#simone snaith

[goodbyeolepaint]

Do you need a new book to read? Have you been daydreaming lately about fantasy worlds, adventure, a little romance, and a lot of magic? Well, you're in luck! Because THE QUAVERING AIR paperback is available now on Amazon. 😁🎉

"Life thrilled Renna the way it only did when she was in Umbra Combat: cloaked in the shadow generated by her cloak, her staff spinning like a branch caught in a maelstrom.

The situation might be dire, but here was also an adventure—one that had taken her away from her troubles back home."

[brokenwheelbooks]

The first Broken Wheel Books title is coming soon!

All that divides Span from its dark sister world, Avid, are two extraordinary clocks set an hour apart by the wise founders known as The Appon. When a mysterious shapeshifter alters their settings, Avid’s beasts start slipping through rifts in the air, wreaking havoc on the many species of Span. Despite her insecurities and fresh heartbreak, the young human Renna answers the Appon’s summons to join the champions chosen to save their land from destruction. On a journey riddled with attacks from otherworldly creatures, the motley crew must put aside their prejudices and dark suspicions . . . because they dare not abandon the mission.

[the-book-ferret]

Emeline’s quiet village has three important rules: Don’t look at the shadows. Don’t cross the river. And don’t enter the forest.

[theboisebeat]

'Silencio' Intrigues But Stumbles Over Its Magic Stone

‘Silencio’ Intrigues But Stumbles Over Its Magic Stone

“Silencio,” written and directed by Lorena Villarreal, is a film about the consequences of altering the past, unique in that the main character’s very existence is due to such an alteration. Ana (Melina Matthews) is a single mother and a psychiatrist in Mexico whose British parents and sister died in a car crash in the Zone of…

[misskaao]

Simone Snaith: Interview

Simone Snaith has a lot of books written and they are wonderful (I have written reviews on them all: Faireville Woods Series, The Indigo Stone, and Into the Drawing).

All of the books can be found at Amazon and I recommend buying them if you have not already.

**I was really happy and excited that Ms. Snaith had taken me up on answering a few questions for the blog. They are wonderful responses, and I want to thank her for taking time out to do so.

                                         Q & A

You have written a few books, one being a companion series (From the Ashes and Through the Eyes: Faireville Woods) and the rest standalones. Which are your favorites to do; series or one book a piece?

I prefer both writing and reading stand-alone books, most of the time. I like the idea of leaving the reader to imagine his/her own version of what else might happen in that particular fictional world. And I like having that freedom myself after finishing reading a book. There are some exceptions though; I eagerly read all of A Song of Ice and Fire and the Harry Potter books.

If I recall, there is not many/if any love triangles in your books. Do you hate them/love them or consider them unnecessary?

I absolutely hate love triangles! I think they are widely overused as a plot device and also, they’re not even very realistic. I’ve never been in love with two people at the same time, and neither has any of my close friends or family members...

Do you have a favorite book that you wrote?

I think my favorite is “The Indigo Stone.” I love a good, fish-out-of-water adventure story with a romantic subplot, and I feel like I achieved that with that novel. “In The Drawing” is the most personal, however; Genevieve is loosely based on a younger version of myself.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? What made you love that character?

It might be a tie between Eine from “The Indigo Stone” - because she is a tough survivor, but in a matter-of-fact, unshowy way – and Lundy from “From The Ashes,” for her kind heart, and her love of books and music.

How did you come up with the idea for your books?

They often spring from images that pop up in my head, or just scraps of ideas. “From The Ashes” was a very old story idea of mine, but one of the first images I had was of Harlan in Lundy’s window. I had a dream about the spinning contraption that Eine is strapped into by Indigo, and “In The Drawing” definitely started out as just the idea of vines growing over a building overnight.

Can you give us a hint to what we should be expecting in your next book?

“Between The Water & The Woods” is scheduled to be published by Holiday House in the spring! It’s a YA Fantasy that involves monsters, magic, and machines. 😉

Where do you like to write?

I usually write at my desk at home, but I also write on my Kindle Fire when I’m out and about.

Do you decide character traits before you sit down to write the book, or as you go along?

There are usually some that I know beforehand, but others that develop as I go. That’s one of the exciting parts for me.

If you could give a young writer any tip, what would it be?

Keep going until you finish the first draft, and THEN go back and edit. Don’t keep stopping and second-guessing things. A lot of the writers I know have trouble finishing even that first draft.

If you weren’t writing, what would you want to be doing for a living? What are some of your other passions in life?

My other passion is music, so I would be focusing more on that if I wasn’t also a writer. I currently sing and write songs in a band that plays locally in L.A.

What do you love about being an indie author?

I love the fact that many indie publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts! While literary agents are obviously amazing, they are also gatekeepers, in a sense. If you can’t find one who is excited about your current book, then you’re stuck, because the major publishers will only accept submissions through them. With my self-published books, I liked having control over the book cover and design, and also receiving the sales notifications directly in my inbox.  

What is the oddest thing you’ve found yourself researching for your books (if any)?

The most recent (unpublished) novel that I wrote is about a girl whose parents work in the space program, and who starts dreaming that aliens are contacting her. So I went on a tour of the Jet Propulsion Lab here in L.A., read about the Cassini spacecraft and Mars Rover online, and talked to a family friend who works for NASA! I had to figure out how my main character and her friend could do something technically minor that would alter her parents’ spacecraft mission.

Any tidbits you wish to share for inspiring or other indie authors?

If you truly love writing, then keep pursuing it forever and ever. There are many routes to publishing now and you can keep trying them all.

                                RANDOM Q & A

Which would you pick- (fame, money, happiness, or easy inspiration)?

Happiness, which would give me plenty of inspiration!

How many drafts from first to final?

For myself, usually only 2 or 3, but their have already been more than that for “Between The Water & The Woods.” I’m still in the editing stage with Holiday House.

Do you fit any author stereotypes (Cat owner? Coffee/tea Addict? Messy handwriting? Recluse? Late night writer? OCD spelling/grammer (i.e. hate others who don’t use it properly or even yourself)?

Haha, I fit all of those except for “recluse” and “late night writer!” I prefer to write in the morning, although I certainly don’t get up early, and I do like to get out often. I have a 21-year-old cat who is my true love, and I’m definitely a coffee addict and spelling/grammer Nazi. My handwriting only gets worse as I get older...

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Probably when people are unjustifiably rude. I work in retail, so I see this often, unfortunately. I’m a stickler for basic manners.

What is one thing you love and could not live without?

Rock ‘n roll. <3

****Those answers are wonderful, amazing and the tidbits for writers is a must read! Always helpful to add insight for others. I love the NASA information and I bet it was really cool to do. Manners are a must for me as well, sad to think we are losing some of that. I don't know about you readers, but I'm going to be checking out Ms. Snaith's music now and reviewing it up. Love that she writes music as well!

[whimsiesofanerdgirl]

March 2019 | New YA Book Releases

MARCH 2019 BOOK RELEASES

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Ashley Holdren | *Whimsies of a Nerd Girl ~ Fantasy Book Blogger's favorite books »

Share book reviews and ratings with Ashley Holdren, and even join a book club on Goodreads.

[joanarmatradings]

9. Best Dance/Electronic Recording (Dance/Electronic Music)

For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.

Hero

Afrojack & David Guetta

Afrojack, David Guetta, Kuk Harrell & Stargate, producers; Elio Debets, mixer

Loom

Ólafur Arnalds Featuring Bonobo

Ólafur Arnalds & Simon Green, producers; Ólafur Arnalds, mixer

Before

James Blake

James Blake & Dom Maker, producers; James Blake, mixer

Heartbreak

Bonobo & Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Simon Green & Orlando Higginbottom, producers; Simon Green & Orlando Higginbottom, mixers

You Can Do It

Caribou

Dan Snaith, producer; David Wrench, mixer

Alive

Rüfüs Du Sol

Jason Evigan & Rüfüs Du Sol, producers; Cassian Stewart-Kasimba, mixer

The Business

Tiësto

Hightower, Julia Karlsson & Tiësto, producers; Tiësto, mixer

[queer-ragnelle]

Tagged by @pendraegon for my 2022 to-be-read list. :^)

The Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Between the Water & the Woods by Simone Snaith

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett

Yours Cruelly, Elvira by Cassandra Peterson

The Liveship Traders Trilogy by Robin Hobb

The Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb

The Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin

[quoththemaven]

My Favoritest: 2020 Muzaks

Truly great year!* Where would we be without such a wealth of inspired music that dropped this year? 

A: Stuck at home.

RIM SHOT

Truly a most excellent year for tunes, praise be to all the musicians and creatives in 2020, a true bridge over Simon & Garfunkel's waters. Here's to remembering 2020 as the year of the Phoebe Bridgers takeover as much as anything else: 

Song of the Year

"I Know the End" / Phoebe Bridgers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ9-xN6dCW4 Bop of the Year

“We Go On" / Avalanches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En3SmG86Q7k&list=PLfiMjLyNWxeYiTmYmJt-3WSWgxv0j8zx6&index=11 On to the LPs!

1. Punisher / Phoebe Bridgers - That "I Know The End" caterwaul: chills 24/7/365. 

2. Fetch the Bolt Cutters / Fiona Apple - Yes, queen.

2.5 Untitled (Black is); Untitled (Rise) / Sault - Late to the party, thus the 2.5, both stunners from listen numero uno. 3. RTJ4 /  Run the Jewels - RTJ = Greatest Of Last Decade aka GOLD. 4. Live Forever / Bartees Strange - Joins Young Fathers as most-sounds-like-TV-on-the-Radio, my highest compliment possible. 5. Suddenly / Caribou - Know how music writers postulate how four consecutive perfect albums = the rarest of airs? This album seals that deal for Dan Snaith. 6. The Ascension / Sufjan Stevens - Gimme the stage show w/ all its neon weirdness stat. 7. Making a Door Less Open / Car Seat Headrest - If the future of indie rock is Phoebe Bridgers and Will Toledo 8. The Slow Rush / Tame Impala - Their first album that really sings to me top-to-bottom. This + Caribou = best video gaming music of the year. 

9. Every Bad / Porridge Radio - Porridge? More like all the best indie rock ingredients of the last 30 years HELLO! 10. We Will Always Love You / The Avalanches - My xmas present to myself was a party lights contraption that beams laser stars and trippy colors all over my apartment and woo boy lemme tell ya it loops well w/ these bops. 

11. Tenet OST / Ludwig Göransson - Whatever the modern day equivalent of that peak Kanye/Bon Iver collab is, it's gotta feature Ludwig Göransson and some combination of Sharon Van Etten, St Vincent and(!)/or Phoebe Bridgers. 

12. Saint Cloud / Waxahatchee - Add Waxahatchee to that collab list. 13. Beyond the Pale / JARV IS - JARVIS COCKER 4 PRESIDENT

14. Coriky / Coriky - IAN MACKAYE 4 PRESIDENT

15. Heavy Light / U.S. Girls - MEGHAN REMY 4 PRESIDENT

16. Set My Heart on Fire Immediately / Perfume Genius - Had never listened to him much but some terrific party-light-worthy-jams. Wow he's 40 and from Iowa! I am only just now googling him, honestly thought he was in his 20s and British. Worthwhiles:

By the Fire / Thurston Moore

Empty Country / Empty Country

Folklore / Taylor Swift (whispers: first album I've heard by her too, proof positive you just gotta get some of those National MFers to work on your album and VOILA HERE IS MOI)

Free Love / Sylvan Esso

Future Teenage Cave Artists / Deerhoof

græ / Moses Sumney

Have We Met / Destroyer

Idiot Prayer / Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Live Drugs / The War on Drugs

Shore / Fleet Foxes

Shiver / Jonsi

Sign o' the Times (Super Deluxe Reissue) / Prince

Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez / Gorillaz

The Loves of Your Life / Hamilton Leithauser

The New Abnormal / The Strokes

Thin Mind / Wolf Parade

What to Look for in Summer / Belle & Sebastian

Women in Music Part III / Haim

*for music

[thebolg]

Suddenly by Caribou

8.3 - I initially resisted being taken in by this super pleasant collection of electro-pop singles that grow from isolation to celebration to bliss, and then i submitted and now i think i’m dead. -Jt

8.2 - Mr Snaith’s voice is more front and center on a lot of these songs, which give them a more “songy” feel instead of the more loop-based compositions he’s known for, but these vocals still lay atop a bed of colorful, loopy, house-ridden beats that show how much he’s finely tuned his craft. -b

7.4 - My musical weakness is smooth grooves mixed with piano and old melodies so this should have hit me for maximum damage but coming off the peak of Fiona Apple’s recent release created a strong ward preventing higher marks. - Tj

6 - This is when you’re headed into the coffee shop to hunker down for the day but you forgot your headphones and you’re praying for a good soundtrack but then it starts and WEAK SAUCE so you resign to your work but then find yourself doing involuntary shoulder shimmies and ribcage isolations during the weird swan dives into house territory and you feel both disappointed in yourself and invigorated. - Lola

6.4 - I envision Simon and Garfunkel starring the movie The 5th Element blending lyrical purity and sincerity with technology and futurism. - ty

6 - Enough head bopping and vibrant moments to go around, but too often lost between aimless vocals and synthetic filler - mjs

[goodbyeolepaint]

“ 07/22/2019

BETWEEN THE WATER AND THE WOODS WITH SIMONE SNAITH AND SARA KIPIN

7:30 p.m.The Last Bookstore is pleased to present Simone Snaith and @sarakipin and their new book, Between the Water and the Woods. Join us to learn more about this world steeped in incredible fantastical detail, adventure, and magic...”

http://lastbookstorela.com/events/between-the-water-and-the-woods-with-simone-snaith-and-sara-kipin/

[internalisecarlohomedecor]

Home tour: this home was designed by the owner and architect Simon Knott. In every corner you see the touch of Simon Knott and his wife, Tai Snaith. (via tdf)

[ntlibrary]

Happy Friday!  If you’re not sure what you want to read, we have some suggestions:

Between the Water and the Woods ~by Simone Snaith; Illus. Sara Kipin: After Emeline’s brother awakens the Ithin, she must journey to warn the king, assuming she survives the journey and a capital where her magic is outlawed.  Unique, with gorgeous illustrations that leave us questioning why all YA isn’t illustrated.

Riverdale: The Day Before ~by Micol Ostow:  What happened before Jason went missing?  This prequel to Riverdale will help fill the time before a new season starts.  Haven’t watched the show?  Start here, then get ready to be sucked in.

Skyward ~by Brandon Sanderson: Spensa has always dreamed of being a pilot, but she knows that she’s not likely going to be accepted for school—her pilot father was best known for deserting his team, then being killed.  But then she finds something in a cave…Sanderson always hits it out of the park, and this sci-fi series start is no exception.

The Weight of a Thousand Feathers ~by Brian Conaghan: Bobby’s busy. He’s taking care of his terminally ill mother, who has asked him to help her end her life, protecting his little brother, and dealing with a girl friend who wants to become his girlfriend.  A support group might help, but how much.  This Scottish import isn’t a light read, but it is one that will stay with you.  Just have some tissues handy.

[alexcastillo2000]

Tendencias de ilustración 2020

Ya estamos a mitad del año pero todos podemos reconocer que existen circunstancias extraordinarias. Algunas industrias están paralizadas, otras están en velocidad 2x y la ilustración (un nómada cuya inestabilidad siempre criticamos) de pronto es un recurso flexible que puede cambiar con los tiempos.

Para algunos ilustradores cuyo trabajo es más autoral, estar al tanto de las tendencias en ilustración puede parecer innecesario. En mi caso, ya que mi trabajo no es comercial, me es indiferente lo que se ponga de moda, ya que no me afecta. Pero esta forma de pensar es bastante limitada, y después de investigar un poco, encontré que las tendencias no son “cosas que se ponen de moda”, sino movimientos de la comunidad por mejorarse y explorar juntos. Por eso, en esta nota te cuento algunas tendencias en ilustración 2020 para conocer cómo mejorar tus ilustraciones manteniendo tu autenticidad.

Gente pequeña habita esta web

Está de más decir que la ilustración para UI es una de esas industrias atemporales cuya demanda actual ha crecido agresivamente. No sólo los modelos digitales necesitan una buena web, ahora todo negocio necesita un portal funcional y accesible.

La ilustración puede hacer mucho por tu web: no sólo es más personal, es didáctica. Especialmente la ilustración de personajes, creando la ilusión de que tu web es potenciada y mantenida por pequeños habitantes (que muchas veces reflejan al mismo usuario) ha sido una de las estrategias más inteligentes para clientes y diseñadores.

Este ejemplo es de hace algunos años pero todavía creo que es el caso más impactante que he visto. La tipología Myers Briggs es un estudio complejo y de mucha profundidad, pero muchos podemos manejarla hasta cierto nivel con la mínima inversión de tiempo, gracias a la web ilustrada 16personalities. El trabajo de arquetipos ilustrados es tan maravilloso que ha impactado directamente sobre el consumo de este estudio psicológico y lo ha vuelto accesible para cualquier persona que desee introducirse en él.

Arquetipos diplomáticos como personajes reconocibles.

Un ejemplo más reciente, Notion, es una herramienta con tanta flexibilidad y una precisión tan clínica, que ciertamente resulta sobrecogedora inicialmente, incluso para un nativo digital. Sin embargo, su uso de personajes ilustrados hacen una gran diferencia al navegar la web y la app.

Probablemente, Notion tenga más de 1000 formas de usarse, pero finalmente es una herramienta para el uso humano. El equipo ilustrado te lo recuerda y te invita a seguir investigando para qué más puedan usar Notion.

El equipo de trabajo de Notion representado las funciones macro.

La borrosa línea entre ilustración y modelado 3D

No todos los ilustradores son modeladores de 3d, pero ¿todos los modeladores son ilustradores? Probablemente. Un modelo 3d empieza por un boceto a lápiz. Especialmente cuando esculpes personajes, el conocimiento de dibujo es imprescindible, y será clave en el carisma de tu trabajo. El modelado y la iluminación 3d no sólo tiene su objetivo en la animación. La ilustración con modelos 3d cada día tiene más promesa.

En Crehana tenemos un enorme catálogo de cursos y profesores representantes de esta movida. Cabeza Patata, por ejemplo, es un dúo creativo cuyo estilo único ha contribuido a esta En su curso “Creación de personajes con Cinema 4D y Marvelous Designer” nos enseñan su proceso para crear personajes 3d graciosos, llenos de curiosidad y movimiento.

Puedes ver más de esta serie de ilustraciones y su proceso creativo aquí.

Acoge tus orígenes rechazados

La mayoría de ilustradores empiezan copiando los estilos gráficos de sus series animadas favoritas. Luego, algún profesor de dibujo te convence de abandonarlo porque “debes comenzar a buscar tu propio estilo para tener más valor como artista”. La intención de esta idea es buena, pero no significa que sea válida. Todo lo que dibujamos tiene nuestro estilo encima, no somos máquinas fotocopiadoras. La influencia de una escuela como el manga o el debatido estilo “CalArts” es una base maravillosa sobre la cual, con los años, puedes construir algo propio.

Precisamente esto están practicando muchos artistas. El día de hoy podemos trabajar comercialmente con un portafolio influenciado por el manga, por ejemplo. La artista de cómic Babs Tarr revolucionó DC aportando su influencia manga a personajes icónicos como Batgirl. Cada vez es más común encontrar libros de ficción ilustrados de esta forma. El trabajo de Sara Kipin para el libro de Simone Snaith “Between the water and the woods” es un excelente ejemplo.

Portada de Batgirl of Burnside #50, DC Comics.

Representación no normativa: Ya era hora

No tenemos control sobre los cuerpos que nos enseñan los medios, pero sí sobre los que escogemos dibujar. La ilustración de cuerpos musculosos, voluptuosos y estilizados como los héroes de cómics, las chicas pinups o las figuras alargadas de los 90 todavía son válidas.

El dibujo, al final, es una expresión escapista y fetichista. Pero debemos hacer lugar para los cuerpos no normativos: las figuras diversas, que nos enseñan la belleza de la asimetría, y finalmente nos reflejan a nosotros mismos.

Si piensas que la ilustración no es un lugar para protestar o tomar una posición política, estás equivocado. El poder de normalización que tienen las imágenes que producimos y consumimos es enorme. Elegir no usar este poder ya es una posición política, y una muy irresponsable.

Esta tendencia en ilustración del año 2020 está bastante demorada. Los cuerpos no normativos no existen hace poco, pero por mucho tiempo decidimos pretender que no estábamos aquí.

Trabajo personal de Luis Gadea, profesor de “Dibujo a lápiz de cero a experto”.

El lobo es piel de oveja: ilustración digital como tradicional

El dibujo tradicional es considerado una técnica de gran maestría y una actividad terapéutica. El acabado tradicional simplemente es más accesible para todos: no todas las personas han utilizado una wacom, pero sí un lápiz y algunos colores. Es más empático.

Por otro lado, la técnica digital tiene un gran peligro: la sobreoferta de recursos. Si tenemos todas las herramientas y colores en un solo dispositivo, el elegir estratégicamente de pronto es mucho más difícil. Por estas razones y muchas otras, emular una técnica tradicional con medios digitales es una jugada brillante.

La practicidad de un Ipad con la organicidad de una textura tradicional es la combinación ganadora de la ilustración contemporánea. Todos los softwares: Procreate, Photoshop, Paint Tool Sai, Clip Studio Paint, ¡todos! nos ofrecen pinceles, plugins y funciones que cada vez imitan las texturas y comportamientos de nuestras herramientas digitales, pero lograrlo también requiere de nuestras habilidades: ¡a practicar se ha dicho! Sin duda, será una tendencia de ilustración 2020.

Viñetas de Frannerd, quien utiliza Procreate para imitar su propia producción tradicional.

Más que una tendencia: la intención narrativa

Finalmente, quiero terminar con esto que no es una tendencia, porque no es algo que perderá vigencia nunca: la intención narrativa. Una ilustración debe contar una historia: la historia del consumidor de un producto, la historia del crecimiento del personaje, la historia de la emoción detrás del insight.

Desde el diseño de personaje, hasta la composición de los elementos y la elección de colores, todo lo que hacemos en una ilustración debe contar una historia. No necesariamente quien vea la ilustración entenderá la historia, pero sí percibirá la idea. Este es el secreto de una ilustración que comunica: la historia. Toda decisión estética tiene esta intención, así que tengámoslo en cuenta para crear imágenes que resuenen en el 2020 y por mucho después.

Ilustración final de mi curso “Ilustración para no ilustradores”, donde explico cómo aportar una historia a un dibujo.

Por supuesto, existen muchas más tendencias de ilustración en el año, lo puedes comprobar con una rápida búsqueda. Sin embargo, estas me parecieron una buena selección para potenciar tu trabajo sin encasillarlo demasiado.

Te recomiendo estar atento al cambio y no tener miedo de intentar algo nuevo, esta es la forma mágica de crecer y mantener una relación magnética con tu trabajo. Escrito por  Antonella Morelli de Creahana 

 https://www.crehana.com/ec/blog/diseno-grafico/tendencias-ilustracion-2020/

[misskaao]

In The Drawing (Review)

So I have been MIA for a while now, no excuses. The only thing I’d say is that life took over that did not allow me to write as I once loved to do. While I don’t see me as 100% back, I did however finish a book that I wanted to write about. 

When I heard that Simone Snaith was writing and putting another book out, as soon as I could snatch it; I did. Purchased it right then and there and promised a review. I read it, it took me a bit longer to get through than her others, and then even longer to get my butt in a chair to write this up. 

While it was way different then her other pieces of work that she has done (write up here and here), it was by no means not a fantastic piece of work. I loved seeing Simone’s heart and soul being poured into this one, with the same amount of eloquence her other books possess. This one, while still fantasy oriented and a bit of romance thrown in, it struck a different chord; it made you truly think and feel.

The story is about a young, introverted girl named Genevieve, whom never felt quite right in her own skin. Her best friend, Claudia, and adoptive parents try to help her the best way they can (and a few others). What I love about this story, is that not everyone can help, which rings true in most cases. While those around her do help, and the hunky, and lovable cop Elliot does not hurt her; it inevitably comes down to her. There is something incredibly inspiring about becoming who you are meant to be without being pushed, pulled and prodded to be something you are not. She is accepted for her nature, and not thrown to be happy always; she is who she is. Of course there are some mystical elements to her that truly help her realize everything about her, but the Easter Eggs along the way truly make this book worth reading. The Doctor Who mention, albeit brief, was awesome too.

A great read that I enjoyed. 

Want to see my take on the characters? Head on over to my blog as it not letting me post it here at the time being. 

[jeremystrele]

Make Your Dining Area The Heart Of Your Home

Make Your Dining Area The Heart Of Your Home

Interiors

Lauren Li

A successful family dining room within a larger open-plan space, in the Northcote home of Tai Snaith and family. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

The dining room has been neglected in residential architecture for many years. The old fashioned formal dining room, with a door off the hallway and a table in the centre is a relic of dinner parties gone by. Today, if you’re lucky enough to have a separate dining room, it is more often used as a home office situation!  Removed from the action of the kitchen, and the view of the TV, no one is interested in spending time there.

This got me thinking, do we need dining rooms more than ever? After all, how luxurious to have a room dedicated to nothing more than sitting around a table breaking bread with loved ones. No TV, no phones, no view of dirty dishes and no noisy distractions. Imagine a room to talk to one another every day for breakfast and dinner. Or if you like to entertain, a room with a table crowded by noisy friends where the wine pours freely beside the flickering of candlelight. Alas, I’m aware I’m probably on my own here – I can’t see the open-plan trend slowing down any time soon…

Often houses built today incorporate a dining area within a large open-plan space that includes the kitchen, living, often merging into an outdoor living area. In this context, it’s up to the homeowner to carve out a ‘dining room’ within a larger, multi-functional space.

This can be a lot to ask, and makes the furniture and lighting selection and placement extremely important, to really create a ‘room within a room’. It can be difficult to create a cosy and welcoming feeling in these open plan spaces – that’s where good interior design, decoration and styling comes in!

At the other end of the spectrum, a dining area is the first to be deleted in cookie-cutter apartment developments. With space at a premium, once the sofa and TV go in, there is often no space left for a dining table and chairs. The developers of these apartment buildings are really  impacting the way the inhabitants live. Without space for a dining table, they are suggesting that one is to sit on the sofa facing the TV at mealtimes, or simply vacate their home to find dinner at nearby restaurants.

But all hope is not lost…

Even the most compact of spaces can incorporate an intimate dining experience. A cleverly designed fold-away table means that there is still an opportunity to sit together at a table, and not just sit on the sofa, as seen in the tiny cottage of Josh, Jenna and Freddie Densten. Artwork by Samantha Totty. Stools by Fred International painted a custom apricot. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design  Files.

The table is pushed against a built-in bench seat to maximize the space in the chic, compact apartment of Sean Fennessy and Jess Lillico. Ceramic face by Louise Kyriakou from Modern Times. Painting by Neil Tomkins. Sculpture by Sanné Mestrom. Tulip dining table by Eero Saarinen. Restored Cesca-style chairs. Pendant by Laal. Herringbone floors by Storey. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Absolute comfort and elegance in this dining area by Robson Rak. Again, space is used efficiently with a combination of in-built seating and dining chairs. Paintings by Sean Meilak and Heidi Yardley in the kitchen/living area. Styling – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

There is something totally inviting about booth seating. Doherty Design takes in-built seating to a new sophisticated new level in this renovated farmhouse in Beechworth, Victoria. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Function

One way to create a dining area in a compact space is to use built-in furniture. It’s space efficient because a built-in table and bench seat can be made to suit the exact dimensions of the space. Even a freestanding bench against a wall and a dedicated lamp over the table will give you more space, and a similar feel if you’re renting.

Think of the dining area as a space to engage the senses. Whether it’s a table for one, or a homework station for the family, the dining area should be a well lit, comfy and inviting space to spend time.

Soft upholstered chairs look inviting around this rustic dining setting, framed with an eclectic collection of PET lights overhead, in the former home of Chris and Arabella Wilson. Table by Mark Tuckey, retro tulip lamps from 1stDibs, Aga stove from Aga Australia, and PET lamps. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

  Tonal textures in this Brunswick home are layered in this cleverly designed space, to create a comfortable dining area which is a real focal point of the house. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

This dining area, belonging to artist Miranda Skoczek tells me that time spent here is going to be fun! Photo – Caitlin Mills. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

  Comfort

A few practical ideas can help make the dining experience easier and more pleasurable. The chairs should be comfortable to sit in for a while, and the dining table is a piece worth investing in. These are pieces of furniture that we touch and interact with on a daily basis for many years, so we want them to last.

A handmade table by one of the many brilliant Australian makers (get lots of great ideas from 11 local craftspeople here!) only gets better over time. A timber table top that tells a story of family life through its dints and scratches becomes something worth treasuring.

The types of chairs we sit on should be comfortable, practical, look good, last for years and fit within our budget. Consider upholstered, timber or polypropylene (plastic), or even a bench seat.

Mixing up different types of chairs adds character and personality to a space and there are basically two different ways to do this; every chair is different for an eclectic mix, or only the chairs at the end of the table are different. Don’t aim for perfection (the ‘right’ dinnerware, artwork perfectly hung and colour matched, cushions plumped and lined up in a row) rather aim for a space that feels relaxed, functions well and invites you in to stay a while.

In an open plan space with high ceilings the noise levels can get out of hand. A floor rug under the table has soften noise considerably. Also try fixing some acoustic paneling such as Echo Panel to the underside of the dining table. Sisalla Barn House. Photo – Tess Kelly.

  Although the dining table is technically part of the kitchen, it doesn’t feel like it. In her home, Annie Portelli has created a distinct dining room with the pendant light overhead, and a rug under the table which helps acoustically. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli. 

Sound

When we’re sitting down for a meal, whether it be breakfast or dinner, think about sound. If it’s an open-plan layout with noise from the dishwasher, exhaust fan and cooking in the kitchen, consider using soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains or a floor rug as an acoustic buffer.

Turn the TV off and play some tunes instead!

We love the materials palette and decorative flourishes in James Tutton’s former Coburg home. Though grand in scale, the use of a soft palette, overhead pendant lighting and artwork makes this space feel welcoming and relaxed. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kara Rosenlund‘s dining area feels personal and inviting, with the table surrounded by treasured collections. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

A moody dining experience surrounded with wine, in the spectacular home of Bear Agushi in Armadale, designed by Workroom, with interior decoration and styling by Simone Haag. Does it get much better? Photo – Derek Swalwell.

The dining space in the Northcote home of Tai Snaith and family. Keeping books at hand in the dining area is not only practical, but looks so inviting. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sight

A dining table is one of the largest surfaces in most homes, so it’s an opportunity for displaying your most loved pieces. Arrange a collection of vases or objects on your table, even a simple bunch of flowers in a sweet vase makes the everyday dining experience a little bit brighter.

Alongside the table, if space permits, consider bookshelves or a buffet to display treasured artwork, books, flatware or even a wine collection. Maybe there is room for a glamorous bar that illuminates when opened up!

Another great way to create a lovely atmosphere in a dining space is with lighting. A pendant light over the table instantly creates a clear zone for dining, particularly in an open plan area. Find some spectacular examples below.

Lighting selection isn’t always just about practicality, it can also be something adds real wow-factor to space. In the home of Penelope Cohen, the Creative Director of Skin and Threads, interior designer Simone Haag used dramatic overhead lighting as a focal point, with this amazing pendant from Delightfull. Photo – Mark Roper.

An oversized paper pendant lamp is a wonderful addition to the open plan living area in this Warrandyte home. La Calma leather sling chairs by Plutonic, and Akari light sculpture overhead. Photo – Eve Wilson.

The grand dining space in the home of Bear Agushi in Armadale, designed by Workroom, with interior decoration and styling by Simone Haag. Cab chairs Cassina from Space Furniture, and Giffin Design pendant lights. Wind chime by Agustina Bottoni. Artwork ‘Riven’ by Ian Rayer Smith, purchased from Otomys Gallery. Marble table sourced by Simone from Italy.  Photo – Derek Swalwell. Styling – Simone Haag.