Patching it up in NYC

I'm in NYC right this second, check-check-checking out the world of design in and around the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. After walking the show (and interviewing folks like Amy Butler, Kelly Hoppen and Matt Carr) I ventured further afield to have a look at all the off-site exhibits. There's been some awful stuff (sorry, but I really don't want wall sconces and table lamps made of real squirrels and mice), and there's been some fantastic stuff, like the chance to see the tribute by artist Tal R for the 50th anniversary of the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair at ABC Carpet & Home. There are masses of the quilted patchwork covered chairs on show at ABC, and each has a different feeling. I've included a couple of my faves below, one of which feels really quite nutty, while the other has almost a preppy vibe to it. Then, for the crafty types out there, there's a close-up of the fabrics from one of the other chairs. Finally, a shot of the man himself, surrounded by some of the tonal chairs he produced. Yay for patchwork!

Guest blog / Jenn Hannotte: Feeling cross?

Jenn Hannotte: My favorite new store in Toronto pandering to my want/need/can't have tendencies is Mjölk. Owners John and Juli offer an amazing selection of clean-lined, pale-wooded, Scandinavian and Japanese pieces from the classic Børge Mogensen 2226 Spanish Chair (take a look below, and if anyone out there is wondering if I'd like a gift, the answer is yes: I'll take two), to this gorgeous Hiroshima extension table by Naoto Fukasawa and a set of Arne Jacobsen cutlery to go on top. They also have affordable design objects, like this gorgeous Grass Vase by Claydies for Normann Copenhagen as well as adorable things for the Scandi-wanna-be baby like this cool/odd Norwegian Lice Onesie. But the one thing I really went to see and covet was the Pia Wallén Crux Blanket. It's so soft, so simple and so PERFECT. It's also all-wool, made in Sweden, and $850... Now, I don't like a little thing like price to get in the way of instant gratification, so I headed off to Etsy in search of some Swiss cross inspired textiles and found this coffee sack burlap basket with a cross screenprinted on the front by Brin and Nohl It'll be perfect for toys, magazines, or even small storage in the bathroom. Okay, it's not a blanket, but it's a wee bit more in my snack bracket.

Below you'll see snaps of the 2226 Spanish Chair and the Grass Vase, plus a couple of inspiring shots of the Crux Blanket in action (via Door Sixteen). For more of Jenn's take on style click here.

Book smart

Richard Powers is among a growing list of inspiring photographers whose work I always keep an eye out for. I've featured his work here before, so it was a lovely surprise when he dropped me a line to let me know he'd just shot a fancy-schmacy new book for Thames & Hudson. He also kindly asked me to the London launch party for the book too but, ahem, I think I had to wash my hair that night, lol. Anyhoo, The Iconic House, written by Dominic Bradbury, is completely jammed with gorgous shots of hauntingly incredible interiors and exteriors. Below you'll see a couple of particular faves of mine - That Richard Rogers yellow and glass number from 1969 could actually entice me to move back to the UK, and the white wonder below it, by Arne Jacobsen, is a total jaw dropper. Stay in touch Richard!