Reporting back on Ventura Lambrate 2013 is a seriously overwhelming task. Why? Because it was all sorts of amazing and huge, and I now have so much to share with you! The event was brought to life by Margriet Vollenberg & Margo Konings, the founders of Dutch studio Organisation in Design. This dynamic duo and their team have created a unique and inspiring event that captures the true spirit of creativity. This is where you can find a diverse mix of upcoming designer from around the world, leading design schools and established names all coming together for the same cause – celebration of design. Hooray!

Unexpected Welcome was precisely as the name suggests. A world unto itself dreamed up by Moooi and their long term collaborator Erwin Olaf. A series of hyper-real dramatically lit sets were accompanied by super-sized backdrops of stunning images by the master Dutch photographer. Each setting provided an escape and told it’s own story. There was a beautiful tension created by the irreverent, sometimes flirtatious styling of the furniture, props and lighting, while the haunting and enigmatic backdrops provided a real sense of grandeur and drama…

Well isn’t this just a little bit clever? You’re looking at a pop-up shop for a second hand Dutch furniture brand As Good As New. Located in one of Amsterdam’s super-cool fashion stores SPRMRKT (who’s owner clearly isn’t a fan of vowels), the project is a collaboration between advertising agency Gummo, Dutch studio i29 and Krimpex coating systems…

Here’s a little roundup of three weird and wonderful products I spotted recently and would love to own. I know – I’m weird-o-rama. But I cannot help my extreme love for quirkiness, can I?

Well, well, well… Isn’t this a stroke of genius if ever I’ve seen one? Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek found an abandoned factory space on the outskirts of Eindhoven, and immediately decided to convert it into his studio, shop, gallery, restaurant, event room, attelier for designers and factory which produces his trademark pieces made from reclaimed timber and metal. Wowee! Amazeballs, right? This 10,000 square meters of space, originally occupied by Philips, went through an extensive refurb in order to turn the initially dark box into an interior filled with light, life and design.