Photoshop is King

Photoshop is King

There’s no denying it. Photoshop is probably my most favourite acquisition at the minute. I, like a lot of people used to fear the word ‘Photoshop’. I blame Microsoft – we’re so used to the MS interface that when we’re shown something different we’re instantly intimidated by it. And when I heard about the term ‘layers’?  What??  You […]

1 Year Anniversary – It’s Top 5 Time

1 Year Anniversary – It’s Top 5 Time

I took a sharp intake of breath, slapped my face a few times, splashed some cold water on my chops, did a few warm-up stretches and then finally typed my first blog post  nearly 1 year ago. 84 posts; 11 pages; 223 comments; 107 followers; 21,885 views and Anita Brown [Design Studio] is still going strong. As I […]

For The Modernist Lovers

For The Modernist Lovers

I’ve previously alluded to my dislike of the Modernist era where architecture and interior design is concerned. I think the main reason why I’m not a fan is because of its quite stark and bleak presence. But I AM a fan of modern design.

Belfast Harbour Office – A Potted History

Belfast Harbour Office – A Potted History

I’ve been working like a maniac on my current module and finally submitted it at 7am this morning, having worked all through the night to get it finished.  I officially detest my degree studies. On a lighter note, I decided to upload one of the reports that I’m particularly proud of.  It’s the result of many hours […]

Belfast – Small Town, Huge History

Belfast – Small Town, Huge History

Ok, I don’t want to turn this post into a history lesson but following on from my disastrous visit to Custom House; I’ve since had to choose a different period property in which to study.  I’m required to research the property’s historical significance and also its architectural and design attributes. Although because of my acute interest in the […]

Custom House and My Shattered Dreams

Custom House and My Shattered Dreams

I chose Custom House, Belfast as the (period) property with historical significance to research for the current module of my Degree course. One of the requirements of this module is to photograph the architectural/design elements of said period property and discuss its political/social context. On the outside this property is quite a distinguishable and commanding structure in the City […]

Yes, He Captured That Cog Beautifully

Yes, He Captured That Cog Beautifully

Studying Modernism and the context in which it emerged has a strange effect on the body and mind.  I’m starting to curse a lot.  And audible sighs can be heard from my direction on the hour, every hour. I’ve decided that I don’t ‘like’ Modernism.  That doesn’t mean I don’t like Modern design but it does mean that I’m not a fan […]

The Flat Roofed House

The Flat Roofed House

I knocked on a strange door today knowing that I hadn’t a clue who was going to greet me.  I also knew that my request was going to be perceived as quite a peculiar one. But I did it anyway. To cut a long story short, I’m currently researching the design ethos that governed Modernism.  […]

Belfast

Belfast

In my quest to celebrate what’s good and positive and constructive about Belfast I’ve decided to share a few well chosen photographs that I hope will illustrate that Belfast is much more than many believe it to be.

Put Your Design Savvy To The Test

Put Your Design Savvy To The Test

Are you all about the high-end ‘designer’ look, or do you prefer shopping around on a more modest budget for a similar design? It’s time to put your money where your mouth is; we’re going to play a game called ‘Don’t be ridiculous, of course I know the difference between designer and budget’.

Boutique-Hotel Chic

Boutique-Hotel Chic

This style of interior design is sleek, polished and showcases glamour, luxury and contemporary design to great effect. But why should it be restricted to Boutique Hotels?! Heck, we all deserve a little luxury! I have provided my take on this style but with a quirky twist: RETRO baby!!

Rustic Charm V Sleek – Let Battle Commence

Rustic Charm V Sleek – Let Battle Commence

You have to choose a coffee table for a contemporary industrial inspired space (that’s also a period building); but which do you choose? Rustic or Sleek?

‘It’s Got Great Form…’

‘It’s Got Great Form…’

“It’s got great form…”, is something we hear people in the ‘industry’ saying all the time. And it’s said with clarity, conviction and confidence. But I’m going to be honest: I had to Google its definition in design terms because I just couldn’t get my head around it.

Let’s Talk About Chippendale…

Let’s Talk About Chippendale…

I’m not a fan of ‘traditional’ styling in general BUT (and this is a BIG ‘but’) I do respect traditional craftsmanship. This has surprised me somewhat. I always thought I was a modern and contemporary gal. But nope, I’ve been proven wrong.

Modern + Vintage = Individuality

Modern + Vintage = Individuality

We all know that including objects within a design scheme can personalise a space; underpin a design theme; pick out accent colours, and provide much needed visual stimulation, texture and depth.

A Truly Evocative and Moving Display

A Truly Evocative and Moving Display

A public art exhibition at Custom House Square, Belfast called ‘Minimum Monument’ by Brazilian artist Nele Azevedo commemorated the lives lost in the sinking of the Titanic; 1,517 ice figures, one for every life that perished.

An Afternoon Sketch

An Afternoon Sketch

Primary research is a requirement of my course – this means I have to provide evidence of research that doesn’t already exist, for example photographs, observations (still not sure how to document that!!) and sketches. I bit the bullet today and attempted an ink sketch of Canterbury Cathedral. I found an image on-line (this would be considered […]