I’m so sorry for the radio silence everyone…I can’t believe its been a few months since my last post. Yikes!

So I know this collaboration between IKEA and Studio Ilse is kinda all over the internet but I couldn’t help repost it. All I’m going to say is that I’ll be lining up over night before it launches here (god, I hope it does make it to HK!)…I’ve started mentally preparing a shopping list already. I’m definitely getting some of those cork stools, probably a few of the low benches, and I’ll definitely be stocking up on all the accessories…loving the glass jars and vessels…and hopefully loving the IKEA price…

Good morning folks! I saw this lovely little invention on Est this morning. The beautiful ‘simply bathroom set’ was designed by fellow Melbournians Groupwork and was exhibited at Milan this year. What a gorgeous and versatile way to organise and personalise your bathroom! I’m completely smitten!

Bo Concept, the celebrated Danish design retailer opened its doors in Hong Kong officially yesterday. Situated on busy Wyndham Street, in an airy two storey space, Bo Concept brings a selection of much needed well priced furnishings to Hong Kong. They have a range of timeless Scandinavian designs that also cleverly cater to space challenged apartments. Perfect for this city!

These were a few of my faves….

The Granada extendable dining table. Extendable tables are a great option for small spaces, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a round extendable table before, certainly not one with such a smooth mechanism. Its easily done by one person.


So next time you are wandering down Wyndham Street heading out for a drink, duck into Bo Concept. Its definitely worth a look.

I’m absolutely loving the look of these new collections by British designer Tom Dixon. Launching officially at Maison & Objet in Paris later this month, but I couldn’t wait to share them with you. I am planning to go back again to M&O this year, but in September. I’m also planning to go to the inaugural Singapore event in March. Anyone else going?

I don’t normally do gift guides…so lets just call this a few of my favorite things…now, hubby dear, if you did want to get me something for Xmas…any or all of these would do 😉

And yes, I’m still obsessed with brass.

As I get older I get less and less keen to spend any serious time in front of a mirror…as I’m sure we all do. But, I still love me a good mirror for decorative purposes. And here are just a few on my recent lust list…

I’m loving these new designs by Ilse Crawford for Georg Jensen. The “precious” collection consists of bowls, vases, boxes and a candle holder, available in luxe finishes like brass (my current fave, as seen in the images below), copper or stainless steel. Each piece is as refined as the next, and have been designed with the idea of bringing poetry to everyday living. I think I need one of each!

Any of you who read this blog on a semi regular basis will be familiar with my current obsession with all things brass, and (or especially) desk accessories. I recently stumbled upon the Spanish brand El Casco which is stocked in Hong Kong by Papyrus. They have a pretty big selection of desk top accessories in different finishes, but of course it was the brass that caught my eye. Actually, its a gold finish, which normally would make me go into convulsions, but I think in the right space it would look amazing. Anyhow, I splurged and picked myself up a tape dispenser and some scissors. They are definitely a little more gold than the other bits and pieces I’ve got, but I’m kinda hoping they’ll tarnish a little over time. I’m still thinking about the hole punch and stapler from their range…I like the look of them but am wondering if it might look more fun to have more of a mix on my desk.

Don’t let these images fool you, they’re a little dated looking, but in real life I think they’re quite stunning!

* NB the El Casco range is also available in Hong Kong in the new Harvey Nichols store in Pacific Place!

Threading on Eggshells Tie-back

Hand-woven Rattan Tie-back

Black Temari Tie-back

Assorted cushions from the Embellished collection>

and the lovely “Blossom” cushion

To die for. I think I’ll take one of each thanks….

Argentinian designer Marcelo Lucini is not only the resident and designer of this amazing apartment in Buenos Aires, but also the man behind the seriously chic furniture and accessories company Aire del Sur. This is a man who has managed to make home furnishings look sexy…

see? this picture is not advertising apparel….nice change, huh?

Anyway, I digress. TheAiredelSur line of furnishings is made from luxurious materials in classic forms, and I’m totally in love with the Anders desk and tables, made from iron and parchment….

Head on over to his website for more if this takes your fancy 😉

I had such a great time in Tokyo with friends, but it sure is nice to be home. Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions about what to do, but I actually lived in Tokyo for 3 years before I moved to Hong Kong, so was hardly a tourist. However, it had been 6 years since we left and this was my first time back since then. I’d forgotten much of the Japanese I knew, but that’s what Sake is good for 😉 While we did get a sneak peek of the cherry blossoms (see the photo below I took at Shinjuku Gyoen Park) the weather was much colder than normal for spring. The weather was warming up as we left so I have a feeling there will be lots of Hanami parties all over Tokyo this weekend. Apart from attending our lovely friend’s wedding we made it to the Tsukiji fish market and managed to eat and drink way to much for the entire trip.

And somehow I found time for a little bit of shopping too….

Remember this post I did a few months ago about the lovely sculptural bottle openers by Oji Design? I had a few comments about where to purchase them. Well, I just couldn’t resist, and picked up this little treasure. I got mine from Saya in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, however you can also order them online from the All About Style Store. I’m happy to report that it’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Speaking of which, I don’t remember if Japan has always had a great range of stylish desk accessories, but I saw so much great stationery and desk top items and wanted to buy them all! One particular brand I have posted about before, Craft Design Technology, has this super chic brass desk set which I couldn’t find in store while I was there, but I did stock up on some of their pens and notebooks. Their new website has a list of stockists in Japan and elsewhere as well as a list of online stores.

Another brand whose desk accessories I fell in love with was Romeo which I saw at Ito-ya, also at Midtown. Their designs were super chic and looked really sturdy, especially this desk top pencil sharpener. Perfect for a designer or anyone else who draws a lot.

I will definitely be stocking up next time I go back, which hopefully will not be another 6 years away!

…not that I have ever needed an excuse to drink!

Stunning leather desk set from the italian luggage makers Giorgio Fedon. It’s the perfect shade of orange, and has so many accessories with it I wouldn’t even know what to use them for.

Expect a few more of these desk accessory related posts…I’m thinking about how to re-configure our spare room to fit 2 desks for both my husband and I to work from…at the moment I’m working from our dining table and it ain’t workin!

This chic desk set from Japanese stationary maker Craft Design Technology. I want! Off to find a stockist in Hong Kong…otherwise it might have to wait til my next trip to Tokyo!