[London] - Wool House

The Wool House exhibition was on at the Somerset House during the period we were in London. Lucky me! Of course we had to pay it a visit.

The Campaign for Wool launches Wool House which offers a window on the way that wool can inhabit a space. Invited designers offer their visions with seven individual rooms showing how they use the fibre in their work. Room sets , wool art installation... Additionally, an artisan in residence demonstrates the heritage of industry skills to the public.

Yes, they brought real sheep to the location. Look at that fluffy-haired one at the back!

My favourite room was the one by Donna Wilson.

Folklore

Wish I were in London to check out this lovely lifestyle shop, Folklore.

An independent store that believes better living is possible through design.

Nice.

[source: Folklore]

House for a couple - Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects

There is something about Japanese designs that I finally really attractive.

It’s the simplicity.

I want to live in this house.

[source: Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects]

Marni's ex-prisoner project

To some people, furniture is just furniture, a chair is a chair. As long as they serve their functions. But to many of us visual people, we understand what is love at first sight. More often than not, once something catches our eye, we’ve made our decision.

These chairs presented by Marni for Salone del Mobile 2012 did just that. Made by ex-prisoners, they aim to reinforce the prisoners resettlement into social and working life.

Don’t the colours call out to you?

[source: Trendland]

[Kamakura] - Starbucks

One of the highlights of my trip to Kamakura was checking out the Starbucks outlet, built to resemble a Japanese style house. I read about it and was enamoured by its design. The Kamakura Starbucks is built on the spot of famous manga artist Ryuichi Yokoyama’s former residence.

It’s definitely unlike any Starbucks I’ve been into. Someone assisted us in getting seats when we first stepped in. T ordered a frap without whipped cream but was served one with whipped cream. He said it’s ok but the barrister insisted on making him a brand new cup (instead of simply sweeping the cream off the top which I’ve experienced -_-”).

The highlight of this outlet was what resembled a contemplation pool outside. It was so serene!

[Tokyo] - la vie a la campagne

I met up with lovely Hiki of UGUiSU blog one morning. It was quite an impromptu meeting but Hiki very kindly found a pocket of time for me. She took me to a charming cafe, la vie a la campagne, in Nakameguro.

After we ordered our food, we both whipped out or cameras and iPhones and snapped away. Haha! We both ordered something simple and they were yummy. I didn’t manage to finish my huge pot of tea though. 

There was only so much that could be exchanged in that short time but I had great time. Let’s do this again next time or when you come to Singapore, Hiki :)

[Tokyo] - Harajuku Cafes

Bio Ojiyan Cafe

Quiet warm interior where people dig into yummy looking food and speak in lilting whispers.

Yellow Cafe

On the second level and in a tiny corner. 

Eclectic decor with retro Disney cartoons playing on the TV and English pop music filling the air.

[Tokyo] - Daikanyama T-Site

So in my last post, you had an idea of where I went in Daikanyama. What you didn’t know was, I spent the bulk of my time in T-site. T-site houses several cafes/restaurants, the coolest pet-grooming shop I’ve ever seen, a Leica shop and Tsutaya. 

Pet area

The Tsutaya in T-site is AMAZING. I spent like 5 hours there (get how fantastic it is now?). You are free to browse books and magazines, sit down on a comfy chair, listen/loan CDs and LPs (!). 

There’s a beautiful chill out cafe within Tsutaya which we chose to rest out tired legs.

T ordering our drinks and dessert from an iPad. Yep, that’s how they do it.

I LOVE the concept and design of T-site!