THE WONDERS OF CONCRETE

Image sourced from Hard Goods

Have you been noticing it everywhere too? Well, if you have not, start paying attention because concrete is a material which is used almost everywhere, foot paths, buildings, roads, homes .... did I mention it is everywhere? Well, now concrete is becoming the latest and hottest trend right now in furniture and decoration. I know what you are thinking... really? Yes, really it is and trust me, it works so well and can really look fantastic.

I think it is very interesting how this new trend is being approach and it is quite refreshing to see how many can adapt the use of a material that is primarily used in major construction, break it down and turn it into something really stylish that can be used around the home. It is literally popping up in everything, pendant lights, pot plants and even furniture.

Those who have been following my posts for a while now will know how much I love mixing textures and how that is such a great way to create a layered interior, so it really wont be coming as shock when you hear me say that, concrete in your home, kitchen bench tops and bathrooms is seriously awesome.

Some may think that it is cold and would make a space quite harsh, but like anything treated in the right way, textured and layered with other materials such as timber, copper, gold, brass, warm lighting and other stones it will be anything but. One of the other great techniques we are seeing coming through with the concrete is the rendering inside the home. Usually render is used for outside of the house but more and more it is becoming a much more popular application inside to really create a high end industrial, loft feel.

Here are just a few photos to inspire and demonstrate how concrete is really the hot trend right now!! Let's hope it does not become a fad!

Sourced from My Pinterest 

Image sourced from Wallpaper Decor

Image sourced from Slabhomewares

Image sourced from Pinterest 

WARRIOR WEDNESDAYS: GET YOUR GOOP ON

I have written about Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop before, but I had a feeling last week that is was perfect for today's explorations. It is a serious go to guide for everything, from design to style to food to wellness... and wellness is something that we are very passionate about here at JDZ. It is one of my main goals to combine the two together and always inhabit spaces that really make you feel good. As a designer we have total control on how a space makes you feel and we can control and inform on how to inhabit and experience that space too. It's all very complex beneath the surface... believe me, but that is what makes our job as designers a lot of fun!


Goop is a guide/ website that presents you with the positives in life, so naturally you can see exactly why I really like it and think you all should get into it too. Goop has a weekly journal that is released to it's subscribers that embodies a lot more information and resources that is shown on the website.
Recently on the "see" part of the blog they had featured the steps in creating a beautiful and inspiring guest apartment. I really liked how they simply explained the process and showed the development of the initial stages of developing the concept to final stage of bringing it to life. Making a space function as well as feel good is a challenge and what I really like about this design process is that Goop demonstrates how some attention to detail and planning can really make some serious positive changes to an environment. These changes will not only change the space but how the space is perceived, used and inhabited. There is no doubt, the guest who stays in the newly styled apartment won't love it, feel comfortable and have a positive experience.

Here are some of the images from the Goop site. You can see all the design details by clicking right HERE. 

Before Photos

The Plan

The Concept and draft development

The mood board

The Final result- before the final result is produced you of course have to source all of the furniture.
You can see all of the design details by going to the direct link.

All images sourced directly from the Goop Journal blog and

can be found by clicking HERE.

FUNKY FURNITURE

Moroccan, aztec, geometric, metal... it is following me everywhere this week, I cannot escape. I keep getting drawn in by these ridiculously interesting designs that are very unique which I cannot help but want to share. It must just be from all the spirit of neon and patterns I have been talking about for the last couple of days. I saw one of Jose Levy's furniture pieces on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago and I featured his Moroccan mirror collection in my black & white post without even knowing anything more about the designs and by accident yesterday came across another blog post about him. It really got me thinking about how one could present such unique pieces of furniture and accessories in their homes to help create a certain theme or atmosphere. Even though they are so beautiful they do have a very specific feel about them and were created with the intension of being a representation of old Moroccan times. Which to me they convey in their design instantly, without even knowing much about Jose reasoning or artistic practice. There are certain elements that one can automatically gather from the shape, colour, tone, materials etc. The objects begin to tell you their story and begin to dictate the type of environment or atmosphere they would create in the space they inhabit. That is what I love about good design and different era's, they have their own style and it can often be automatically picked by the way they are designed or made. There is so much variety now that instantly if you are looking for a specific look for your home, office or cafe, you can find it, you can even mix it and match it.

Retro- tick, industrial- tick, eclectic-tick, modern-tick, shabby sheik - tick, french provincial- tick... and the list continue. Options are limitless and it is one of the best ways to create a really evoking atmosphere in a space. Having a concept or "program" ( knowing how you want the space to present ) is going to always help you find those furniture pieces or objects that are prefect in communicating it.

Jose Levy's Moroccan is just one of many of the diverse designer collections he has put together during his career. It is very true in a contemporary way to 1950's style materials, colour and furniture. I can just image his products being used in a very elegant environment with a white back drop, entertaining space or eclectic space. The 1950's style home with an edge, herringbone light or grey timber floors juxtaposed with metal finishes and retro furniture. Yep, it is a bit of a perfect fit. Have a look below at some of his funky furniture objects and I am pretty sure you will agree that they would be a perfect fit for a really funky cool hip and happening city bar.

Find out more about Jose and his furniture from his direct website here.
Images sourced from Jose's website.


Ps: Lovely loyal readers, if there is anything you would love to see on my blog or talk about please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box below.

Happy Wednesday afternoon,

JDZ x