamp.
(All pics Pinterest)
Heating will be a stove in the corner.
Bliss. When can I move in?
Laters, Kate x
Flashbulb x
Is it too late for New Years resolutions? The dust has finally settled and now I know what I’d like to do…keep a sketch book. I have a words/ideas book (which apparently is the classic sign of an introvert – who knew?) to keep treasures like assonance and sibilance that otherwise would float away. But a book of dabblings and drawings? If this Blog is a collection of thoughts and sources of inspiration, then a sketchbook would be those thoughts made physical. I think it’s a calling….
(All pictures not mine but from Pinterest)
Laters, after an arty online shop for supplies, Kate x
Design Classic x
Camilla Lundsten is a former designer for Ikea who then published a highly successful series of childrens books’ based around a little red elephant called Littlephant.
Demands from friends and family persuaded her to launch of her own homeware/toybrand…and the making of this drool house and future design classic.
Her philosophy presses many happy polka dot buttons: ‘To simplify everyday life with long-lasting objects that are practical and as eco-friendly as possible’.
Combine that with the alchemy of faultless design, iconic textiles, hours of play, rampant imagination and the urge to make more yourself just to add to the ongoing joy…and it’s product made in heaven.
(All pics from Littlephant.com)
Bella doesn’t get a look in. I want.
Laters, Kate x
Jewels x
Grounded x
Headboard (still undecided), side tables (sort of there) and now thoughts for a rug: Since the advent of wall to wall carpets the rug has shrunk in popularity yet it’s design prowess can’t be denied. It adds warmth, colour, texture and interest like the tail feathers of a particularly beautiful bird of paradise. A rug, like the one above, can pull together two different pieces of furniture by linking them together on a shared bit of floor.
(All pictures Pinterest)
Judging by these pictures, pink tones is the subconscious way to go…
Laters, Kate x
Pod luck..
This is more of a dream than a reality, but it’s something The Husband and I keep talking about..converting our slowly decaying shed into a state of the art office pod.
Given we live in London, it’s never going to be very big. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be well designed.
Nows the space to make a list of all the features that appeal, just in case the green light happens – like noting the slatted wall on the left for future reference.
Not practical for a garden, but the shelf-desk across the large window ticks the boxes.
As do these simple modular seating cushions.
(All pictures Pinterest. Somewhere!)
And black. It must be black..
Laters, Kate x
Klemens Torggler
This is a post courtesy of the lovely Lia in Brussels who first introduced me, via a comment on this Blog, to the incredible work of Austrian wizard, Klemens Torggler.
There are a rarified group of objects like the London Underground map that have totally fulfilled their design potential – to meddle any further would be to over-engineer or muddy. And so it could be thought with the humble door – opening or sliding are the only two options.
That is until now. Torggler’s design, based on rotating squares, makes it possible to move an object sideways without the use of tracks. Even if the object weighs 200 kg.
There’s also the Evolution door,a door based on triangles that moves at the touch of a finger tip like a piece of living origami.
What I would give for my own flock of steel birds – The perfect marriage of function and Art.
Laters, Kate x
Espadrille Competition!
Calling all fashionista’s (particularly those with a young child within) for our inaugural Pimp Your Kicks Design Competition! this is your chance to play, glue, dye, make..bake! accessorise and bling-o-rize a classic pair of espadrilles into a thing of beauty worthy of a street style photo shot (See here for more inspiration – seriously – the only limit is your imagination!)
The details:
- Sign up below and send a photo of your finished shoes to contactkatebentley@gmail.com by midnight gmt on Friday 23 May
- The winner will be announced on Monday 26 May with pictures of all the entries (can’t wait!)
- You can enter as many pairs as you wish..and high heeled espadrilles also accepted.
- There will be an external judge and a little prize for the winner..
I’m off to scout the internet for the cheapest pair of espadrilles I can find…and if I can find children’s sizes Bella and Charlie will be entering too!!
Laters, Kate x
