Living Spaces

From Milan with Love

2011-04-15T12:08:00.000+10:00

One of the best finds we made at DesignEx was a new supplier of European Kitchens, wardrobes and Doors. The Doors are amazing. The price price comparison to building, installing and painting an oversized door is the same. Imagine our delight when we realised that not only were the doors solid and easy to install, you can clad them in a huge array of timbers and coloured glass. Security on these doors was huge too. Very classy!
The Kitchens come ready made to your specifications and they pump out an amazing 2000 kitchen a day in their factory. Friends in Eurpope have used them and love them. The products and finishes are the latest from Italy so why not have a look at their website.
On top of all this if you've ever wanted a wardrobe like Oprah Winfrey but on a tighter budget then have a look at their robe components. Glossy, sleek and they come to the project in a container ready to go. No hold ups with Cabinet makers and so on and so forth...I am just trying to find the extra space so I can have a robe like the one I saw. The supplier has a showroom in Melbourne which is via appointment only. If you are one of our clients we'd be more than happy to arrange it for you.

Designex 2011

2011-04-14T14:32:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we attended the opening day of the new and slightly slimmed down version of DesignEx the Australian Trade Fair for Architects and Designers and Interior Designers. We discovered some new directions and new ranges of finishes and fittings which we were impressed by. The Porter Paint Stand was very colourful and the overall impression was that Bold Colours and Chunky prints on Fabrics and Wall Finishes are the winners. I noticed Kitchen Fittings seem to be heading back towards a chunky commercial feel and that everyday furniture has a multipurpose use.

The show managed some live crosses to Milan and here are the updates courtesy of Artichoke and Architecture Media

Artichoke Cross - Fresh from Milan from Diversified Exhibitions on Vimeo.

Tiles that look like Timber!! Amazing

2010-02-18T10:42:00.000+11:00

I love the warm earthy look of timber in Bathrooms but with the new waterproofing standards this is just no longer acceptable. I was disappointed until I saw a picture which upon second glance made me smile. Timber style tiles! Fantastic. They are non slip and ceramic and very beautiful. Unsurprisingly they are not cheap. However I'm sure once more manufacturers hear of our joy they will all jump on board. Meanwhile Check out the range of tiles through Earp Brothers Tiles at http://www.earp.com.au/ but if you wish to drool some more have a closer look at the European website http://www.porcelanosa.com/gb/pavimento/par-ker.php

Clever Pre stained Flooring

2009-10-15T09:59:00.000+11:00

I love floorboards but even more I love a touch of colour in the form of floor stain to add a bit of zing to a room. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a bit of elbow grease in staining boards myself - I still love the range of water based stains Quantum Wood Stain but these new pre stained boards take out all the hard work and the colours are beautiful. Not only are they gorgoeus they are made from recycled timber. Check out the link here for a full range of colours. Big River Timbers

Adding Colour

2009-07-12T15:01:00.000+10:00

There are so many beautiful colours around us that is tempting to just go with the standard whites and creams, but why not incorporate a bit of colour and texture with fabrics and wall art. There is something very attractive about mixing up the patterns and prints. Our eyes can get so used to the monochromatic colours we forget to let our childlike mind enjoy the candy colours around us. Haymes have a beautiful range of colour, after all its only paint...Have a look at their colours here at Haymes.

Future Directions of Kitchen Design

2009-04-17T10:43:00.002+10:00

A & J Johnson Constructions has a direct dealer agreement with Miele. We can offer our clients the very latest and best kitchen appliances on the market. Here is a video interview with Dr Miele, who has just visited Australia & New Zealand to discuss the future direction of Kitchen Design and Appliance design. We are happy to arrange designs to suit your budget as well as your personal design preferences. Visit the Miele online show room Here to view the beautiful and clever cooking appliances.

Outdoor Furniture - Contemporary & Traditional

2008-10-04T11:04:00.003+10:00

Its that time of year again. The days are longer and the outdoors are calling. Visit your local Hardware store for outdoor furniture and you are subjected to some pretty "daggy" looking settings. We need some new ranges that suit Contemporary Living as well as traditional. Have a look at iwood they have some great looking settings which look tough enough to handle the sun, wind and rain. For some quirky outdoor pieces visit Forme to find funky stools and benches for your deck area. Or for some fairly serious designer stuff visit B & B Italia which are stocked locally through Space Furniture. My personal favorite is a good old Butterfly chair. Its chic and comfy and when your on the deck, by the pool its just really cool. Visit MuuMuubutterlychairs to place an order.

Furniture

2008-08-21T11:33:00.005+10:00

Are you looking for a new Dining Table, Buffet or Entertainment Unit for your new House? Perhaps you need an outdoor setting...but something a little different from the table and cahir configurations you have seen. Vist these 2 suppliers DG Furniture and Globe West check out their extensive range of furniture pieces in their online catalogues then drop by local furniture dealers South Coast Furnishings and Island Living and place your orders. How simple is that?

Euroluce Lights

2008-08-20T10:35:00.004+10:00

The team at Euroluce Lighting in inner Melbourne are fantastic. They will arrange delivery to Phillip Island and will advise you on the best selections from their extensive catalogue. They have grabbed the latest and greatest from Italy and beyond. With a fantastic range there is something for the contemporary or traditional home and garden. Visit Euroluce Lighting and choose from their gorgeous range of spots, down lights, floor lamps and much more.

Luxury Linen - Delivered to your Door

2008-08-20T10:03:00.010+10:00

If you are like me there is nothing like a 5 star bed at the Langham or Sea Temple Resort. Those Pillows are gorgeous and so are the sheets and Duvet covers and towels. The linen when you reach your home destination just isn't up to scratch. Well treat yourself...lets face it we all work long hard hours and why shouldn't we have a cosy luxurious bed when we get home. If fighting the crowds at Stocktake sales or trying to match sets of leftovers at the factory outlets doesn't tickle your fancy then try this. Visit Hotel Luxury collection online and choose your favorite pillow. Fantastic for your new home.

Art of Sound

2008-06-02T10:18:00.004+10:00

A home is definately not a home unless your favorite music is playing or you are totally immersed in a movie in all its surround sound sensation. But what is it with all the horrible black speakers with wood grain that act as a magnet for dust? If you could never see those speakers again..what a blessing.

The good people at Fifth Corner have answered our prayers. Check out the cleverly disguised speakers dressed up as art on walls. What if your speakers actually became part of the wall without losing sound quality...Check them out they may just be what you are looking for.

Original Contemporary Furniture

2008-02-25T13:57:00.008+11:00

Call me biased based on my Dutch heritage but Zuster Furniture (Zuster means Sister in Dutch) is one of my favorite Melbourne based furniture design companies. Run by a family of brilliant designers this furniture is gorgeous and elegant and timeless. They have caught my eye in many Interior Publications and at Trade fairs and in my wanderings along Richmond Furniture Outlets. The quality and clean lines of their designs will suit many styles.

Having visited the brilliant design exhibition "Savage Luxury" at Heide Gallery late last year I feel sure that Zuster Furniture will become an important part of our Australian and Melbourne based design legend.

Its OK to fake it sometimes!

2007-10-10T16:32:00.000+10:00

Looking for an Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair, or a Arco Floor Lamp by by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for FLOS. The originals can cost anywhere up to $15 000+. Its OK to fake it a little while you save your hard earned pennies for one or two original pieces. Visit Milan Direct and have the goods delivered to your door. How easy is that? If you want to check out the real deal visit Shapiro Auctioneers to place your bids on the originals.

Lighting & Shadows

2007-09-15T15:51:00.000+10:00

While contemplating a new interior for our next project, lighting has again appeared as an important part of the interior. Many homes built locally are lit up like Christmas trees with down lights at every turn. I really believe we need to think carefully about lighting because it can truly set the tone and feeling of a room. Shadows play an important part also. Crisp clean lines require some kind of opposition and shadows cast by light fittings can add to warming a space up. Two of my favorite lighting design outlets Mance and Hermon and Hermon are fantastic Melbourne destinations. Both of these fantastic places can advise you on achieving a 5 star look without blowing your 5 star energy rating.

Tongue and Groove - Designer Furniture

2007-08-20T14:16:00.000+10:00

Another fantastic outlet specializing in Australian designer furniture pieces and collectables.Tongue & Groove Well worth the look when you are visiting Smith Street,Collingwood.

Architectural Signage & Large Format Printing

2007-08-17T11:25:00.000+10:00

If you are looking for some large format printing of photos for feature panels we have a fantastic local supplier here on the island. Contact John Tennant on 03 5952 2300 to discuss your design and requirements.

Parker and Morgan Fold Down Beds

2007-08-14T13:00:00.002+10:00

We can now offer our clients the opportunity to purchase Parker and Morgan Fold down beds as an optional extra. We have negotiated fantastic deals. Why not turn the study into another spare room. To view more online visit Parker & Morgan direct.

Wall Decals

2007-08-14T11:59:00.001+10:00

These wall decals are fantastic. If you are looking for something other than wallpaper or paint effect. Try these.

Space Furniture

2007-08-11T13:24:00.003+10:00

Space Furniture recently exhibited at Saturday in Design in Sydney in late July. They have some beautiful designer pieces. Space Furniture have an excellent online catalog which shows up to date ranges. You can find interesting cahirs tables decorator pieces along with practical and beautiful storage solutions. Located at 629 Church Street, Richmond they are easily accessible.

Milan Direct

2007-08-10T18:08:00.000+10:00

Milan Direct
If your looking for designer furniture like a classic Eames chair but don't want to pay full price you can shop online or place your order with Milan Direct.

Perfect Pieces

2007-08-10T14:29:00.000+10:00

At the recent Furniture & Textile Industry show in Melbourne, a company called Perfect Pieces displayed some fantastic traditional and Country furniture pieces. Their range covers many different styles visit Perfect Pieces to view their range online.