Posted by Bluelines

It comes as no surprise to us that our talented blogger Scott Horne would have an equally creative and gifted sibling.

Ken Horne, brother to Scott, studied drawing, painting, and photography in Los Angeles, London, Burlington, and Denver, where he now maintains a studio.

Because his day job as a child welfare social worker often brings him face-to-face with dark scenarios, Ken infuses his art with light and color.

The artist is inspired by nature, society, and modern design. Ken constantly explores and experiments with line, form, balance, and color.

But, enough from us. Let his stunning work tell the story.

What's your favorite?

The editors considered all items in the "art of making" which include architecture, interior décor, home furnishings and gadgets.

Not only is her shop beautiful, but so is she. She has had a bit of hardship lately, which you can read about here. I hope you will join me in your support and well wishes by visiting her blog.

Sylvie is letting some of her very special pieces go on Craig's List so you might want to check things out here.

This etagere is one of the beauties being sold.

I wish I had gotten a chance to visit her shop in person, but I hope Sylvie will be starting a new chapter where her talents will flourish!

Wishing all good things for Sylvie and her family!

You Midwesterners are certainly lucky. Alessandra Branca, doyenne of snappy and snazzy design with a lot of sizzle, has just opened a new retail shop in Chicago (17 East Pearson to be exact). The shop, called Branca, is filled with things that Alessandra both loves and actually uses. Table accessories, furniture, books, candles, and African feather headdresses are all here, much of it in Branca's beloved black, white, and RED color scheme (the red is what gives everything the sizzle.)

Travel plans aren't taking you to Chicago this summer? No worries, because currently a limited selection of items are available for sale via the website (you'll need to call the shop at 312-787-1017 to actually place the order, but online shopping on the website will be up and running this summer.) While you're visiting the site, you can also view some images from Alessandra's gorgeous portfolio.

Here are a few items from the website that caught my eye (also available in the store for those of you lucky enough to visit in person!):


Pair of 19th century German Neoclassical style fauteuils (the fabric is vintage red Turkish ticking)


White glass optik glasses- highballs, lowballs, and stemless champagne glasses


Branca Signature Candles: I-Mint, Musk, & Tea; II-Tomato Leaf, Basil, & Black Currant; III-Fig Tree; IV-Green Tea with Lime


Branca Red Hide Rug

Images at top: A view of the new shop, and one of the shop owner herself.

Nichols & Stone, the only sizable furniture manufacturer still operating in the "chair city" of Gardner, is poised to quit making products from scratch.

Nichols & Stone is a premier manufacturer of furniture and the only sizable furniture manufacturer still operating in the "chair city" of Gardner, Massachusetts.

i love calling cards- they seem like such a romantic notion in a time where almost everything is digital. d*s is an almost entirely paper-free company but the one place i splurge is on calling cards (mine are from brooklyn social cards), letter-writing stationery and cards. i use them sparingly but when i do, it feels so special. these colorful versions are from avis wampler of avie designs on etsy. there are tons of colorful options to choose from so click here to view the full collection.

ps: we’re about to do a video with david stark but the ny times just did a slideshow of his work that showcases exactly why we love him so much. they’ll sue the pants off of me if i run any images from the page so instead i’ll just strongly strongly suggest that you click here to view the slideshow. i love the way he uses spools and twine as decoration- it’s a MUST MUST read.

Coink piggy bank via Modern Nursery.

The economic stimulus checks have started to arrive, putting anywhere from $600-1200 in your bank account. Politics aside, what are you planning to do with the cash? You could get an Eames rocker, buy yourself some art, or do some eBay shopping. Or maybe you’d prefer to put the money aside in case the economy takes an even more serious downturn. So what are your plans for the extra cash? (Thanks to reader patty bolgiano for suggesting this question!)

Can you imagine sitting through a meeting in that conference room? It seems like it would be very agitating. And then the hallway...the complete opposite extreme! Grey upon beige upon taupe?