Inspired By Diamonds. The Stellar Mirror By Jake Phipps.

Thanks to Core 77, I've been introduced to this eye-catching faceted mirror, the Stellar mirror, by designer Jake Phipps. (note: on the Core 77 blog they called it the Spectrum Mirror, but on his own site, Jake has deemed it the Stellar Mirror).

The wreath like wall mirror takes inspiration from the physical attributes of cut diamonds*. The mirror’s reflective qualities, whilst crisp and pure at its center, radiate out with a ring of 750 individually sized and angled mirrored sections, breaking down the light and the surrounding environment, delivering it to the eye as one sparkling entity.



This optical dispersion means that as the ambiance of the mirror’s environment changes throughout the day, so too does its color and luster, creating an ever changing focal point to a room.



Dimensions: 110cm diameter x 9 cm depth
Weight: 40kg
Limited Edition of 25

The mirror is available to buy directly from the studio.

*In diamonds, cut is the primary determinant of value followed by clarity and colour. Diamonds are meant to sparkle, to break down light into its constituent rainbow colours (dispersion) chop it up into bright little pieces (scintillation) and deliver it to the eye (brilliance). In its rough crystalline form, a diamond will do none of these things, it requires proper fashioning and this is called "cut".

Design Your Own Throw Pillows At Inmod

This is a truly great idea for those who like to have some say and personal control when it comes to the design of their home decor. Or for those looking for reasonably priced contemporary throw pillows as gifts or for themselves.

The Inmod online design studio allows you to design your own throw pillows, in one of two sizes and with numerous image, color and fabric options. Whether you want a 2 color pillow or a 6 color pillow, a cotton one or a silk shantung one, a funny one or a beautiful one... you can design them all yourself.

They have featured designs that include everything from modern chair silhouettes, wild animals, dogs, Bruce Lee, Marilyn Monroe and other fun icons. Also available are patterns ranging from florals and fish to mod 60s abstract styles.



All are easy to design and preview, then just click to order. Prices vary depending upon size and fabric choice.

Here's a few quick examples to inspire you:












The 4 Simple Steps:


STEP 1 - PATTERN
To start designing your pillow, select a pattern. Choose a theme from the drop down menu, and then pick a pattern. Once you've selected a pattern, it will appear in the window.



STEP 2 - FABRIC
Now that you've selected your pattern, choose the fabric for your pillow. You can pick 215 thread count cotton, cotton casement, linen/cotton blend or silk dupioni.

STEP 3 - SIZE
Next, select the size you want your pillow to be. Choose from 18 x 18 or 26 x 26.

STEP 4 - FABRIC COLORS


Choose one base color and then an embroidery color for each detail of your pattern. Select one detail at a time by clicking the circle to the left of each numbered detail, and then select the color you want that element of the design to be. Repeat until all of the details have been selected.

Prices for the cotton pillows in the smaller size (18" x 18") start at about $40 and silk shantung starts at about $60.



Start designing yours here.

A Modern Greek Villa Fit For The Gods By KLab Architects

The Wide Open Villa by KLab Architects

A stunning single family home in the suburb of Ekali in Athens, Greece. Begun in 2006 and completed in 2009, the monolithic volume gives the home an impression of having two fronts; a curved one along the street and a planar one towards the back yard, pool and private garden. From the outside, the building has an austere, almost intimidating character. Inside, plan and section work together to create a fluid space that undermines the initial monumental impression by inviting extended exterior views to enter.

There are thoughtful and functional details like a fireplace that faces both inside and outside the home, mitered glass walls serves as catwalk railings and an indoor pool with neon lighting set in the recessed ceiling.
























above: Konstantinos Labrinopoulos of KLAB architects



photos and information courtesy of KLab and Archdaily

architect/designer: Konstantinos Labinoproulous
employer: A property developer and contractor
surface: 1050 square meters
date: 2006-2009



KLab Architects (KLab stands for kinetic lab of architecture) was named by Wallpaper magazine as one of the top 50 up and coming Architecture firms in the world.