Belly's

OFFICE REDO PART DEAUX

Why hello there, people! It's been ages, hasn't it? I've been busy working on the "during" of the office I'm designing for my parents (see the "befores" here), plus meeting some writing deadlines. How have you been?

 

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Chedva on Pinterest

 

So, as promised, I'm back with the inspiration files. As you can see, we're talking light paint colors (still not decided on the specific shade of barely there grey), green seating, mod furniture and very simple storage with accents of blue, orange and gilt.

 

Source: lesueurinteriorsblog.com via Chedva on Pinterest

 

I do actually have some progress to report (and let me tell ya, being ahead of a deadline for once feels super-duper exciting). Today I had the hideous mauve carpeting removed, the cement platform stripped and the exposed walls covered in plaster so we can paint. I also had a meeting with the electrician and decided where to move/add/remove outlets, and he will do his thing on Monday. After he's finished and the new air conditioning is installed, the office will get painted... (hold on, that's the end of the boring construction talk, decorating talk comes after the next picture)

Jonathan Adler

Well, now to the fun stuff! I spent the afternoon in the Jaffa flea market with my dear friend who happens to be an uber-talented decorator and we picked up the most handsome, masculine mid-century desk that came with an adorable little storage unit. We proceeded to find a pair of the cutest modish chairs on earth (each has two tufts on their backs, which make them look like cartoon characters) for the most ridiculously cheap price. We made up for that by choosing a ridiculously expensive Canovas fabric (but still within the budget limits): light moss green for the chairs and a not-so-subtle floral for the seat cushions. We even brought them to the upholsterer already!

domino (see how only the sofa's seat cushions are upholstered in a floral?)

Don't ask me why I didn't take any pictures - I have no idea! I guess I was just too held up in the excitement of our great finds. This cute yellow chair reminds me a little of mine; not the details, but the vibe.

 

Source: homeshoppingspy.wordpress.com via Chedva on Pinterest

 

What do you think so far? Does it sound good? I hope to be back here next week with progress photos, and meanwhile I'd love to hear your opinions!

MEANWHILE IN NEW YORK

I decided to break down my NYC mega-post into a few, shorter posts. That way it won't be too long and heavy to read in one sitting, and the bonus is it will remind me of my lovely vacation for long. So, as usual, let's begin from the end.

On Wednesday (Dec 15th) I headed to SoHo to checkout The New Traditionalists showroom. I was very curious to see what all the buzz what about, and let me tell you- it was even better than I expected. After admiring the Mad Men worthy sign and entrance and the overwhelming loveliness of the team, David showed me around the place, while I happily took crappy photos;)

The finishing on each piece is amazing. I admired them from afar, but stepping closer and realizing how much thought and craftsmanship went into each and every piece made me admire them even more. Felt, Leather, special painting techniques- these furniture look... nurtured, grown by a loving hand. The fact that the furniture is built locally, just proves that.

As a parent who sometimes (who am I kidding? All the time) gets frustrated about the blandness in children's furniture, the sophisticated lines of TNT's kids' line, ducduc, made me squeal inside.

furniture drawings- amazing

Finally, it was time to leave so I could get to my next meeting on time, allowing some time for me to get lost (my sense of direction is virtually non-existent, but somehow losing your way on vacation is so much less frustrating).

I met this talented designer for a yummy falafel. Here we are, as captured by my latest obsession:

sorry for the hat- my ears were freezing!

Karen was even nicer in person, if that's even possible, and after being twitter friends for months we clicked immediately, chatting about design, fashion and life in general... I guess you'll understand a bit more about Karen if I tell you that I miss her already, and we've just met once! (Why can't I have a weekly coffee with my US friends, just for an hour, without getting flights involved??).

Karen just added these dopp kits from her spring 11 collection

Karen walked me to the subway, making sure I won't head in a completely different direction once again, and it was time for my next stop.

To be continued...

 

ps. Have you seen there's a new Lonny out? I haven't gotten to it yet, but I know what I'm going to read in bed tonight!

 

show time, furniture show time

Last Thursday (I can't believe that's almost a week ago!) I went with Shira Abel to Casa10. Casa10 is an annual furniture show held in Tel Aviv that used some very big words to promise a grand show.

Well, it was a yawn. But I won't linger on with the negativity because:

-The company was good. Scratch that, the company was excellent! Not only is Shira so much fun to be around, she's also the editor of Tchochkes and she even wrote a Tel Aviv guide for Design*Sponge, and a great one at that.

-Some of the companies and designers shone through the sea of blandness.

Multi media artist/designer Joy van Erven from Godspeed created a living area, recycling and repurposing leftovers from the other stalls in the show. Aside from that, he was so very nice to talk to. <JVE, Godspeed>

 

Vardi can print whatever you wish on their marble and ceramic tiles. I loved the backsplash in this corner, and how cool is the option of matching your textile and tiles?

<Vardi>

 

Another company that offered amazing tiles and lattice-work is Ruchama Sharon. They actually looked even better in person, and I can't wait to use them somewhere.

<tiles, lattice>

 

Gorgeous stoves from Godin. I think these were the highlight of the show. Just gorgeous.

<kamin>

How cool are these bikes? (hint: very cool) Supposedly, they're better for your back and legs. I don't ride so I can only tell you this: pretty.

<electrabike>

Next time: Florentine (a south TLV neighborhood). I can tell you right away we won't be disappoinred there.

{images: jve, vardi and godin- photography by chedva k for belly's button; casa10 logo- casa10; tchochkes logo - shira abel; rucahama sharon images- from the company's site; electra-bike images- company's site}