Tile Style

Is it wrong that we're already thinking about summer even though spring has just arrived? Specifically, we're daydreamimg about hot, hot days and how cool tile feels to the touch (and how pretty it is to look at).

In fact, our love affair with tile is cinematic in nature. Remeber all the mix and match ceramics in the Buenes Aires flats in Wong Kar Wai's Happy Together?  Or the colourful plaques in the Barcelona apartments in Pedro Almodóvar's All About My Mother? And right now, we're completely star struck by the cool palette and striking designs of cement floor tiles by Claesson Koivisto Rune.

[above images: Claesson Koivisto Rune]

We're also mad about using tile Mediterranean-style on floors, step risers and walls. Sicilian company Made A Mano uses terracotta and lavastone from Mount Etna to create their tiles. And each block is decorated free hand designs inspired by nineteenth century and historical Japanese patterns.

[above images: Made a Mano]

Mixing and matching tile takes a lot of nerve, but when you start off with great designs like these, it's hard to go wrong. If you're planning a tiling project, let us know what's inspiring you!

We Covet: Commune Design

[Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs designed by Commune Design]

We want to live in a commune. Specifically, we want to live at Commune Design, a collective of interior designers, architects and graphic designers based in Los Angeles.  Best known for their eco-friendly work on the Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs (vintage furnishings, low VOC pains and sustainable building materials), Team Commune’s work looks as good as it makes you feel.

[Carnation Street Residence, Silverlake, California]

Founded in 2004, Commune is also the hive mind behind some pretty cool brand identity campaigns for companies such as Juicy Couture, HBO Films and Fashionology. We are particularly partial to their personal projects, such as the private residence pictured above. Southwestern motifs are a recurring theme in there interior design work, as are hand crafted housewares. And to spread their love of handmade around, they also run an online shop selling their favourite artisinal goods.

[Alma Allen Cylinder With Waist Stool, Alma Allen Tall Neck Stool, Commune Shop]

[Throw Pillow, Commune Shop]

While the four principals come from different disciplines, their work has distinctly Californian vibe. Their design is friendly, thoughtful and a little antiestablishmentarianist. In a way, they are the spiritual descendants of such Bohemian enclaves as writer Henry Miller’s Big Sur Colony. Everything about Commune Design has us California dreaming—what do you think?

Magazine Love: Visi

[The cover of issue 59 of South Africa's Visi magazine.]

We admit it. We're hopeless magazine junkies... and there is no fix better than discovering a new magazine while you are away from home. While in Cape Town this past February, I couldn't help myself when I came across Visi. It is chock-full of local design news, interesting home tours from the quirky to the over-the-top fabulous and it's all put together in a lovely, well-designed package!

Not only do the pages bring back fond memories of my trip, I'm totally inspired by the freshness of décor the homes featured in the magazine.

The good news is that you don't need to go to South Africa to find this magazine, as it is now available by subscription or single issue perusal on Zinio.

I'm swooning over the spreads from issue 56 (pictured above). Especially the beautiful blue rooms!

I was also won over by the stories that go along with the pictures. The article above (from issue 57) introduced me to the new wave of Cape Town designers centred in the Woodstock neighbourhood. Pretty pictures and fascinating stories. What's not to love?

Covet Garden 19 Is Now Live!

[image: Donna Griffith]

Guys! We're very excited to share Matthew and Jade's stunning Queen West Condo. Seriously, we ran into Jade on the street yesterday and just started babbling like he was our movie star crush. Their unique space is an explosion of design awesomeness. (Bold prints! Graphic shapes! Incredible open spaces!) And while the house is an extension of the couple's creativity, it's no show room or gallery — it's very much a living space. Come on in and see for yourself (and feel free to invite your friends).

Best of Covet Garden: The Neutral Sofa

[Tara and Terry's sectional from Issue 13 photographed by Kim Jeffery]

Looking through our back issues, we couldn't help but notice how nicely a nice, neutral couch can really pull a room together. A sofa or sectional in grey, beige, brown or greige is not only functional, it also serves as the perfect backdrop for the homeowner's unique design style. Compare how Tara and Terry's sectional plays off the sunny yellow walls in the photo above. Now see how it links Nancy and Laas' black floors with the minimalist white surfaces in the photo below.

[Nancy's living room from Issue 14 photographed by Donna Griffith]

[Tomi and Karim's sofa from Issue 8 photographed by Kim Jeffery]

A nice neutral couch also lets you update a room with clever accessories. In Tomi and Karim's living room, graphic pillows pop out against the grey. Below, Vicki's cozy sofa is brightened up by brightly=coloured cushions.

[Vicki's family couch from Issue 12 photographed by Tracy Shumate]

[Dusty enjoys Tracy's sofa from Issue 6 photographed by Tracy Shumate]

And finally, a neutral sofa adapts well with anything that comes it's way. Whether it's an eclectic mix of modern and vintage (and pooch) or a collection of classic carpets and antique curios.

[Olga's neutral sofas from Issue 16 photographed by Donna Griffith]