Lubitel 166B.

Remember I mentioned about getting myself a medium format camera? I think this is it for now. I am after a Lubitel 166B, which takes 60mm square photos. Having 2 lenses means that the focusing lense and the one that you look through are separate. These are usually vintage deadstock or preowned as they were made in the USSR in the 1950s - 1960s and made in USSR.

The photographs from this camera has sharper edges compared to the holga and the control of the exposure is better. I love the waist level viewfinder, it completes the vintage look. The best part of it is the fact that as it is not a collector's item, they come much cheaper.

Check out this site to see more pictures taken with the camera.

Atttention Grabbing Interiors.

Thought I'd share with you the interiors that caught my eye. I love the details and simple colours used. 

Above are from the apartment of Fiona Barratt of Fiona Barratt Interiors. Fiona Barratt is the granddaughter of homes tycoon Sir Lawrence Barratt. She has made a mark for herself in the interiors arena having done a couple of exquisite homes and The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland. Maybe money does not buy good taste but it sure does nurture great taste (with enough exposure).

These are the work of Ilse Crawford of Studio Ilse. The reason I picked these photographs are the mixture of brickwork/mosaic and marble tiles/mosaic. I love how she blends them with ease and yet creating a unique space.

I have never been a fan of the industrial look. However, I do like this bathroom for it's clean, rawness and multitude of greys. This is by S. Russell Groves.

Akihiro Furuta.

Look at all the happy faces. Wouldn't you want to be in Akihiro Furuta's family? He periodically dresses his family in many different get-ups and photographs of them. He always seems to capture the love and most beautiful expressions (even from his dog).

He is well known to use medium format cameras. It's so inspiring to go hunt on ebay for an old Rollei or Hasselblad and take some pictures. Maybe, a few months time, you might see my very own medium format photos here.

Meanwhile, enjoy.

Gaia & Gino.

One of the tag lines that Freedom Furniture in Australia used is "Think outside the box, you live in." That came into mind when I saw the creations of Gaia & Gino. They were founded in 2004 and their headquarters are in Istanbul, Turkey. They aim to create a line which combines contemporary design with a Turkish sensibility. Their corporate identity is defined by: dynamic, organic, emotional, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural.

Are they successful in bringing a modern edge to turkish shapes and design? I say without a doubt, yes.

284 Dorcas St, South Melbourne.

I love how old buildings are conserved and converted for other uses. I spotted this development in South Melbourne, Australia which is a conversion of an old schoolhouse into apartments. The apartments are all two storeyed and some even have courtyards. I love the huge old windows which adorn the white walls in every unit. 

The featured unit is unit 4. It has lovely wooden floorboard, modern fittings and well use of space. 

 

Strangetrader.

Buying bits and pieces are the hardest. It takes time to hunt for the unique piece. Strangetrader at Bryon Bay is a good place to visit to find some odds and ends (especially if you love vintage stuff like I do). They have jewellery, antique furniture, boxes, stationery, etc and I love how simple some of them are and as well as those which are more intricate. These remind me of the things I might find in my grandpa's study (before he passed on) which intrigued me and consumed my hours. You can say that I have an affinity for the old and pre-loved.  If you probe, there just might be a story behind each item.

Showers to Die For.

I've been feeling restless of late. So much that I am thinking of. There is however a lingering thought of getting myself into another renovation project (although I do think it is rather ridiculous).  I think it would be fun to buy a run down place and redo it and sell it for a good price.

Anyway, for my next place, I would love a wet room (an entire room dedicated to showering). So which showers would I love to have? 

 

Boffi Pipe Floor Mounting Shower designed by Marcel Wanders. Won't it be fun to shower under an industrial pipe? It's like showering on the street. 

Love the Fire Hose Valve looking tap head.

Dornbracht Rain Sky E. It has 3 different modes. Mist, Head & Body Spray and Rain Curtain (which has an option of 3 different coloured lights). 

Bompas & Parr.

Sam Bompas and Harry Parr are English jelly specialist or Bompas & Parr the jelly mongers. They create their own moulds, make jellies of different colours, flavours for events or private dining.

I love jelly. It is so fascinating; the translucent colours, beautiful shape and the lovely fruit flavour is sure to please any child or nostalgic adult on a hot summer day.