I stumbled across this Hong Kong apartment on an architecture site I look at… Architect Gary Chang has transformed his families 32sqm tiny former home into an uber statement on efficent use of space. Amazing concept and finish - but somehow it still feels small. Watch the video here.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend a very good friend’s wedding in Trani, Italy. It was an amazing experience – like something out of an Italian movie (see the pic below). The wedding venue, and where I stayed for 4 days, was the Mare Resort in the centre of the old town. The Mare is a converted Palazzo with just 13 rooms, so by virtue of being one of those lucky few, I felt like an Italian aristocrat – I really tried to dress the part. The hotel was created by the people behind the Italian homewares brand Culti – one of my absolute favorites (think SunnyLIFE meets Armani Casa). I can highly recommend the hotel – and if you do get there, make sure you send my regards to Gaia… Quite possibly the happiest and nicest person I’ve ever encountered working in a hotel. For Culti visit www.culti.it  and for the hotel visit www.mareresort.it.

Oh – and big congratulations to Jess & Sabino.

It’s mid-July – which at SunnyLIFE means that summer has arrived, or more specifically our summer collection is being launched. The launch is the culmination of many months of work by so many people – it’s a big moment for us so you’ll have to indulge me a little.

I’m incredibly proud of the new range – it is truly the execution of our founding vision to furnish a complete sunny lifestyle. Early on, we identified the blurring of the distinction between living and entertaining indoors and out. Walls are literally coming down between living rooms and alfresco entertaining areas and SunnyLIFE is right there providing all the elements to complete that space.

I’ll blog about the this year’s categories individually (far be it from me to gush) – but our re-categorization will help convey how our offer is expanding. Beach – our original category, Kitchen & Dining, Living, Outdoor Living and Bathroom all include products that will help make your space and life more sunny.

The image I’ve posted is my favourite shot (from our photo shoot in May) – our cushions and acrylic champagne glass look so chic and LA. Phillipa, our model, looked very chic too.

Enjoy looking at the new collection online – it will be in store from next month.

Happy Summer,

Joel.

I’m sorry that my posts dried up - my attentions were elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care about the blog… I do. The good news is that I’m back - and I have a secret weapon up my sleeve that means the blog will never again be unloved.

Stay tuned. JB.

Hi there Sunny People, I just got back to town after a week in Byron Bay. Some intensive beach research took place and I can report that Byron Bay has been added to my favourites’ list.

The reason I started SunnyLIFE in the first place was because I love the beach – and my love affair continues after the recent break. Wide open beaches, warm ocean waters, stunning trees – these things encourage and enforce relaxation. I don’t recall being as relaxed in a very long time. It also gave me a good chance to road-test some SunnyLIFE products… good news is that our towels work perfectly. 

Byron Bay is famous for its laid-back vibe – a charming antidote to city-life. After a couple of days in the sunshine – I found myself overcome with “Byron Brain”, which in my case, hampered my ability to process anything beyond the simplest concepts. It meant that making the most basic of decisions (e.g. Pool or Beach), became incredibly challenging. Apparently ignorance really is bliss.

As is often the case on holiday’s – food is a central feature – this was certainly the case for us. The restaurants in Byron Bay were sensational – 2 that spring to mind, and if you get the chance you shouldn’t miss, are Byron Beach Café and Rae’s at Wategos.

Hopefully I’ll get back up there very soon!

Joel.

I hope that your 2009 has been healthy, successful and sun-filled. As the calendar year ends, the SunnyLIFE office winds down and everyone heads to the beach for some R & R. However you spend your Xmas/New Year, enjoy the break, the sunshine and the good times. Wishing you more of the same in 2010.

Find below some shots from the SunnyLIFE Xmas Party last week. What a fabulous group and what a fabulous time!

Sam, Nick & Sarah.

Lu & Cam.

Kelly, Ross & Caitlin.

Kneeling Dave, Merin & Cova.

Dan, Georgia & Allan.

Joel & Paul (no matching outfits this year).  

As mentioned, we’ve been working on our ranges for next year. We are creating the 7^th season of SunnyLIFE! Where does the time go? As is always the case, our aim is to evolve our designs and our product mix. Next year, we’ll be adding a lot of categories and products to our home décor offer – which is very exciting as we continue to expand our SunnyLIFE.

I’ll be blogging more regularly till Xmas… I promise! Happy Summer for December 1.

As mentioned, I’ve added a new element to the blog called “things I like”, but perhaps I should change it to “things I love”, after my stay in London. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a great hotel experience where style, rooms, service and location all beautifully aligning. The Haymarket Hotel is at the centre of everything London – 1 minute from Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, we had the entire city at our disposal. Soho, Regent & Oxford Streets, Covent Garden, Mayfair etc. etc – everything was in walking distance.

The Hotel was created by Kit & Tim Kemp as part of their Firmdale Group. Kit Kemp is a renowned interior designer – and has amazing style which results in even the most eclectic items looking fantastic together. A key element to achieve that eclectic cohesion is the use of symmetry. See a photo of the beautiful ballroom below which reflects that.

For better photos or more info, check out the website here.

I got back from my European trip yesterday and just wanted to say hi to the blog readership. I always have the intention of updating from the road, but I forget how busy the trips always are. There really was never a spare moment - ok, perhaps a few on the beach in Tel Aviv last week. I did use those for some intensive ideas conception.

I’ll update with some stories from the travels, but in the meantime - here are some pics to set the ball rolling.

The fair is held near Charles De Gaulle Airport - so these illustrations were my first glimpse of beautiful Paris.

I got to catch up with the lovely Annie, from Outdoors on Parade in Adelaide, at the fair.

My office…