House of Philippe and Jasmine Starck

It's funny to see how a designer who is so linear, simple and rational in his design lives in a house full of colour and clutter. Creativity can come in many forms.

The last image goes with my theme. I wonder if this if a photo of Jasmine Starck herself...

Via The Selby from the house of Phippe and Jasmine Starck (yes, the designer)

One day I'll tell to my daughter...

Dear future daughter:

Life is complex and full of layers. Learn that nothing is in black and white, the truth is always more complicated than that. And if someone tells you otherwise believe they will learn from experience how wrong they are. Be aware of how important is to think about what's going inside of you. If something feels wrong, maybe that's because it is wrong for you. And when feeling bad, dance and sing no matter how badly you sound. Punch a pillow when angry or talk to yourself. You're not crazy and it will save me on the psychiatrist bills. Stretch. Never leave the house without eating breakfast. Try whatever you want to try but don't be arrogant to the point of thinking you know it all. you don't.

Remember that no one is perfect and everybody makes mistakes but the golden rule is to understand what you did, why you did it and apologise. In case you didn't get it I'll say again, apologise and mean it! Saying you're sorry is like building a new bridge to the other person's heart. You gain in dignity and integrity when you're big enough to recognize you acted foolishly. And don't be a bitch unless on really special occasions and you'll know which ones when the time is right. Respect elders and pass that on to your kids. Learn from your mistakes but don't be too harsh on yourself; we are here to learn, just don't do the same mistake twice, that's stupid. Don't be afraid to give yourself to people, if they hurt you, cry and learn from it but don't close yourself because there's lots of hugs and kisses to give and receive in this life. Rainy days can be improved by wearing purple rainy boots. Another important thing you should know is that saying "no" is a valuable asset and people will respect you more because of it. If he is in love with you he won't notice you're having a bad hair day, so relax. Oh and by the way, the first kiss is overrated. Try again if it does not go that well the first time. The secret? Practice. But when you like someone and kiss that person for the first time it's always like a first kiss and it's OK to be nervous, just don't think to much about it, just do it. Having fun is better when shared. Oh let's dance in the living room! Remember: NEVER wear two pieces of denim in one outfit. And I insist on it, NEVER. Friends make a huge difference in life, for better, much better. And don't let the dishes accumulate in the sink. And cake's better when less cooked. Learn that "please", "thank you" and a smile can make miracles in many different occasions. If you don't know where your keys are, pretend you're entering the house again and do what you would naturally do. Yeah they are probably under a magazine. NEVER, but NEVER rip pages of my interior design magazines. I'm warning you lady! 

But the most important thing is that... when in doubt, always choose a strawberry ice cream;)

Inspired by the cute photo :)
Update: and by the lyrics of "Everybody's free (To Wear Sunscreen)" by Baz Lhurmann 

Free time

On my last post I wrote that the 29th of May was my last day at the internship but it wasn't true, it lasted around two weeks more and I'm sharing this so you'll understand how deadlines and working in a magazine can be. If there's work to be done, someone will have to do it because in the end of the month the magazine has to be out. And it is now. For the Portuguese readers you may see my last collaboration with Máxima Interiores in the last issue already available for purchase:)

But now it seems I'm on holidays and that means free time to blog and to put into practice some projects around the house. I have a cabinet/desk that will be my workspace, bought on a 2nd hand furniture store but I need to paint it and my idea is to make a photo coverage of the process and share it with you;)

I'm also interested about the psychology and sociology of space and would like to share some thoughts about that because interior design is much more than pretty furniture and colour trends (feel my disdain?:P).

These images are from decor8 and illustrate some workspaces ideas. I love the dots wallpaper above and the white mood with feminine accents of the first image. Ideas for my workspace makeover are needed:)

Last day

Today was my last day in the internship at Maxima Interiores (Portuguese interior design magazine).

After almost 7 months I can only say that  it was truly rewarding to learn with the people I learn with and to see my hard work and effort recognized and appreciated. I couldn't ask for more.

I know I did my best when my best was asked but I also know I was pretty lucky to find the support I got from the magazine team.

When I went to London for the first time almost one year ago to KLC I knew change was coming but I couldn't really see the doors that would open up for me. I was not that sure it would be enough but sometimes all you need is a chance to show what you can do and even maybe surprise yourself. 

I'm really happy with what started to happen since last year and just hope that this train doesn't stop. Lets see what comes next:)

Image via fffound 

Photography Marathon

Last Saturday I've entered in a photography marathon. It was at the Lisbon tube line and lasted all day long. The contestants received a list of six themes: environment, quality, public art, speed, mobility and Lisbon at the tube. The hardest part was not taking the photos, but choosing 6 from the many photos I took and not forgetting the given themes.

The next photos are some of the ones I sent to the competition today. You can see more at my flickr.

Theme: Environment

Theme: Public Art

Theme: Lisbon at the tube

Theme: Speed

Lets see if I win something;)

Blog Award!

I received my first blog award!:D How exciting! Thank you maisonette! Rules: state 5 random facts about yourself and award 5 other bloggers.

{5 random facts about me}

1. I can't cut or rip pages of my lovely interior design and decoration magazines. They are sacred to me. I love those inspirational boards full of bits and pieces of magazines but I just can't do it.
(The image shows the last number of Living Etc, June,  and you can see part of it here)

2. I love terror films. I love to get scared but when I know I'm not sleeping alone! My favourite one is REC, but the Spanish version. Maybe because I'm Portuguese and there are a lot of similarities between the languages, the film felt realistic and creepy and even today if I think of it... I prefer not to think about it right now... hahaha

3. I love to dance. When you feel the rhythm inside of you and nothing else matters, just you and the music... I'm in heaven. The 80's "Nowhere Fast" from Fire Inc. always makes me jump A LOT:D

 

4. When I grow up, I'll have a garden. It can be small, but it has to be cosy and big enough to invite friends and have meals outdoor. A big tree would be lovely and maybe a swing for the kids, or not just for the kids:P

5. Candies. I love candies, desserts, cakes and everything related.
Just bought Nigella Lawson's last book and just by looking at the photos of the desserts recipes I started drooling hehehe

{Blog Awardees}

1. Iva - iva y

2. Anna Caroline - designstudio210

3. Dilly Dallas - dilly dallas

4. Summer Allen-Gibson - design is mine

5. Lena Corwin - ~>O<~

That's it. Have a great Tuesday:)

Illusion bookshelf

This is extremely cool. A bookshelf with a door with images of books in high detail. It was made for skitsch, an Italian company and designed by Front.

This collection is an example of a truly different piece that can stand out in a room. And the illusion versus the hidden storage idea is good, because you have the cosy feeling books give when exhibited but also protect them from dust.

And maybe you could do something to the doors of a billy's IKEA bookshelf. Just an idea;) 

The original cost around €2000 and you can buy it here.

Scandinavian house

If there's a "rule" you can trust about having a lighter room is using white in big quantities. I do not hide my love for the Scandinavian design and interiors and the house I bring reflects the best of the best: wood floors, white walls, books, art, personal clutter and pieces of colour strategically positioned along the rooms.

I have to thank Bolig Magasinet for showing us houses like this and of course, google translator:P

This house suffered a renovation and most of the walls were demolished to open up the space and receive more light. The roof was also replaced and skylights were added.

The bright light was balanced with grey kitchen cabinets and details of black - IKEA bench and frames. I find the "bits of papers" board interesting because it feels to me like a collection.

The living room is large and its windows face the garden. The bookcase stores finds, books and magazines. The lamp on it was from the owner grandfather. The Eames LCW chair goes well with the soft tones of the room and it almost matches the yellow pillow. I like the whole mood but I miss a rug on that floor though.

Now look at the ceiling of this room. A star! This is a star shaped stucco rosette, typical from the functionalism period. How amazing is this detail?!

In this simple bedroom we have a good idea. Using wallpaper as a headboard can work really well, but to avoid overdoing it (wallpaper can close up a room) limit the wallpaper to a smaller area using a shelf. In this case the shelf is also a nightstand. .

This last room almost feel like an orangery and it has a reading room mood. The circle window adds a touch of interest but in here the books are the focal point. It it a great idea when you want to fee space on the floor to built shelves on top of windows, but only when the space is reach in light.

Would you live here?

I certainly would:)

Sexy packaging

I guess I'm inspired by the sexy theme and for me, this packaging oozes sensuality. The black with the colourful typography works for me. Black used in food packaging suggests that a product is gourmet, with quality.

“A re-branded food range that echo the store’s forward thinking and contemporary attitude towards retail. Although there were over 100 own brand products within the store it was somewhat unrecognisable and lacked shelf presence. Our approach was to create a range that was unique; that did not follow any traditional sector cues. Colour coding everything black would make an incredible statement with only the type to reflect what was inside for example strawberry jam would have pink type. The typeface used was trade gothic range left and all the same point size across the range where possible. This ensured clarity and uniformity.”

Design by Dave Richmond for Selfridges & Co

Via lovelypackage.com

Sexy

I find these images really sensual. The effects on the silhouette just enhance the sexiness.

What's sexy for you?

Via ffffound