Saturday, 7th August 2010

IKEA IDEAS

I’m loving these IKEA images… lots of inspiration for our wedding party and our house!

I am a big IKEA fan, I will be so dangerous when our house is built and I am let loose in there, so you can imagine my delight when I cam across some of these images on Bride & Joy. The really stunning styling, by Lo Bjurulf of Agent Bauer, shows IKEA in a whole new light…

I especially love IKEA decor mixed with vintage or antique pieces for a more personal, eclectic look, swoon!

Author: pamela | 2 Comments »

Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Our House, Our Wedding, Wedding, Wedding Style + Trends

Friday, 6th August 2010

BARCELONA TILES

I fell in love with these tiles in Barcelona, the colours and the patterns are so beautiful. I’d love to have them in our kitchen and hall, but which ones, the choice and pattern possibilities are endless?

Barcelona tiles also called cement or Mexican tiles have seen an increase in popularity in the US and have never been out of favour in mainland Europe. They are considered “green” as they don’t require firing like ceramic tiles, and are not quarried like natural stones. They are low-maintenance and hard wearing, and can be used indoors and on patios outdoors, but sunlight can fad the colours. You can keep them matt, which I prefer, or you can wax them, if you want a more formal, shiny look.

I love the geometric patterns, possibly the graphic designer coming out in me. Maybe it’s best to keep to more neutral colours for the kitchen and hall, or a more classic combination like black and white, although I’m really drawn to the greys, taupe’s, pale greens and blues. I love the mixture of the vibrant coloured, pattern tiles randomly laid too, maybe an idea for our balcony.

Swoon… I’ll have to get my thinking cap on, and cost them, and convince Alan too.

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Our House

Tuesday, 27th July 2010

BARCELONA!!!

So I promised to tell all about our trip to Barcelona and Tossa de Mar, so here goes with lots of photos too…

We flew into Barcelona and got a bus to the city centre where we got another bus to Tossa de Mar, the heat hit us as soon as we left the airport, wow! We were traveling to Barcelona for our friend’s wedding, David & Eimear, but I surprised Alan with a week in Tossa de Mar before the wedding for his 30th birthday. We both badly needed some relaxation, not having had a holiday in three years!

The drive to Tossa took an hour and a half, and the closer we got the windier the roads got and the higher we climbed up and down the cliff road, then finally we rounded a corner and we had an amazing view of the coast and the old town, we were there.

Tossa was everything we hoped for, beautiful beaches(blue flag), lovely restaurants, some brilliant shops and chilled out bars with delicious cocktails. We stayed at Hotel Avenida which was basic but clean and perfectly located. The staff were so friendly, the breakfast delicious and we were right beside the sea. We spent every day at the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming in the beautiful clear water and watching the beach football tournament that was held for three days while we were there. Evenings started with a bottle of Cava on our balcony, a stroll around the old town and shops, a delicious meal followed by some amazing ice cream and finally some tasty cocktails to finish the night off.  We were lucky enough to be in Tossa for the final of the World Cup, the atmosphere was electric, and when Spain won, craziness ensued! Unfortunately I had a bit of a road accident in the middle of all the excitement; skint knee, cut up foot and a very swollen toe, but nothing some cocktails and ice couldn’t solve. We spent six days in Tossa in total and it was pure bliss…

So then we bussed it back to Barcelona the day before the wedding, we arrived in the evening checked into the hotel and straight away we were sitting with all our friends drinking wine and beer and toasting the happy couple. The drinking lasted well into the night and it wasn’t long before we were all in our glad rags on our way to the church. The wedding was really beautiful, I’ll write up a separate post all about it.

We were staying in the H10 Montcada, very very very nice, I would go back in a heart beat. The location, in the Gothic District, was perfect, the rooms were lovely and there was an amazing roof terrace complete with hot tub, sun loungers, bar and brilliant views. We woke up the day after the wedding with sore heads and spent the day in the hot tub. Fully recovered, four of us went for a walk  to the Marina where we had a delicious meal in Emperador Restaurant, overlooking the Marina. The meal of prawn and avocado salad followed by seafood paella and profiteroles was delicious washed down with Torres white wine. We finished the night with a toast to our own wedding, a year away to the day!

The next day we got the underground to Nou Camp, a must visit for all football fans. We spent a good three hours there, Alan loved it and believe it or not I quite enjoyed it too! We spent the rest of the day walking around the Gothic Quarter, enjoying all of the smells, sights, sounds and some shopping. We had a traditional evening cup of chocolate with churros, delicious fritters dipped into thick chocolate, yummmm, in Granja Dulcinea, a dairy bar that Sallvador Dali used to pop into when in Barcelona. That evening we ended up in Boadas, a cocktail bar just off the colorful street La Rambla. Boadas is a tiny Art Deco bar whos’s founder once served Hemingway at the Floridita bar in Havana. A great hide away from the hustle and bustle outside, offering delicious cocktails served by very dapper bar men. We continued the cocktails in Maragrita Blue, a Mexican cocktail bar and restaurant. We had a great night of cocktails and the best Mexican food we have ever had, we loved it so much we went back the next night too. The atmosphere was great and you could sit at the bar drinking cocktails, nibbling tapas or sit at a table lingering over a delicious meal.

We spent our final day sight seeing, Alan had never been to Barcelona before and wanted to fit in as much as possible. We decided to go on the hop on hop off bus, blue line, around all the Gaudi sights. First stop was Casa Batllo and La Pedrera two building deisgned by Gaudi. We were blown away by Casa Batllo, even though I had been there before it still impressed me as much as the first time, I just love the quirkiness, lots of design inspiration! La Pedrera is an extraordinary apartment block with beautifully ornate iron balconeys and a stunning rooftop adorned with giant chimney pots. The next stop Sagrada Familia, is a must see for everyone visiting Barcelona. Gaudi’s masterpiece, yet to be completed, the stunning cathedral will take your breath away with it’s ornate facade and stunning internal roof. Finally we visited Park Guell, enchanting gardens where you can relax and unwind while taking in the best views of the city, the perfect spot for an evening picnic.

Unfortunately we didn’t make it the full way around the blue bus line, we were so taken by Gaudi’s designs, let alone make it around the red and green lines which will take you to equally interesting and exciting sites. That’s the great thing about Barcelona, you will never get bored, there is so much to see and do. And now we have a great excuse to return again!

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Our Travels

Monday, 11th January 2010

CHARLOTTE MAC DONALD

There’s a huge community of Irish designers out there with beautiful hand crafted goods and inspirational blogs. I was really excited to discover Charlotte MacDonald’s website and blog. Like me she has a love for everything hand made and as very talented freelance designer and stylist she has previously worked for John Galliano, House and Home magazine and Pia Bang Home. She recently launched her vintage textiles range… beautifully appliquéd vintage table linens and cottons…

They are so pretty, so whimsical and fun. Vintage style with a twist. I think I’ll be adding them to my wish list for our house, love them!

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves...

Friday, 8th January 2010

RECYCLED HOME

I wanted to share my discovery of  ”recycled home” by Mark & Sally Bailey… a very thoughtful Christmas gift from Alan. I have always loved old and vintage furniture and architectural pieces and really want to introduce these elements into our new build house when we move in. Recycled Home has given me a huge amount of inspiration, so much so, my new years resolution… to visit auctions, salvage yards and flea markets throughout the year. My aim, to discover pieces that I can give some TLC and customise adding character, interest and life to our house!

If you fancy a bit of their style yourself, the book explains their “guiding principles” are “rescue, repair, reuse and rethink.” They also point out that these principals can be applied anywhere, even in a modern house! Recycled Home’ by Sally & Mark Bailey

Their website www.baileyshome.com is chocker block full of beautiful design pieces for home and garden available to purchase by mail order including my dream Belfast sink and my absolute favourite Xavier Pauchard steel chairs and stools. 

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Our House

Monday, 23rd November 2009

MY DREAM CHRISTMAS WISH LIST!

My dream Christmas wish list!

Dear Santa…

Headband by Jennifer Behr.  www.jenniferbehr.com

Record Cushion by Dark Dog Studio at the Irish Design Shop. www.irishdesignshop.com

Cotton Pyjamas from M&S. It wouldn’t be Christmas without new PJs.

iPhone 3Gs. I wish Vodafone would get these in already, my patience is running out!  www.apple.com 

Stunning beaded dress from Fran and Jane. www.franandjane.com

Lady Gaga concert tickets. I’d love to see her in concert, I’d say it would be an amazing spectacle! www.ticketmaster.ie

Nintendo Wii. I’d love to get a Wii, great entertainment for rainy cold nights in.

Barcelona Chair in brown leather. A design classic.

Miglio Black Diamond Crystal solitaire enhancer set in Burnished Silver and matching black diamond crystal bracelet. I love the vintage look these have. www.facebook.com/pages/Tailor-Lace/129411256684?ref=ts

I did say ‘dream’ wish list, a girl can dream! And seen as we’re dreaming I might just add a trip to Rome in the new year to sample la dolce vita and some delicious pizza, pasta and prosecco, yum!

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Fashion + Beauty

Monday, 2nd November 2009

DESIGN WEEK 2009

From November 2nd to 8th Design Week is a week long celebration of Irish and international design. The main purpose is to highlight the important contribution good design makes to the cultural and economic life of Ireland through fostering a reputation for creative excellence and innovation.

A key feature of this year’s programme is the huge increase in the number of events happening throughout Ireland. Numerous lectures, exhibitions, conferences and seminars are taking place in Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Tullamore and Waterford.

Get involved and enjoy! Irish Design Shop are also taking part with lots of events throughout the week.

For more information and a list of events check out www.designweek.ie

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Shows + Events

Tuesday, 20th October 2009

IRISHDESIGNSHOP.COM TAKE STOCK

I was in the Irish Design Shop in Bow Lane yesterday dropping off a new order of letterpress cards and found myself drooling over some of their new stock…

I especially love the record cushions by Dark Dog Studio, I think I’ll be buying a couple of these for our house, maybe Alan would like one as a Christmas present? Is it too soon to mention Christmas presents? The robot badge and gun pendant by Angela Cuthill are digitally printed on laser cut wood, they’re great, very different. She also designs bird pendants. The pink/gray bike scarf designed by Paget Scott-McCarthy is screen printed on jersey fabric, love it! The inquisitive bird plate also by Paget Scott-McCarthy is beautifully whimsical. And last but not least of course our collection of letterpress cards printed exclusively for the Irish Design Shop. 

All of the above and many more beautiful things by Irish designers are all available to purchase online at www.irishdesignshop.com or in store at Irish Design Shop, Bow Lane East, Dublin 2.

Author: pamela | 1 Comment »

Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Fashion + Beauty

Thursday, 15th October 2009

MIGLIO DESIGNER JEWELLERY

So, as some of you might know I’m a big fan of Miglio Designer Jewellery. I was at a Miglio party last night where it was so well received I though I’d fill you all in on this beautiful range of jewellery…

Miglio Designer Jewellery is produced in South Africa using precious and semi precious stone, silver, bronze and Swarovski Crystals. It’s so versatile, I cannot emphasise this enough. I have one of their necklaces which I can wear three different ways and then if I add and enhancer (enhancers are sold separately and can be added to any necklace to create a whole new look), it looks like a completely different necklace. Bracelets can also be worn as necklaces if an extension chain is added and some of their earings can also be worn multi ways.

Anyway they have just launched their new Firenze Collection which includes some stunning pieces. It is beautiful for any occasion, and makes a great gift for Christmas, a birthday or a gift for your bridesmaids.

Host a Miglio evening and you will be able to choose a piece from the collection at half price. All you have to do is add friends, maybe a bottle of wine and Pauline will present the Miglio range in the comfort of your home. Or alternatively you can request a free brochure which Pauline will post out to you and you can order from the brochure by phone or email.

To host a Miglio evening or to request a brochure contact Pauline on 0876869220 or email tailorandlace@gmail.com. Check out their facebook page here

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves..., Fashion + Beauty

Monday, 17th August 2009

INK CALENDAR

I came across this calendar and thought it was an ingenious piece of art. Simply, it’s beautiful!

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Labels: Design + Interiors, Farrell & Chase Loves...