RICK OWENS APT

by xavier bejot for taschen's 'new paris interiors' via seaofshoes.typepad.com

All kinds of obsessed with these images of Rick Owens and wife Michèle Lamy's Paris home that have been floating around the blogosphere for quite some time.  The mix of stone and fur is best described by Wallpaper* Magazine as 'monolithic'.  Recently, I've been interested in the idea of occupying space.  It is really something to look at these photos and imagine Rick Owens and his wife living and creating in these spaces, let alone going about simple tasks like making a cup of tea in that extraordinary kitchen space.  

I've also watched this interview between Rick, Michèle and Maria Luisa for thecorner.com several times.  I'm fascinated the professional and romantic relationship Owens and Lamy share.  I remember reading somewhere that he was introduced to her by his boyfriend at the time and then worked for her for a couple of years.  Someone should write a biography about Michèle. I love how modern their partnership is. 

I realise this is slowly evolving into a Rick Owens appreciation blog.  I'm completely unapologetic. 

RAVEN ROW

by 6a architects via dezeen

The above are of East London exhibition space Raven Row by 6a Architects.  The building, formerly two silk mercers' houses, was first constructed in 1754 with an adjacent office building added in 1972.  These three spaces were combined to create the current exhibition centre which includes gallery, studio, office and living spaces.  

The architects chose to use charred timber in their material palette, referencing the building's history (It suffered a fire in 1972 which caused extensive damage to the interior).  Charring has also given the timber such an interesting, beautiful texture.  

I love that they've almost completely maintained the original facade of the building and have created this beautiful, simplistic interior intervention. And the contrast of the original fire place in the second image surrounded by new moulding is stunning.  This space must smell incredible.  

I think this excerpt from 6a Architects explains it far more gracefully than I ever could: 

We avoided the Modernist paradigm of contrasting new against old. We took the view that the pre-existing construction need not be consigned to history and framed by the new. We have aimed to make each piece of this evolving puzzle oscillate between past and present. Rather than fixing history in the past, we have allowed for contemporary narratives to be drawn across time and space. 

6a Architects

6a Orde Hall Street

London, United Kingdom

6a.co.uk

THE MELBURNIAN APARTMENT

by derek swalwell via australiandesignreview.com

Glossy, linear perfection. Completed by Carr Design Group in Victoria, this apartment and it's design reflect a distinctly metropolitan semblance.

Perhaps it speaks to a growing obsession with minimalism, but I find myself completely inclined to 'masculine' interiors.  The polished black granite, simplified furniture forms and cool lighting in these glimpses into the prestigious Melburnian speak to absolute luxury.

Carr Design Group

Carr is an architecture and interior design firm in Victoria, Australia founded by director Sue Carr in 1971.

carr.net.au

CANNELLE CAKE SHOP

johnpawson.com

One of my absolute favourites.  The façade of this London cake shop comprises etched glass panels with a square of clear glass framing a single cake. To walk by this on the street at night, illuminated from within, would be something, don't you think?