Sometimes, being in the dog house can be quite cool.

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend, despite the diagonal rain that has been intermittently  pouring down on everyone.  Watson (my dog) and I have been staring longingly out the window all day, hoping for a break in the clouds, but until we see that break we've busied ourselves by looking for cool dog houses.  There are actually a lot of cool designs, all that would fit perfectly into any interior.  Here are Watson's favorites.  Images are courtesy of my new favorite website dog-milk.com (next to Kennedy Crawford's new website http://kennedycrawfordblog.wix.com/kcd1 of course!)

Hello Kitty?

West Coast Modern

Perfect get away

Rietvelt's dog house?

Sofa Table / Doggy Domain

Another man trash....

A recent trend in interior design focuses on bringing the outdoors, inside.  California designer John Ford not only does that, but utilizes what would be thrown out and transforms it into something that exemplifies innovative and stunning design.  Ford's Mill Lamp is basically four pieces of dovetailed scrap wood joined together, sanded down and finished with non-toxic danish oil.  The result is a stunning table lamp with strong modern lines combined with subtle undulating wood grain pattern.  John Fords Mill Lamp is the perfect addition to any indoor space looking for a little outdoor feel. In an effort to diversify his collection, Ford ran a Kickstarter campaign and has since successfully achieved his goal.  For more information we've provided a link to his Kickstarter page: Modern hardwood and steel table lamp by John Ford.

MAPLE FINISH

CHERRY FINISH

WALNUT SHOT GLASS

ADAM,  WHO HAS RECENTLY RELOCATED TO CANADA FROM THE EMERALD ISLE JOINED THE KCD TEAM AND IS ACCLIMATIZING WELL TO THE  WEST COAST LIFESTYLE.  HERE ARE ADAM'S TOP TEN DESIGN RELATED ITEMS THAT HE USES AND WHAT INSPIRES HIM TO PRODUCT PERFECTLY DESIGNED SPACES.

1. Taking a step back and asking, "what would Alvar Alto or David Chipperfield do?

2. A good set of precedents.
3. An accurate understanding of the context "every site is different."

4. Ability of visualize a projects potential.  "Being an Architect is a bit like being a chef, you don't need grand opportunities or expensive materials to have a feast." - Norman Foster.

5. Materiality can inspire:  Something locally sourced or incorporating something different.

 6. Physical built models, are one of the best design tools.

7. Sketching hundreds of ideas, "they don't have to be works of art." 

8. Studio office environment with collaborative design discussions. 

9. Incorporating and expressing structure while using it to enhance design as opposed to fighting against it.

10. Twenty two and a half Bally Loughlin Road Dundrum. The house I grew up in had a big influence in why I wanted to become an architect from a young age. 

the emerald isles

EL PRESIDENTE

El Presidente

 With the official launch of the blog and our NEW website happening, we thought we’d kick it off right with an interview with “El Presidente” Catherine Brown.

Who / what inspires you and your design sense?

Clean lines and great flow make for great spaces. I also love mixing textures and finishes to add that bit of interest to a room. Designers like Barbara Barry have inspired me to create that timeless style.

What is your favorite residential architectural style?

I love mid century modern design, but I’m also a fan of simple California bungalow style.

What piece of advice would you give someone who is just thinking about starting a home renovation.

Figure out what you want from your renovation.  Make a priority list and make sure you have a budget guideline.  Clients spend quite a bit of time finding the right builder and contractor, but shouldn’t     underestimate the value of a great designer.

How have your past experiences helped you as an interior designer?

My experience with real estate development definitely helped me appreciate the design build process for a large scale project perspective.  This brought me insight and understanding into details that go into projects from municipal liaisons to build and budgeting.  This has served me well in terms of understanding the whole process not just the designers role.

Many people don’t know your love of the automobile, what in your opinion is the best designed car out today.

Hands down the new Aston Martin Vanquish, any other car is a far off second.

What has the profession of Interior Design taught you?

It has taught me to remember that I’m designing the spaces where people create their memories. Its an honor and a privilege that I respect and look forward to doing it every day.  It’s the best job in the world!