pool side...

 

Today I will be lounging poolside... I know it seems odd to me in the beginning of December too!   We are taking a little trip to celebrate my husband's birthday.  Don't worry I have so much set up here for while I am away.  I am looking forward to more giveaways and wonderful inspiration!

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simplicity in the entry

 

This is so simple and clean.. Just love the different bottles and always love fresh greenery!  

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?  I think I am, turkey and fixins check!

Wishing you a wonderful start to the long holiday weekend!

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exterior accents

 

Everything here is just right.  I love the shutters and the pavers!

Wishing you an inspired Sunday!

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Inspiration Profile - Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Welcome to this week's Inspiration Profile -  his name is Jaime Diaz-Berrio, an architect and photographer from Melbourne, Australia. Several weeks ago, Jaime sent me a lovely email asking me if I knew about the following of blog readers that I have in Melbourne? That was great to hear and hello to you all! Thanks for reading and enjoy today's profile.



Jaime Diaz-Berrio

RACV Healesville Country Club by SJB Architects

Name: Jaime Diaz-Berrio

What do you do: I am an architect and photographer. Originally from Mexico, I trained in architecture and have worked in Mexico and Australia designing residential, commercial and industrial spaces since 2001.

Photography has always been a hobby of mine and in 2008 I began photographing the work of other architects and interior designers as a side business. A few months ago I took the plunge and made it my main focus.

I currently share my time between architecture, architectural photography and abstract photography.

Where do you live: Melbourne, Australia

What are you working on: At the moment I am working on a new series of images taken on my last overseas trip which will hopefully form my first solo exhibition.

I take a lot of pleasure from walking around the built environment with a camera in hand and taking small parts of it with me, collecting portions of buildings that can later be put back together in a different light, sometimes pieces of the same building, sometimes of unrelated subjects and then re-composing them together. 

Merricks Residence by SJB Architects & SJB Interiors



 

 

Who/what inspires me: Travel, experiencing new cities, visiting the buildings designed by architects that I admire (I’ve dragged my lovely wife to very remote places over the years...)

I recently found a quote by an important Mexican architect, Luis Barragan, that has reinforced the importance of travel for me: “Don’t ask me about this building or that one. Don’t look at what I do. See what I saw.”

Other inspirations are:
Good, simple, well considered and timeless design in any of its multiple branches (architectural, interior, industrial, furniture etc).

In architecture, I find Peter Zumthor’s work in a league of its own, he is one of the few architects that manage to truly move all of your senses when you visit one of his buildings.

In photography, Henri Cartier-Bresson’s images are always inspiring.

I work best: Around sunset, between the time when the light turns golden and about 20 minutes after the sun sets. Buildings seem to come alive. Sunrise is also very special, but I struggle to get out of bed that early!

What I do when I’m stuck for inspiration: I go for a walk with my camera; it is amazing how I end up relaxing after a few minutes of looking through the viewfinder. It seems to eliminate all distractions and allows me to focus on what I am looking for.

The best advice I have been given is: Whilst in my second year in University, a very respected architect in Mexico told me that I should work for somebody whose work I admire very much because at that age I would probably work very long hours and have a very small salary so I should at least enjoy the work. I worked for him for the next five years and still consider him my greatest mentor who taught me what I consider the most important element in both architecture and photography: strong composition.

My latest discovery is: A love for good dark chocolate! (70% Green & Black’s Organic)

Decontra House by Fitt de Felice

McCrae House by SJB Architects



Prahan House by SJB Interiors

Books that I get inspiration from: Classic architectural books are a beautiful source of inspiration, I particularly enjoy books on Alvaro Siza, Alvar Aalto, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Eero Saarinen and Peter Zumthor among others.

Magazines that inspire me: It’s always a pleasure when the Architectural Review (UK) shows up in the mail box. I also enjoy C+A and Mark.

Blogs that I enjoy: dezeen, archdaily, Contemporist, The Cool Hunter, Joe’s nyc.

My favourite room at home is: The lounge room, it’s a simple, calm room filled with sunlight during most of the day and a view to our small, green courtyard. A very peaceful and quiet place. 

My office is: At home for the moment but a couple of local cafes have also become satellite offices, I enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and being surrounded by people - a good coffee also doesn’t hurt! Favourites are Monk Bodhi Dharma & Spout in St Kilda East.

What am I looking forward to: Finding a balance between my three passions: architecture, architectural photography and abstract photography.

And why not, another long trip with Sara (and her patience!).

If you would like to learn more about Jaime, please see his website here.

Market Street Apartment by SJB Interiors

 
All photographs are by, and used with permission from, Jaime Diaz-Berrio.

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A Golden Moment

I always had a preference for silver accents when it came down to the question of silver or gold. From kitchen cabinet hardware to jewelry chains and ring bands and the metal letters on the car that indicate its model, I've always preferred the silver hue of nickel and chrome to the golden hue of brass. Lately, though, I've been loving the gold!

I was digging deep and asking myself the tough questions that lead to this change of heart. I thought about all of the reading I'd been doing about one of my favorite periods in art history lately: the Vienna Secession. Images of Gustav Klimt's beautiful gold leaf paintings and the white and gold contrast of Joseph Olbrich's Secession Building in Austria started popping into my head. Aha! Perhaps that's what has been influencing me. Check them out:

Gustav Klimt's Adele Block-Bauer I:

Joseph Olbrich's Secession Building and its details:

The Vienna Secession developed in the late 19th century and carried on into the early 20th century, with its active years about parallel to that of the Art Nouveau movement. It was comprised of a school of painters, craftsmen, and architects who sought to reject the pomp and formality of the flamboyant architecture and design that dominated most of the 19th century. They instead favored a return to more natural and functional forms. There was no strictly unifying "look" to this artistic movement, but rather a collective spirit to the art and designs that defined it. The movement's motto was, "To the age, its art. To art, its freedom."

Now let's look at some fun, modern day pieces with golden-hued designs that I've been loving lately! (Mind you, these are not Vienna Secession designs. They're just pretty. And golden.)  

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California Cottage Style

I like LOVE myself a little bit of cool, relaxed california cottage style! I'd love to find (not an easy task in the N.E.) a home with an open floor plan, beamed ceiling and a board and batten facade. 

Porch Awning = YES!

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Looking Up: Ceiling Designs

Oftentimes it seems that plenty of attention is given to the walls and floors of a room, but the ceiling remains a missed opportunity. The ceiling is one of the largest surface areas of a room, and can be a great place to add some beautiful details. Below are just a few examples of what can be done. Let’s take a fun little trip back into the past and take a look at some historical examples for inspiration first!

Gothic fan vault details:

Painted Italian Renaissance ceiling:

Scottish architect Robert Adams' detailed ceiling design from the 18th Century:



Art Deco stained glass ceiling in Buffalo City Hall:

Aren't those ceilings gorgeous? Now let's take a look at some examples that can be applied to a modern day home. From exposed ceiling beams to nail head trim--yes, nail head trim on the ceiling!--there are so many possibilities:

 

 

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