More design goodness

I couldn't have left you this Friday, without sharing some more of brilliant design goodness. And that's not all! Wait for the next post for a fabulous giveaway. But first...

~ Ira ~

Reviving and reinventing traditional craft practices that are considered anachronistic, Ira creates and products that synthesises Indian crafts with a contemporary design style - drawing inspiration from hand-beaten vessels in copper and brass. Manasa Prithvi, the designer behind Ira, collaborates directly with master craftsmen in Southern India, and the products are then finished in London, adding values of both classic and contemporary design making.

Take a look at Ira's exquisitely crafted products right here.

~ Rayden Design Studio ~

Rayden Design Studio is a multidisciplinary studio working at the intersection of Art, Design and technology. Founded by Parul and Mooshir Vahanvati, Rayden Design Studio, uses inspiration from material, processes. experiences, context and people, to create objects and experiences which lean towards the minimal aesthetics, are emotionally evoking and use precisely engineered construction.

Take a look at Rayden's cutting edge designs right here.

~ Graphic Design + Architecture by Richard Poulin ~

I received a copy of Richard Poulin's Graphic Design + Architecture - A 20th Century History in December last year. Between work, travel and everything else, I finally managed to finish this very interesting book earlier this month. It is a fascinating read, through the history and evolution of environmental graphic design, in (primarily) western countries, during the 20th century. As described in the book synopsis, Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History closely examines the relationship between typography, image, symbolism, and the built environment by exploring principal themes, major technological developments, important manufacturers, and pioneering designers over the last 100 years.

Strongly recommend this book for students and graphic design/architecture practitioners. You can get your copy right here.

[All images: An Indian Summer]

Fresh off the press

I'll let you in on a little secret. I adore receiving packages via courier/shipping! The excitement of seeing a box delivered to my home, and then opening it up and ooh aahing - even though most times I know what is inside since I ordered it! And, if that box contains books, then I am the happiest girl on the block! And very happy I was, when I received two lovely coffee table books from the fabulous Meghan of The Vendome Press for review. Today, I sat down with a warm cup of jasmine tea, and spent a leisurely hour going through both books. As expected, lot of ooh aahing ensued, and once done, I couldn't wait to show you some of my favorite images from the books.

The Vendome Press sent across their two of their August new releases: Mighty Maharajas [Forts and Palaces of India], and At Home In Italy [Under the Summer Sun].

The Mighty Maharaja, by Amita Baig, with opulent photographs by Joginder Singh, covers select forts and palaces across the length and breadth of the country, along with their fascinating history. The sumptuous book also offers an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of the royalty.

The second book, At Home in Italy, by editor of AD Italia, Nicoletta del Buono, has brilliant photographs of some of Italy's most beautiful homes, taken by Massimo Listri. Covering about thirty homes across various regions in rural Italy, the book is almost like a personal walk through the sun drenched patios, the inviting cool living rooms, and a visual feast of Italian rural design and decor tradition. 

Ah! The pleasure of fabulous new coffee table books! :)

You can grab your copy of the books here and here.

[All images for the post clicked by me, owned by The Vendome Press]

Bringing Nature Home...

...is the new book on the block! Authored by photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo and Nicolette Owen, Bringing Nature Home has beautiful rooms and details of seasonal flower arrangements. The focus of the book is on flower arrangements inspired by seasons and nature, with such flowers and accompaniments that could be picked from, let's say, your own backyard, your walks or your local farmer's market. Here are a few visuals I love from the book...can't wait to lay my hands on my very own copy!  

[All images: Bringing Nature Home. Link Reference: StyleCourt]

P.S: Bug Update - I got back home yesterday after a five day stint at the hospital. I have had enough antibiotics pumped into me to last me a lifetime (hopefully!). I still need to take it easy this month and focus on boring things like eating right, resting enough, getting better and generally making sure the bug doesn't return. I can't thank you enough for your sweet emails, comments and notes you have sent me - look, I am better already! :) I'll back to regular posting and emails gradually - keep the blog warm for me in the meantime!