designer julie laschuk sent over these beautiful table linens from her collection, manor 12. her hand printed linen designs would be perfect for an end-of-the-summer dinner party. click here for more information and to contact julie to purchase.

i love nurseries that have a vintage feel to them. this room above belongs to elizabeth brantley of kirstner supply- her kitchen is pretty adorable, too. click here for the full post via cookie. [thanks, erin!]

i’m loving these cool new pieces from designers kiki van eijk and joost van bleiswijk. these, and many more, will be debuting at moscow design week, august 29th-31st. [thanks, kristina!]

whenever we’re thinking about making a project, we always look around the house to see what materials we’ve got on hand. normally that means using a random piece of cork, or a surplus scrap of fabric. this week was a little different. we’ve had a lovely bottle of fleur de sel that derek’s parents gave us earlier this year, and inspired by a random conversation we were having with grace about salt, we decided to make these ridiculously decadent fleur de sel caramels. coupled with a simple origami nesting box made out of a leftover piece of wrapping paper, we’ve got ourselves the perfect gift for a friend’s birthday party this weekend. click here for the full project and instructions or just click “read more” below.

have fun!
-derek & lauren

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lately i’ve been paying more and more attention to architecture. after spending the last two years in an apartment with room shapes and walls that make no sense at all (why would anyone make a hallway door that is less than 2 feet wide?) i’ve really come to appreciate great architectural planning. so i was psyched to see the work of architect fiona winzar land in my inbox yesterday. fiona is an architect who also specializes in interiors and runs a firm outside of melbourne, australia (click here for anne’s recent regional roundup on melbourne). fiona winzar architects have done a wide range of work including residential and commercial projects- each one lovelier than the next. i’m particularly fond of the cafe/coffee shop and modern, angular “eyelid” house. click here to view more of fiona’s projects and read more about her work. [thanks, fiona!]

i heart these bowls in a major, major way. the orange with the gold detailing at the top? as stacy london would say- shut up. i’m so on my way to buy these right now…

[ikat bowls at anthropologie, $14 each]

i’m loving these soft metallic ceramic pieces from chicago based designer susan dwyer of up in the air somewhere. susan just launched her website and is selling beautiful earthenware and paper maché vessels at really reasonable prices (most of which are between $12-$74). the metallic pieces above are my favorite but the paper maché are equally lovely. click here to browse and shop susan’s full collection online.

when i came across the work of milan [pictured above], aka moofus, an 11 year old esty seller living in sydney, i was completely charmed. not only do his illustrations have a very julia rothman-esque feel, but a portion of his sales also go to charity (this month is international animal rescue). can you get any cuter than that? it also happens that he also has an awesomely talented (and funny) “mum,” kate banazi. check out both of their responses, along with liane rossler from dinosaur designs and carolyn price + martin shields of non-fiction, featured below (click here for the full post or just click “read more” below. if you missed part one click here, and  all of the roundups (including melbourne) here). -anne

Dinosaur Designs

1. Where are you from? Where do you live  now?
I am from Sydney and live in Sydney

2. Describe your work
We  design and make jewelery, house wares and accessories – each piece is hand made in our Sydney studio. Our pieces have an organic feel and a rich variety of colours and tones.

3. How is your work influenced  by where you live?
We are inspired by nature and art. There are so many beautiful places in Sydney – gorgeous parks and amazing beaches with clear aqua water,  the glistening harbour, and the clear, bright light. There is a dynamic contemporary arts scene and a great energy in the city.

4.  Where do you go in Australia when you want to feel inspired?
Inspiration is everywhere. There are so many beautiful and  diverse places to see in Australia. Central Australia, Tasmania, Broome, The  Daintree, Melbourne – each place has its own special magic.

5.  How would you describe the Australian design scene?
Thriving. It is an exciting time. Lots of great things going  on.
6. If you could go anywhere where would you go? 
Everywhere I have been is amazing. I love Japan,  and could go to Tokyo any time. India is amazing for the colour and  vibrancy. I’d love to spend time in the Scandinavian countries – they have  an amazing sense of design. New Zealand has the most amazing scenery.  Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places I  have been to. I love to go to any place that has  a unique culture, and also love seeing places where nature is  untouched.

Click here for more work by Dinosaur Designs.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the Sydney roundup….

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