Melbourne’s Section 8

The Emerald Peacock

Following the success of the Red Hummingbird on Russell Street in Melbourne, famous for its hummingbird wallpaper, those same owners have recently opened The Emerald Peacock bar and restaurant on Londsdale Street. While I’m sure the food and drink is fantastic, it’s the interior that’s creating all the buzz. It again features signature wallpaper, which was used as the starting point for the entire design. Each space within the venue is slightly different, with eclectic fabrics and furnishings combining to create a decadent, moody feel. The Emerald Peacock also boasts a rooftop bar for glimpses of the city skyline.

Rik Lee

Melbourne illustrator Rik Lee creates images as if they were a delicate easter egg. Faces, animals, bikes — they’re all rendered with the same light touch, with some interesting juxtapositions with the pastel smeared throughout, like make-up after a night on the town.

Melbourne’s Section 8

Melbournes laneways are cluttered with themed, designer bars. The challenge seems to be which is the most hip, funky and individual bar. Step in Section 8, an old inner city carpark furbished with warehouse pallets, patio heaters and a couple of freight containers, converted to serve you drinks. The vibe is fittingly low-key, with background music played at a reasonable level, frequently changing decor, and a variety of options to quench your thirst. It’s casual, fun and simple. Oh, and to keep it that way, there’s even a no suit policy! [photo via TravelMuse]

Peppermint Magazine

When we feel bad about buying Made in China, we buy it anyway. When the kids at Peppermint Mag feel the guilt, they buy American Apparel. These cats have shown that it’s easy to be cute and stylish while being environmentally conscious. Enviro-friendly is no longer the domain of long-haired hippies and tie-dyed shirts. Welcome to the era of reuse, recycle and the revision of our tomorrow, one little pom pom hat at a time.

Oscar Diaz Ink Calendar

Oscar Diaz’s Ink Calendar has taken the month by storm — one ink blot at a time. After its initial display at the Diseño con alma de agua (Design of Water with a Soul) exhibition at Madrid’s Círculo de Bellas Artes, the Ink Calendar’s unusual technique of using capillary action to ‘stain’ each day of the month has reignited the design world’s senses. That humidity may render the ‘calendar’ inaccurate, but this should be ignored since it’s brilliant and utterly beautiful.

Sydney’s Pocket Bar

The allusions are endless. Sydney’s Pocket Bar is tiny, bursting at the seams with people wanting to get at the never-ending supply of stuff (namely the tasty nibbles and a raft of fine vino) and we’re pretty sure that they would have an offering of rubber bands and string if you asked politely. While these are indeed defining attributes in any establishment, we feel that what really makes this inner city Sydney café bar more than just another inner city Sydney café bar is the fact that it offers savoury crepes after 6, wine by the half bottle and National Geographic magazines. Now that’s my idea of heaven. [photo via Anik In The Pacific]