Don't move, improve-Storage

Lets face it we’ve all got too much stuff and you might think you need to move to a larger home to fit it all in but with good storage you can transform your home.

For classic design, flexibility and durability that will last a lifetime you can’t go wrong with the Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System. Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960 it still looks modern and being a kit of parts you can set it up how you want and take with you when you move. Like Lego for grownups the tracks, shelves, cabinets and tables will solve different problems in your kitchen, your study or your library.



For unusual spaces you may need to go down the bespoke route. We designed a 13ft cabinet for a client whose girlfriend was moving in. Built out of American black walnut with leather panelling it formed a room divider and provided ample space for all items including clothes, suitcases and golf clubs. More pics here.



There are lots of fittings that can help you organise and maximise the use of space but our best piece of advice before you splash out is to have a clear out and take some junk to the dump.

Balustrades

Andres Remy Architects have created this interesting sculptural stairwell within a modern home that includes rich use of materials and clean open spaces.

Design Surgery-Keith Wills Opticians

We've just got these through from Margaret at Keith Wills showing the new decoration.





There's some more pictures on our facebook page

Design Surgery-Opticians

Design surgery. June/July 2010
Where. Forster Inc Country
What. Opticians

Reviving an existing business is always tricky. You want to attract new customers but don't want to upset your existing clients. We were approached to help Totnes based opticians Keith Wills to re fresh their shop.



Its a good location but lacks visual impact from the street. With their stock having an emphasis on retro and vintage products we saw an opportunity to create an interior that better reflects that image and displays the products more effectively.

We introduced a new colour palette using the Dulux Heritage range, designed some window units that enable more products to be displayed and suggested complimentary accessories to continue the theme.


They are just getting the painters in as we speak so we'll post the results when we get the pics.

Wheels of Steel

This one packs a punch. Alleluia (Moscow chant) by Novospassky Monastery Chior

Balustrades

We spotted this on the desire to inspire blog. A wonderful renovation of a Swiss home elegantly combines of old and new. By Christian Speck of Formzone. There's loads more pics on the blog

Fun on the floor

Here's our top tip for sprucing up knackered old floor boards. Ronseal Diamond Hard Floor Paint in Slate grey. Sets off the white sanitary ware and our chenille twist mat just nicely.

Design Surgery-Pizzeria

Design surgery. 6th July 2010
Where. Forster Inc City
What. Pizzeria



Sammy and Daniel came to us to turn their idea of opening a pizzeria into reality. We discussed the theatre of pizza making, the excitement of ordering your favourite, the beauty of food on show and the friendliness of the space-all great pointers to the atmosphere the guys want to create.

This leads to the layout. Where the pizza oven, kitchen, bar and seating are situated creates the flow of customers and staff and contributes to the atmosphere. We're aiming to draw people in to a busy and intimate space that's easy to manage and fun to be in.

They've found a site that needs change of use from a shop to a restaurant. First step... establish a rough plan that can be submitted to the local planning department for change of use..

We talked food and initial sketch layouts complete are now planning a reckie of inspiring restaurants and another places that hit the mark. Meeting and eating? That's music to our ears.

Wall Magic-Vinyl Silhouettes

Here's some great ideas to add some fun to your home.



We spotted them on the freshhome blog where you can see some more examples to inspire you.



We've used vinyls for both residential and commercial projects. They're simple, reasonably cheap and you can create your own designs.

Product of the Month-Pole

Pole is a beautifully simple glazed panel system. Floor to ceiling poles support glazed panels with the option to mount, shelves, storage, screens, in fact pretty much anything on the back. Add graphics, coloured vinyls, acoustic panels or whiteboards. Its a flexible and functional system.



Its just been nominated in the Mixology interiors awards and we're specifying it for office refurbishments for ACCA. The system includes hinged and sliding doors and by utilising floor to ceiling pressure fit poles it can be erected really quickly and moved about when required.



Manufactured by Luconi its available through ei2. Contact Sarah Jane for more details.

Supplier of the Month. Kinnarps

Kinnarps throw a good party. Don't get me started on their 'Festival of Light' party in Covent Garden. Biggest smorgasbord I've ever seen. Their new showroom in Exeter opened in typical style washed down with akvavit and vocals from Swedish singer Rosa Rebecka.

Kinnarps sell simple functional and stylish workplace furniture. With an emphasis on sustainability, quality and value for money they provide an ideal range for sme's who want to avoid the Ikea look. We've specified their furniture for office refurbishments for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

What sets them apart is their understanding of the link between the office environment and employee well being and how that can impact on productivity and business profitability.

I'm working with Sarah Ashworth and Fawn Lewis. They're good fun to work with and know their stuff.

Wheels of Steel

Its been a long time. The music's been playing but we've been too busy to keep you up to date but Daft Punk's Around the World has got to be recognised