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Another design dilemma
05/14/2008, 20:30 | Original Site: desire to inspire
Living Etc.This time it's an office, and here's what Heidi had to say: "I have been searching and searching for inspiration... maybe you could help. I am in the process of furnishing my new home. I have a great sized, dedicated home office. I use it every day as I run several businesses out of it. Problem is, right now it is just a Brazilian Walnut hardwood floor, blank walls, and an incredible bay window. I NEED some inspiration! I want a modern, clean, minimal look. This is so hard to achieve in an office! I need storage, desk space, and a sitting area, but beyond that, I have no idea which direction to take this room. I'd love to see what you could find to get my brain working again. It's been in a slump since the construction phase has ended." I tried to find photos of modern office spaces that weren't shoved into little corners as they often are (Heidi, you are SO LUCKY as it sounds like you have a decent amount of space to work with). So hopefully this gets your brain going and have fun with it!
What To Do... Paola Thomas
04/24/2008, 19:03 | Original Site: decor8
Today we'll hear from creative lady Paola Thomas who is a Seattle-based mother, wife, blogger, and online shop owner of MirrorMirror. She, alongside Velocity Art & Design, just recently launched a creative meet up in Seattle called The Lab, too. Busy lady! Let's talk to Paola, shall we?
How do you think a person can find their spot in the world of design?
Take a long hard look at yourself and what you can do and what you enjoy doing. What do you really LOVE to do? I guarantee the business you end up doing will not be the one you envisaged, so don?t wait for something fully formed to drop into your lap, start experimenting with something TODAY and then watch it unfurl and grow. Do a new thing to your baby business every day, and grab every opportunity with both hands. You can always stop and change direction if you?ve made a mistake.
Let's say a person found what they love to do, is there more to it than creating pretty things?
Oh yes! Be truly honest with yourself and also focus on what you CAN'T or don't want to do. emember if you want a real money-making business that there's an awful lot of selling and marketing and networking and finance that needs to be done. You can hire people to do some of those things if you've got the money, but you have to at least be able to manage those people. I happen to love that side of things, but if you don't, then I really would think long and hard about whether you want to turn your creative passion into your business. I've seen people end up hating their passions. Instead have a job that pays the bills and develop outlets for your creativity in your spare time.
One thing I've heard a million times over is to see if there's a market for your work. Just how important is this?
One should think seriously about whether there?s a market for what you do. Just doing what you love is not enough. Keep testing and experimenting to see what will get you an audience. If you make stuff, get an Etsy shop; if you take photos, get on Flickr; if you want to write, start a blog. If can get an audience in these challenging environments, then maybe you have the beginnings of a business.
Great advice. Speaking of blogging, I met you in 2005 long before you had a blog. Can you tell us how that came about?
I find my blog tremendously useful for exploring ideas. It started as a marketing tool for my shop, but has now become a way for me to experiment with ideas, practice my writing and photography, and act as a platform for the things I like doing such as cooking, knitting, decorating etc. I doubt very much I?m going to make money out of these things, but having that outlet for my personal creativity is enough. For example when I started my blog I didn?t possess a digital camera. Now photography is a huge part of the blog and of my life.
Do you feel that you've found your 'calling' as a web shop owner and blogger?
I'm definitely going in the right direction but I'm nowhere near where I want to end up. My background is in finance and business development ? I worked for many years as an investment banker and then management consultant, before losing my job at a small Internet company in the dotcom crash. I realised then that I liked cushions and colour more than spreadsheets and legal docs and started combining some freelance journalism with doing a home study course in interior design. I soon realised that I don?t think spatially enough to be a great designer (and I want to be great at what I do) and also really missed the commercial side ? I love marketing and I love the Internet. Which is why I decided to set up a business that's actually primarily all about selling and marketing and the Internet, but focused on a market I really understand (women like me) and brings me into daily contact with beautiful things and creative people. And along the way I've had to write a business plan, get a bank loan, manage the building of a complex e-commerce website, run a customer database and PR list and pay sales tax etc. It?s not all about cushions.
You mentioned you lost your job and launched your web shop, but how can one afford to do that?
The upside for me is that my husband's salary has been enough to support us in this ?experimental? phase ? every penny the business makes gets put straight back in - though we have far less money than we used to. The downside has been that I've been combining it with being at home with a baby/toddler, so am only doing this stuff very part time so far. But I love what I do, I have created myself a ?job? where reading design magazines counts as work, so therefore I'm happy.
Thank you Paola! If anyone has questions to ask Paola about running a web shop, etc. please use this as your opportunity and ask some questions in the comments section below...
Marie Antoinette at the Met
04/23/2008, 07:05 | Original Site: ::Surroundings::
This month's Architectural Digest has a fascinating piece about the Metropolitan Museum of Art's newly renovated Wrightsman Galleries. The piece focuses on their recreation of an embroidered fabric - embroidery by Marie Antoinette herself - that once graced a suite of furniture by Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené for use by the Queen at the Chateau de Saint-Cloud, a 17th century palace that Louis XVI purchased for Marie in 1784. The Chateau was burned, but amazingly, some of the furniture still exists, as does a sample of the original embroidery.
The Met owns a berger chair, a daybed and a fire screen. They contracted with Chelsea Textiles in London to recreate the original floral embroidered pattern as upholstery fabric.
One of their big decisions was whether to use a white ground fabric or an "aged" color to match better with the 200+ year old patina of the furniture. Ultimately, they decided to go with a fresh white, which will naturally age over time.
These scans don't do the AD images justice, so head on over to the newstand if you want to see them in fine detail!
Photography for Architectural Digest by Billy Cunningham.
Laundry Rooms
03/31/2008, 16:16 | Original Site: Belle Vivir
too much work
03/17/2008, 02:08 | Original Site: red.house
: : so sorry folks. I've been absent for too long. work has been taking up too much of my time. this week I hope things will be back to normal. and I have an exciting visit from my cousin, aunt and uncle to look forward to.too busy at work, but still important to take breaks here and there, and my friend's wedding is giving me a reason to distract myself with browsing wedding blogs and photography sites. there's so much emotion captured in wedding photos. I like the first one, a simple backyard party. and the second with bold and colorful decorations. .julie harris. seem to be capturing the right moments.
fascinating photography: eugenio recuenco
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: studio wellspring
welcome to the magnificent photography & styling of the captivating spanish photographer eugenio recuenco. 
{first seen on the ever gorgeous designer's block}
Design Crush: Ken Fulk
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: katiedid
Photo by David Duncan Livingston
For those of you that have not yet caught on to the greatness that is Ken Fulk, I'd like to introduce you. My crush started back awhile when I noticed Mr. Fulk's work and couldn't help but post about it here (Almost a year ago to the DAY!). Well, he has been very busy since then. You may have seen his work in the latest House Beautiful and he also has a project that has recently graced the cover of California Homes magazine.
California Homes Magazine, April 2008, Photo by David Duncan Livingston
With his blend of custom furniture and antiques, Ken never fails to add originality and sophistication without a bit of stuffiness to his projects. For this project, after all of the initial planning and legwork, Ken was able to install everything: paint, finishes, furniture, art....the works, in a three week time frame while the clients were away on vacation in Africa. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to come home to?! "Yes, darling, the elephants were fabulous, but I am glad to be home....oh, my! Look at this! So much better than those zebras !"
Photo by David Duncan Livingston
The combination of elements here at first glance seems somewhat formal until you realize the coffee table top is made from reclaimed wood planks, and that the firewood is stored in a rustic antique wheel barrow. I think they make the space so livable. You wouldn't be afraid to really relax here. The unique placement of the photography, artistic in itself, creates a great composition with all of the other elements. Wing back chair from Coup d'Etat Antiques. And that paint color! Wonderful.
Photos by David Duncan Livingston
1950's Capiz Shell light fixture in the stairwell is from Past Perfect in San Francisco. Zebra print carpet by Stark on the stair. Ken created this Dining table from and antique trestle base from House of Mann. Antique hooded chair is from Sarlo Wick. Dining chairs are by Milo Baughman and covered in Great Plains linen.
California Homes Magazine, April 2008, Photo by David Duncan Livingston
I appreciate the mix of high and low in the Family Room: Pottery Barn Sofa with a slipcover of linen velvet mixed with the Belgian coffee table also form Sarlo Wick. This stylish room says "comfort" and would be attainable for most of us. I like that.
Mr. Fulk has also been profiled in the latest House Beautiful magazine for his own getaway retreat in the Napa Valley:
House Beautiful, July 2008, Photo by Victoria Pearson
The entry gives a hint at the color scheme that runs throughout the compound.
House Beautiful July 2008, Photo by Victoria Pearson
He revamped a 1940's ranch house and out buildings into a grownup's dream of "camp". He used bluestone inside and out to unite the space and make it user friendly for his dogs, and anyone else who pays a visit. BTW, those are his dogs in the painting in the photo above. Ken has used the dining table as a "library" space and has piled it with books. I love a multiple use space.
House Beautiful July 2008, Photo by Victoria Pearson
Can you see the pipe ladder next to the fireplace? It leads to a sleeping loft. Fun! Dog andirons from LL Bean and another dog portrait. Dog heaven.
Photo by Victoria Pearson
This bedroom is in a tented cabin for guests who visit the property. It really is like camp...only so much better!
Photo by Victoria Pearson
I love the bed here modeled after an old Woody Station wagon. The stacking of the vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases on two wood blocks is just another example of Ken Fulk's ability to think in ways that make him wonderfully unique. Of course, this is the main reason he is one of my design crushes.
Photo by Victoria Pearson
Afternoon picnic in the barn. If this is camp, sign me up!
Photo by Victoria Pearson
I had to add this picture because the red chairs are from Chelsea Antiques in Petaluma where my Mom used to be a dealer. She has very kind memories of Mr. Ken Fulk, who, she said, came in quite often. Just one more reason to throw a little love Ken's way.
Trim- to contrast or not to contrast, that 'tis the question
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: HueI think the one-color approach works really nicely in this scenario because there is so much trim detail- the fireplace surround, chair rail, panels, crown molding, window trim... It adds visual interest to a large wall space without breaking it up as much as it would if the trim contrasted.
White against another color presents you with a certain level of contrast, heightened, obviously, the darker your wall color goes. Sometimes, white trim against another color just doesn't give you the desired effect, instead. In the picture above, white trim would have been too busy, and competed with the architectural lines of the furniture.
image source via desiretoinspireI'm here to officially state, "It's okay to try something different!"
So, I'd love to know, how many of you have experimented with trim colors? How did it turn out?
Photo Finish
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Bluelines
Posted by ScottRecently I had the pleasure of working with photographer Kate Mathis again.
I met Kate years ago when i first started as an prop stylist assistant and have enjoyed her company and work ever since.
Many of you may recognize her work from the Martha Stewart product packaging photography. She shot both the craft line for Michaels to the Macy's collection.
Kate can take images like the simple paper flowers below to the sublime level.
With a discerning eye for composition and impeccable perspective and lighting, it's always a pleasure to be on set with Kate.
Below are a few shots from our most recent collaboration. (Food styling by Megan Schlow.) You can also look at her online portfolio for inspiration.
Quite the Colorful Family
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Bluelines
Posted by BluelinesIt 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?
Two for joy, immense joy...
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: Rang-Decor {Interior Ideas predominantly Indian}Today I am sharing with you not one but two great spaces which have got imprinted on my mind ever since I saw them a couple of days ago.
The first on, is designer Jivi Sethi's ultra-stylish residence in Assagao in Goa.
Jivi Sethi's home which is featured in Vogue Magazine, this month is an eclectic blend of antique objets d'art with contemporary furniture. 
He has styled his home with loads of glass, mirrors & chandeliers. I love the way he had brought in the old goan charm by using antique chandeliers, old wine bottles & loads of floral arrangements:-)
Look at the fusion of antique goan wooden cupboard with contemporary glass & lacquer coffee table designed by him:-)
Flowers everywhere...*sigh* Love the way he floats the 'Parijat' flowers with the orange stalk upwards adding colour & texture to the arrangement
Another thing striking is the use of vibrant colours, his home is filled with art from his friends blending in with his own pieces of heirloom from his family home in Amritsar & Delhi.
There is something fun, colourful, vibrant & eclectic in this space which reflects the personality of this very creative & stylish designer. 
Join me in gliding along the backwaters in a 'Kettuvallam' or the traditional Houseboat. Earlier these boats with coir and bamboo roofs were used as cargo boats but nowadays they are used as 2-3 room houseboats cruising along the Malabar coast. 
A passage along the side of the boat. The boat is lit by oil lamps in the night. You can see a traditional brass lock on the door.
A small deck at the tail of the boat from where one can watch the magical sunsets in the backwaters.
The arches of the boat have been constructed with palm-leaf matting, woven into a bamboo frame and tied together with coir ropes (very eco-friendly, I must add)
Imagine sleeping under this romantic canopy and waking up to the gentle sound of the oars splashing the water.....now that's a thought!On that note, I take your leave for a couple of weeks. I am taking a 'Winter Break' and will be doing some travelling and practicing loads of photography:-)
Meanwhile do check out Neece Clark's Shop Online. She has some amazing paintings up for sale for the holidays.
Will also be keeping my eyes open for fellow blogger An Indian Summer's Bazaar which is opening in January 2008.So do visit her too where she will be bringing to you '...an eclectic mix of select Asian and Indian crafts and products of exquisite design and high quality.'
50. Michael Robinson Photography
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: let your creativity .... FLOW
Thankyou, Thankyou !!!!
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: katiedid
From these fabulous bloggers:
Design Boner is the blogging team of Porcelain (Katie) and Cardboard (Jessica) who are very talented and creative, especially in the realm of photography. They have weekly photo mosaics that they share with all of us (Lucky us!) and also share their love of designer-y finds. Well, they had a little birthday sweepstakes. They were giving away something "nice and pretty" and something "hahahaha". Lucky me! I won "nice and pretty"! (Although I am very curious about "hahaha", what was it girls?!?!)
Now how did they know I love this color?
I think it looks very "nice and pretty" on my hall table.
It matches my eggs.
I almost lost the rock at the bottom of the box. But I have this habit of searching boxes thoroughly before throwing them away. After the diamond incident, I can't be too careful. Isn't it cute? (It even looks a little like their namesake.)
Thank you so much Jessica and Katie! I love it! I hope you had a fabulous birthday!
But Lady Luck did not stop there! I received this very lovely package from Diana Muse. I think Design bloggers have got to be some of the best gift wrappers around. I love this postcard!
Diana has one of the most lovely and inspirational blogs I have seen. Her images are wonderful and her sidebar is full of very thought provoking quotes.
Diana did a post about Moleskins, those essential little notebooks used by those who want to capture a thought, an idea, a moment on paper. She also had a sweepstakes, and lucky me, I received this:
My very first official Moleskin! I am so pleased and I cannot wait to fill it up with all the wonderful, crazy, silly, serious, happy, sad things that come my way.
Thank you so very much Diana!
And please, if you haven't already, I think it's about time you paid a visit to these very brilliant bloggers, don't you?
ADSPCAD
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: katiedid
Photo by Scott Francis
Michael Schaible's stunning retreat on the North Shore of Mexico's Lake Chapala. Amazing.
Photo by Durston Saylor
The very glamorous New York apartment of the very glamorous Geoffrey Bradfield. It is worth a look just to see Mr. Bradfield in his pastel pink suit!
Photo by Mario Ciampi
The flat in Venetian Palazzo owned by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt. There is so much in this article, I can't even begin! It is a breathtaking masterpiece, and this piece alone is worth the full cover price.
Photo by Scott Francis
The Mid century Yacht design of Mitchell Turnbough. This is a nice break from the unreachable over the top luxury yachts you typically might see. It is so well done in a more understated way, and something that takes me back to my "sailing" days. There is something reminiscent here of the yachting days of the early 20th.
Photo by Derry Moore
The Spanish country house of Jaime Parlade at Alcuzcuz in Andalusia. There were so many beautiful photos here, it was very difficult to just choose one "teaser". I thought this bedroom was a very personal space that let Mr. Parlade's personality shine through. It is a smile producer.
Photo by Leigh Brown
The Sonoma County Craftsman Hillside Farmhouse of Jacques Saint Dizier. The interiors keep to the Craftsman roots without becoming expected. Loved it!
Photo by Durston SaylorThe Manhattan apartment Of Francine Coffey. A decidedly different look from the other choices for this issue, it is a very boldly colored Neoclassical design she refers to as "nouveau Federal". Hmm. There is alot of plaid. In this particular photo I could be sold. I would love your thoughts on the rest of the apartment!
Photo by Mary E. NicholsThe Pacific Heights home of Banana Republic President, Jack Calhoun. I thought many of you would be very curious to see this home!
And if this weren't enough, there are several captivating hotels from around the world...each very different and unique:
Photo by Tim Beddow
The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. The Ceiling!
Photo by Scott Francis
Huntley Santa Monica Beach. So very cool.
Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa. Ready to go?
There are, of course, all of the extras that you would normally expect from AD.
On top of that you can see the first four homes of the Open Auditions which AD began in October of 2007. Over the next seven months, the AD panelists saw over 1000 projects and have narrowed the field to 50 that have been chosen for publication.
I may be taken in by the quantity of very good stuff in this issue, but it also seems that the photography is fresher, brighter. Scott Francis, I have been informed, has been shooting for AD for many years and has a number of projects photographed for this issue. Very beautiful photos all around.
I just know I was very pleasantly swept off my feet by this issue. I think you will be too. Let me know what you think!
hey honey, lend me some sugar
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Original Site: studio wellspring
i am completely smitten with a sacarine infused blog i've just discovered {altho it's been around for ages now}: sweet paul.the photography is superb, the ideas are fantastic, and his words are a joy to read. go take a peek, you won't be disappointed.
