Tipi Modular Shelving System

One of the things I love about my work is all the amazingly creative people I get to 'virtually' meet. I was recently contacted by Asaaf Israel, the chief designer at Joynout Studio in Tel Aviv, Israel. He wanted to tell me about the new modular shelving unit he has designed.

Asaaf designed the Tipi Modular Shelving System after a year spent travelling the world. It inspired him to consider the borders between transience and a permanent home. "The ease of nomadism, when carrying one backpack and stepping towards the unknown, is a wonderful feeling. In fact, when we allow ourselves to put aside our comfort zone and walk towards such an adventure, we actually free ourselves. The freedom of nomadism allows us to study new worlds, and alongside to explore our own private cosmos."

The upper part of the poles on the Tipi shelving system is fixed with screws, but the cone-shaped structure allows the shelves to sit unfixed by any screws, nails, or brackets. The diameter of each hole in each shelf is precisely measured so as to stand in the exact and desired height. The beauty of the Tipi system is that it can be assembled, changed, disassembled and rebuilt into a new object - shelves, a wardrobe, or a desk with a shelf. Such is the versatility of nomadism, you must be able to change and adapt.

It's so clever, don't you think?! Currently produced in Israel, the units can be shipped internationally - they're compact when packed down making them quite portable. But Asaaf and his team are looking for a furniture company in New Zealand or Australia to produce the Tipi system down-under, therefore reducing the cost for us. If you're interested, get in touch, and tell them I sent you! :)

One Kings Lane + Katie Tarses' Boho Abode

I get emails most days from One Kings Lane, a US site that launches new sales every day offering gorgeous, top-brand, vintage and designer items. I often drool over the furniture, wishing it was feasible to ship it to me here in New Zealand. Although they don't ship internationally, it is feasible to ship smaller items using NZ Post's YouShop service.

Someone who is able to take advantage of the amazing One Kings Lane products is Katie Tarses, a full-time mum and part-time actress. She lives with her husband, Matt, and their three kids in a beautiful Spanish-style house in the Hollywood Hills. Katie often buys OKL items to decorate her home which boasts the stunning eclectic boho, casual and welcoming vibe I love so much.

When Katie first came across this house she wasn't quite sure how she'd work the huge glass-ceiling solarium space. But she has cleverly divided up the large room and created separate areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining around the perimeter.

She also had the help of Pam Shamshiri of Commune Design, who recommended warming up the room with rugs in a unique way. They stocked up on a selection of gorgeous rugs, rearranged them to get the perfect layout, and then hand stitched them all together with metallic thread creating one massive boho patchwork-style carpet.

The rugs that didn't find a home on the floor have been sewn into cushion covers, as you can see in the lounge area. This corner of the solarium is used by the family and their friends to chill-out, watch movies, or read. If you stripped the room back you'd see it has a very neutral base, the colour and pattern is only added in the accent pieces. The white sofa can be turned around to create a more open space when they have guests.

The TV is cleverly camouflaged on the wall by the vines growing around it. All the lovely textures and shapes work beautifully together.

The staircase is covered in gorgeous Spanish tiles, which are complimented by the light and tiny cupboard below. The slatted bench, an example of One Kings Lane shopping, is softened by a sheepskin throw and cushion. I love the way Katie has anchored the small light fittings by hanging art below them.

Eight-year-old Harry's bedroom is very cool with it's blackboard wall and Ikea bunk painted glossy red. It's a great example of using furniture pieces that can grow with the child - the wooden sofa provides a nice spot for relaxing, and will still work in 10 years, or in any other room of the house.

Likewise, four-year-old Pippa has some beautiful furniture pieces in her room, but there's no mistaking it's a little girl's room with it's candy pink wall.

The other three walls are papered in Studio Printworks' Spenserian Beasts. The beautiful line drawings are a work of art and really fun. Rather than toy boxes Katie labels colourful baskets to keep Pippa's toys organised.

photos by Nicole LaMotte

There is so much I love in this home, and I hope it's inspired you too. Pop over to see even more here.

Bibby + Brady Family & Music Room

Dael & I have been working with a fantastic Hawke's Bay family to transform their garage into a family/music room - a space for the whole family, and their friends, to enjoy. On first inspection it required a fair bit of imagination, as the garage had become a dumping ground for anything not used regularly. I took many photos that day, but these two will give you an idea of what we found...

Our brief was to turn the space into a games room where the family could bring their friends for movies, gaming, and just to hang out. With some talented musicians in the family, they also wanted a music room for jam sessions. It was pretty obvious that storage was essential for housing all that 'stuff' that naturally accumulates when you have children.

We recommended a built-in storage solution, not only to hide away all the bits and pieces, but also to divide the large garage into two separate areas. The old carpet was ripped up and the concrete floors were painted and varnished.

We fitted out the games room with sofas, a TV cabinet, and a rug from Big Save Furniture. Poufs by Bibby + Brady act as tables, foot stools, and extra seats.

We tucked a little computer nook at the far end of the storage cupboards, and the family table tennis table claimed the space behind it.

On the other side of the floor to ceiling cupboards is the music room. We painted this in a dark charcoal, a further way to divide the two spaces. Stevie Ray Vaughan helps to set the scene from the walls and provides inspiration for Joe and his mates.

Joe, Megs and their kids love the extension that the garage has provided their home. If you have a space in your home that needs some Bibby + Brady attention, we'd love to help you.