Apartment Living in Auckland, NZ

A side note: This is how we spent Sunday evening.

Isabel taught us a new card game she picked up while at camp this summer. We ended the evening with Monopoly (a childhood favorite of mine). Those flameless candles from Crate & Barrel have certainly come in useful. We survived Hurricane Irene with just a 17-hour power outage but our thoughts are with family, friends and those who continue to endure the after-affects and for others who are encountering loss and devastation of unparalleled magnitude.

This post was scheduled to go out this week in the event of continued power outage. I shall share it with you anyway. This stunning apartment building in Auckland, New Zealand was engineered to utilize natural light, warmth and cool breezes. The floors are built in tiers. Materials used are concrete, glass and cedar. Aluminum and wood also contribute to the overall harmonious aesthetics and green design. The building retains heat in winter and deflects it during warmer months.

Glass panels like sculptures off the facade of the building.

Grid-like landscaped garden.

via Dwell photos Simon Devitt

There is so much appeal to the entire design of this structure, indoors and outdoors. I love that it is modern, contemporary and yet exudes a homey feel and warmth in the design (wooden shutters, lighting, garden) and colors. I could live in such a place, couldn't you?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Contemporary Cowhide, Many Applications

I wanted to share pictures of some amazing creations by Kyle Bunting, whose company has redefined how hide can be used in interior settings. I am amazed at the versatility of it.  Luxurious carpets and wall coverings are their main products but their line extends to upholstery and architectural applications, too.

Stunning intense colors.

You can almost feel the texture, the softness of these pieces.

I love the designs on these chairs.

All images via

I think these items take comfort to another level altogether. I would love, love a rug but would be afraid to sit on such luxurious chairs unless it was in a formal setting. A wall covering would be interesting. What do you think? Are you or could you be a fan of cowhide in any application?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

We are on Salvage Savvy Today!

We am thrilled to be on another site for the kids' artwork, yet again! Today we are on Salvage Savvy. I recently discovered Connie's amazing blog where I she shares some awesome tutorials. One of my favorites (and  there are many) is this unbelieveable artwork. I will certainly be trying this one.

Stay safe this weekend everyone!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Ethan Allen Chairs - Favorites

On a week when forces of nature took us by surprise (East Coast earthquake) and could potentially cause severe damage (hurricane Irene) I look to the comforts within the home.

This pair of chairs from Ethan Allen (named Corsica; no longer available) are some other favorite pieces in the house. I purchased them some years ago and found this amazing chinoiserie-inspired fabric (also no longer available) at the same time.

  

The coral-toned birds are so beautiful against the gold (described as "clay"). I absolutely loved the combination then and have not tired of this delicate pattern. It will take a really special fabric to replace this one come the day that I have to reupholster these chairs.

I love the elegance of the chair together with the obvious comfort (upholstered back and sizeable seat, 24"D x 27"W in front). It looks good and it feels good.

 Do you have a favorite item that has served you well for many years or one you would not want to change?

On another note..I was crowned today thanks to my kids' artwork..check it out at La-Dee-Da Creations!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

At Home with Green & Blue, Teal & Turquoise - The Living Room

I like to change things around in the house, challenging myself to do something different every so often. It is certainly not due to boredom but really to see if I can discover a new effect in a room while enjoying the items I already have. This is one of the reasons I love what I do!

In an effort to add more teal and/or turquoise to my living room I have been largely focusing on what I own already (purchased or been gifted with over the years). I love the effects of this color combination in a space. I had published a post about the effects of blue and green together a few weeks ago. I did, however, purchase a couple of items over the past few months because they were too stunning to pass up.

Here are some of the items I have which I have been playing around with recently in the living room.

These colors make me happy. I love the effects. Some are older, a couple are new. Details to follow. Do you have any favorite colors at the moment or through the year?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

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