TOPIA7 design blog

Introducing Jack

2008-11-08T14:13:00.002+08:00

"I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul."
- Jean Cocteau

The dreamy work of Ghostpatrol

2008-11-01T12:35:00.006+08:00

I have just come back from a short trip to Melbourne to check out the design scene there. The street culture there is seriously awesome!
I was lucky enough to find the paste-up work of one of my favourite artists, Ghostpatrol (right) and even luckier to check out Nesting and Dying, the exhibition currently on featuring him and his girlfriend, Miso.
His work is so dreamy and seems simple but has a lot of deapth. I love the style of the children he creates and the way they interact with the animals they often inhabit.
I didn't know the work of Miso before the exhibition but I really enjoyed her work too, it complemented Ghostpatrol's really well too.
I would have loved to have purchased some of the work there but it was a bit out of my price range, I did come away with the book though, also available online.
Nesting and Dying is on at the Metro 5 Gallery until November 9 in Armadale, Melbourne. Check out the Metro 5 site for more details. Find out more about Miso or go see more of Ghostpatrol's work on his site.

Etsy find: Fox and flowers by Magicjelly

2008-10-24T12:02:00.003+08:00

Karena or Magicjelly is a talented illustrator from Adelaide, South Australia who makes wonderfully retro inspired prints and collages that are definitely worth checking out.
I have my eye on Fox and Flowers. I really love how it seems simple from a distance but as you get closer all the little patterns and details become apparent. The colouring would be perfect for my place too.
Go see Magicjelly at Etsy, on the Australian site Madeit or find out what she is doing on her blog.

Faux Show: better than the real thing

2008-10-21T18:36:00.005+08:00

I checked out Faux Show this afternoon, an Artrage exhibition on at Keith+Lottie by Jessie Mitchell and Sophie Webber.

Reproducing the set of a trophy room, Faux Show replicates a fire place, taxidermy animals, grand portraits and more in lovable plush incarnations.

I really loved this plush deer head, it is about life size and would look awesome in my place. Really reasonably priced too, $130... Hmm... and I know just the position that it would work.
Faux Show is only on for a few more days, closes on the 24th of October so check it out now.

Dreaming green: The apartment that has inspired me to paint

2008-10-20T00:33:00.004+08:00

I first saw Maya and Michael's apartment on Apartment Therapy earlier this year. I kept that wonderful rich pea-green in mind for my place (as you know, I have a lot of reds, oranges and teak wood) but was keen to see it again; it's a bold choice, wanted to make sure I really liked it...
Last week I stumbled across Maya and Michael's apartment again as part of the Apartment Therapy Fall Colours 2008 competition. I think it's meant to be as I am on holidays from work for two weeks and this week my goal is to paint my living room and kitchen.
I really do love that colour, thanks Maya and Michael for sharing and inspiring me to paint!
Want to see more? Go vote for them at AT, see more images of their loft apartment on flikr, browse their prints and coasters on Etsy, read what their up to on their blog or check out the Visualingual website.

A little bit of modern-retro zen with Flensted

2008-10-13T21:05:00.008+08:00

I took a wonder into my favourite store, William Topp, on Sunday avo and finally got an item I have had my eye on for some time, a Flensted mobile. The one I chose is called Flowing Rhythm and it really is mesmerising to watch.
I have hung it at eye level with artwork (an etching I bought in Hanoi and photos I took in Hanoi and Siem Reap) above and below it so it visually links the work.
Just the modern-retro addition I needed to add some zen to the room!

Click-click-clack ching!: Red retro writer

2008-10-11T15:05:00.009+08:00

What it is about a fully restored cherry red typewriter from the 1950's that gets me so excited? Maybe it's the romantic ideas of click-clacking away, writing the great Australian novel or just the old technology that produces that every-letter-different, hand-done quality, even by a machine. Realistically, I am sure this typewriter would never actually get used but it sure would make a great feature piece in my lounge room and go perfectly with my retro red telephone.
The 1950's Royal Typewriter is from Three Potato Four. They have some awesome stuff there, all able to be shipped internationally so be sure to check them out.

Organic ceramics: Recharge with creative therapy

2008-10-08T12:30:00.008+08:00

My sister, Tanya, a mum with two young boys under four, has been recharging her creativity for a few hours every Thursday evening at Melanie Sharpham's ceramic course. She has been coming up with some wonderful organic pieces and feeling revived from the experience.
If you live in Perth, Western Australia (and can easily get to the suburb of Kensington) and are keen to participate, email Melanie: msharpha[at]bigpond.net.au
BTW, this is also an excuse to plug my sister's new blog, check out Old Grey House, and show off my adorable little nephew! He looks like he would like to get his hands on those organic bowls!

Fresh setting: A place to sit and eat at my place

2008-10-05T11:12:00.005+08:00

Just thought I would share the way I have set up my dining setting in my new place.
Last time I didn't show you my Mart Stam chairs (bargain of the century: leather is in perfect condition, slight rust marks on the chrome but only $20 for all four on eBay!) and they are super comfortable to sit in too.
I have tied it all together with a giant fresh leaf from a tropical plant (called???) in a retro red vase and some lemons in a teak nut-shaped bowl from a second hand store. The table is the extendible Bjursta.
Behind the setting is another screen-print by The Little Friends of Printmaking called Pacific Jamzzz. This one I put in a larger Ikea frame, Ribba, and filled it out a bit with red framing card.
I really enjoy mixing old and new and I think it all comes together very nicely.

Green and amber glass in my kitchen window

2008-10-03T11:02:00.005+08:00

I just wanted to share a little detail from my new place. I plan to do a full photographic survey when I have my new blinds and have painted etc, but here is a sneak peak for now.
A green vase and amber jug from eBay on my kitchen window shelf. I picked this native Australian flower (unsure of the name, got any ideas?) from my friends garden.
I had not thought to put these two pieces together until moving here and I think their shapes complement each other perfectly.

Etsy find: Something sweet for 2009

2008-10-01T10:43:00.005+08:00

The new year isn't too far away now and if something needs to be ordered from overseas, maybe now is the time to start thinking about it.
This adorable little Birdie Calendar by smeurer8 would make a lovely gift or would look very sweet in the study or kitchen. The branch and bird in black are mounted on wood and encased in a slick resin with a tear away calendar attached.
Hm, a gift for someone special or an addition to my new home...? I think I better order two!
Check out Birdie Calendar or more work by smeurer8 on Etsy.

Neon ruin: Dramatic mid-century signage

2008-09-26T10:39:00.003+08:00

Marco van Hylckama Vlieg has put together a dramatic and spectacular collection of his photographs showing mid-century signage that has seen better days.
I would love a collection of these prints framed in my hallway or perhaps this one, Fabricare, wallpapered in my bedroom.
Check out Neon Ruin.

Drunk Lightning: The alchemy of beer and art

2008-09-22T00:44:00.005+08:00

Apparently beer isn't just fun to drink, not only inspires art, but can actually be used in it's production too, who knew? Kevin Hayes of Lovely MPLS did the experiments and came up with the following conclusion:

beer + paint + skill + inspiration (see also beer) = ART

There is even an LED light thrown in for good measure.
Did I even mention how great the poster is? A collage of beer labels in black and white screen printed on the German paper (mostly also made from beer!) and with a spot varnish finish, looks awesome.
Kevin, I think this work needs to be the first of a series. I'll be watching out for more!
Check out the Lovely MPLS Etsy page for a description of how Drunk Lightning was made and go to the Lovely MPLS Flikr page to see photos.

Daily inspiration from life: Color stripes

2008-09-18T11:11:00.004+08:00

Kris is an Italian artist and fashion designer with an insightful eye for colour.
She chooses photographs of interesting objects, places and with no limit of subjects (nebula to folk-art patterns) and carefully chooses between four to eight colour swatches from each photo.
Since finding Kris's blog I have been intrigued going through her various selections. I find colour from real life so much more harmonious.
I am thinking of redesigning my design blog with this colour scheme from a 1960's West German Scheurich vase next. Or perhaps I will be inspired to base my new colour scheme on a photo of my own... Thanks for sharing Kris!
Check out Kris's Color Stripes.

And on your way out, don't forget: Chalkboard

2008-09-17T00:03:00.004+08:00

As a perpetual forgetter, this is something that I could really use and way less annoying than having a real piece of ribbon tied around my finger.
Ben Floeter's Don't Forget Chalkboard found at The Curiosity Shoppe and at his Etsy shop, is such a friendly wall feature. It would be perfect at my friend door which is also near my kitchen, it would even double as a pointer, guiding guests into the living room.
Now to find out how much postage to Australia will be...
Check out the Don't Forget Chalkboard.

Alphabet brew: Letter blocks for coffee cups

2008-09-14T11:23:00.005+08:00

The Alpha Coffee Table from Crate and Barrel is inspired by a find in a Paris flea market and is carved from a single piece of wood with raised letters and numbers, protected by tempered glass.
This coffee table would certainly be a conversation started and such a great example of retro/modern, old meets new.
If only it was available in Australia, I would snap it up in an instant!
Check out the Alpha Coffee Table.

The Poster List: Grungy, stylish (and cheap!)

2008-09-11T22:59:00.009+08:00

The Poster List has a great selection of pop art posters all designed and produced in-house.
The artwork mostly all has a slightly grungy-textured-retro look, got to love new art that looks like it's been around for a while.
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, two posters (12"x18") for 20 bucks, you can't go wrong!
Check out The Poster List.

Popsicle! the pop-up retail alternative: Yumm!

2008-09-04T12:12:00.005+08:00

Popsicle! is an 11 day pop-up retail space put on by The William Street Collective (which includes my fave stores, William Topp and Keith+Lottie). This is the spiel:

This 11 day event has been especially created for the Perth Fashion Festival and is where the public and buyers can shop for the latest in clothing, jewellery, accessories and more. Popsicle! showcases Perth's finest within an abandoned building, which has been transformed by interior designers and will stay open only for the duration of the festival.

I am on my way this avo to check it out, can't wait to see what they have there and maybe pick up a few special new treats for my new apartment.
Popsicle! is at 214 William St, Northbridge and runs from today to the 14th of September, 11am - 6pm daily. Check out the website for more details.

Owls go romp in the night

2008-09-02T00:06:00.004+08:00

Romp started out as a store for 'modern kids' in Brooklyn but is now completely online so now their range of quirky collectables are available to the world. As they say on there site:

Romp is about play – from play with toys to play in the design of our homes.

And I would love the chance to play with these colourful owls to enhance the design of my new place. I can see the spot they would fit right in on my white malm chest of drawers in my bedroom.
The owls are made by Kirsty McIntosh from cut wood, painted and collaged with patterned retro inspired papers. Hoot hoot!
Check out Romp for kids and adults alike.

Entangled organic mechanics: The sculptures of Mauro Fuke

2008-09-01T11:07:00.006+08:00

There is something wonderfully mathematical and logical about the twisted wooden 'snake' sculptures of the the artist Mauro Fuke.
Fuke develops the sculptures using a computer and then creates each piece by hand. Close up they look like a random combo of joins and organic mechanics but the patterns and arrangements are endless. I love the tactile nature of Fuke's work, you just want to pick them up and play.
Check out more of Mauro Fuke's sculptures or see the way he develops and creates his work.
> Found via Space Collective.

Old made new: Telephone table as side table

2008-08-31T10:15:00.005+08:00

Well, the big move is over and I have been loving organising and arranging my stuff in my new apartment. I have about twice as much space to work with and the original 1969 layout, kitchen and embellishments work so well with my modern/retro furnishings and collections.
As an intro to my new place I thought I would bring you one of my favourite pieces which I am using in a new way in my new place. It's a teak and leather telephone table that I picked up from a garage sale for the bargain price of $5. I have had it for a while and it's previous incarnation took the form of a bedside table. The little chair was perfect for sitting on while putting on shoes. But I don't have the space on that side of my bed here so I have used it as a side table next to my leather couch.
The red phone I also picked up from a garage sale, also for about $5 and the lamp, which glows a wonderful rich, warm orange, was made by my step-dad before it was retro. To complete the picture, the cushions I had custom-made by Jamric from Etsy. They cost way more than I had planned on spending but since everything else in the picture was such a bargain, I guess it all balances out in the end.
More snaps of my new place to come!

Chinese whispers: The word from Judith in Beijing

2008-08-15T09:15:00.004+08:00

My once housemate and very good friend, Judith, is in Beijing for the Olympics at the moment.
About the CCTV building (photo by Judith, above) she says:

It's...like nothing I've ever seen in the real world...ever. Though I guess the same could also be said about the Water Cube, the Bird's Nest and the National Theatre. They are all structures that defy what you would typically term, a building. Each of them is making a striking statement of the future of China - as being innovative, assertive and most of all, at the cutting edge of all things.

As a happy diversion, read about Judith's exploits as a tourist in the busiest city in the world right now. Check out Chinese Whispers.

Etsy find: Inquisitive soft scultptured owl

2008-08-11T10:44:00.005+08:00

I know I said I was taking a break from blogging before the big move but this gorgeous owl is a well meaning distraction from packing boxes.
It is by Abby Glassenberg, stands 12.5" tall and incorporates vintage Hawaii fabric that Abby found at a rummage sale. The owl looks like it's going to take a walk along the bench and then fly away, I love it's inquisitive character.
Abby also makes a range of other birds and animals. They are not cheap as a lot of work goes into them but definatly worth checking out to be inspired.
Go see her Abby Glassenberg's web page or her Etsy shop. Chirp chirp!

Goodbye rent, hello mortgage!

2008-08-09T16:17:00.003+08:00

This time next week I will have moved into my new 75sqm two bedroom apartment (with HUGE balcony) in Tuart Hill, my first place!
Although I am hanging out to make my mark on my own space, I have enjoyed living in my little two bedroom apartment in Wembley (pictured: centre, third story) and I have been lucky to have a very amicable real estate agent, despite the frequent inspections.
When I was hunting for this place to rent, about 16 months ago, I had written "too ugly" in my notes and I didn't even plan to take a look. I am glad I did though, because inside it has been great and looks onto that huge Eucalypt and greenery below. I will also miss the large, communal swimming pool this Summer, not to mention that it is only 4mins drive from work...
So, apologies in advance for infrequent entries in my design//blog and I will be back up and running with daily entries again when I am set up on the net and ready to go in my new place.
Any tips on making the move as stress free as possible are welcome!

Moshpit Collective, A website by me!

2008-08-06T10:48:00.004+08:00

Ok, bit of a shameless plug.
I have been super busy lately (excuse for irregular posts here) trying to finish up my freelance jobs before the big move into my new apartment (my very own!!!) next week.
Amongst the freelance jobs were a few websites and this one, Moshpit Collective, I really enjoyed. Check it out!