Friday, November 13, 2009

I have had this little gem in my collection of books for many years now. It was first published in 1856 by architect and designer Owen Jones, and is full of delectable patterns and decorative elements. Jones traveled widely to assemble this collection, which covers many cultures and time frames. While some of the descriptions may be a little quaint (remember, he was living in Victorian England), his sound understanding of design principles still make it a great and relevant book today. I use it; I love it.






I looked in my cupboard the other day, and this is what I saw.

It has a nice textural feel to it, no?

10 comments:

  1. LOL I'm so glad other people's cupboards look like that too! The spot I keep the tupperware & other plastic containers is the worst - tends to be open the door, quickly shove something in and then close it before everything else falls out.

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  2. I love old architecture and art books. Something about the knowledge they entail and the smell. I love your picture of the pans, it's very cool!

    [inkihandmade.blogspot.com]
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  3. How did you get into my cabinet? Great blog!

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  4. I know Owen Jones personally. But looking at the date of the book and the content I may just have a different guy.

    Love the cupboard. Your pictures are great also!!!!! Good on you for taking that pic of your cupboard. Someone should have. It's lovely.

    Angela H xx

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  5. Who would've thought the cupboard would make a great picture? I might try that with mine!

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  6. Haha yep, our kitchen cupboard looks like that too.

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  7. I love old pattern books for that same reason. The language is different but they had such a great handle on design. Very cool shot. It's funny how we sometimes come across those perfect shots in life. That's why I bought a cheap camera to keep in my car, just in case.

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  8. Love it! I have a few that look like that too! And the pan I want is always on the bottom :)

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  9. heehee.. i have cupboards AND drawers like that! it is a delicate balancing act.

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