Page Thirteen // For the love of design & style

{Learning The Industrial Style} Part 2: Brooklyn Loft Home

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 00:18:00 +0000

Hello dear friends! Now this is one way overdue post, supposedly following closely behind {Learning The Industrial Style} Part 1. I was almost going to scrap it, but revisiting it again, I am picking up on so many elements which first inspired the urge to share, and decided, yup! better late than not!

In part 1, I wrote about the industrial style being a celebration of form, function, the essentials and being comfortable in one's own skin. Today, I share with you an industrial style Brooklyn loft which has incorporated these principles, and then some, into its spaces.

Just in the living room alone, I'm spotting so many exciting elements, from walls of windows, to the open bookcase, the pendant lamps, the work bench turned desk, the vintage bicycle at the far end... If you look at the plain, straight line leather sofa with its chrome legs, you would never quite imagine it sitting in the middle of a rustic loft, yet it looks perfectly fine where it is. The idea of mix and match, incorporating current pieces with industrial ones, working with what you have and what suits your comfort with a few creative spins - this style is becoming more flexible and versatile as we speak!

It definitely takes heart, planning and time to put together a home like this. It's about understanding your space and how you intend to use it, and discovering pieces of furniture that will work within the walls.

{All images via Trendland}

Another element I really enjoy seeing in this home are the refreshing pots of greens visible in almost every space. It's such a simple detail, yet makes a huge difference in adding that extra touch of nature to the rooms.

I hope you enjoy the update! Have a beautiful day! x. Shu

+ guest post: Loving White On White Interiors

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 22:53:00 +0000

Hello dear friends! While I'm getting things reorganize and my act together, I want to share with you a special guest post by Arcadian Home. Special thanks to Anna Thompson who got in touch about the opportunity and her efforts in getting the post organized. I found the post really refreshing (maybe because I didn't write it?), and am really excited to share it with you. Let me know what you think!

+ + + + +

Hi, everyone! It’s Mari here with a guest post from Arcadian Home blog, a fabulous place to find interior design inspiration including great decorating ideas for everything from contemporary floor lamps to soft rugs for comfort underfoot.

Do you love wonderful white on white interiors as much as I do? Depending upon your style, all white rooms can feel cozy and comfortable or sleek and chic. Today, we’re going to take a tour of stylish white rooms with an appealing Scandinavian look. Please enjoy! Thanks to Shu for letting me stop by and visit with you here at the lovely Page Thirteen blog. ~ Mari

First up is a stylish white living space with high, sloped ceiling and a few sleek black pieces. A caged modern pendant light is suspended over the coffee table.

With a gorgeous Swedish fireplace in the corner, this long wall in a white living room is all straight lines and favored found objects and personal treasures. A quirky gallery wall adds visual interest above the shelf.

This white living space is all about casual comfortable style, white slipcovers and pale wood tones on floor, furniture and wall art.

An open dining space and kitchen is all decked out in white on white on white. Pale wood flooring and white painted walls provide the backdrop for even more white furnishings like the table and molded plastic Eames chairs. White cabinets and subway tile are seen from top to bottom in the kitchen. Large swing arm wall lamps like this one between the kitchen and dining area are both beautiful and functional.

This minimalist bedroom with white bedding is stunningly simple in its pale wood cocoon. Warm and cozy with heat from the sleek wood stove, it’s a dreamy retreat.

With soaring ceiling anchored by rustic wood beam and steel fittings, this space is at once sleek contemporary and rustic industrial. It’s a wonderful merging of two worlds.

This small white space with comfortable reading spot is reminiscent of carefree summer days and time spent in the countryside.

Could one live happily in an irresistibly amazing bathroom? Perhaps this one could be converted into a cottage. I have been smitten. What do you think of this spacious white bath with its tall trees?

{Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 }

What do you think of these white spaces? Leave us your comments and discover more gorgeous home decor, mini pendant lights, and interior inspirations at our blog!

+ + + + +

Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 23:52:00 +0000

After enduring through the chill of winter, especially on days where we had extra early starts, we have transited into spring, and it couldn't have been made any more obvious than by the hay fever allergies which hit right on the very first week of September. That explained my sudden absence. Who knew sneezing could take the life right out of you?

It's worse than I've anticipated; you would think I had it all figured out since it's an annual thing! I've got the works, blocked/runny nose, watery eyes, rash, sleepless nights - you get the idea without me going into too much messy details. I've used up at least a box of tissue a week, or more, I've lost count. One weekend found me in tears on the floor because it got too painful sneezing and I've had enough!

It's not over yet, but I really feel the need to get back into the rhythm of things, and hopefully, if I show the universe that I'm determined enough, everything else will fall back into place without too much effort!

I'll be back soon, I promise! Missing you all terribly... x. Shu

ps. I'm only allergic to grass pollen which are all over the air at the moment, but flowers, I'm ok! Should go buy some fresh cuts to brighten up the place and make myself feel better too!

{Image source: Spring... by Belkat // Spring by Lynette Sherrad // Daybreak in the Meadow by Olivia Joy St Claire}

{Learning The Industrial Style} Part 1: Workstead, Brooklyn

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 01:14:00 +0000

I am currently working on an exciting private residential project for a newly wed couple, and their concept is based around modern-industrial style. The industrial style has been pretty popular this past couple of years, easily spotted particularly in shops, cafes, bars and even hotels.

It is a style which makes me think words such as of pop-ups, raw, simplicity, rustic, vintage, re-purposed, natural... just to rattle off a few. But before it became a trend, industrial was more of a life style, a conscious choice of living, and the more I learn about it, the more fascinated I became.

It is definitely more than just bare concrete walls, exposed bricks and old-door-turned-coffee-table. It is a celebration of form, function, the essentials and being comfortable in one's own skin, and for that I think it is beautiful and respectable.

Through research, I came across a Brooklyn based design company - Workstead. I've never been to Brooklyn, but the place and its culture always give me the impression that it IS the industrial style.

Workstead's design and concept thoroughly communicates the essence of industrialism through clever use of materials, perfect craftsmanship and simply beautiful details. Each piece of furniture, object, door handle, the brick on the wall - the speak for themselves, the are beautiful on their own, yet fits perfectly into place beside one another.

To live with industrial style, I guess first and foremost it is important not to think of it as a trend, but to adopt it as a way of life. It is a very free and personal style, with no particular right or wrong. It is about showcasing collections, celebrating individualism, and choosing what is comfortable, what suits your home, your space and your way of living.

Of course there are some key elements, such as metal, wood, bricks, shades of greys, etc. but they are easily adaptable and not hard to get right. When in doubt, keep to the basics, and slowly add on, starting maybe with some decorations and accessories, things which are easily removed or replaced if the style gets a little too heavy for your liking. When you are confident, then you can start thinking about brick walls and bare windows.

{All images via Workstead}

Not only does Workstead design and build beautiful interiors, they also sell gorgeously crafted industrial style lightings. You can spot some of them in the images above, and they are also available for purchase here. The wall lamps and chandeliers are my favorite!

Part 2 of my mini industrial style study coming up soon. Thank you for dropping by today! x. Shu

+ inspired by: Jeroen van der Spek Photography {Interiors}

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 04:11:00 +0000

I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted; the speed time is flying pass is simply astounding! And I just realized I've missed sharing part 2 of Jeroen van der Spek's photography! So as promised, here they are!

Moody shades of blues has been spotted everywhere this past few months, and they are growing on me too! Love just about everything in the image above, especially that vintage filing drawer unit at the back of the room! The relaxed seating layout, with flexible side tables and multi function pouffe-stool is also a great arrangement.

More dark rooms, contrasted with bright textiles, flowers and birds - the play of fuchsias and greens are fresh and gorgeous, especially against the grey backdrop.

These three images are quite different in terms of mood and styling - light and bright with strong modern Scandinavian touches. Light grey, blond wood, concrete and a touch of black seems like one of those fail-proof formula!

Hope your week is turning out great! x. Shu

{All images by Jeroen van der Spek}

Chromatic Play 06.08.2013

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 00:34:00 +0000

{Image by Jeroen van der Spek}

+ inspired by: Jeroen van der Spek Photography {Food}

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 00:16:00 +0000

It's raining again this morning, and as the news like to remind us, we are having one of the wettest winter yet - right, like we need reminding! Although we've stepped into the 3rd and final month of winter, warm days and an outdoor picnic is still a long way away, which is probably why the image above is so appealing right now, because it cannot be any further from my reality! Is it reverse psychology, or is it just the cold making me go a little off? Regardless, a picnic spread, even just having jam sandwiches, will be a {very nice} dream!

What do you put on your toast?

You've seen some of Jeroen van der Spek's work on the blog before, but I've never got to put together a full feature. Here are some images from the Food portfolio. Will share more throughout the week.

{All images by Jeroen van der Spek}

Love the overall "light-ness" in these images - bright and delicate, and super yummy too!

Hope your day is just as lovely! x. Shu

+ inspired by: Cleo Scheulderman

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 00:08:00 +0000

I've been a big fan of Cleo Scheulderman's work for a while, mostly spotting them over at VT Wonen. Recently I stumbled across her Pinterest page, where she's put together a portfolio of her work, and what a beautiful collection it is too!

{Photography by Jeroen van der Spek}

{Left: photography by Jeroen van der Spek / Right: photography by James Stoke}

There's a rustic touch to her style, which is predominant in many of her works, but I'm also really enjoying how natural items are set and paired alongside each other, as if they've always belonged together - if you know what I mean? And many scenes are also very real, lived-in, like someone's just walked out of the room for a bit.

{Top: photography by Jeroen van der Spek / Bottom: photography by James Stoke}

Palette coordination/contrast along with the play of textures and patterns are also some of Cleo's strong 'magic touches' I've noted across her work, and she made it look so effortlessly easy and beautiful!

Like the bedroom above, light grey creates a backdrop, with the chocolate and patterned cushions picking up the colors from the wall. The rusty base of the reading lamp and the earthen wears echoes the rustic-ness of the room, while the chalky and dark metal/grey of the letter N and side table adds contrasts to the whole composition. Yet, the first thing your eye gets drawn to, are probably the cheeky wordings on the sheets!

The fact that these touches aren't immediately obvious suggests just how successful the styling was! Everything just looks comfortable and good together as a whole.

{Top: photography by Jeroen van der Spek / Bottom: via VT Wonen}

I can't get enough, and I hope you've enjoyed the selections too! See more of Cleo's work on VT Wonen or Pinterest. It's ok to swoon and drool and pin every other image you see!

Have a lovely day ~ x. Shu

+ inspired by: Stylish Stockholm Apartment

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 23:09:00 +0000

Yesterday, when I was trying to recover from one of the wildest winter weather weekend we've experienced so far, I spotted this warm Swedish apartment and liked it immediately. Maybe it's my imagination, but that place definitely look warmer, brighter and cheerier compared to where we're at now!

The style of this 2 bedroom is slightly different from the usual, light-white-bright Swedish homes I love, but I actually found the combination of dark floors, white walls and those touches of purples and lilacs very appealing! It's modern, fresh, but still very Scandinavian.

The apartment is located located on the sixth floor of a 1936 building on Kungsholmen, an island in Lake Mälaren part of Stockholm. It was put up on sale some time last year via Fantastic Frank.

I like the open plan living-dining-kitchen layout, another factor of difference compared to many Swedish homes and apartments I've shared previously, where each function and activity are traditionally zoned in their designated rooms.

I love those deep window sills, acting as ready display shelves for plants and decors, which means you save space and some money on purchasing more shelves just to show off your collections of beautiful little items! Of course, those windows, an almost signature feature in most Swedish homes, bringing in light which bounces off the white walls - perfect!

The styling in the kids room is adorable, and so cleverly paired tones of colors too! Love the mixed pattern cushions and those super large Lego blocks!

And in the master bedroom, I thought the single light carelessly hanging off the window is quite a clever touch - as long as you're careful with the curtains!

And lastly, bathroom is simple and stylish, with the square tiles all over - again, dark floors, light walls; very functional and practical, with the straight lines and modern touch echoing the rest of the apartment.

Hope you enjoyed the little tour! Have a inspiring day ahead! x. Shu

{All images originally from Fantastic Frank, discovered via Home Dsgn and Allhitecture}

Interior Photography by Vega MG

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 01:33:00 +0000

Today I wish to share with you the photography work of Gianni Basso/ Vega MG, whom I came across while flipping through the pages of last month's Real Living. I was quite impressed by the feature on Elisa Fuksas's apartment, of which was photographed by Gianni Basso, but couldn't find the images online to share with you. However, the search brought me to Vega MG's portfolio, and there I discovered plenty of beautifully captured interiors which are very inspiring too!

First impression of the interiors are that many of them carry a vintage-contemporary mix style, some more retro and classic than others, which a touch of raw industrial mingling among the collection. A delight to browse through!

+ Concrete rendered walls and floors - love the statement, especially in the kid's room, definitely something different!

+ Simple, light and relaxing living rooms, with some statement pieces to add character - so beautifully put together - especially loving that vintage door!

+ A single item of color in a mostly-white room is like an exclamation mark in an otherwise very ordinary sentence...

+ Beautiful retro shapes, lines and blend of tones; the display of 2 different mirrors is particularly clever!

+ With those views, you hardly need much more! But the mix collection of stools around the table is super cool, don't you think?

Hope you enjoyed the round up. You can see more of Vega MG work over at their website. Have a beautiful day ahead! x. Shu

{All images by Vega MG}

+ loving: Daily Dishonesty

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 23:01:00 +0000

I came across Daily Dishonesty sometime back, and totally fell in love with the quirky humor, bright colors, clever typos, and the obvious lies - they are brilliant!

Daily Dishonesty - lovely lies from a hungry graphic designer - is a hand-lettering project started by Lauren Hom, combining her love of typography, humor, copywriting and illustration by documenting the lies she tells herself, apparently on a regular basis.

I can imagine Lauren to be a really interesting person to meet!

They are so adorable and fun, and I love the colors too! The fonts, with a touch of retro-vintage bring serious character to the prints.

{All images by Daily Dishonesty}

Which ones are your favorite? They would look great anywhere in the home; I can imagine "Calories don't count on the weekend" over a jar of chocolate chip cookies (or naughty potato chips, in my case)!

See more of Lauren's work at Daily Dishonesty blog and Hom Sweet Hom. You can also buy them off Society 6.

Have a fun day, dear friends! x. Shu

+ inspired by: Dark Grey + Pine + White

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 23:09:00 +0000

Dark grey + pine + white = one cool modern Swedish apartment!

Spotted this apartment over at Fantastic Frank. It caught my attention because it's quite different from what I've been looking at. I'm surprisingly drawn to those dark grey walls, which seem to work for this room, despite it being on the small side. Or maybe it's the gloomy, stormy weather outside finally doing me in, but let's not go there!

Note how the grey doesn't go all the way to the ceiling. That white border meeting the ceiling sort of help increase the height of the space. And I love that those doors are painted the same color as the walls too!

Also inspired by the strategically placed clutters of accessories, the play with scales, and the touch of industrial styling, giving the apartment a very lived-in and livable feel.

More greys in the kitchen, which is efficiently planned and organised despite the small space, but the wow factor for me is definitely those black and white tiles! They are so beautiful, in a modern classic way instead of the traditional checkered style more commonly spotted - perfect!

{All images via Fantastic Frank}

Hope you're inspired too! I'm off to make myself a large steamy mug of coffee to chase away the ultimate winter blues ~ hope you have a beautiful weekend ahead! x. Shu

+ inspired by: Chronographia - Knitting Organized Neatly

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:30:00 +0000

You might remember this image I shared during the weekend for my Chromatic Play post. The image is by Chronographia, and today I want to show you more of this amazing photographer's work.

Ever since I've been knitting a lot more this season and even receiving orders from friends, I've been looking for inspirations to style and photograph my knitting creations in a more interesting and professional way. And then I stumbled onto Chronographia von Strangehours photography on flickr.

They are awesome - beyond words! I love the rustic styling, and simple compositions showing off the yarns and work in process. And the knitting projects themselves are super amazing too - the Bees Keeper's Quilt especially - I wonder when I'll make my first quilt/blanket. I'll get back to you when I do, in another 10 years or so, maybe!

But seriously, these are gorgeous.

You can see the entire collection of Chronographia's work on flickr. Meanwhile, here are some of my favourites. Hope you'll enjoy them too! x. Shu

{All images by Chronographia}

+ loving: Typography Art by Matthew Taylor Wilson

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:15:00 +0000

I came across this typography print last week, on a wet and cold day, and thought - how appropriate! Only that winter is not only coming - it's already here! Thankfully it's stopped raining, so although still cold at least it's not bone chilling.

The print is by Matthew Taylor Wilson, whom I chanced across while browsing Society 6. I'm especially taken by his chalkboard style illustrations and typos, and I've put together a monochrome selection here to share.

Matthew is an American artist and graphic designer, working n advertising and product design. His work has appeared in ads and editorial features of American magazines.

I love the way he's incorporated illustrations and quirky wordings, clever and cool - that fish looks adorable! And love that camera too - which reminds me, I bought hubby an Instax Mini 8 for his birthday, so now we both have an analogue camera to play with!

*oops, side tracked, back to the illustrations...

{All images by Matthew Taylor Wilson}

"Sure-thanks-oh yeah-okay-that's fine" - there's something about this phrase; we rattle it off, usually in a hurry. It's one of those things that comes at the end of a sentence or conversation, usually with a stranger; like when we're expected to say something in response to what they've said, but yet not quite sure of what to say. Interesting, human interactions and conversations...

Right, not sure where that came from! But hope you've enjoyed the selections. You can see more of Matthew's work here and here.

Have a great day! x. Shu

Chromatic Play 22.06.2013

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:23:00 +0000

So mesmerizing this image is,

rustic and elegant; a play of contrast.

I'm definitely drawn to balls of yarns of late,

they are twining up my days,

some nights my dreams too.

x. Shu

{Bees Keeper's Quilt yarn stash: all the purples by Chronographia}

+ inspired by: The Yarra Penthouse

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:42:00 +0000

Hello dear friends! How's your week coming along? Our's been a little hectic at the moment; who would have thought a slight change of work schedule (the Mr's) could cause such an impact? I've been climbing out of bed at 5:30am this week - not fun when it's 3 degrees outside! - and feeling zonked out by mid afternoon.

But this super cool penthouse perked me up this morning! And I used to live in the same neighborhood back in uni days too - not that my flat was any where near as posh as this place!

Check it out, and enjoy the million dollar view overlooking Melbourne city - I wouldn't mind waking up at 5 in the morning to that! x. Shu

{Images by Dianna Snape | Project and design by Michael L Yates & Co}

+ 13 Collections: Printable Tags

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:38:00 +0000

I've been looking for printable tags to use on some personal projects. While there are heaps of holiday, festive and celebration specified tags, generic/everyday ones which suits my taste and style are a little harder to come by. But I've managed to collect some, and thought I'd share them with you too. (ps. They are all free downloadable-printables too!)

{Simple Sweet and New Baby gift tags by Love vs. Design}

{Peace, Love and Colour Block and Ice Cream gift tags by Eat Drink Chic}

{Floral Tags by Packagery}

{Gift tags by Fellow Fellow}

{Sweet Summertime gift wrap and tags by Lia Griffith}

{Gift tags by ARMOMMY}

{Chalkboard gift tags by The Elli Blog}

Aren't they awesome and gorgeous? A big thanks to each amazing designers (individual links provided) for their creative work! I'm all excited to start printing and tagging, hope you're loving the collection too! x. Shu

Chromatic Play 06.06.2013

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Simple lines, stripes and structure,

in a mix of warm and cool tones;

weather wise, we're definitely far far away

from any 'resort' style for now!

x. Shu

{Image via Fashionising/ Fendi Resort 2014}

+ inspired by: Amy Hamilton's Illustrations

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:30:00 +0000

I was really mesmerized by this illustration of 'Bambi' - Fawn, by Amy Hamilton. There's something about it, standing alone surrounded by all that white space, looking slightly over its shoulder... Quite beautiful and emotional at the same time.

Came across Amy Hamilton's work on Society 6. She is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator from Canada, whose works are inspired by nature and enjoy experimenting with different styles and mediums.

Love love love those runny paint strokes! And I find the contrast between soft watercolours and her strong subjects simply amazing!

The feathers print look great as a cushion cover too! That's one thing I'm loving about Society 6, the flexibility of having the image you like on a variety of items. Check out Amy's shop, and her portfolio too.

Have a lovely day! x. Shu

{All images by Amy Hamilton}

Chromatic Play 05.06.2013

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:00:00 +0000

We all deserve some colors,

and a warm pompom beanie,

on a cold winter day!

x. Shu

{Image by Diego Zuko / via Fashionising}

Chromatic Play 04.06.2013

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Hey there!

It's been a while since I've done a color inspiration post. Recently, having stumbled over plenty of amazing images, I thought maybe it would be nice to get the column going again. On one hand we can enjoy beautiful images and colors, while on the other hand meet super talented artists, photographers and designers! Happiness!

Hopefully you'll enjoy it too! x. Shu

{Image by Juell Photography}

Recently Knitting

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:11:00 +0000

Hi, I'm back!

As mentioned in the previous post, inspired by the cold weather and the range of beautiful yarns in store lately, I've been knitting, purling and cabling up a storm! I've mostly been making cowls and beanies, some for myself, some as gifts. I've even received orders from friends and their mates, which is awesome!

I just completed this cowl, as a birthday present to a friend. I was struck by the colors, which looks best in a simple design of knit, purl and slip. Super love it! The hues matches almost any outfit, brightens up a gloomy winter day - I might make another for myself too!

{All images by Shu}

Do you knit too? What are you favorite projects? x. Shu

Master Bedrooms On The Block

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 01:31:00 +0000

Hello dear friends, hope you've a great weekend!

We are officially in winter now, and it's been a wet and gloomy few days, which sort of affects the mood a little, unfortunately. On the up side, it's the perfect knitting weather, and I've been knit-purling up a storm! - but that's content for the next post *wink*.

I've been following the Australian renovating show, The Block Sky High 2013. I am not so much into the dramas, although you really can't run away from that in a reality show; its into week 4 now, and we are getting to know the teams and their style/taste better, which is getting a bit more interesting to watch.

Last night they revealed the master bedrooms and walk in wardrobes, and I've spotted quite a few inspiring ones, along with some bits and pieces that I liked. So I thought I'd share them with you! (ps. excuse some of the pixelated images as these are initial pictures from the site, will share some better ones later when they come out in magazines.)

Level One: one of my favorite rooms. Love the concrete wallpaper (yes! wallpaper!), plus the mix of greys with wood. And who can resist a bath tub in the walk in dressing area?

Level Two: again, concrete, but beautifully rendered ones this time - looks great teamed with light wood and spots of pinks.

Level Four: I like the touches of decors and choices of furnishings in this room, such as the pendant lamps and prints; oh, and that beautiful timber flooring!

Level Five (Penthouse): touches of wood really does add warmth to an otherwise almost hotel-looking bedroom, doesn't it? Love those art prints above the bed.

If you'll like to see more, head over to the gallery. Will try to share more of my favorite rooms as they come along!

Be back soon. x. Shu

{All images via The Block Sky High}

+ loving: Lost Type Co-op

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:16:00 +0000

Hi there dear friends! I hope everyone's doing well this week!

I've been working on a save-the-date card for a friend, and stumbled across this amazing font website, which I thought I'd share with you.

While there are quite a number of fonts websites around, this is the first time I've seen such a well presented and smart-ly designed site!

The Lost Type Co-op is a Type foundry with a Pay-What-You-Want concept, the first of its kind. They distribute fonts from designers all over the world, with the unique idea where users can pay whatever they like for a font. And all funds from these sales go straight to the font designers.

Not just that, as you browse through the fonts, you'll find graphic banners befittingly designed to represent the featured font, a background story on the font and what inspired its design development process, and a brief introduction of the font designer too.

I really appreciate the concept, as well as the respect and acknowledgement given to the designers. And if you're a font lover like me who enjoy experimenting and get all excited with playing around fonts, I'm sure you'll have fun browsing Lost Type too!

Have a creative day! x. Shu

{All images via Lost Type Co-op}

+ inspired by: Mandy Faith Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Shu) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:47:00 +0000

It's one of those days when I'm feeling the mid-week drag, probably also because I have to work tomorrow. Yes, your Thursdays are like my Mondays... So I've decided to look at some lovely images which will make me happy, and hopefully lift the mood a little.

I've been following Mandy Faith's Instagram for a couple of years now. Her images are sweet and simple, with a soft, vintage-retro feel; calm, pretty and quirky. I love how she creates such a story through ordinary, everyday objects and scenes.

Mandy is a creative, young Malaysian currently based in the UK. She shares her life snippets on her blog through beautiful images and some thoughtful musings - it's definitely a calming read for a gloomy Autumn morning like the one I'm having.

These two images above strikes an urge in me to visit a new, foreign city, and to feel all excited discovering new shops, shopping hubs and secret laneways. There are days I enjoy the familiarity of my own city, while some days it would be nice to explore a whole different one. But life isn't like the Faraway Tree where you can step into a new world every time you leave the house! (*don't mind me, I'm rambling...)

Can't get enough? You can see more on the blog and follow her on Instagram. Mandy also has a shop on Society6 where you can purchase her works in the form of prints, canvases, even iPhone case and throw pillows.

Enjoy! x. Shu

{All images by Mandy Faith Photography}