i saw design: happy fourth of july!
Written by designfolder on July 4, 2010 – 3:48 pm -
To our dear df readers and friends in the U.S., Happy Independence Day!
*photos via marthastewart and veranda
Tags: decoration, fourth of july, i saw design, independence day
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i saw design: a wedding in memphis (part 1)
Written by designfolder on February 15, 2010 – 10:00 am -
We’re extending the love theme a bit for a few more days!
Last week, we featured three romantic white homes to give you ideas for your space. Now, we move on to romantic events and venues. For this, we have prepared two inspiring wedding features–one from Memphis and the other one from Manila.
Weddings have now become more and more creative. From the theme and venue, down to the décor and even the photography, couples are being very open to unique (and sometimes outrageous) ideas to make the event personal and memorable.
Last December, while watching some wedding videos by Jason Magbanua with a couple of friends, Practical Princess told us about the interesting wedding of her friend, Ken, in Memphis. Instead of the usual hotel ballroom or garden setting, Ken and his wife Jessie decided to have the wedding in the zoo!
“We chose the zoo specifically because of the uniqueness and our love of wildlife,” Ken said when I asked him how they came up with the idea.
The setting is in the Northwest Passage of the Memphis Zoo where the sea lions and the polar bears are viewed. This part of the zoo is a tribute to the culture of the First Nations people and the animals and horticulture of the Pacific Northwest.
Here, the couple exchanged vows by the rocks while their guests stayed at the viewing deck (photo above).
The place was beautifully decorated to complement the lovely young couple. It came alive with bursts of warm, cheerful colors like orange, fuchsia, yellow, and turquoise from the flowers and candles. Even the food served during the reception followed the summery color palette.
Everything about the wedding feels young, warm and spontaneous! Here are the people who made it all possible:
Catering: Wade and Company
Flowers: L and J
Wedding planner: Southern Event Planners
Photography: Annabella Jackson-Brandon
I’m sure you got several ideas from these adorable photos. But we’re not done yet! Tomorrow, we’ll share with you part 2, as Ken and Jessie take us on a walk to downtown Memphis. 
*Photos by Annabella Jackson-Brandon courtesy of Ken & Jessie
Tags: annabella jackson-brandon, asian bees photography, decoration, event styling, memphis zoo, photography, Southern Event Planners, wedding
Posted in i saw design | 3 Comments »
space matters: love at the [white] penthouse
Written by designfolder on February 12, 2010 – 12:39 pm -
Wouldn’t it be nice to be surrounded by love everyday? I think having “love” around you doesn’t just happen. Most of the time, it’s a personal choice—to love, to be loved, and to be constantly inspired.
Love defines Iro-Ivy’s very white abode in Germany. Like Sarah (of abeachcottage), I saw Ivy’s Penthouse through flickr when I was searching for charming Christmas homes last December 2009. By just looking at the photos of her home, one could tell that Ivy has a kind of style that goes beyond creating pretty spaces. A style that seems to radiate warmth and sincerity. She calls it “love”.
Ivy is probably one of the most passionate people I’ve encountered. She finds joy and inspiration in simple things. You can tell by the way she arranges and decorates her space, and by the way she takes pictures of the Penthouse.
Today, as the third and last feature for our “romantic white homes week”, we take a tour of Ivy’s Penthouse as she shares with us her decorating style, her passions, and bits of her life.
[Image above: "These (garland of paper flaglets) are made from 1960's vintage, Albert Van Luit wallpaper and pages of the German vintage book 'Die Kleine Hexe' ".]
“I practice ‘living big is an attitude’, depending on making the best use of what we have. A few square meters can be very functional and quite ‘large’, with the right use. The Penthouse measures 65 square meters, with 22 square meters being the second open floor, where the bedroom and dressing areas are. The rest is the main floor including the entrance, bathroom, dining area, reading corner, kitchen, living area, and office corner.”
“I give my living space its time to evolve with me, as much as I evolve living in the space. Even though, I did make plans, as soon as we chose this apartment and knew which existing furniture would be used and what needed/wished to be bought, I took small steps into actualizing them. After 2 years of living in the Penthouse, I can finally say that it’s very close to how I’d like it to be. According to my partner’s view though, it was already perfect after a few days! Oh well…. Of course, it’s different when I plan for a client.”
“I love clean lines and interesting architecture. However, as much as I appreciate and love beautiful objects, I try not to overburden a space with too many of them. I try to be surrounded only by things I like. If I’ve made an impulsive buy (which happens rarely, after long years of effort!), I donate it or sell it.”
[Image above: Ivy's LOVE mirror by the dining area.]
“I always get inspired by my love for decorating & making beautiful, functional living spaces, and turning them into homes.
Loving more than words and my appreciation for life make this place look happy and clean! I’m happy to be here and sharing this space with the true, internal sunshine of my life, who has made all these possible for me. In a way, I gave up daily sunshiny life in Greece, but now sunshine lives inside me! And I get to travel a lot, so it’s more than fine!”
[Image above: Framed wallpaper samples make fun, colorful and inexpensive wall displays. Know more about this project here.]
“I refresh the look of my living space by rearranging things now and then. I also upcycle and re-purpose things, which means that a new addition can be made, without having to spend anything.”
“I love light and therefore choose bright spaces to live in. Nothing decorates a space better than natural light! I love white and natural tones (obviously!), as much as natural textures. It is the perfect canvas for being creative and playing with accessories and pops of colour according to moods and seasons.”
[Image above:" Heart collection on the white, wooden pole under the stairs and a glimpse to the reading corner."]
“I keep the biggest part of surfaces clutter free, so that they can be easily used daily according to needs. I keep things organized and make use of cupboards, drawers and boxes to their fullest extent.”
“I find that my studies in Psychology are of great help when talking to people (most often friends, friends of
friends & acquaintances so far) about organizing & beautifying their living spaces. Finding out their true needs and overcoming their drawbacks can begin from their living spaces. Just like when someone can organize a closet as a parallel need to organizing his/her thoughts.
I believe that living spaces do and should reflect who we are. They are like eyes being the mirrors of our hearts. And this is why I have my objections about styling based on trends and not on people’s likes and choices.”
Again, thank you Ivy for taking the time from your busybee schedule to do this! You’re one very kind and inspiring spirit. Hope you get to touch more people with your photos and your designs. 
To know more about Ivy’s style, her Penthouse and her crafts, visit here flickr photostream here, her etsy shop here and her blog here.
*Photos from Ivy’s flickr photostream.
Tags: decorating, decoration, diy, flickr, interior design, romantic spaces, space matters. crafts, white, white homes
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objects of design: granny chic
Written by designfolder on January 25, 2010 – 8:00 am -
Last week, I mentioned how I got started with my interest in crafting. At an early age, I picked up on my mom’s interest in crocheting. She taught me the basic stitiches and I just worked around them to come up with patterns. I made a table runner and a throwpillow for the house. In college, I also made myself a thick cream school bag and a mini red-white-and-blue hand bag.
But let’s face it, most people don’t consider crochet as cool or fun. In fact, ithe craft is often associated with mommies and grannies and with old Filipino interiors. That’s why I was so thrilled to stumble upon yvestown’s photostream over at flickr. Yvonne, from Lommel, Belgium, is one of those people who are changing the image of crocheted goods, giving them a fresh new look–granny chic!
What i love about her crafting style is the way she combines colors. Here palettes are light, bright, and pretty. Every piece looks young, fun and updated to suit our current aesthetic taste. Here are my favorite items from Yvonne:
Fresh and inspiring images to start the week!
For more about Yvonne’s works and musings visit her blog here.
* all photos by by Yvonne from yvestown via flickr
Tags: crafts, crochet, decoration, diy, pillows
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diy projects: pillows abloom
Written by designfolder on January 22, 2010 – 11:30 am -
When i was young (like grade 3 young), instead of playing with my neighbors, i spent summer afternoons watching filipino DIY shows–channel 4′s TELEARALAN NG KAKAYAHAN and channel 7′s NEGOSYETE. Haha!
I know, my interests are so “granny”. But take note, because of these shows, I learned how to crochet like a pro at grade 5, making my first table runner (which i cannot find anymore). I also learned how to knit by following the tutorials of Negosyete using a pair of barbecue sticks in place of the real metal knitting needles.
I have to admit, now that i’m an interior designer, my unconventional childhood interests and skills come very handy. I actually miss those days when I have a lot of time (and energy) to make my craft projects. If only I have the luxury of time, I would love to make these pretty felt flower pillows.
This red-and-black chrysanthemum pillow is made by Amy of H is for Handmade. Follow her step-by-step tutorial for this project here.
Another version for this project is Molly’s felt flower pillow which has a more tailored design. Follow her detailed instructions over at The Purl Bee here.
Both projects use felt fabrics because the material doesn’t require you to sew and finish the edges anymore. Simply cut and assemble! You can also use other thick fabrics in making these pillows. You just have the additional step of sewing the edges for a neat finish.
Tags: crafts, decoration, diy, pillows
Posted in diy: design-it-yourself, objects of design | 2 Comments »
