Design*Sponge

today we’re invited into the home of freelance graphic/publication designer tonya sutfin and her illustrator husband, mike. it’s hard to believe that they’re renters in this fantastic loft in a former furniture factory in emeryville, ca. tonya jokes that most people often think that the only thing that emeryville has to offer is ikea, when in fact it’s a haven for artists with great warehouses and loft spaces (and home to pixar), claiming “it’s SO willy wonka.” i always love seeing designers thrive in unexpected places, so it’s a wonderful treat having this sneak peek into their great home. thanks so much tonya and mike! and if what you see below isn’t enough to fill your fancy, click here to see more. -anne

[Above: Our bedroom is lofted, by only four steps, and open to the rest of the loft, We positioned our bed to face the only wall, which helps us feel somewhat enclosed and private. The nightstands were a craigslist find. I am in love with the graceful arches.]

Across the bed is the credenza, another craigslist find. I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw it for sale! The print above is by Robert McGinnis and was my gift to Mike at our wedding. It’s actually signed to Mike personally! The chair was a gift from my mom a long time ago. It is usually occupied by a kitty named Orange.

My desk is flanked by bookcases and I like to keep decorative and inspiring items there. The artwork is Mark Ryden’s Blood, Sweat and Tears Micro Portfolio and the little monkey is part of The Scavengers from Kathie Olivas. I have to mention this odd flower. The red caps, which are hard like shells, eventually pop off to reveal the lovely yellow pom poms. It’s amazing!

Our bathroom is in the back of the apartment and therefore has zero natural light. We live in a live/work building and one of the features is this pocket door in the middle. It’s supposed to hide the shower from fancy clients that might come through, but we pretty much leave it open all the time.

Meet Roosevelt. At a mere 19.5 pounds he is presence. Here he enjoys the view from our wall of windows. If I moved that bench, all hell would break loose.

This is one chair from a pair that I found on the always trustworthy craigslist, the other resides in the living room. Every home needs an Uglydoll.

I work in the hallway. This may sound dreadful but it’s actually a perfect spot. Mike’s studio (not shown. complete disarray at time of shoot. very busy boy) is in the back of the apartment and this is his view. We like how the light filters back to us but doesn’t affect our monitors.

This little table and chair set was from a Salvation Army in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois. I think I paid $15 and at the time it was held together by paint. But my mom is so clever and together we refinished and reinforced this die-hard piece. Since then it has traveled with me through numerous apartments. It always seems to have a place!

Ikea, an Emeryville landmark, is located just across the train tracks from where we live. Can you tell?

I broke up our wall of books with little dioramas. On display, another Campus Cutie, inspired by Audrey maybe? And the Pup Cup by Yoshitomo Nara. Everyone is so sleepy…

October 6th, 2008 - 12:00pm

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our first sneak peek of the day features the west yorkshire home of adelle robinson and justin keefe, co-owners of the online shop h is for home, specializing in one off, vintage and handmade items. originally two back to back weaver/mill workers’ cottages from the 1800s that were later combined into one house - 4 bedrooms, 3 floors - retain a lot of its original features with beams, exposed stone walls and fireplaces. i’m loving how they’re able to mix rustic antiques along with vintage pieces from the 50s, 60s and 70s. click here for more, full-sized images, and if you’re looking for great pieces to roundout your home, check out their online shop here. [thanks adelle and justin!] -anne

[above: upstairs lounge with 1960s fibreglass and teak rocket lamp]

Kitchen diner.

Kitchen sink area with antique butcher’s block, old school slate and 1960s Pontesa crockery.

Downstairs lounge with 1950s Ercol coffee table, 1960s wicker chair with footstool by Franco Albini. Hand knitted woollen throw, large 1960s oil on canvas by Gerald French.

upstairs lounge with vintage 1960s leatherette swivel chair & footstool, hand knitted woolen cushion cover, 1960s hooped pottery lamp by Royal Doulton on a 1950s G-plan coffee table.

master bedroom with antique candle box and chest of drawers, 1960s anglepoise lamp. Original food safe now being used as bookshelves.

kitchen diner fireplace with antique hanging hooks, mug cosies & vintage 1960s plates on mantle.

Welsh wool coats hanging on the landing. 1970s pastel by Geoffrey Key.

Bathroom shelf with leather and wooden storage cases, vintage studio pottery and tile.

Master bedroom fireplace with 18th century oil painting and 1960s glass apple.

October 6th, 2008 - 11:00am

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today i’m feeling the urge to replace all my bright white mirrors and wall frames with darker colors and deep chocolate stains. this rubbed black lavello mirror from ballard designs is exactly what i’m craving- something heavier, a little darker and a little curvy. click here to check out lavello ($279) and shop online. for more mirrors, click here.

October 6th, 2008 - 09:00am

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this morning i’m loving this page of the beautiful project’s dutch themed birthday calendar. click here for more info and to buy ($20)…..

October 6th, 2008 - 08:00am

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the weather is cooling off in brooklyn today and i’m finally able to break my fall coats out of hiding. i’m off to pick up some cold-weather baking books at barnes and noble so i’ll see you all on monday with 2 new sneak peeks and a very special sneak peek into a new project from one of my favorite magazines. until then, a summary of this week’s highlights are below, along with photos of new designs from yaling hou at flowie. her new rose-print collection is beautiful- click here to check it out. have a great weekend!

must-read post of the week: armoire and wardrobe guide
new sneak peeks: swiss miss, addie gartland
new diy project: bookend wall bracket
new city guide: madison design guide
new before & afters: elizabeth’s telephone table, shirin’s trunk
calendars: camilla engman 2009, ilee paper goods calendar
textiles: humble studio debut, new teresa green teatowels and aprons, chez sucre chez embroidery hoops, vera wang fine bedding, inklore textiles and bags, laura lienhard textiles
misc: great packaging, designband birdhouses, kaarskooker candle shades, garudio studio flat pets
architecture: all the bells and whistles of san diego

October 3rd, 2008 - 01:00pm

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this week’s recipe comes to us from lisa wong jackson, founder and designer behind good on paper design. we caught Lisa right as she was moving into her new home, and no sooner had she put everything into place, she sent over her favorite recipe of this summer, individual fig, blackberry and pear crisps, by baking phenomenon flo braker, as seen in the san francisco chronicle. (flo’s current book “baking for all occasions: a treasury of recipes for everyday celebrations” is being published this month by chronicle books). the recipe is easy, perfect for fall and beautiful shot by lisa. you can click here for the full recipe or just click “read more” below. enjoy! -kristina

about lisa: california native and self-taught graphic designer lisa wong jackson designs custom wedding invitation sets, business identities, and other print collateral from her berkeley california studio. inspired by nature, organic shapes, bold colors and simple line drawings, her collection includes products for the home, office, and baby. lisa uses recycled paper, earth friendly inks, and organic cotton whenever possible. when she’s not designing or obsessing over ideas, she keeps herself busy taking care of pixel, her beloved boston terrier, laughing with her husband nick, hanging out with friends, listening to music/going to shows, cooking, and just being nice.

click here for the full recipe and more pictures…