PHOTO BLOG

X Marks The Spot

2012-05-25T15:30:30Z

We just discovered a great online shop called Significant Others. The store is carefully curated by designer Suzy Tuxen of A Friend Of Mine and craftsman Ryan Ward of United Measures. Each item is chosen for its hand crafted technique. Basically, every item that they carry is a labour of love.

One of our favorite items from the shop is the Reclaimed Timber Series. The pieces are made to order with a choice of designs from their plywood alphabet and picture range. We love the geometric design on the one above!

We're on Pinterest!

2012-05-24T15:14:11Z

Did you know that Standard is now on Pinterest? We've finally jumped on the bandwagon and are now fully obsessed with pinning until our little hearts are content. We've got some great boards going, including one that is serving as inspiration for our new office...

Take a look fellow Pinners (and follow us while you're at it!)

Thinking Outside the Xbox: Eco-House Renovations Giveaway!

2012-05-23T15:52:06Z

We writers, editors and interns at Standard are a bunch of hippies, man. Or at least you might think that, given our recent habit of giving things away for free. It's all about peace, love and understanding, right?

ANYWAY, to continue the trend, I'll be giving away the recently published Eco-house Renovations: 45 Green Home Conversions. All 45 green and groovy homes were converted to be significantly more energy efficient, while retaining and even building upon their innate charm. Some changes were dramatic, like the above Lake Austin home, renovated by local architectural firm Bercy Chen. But most changes, barring an added solar panel or five, are nearly invisible: proof that green design doesn't have to be all be earth tones and bamboo thatching. It'll blow your mind in 295 glorious, full-color photos, man.

Comment below with why you want to win to enter the contest to win this beautiful, inspiring new book! The winner will be chose on Monday , May 28th. Good luck everyone!

P.S. Must live in the continental U.S. to be eligible to win!

- Patrick

Up In The Trees

2012-05-22T15:46:29Z

Holy sweet cabin, I am so in love with these images from Fox in the Pine. The couple stayed at this amazing treehouse at Treehouse Point in Issaquah, WA. Though I don't think I would probably like living in a treehouse, I can't help but romanticize a dreamy, cozy weekend high above the ground, literally surrounded by nature. I encourage, nay, I insist, that you check out the rest of the images from Fox and The Pine's post about their truly lovely stay among the trees.

Color Story Giveaway: Purple & Red!

2012-05-21T18:22:29Z

In case you didn't notice, we have a lot of giveaways going on in our Early Summer issue, and we're pretty damn excited about them. We already gave you a chance to Win The Room, and now we're giving you the chance to win items handpicked by our fabulous staff. First up? We're giving away four items from our Interns' On The Boards spread. Take a look at the page to check out all of our purple and red items, and then head to our twitter, follow us, and retweet any tweets that say:

We have another giveaway! Retweet this to enter @standard_mag's purple & red color story giveaway!

A retweet will enter you once, and if you tag @Standard_mag in a tweet telling us why you want to win, you'll be entered a second time. Simple enough, right?

Just one tweet will give you the chance to win:

1. Linen Napkins in Aubergine by MYdrap

2. Pitch Birdhouse by loll designs

3. Tyvek Watch by Sprout

4. Wool Felt Coaster Set by MOUFELT

One lucky reader will win all four items! The winner will be picked at random and annouced May 30! Good luck everyone!

Giveaway only open to the Continental U.S.

Monday Morning Inspiration: Cocktail Hour(s)

2012-05-21T14:39:36Z

My favorite thing about summer is the excuse to drink—well, the excuse to drink outside. Being an Austinite, I love a well done cocktail, especially margaritas or any sort of creative confection, preferably ones that involve clever garnishes like cucumber—who knew that the vegetable would make such a perfect addition to gin? Another important accessory? Beautiful glassware. I'm especially fond of vintage glasses like the ones above from Wise Apple Vintage. The colorful ombre glasses would be perfect for a ladies brunch, and the set with the silver rim would be perfect for a post-meal drink at a dinner party. What's your favorite summer cocktail?

ANN-YA

2012-05-20T21:01:39Z

You may have noticed a stunning, shimmering clutch on page 26 of our new issue. This lovely handbag was designed by Anja Verdugo, a Portland based designer, photographer and vintage lover. On top of some sweet bags to carry with you, her line ANN-YA also offers some gorgeous clothing. Take a close look at this cape (amazing), tank, and dress; the muted tones are stunning and the ballet-inspired shape of the dress is to die for. If you're a fan of vintage, check out Anja's perfectly curated etsy shop.

And The Winner is...

2012-05-18T13:57:40Z

The winner of our Win The Room giveaway is Kathy! Congratulations! Keep your eye out for an email from us so that we can get your information!

Thank you to all who entered and be sure to keep your eye open on here and on our twitter on Monday for info on the next giveaway!

Austin 1940s Bungalow Revamp

2012-05-17T19:18:46Z

Who doesn't love a bungalow? Especially when said bungalow has been expertly revitalized by Austin's Rick & Cindy Black Architects. This beautiful home in the Travis Heights neighborhood of Austin got a stunning makeover, including a new stair constructed of reclaimed douglas fir and pine, and walls were removed to open up the kitchen to the dining and breakfast areas. The result is lovely—we'd love to live there! Read more about the renovation on their website!

One Last Day to Enter...

2012-05-17T13:17:10Z

Today is the last day to enter our Win The Room giveaway, so make sure that you head to page 14 in the new issue to take a look at all of the amazing bathroom goodies thata Nandina and Luxalo are giving away! While you're there, click on the "Win The Room" banner to enter to win!

Along with the fabulous items from Luxalo and Nandina, we're also giving away some very special help to assist you in your bathroom revamp. Interior Designer James Saavedra (who is also a columnist for Standard) will be giving the winner personalized design advice. James just launched his video consultation service, so you will be able to talk to James face to face (er, computer screen to computer screen) about how to give your bathroom a truly great new look!

The giveaway ends tonight at 11:59 pm (central), so don't forget to head to the Win the Room page (or click right here) to enter! Good luck!