While attending the ISEC 2009 exhibition (Trade fair for security equipment) at the Citywest Conference Centre earlier today we called into Avoca in Rathcoole for tea and scones………….ummmm.
I just love their range of homewares and of course their Apple Tarts are just delicious, as are the scones.
They have a range of some items for sale via the website www.avoca.ie
I’m sorry that I have not been posting or updating of late, I am in the process of updating the new site, which will incorporate a shopping cart so you will all be able to purchase my art. I am posting now just to let you all know what I’ve been up to, as I have been missed!
I applied for and received tickets to attend the Crown Colourmix Classic Collection, which was held on Tuesday 24th February. This evening was hosted by Crown Paints along with House and Home Magazine, there were introductions by Kevin Whelan Marketing Director of Crown Paints plus Eimear Nic an Bhaird Editor of House and Home. The setting was just amazing and fitted in very well with the overall atmosphere that was being created. The location for the event was at Fallon & Byrne in Exchequer Street, Dublin who served delicious canapés and wine on the night. The purpose of the evening was to launch the classic collection, a range of 48 colours which were compiled by Crown’s Colour Consultant Neville Knott. The colour charts should be availabe at stockists by now. The collection was revealed by Neville Knott along with the trends and inspiration that lead to the colours being included in the Classic Collection. It was a very enjoyable evening. The contact details for Crown Paints are www.crownpaints.ie and for House and Home Magazine www.houseandhome.ie For the inside scoop Eimear has recently started a blog http://houseandhomemagazine.blogspot.com
I had a chat with Neville who is in the process of filming the new series of Showhouse for RTE, regarding the current climate and the construction industry in general, this is a subject that is very close to my heart as its the industry from which we make a living.
We have given the site for the electrical business a complete overhaul also and will be announcing an exciting bit of news in the next week or so at www.pedreschi.com so drop by there for the latest.
I’ve been busy taking photos of my clocks and art to use when I get the shopping cart up and running, plus having some of my work framed ready for submission to the end of year exhibition being held at the National College of Art & Design NCAD, which I’m looking forward to.
In the meantime its back to work on www.tradefinderdirect.ie which I’ll be relaunching at Easter (hopefully), the site is undergoing a complete overhaul which was badly needed. I have a few pdf’s to get sorted by then.
Desingers Guild have a range of accessories that can help bring some luxury into our homes, whitout breaking the bank. Trimmings can be used to great effect with a little imagination to add a touch of luxury and your guaranteed that you’ll have an exclusive one of a kind item.
While on the bus last week on Ellis Quay I happened to notice a new furniture store, but on further inspection I realised that it was in fact a second hand furniture store.
Preloved Furniture offer affordable furniture to first time buyers, students, landlords.
They will help beat the credit crunch at pre loved and make money off old furniture. They buy and sell quality used furniture. Check out their site http://www.prelovedfurniture.ie
Last Sunday we spent the day at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. Upon arriving we noted that the opening hours were 2pm to 5pm and as it was 12.30 we walked around the outside of this large imposing building and Clarke Square, then we had delicous scones and tea in the Cafe while we waited for the doors to open.
There was something there for all the family, it was our first time to visit and we would have no hesitation in visiting again. The exhibition named Soldiers and Chiefs covers a wide range of topics from, Warfare in Ireland, The Wild Geese, The 1916 Rising, The Second World War and the UN peacekeeping duties, Training for Peace. The UN section celebrates 50 years of Irish peacekeeping from 1958 to 2008.
Another exhibit named Blaze Away features Duelling, gun making and sword making in the 19th century in Ireland and the families who ran businessess as gun makers and sword makers.
Also displayed is a large selection of Silver, glass and ceramics from a wide range of sources including Waterford, Wedgewood and Belleek featuring everything from modern and contemporary to older pieces.
An exhibit featuring haute couture garments by the Irish fashion designer Nellí Mulcahy shows examples of both day and evening wear.
The main reason that we attended was the fact that we had heard the advertisiment on RTE radio for the Albert Bender exhibition of Asian Art and we were not dissapointed. Albert Bender (1866-1941) who was born in Dublin donated over 250 items of his collection to the National Museum of Ireland between 1931 and 1936. This was an amazing exhibition which featured along with the items of art that Albert Bender collected, letters and christmas cards to him from amongest others the artist Jack B. Yates.
For me the most interesting part of the whole day was the Eileen Gray exhibit which is on permanent display. The exhibition realised one of Gray’s last ambitions – to have her work brought back to Ireland. She is regarded as one of the most influential 20th Century designers and architects, the exhibition includes such important items as the adjustable chrome table and the non-conformist chair. The exhibition also has a personal level, including family photographs and her lacquering tools. It illustrates an account of her professional development from art student at Slade, London and Paris to mature, innovative architect. The exhibition honours the memory of Eileen Gray, modern self-taught architect and designer. While I was studying interior design I read her biography and also watched with interest the TV programme which told her story from growing up in a large stately house in Wexford to the her studio in Paris. I also visited the area in the South of France where she lived in the home that she designed and had built. She also designed the range of furniture specifically for this her home.
Further information on this and all the other exhibits can be found at www.museum.ie entry is free and as I have said there is something there for all the family.
I attended and part-took in a few craft fairs in the last two months or so, the National Craft Fair at the RDS was great. It was the first time that I had attended this fair a familiar face that I met there was PIXI, an artist from Galway - Mary Cahalan-Lee. I met Mary for the first time about five years ago when she was exhibiting at the Art Ireland Fair and every year since then I have regreted the fact that I didn’t buy one of her paintings. I was delighted that Mary had a painting this time around that was in my budget…… Mary’s website is www.pixi-art.com
Another familar face exhibiting was Dúlra Photography, Daragh Muldowney had been exhibiting at the fair I took part in at St. Anns in November and had given me passes to the national craft fair, he exhibits the most amazing photographs. Darragh’s website is www.dulraphotography.com
I also met Sally Leadbetter of Jerpoint Glass Studio, who I featured earlier with a photo of the Purple Baggy, the pieces on display were just amazing, glass just has a quality all of its own. Jerpoint Studio can be contacted via their website www.jerpointglass.com
Another exhibitor who’s work really caught my eye was Patrick Casserly, a cabinetmaker who was displaying his contemporary range of furniture, from large pieces to table lamps, floor lamps and tables in a range of both native and exotic timbers. The pieces feature walnut, wenge, beech, ash, cherry and some are inlaid with ebony. The floor lamps also feature frosted glass. These are really statement making items and the craftsmanship can be seen in each and every piece. Patrick’s website is laid out very well but you really need to see the pieces to appriciate them! The site which contains Patrick’s contact details along with details of his work is www.patcasserlydesign.com Patrick also takes commissions.
The National Crafts & Design Fair is taking place in the RDS this weekend and running until the 7th December. For further details of exhibitors and the “Food Emporium” check out www.nationalcraftsfair.ie
I’m planning on going along on Saturday and will report back on the best bits!
The festive season is truly upon us, with the art and craft fairs around the country and invites to festive get togethers. Lorna over at Garrendenny Lane Interiors has posted this open invitation, it goes as follows
Fri 28th, Sat 29th and Sun 30th will see the Christmas Gift weekend here at Garrendenny Lane Interiors. Come along and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a homemade mince pie by a roaring log fire or a cup of tea/coffee and my infamous biscuit cake (that people fight over!). There will be 10% off all purchases over the weekend and a free raffle for fabulous prizes. There will also be goodie bags with all sorts of treats inside. So, if you wish to do some Christmas shopping in a relaxed environment with easy parking, head this way.
If you would like me to send you an invitation with a map, email me at info@gdlaneinteriors.ie with your address and I’ll pop one in the post to you.
I did visit Lorna during December of last year and enjoyed the mince pies and tea, the ambience and the setting is just spectacular. The views over the counrty side are just amazing. For me it was a great day out plus I caught up on some christmas shopping on the way home in the lovely town of Athy. It is a trip that I thououghly recommend. Lorna keeps stock of the most amazing giftware. Check out her site www.gdlaneinteriors.ie
While I was browsing the Crafts Council of Irelands site www.ccoi.ie I came accross this picture and I just had to share it here. The piece in question is from the Jerpoint Glass Studio and is titled the “Purple Baggy”, I did contact Jerpoint Glass and Sally Leadbetter was kind enough to allow me to use the photo here. They have recently launched a new website www.jerpointglass.com which has examples of the amazing pieces that this family-run business create in Kilkenny.
Jerpoint Glass Purple Baggy
I think these pieces are just amazing, they really make a statement, the photo really does do them justice. There is such a translucent quality and they would look great either as a group or on their own. Jerpoint Glass Studio have a stand at the National Crafts & Design Fair. The national crafts fair is taking place in the RDS from 3rd to 7th December, with a wide range of craftspeople exhibiting their work.
Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge, available from Design Classics Direct really is a statement piece of furniture. Made with chromed tubular steel frame on a black lacquered steel base. Upholstered with leather cushions & headrest. It is available in full range of leather colours, as well as many patterned hides, from brown & white or black & white pony skin to pawprint and spots!
Design Classics Direct have a newsletter which you can sign up to and at the moment they are running a competition, with the prize being a Charles Eames-inspired leather ribbed low back visitor’s chair. Upholstered in leather with an aluminium cast base.
Charles Eames Chair
Closing date for entry in 10th December. Design Classics Direct can be connected online via their website www.designclassicsdirect.ie or by telephone at 1890 252 104.
You can make a dramatic style statement with some amazing accessories from the Designers Guild Studio, these are just some of their new ranges.
Alcina cocoa blanket
I just love this effect, the colours used make a great statement.
Nabucco cushion
Add a splash of colour with this amazing turquoise cushion, you can almost feel the luxurious texture.
Greville cushion
I was reading my copy of House and Home magazine, November/December issue and the artical on page 58 is of a black feature wall, it is very stricking and really brings out the gold framed mirror.
Next also have a range of black wallpaper. It brought it all back to my memory, way back in the early 90’s we had (I’m ashamed to say) black wallpaper in our bathroom. It was our first home but it was at the time very stricking.
black wallpaper
Well I took myself off today to the Ideal Homes Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin, while there I caught up with some of the exhibitors that I met while exhibiting there last year. The show is not as big as last years show although the car park was full.
The show features a section based around the current buzz word “ECO” and there are a large amount of stands displaying everything from pellet burning to rain water gathering. The showhouse is this year again designed by Sinead Kelly of Source in Naas, Co. Kildare, it is designed with the environment in mind. If I were to choose my favourite item featured in the showhouse it would be a hard choice, one item that I really liked was the light fitting in the girls bedroom. My favourite room would have to be the kitchen, it was bright and airy, with clean crisp lines.
While there I met with Jenny and Willie from Celtic Crete Designs based in Fethard, Co. Tipperary who design and manufacture concrete counter tops, fireplace surrounds and furniture. They have a range of tables on display in a variety of colours and finishes. Check their website www.celticcretedesigns.ie or on 0526130884.
It is worth a visit to the show for anyone interested in interiors, furniture, art or installing a money saving eco based item in their home. There is also a range of vechicles under the “Sustainable Motoring” banner.
I was browsing the Next website - as I signed up to their newsletter, which has a section on home interiors and their Christmas selection of tablewares and homewares.
I noticed they have a NOEL, in large gold letters but you can have fun creating a diy set of these letters. You can get your letters at Inspiring Ideas, I saw them their during the week at €6 or theirabouts each, for a large white letter, ready for decorating in any colour combination you like.
This idea is not just for christmas, but as you may have seen in many an interior design mag/article you can spell out just about anything from the HOME to a childs personalised room name right through to BATHROOM…………. the combination is really only limited by your imagination.
When it comes to refitting a bathroom you could do worse than considering remodelling as a wetroom. When the room in question is small, it makes sense to make as much of the space as is possible. From a design point of view the entire floor area will benefit from the fact that you don’t have the need for a shower tray breaking up the floor area and making what is a small space seem even smaller. In effect the entrie room becomes the shower enclosure.
The water drains away via a drain which is set into the floor, the floor being poured to incorporate enough of a slope that the water will enter the drain naturally. There are a variety of non slip floor tiles available, when we fitted out our wetroom we used the type featured in the photo, they come in a variety of sizes and colours and were sourced from Nationwide Tiles, http://nationwidetiles.ie
When tiling a room like a wetroom or bathroom the general rule is that the smaller the area, you should use a larger tile this gives the illusion of more space. It also follows that the larger the area you can get away with using smaller tiles or even large areas of mosaic tiles.
This is the wetroom with large tiles on the walls and smaller mosaic non-slip on the floor.
This is the chrome floor drain in the wet room, you can see the non-slip mosaic tiles, some of which have raised areas for additional safety, they also define the shower area.
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had bought a new unit for the hall. Well I’ve finally got around to dressing it and taking a photo of same.
Its a fairly simple shaker style unit, it is in fact a side board but serves its purpose. We each have a drawer for personal items that we either grab or drop as we enter the house. But we have the added benefit of having a press in which to put our shoes, this helps the hallway to always look clean and tidy.�
I visited the Autumn Furniture & Home Accessories Fair which is a trade only event thats held in the RDS and the range and quality of furniture on display was very impressive.
The ecohouse display which had a fantastic range of equipment and advice on how to become more energy efficient was really impressive. The lads manning this stand were really passionate about the products and innovations which they were promoting.
There was also a “Design Pavilion” displaying up and coming new desingers, with a section devoted to GMIT Letterfrack and Leo Scarff, which specializes in furniture and associated disciplines. The quality of work on display was very impressive.
There were also stands which of course had furniture, rugs, art and glass art, lamps and also accessories for the home and garden. I’m sure that you’ll see some of the products in the shops soon as there were some deals being done on the day which I attended.
It was a day well spent!
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Well its that time of year again, its getting near the run up to the Ideal Homes Exhibition that takes place in the RDS, Dublin during the October Bank Holiday weekend.
As a previous exhibitor/participant of this show, having taken part in the competition for “Designer of the Year 2007″ I know that the interior designers who are taking part in the show this year are just so busy. The ordinary person who pays at the door and walks through the show can in no way have any idea of the amount of time, effort and hard work that goes into putting together your roomset.
As an exhibitor you still have to carry out your normal day to day duty, last year when I was preparing for the exhibition I was in full time employment working as the site clerk on the M50 in the run up to the barrier free tolling, for Jons Civil Engineering Company, who were just great. This was along with carrying out my mammy duties and the paperwork for Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms Ltd and updating my website www.tradefinderdirect.ie (which is currently being revamped). It is difficult to put together an entry to such a competition with the support of employer, family and friends.
The whole experience was wonderful, looking back now there were a number of early starts and some late nights, the show runs for the complete bank holiday weekend and the days are very long. Plus the week before is spent putting the display together, painting laying the carpet, assembling the furniture etc etc.
I had a number of sponsors which I would really like to thank, (I hope I don’t leave anyone out) Lorna at Garrendenny Lane Interiors, who supplied the furniture and soft furnishings, Wendy Shaw at Colortrend in Celbridge who supplied the paint, National Lighting Showrooms, Erne Street who supplied the light fittings, Tanya at Des Kelly Interiors in Leixlip who supplied the carpet. Maureen Garry of Garry Print, who printed the flyers and business cards. Finally Daniel who took time off to help moving equipment and laying the carpet, and dismantling when the show finished.
The other exhibitors who also took part were great in minding the stand for each other to allow for breaks and lunch/dinner breaks etc. The organisers staff at SDL Exhibitions who put up with all the questions and queries. Thanks also to all my friends and family who came along to see what all the fuss was about!
This is a photo of the roomset which was styled as a “Childs Nautical Bedroom”, it featured a mural of a lighthouse, the furniture was white painted timber which Lorna sourced in France, the soft furnishings were specially commissioned for the show, all the accessories were either supplied by Garrendenny Lane or which I sourced personally from France.
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As a member of a number of art groups I have a lot of friends who I share this hobby with. Each of the artists carry out their art as their hobby and when we exhibit there is a great buzz.
Each artist has their own particular style and its great to get together and see what each other are working on.
This painting is an original oil painting by a very good friend of mine, Marie Morrow. She painted it in 2005 and it was exhibited at an art exhibition as part of BrushworX Art Group at the South Dublin library at the Superquinn shopping centre at Lucan.
I loved this picture so much that I got my husband to buy it. It now takes pride of place in my dining room.
Marie has a very particular style when painting, show me a group of paintings and I can pick out a “Marie Morrow” within minutes. Of all the exhibitions that Marie and I have carried out together, Marie always surprises me with the quality of her work and the vast range of her inspiration. I am looking forward to seeing what Marie is working on now…. I must give her a call.
