Happy Valentine's Day

Photograph from Making Magique

John Lewis Catalogue Spring/Summer 2012

Just wanted to show you some little snippets that I like from the John Lewis Spring/Summer 2012 catalogue. Zesty colours, statement pieces of furniture and patterned fabrics; geometric, floral, stripes, you name it... Those glass pendants are stunning but I love, love, love, that little oak dining table. It's a shame they're 'never knowingly undersold' as I'd love to get it for less than £499...!

images scanned from John Lewis Spring Summer 12 by me

Something fishy...

I 'stopped by' Atlantis Dry Goods to see if the amazing bronze beetle pendants were still available and found a little something fishy...in bronze. I love these. Especially the tentacle.

 P.S. The beetles are still available and as beautiful as ever.
seahorse, tentacle, sting ray, hammerhead shark

Calligraphy Tattoos

One of the most viewed posts on Yeah...Ok...Bye is this one, showing the awesome work of Betsy Dunlap commissioned as tattoos. I recently came across these gorgeous calligraphy tattoos by Mara Zepeda of Neither Snow. I doubt I'd ever be brave enough to get one but if I did I'd hope it would look as beautiful as these.

 images from Neither Snow

Mixing it up

This home is very close to mine...geographically. If only it was close to looking like mine...
A veritable feast of styles and influences placed side by side resulting in a very stylish and comfortable family home. The contemporary, spine-like staircase and extension with circular glazed door leading to the garden has a grown up, art deco feel. It contrasts, beautifully, with the original Georgian building which, again, contrasts with the eclectic mix of mid century classics, far east artefacts and an abundance of art, photography and sculpture inside. The perfect example of letting your home evolve with you as you collect the things you love. Perfect.

 Images from Location Scotland

Handwritten Poem

This brilliant poem by Bee Rawlinson is my latest handwriting commission. It's a funny one!...an ideal reading for a relaxed wedding...

Images taken and edited by me.

Thinking of Sunshine...

In a few weeks we're taking a trip. A trip to the other side of the world. A trip to a place where, right now, it's summer. We are, to say the least, excited. So here's a little summer balminess in the form of a spring/summer 2012 sneak peek from b.young. It's going to be a bright summer...oranges and pinks all over the place! Which is just as well because apparently 'Tangerine Tango' is Pantone's colour of the year!

We are not too excited, however, about travelling for 24 hours with an 8 month old baby who loves his routine and will be between nutritional stages...any tips will be gratefully received!

Small but perfectly formed...

Now this, is 'good design'. Seeing well thought-out compact spaces makes my day. My admiration for those dedicated to living such an organised life knows no limits. Their combined collection of clothes and shoes cannot possibly be in those skinny bedside wardrobes?! Maybe she doesn't have shoes...that's it! The secret is...no shoes!! I am in awe.

Via Couch

Bedroom Envy III...

White, with cosy textures, retro details...and a view...

via

The Merchant Hotel Spa

I was lucky enough to join a brilliant design team that specialized in Spa design and consultancy when I finished college. The new spa at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast was one of the projects I was involved in for the initial design stages before I moved on. It's been completed for a couple of years now but it's great to see how the design developed and the compromises that were made along the way. I love the sexy graphics used on the shower doors in the treatment rooms and throughout! Very tempted to book a relaxing weekend in Belfast now...

Images from The Merchant Hotel

Zelliges

These tiles rock my world.
Little iridescent squares of irregular, enamelled lovliness handmade in Fez, Morocco. They're available in the prettiest of colours. Tiles like these shouldn't be limited to the kitchen or bathroom; a rich colour makes a statement fire surround or use a pearly shade for a delicate feature in the bedroom...or all of the above!

available from here. Images from here and here

Love

A handwriting comission from a year and a half ago. Time flies.

Photography by me