Kitchen Envy IV

SERIOUSLY, do kitchens get any better than this? If you've seen any, send me pictures...because I don't believe you.

images and design by Retrouvius. Image 2 previously posted on Yeah...Ok...Bye here

TIMBERYARD

Timberyard is on the old site of Lawson's Timber, somewhere I visited for bits and pieces for projects while at the Art School, just next door. It's unusual to find such an industrial space, just off the Grassmarket in Edinburgh, and thankfully the Radford family (formerly of Blue and The Atrium) have embraced it with a white wash and a soft glow of basic bulbs on knotted, basic white cables hanging from the high ceilings. It's so un-Edinburgh, so simple...and so excellent. The concept behind the newly opened venue includes an awareness of sustainability and the environment which not only describes the offering but also the interior. There are polished railway sleepers as tables and the reuse of furniture from their previous venues, as well as reclaimed antique pieces like the old school blackboard displaying the specials. I look forward to returning and seeing how the remaining areas evolve. I've heard rumours of space for a gallery, on the level above the restaurant, in the future, and was too busy enjoying my tasty mallard breast, amazing hot smoked trout and delicious chocolate and salted hazelnut pudding, to get a chance to see the private dining room or south facing courtyard.

My CV is rich in every level of 'front of house' hospitality positions in the years before I finally knuckled down and committed to art school. I loved working in the industry and it's where I met my husband and many friends. In fact, it was probably the most carefree and fun time of my life, so far...it helped that I was in my incorrigible and confident early twenties! With the husband still firmly in the hospitality trade as I've mentioned here and here, I think I'll always feel akin to those on the service side of the bar, so I can never be too critical (unless they are absolutely useless.) As a customer, I've managed to let go of the little things (empty glasses left on tables etc.) and can spot an 'up sell' a mile off but I also appreciate the relentless and sometimes thankless slog the job can be. Edinburgh can feel like a very small town sometimes with a few very difficult customers to please so I refuse to put more pressure on those who are already doing an excellent job.

The service at Timberyard was perfect; attentive, knowledgeable and polite ...and they make an excellent negroni. So... go.
Image 2 by Susie Lowe. All other images from Timberyard Tumblr

Three's a Crowd Pleaser /// Monochrome

My obsession with all things black and white continues...(see my wishlist from last year).
The fact that I narrowed it down to only three things for this week's 'TACP' (Three's A Crowd Pleaser) has surprised even me.

1 That rug that's been around forever yet, somehow, still isn't on my floor 2 Effie Tuck Stitch Sweater 3 New York Typography print by Emerald Son

Going Underground

Last night, I watched George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4 (UK), the first episode in a new series exploring the way people live in, and transform, small spaces. The highlight for me was this converted underground public toilet in London, cleverly transformed into a beautiful one bedroom home. It's quite incredible how much light floods through the wells from the pavement above. They even have outdoor space...although I'd be quite concerned about the odd drunk using it, and the entrance stairwell, as the space was intended!
Although the final result is certainly amazing, it would have taken some industrial rubber gloves and a ridiculous amount of bleach! What do you think? Would you take on such a mammoth task?
UPDATE: After tweeting Laura Jane Clark, the owner and designer of this underground home, she has clarified that in fact the original tiles in the kitchen were not those of the urinals. They were in fact behind the basins. Much less gross!

images and more info from the Telegraph

Resin-ate

My uber-creative sister-in-law, in the 'world down under', introduced me to some pretty awesome stuff from Dinosaur Designs this week So, in turn, I am sharing them with your lucky selves.
I never get bored of resin. I think it's the smooth-but-matt texture that makes it so tactile...and those colours are just so milky sweet. The new and old collections are all worth a look, here.

As you may know, if you follow me on twitter, it was my birthday on Saturday and said 'SIL' sent me this awesome message via Instagram. Foooolly seeeck maayte...x

You may be able to tell from the images, that I also received a new toy; a Wacom Bamboo, from the husband, son and dog! So expect more of my handwriting splattered all over images, á la the ones above! I did well!

Pink...

In honour of Breast Cancer awareness month and Pink Friday. I've collated some very varied interior inspiration images. Where a splash of hot pink makes a bold statement, I'm more a fan of a touch of blush; be it a sofa, a lamp or a feature wall. The all-pink bedroom below is a little creepy but I'm loving the painted table supports. So feminine and pretty...

one two three four five

Three's a Crowd-Pleaser /// All that Glitters...

1 Pedro Garcia moccasins 2 sequin cushion cover 3 Bugle Beads fabric backed vinyl wall covering

A Few of My Favourite Things

I never thought it was possible to have the perfect amount of my favourite things in one home. One kitchen even! I'm a big fan of the juxtaposition of textures, especially when that includes rustic versus finished materials, so the kitchen units next to the tile here is making my heart beat a little faster. I'm not even going to mention the floor. It speaks for itself.

This place is so good...AND it's in Spain!
I'll take two. Please.
source

The book of face...

I finally started a facebook page for Yeah...Ok...Bye. You can 'like' it here to keep up with posts via your facebook profile. I won't fill your timeline with nonsense...I promise.

OYOY

New Danish design company, OYOY, has launched and is flaunting their beautiful Autumn/Winter 2012 catalogue here.

 ...so tempted to paint my floors...

Three's a Crowd Pleaser /// Autumn wardrobe

I rarely do fashion/outfit posts but with the change of weather it's only natural to have the urge to update one's wardrobe. It's been beautiful in Edinburgh this autumn; crisp and fresh, with glorious, albeit low level, sunshine and blue skies. Colour blocking, animal print and British patriotism (it's been a big year) in one look. Too much? No way...

1. Missoni abstract leopard print pencil skirt | 2. Lily and Lionel Telephone boxes scarf | 3. Madewell Saratoga Blue The chain Minibag in Suede | image: Lily and Lionel scarf print excerpt

Hotel Fasano Boa Vista

'Boa Vista' indeed. Both inside and out!
Hotel Fasano Boa Vista is in the Brazilian countryside, just outside Sao Paolo amongst 13 natural lakes and with beautiful views ('boa vista') of the Ipanema mountain range. The hotel itself was designed by Brazilian architect, Isay Weinfeld and has a strong connection to the nature around it. Sustainability and the use of local materials were also key. The owner, Rogerio Fasano was heavily involved with the interior specification and makes a huge understatement when he says 'there is a slight Sixties and Seventies influence'.
Isn't it glorious?

Images from Fasano Boa Vista and Sleeper

Mid Century Iceland

There is a plethora of on-line magazines out there and they keep getting better with every issue. I find it pretty difficult to keep up so, if you have a favourite please pop it in a comment. I love a virtual click through with a cuppa.

I recently happened upon the second issue of Icelandic magazine, Home & Delicious which features, as you'd expect, interiors and a smattering of delicious recipes with beautiful photography, predominantly by Gunnar Sverrisson, at the back.

This is Gljufrasteinn; the family home of  Nobel prize author, Halldor Laxness. It was designed and built in 1945 and is now open to the public as a museum. He wanted a mixture of country and modern without pretension and filled the, then, new build, with craft pieces and art by his wife and family. It was considered ahead of its time then and its practicality is still relevant. Also, the colours and those tiles rock my world...

from Home and Delicious 

OBJECT

Visit this shop. Just don't look at the prices. (unless you can afford to...and if so, enjoy!)

OBJECT via Amanda Rodriguez

Weekend Treasure Hunt

On Saturday afternoon I had a few hours off. I love my family but sometimes a little 'me time' is a necessity. I took the opportunity to head over to a monthly flea market that I'd been trying to get to for a long time. The Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street, in Leith, is an awesome space with a ridiculous amount of natural light. It's home to Out of The Blue, an arts and education trust committed to community projects. There are offices and studios rented to creative businesses and a large space, perfect for markets, as well as shows, workshops and classes. There's a café too...for sustenance. On the last Saturday of every month the hall hosts the Out Of The Blue Flea Market from 10am till 3pm, and it's definitely worth a visit.
I picked up this vintage silk blouse for £1.50 and, the artist's mannequin, large wood bowl and awesome white and gold vase all came from the same seller, and were £2 a piece! So, I had a very fruitful and enjoyable afternoon which cost a total of £11.40, including £1.40 for the bus and £2.50 for the most tremendous flat white coffee from Artisan Roast on my wander home.

Did you find any treasure this weekend?