Belgium- Design as Delicious As Their Chocolate

Last year I discovered "Belgian design." House Beautiful ran a story and a cover about Kay Douglass and the gorgeous home she designed. The interview with her is fantastic. She really articulates the Belgium aesthetic perfectly. Her website, South of Market is full of amazing housewares and design articles.

My friend Pam, after hearing me moon about the perfection of this style- the one which marries, natural elements, industrial materials, comfort, texture and light, rustic modern elements and a classic mix of traditional pieces with the restraint of minimalism, -bought me Axel Vervoordrdt's Timeless Interiors for Christmas last year- and I reach for it often (see the my favorites widget to the right.)

I think his interiors really reflect a conviction to one strong element. His spaces are never overstuffed or 'busy." They set my mind at ease. They seem to have a dreamy yet solid

quality.

If Belgium design were personified- my husband would have cause to worry...I am in love. Axel are you listening?

The lamps, large table and mercury wine jars -on top- can be found on the very Belgian inspired sight BOBO. I could drop some serious bank here- so beautiful.

The lovely baskets can be found at William-Wayne & CO.

Mirror Mirror on the web

Remember my post about Erie Basin? Well Russell, the creative genius behind it all was recently a guest blogger on Design Sponge. He had this to say:

I’ve always liked old mirrors. Over time the silvered surface on the backside of
the glass begins to fade, bubble, crumble, and blacken leaving the mirror
functionless, but beautiful. The pictures here are of a recent acquisition: a
large, ornate framed mirror from the 1840s. The mirror itself has the most
incredible surface I’ve ever seen. There’s barely any clarity in the reflection,
but I can’t think of anything I’d rather have mounted in a frame.

I find these shots to be really haunting and mysterious. The second photo reminds me of a finger print...or an embedded code that looks like a finger print...hmmm

I have a fondness for silvered mirrors but I think these close-ups will remind me to take a closer look into their unique and ghostly patterns.

I also love what Russell has to say about "antiquing in the modern world. " What's better than smart juxtoposition between the old and the new I say.

Stop it!

This 1950's leather folding chair is ridiculous! If I had the chump change for this beauty just laying around I would buy it without hesitation. The store is called Modernity, it whispers to me in the middle of the night, "look at me" it says. "Look at my gorgeous mid-century modern masterpieces...come to me...you know you want me..." It's hard to resist.

How long will it take Ikea to reproduce the vase on the top? I think, it's just a hunch mind you -that they might be able to recreate and make it just a tad bit more affordable.