Dabble - Mar/Apr 2011

Welcome to Dabble, the newest kid on the lifestyle e-magazine scene. As the cover  shows, this is essentially an e-magazine with an equal mix of design, travel & food.

Founder & Editor in Chief Kimberley Seldon of Kimberley Seldon Design Group, has gathered together a team of contributors who are highly qualified in their respective industries. As a result, the premiere issue of Dabble is one of consistently high quality information.

The travel section is also wonderfully informative as is the food section. But as I'm mainly interested in design I've only chosen to show you an eclectic peek at some of the interiors shown in the issue.

Looking forward to the next issue.

Sandy K

[above images via Dabble]

Covet Garden Issue 8

Covet Garden Issue 8 is now live. This issue takes a look at the Toronto west-end home of Tomi & Karim. The light, bright, calm space has been largely renovated by Karim who is an editor, director & compositor with Tomi, a graphic designer, adding her touch in the finishes.

Tomi's sparse design & the pale blue palette contribute greatly to the sense of calm & relaxation which this 100 year old home evokes. Although sparsely decorated, the objects to be found in the home reflect the couples' history & cultural backgrounds (Karim's Moroccan heritage & Tomi's Croatian roots).

It's a lovely abode that I imagine all who walk through its' door instantly feel at home in.

Covet Garden continues to bring us "real" homes. Go check it out.

Sandy K

[above image via Covet Garden]

Matchbook - March 2011 Issue No. 2

Matchbook Issue No. 2 is now live. I like the cover of this issue more than the first as I find it more contemporary & the colour really grabs my attention. The cover of the first issue was more dated than I had hoped.

I've had a brief flick through the 168 page issue and it looks very interesting. Highlights of this issue includes interviews with some very interesting people such as Pamela Keogh - author of Audrey Style, Jackie Style, Elvis Style & the recently released Are You A Jackie Or A Marilyn? I own the first three books & must say that if you are an Audrey fan, the Audrey Style book is wonderful.

Other personalities of note to be found are fashion's "prince of colour" - Chris Benz, who is this issue's cover subject. Graphic design maven, Abby Clawson Low, who previously worked as the Senior Art Director for the Kate & Jack Spade brands features also. Abby now heads her own design studio HI + LOW as well as being a partner of Partners & Spade which is Andy Spade's & Anthony Sperdutti's studio & concept store.

Kelly Galvin Robson of online vintage shop High Street Market makes an appearance as do Candice Pool & Soraya Sichenstedt of Finn Jewelry.

But there's so much more. So go take a look at Matchbook. It's a great read.

Sandy K

[above image via Matchbook]

Magazine Sneaky Peek - Belle Apr/May 2011

Belle Apr/May 2011 - cover

Sandy K

[above image impatiently scanned by Sandy K]

Real Living Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 62

Real Living Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 62

Okay, this issue review has been a long time coming. Initially I wasn't overly impressed with the issue but I must admit my opinion of it has somewhat improved since my initial flick through the magazine. Still, it's probably one of my least favourite issues of late.

The first home I am featuring from this issue belongs to stylist Tara Sloggett & is yet another cottage which seems to be Real Living's favourite type of abode recently. Although a beach house of traditional looking facade, it's anything but traditional once you venture inside. A mix of modern & vintage items, along with the occasional quirky piece, sit within a white canvas full of light. A beachy yet neutral aesthetic dominates which allows for a degree of versatility to mix things up easily without major redecorating required.

The next home belongs to city dwellers Julia & Andre Stadler & their two children, Max & Gabriella. Julia & Andre hoped to find & create an oasis within a bustling city. The home definitely has a tropical holiday house vibe that is enhanced by its' north facing aspect. Originally bought 10 years ago as a three-bedroom, one bathroom home with a dingy flat downstairs, the home has been extensively renovated, reconfigured & partially extended to open up the house for a light, airy feeling of space. The addition of a pool & decking has also added to the relaxed holiday atmosphere of the home.

The final home I am featuring from the magazine belongs to Jennifer Carpenter. Jennifer's home is a 1930s cottage which is only 93 sq m, but therein lies its' charm.  It is small & cozy, but of manageable size for its' sole occupant. A gorgeous home that has been decorated with help from Jennifer's friend from her student years, interior designer Ariel Ashe. Citrus colours punctuate the white interior bringing a liveliness to a home filled with an eclectic mix of vintage & contemporary items for a retro modern style.

I love the brass accents throughout the home & the mix of textures, from the Venetian plastered walls in the living room to the flokati, leather, hide & rattan items. Also coveting the outdoor tulip chair in the last pic.

Sandy K

[above images impatiently scanned by Sandy K a long, long time ago but only posted after a severe bout of procrastination]