Exposed this & exposed that

A standout & highly sort after feature of mine is exposed wooden beams. They express the definition of functional necessity in the most expressive form. How does something so crucial to a build, so heavy and obtrusive still manage to present true elegance in a space?

Architecture in today's world is appreciated more than ever, exposed aggregate, off-form concrete, exposed internal brick walls and of course, exposed structural beams. I find it refreshing and exciting to be able to not only understand the building and construction process, but to be able to see it, both in the progressive stage and the end stage. Adding beauty and architectural interest to any space, try not to shy away from the foundations or support that assists in establishing the place you call home.

Here are 3 great examples of the beauty of the exposed wooden beam;

3.bp.blogspot.com

elv-s.blogspot.fi

ffffound.com

Elle x

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Colour + Architecture

Yesterday was a day of firsts for many reasons. I found out how many people are reading my blog on a daily basis... WOW! Thank you!

This post suggestion was inspired by Ruby who is an architecture student, who left a really meaningful comment for me yesterday. These little comments really make a huge difference, so thank you!

I have now created a Facebook page to make navigating the blog and keeping up to date with posts a lot more user friendly. Please go to the Facebook page and like it so we can keep in touch!

https://www.facebook.com/designformfunction 

Architecture can move us, it elicits different emotions, it can bring back memories and elicit direct emotions, like letting you feel small or big, or providing a safe feeling or even an unsafe one. When creating a space, whether it be in regards to styling, decorating, building, or designing we all try to elicit enjoyable emotions. Architectural spaces have certain atmospheres that influence the emotional state of a person: the interaction between the environment and its occupant.

Colour is a very powerful mean in architecture. How we experience colour depends on the colours surrounding us in our daily life. Warm and cold colours play an important role in our lives and evoke very different moods and emotions. We experience them in the variations of daylight from morning to evening and even into the darkness of night. 

The eye adjusts itself to the gradual change so that the local colours of details appear the same throughout the day. But if we observe something as a whole, a street scene or a lounge room for example, we become aware of the changes in the colour scheme. The mood of the scene and often even our mood changes with the changing light.

Here is an image I took this morning. Initially I was frustrated that the light was battling through the trees and casting shadows onto the Victorian Cottage and then I thought a little more about it and realised just what an effect it was making. 

I thought it would be interesting to focus on navy or dark blue. It is a colour I never really enjoyed until now, I think this has a lot to do with the relationship I draw between it and my school uniform. But now that that is long gone... Let's enjoy navy blue.

All images from google or self taken.

Partly adapted from RASMUSSEN, S.E. (1964) – Experiencing Architecture.

http://experiencingarchitecture.com/2011/05/19/colour/ 

Melbourne design weekend

What a weekend! Melbourne was amazing! The weather delivered blue skies and warm winter weather, the design fairs were informative and inspirational and the company was the irreplaceable.

Seth and I really enjoyed getting lost in the city. The architecture is just unbelievable. I found myself taking pictures of different building features at every corner. We were both amazed by the (not so) little (unncessary) features Melbourne has created to otherwise ordinary spaces.

 

 

The 3 design fairs were spread across opposite sides of the city and it was fun finding our way on and off different trams attempting to get there.

On Friday morning we hit Furnitex and Decoration + Design. I was anxious taking Seth with me to the fairs as I was worried he would become bored very quickly, however this was not the case. Furnitex turned out to be better for Seth than it was for me. We spoke to wooden flooring specialists and LED down light suppliers and many construction suppliers in between.

Saturday afternoon we went to Design, Made, Trade which supported up and coming designers to the industry. This fair was my main reasons for the trip to Melbourne and it definitely delivered. The stand that stood out the most was CAJA by Georgia Ezra. With CAJA you can mix and match the lids of the perspex box to create the setting you desire or require in your home. You can check out CAJA's designs here.
The advice Georgie happily offered was exactly what I was hoping to get (I think). I believe I achieved more from the fair than I thought possible with Georgia's brief guidance.

 

Seth and I really enjoyed the sunshine over the weekend and spent all day Sunday lying on the grass at St Kilda beach. We sat there for hours watching the runners, bike riders and dog walkers going past us.
We drank pints of coffee from 95 Espresso on Acland St and dined at Rococo for delicious Italian.

It was quite exciting to meet Interior Design Blogger Jen Bishop, here is my little feature on her blog.

"I was only slightly nervous to see belle’s editor in chief Neale Whitaker in the front row as Darren and I talked about how to approach magazine editors!After the talk, many people who I’ve known only on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, came up to say hi and even have their photo taken with me! Now that was a funny experience! But not as surreal as being out at a Melbourne bar with my girlfriends that night and having a fan of the blog come over and ask if I was Jen the blogger? You see, despite what Google Analytics says, I still sometimes find it hard to believe that so many of you read this! It is so nice to know you do and that you are inspired by the blog and such a pleasure to meet people with the same passion for interiors!
Once the speaking was over, I took the chance to walk the trade fair and there were a fantastic variety of exhibitors taking part. I have to say, the entire fair was really well organised."

You can find the rest of her article here.

Thank you for a wonderful weekend Melbourne and Seth for spoiling me rotten and happy one year anniversary!