Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Image: Matt Hart

Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Image: Matt Hart

Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Image: Daniel Smith

Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Anticipation has been building for some time now as previous adaptations of the novel being somewhat of a dull disappointment. However, based on Luhrmann’s previous films, Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom and reviews from the film’s premiere on Wednesday night, it was far from disappointing.

Luhrmann took F.Scott Fitzgerald’s novel and contemporised it in a way that paid tribute to the 1920s story. It was a totally lavish, grand, and indulgent film telling the tale of the wealthy Jay Gatsby’s obsession for Daisy Buchanan.

The cast truly is one thing to admire, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire taking the stage with a soundtrack featuring a surprising mix of 1920’s Jazz with hip-hop from the one and only Jay-Z.

However,  Luhrmann’s ability to create such an elegant and somehow wild visual interpretation of the film really is the talking point.

The set is simply spectacular and indulgent to say the least. Luhrmann and his designer wife, Catherine Martin, who have worked together on numerous films before, designed the set together. With the culmination of many years in the business and their completely out of this world creative minds, they developed what was an appropriately over the top set.

In total, Luhrmann and Martin designed 42 individual sets located in Sydney. The design of the Gatsby estate was based on the 20th century houses in Long Island, which called for a revamp of St Patrick’s Seminary in Sydney – a grand Gothic Revival building that lent itself perfectly to Luhrmann’s magical mind. The interior is filled with wonderfully ornate features – rich timber floors monogrammed with Gatsby’s name make way for a winding staircase leading to a delicate crystal chandelier – think total elegance. Also featured were a few of Martin’s rugs, which she designed for Australian rug company, Designer Rugs.

Luhrmann’s recreation of the spectacular world that was the 1920s truly makes us envious.

Omoto Bench

Omoto Bench

Omoto Bench

Preston Table

Preston Table

NW6 Clock

NW6 Clock

Stile Stool

Image: Another Small Studio

Between the two of them, co-founders Linda Raimondo and Tom Shaw have lived in various cities around the world covering large amounts of Asia and Europe, and their debut collection celebrates ‘hidden elements’ of the cities of Tokyo, London, Melbourne and Leeds.

The Omoto bench is inspired by Tokyo, beautifully crafted from three separate timber elements, the delicate form is held together using traditional dry joints and the power of gravity.

The Preston Table is assembled from fine sections of laser cut steel, composed into a graphical arrangement that most certainly references Melbourne’s identity and architecture.

Composed of a simple palette of timber and steel, NW6 Clock has removable timber notches that allows you to set a reminder for a meeting, lunch or happy hour!

The final piece features stacked timber elements, referencing the piled dry stone walls of  Leed’s countryside. This object is useable is a stool or a side table.

This collection is visually delicate and the simple construction makes the pieces accessible and functional; we are so excited to see what this talented team produces next!

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily | Photography: Rene Burri

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily | Photography: Rene Burri

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily | Photography: Rene Burri

Image: Arch Daily

Image: Arch Daily | Photography: Steve Silverman

Image: Arch Daily | Photography: Rene Burri

Built in 1947 in what was then an industrial area, the façade of Casa Barragán is very understated and maintains the neighborhood character. However inside, there is vast contrast with a mass of natural light and powerful colour palette. Tones of pink, orange and yellow soften the dense concrete construction, whilst large windows allow patterns of light to track through the spaces throughout the day. Each space is beautifully unique and offers a different atmosphere at any given time of the day.

The understated elegance and simplicity in the design truly take advantage of the changing light, nature beyond and colourful treatments throughout. Precisely crafted timber joinery and gold leaf canvases add detail on a smaller scale, which are as beautiful as ever today.

Barragán only gained international recognition late into his life and career, winning the Pritzker Prize in 1980. His colourful and striking works are dotted throughout the Mexican architectural landscape, with this particular project being granted UNESCO world heritage in 2004.

Luis Barragán is a forever-inspiring architect and if you are ever in Mexico, this project and his other works are most certainly worth a visit.

‘I don’t divide architecture, landscape and gardening, to me they are one’

‘Footsteps Follow’

‘Tumbling Down’

Muir’s love for art came about at a young age when he was working in the Philippines, before one day packing his bags and returning to Australia to study. As his style developed Muir began to disregard his formal training and his work soon took on a distinct aesthetic – one that explores the simplification of forms found in the built environment.

In each of his works Muir takes surrounding settings and flattens the picture plane into simple shapes by applying paint in a flat manner, revealing texture only from a close distance.

‘Between The Lines’ is Muir’s latest collection inspired by his travels. “This current body of work is based on recent travels to Bali, Fiji and coastal Victoria which has allowed me to incorporate shapes that resemble figures and continue to push colour and composition into new areas.”

‘Between The Lines’ runs from 21 May until 8 June 2013 at Jan Murphy Gallery.

See Michael Muir on Share Design.

Shmith’s seven large landscapes portray our connection to that in which we exist, but are still vastly separated from. The photographic explorations validate the transparent properties and functions of plate glass in simultaneously offering a connection and barrier. The moody shot’s are beautifully composed and capture reflection, light, and shadow created by the transparent barrier of glass, experienced in the moment.

‘Plate Glass’ is currently on show at Arc One Gallery in Melbourne until 15 June 2013.

See Sam Shmith on Share Design.

designEX is the longest running design and architecture event in Australia. This year designEX will present in Melbourne leading furniture, lighting, textiles, bathroom, and architecture brands, as well as a series of seminars and workshops, from the 30th May to 1 June.

Together with designEX we are giving away tickets to a series of seminars presented by speakers including Michael Young, Patrick Frey, Cesare Peeren, Emma Young, Jack Mussett, Chris Murphy & Dan Evans.

To be in the running to win, simply click here to register at designEx with promo code ‘SHARE DESIGN’ by Friday 24th May.

Designer: Studiomama | Photography: Andrea Ferrari

Arranged over two storeys the modest footprint surprisingly accommodates facilities for a family of up to four, without ever feeling cramped or stifled. Rather, the interiors are bright and welcoming. Constructed from a material palette of modest and durable surfaces, the space presents itself at once as robust, resilient yet comfortable and charming.

Timber floorboards and white walls create a warm shell that plays host to an eclectic mix of iconic furniture including the Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone chair and Fritz Hansen PK33 stool. These classic pieces are accompanied by several of Studiomama’s own recycled timber creations; the Palette chair, and Palette floor lamp.

This paring of the classic and contemporary is also translated through the colour palette, with the predominately white walls occasionally punctuated by pockets of bright primary colours that further add moments of playfulness to each room, ensuring that the space is never too serious or stark.

With the sleeping quarters nestled on the lower level, the upper storey features the main living spaces, with extensive operable glazing on the southern face. These windows open up to a generous deck littered with greenery overlooking the rooftops of the quaint neighbourhood.

At present this space is advertised for lease, and nestled in a pocket of London renowned for its culture, charm and food; to our friends in England, make sure you check it out!

Nina Tolstrup is a seriously talented lady with an impressive portfolio of furniture, product and architectural projects. All of her projects demonstrate a wonderful eye for design, with clever spatial arrangement. She is committed to social and environmental sustainability as seen through her Re-Imagine and Pallet project, which asks us to look at unloved furniture and through community engagement to ‘reimagine the second-hand and redesign our everyday surroundings with our own touch of personality’.

We’ve recreated the style of the Shoreditch House using our unique Storyboard and Design Files feature to include our favourites like the Studiomama Palette chair, Cappellini UN/6 Uni storage unit, Tolix Fauteuil A56 chair, String Furniture Pocket Shelving System, Taubmans Sunshine Day paint, Blu Dot Strut Medium Table.

Click here to GET THE LOOK of the Shoreditch House on Share Design

Architect Nick Tobias exudes style in his architecture, design, and fashion, and he shares with us his favourites on Share Design.

1. The next design piece I would like to buy for my home - We are currently renovating, so it will depend on what’s left in the budget! Usually the next thing in mind is always art.

2. My favourite city - Sydney of course – it’s tough to beat a city that is gaining cultural wings quickly and working 5 minutes from one of the best harbours and some of the best beaches the world.

3. My most recent inspiration – A book called Speed of Life by David Bowie & Masayoshi Sukita.

4. I wear - Penthalegon’s Edymion – scent

5. My favourite shops - 

Furniture:
de Padova – Milano, IT
Strangers in Paradise – Bermagui, NSW
Anibou – Sydney, NSW

Clothes:
Patrick Johnson Tailor – Sydney
Bruno Cuccinelli – anywhere
Loro Piana – Zurich
Slam – Porto Cervo, IT

6. My favourite restaurants –
Sean’s Panaroma – Bondi, NSW
Il Passagio – Bermagui, NSW
Mr Wong’s – Sydney, NSW

7. My favourite design style and tip - Understand what has been, have a vision for the future, but most of all express yourself right now.

8. Describe your personal style - I can only hope it’s timeless, understated, generally natural and earthy, classic with a little more than a contemporary twist…and often something rather sporty pops up!

9. My greatest inspiration - The natural world and the tapestry of our rich history.

Nick Tobias shared with us his favourites on Share design including the Magis Seelwood Chair, Cappellini Medicine Box, Iittala Savoy vase, Vola Mixer, Artemide Tizio Lamp, La Carre Hermes book, Stelton Oil Burner, de Padova Uragano armchair, Pitella Art H361 door lever, and Market Timbers European Oak Chevron flooring.

GET THE LOOK: See Nick Tobias’ Favourites on Share Design.

We recently posted a feature about Nick Tobias and his projects here.

Acne Store

Acne Store

Tod’s Store Designed by Toyo Ito

Noguchi Lights

Noguchi Display

21_21 Design Sight

21_21 Design Sight

Nezu Museum Steps

Nezu Museum Gardens

Love Exhibition at Mori Art Museum

James Perse Store

James Perse Store

Isabel Marant Store

Isabel Marant Store

Prada Store

Moncler Store

Imperial Palace

Catch the Kimono

Harajuku Girls

Bunny in a case in Harajuku

Design Ah! Exhibition at 21_21 Design Sight

Comme Des Garcones Pop-Up Store

Brillo at Comme Des Garcones

Yohji Yamamoto at Omotesando

Rice Wine Wrapped in Hessian

Tokyo Garden Wedding

Despite the fact that I’ve been to Tokyo once before, I was once again blown away by the diversity of the city: the food, culture, art, design and architecture. Only the Japanese seamlessly integrate their history and traditions into their contemporary design and lifestyle. But as you may know by now one of my greatest passions in life is fashion and Japan delivered the ultimate combination of architecture, retail interiors and fashion! From the sleek façade of the Prada store to the textural timber and rice paper interior at Isabel Marant, I could not feel more inspired!

Check out Share Design on Instagram for more of our pics!

Torquay House by Wolveridge Architects | Photography: Derek Swalwell

Mornington Beach House by Clare Cousins Architects | Photographer: Shannon McGrath

Armadale Residence by Made by Cohen and Robson Rak Architects | Photographer: Shannon McGrath

Brisbane Street House by Alexander & Co | Photographer: Murray Fredricks

Boston Street House by James Russell Architect | Photographer: Toby Scott

House Chapple by Tribe Studio | Photographer: Katherine Lu

Goldfields Dwelling by DesignOffice | Photographer: Scottie Cameron

DMR The Pod by Whiting Architects & Y10Store.com | Photographer: Whiting Architects

Keperra House by A-CH (Atelier Chen Hung) | Photographer: Alicia Taylor

Jack’s House by fmd Architects | Photographer: Shannon McGrath

Link House by Renato D’Ettorre Architects | Photographer: Murray Fredricks

Lavender Bay Boatshed by Stephen Collier Architects | Photographer: Peter Bennetts

Merricks Beach House by Kennedy Nolan Architects | Photographer: Derek Swalwell

Merricks Beach House by Kennedy Nolan Architects | Photographer: Derek Swalwell

Park House by Leeton Pointon Architects and Interiors and Allison Pye | Photographer: Peter Bennetts

Roseneath Street Warehouse by Staughton Thorne | Image: Courtesy of Staughton Thorne

Stewart House by Chenchow Little Architects | Photography: John Gollings

Stewart House by Chenchow Little Architects | Photography: John Gollings

The Studio by Nicholas Gurney | Photography: Katherine Lu

Moor Street Apartment by Clare Cousins Architecture | Photography: Shannon McGrath

Despite the youth of the Houses Awards (having only started in 2011) they present an impressive array of residential interiors from emerging and established designers every year. Entries come from all over Australia, from rugged coastal homes to inner city abodes. Entries are awarded for eight categories including New House Under 200 Square Metres, New House Over 200 Square Metres, House Alteration and Addition Under 200 Square Metres, House Alteration and Addition Over 200 Square Metres, Apartment, Unit or Townhouse, Heritage, Outdoor, Sustainability, and Australian House of the Year.

The 2012 Houses Awards saw John Wardle Architects take out the top prize of ‘Australian House of the Year’ for the Shearers Quarters in Tasmania – an honest design that drew upon the history of the farm.

See Australian Houses Awards 2012 on Share Design