+ loving: Dallas Shaw Fashion Illustration

Happy Friday dear friends!

My parents are visiting this weekend, so it's going to be a couple of busy but very happy days for me! It won't be their first trip to sweet Adelaide, but it's definitely their first Adelaide winter, so a couple of days is probably more than enough!

Before I take an early start for my weekend, I thought I'd share some fashion illustrations by Dallas Shaw with you. Looking at them make me happy, and I hope they'll brighten your day too! 

Dallas Shaw holds a celebrity status in the fashion industry, well known for her impeccable style and glamour, with an impressive client list and recent work including illustration and concept development for Chanel, DKNY, Kate Spade just to name a few.

I love her light, fluid and sweet style. I'm not going to say I wish I can draw like her, because I know it will never happen (!!), but I am definitely thankful there are amazingly talented artist like her around to grace us with such beautiful masterpieces!

You can admire more of her work here and here.

{All images by Dallas Shaw}

So enchanting and exquisite, right?

Hope you have a fabulous weekend ahead too! ps. Off to Brissie next week, but will have some scheduled posts up. Be back soon - will be missing you! x. Shu

+ loving: Apartment Twelve

You know how much I love loft-style apartments and dream of living in one someday; coming across Twelve is like discovering myself being one step closer to that dream - only that it's located in London!

While we ooh and aah over the images, let me try and tell you all the things I love about this space.

One, those humongous windows which allows in so much light - it doesn't matter if there are heavy exposed concrete beams and columns around the place, the room is still presented in such airiness!

Two, those raw elements and unfinished surfaces, paired with furnishings in straight, simple lines - the bricks and concrete appear understated in the background, yet so much the hero which gives the space its personality - what's not to love?

Also, how fun are those black and white built in bookcases in the living area? 

{Images via Shoot Factory}

I am also charmed by the contrasting details of beautifully maintained original elements sitting seamlessly alongside contemporary styling, such as those huge double doors and the bold geometric print wallpaper. I really think those doors are amazing - if I can't have the apartment, I at least want those doors!

Ah well, I'll keep on dreaming... 

Thanks for dropping by. Have a joyful day! x. Shu

2013 IKEA Catalogue App Preview

Have you seen this?

An app which will help increase interaction with a copy of IKEA's 2013 catalogue, helping to make the catalogue come alive with smart ideas, fun stories and beautiful products - through scanning selected pages with your smart phone or tablet, you'll gain access to films, interactive experiences, photo galleries and a heaps load of home furnishing inspirations!

Since before I worked for the 'blue box', I've loved collecting each year's catalogue. While my archive is pretty recent and doesn't go all the way back to the first published copy (if yours does, I'd love to see them!!!), each annual copy serves not only as inspiration, but also an almanac of the history and growth for this iconic home furnishing company.

And while the digital age is all well and good, nothing matches the experience of holding a physical copy of the catalogue (or any book/magazine for that matter) in one's hands; I sincerely hope IKEA will never stop producing hard copies of pages after beautiful pages of awesome inspirations! And now that you will be able to interact the physical with something digital, it's a definite bonus!

Can't wait!

{Video via IKEA US}

+ loving: Turquoise-Blues

{Image by Shu on iPhone via Instagram}

Good morning dear friends! How's your week coming along?

Ever since I posted about that handsome blue kitchen last week, I've found myself drawn to shades of beautiful blues. And as I've also been commissioned by a friend to work on a dark turquoise scarf (image above), you can imagine how my vision is suddenly engulfed in colours of the sky and sea!

{6 + Desk - Photography by Fotolemaire.nl | The Mountain Range wall stickers by Paige Russell | Trestle Table and Blue Stool - Photography by Bob Eshuis | Blue Desk - Photography by Dennis Brandsma}

These shades of blues and turquoise can be so calming, bold and at times moody at the same time. It's not a colour many homes would adopt, but it certainly has great character! I love how it looks when paired with light wood and natural materials.

{The Range removable wallpaper by Paige Russell | Typography Art Print by House of Tender Beasts | Effortlessly Sown Herb Kit by Anthropologie | Turquoise Door by Twiggs Photography | Blue and White VW on the beach - Styling by Cleo Scheulderman, Photography by Jeroen van der Spek}

Absolutely beautiful and relaxing, isn't it? What's your favourite colour of the moment?

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by! x. Shu

+ loving: New La Sardina-s

Hello dear friends, how's your weekend coming along?

It's been a while since I shared any lomo news, but these ones are definitely too awesome to pass! First up, the La Sardina & Flash DIY Edition - one camera which doesn't only allow your perspective to go wild, but your imagination to run free too! With this camera, you can customise and create an individual masterpiece. Write on it, draw, paint or glue something on - the end result will be your very own one-of-a-kind canvas of a camera!

Like? Me too!

Another series which also caught my eye is the La Sardina Beach Editions. Decked out in bright happy stripes which brings to mind sandy beaches, clear waters and deep blue skies - these La Sardinas are wrapped in deck chair fabrics with cloth cut from different angle each time to ensure another unique and one-of-a-kind piece. How creative and inspiring!

Another like!

Have a gorgeous and restful weekend! x. Shu

+ inspired by: Handsome Blue Kitchen

Good morning dear friends! 


It's not everyday you spot a blue kitchen, and one as good looking as this! So handsome, isnt it?

I'm also loving how the touch of blue is carried through the rest of the apartment, complementing well with the rest of the bright furnishings and accessories. The base of the entire apartment is white, making the space so beautifully light and bright, while allowing everything else to stand out. Brilliant!

{Styling by Linda Bergroth | Images via Viewmasters}

The bathroom is super cool too, with walls in subway tiles and a steam room in the corner! I wanna live there!

x. Shu

+ inspired by: Knit Stools by Claire

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I've been sort-of a closet knitter; I knit, but not many people know about. When I first picked up knitting in my early 20s, it was still deemed a granny-ish craft, but seriously, it isn't! I find knitting therapeutic, fun, and pretty fulfilling when you complete a piece of work. And with many designers incorporating new knitting techniques and products into furnitures and interiors, knitting, my friends, is definitely a cool thing to pick up!

I am blown away by Claire-Anne O'Brien's knitted stools - they are so awesomely gorgeous and original!

Claire is a UK-based textile designer whose works are inspired by the traditional elements of knitted stitches, and through the play with scale and techniques, created these statement pieces which are bold, modern and totally fun and funky to look at!

{All images via Claire-Anne O'Brien}

That's so creative, isn't it? I would definitely love one in my home! x. Shu

Terasek 7 By JTJ

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Good morning dear friends!

I've been at the desk this couple of days working on some background work for the blog and learning to use CSS to tweak things a little (html drives me crazy, by the way; css not so bad, but still maddening at times). Sometimes I wish I can just jump straight into the screen and move things around and shape them into what I want! Anyways... hopefully I'll be able to show you the changes soon - they aren't drastic, so don't get too excited!

You might remember my brilliantly creative friends at JTJ (if not, check out the interview here) and their impressive Terasek House. Well, they've recently completed another home in the same area, with similar modern tropical concept, also based on their design philosophy of focusing on social interaction within the living spaces while creating an environment which connects the occupants with the best of the outdoor environment.

"Its interesting listening to the new owners of Terasek 3 and the tenants in Terask 7... they love being immersed in a vibrant, active, busy neighbourhood but yet feel serene and private, even with all the doors and windows wide open... they also are amazed with the sense of space because of the use of continuous surfaces and the connection to the outdoor areas." - Tony, JTJ.

As with their previous projects, I love the selection of materials, the exposed beams in the ceiling, the peaceful outdoor areas and the way the spaces flow into each other. It is definitely another great home to live in. Well done, guys!

See more pictures of the house and other JTJ projects here.

Now I'm back to looking at alien-like codes. Hope you have a great day! x. Shu 

+ places-spaces: San Giorgio Mykonos

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Good morning dear friends! Is it time for another holiday/ getaway? I really wish... We are halfway through winter, but it feels like it's been a year since my arms and legs last seen the sun - ok, a little exaggerated, but you get what I mean!

I wonder, if I close my eyes and wish hard enough, will I find myself teleported here - San Giorgio Mykonos - and trust me, if I do get myself there, I might not wanna come back!

San Giorgio first opened its doors in the 90s; today, this 34-room hotel is described as a 'new hospitality experience', with a sort-of 'pop up' feel to its concept. A project by Design Hotels, together with Paradise Clun owners and proprietors Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel, the idea is to create a hospitality experience for like minded people to connect, celebrate and create, within a space which flows and changes with time, season and interaction.

Personally, I am drawn to the simplicity of the design and styling which emphasises on the local heritage and history. The thoughtfully selected, natural and organic materials, furnitures, fabrics and decors echo its environment and surrounding landscapes perfectly.

I can just imagine dozing off in the hammock, in the peaceful silence on a warm afternoon, with only the rhythm of waves as company... I'm also loving the airy, light quality of the rooms, styled with a touch of casual homeliness - so comfortable, welcoming and with understate beauty.

{Images via San Giorgio Mykonos and Design Hotels.com}

The San Giorgio project is designed for those who seek simple pleasures like waking up to views of the sea, sharing good food prepared with love and care, and feeling the euphoric energy of a crowd dancing under a starry sky. {Design Hotels}

Are you imagining yourself there too? Come, join me in my day-dreaming... I'll meet you by the pool! x. Shu

+ loving: Plasterdoll + Sereni&Shentel Book Collaboration

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Happy Monday dear friends!

We at Page Thirteen are one of missy Plasterdoll's biggest fans, so we are more than excited when Plasterdoll announced a collaboration with glamorous It girls Sereni & Shentel to come up with an awesomely fun and gorgeously illustrated children's book "S&S - Born in Borneo"!

Sereni & Shentel is a true story about two best friends living in a little city in Borneo who have managed to turn their dream into reality through friendship, laughter, hard work, determination and a little headband magic. Written in rhyme and packed with colorful illustrations, Sereni and Shentel are turned into Plasterdoll characters as readers follow their adventures as accidental headband designers. {S&S}

I love the colorful illustrations, bursting with such life-like details and blings - you can see just how much love and hard work's been put into every page! Well done and congratulations!

I can't wait to get my hands on my own signed copy! Meanwhile, here's a peek.

{All images via Sereni & Shentel}

You can grab your own copy here. Have a fun day ahead! x. Shu

+ inspired by: Town Hall Hotel

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In continuing with my admiration for the marriage of old and new in design and architecture, today I share with you the Town Hall Hotel at East End, London.

A project by Singaporean hotelier Peng Loh and Rare architects Michel da Costa Gonçalves and Nathalie Rozencwajg, the former Bethnal Green Town Hall was restored and extended into a contemporary luxury hotel featuring 98 guestrooms and apartments, 7 function rooms, a bar and a Michelin starred fine dining restaurant, Viajante by Chef Nuno Mendes.

The original building was built in 1910 and went through an extension in 1937; the latest project see the existing building being wrapped entirely within a laser cut powder coated aluminium skin, separating the latest extension from the original structure. The skin features a pattern inspired by an art deco design found within the Council Chamber, enhancing the significance of the design process through the respectful incorporation of the building's earlier elements in a new expression.

{Images via The English Group and Design Hotels}

Glass partitions are used widely within the interiors, allowing a view through all existing spaces while at the same time clearly defining the new additions. The highlights and appreciations, however, are on the historical surroundings, from the ornate ceilings to the wooden panellings, decorative skirting and dado rails; the quiet contrast further emphasised by the more simplistic and light approach applied on the less permanent structures within and around the spaces.

Luxurious comfort paired with meaningful value within its walls and structures - something to be enjoyed and respected!

Thank you for stopping by, have an inspiring day ahead!

+ inspired by: Dennis de Groot

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Good morning dear friends!

I came across the work of Dennis de Groot during the recent Sydney trip, while browsing at Kinokuniya, and was immediately attracted by the simple shapes and appealing colors from his work on display.

Dennis de Groot is an Amsterdam based freelance graphic designer and illustrator. 'Bare Essentials', Dennis's latest work, is a collection of 50 illustration of world famous pop culture icons reduced to their barest shapes and colors.

I find his idea of exploring the line between recognition and detail very interesting - it is minimalism in a different perspective; the illustrations are basic, but still able to fully communicate the iconic characters they represent. It's almost like the theory of how when you misspell a word, as long as the first and last alphabets are in the right place, you could still make the word out - something like that, if you know what I mean.

From his website, I've also uncovered Dennis's other works and creations. I especially enjoy his use and technique with colors - bright, light and some translucent-like.

{All images by Dennis de Groot}

Another project I thought was pretty creative and interesting was Dennis and his wife Sherisa's wedding invitation. Inspired from the idea of a children's book, they shared their love story in a form of a small book. It's really sweet! You can see the rest of the story here. 

Hope you've enjoyed this. Have a wonderful day, and thank you for stopping by!