Christmas formally arrives at 292

This festive set piece heralds the official arrival of the 2015 Christmas season at 292.  
I have long collected small ornamental houses.  The real estate on display were purchased at Citta Design and Bo Concept, with others received as gifts from friends.  In recognition of my Swedish heritage, I have chosen a Dala Horse of Sweden - this one was from Kikki K.  The glass star decorations and Seed LED lights are from Vanessa Cohen's superb Magnolia Trading Co in Wellington.  The tray is Country Road.  The classic AGEE Jar and white stones are from the collection of Judy Minty (mother) who kindly raided her extensive garden for the branch. 

This is the final resting spot for the festive arrangement, on top of our new sideboard. 

God Jul! (Merry Christmas in Swedish)

Styling and photographs by Charlotte Minty.
Words by Craig Greaves.

Paddington Project by C+M Studio

The excellent Est magazine has unveiled an inspiring redesign of a Sydney terrace house.  This C+M Studio project successfully converted a small worker's cottage into a tranquil, minimalist and sophisticated residence.  This is yet further demonstration of marrying limited space with practical and stylish living.  It is a marriage that many modern urban dwellers aspire to and they would do well to take note of this high-quality project.

To round-off the redesign,  C+M Studio partnered with leading Australian furniture retailer,  Living Edge, along with artist Sebastian Goldspink, to create Paddington Project in which some displayed furniture and home wares are offered for sale.

This not the first time the Sydney-based C+M Studio has featured on this blog.  Regular readers may recall their Cross Street project, see here, where they filled the newly renovated Cross Street apartment,  with incredible artwork, furniture and home wares available for purchase.

A simple, clean and refined stairwell.

The almost clinical pairing of pale wood and white interiors lends lightness to the terraced house without any loss of warmth and comfort.

Abetted by a high ceiling and an open transition to a neatly orientated backyard, the careful use of interiors and restrained furniture makes the space appear more spacious.

It is worth noting the colour palette throughout the home is essentially reduced to white, pale wood, greys with shots of copper.  This appears to be in keeping with the style direction of  C+M Studio which focuses on pared back motifs and the use of natural materials.  In dressing up the small space, the constrained use of colour enables the house to look uncluttered and elegant.

Words by Craig Greaves.
Photographs by Caroline McCredie via C+M Studio.

Michel, Helsinki

Here is a restaurant that I have been inspired by recently - it is called Michel and located in Helsinki, Finland.
Designed by the clever Joanna Laajisto, a Finnish interior architect and designer who trained and made her career in Los Angeles designing large scale commercial projects before returning to her native country. Laajisto was inspired by 1940's kiosks that were built in the Finnish capital for Michel. I love the use of white tiles, pistachio green painted panelling, marble lined walls, natural timbers and cognac leathers. The interiors are light, modern and fresh (as well as stunning and timeless), which works beautifully alongside Michel's uncomplicated, fresh and approachable menu. Lovely.

Photographs via Joanna Laajisto

Studio Apartment above Garage

This studio apartment located in Auckland was recently featured in Remodelista  and it is a great example of well designed small-space living. Designed by Karin Montgomery Spath, this stylish loft was created above the garage for her clients to reside while their main house was undergoing extensive renovations. Since completion, this loft has become the house's guest quarters. Read how Karin approached this project and her small space ideas here.

Photographs by Matthew Williams

Margot House Hotel, Barcelona

Check out these soothing and elegant bedrooms belonging to Margot House hotel in Barcelona. They are so appealing after a busy week! Have a great weekend all.

Photographs via Margot House