IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
I’m in the mood for love.
It’s not just that the days are getting longer and warmer, and that the air is fragranced with star jasmine and salt water. It is in response to the US election results last week, and my wholehearted belief that #lovetrumpshate. It is mind-blowing to me that half of the voting population of the United States could see a brighter future with Donald Trump, a racist, sexist, xenophobe and bigot. The results highlight how fractured and divided the US really is, and I truly hope that the global community responds with a commitment to understanding and tolerance and that people take it on as a personal pledge to promote and cultivate intelligent and progressive thinking.
It seems appropriate that our next installment of our LA stories revealed tomorrow, is a story of an inspiring woman with passion, intelligence and a vision for the future that is brighter and filled with compassion. A few weeks ago when SJ and I were in LA we met up with Armadillo&Co co-owner Jodie Fried. We had a lovely morning chatting over coffee and pastries from one of Jodie’s local haunts, GTA (Gjelina’s Takeaway outpost), next door to the famous Venice Beach restaurant Gjelina.
Having specified Armadillo&Co rugs in our projects for many years it was great talking about the beginnings of Armadillo&Co and what has inspired them as creators and designers. We spoke about the relative grittiness of Venice Beach (she explains that it was even more so 10 years ago when she and her husband first moved there) but it is this that she loves most about the area. An area that she is currently in the process of building a home with Sydney based architectural practice, Tribe Studio.
We are looking forward to sharing Jodie’s LA Story tomorrow on IN/OUT
HOT SPOTS
To name but a few, my favourite spots in LA were: Gjusta in Santa Monica (sister café to Gjelina), Stahl and Band in Venice Beach, a beautiful furniture store offering pieces from various local and international designers, ceramicists and craftspeople. The Window on Melrose – vintage furniture and accessory heaven. Marni on Melrose Place – blockbuster Marni experience.
On a retail front, I might note that now I am back home in Sydney, I am also thoroughly enjoying the recent retail additions to the Gould St shopping strip in Bondi, particularly Bondi Wash, Jac and Jack as well as the soon to open Lucy Folk
HOME AND AWAY
It is always great getting away, immersing yourself in a different place, meeting new people, being exposed to new things – but I always find the sweetest part of being away is returning home. Returning to your family, your local neighbourhood – being back in the comfort of your domestic routine always feels so lovely to me.
For me, this experience is walking down to the Bondi farmers markets with my husband and twin girls (Valentina and Paloma) on a Saturday morning. It is a place to connect with friends (both there at the markets and on the walk to and from), and to get the bulk of the shopping done for the week – fruit/vegies/meat/bread/flowers, all whilst avoiding a single supermarket or shopping centre. (which is almost certainly the WORST way to spend precious weekend time!) THIS is the highlight of my week. It is an appreciation for the smaller things….things that can be easily overlooked…but are so lovely to savour when you can.
NEW HOME
Arent&Pyke have very recently relocated to a new studio space in Surry Hills, and we were thrilled to welcome The Design Files a few weeks ago into our recently renovated space. We discussed our recent work, our influences, our team and the 10-year celebrations that will be kicking off early next year. We are always so honoured to be featured on The Design Files – Lucy and her team have always been so supportive of Arent&Pyke, in many ways I feel like A&P and TDF have grown up together…so thank you guys…click here to read the article in full.
Pictured below is our lovely, calm (well calm in this image!) meeting space, featuring the wonderful work of Australian artist Alan Jones whose work is available from Olsen Gallery in Woollahra.
DIARY
Thursday evening marks the launch of Cult’s The Chairity Project. Arent&Pyke are proud to again partner with Cult for Chairity Project 2016, the esteemed charity event that invites 16 leading Australian creatives to reinterpret an iconic chair design, which is exhibited and auctioned off for their chosen charity, ours being the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Make sure you register HERE cast your bid on your favourite chair, bidding kicking off on Thursday 16th November 2016.
On Friday evening, (inside) magazine hosts the IDEA (Interior Design Excellence Awards) at Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour. Arent&Pyke are honoured to have been shortlisted for six projects across four categories. This year we have projects in the Residential Design, Residential Decoration and Hospitality categories. We have also been shortlisted in the Designer of the Year category, alongside SJB, Woods Bagot, Hassell, Russel&George, Fiona Lynch and Bates Smart . Very excited indeed!
Loving this week…
Clockwise from top left: Palazzo Fendi by Dimore Studio – Photography by Matthieu Salvaing, Chairity Launch 2016, Gjusta – image via ELLE Danmark, Hayman island – image via One&Only
Photography Credits: Images 2,3,4 & 6 by Julie Adams for Arent&Pyke Image 5 by Nikki To for The Design Files, Image 8 by Toby Peet @tobypeet
