petits papiers

My Friend Iwona on Design Sponge

 

I am thrilled to be once again part of the of the awesome Design Sponge blog comunity. Today is to present the lovely Park Slope place of Jewelry designer and friend Iwona Ludyga.

In the beginning, we had hoped to shoot her place in the heart of summer (mainly for my blog features "an afternoon with..." ) because of her amazing outdoor space that she transforms into an extra living space by setting up a tent seamlessely leading the living room into the outdoors.

But Design Sponge contacted her about a month ago and we had to seize the opportunity and shoot it right away, in the rather stark light of winter. Luckily, the day of our photo shoot giant snow flakes were swirling outside and gave her place this lovely cosy look.

Her work studio was very tidy that day, much the opposite of how I have seen it before. Her design studio is made of a team of little hands she supervises daily while taking care of business and family.  She runs a tight ship!

Iwona is one of the most talented person I know,  everything she touches turns into gold so to speak. She can paint (the giant black painting in the living room is hers), draw, cook, design, decorate and pocesses a sick sense of color and style. I adore her.

Congratulations on the D*S feature Iwona! Check out the full Sneak Peek here.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

all photographs © Anne-Claire rohé 2013

A l'honneur aujourd'hui est l'appartement de ma copine et créatrice de bijoux Iwona Ludyga.

Son appartement est publié dans la section Sneak Peek du site Design Sponge.

Suis super contente d'avoir été choisie pour prendre en photo son espace!

Elle vit à Brooklyn et nous sommes amies depuis plusieurs années maintenant. Une des personnes les plus créatives que je connaisse. Je l'adore!

 

looking back

 

I know i have neglected you dear readers with my section "an afternoon with..." these last few months. Some of you are wondering why i stopped featuring homes. Well, i haven't really stopped, I am always hunting for beautiful living spaces to shoot, but i have shifted my energy on other preoccupations lately and let's admit it, finding gem spaces to shoot is not always easy task when busy with... hum... simply surviving!

Thinking of it, it all came back to me how much i enjoyed photographing Asako's space back in January. At the time of the feature It was hard to pick my 20 favorite images from the shoot. There were so many i loved.

So here are some that didn't make the cut originally. With a new edit.

A little look back, with a fresh take.

I promise i will try hard to continue my home features. The project is just so dear to me. But it may take a little time.

 

 

 

☆ Photographs by Anne-Claire Rohé   © 2012 - All Rights Reserved

 

Peut-être que certains d'entre vous se demandent pourquoi j'ai mis la pédale douce au niveau de ma section "an afternoon with..." ces derniers mois. 

Je n'ai pas vraiment arrêté, je suis toujours en quête de beaux espaces de vie à photographier, mais j'ai été pas mal occupée avec d'autres projets, et puis trouver ces intérieurs est simplement un projet ambitieux quand on est dans un mode de (admettons-le) survie la plupart du temps!

Alors aujourd'hui, j'ai decidé de vous faire redécouvrir certains clichés de mon photoshoot chez Asako en Janvier dernier. C'était tellement joli chez elle. Vous vous souvenez?
 

 

the pursuit of perfection

 

 

As a photographer, I hope to achieve one day a signature quality and elegance found in the work of Danish photgrapher Heidi Lerkenfeld. A true master of her craft.

Pure inspiration and awe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Le talent impeccable de la photographe Heidi Lerkenfeldt.

J'aimerais un jour avoir l'audace de comparer mon travail au sien. Un jour.

 

untitled

 

Earlier this year I had saved the images below {found on the New York Times Home & Garden web gallery} on my desktop.  I now can't remember the name of the featured owner or the photographer.  But i thought i would post them anyway!

My apology to the authors for not giving you proper credits. If any of you recognizes it, let me know!  If I remember well, this fantastic space belongs to a brilliant designer.  Absolutely love the damaged brick wall.

 *** Update update! this is the home of Dutch architect Rolf Bruggink. Thanks Isabella for helping me trace it back to its source!  ***

 

 

 

a home by the sea

 

I could easily call this my dream summer house. You know, for when i have one. 

Home of designer Marie Olsson Nylander, Sweden.

 

 

 

Espace somptueux de la décoratrice Marie Olssen Nylander en Suède.

Je convoite, dans mes rêves...

 

 

an afternoon with... veronica schwartz & pablo castro

 

Veronica and Pablo are artisans in the most noble sense of the word.  As a creative chef, Veronica discovered many years ago the benefits of the raw-food diet and converted her talents in the kitchen to creating foods essentially based on activated nuts, gluten/soy/dairy-free organic and unprocessed ingredients.

 

The two of them are running Dr Cow, a rapidly growing environmental-conscious company.

They also use the principals of raw living in many aspects of their lives with a lot of recycling, crafting and low-impact consuming.

Their authentic philosophy is just written all over their gorgeous home and I am very inspired and humbled by their lifestyle.

It is also one of the most breathtaking space i have seen in a long time. It reinforces my conviction that industrial and botanical can cohabit beautifully!

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

Tell us where you currently live, since when and where you are from originally

Vero:

I'm originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I came to Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11 years ago.

You have quite an unusual lifestyle, can you describe the essential principles of the living-raw philosophy?

I've been following the raw food diet for the past 7 or 8 years.  I'm not 100% raw but I'm trying my best to be 90%.

I only eat raw sprouted food, mostly fruit and veggies, seeds and nuts and basically food that is not cooked above 105 F.

No meat or dairy, no process food. Lots of super foods and good supplements.

Tell us how you transitioned from being a traditional chef to a raw-food chef

After you understand what raw food living is about and its benefits there is no way back.  It was literally overnight... I am really, truly what I do.

What is the best advice you can give the rest of us?

Eat only Organic food and always use filter water for EVERYTHING!

How would you describe your home?

My home is my ecosystem.

An object you cherish in particular?

Mmmmmm... My vintage pallets, my plants, my fabrics and one of my friend Jeremy Zini's paintings.

Actually I love all of them together, in the same way my husband does.

What is your favorite occupation at home?

Craft!!!!!!!!!!!!! sewing, knitting etc...

What would you attempt if you had super powers?
 

I would fly my entire house (the building and everything) to my next port, like the Wizard of Oz.

 

an afternoon with... chloé garcia ponce

 

Chloé is living the life many of us only dare to dream having: Few months out of the year she travels the world as a buyer to bring back upon her returns countless treasures from her voyages. Soon after returning from her trips, she usually curates trunk-shows in the intimacy of her home.  She is a fine collector and her home is sort of an open storybook, without a final chapter.

Spending an afternoon in her intricate world made me forget all about the monotony of winter.  As i walked out, i realized i was energized by her space, and there she was again, about to pack her bags off to Mumbai.

She shares her life with Fiancé Frederico and their two magestic cats. 

To find out more about the trunk-shows, follow Chloé's travel blog Nomadic Songlines.

 

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally

I live in Brooklyn Heights. My apartment used to belong to Howard Phillips Lovecraft, a 18th century writer. I am originally from Mexico, I grew up in Geneva Switzerland, and Paris France. I moved to New York to study painting at NYU, in the early 90's. What I love about my neighborhood is the old cobble stone streets, lined with linden trees, cherry blossoms and great old oak trees. I get the best of both worlds, a beautiful quiet and serene neighborhood filled with charm and history overlooking Manhattan's crazy and vibrant energy.

What field are you currently working in?

I have a very diverse background, I am a painter at heart. I incorporate my passion for creating through different modalities. I am an herbalist, working with the magnificent world of plants, creating salves, tinctures and healing oils. My love for travel and self exploration have led me to amazing cultures and indigenous communities. I am a buyer for Matta, I incorporate all my beautiful finds from souks, markets in India, Cambodia and Thailand, with Cristina Gitti's beautiful collection. My passion for textiles, color and story telling have allowed me to manifest my blog Nomadic Songlines. My home is a testament of me, it is my sanctuary, everything I love is in my nest;  My books, art, music, cats and photographs. I am a traveling gypsy, therefore it is important to have a harmonious home to come back to, in order to restore and digest all of my travels, allowing me to create magic.

3 elements that best describe your daily routine

Meditation in the morning, setting an intention for the day.

Finding meaning and inspiration in the small crevices of life

Fresh flowers, organic fruits and vegetables, Sencha Tea from Marriage Frère and listening to music.

What was the most memorable trip you have taken?

All my trips are memorable, but India holds a very special place in my heart. I have never been able to recreate the feeling of love, beauty and gratitude that She has given me. My body and soul belongs to this magnificent country. I travel there twice a year, it has become a second home for me. I am divided between India and Mexico, my country has given me so much wisdom and teachings. Mexico's rich heritage in history, food and music, will always be a source of inspiration and spiritual nourishment.

Your most cherished object?

My most cherished objects are my huichol medicine pouches. If they are not near my heart, they reside on my altar. They are small parts of me.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, what would be your place of choice?

I would live in Jaipur, Kyoto, or Oaxaca. I love these cities, they are filled with rich history, culture and tradition.    

A quality or talent you most envy in others?

I don't envy anyone or anything, but I do admire and respect people who are fearless. I find fear to be paralyzing, it fuels the worst in humanity. Everyday I try to live my life, shedding any fear that may harbour my heart. I admire the Dalai Lama, his teachings of forgiveness and selflessness.

Your latest obsession

My latest obsession is Rose. Rose tea, rose ice cream, rose macaroons, rose essential oil, fresh roses. I find roses to be an expression of Grace, beauty, purity and natures testament of unconditional love.

 

jamo, japan

 

Wonderful images sourced in the creative portfolio of Jamo associates, a brilliant team of space designers and interior stylists from japan.  Fresh and inspiring!

 

 

 

 

Très belles images crées par l'équipe de talents du collectif Jamo, une association de décorateurs d'intérieur et stylistes résidant au japon.  Quelle source d'inspiration!

 

 

an afternoon with... asako ueno

 

 I've known Asako for few years now. Asako is a freelance writer, she also curates a lifestyle blog and runs an online shop called Southern Accents.

For a home-lover like me, I have to say that photographing her apartment was one satisfying experience.
Her thrive for balance and beauty in life really shines here, the space is filled with light and captivating visual stories.  With a flawless eye for interior styling, she nurtures a passion for objects and original Art.  I felt like i was discovering treasures after treasures, the kind of home you want to walk through silently for hours.

But most of all, it's her quiet and respecful sense of hospitality that really humbled me.  We ate a delicious home-perpared lunch at the sunny table and tried to catch up, always in a calm and thoughtful manner which i enjoy so much.

What an authentic home, what a beautiful afternoon.

 

 

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally

I moved to New York City in 2009, and am currently living in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I am originally from a little beach town in Japan called Chigasaki, an hour away from Tokyo by train.

What are the 3 essential elements in your daily routine?

Ginger tea in the morning, taking deep breaths at Prospect Park (although I don't get to go there every day) and reading in the bath tub before bed (I lounge in the bath tub for at least half an hour).

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

In Japan, I owned a lifestyle shop for 16 years, while writing books about American antiques and interior design.  I was also working as a buying consultant for NY Takashimaya, as well as an interior consultant for hotels and restaurants.  During this time, I would visit New York several times each year and had always thought how nice it would be to be able to live here.  When my dog passed away in 2006, I thought I would like to become smaller (like the book "Little Miss Tiny"), and bring my lifestyle back to the basics and be truthful to myself.  That's when I decided to close my shop and move to New York.  I am currently a columnist and writer for a Japanese magazine, coordinating special issues and such. 

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

Be honest and sincere to people, keep things simple.

How would you describe your home?

The brownstone I live in was built in 1896 and has such historical character.  It might be bizarre to say that a house has a heart, but this house did not open its heart to me at first. After about a year it opened up to me and seemed to have accepted my personality.  As proof of this, I feel so comfortable and cozy now.  I also feel like I am being protected.

What detail do you recall most about the home you grew up in?

My grandfather's room.  My grandfather's hobby was to read haikus, take care of his bonsais, and collect little things that had beautiful shapes (such as fountain pens, scissors for bonsais, clocks, and other random tools and utensils that he used everyday).  In his room, there were rocks that he collected from the beach, which he displayed beside the windowsill; and he would have flowers that he had found during his walks, where he would keep in a vase on his desk.  It was a small room, but I would always feel at ease when I was there. Now that I think about it, the room was full of his personality.

Your latest obsession

Dogs! I had a special relationship with Jaye, my Schnauzer of many years, and now feel comfortable and ready to invite another furry friend to be a part of my life.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

Parachuting！

an afternoon with... yoshiaki takao

 

For you long time readers, it's not the first time you read about multi-talented designer Yoshiaki Takao over here.  I have featured his work numerous times (including this recently) and I couldn't be more excited to share with you his living space today!

From the creative flow of his basement workspace {bunny bunny hole design - link soon to come} to his studio apartment, Yoshi's décor is simple but imprinted with character, imagination and humour. 

The low and understated layout was such a great feature i thought, the way i have always imagined the comfort of traditional Japanese homes.

On this rainy november day, we decided to cozy-up at a local bistro and shared {as always} laughter, creative ideas and stories; our favorite thing to do!

I feel very fortunate to have him as a friend.

 

 

 

   

 
   

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally 

I live in Brooklyn NY, I came from Japan 11 years ago.

What are the 3 core elements that shape your life?  

Being innocent, being original and being emotional.

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

I was quite handy when i was a child.  My father was a carpenter, he had many tools and i just naturally loved making things. Especially in the town I was born which is surrounded by natural elements.  I often went to the forest and sea side with my father's tools, cutting branches, finding driftwood and making toys (ships, weapons, etc...). I think i started my career as a designer at that age!  

What was the best lesson you have learned in the process?    

Being original is being strong.

What is your favorite occupation at home?

Eating ice cream in bed!

What detail do you recall most about the home you grew up in?

 

The house i grew up  was so messy,  my mum didn't care for it so much, i had a small room that was mine and that was totally my microcosm. 

My first attempt at decorating my room was to paint the light bulb in red with watercolors and it looked really psychedelic, matching perfectly the Beatles poster pined up on the wall, i was 10 years old.

    

What natural ability are you most proud to possess?

Being indvidual.

Finish the sentence, "you can not fail when you..."

Smile!

 

so pleased!

 

This morning, the New York Times posted a beautifully styled home by the super talented duo Nightwood and oh surprise! a tryptich of my artwork is hanging in one of the pictures! (seen on the wall in the kitchen area - click on picture to enlarge).

What a warming & satisfying feeling to be associated with such a tasteful & sun-filled home.

Thank you to the designers and to the soulful owner of this gorgeous townhouse!

 

 

 

 

 

Un superbe appartement publié aujourd'hui dans la rubrique "Great homes and destinations" du New York Times et la douce surprise d'y trouver dans l'une de ces photos trois de mes aquarelles! (sur le mur dans la cuisine- cliquer sur l'image pour l'agrandir).

Les stylistes de Nightwood on sû trouver le parfait décor pour mon travail!  Je les en remercie et félicite la propriétaire de cette superbe maison qui respire paix et bien-être.

 

an afternoon with... wesley fuller

 

What i like most about this project of introducing people's home is the variety of people i meet in the process.  Today, we are peeking into what i would call the quintessential downtown life of the busy new yorker.

Wes is a young investor living in a fairly new building.  But his apartment somehow reflects the feel of a classic New York interior.  He really used the space cleverly and created a home that is uncluttered, comfortable and simple.  The stark winter light outside made the place extra cozy that morning.

As the nature of his profession always calls, Wesley had to work that day and i swifted out as fast as i had swifted in, leaving behind a sense of wonder on how it would be for me to live his kind of life.

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally
 

I live at the corner of Henry street and Rutgers, where the eastern edge of Chinatown bleeds over into the southernmost section of the Lower East Side.  I've been in NYC for eight years, the lower east side for five, and this apartment for three.  I'm originally from Austin, TX and other than short stints in Dallas and London I have called New York "home" for all of my adult life.

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your daily / weekly routine?

I travel quite a bit for both work and fun, so i'm constantly in a state of packing and/or unpacking.  The apartment is actually laid out to facilitate that which is something i got some help putting into place last year.  When i'm in town i try to get out to Brooklyn at least once a week.  I rent a workspace in a converted industrial building near the Brooklyn navy yards which is super convenient to bike to from here.

Another constant is eating out.  I'm not a cook and i love trying new restaurants so the kitchen doesn't see too much action.  The neighborhood has some great restaurants like Fat Radish, Barrio Chino and Cafe Petisco so i have some terrific standbys if i'm not checking out something new downtown or in Brooklyn. 

Tell us about your current project

I'm on the board of a great local non profit called Hester Street Collaborative.  the group does incredible programing at the intersection of community design, education and public spaces.  I'm working with them to develop a marketing plan to get the word out about HSC's mission to the nyc design community.  My background is in finance so we're all learning together.

What's the best lesson you have learned so far?
 

Change is a constant, whether in your personal life, your neighborhood or the world.  There's no way to resist it so it's best to embrace it, enjoy it, and to harness that momentum instead of expending energy trying to slow things down.

What is your favorite occupation at home?
 

Flopping onto my couch or my chair and watching a program on Roku or Apple tv.  Usually i'll peck away at some emails as i'm unwinding with some entertainment.

Your most cherished object?
 

My vintage Chesterfield chair.  I picked it up off of a friend when she was downsizing apartments.  I feel a bit bad about it because it's the greatest chair i've ever sat in and she must miss it terribly, but not so much that i'm willing to sell it back.  I guess a good chair is worth the guilt.

What is your present state of mind?
 

Optimistic about the year ahead.  Last year i invested a lot of energy pushing a number of moving pieces in my personal and professional life into place, so i'm excited about enjoying the benefits and opportunities provided by those efforts.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, what would be your place of choice?

Does Fort Greene count? (a neighborhood in Brooklyn) 

I would love to spend a year hiding in Havana. I recently ran across some Andrew Moore images of Cuba at the Queens museum that really captured my imagination.  I also have this Hemingway inspired idealized version in my mind.  Those romantic notions and its unattainability make it the perfect place i'll never live.

imagine

 

Alright, i am breaking my time-off-the-blog vow for a second because I HAVE to post about this.  It was freshly posted on marie-claire maison this morning and my heart almost ached when i saw it.

It is going to stay at the top of my dream home inspiration folder. Hands down.

This is pretty much my vision of the ideal home.

The light, the light...

 

 

 

J'avais promis de ne pas vous revoir avant Janvier, mais ce matin, j'ai eu un tel coup de foudre que je n'ai pas eu d'autre choix que de vous présenter... la maison de MES RÊVES.

Elle existe, en concrêt et elle est publiée ce matin sur le site de marie-claire maison.

Je n'ai d'yeux que pour elle:  sa lumière, son âme, son espace ouvert et ses couleurs passées.

Son âme...

 

frost

 

Beautiful, calming winter light.

Images sourced on the inspiring Hege Greenall-Sholtz blog.

 

 

 

 

Douceur calmante de la lumière hivernale. Des couleurs qui m'inspirent pour des projets futurs.

images via Hege Greenall-Sholtz.

from the Atlas...

 

Do you remember this post?  about my sister's beautiful apartment in Strasbourg.  Well, one of her wish of owning a piece of Berber art on her floors has just been fulfilled.  This specific type of white morocan rug is called Beni Ouarain.  Hers arrived just on time for the winter and was handpicked by the terrific duo behind Secret Berbère.

And best of all,  she received the rug as  A  G I F T !

Jealous? me? No.

I really love the layers of whites and creams she is slowly creating in her living room.

 

++♡++

 

 

 

Ma soeur vient d'aquerrir une oeuvre d'art! Un tapis Beni Ouarain pour couvrir ses jolis sols dans son jolis appartment, vous vous souvenez?  Tapis soigneusement rapporté par l'equipe de Secret Berbère.

Mmmm... la meilleure façon d'aborder l'hiver.  On a presque envie de s'y coucher!