For those of you squirmish over snakes, I do apologise,  however there is no denying that these images by photographer Guido Mocafico are beautifully inspiring.

Musicians Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt's Obique Strategy cards created in 1975 were a response to dilemma's that arrive during the creative process. The cards can be used by drawing a single card from the shuffled pack, each card contains a phrase or cryptic remark which can be used to break a deadlock or dilemma. Some example phrases are "Look closely at the most embarrassing details and amplify," "Not building a wall; making a brick,"  "Honor thy error as a hidden intention." Musicians such as R.E.M, Coldplay and Phoenix all claim to have used the cards when writing and recording various albums, however the card's popularity has extended into all facets of the creative realm, with five editions available in Apple's App store for iPhones.

The global authority on colour - Pantone, has selected turquoise  (or more specifically 15-5519 TCX on your Pantone fandex) as the highly coveted  'Colour of the Year for 2010'. The hue reminds us of all manor of things from the bold "Bondi Blue" of the original iMac, to Native American jewelery, and loud eighties power suits. Pantone however see the colour as "evoking thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing."

The illustration on this rug remind us of birds flying in formation. As part of the Saffron collection for Designer Rugs - it could be a good way of adding nature indoors, without having to step outside.

The Design Folio Xmas Party held last Thursday night at Inovo turned into quite the affair. Aided perhaps by the generosity of our sponsors Drambuie, Man O War Vineyards and Steinlager Pure, some of the architects present felt comfortable enough to slip out of their dignity and into the hot steaming Dimension One spa pools. An act greeted by both praise and awe from the guests who crowded around to get a look in. Thankfully there was plenty of water on offer from Premium New Zealand Trading Co to cool down the rising temperatures, before everyone hit the dance floor to cut shapes to the fine tunes of Mr Roger Perry.

Design Folio would like to thank all those who attended for helping make such a memorable evening. And of course our always supportive and generous sponsors!

The new Philo ultra modern faucet by Rubinetterie Treemme has an unconventional shape for tapware with a minimalist sculptural look designed to emphasize aerodynamics and lightness with its smooth and flowing lines. 

If you haven't yet heard of fashion designer Iris van Herpen, you soon will. The Dutch fashion designer only graduated from fashion design school in 2006, and already is making ensembles that would rival anything from either McQueen or Viktor & Rolf.  She has developed a strong signature style that includes sculptural 3D elements and intricate weaving and fringe detailing to beautiful effect.

Graduate designer Katinka Versendaal has created this Pop Up Table with built in table adornments such as candelabras and bowls that can be folded away when not in use.

The designers from Niche Modern never actually intended to go into the manufacturing business. Starting out by simply creating products for their own homes the designers realised they were onto something when friends starting placing orders with them. All of their lighting is hand blown making each piece unique. Their use of warm translucent hues has become their signature. 

Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1953, the CM 141 Desk was a result of the designers then collaboration with french manufacturers Thonet. In 2008 Ligne Roset began re-released the desk under the name Tanis Desk respecting all aspects of the original design but updating the finishes to include a writing surface in black satin laminate with contrasting draws in natural walnut veneer.

Ligne Roset is available locally here.