Scottish Ceramics and the Festival

So far this festival, I haven't been able to soak up much in the way of festivities. One year, I promise I'm gonna post some great tips and must-sees but so far this year, I've done some wondering, seen one incredible play and taken my aunt to see this pottery. Hopefully we'll be able to get some comedy in by the end of the month...
From my limited festivities, my recommendation is the tiny studio and gallery in my part of Edinburgh, Adam Pottery. Its a must for any ceramic lover all year round with traditional and contemporary Scottish ceramicists, working on their collections in the studios on site. This festival, the space is an official Edinburgh Fringe venue showing and selling some beautiful pieces. My absolute favourite work there is by Lara Scobie. The colours, textures and shapes got me a little excited and let's just say; that amazing tall stripy jug; it's no longer available...if you know what I mean...

images are from Lara's facebook page 

Villa Vals

Dutch architects SeARCH and CMA designed this hillside gem with the environment in mind. Carved into the hillside near Vals (home to Therme Vals Hotel and Spa - another architectural gem) in Switzerland, you enter Villa Vals via an underground passage from an unassuming barn...lucky because you could miss that beautiful curved façade if you were skiing overhead. The light-flooded concrete interior features natural stone steps, and an abundance of Dutch design including the neon colour pops from Scholten & Baijings as well as those dining chairs and all that lighting. The best bit is you can stay there!

images from here and here

Caroline Swift Breakables

I get my love for tableware and ceramics from my mum...who incidentally has a thing for spoons too. She has a little table of pretty spoons in the dining room and her collection of unusual ceramic crockery, mostly from degree shows by new designers, is growing nicely too.
Reading this back she sounds a bit like a crazy lady with weird ornaments everywhere but her taste is more akin to the work of former benetton knitwear designer, Caroline Swift's paper thin bone china bowls, pretty spoons and these amazing, intricate, stoneware flowers...i'd be afraid to hold those beautiful bowls too tight!

Made in England and available here...any guesses what mum's getting for Christmas??!

Partition bookcase

I love a bit of multifunctional design in a home.

The open plan space in this graphic designer's home in Sao Paolo has me itching to take up Portuguese but the floating chunky bookcase clinches the deal...

Architect: Isay Weinfeld, Photography: Nelson Kon

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