Friday, October 16, 2009

Liquid Silver Candlestick





Who says a candlestick has to be a stick. The wax like puddle of Liquid Silver designed by Sono Mocci from Italy looks more like the after effects of a romantic evening. The "Liquid Silver" candle contains a removable fuel tank and a wick that simply feeds into the oil for hours of soothing candle light. The flat design of this slick little gem adds even more ambiance as the flame reflects against the shiny surface-via How romantic!!!!


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Glass Wall Cottage




























This cottage just has SERENITY written all over it!!!! I would add more decor to the interiors, but this totally captures my mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright, basis for design, "Every Room With A View".


This gorgeous cottage home design located in the resort setting of Mar Azul, on the shore of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was developed for low maintenance, low cost and low environmental impact with an eco friendly cottage appeal. Designed by Argentina’s BAK Architects, this cottage home is surrounded by forest, offering a private, peaceful setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The concrete and glass house offers a great view of the outdoors, with an understated look that suits its natural surroundings. The glass wall house boasts a walkout to a wood patio and thus, a deep connection to the environment. Inside, two main living areas are designed for public and private life. The public spaces are housed in the glass-enclosed main floor, including a kitchen, dining and living room, which open to the terrace. The private living areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms are in a more closed-off style. Regardless of public or private, all interiors are finished with pine in this rustic cabin home. BAK Architects-via








Sunday, October 11, 2009

Flueless /Style






Incorporating the beauty of fire absolutely anywhere, into any interior or exterior, the Architects line of modern fireplaces from Planika is a fantastic solution to design needs. These fire ‘inserts’ are specially designed for the professional who wishes to add a natural fire feature without the need for a bulky chimney or vent. No mess, no fuss – the Architects line of fireplaces run on environmentally-friendly Fanola fuel which eliminates soot, ash and smoke! This means that the fireplaces can emerge, as if by magic, from within coffee tables or wheeled trolleys (as pictured here) or other pieces of furniture… a certain conversation piece. They are easy to install, odourless, and generate nothing more than CO2 in a proportion similar to a human’s breath. To add a stunning fireplace without all the headaches, contact Planika.
See another minimalist fireplace… the elemental Gaya by Safretti








The sculptural soapstone fireplaces from Nunnauunu are so generous and inviting, you’ll long to curl up in front of them with a good book or some good company! All fireplaces are custom built to suit your requirements, however above and below are some outstanding models picked by Trendir. Pictured above is a model installed in Brackenheim, Germany which makes fantastic use of the MammuttiStone to continue the fireplace finish onto the benches surrounding it. The whole look is spacious and airy, as the steel flue thrusts upwards emphasising the open staircase. Below is another Nunnauunu fireplace situated in Southern Germany, in a gorgeous log house. Curvy and iconic, the fireplace extends its scope with soapstone tiles. Lastly we have a soapstone fireplace with a rough surface for a rustic appeal. Taking its look from huge fireplaces to be found in ski resorts, it takes centre stage in this villa in Finland. Contact Nunnauunu to discuss a custom fireplace design to warm up your home with beauty and fire.














These modern flueless flame effect gas fires are an intelligent, eco friendly design from Superior Fires. Compact and refined, these minimalist fires are produced using a safe high efficiency system that burns natural gas. Perfect for modern interiors, their patented catalytic converter technology allows for a flueless design. No need for technical descriptions, the idea is that it converts carbon monoxide into low levels of carbon dioxide and water vapour. These are usually present in fresh air. Common household allergies can be prevented as well, because the converter is neutralising malicious factors in the breathing air, and itself requires no cleaning and can last up to 27 years. The exterior is elegant and can be adjusted to multiple positioning, on any wall or corner. Inside are evenly spread horizontal flames that fit the minimalist exterior. Flame effect gas fires offered by Superior Fires are sure to complement the existing design of any room, being more than just good looks.











It’s the time of year when many people start to think about adding a great new modern wood stove to their home. These wood stoves from Invicta France, the Gaya and Oracle, are outstanding choices in more way than one. First, a free-standing, wood burning stove adds a real warm welcome to your home. Second, these nature-inspired designs add a sense of harmony and balance, and are sure to become a centre of attention. ‘Gaya breaks into leaf’ stove puts one in mind of a crisp fallen leaf. It stretches out, with some veins still harbouring the blade, while other parts have begun to flake away. ‘Oracle’ is named after a wise, spiritual authority – and it’s easy to imagine sitting around the glowing fire discussing important matters with loved ones. Times like those will never be forgotten – get together and get cosy around a wood stove from Invicta France.


A modern fireplace from Palazzetti which makes a sensational statement in any room. Sculptural in effect, their intriguing forms enliven the environment and draws people in to enjoy socialising basking in the glow from the fire. The Alma fireplace, pictured above, is a particularly gregarious stove, being ideal for placement in the centre of a room. The Alma is a commanding, futuristic fire, made of cement-like material for high performance and lingering warmth. The Casablanca is a fire ideal for a romantic setting, perhaps in the bedroom or a cozy corner where you and a loved one can snuggle up. With a lovely, almost organic-effect grill, the Casablanca is striking without bearing overbearing. Bring the heat and good looks of the stunning Italian designed modern fireplaces from Palazzetti to room near you before winter sets in!-via

Friday, October 9, 2009

Modern Kitchens by Minosa - Home Beautiful top 40 kitchens 2010

You may or may not be aware that when Minosa was first established by Simona & myself, we started as an interior design company. We focused and specialised in Kitchen & bathroom design, kitchens have been a labour of love for the both of us.

The current release of Home Beautiful Top 40 Kitchens (for 2009) has brought back some fantastic memories for Minosa and those associated with us. We have two of our kitchens featured in this edition, the first one on page 40 "Hide & Seek" as the header was designed in early 2003 and commissioned early in 2004. This kitchen was awarded by the HIA (Housing Industry of Australia) in 2005, this was the first project we had worked on with Architect Denis Morgan. Denis also introduced us to Scott Fuller of Special Lights on Crown. This was the first of many projects we have worked on with Scott.

The second kitchen on page 134 "All in One" was designed in March of 2004 and installed a few months later. This was a great challenge to us at the time as our clients wanted to open up their 12m2 space and create an open plan living dining & kitchen area, the only problem with that was that it limited the amount of wall space we had to place joinery. The space had be a stand out as they worked from home and used their home for business meetings.



We really had to focus on the storage solutions under bench! The Blum drawer systems are fantastic for this.... We made great use of all space under bench and ended up creating a wonderful piece of joinery, we were very fortunate to have clients that were open to all of our ideas. This kitchen was also awarded by the HIA in the same year, Minosa was also adjudged the NSW Kitchen Designers of the Year & we also one Kitchen Project of the Year.

Both of these kitchens are full of colour, these colours represent our clients and their personalities and are a great example of Modern kitchen design and with the use of colour you can create spaces that are engaging, exciting and will last the test of time.
If you would like any further information on either kitchen email me at darren@minosa.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Conversation Pieces

The rune bed curves face inward to create an imaginative sleeping environment.
Poplar wood

Paper softwall is a beautiful, lightweight, freestanding wall that can be arranged into almost any shape, or easily compressed into a compact sheaf and stored away.
softwall dampens sound and can both absorb and transmit light.
The paper softwall is made from 400 layers of honeycombed translucent white,
fire-retardant paper, bounded by natural wool felt ends.
the thick felt ends fold to create handles when the wall is open, and form a casing when the wall is compressed.



Outdoor yin&yang four seater sofa pvc webbing, stainless steel, sunbrella upholstery available in sand or walnut




Mama-Inspired by organic structures and departing from the standard form Roderick Vos of Design Studio Maupertuus cloned the chosen shape and created a beautiful assemblage. Surprising in its apparent simplicity it ranges from gilded to understated matte.
Sponge Vase

Indoor Croissant Sofa made of pvc webbing, stainless steel, and sunbrella upholstery



Twentieth Collection hand blown mirrored glass pendants in hues of silver and gold.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Heating things up in Style















Introducing two innovative wall-mount fireplaces: the new Icoi (Icoya) and Yan-Li. There’s just so much to say about the beautiful and distinctive designs of these fireplaces, presented by the French company Arkiane. The Icoi fireplace is inspired by a god of the ancient Incas. They worshipped a queen symbolised by a butterfly taking off… and the joyous abstract form of the captures this pretty, compact and light figure. The steel fireplace can be wall-mounted, or built into the wall (ideal for tight spaces). The glass door of the Icoi can be opened and closed depending on your personal preferences. The Yan-Li fireplace has three stylised flames intertwining to illustrate the vitality of fire. Within them, the actual fire roars… an ethical fire of wood that is easy on the environment. Effective and efficient, let the look and feel of Yan-Li fill you with red-hot enthusiasm. Ignite your senses with the stunning Icoi (Icoya) and Yan-Li from Arkiane-via





Thursday, October 1, 2009

Eron Johnson Antiques













































Eron Johnson Antiques evolved from the passion of a young collector more than 30 years ago. Eron's showroom has moved and expanded numerous times over the years. In 1995, we moved to our present location, a 20,000 square foot building which dates to around 1910. In 2008, we opened a second 20,000 square foot warehouse to handle our architectural division. Both are located just minutes from downtown Denver.
Eron continues to expand his collection of fine antique furniture, accessories and architectural antiques. Their inventory dates from the 17th to the 19th centuries and originates from over 38 different countries in Europe, the Americas, the United Kingdom and Asia.