Ketna Patel

Senses provoking collages by Singapore-based mix media artist Ketna Patel. Ketna believes that "artists have a responsibility to reflect and project the changing society we live in." For her, this translate into powerful Asian images recently transmuted through pop art. Diverse religious icons, the extremes of real life and the rigid chaos of the Asian social landscape are displayed though bold electric colours. "This is Asia, this is what I see," she says.


Her art can also be found in lifestyle products, interiors (such as a local coffee shop below) and furniture where the cultural information is re-presented to test the boundaries between Art, Lifestyle, Marketing and Design.

Crochet Chair

Presenting the Crochet Chair & Solid White by Marcel Wanders! Simply gorgeous!

Emily Chalmers

As mentioned in my earlier post, this is Emily's Chalmer's home in a rented ex-industrial space in Shoreditch (London) featured in June 07 UK edition of Elle Decor.(Sorry that the quality of the scan doesn't really do the pictures justice). Because the space is rental, Emily had no inclination for major works, opting instead for quick fixes like zoning the space with curtains made from vintage fabrics. I love the way she makes use of the building's unique features such as pipes and wall recesses to form shelving units and hang decorative objects and pictures.

When asked about the source of her style, Emily quotes the title of Paul Smith book, "You can find inspiration in everything." Well said!

{images from June 1007 Elle Decoration (UK)}

Silvina Romero

Unique works of art by Silvina Romero, an Argentinian jewelry designer who makes gorgeous, colorful, and tactile wearable works of art from recycled pieces of fabric and textiles. Silvina started working with discarded textiles about four years ago during the height of the Argentinian economic crisis. I have never seen fabric so cleverly manipulated before to form such wonderful shapes.

Sac à faire

For those sewing fanatics out there, check out Sac à faire by Marlene Liska. Basically a 100x70cm large sheet of Tyvek, Sac à faire offers ten different patterns of bags with detailed instructions on how to sew. Am not sure how easy it is to follow the instructions but I just love the look of the end product.

Squint

Eversince former painter Lisa Whatmough launched her label Squint two years ago, her antique-style sofas, armchairs and lamps covered in gorgeously clashing recycled fabrics have been a huge runway success. I just adore the old pattern fabrics and furniture she puts together. She even does fabric-covered teapots that are washable, but for occasional use.Two words. Gorgeous gorgeous!

{all images from Squint website}

Beyond Wonderland

Check out these pretty bags in gorgeous fabric from Beyond Wonderland at Etsy.

Deco Boco

I just found out about this super-cool Japanese website called deco boco which offers a selection of used and new designer furniture and lifestyle goods. The site may seem a little incomprehensible at first because of the Japanese text and odd layout. But with a little patience, you will soon find or be inspired by a few quirky treasures. There is even a section dedicated to Eames items!

Pupz_throws

Ahhhh.....With the aim of wrapping, heating, loving and providing comfort, Pups are the original puppets/cushion/furnishing accessories with very personable shapes. Nice for a cold winter's day with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Available at Top 3.

Caravan

Wonderful pieces from east London shop, Caravan. This shop, described as floral/vintage/bohemian, grew out of owner Emily Chalmers passions for fashion and home. The sources of her style can be traced back to her childhood where she grew up surrounded by textiles as her mother was a seamstress. Emily's eclectic home in Shoreditch was recently featured in June's Elle Decor, UK edition. Very beautifully done up. I will scan the pages and post it on my blog soon.


{images from Caravan}

Recaptured

This is from Recaptured, a new boutique in Singapore that stocks a kaleidoscope of great finds ranging from decadent lighting from German brand, Kare, to synthetic and natural fibre mats from Australian company Bayliss. I also spotted a lamp from one of my favourite dutch designer Nicholette Brunklaus. New stocks arrive every six to eight weeks to keep the goods fresh and current. Just what we need here on this island!

For inspiration only

A high school student asked if I could help source for a beautiful picture for her to draw for her advance drawing class in school. Found these photographs from Thaissa's gallery on deviantart. Love the light, colours and textures in these abstract images and think that these could be reinterpreted really well in a drawing.
Also love the hues and quality of these faded photographs by S6ltuvus.

ps: Good luck high school girl! There are lots more beautiful pictures on their website. Do check it out! Send me a pic of your completed masterpiece!

Living Room ideas

Beautiful living room spaces from Livingetc. Some delightful ones extracted below for you and me.

Love the oversized shade and floral cardboard chair The simplicity and beauty of these large windows needs no more dressing up. The pinkish, beige bare plaster walls contribute warmth and a tinge of color to this light filled room.

The black and white photographs goes very well with the old wooden filing cabinets in the background to create the feeling of nolstagia.

Love these comfy-looking second-hand armchairs from Fandango. The skinny red lamp makes a good contrast to the curvy armchairs.

Low-level sofas, like these from Designers Guild, and colourful pouffes, available at Panik Design, create an inviting and comfortable lounging space.

The white on white look of the walls, mirrors, chests goes really well with the ornate furniture. The lovely green sofa also adds colour and visual interest to the neutral scheme.

{all images from Living etc}

Furoshiki Shiki

The "furoshiki shiki" bag is made from one sheet of semi-transparent vinyl film. This sheet turns into a bag by folding it, with the natural adhesive qualities of the material keeping it together without the need for any zips or buttons! Available in 5 sizes and 8 yummy colors at Boon design.