A bit Kitsch

I'm going to make a confession to you...

I love a bit of kitsch!

Go ahead, roll your eyes and shake your head in disapproval. Nobody ever wants to admit that they have a soft spot for quirky knitted doilies or garden gnomes, and that's cool, but I seriously believe kitsch has become high art in recent years and needs to be acknowledged and utilized a little more.

One of my most favourite designers, Philippe Starck, has embraced kitsch in many of his pieces. His range of Kartell side tables feature garden gnomes and guns that would surely add some interest to a room.

A similar idea can also be seen in this side table designed by Marcel Wanders. The table resembles a piece of crochet and is made of cotton, epoxy and resin. You'll find this at Moooi.

Closer to home, Melbourne based design team at Gin and Tonic have released a Cuckoo Clock which is a perfect example of how cool kitsch can be! By simply spray painting a traditional black cuckoo clock to hot pink, they have revived a once daggy object into something that will better communicate in a number of contemporary styled interiors.

Keep kitsch tasteful and contemporary by refraining from the en masse approach. Select pieces that will act as a focal point in your home.

If Kartell and Moooi are a bit out of your price range, I suggest looking at Matt Blatt, Junktique and Vampt. You will also discover some fantastics finds on Crown St and Cleveland St in Surry Hills and King St in Newtown.

Happy Hunting! xx

SJP does UAE

The other night I went to see the long anticipated 2nd installment of the Sex and the City movie.

With a shoe box full of popcorn and my girls in tow, we took out seats in the cinema and braced ourselves for the thrilling fashion and sites we were about to see!

The movie definately didn't disappoint although we did all agree that the first one was better. From a designers point of view though, I thought that the styling was just spectacular! It has seriously made me consider doing a trip to both the UAE and Morocco at some stage next year.

Despite all the amazing locations that were visited during the movie, Carrie and Big's apartment is my absolute favourite (closely followed by the wedding reception venue).

What I love about the space is the use of light and dark - the stunning Montauk lounge up against the neutral wall and then teamed with the pale blue armchairs really makes it a standout. What also makes the apartment work are the metallic accents found in the artwork, floor lamps, chandeliers, ornaments and hardware. It's the perfect juxtaposition to the timber work featured throughout the space - bringing interest, warmth and a sense of glamour without being too over the top.

And how beautiful is the kitchen and dining area? Again, the blue accents lift the neutral colour pallet and the metallic finishes bring warmth. I love how the kitchen is blocked off by the floor to ceiling bookshelf which has a small opening that acts like a tease to what lies beyond.

The stunning oxidised metal chandelier is suspended above a French mahogany table which is surrounded by high back, upholstered dining chairs. Having dining chairs with a slanted back really helps open the space as well as soften the look of the interior.

And of course, how could I not mention the closet...

Now that Carrie is a married woman she has to share, but in this very special wardrobe, space was not compromised.

In comparison to her other wardrobe, this one is far more grown up with a perfect combination of 'his and her' features. Again, the use of light and dark really makes the space and the use of different woodwork creates interest by eliminating symmetry.