Overtime


This short (2004) CGI film - directed by Oury Atlan, Thibaut & Damien Ferrie - was shown few years ago as part of COLCOA (City of Lights, City of Angels: a week of French films) and it always stayed with me. Moves me every time I watch it! Better to watch it here so you can see the uncropped version [it is meant for a wide screen]!

ENJOY!

This entry by DJ Delphinus via http://djdelphinus.blogspot.com/

Pieke Bergmans - Lightbulbs











Disturbingly chic - period! A series of one-of-a-kind lamps by Pieke Bergmans, made of pure Royal Leerdam Crystal. This young genius created a stir this year at Salone del Mobile in Milan bringing a whole new meaning to "deconstructed" and says "I have an unstoppable curiosity for new ways to find and create form". I can't wait to see what she does with tableware...

This entry from Justin via http://sybariticmonkey.blogspot.com/2009/05/light-blubs-pieke-bergmans.html

Belg'Chic - Belgian style & design

If you like AUSTERE CHIC, then you will love BELG'CHIC - A certain look at Belgian style & design (my other blog) ... which focuses solely on Belgian style and design across the world! The site is in English and is very similar to this one except it all takes place about, by, for, or in Belgium.

Check it out at http://belgchic.blogspot.com/

Ikea - An 'austere chic' Summer


As summer approaches, so does the time for BBQs and other lazy afternoon activities. Loving all these items from Ikea, mixing one or more, you can't go wrong by staying with these natural colors and textures - letting the colors of the trees, flowers, napkins, food and guests pop out while the look of your 'outdoor pad' stays stylish, understated and 'austere chic'. Loving these prices as well! And if you don't have any good looking greens ... try planting some eatable herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, vervaine, lavender (yes - lavender! .... you can make tea with the leaves ad use the flowers as presentation on your dishes), and/or other goodies - using pots [from Ikea as well]. I'm telling you ... it's how you mix the items together with older pieces, antiques, and pieces you already own that creates an organic and affordable look. Honestly: who can afford the stuff from the previous posts anyways???. I am letting you choose your own table ...

Above & Below are all the basic items you will need to create an beautiful outdoor space - mixing this with what you already have - and there you have it!


PS: You are using recyclable eco-conscious paper plates and corn based cups, right? (Of couuuurrrse you are, but I had to ask!)

More info at http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/seasonal/summer

The Marathon


Stumbled upon this sweet and charming little gem ...

ENJOY!

Dreamy floors




[Above] Mat Vintage European Oak floors from Berti Studio.

I have been in love with grey/silver floors for a long time and even considered installing decking (real wood) inside, and hope it silvers over time - as it gets washed with water and soap - as a cheaper (maybe?) way to recreate a barn-ish look. It would also be a way to bring the outside look: in. No matter what you decide, I think mat floors are very 'Austere chic' - especially if you like the "Barn/Farm/Shaker/Industrial/Cottage/Hampton/English Garden/Provence Garden/Japanese/Lofty" look (sorry, but I can't quite make up my mind on what I like best).

Another floor that almost always looks good and is full of soul is waxed concrete floors, but they are harder on the back, especially if you walk barefoot as much as I do. However, if you happen to be lucky enough to have old concrete in your crib, like friend and architect Claude suggests, you can seal off the concrete with linseed oil (add at least a third of turpentine so that the floor doesn't remain sticky), and that will give it a beautiful sheen (applicable to wood - especially wood - as well) that will repel most stains. Linseed oil smell divine, too, and of course ... it is eco-friendly!

I will add a few more posts on painted floors, sub-floors as actual flooring, decking, etc ... stay tuned!

Agathe Perroy's tiny Paris apartement




Loving the simple style of Interior Designer/Architect Agathe Perroy's own tiny Paris apartment. The lamp - which is my favorite feature - comes from Nini Peau D'Chien ... a 'brocanteur' at the Marche aux Puces d'Ouen.

From an article in Marie Claire Maison Fevrier-Mars 2009

Boxwood






Boxwood is one of those plants that looks good in almost any container - as long as its shape flows with the landscape. More often used in European gardens, Boxwood adds style to any garden or terrace [big or small]. The key is finding that right combination of planter and boxwood shape that will fit the look of your place.

Above are a few images I scoured on the internet as I was looking for what to do in my own little piece of paradise.

One site that I found to be profoundly inspiring is http://www.out-standing.be/ out of Belgium ... both for boxwood, but especially the planters. I wasn't able to bring some of their images here, but go and check them out - you won't be disappointed!