Hey Hey Vaca!

Well that’s a wrap for Hermit in 2013!

I still cannot believe how fast the year has passed, such a blur of ups and downs mixed in with so many new discoveries of inspiring creatives and amazing designs. I hope you have enjoyed following my blog, loved the pieces I have posted about and hopefully I’ve inspired a few purchases along the way too!

I never really do the whole resolution thing, but the one thing I am aiming for in 2014 is to be more creative. It seems an eternity since I dabbled in art and photography and I look forward to re-kindling those forgotten skills and trying out new ones along the way to. Of course there will still be a steady feast of design on the blog, you just can’t stop a compulsive shopper from searching for that next covetable item!

But for now I’m signing off and heading somewhere where time slows down, the sun shines, the water is warm and the ice cream comes to you!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Hermit xoxo

Image via Wings Hawaii

Light Bulb

Exposed bulbs are still hot property on the design market at the moment, they create such a great look but unfortunately they can be quite pricey and are generally not very energy-efficient… it doesn’t make me love them less, but it is worth bearing in mind before you start purchasing.

So when I found this Exposed Bulb Concrete Lamp by Sturlesi Design it was a bit of a woohoo! moment. It is a fun take on the traditional Edison Bulb which uses laser engraved acrylic plastic with hidden LED lights to create the pattern of the iconic design. The use of LEDs make this lamp very economical to run and for an initial purchase price of only $50.67, I think it is a bit of a winner. Who’s with me?

Match

A quick afternoon treat for you!

Behold Match, the tea light holder designed by Form Us With Love for Muuto.

They are a clever little design which incorporates a vertical gap in the glass holder to allow the user to light the candle with ease, and without burning your fingers! The range is available in your choice of grey, green, purple or light blue colour and can be purchased in Australia through Great Dane Furniture for $28 per item.

A nice little stocking filler don’t you agree?!

Roundie Towel

Current obsession, Roundie – the round beach towel by The Beach People!

Loving the Aztec pattern, the fringing, the shape. At 150cm diameter, the towels are large enough for two people to sprawl out on and the perfect shape to catch the shade of a beach umbrella. Made from 100% cotton with a fun, fringed edge they have me completely smitten!

The Beach People are now taking pre-orders for their February delivery as current stock has sold out!! $99 for the Aztec Towel or $139 for the Aztec Towel with leather carry strap.

If you can’t wait, I did find the small version  in stock, and for sale, on St Barts for $39.

Silent Alarm

Are you sick of being woken by your partners alarm? Their multiple whacks of the snooze button while you lie there thinking “Just get up already so I can go back to sleep!!”. Even if it is your own, alarms are such a harsh start to the day, startling you out of your slumber in the most unnatural way.

Welcome to the future! It is only a concept design at this stage, but what a brilliant idea the Silence alarm by Johan Brengesjo is! Created for use by two people, Silence uses wireless technology to wake you through vibrations sent from the clock to the ring that each person wears. It is an innovative approach that trades the traditional use of invasive sound, for a much more gentle and personal, tactile approach.

The snooze function is activated by a shake of the hand and each successive time you snooze, greater movement is required to stop the alarm! The main clock device is a contemporary design that allows you to program in multiple alarms and also acts as a charging station for the rings whilst not in use. The rings are made from soft rubber and are extendable to ensure they fit comfortably on all users.

What an extremely clever take on the traditional alarm clock that we all love to hate!

TDF Open House Sydney

I was so super excited when The Design Files announced that they would be bringing their amazing “Open House’ event to Sydney, it is a must see event for every design lover!

Lucy and the TDF team make over an existing home using Dulux paint and a HUGE array of local design pieces, so many covetable pieces on show that you will not know which way to turn! Every item on display is also for sale so if you love it, you can buy it! Such a great concept…

If your keen to go and check it out for yourself, The 2013 TDF Open House Sydney is located at 8 Bennett Lane in Surry Hills and is open from today until Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Today was the first day that the home was open to the public so I popped on down to see what all the fuss was about and boy, it did not disappoint! Check out what’s on offer in my iPhone pics below 🙂

Small Portrait Artworks by Sandra Eterovic / Furniture by Jardan / Rug byLoom

Table by Jardan / Floor Cushions by Bonnie and Neil / Vessels on table by Dinosaur Designs and The Forty Nine Studio

Furniture by Jardan / Cushions by Bonnie and Neil and L.O.T.S / Vessels on coffee table by Dinosaur Designs and The Forty Nine Studio

Artwork by Julian Meagher / Handblown glass domes by Amanda Dziedzic, wall colour – Dulux Mondrian Blue

Furniture by Jardan / Vintage Poster by Galerie Montmarte / Glass sculptures by Amanda Dziedzic

Furniture by Jardan / Vintage Poster by Galerie Montmarte / Watermelons and Hearts by Lovestar

Furniture by Jardan / Lights by Lightly / Bar covered in Bonnie and Neil Wooden Tiles

Dinosaur Designs Bowl and servers / Sands Made Trivets

Edible Garden Design Book by Jamie Durie / Glass sculptures by Amanda Dziedzic

Furniture by Jardan / Glass sculptures by Amanda Dziedzic / Artwork by Lucas Grogan / Terrarium by Miniscapes

Furniture by Jardan / Terrarium by Miniscapes

Ahoy Trader Crucifix / Furniture by Jardan / Flowers by Lisa Cooper / Rug by Loom

Furniture by Jardan / Rug by Loom / Flowers by Lisa Cooper

Furniture by Jardan / Rug by Loom

Furniture by Jardan / Artworks by Kirra Jamison

Blakebrough + King sculptures / Artworks by Kirra Jamison

Country Road Wooden Frames

Furniture by Jardan / Country Road Accessories / Air Vessels by Emma Davies

Air Vessels by Emma Davies / Paperweight staircase by Studio Kyss

Dante Stacking Boxes by Country Road

Ubabub Booksee clear book shelf

Pineapple lamp by Down to the Woods / Artwork by Mirandsa Skoczek / Heart by Lovestar / Upcycled Soft Toys by Maiike

Furniture by Jardan / Artwork by Rachel Castle and Beci Orpin / Handmade beaded chandeliers by Emily Green / Pineapple lamp by Down to the Woods / Backpack by Home-Work / Wall colour – Dulux Tango

Bonnie and Neil Wooden Tiles / Coffee by Paramount Coffee Project!

images © Yasmin Gimellaro / Hermit Homewares