I'll tell ya what I want (what I really really want....)

Iphone. Pantone color matching app.

Turning green with envy,

more specifically Bright Peridot Green PANTONE 376.

 The PANTONE® Name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. The name is synonymous with color. In the design world anything created custom by a manufacturer must match a pantone color for accuracy.

Not for your everyday user (via macworld) but what a great resource for designers on the go.
You can match colors, or at least get close enough into the color family, of paint, wallpaper, furniture, & fabric.

Dear Santa....

Modern Traditions-Traipsing through North Carolina this week

I am missing out on the annual Pasadena Heritage Craftsman Weekend  because it overlaps with High Point Market in North Carolina.
High Point is the largest trade show in the world for furniture-well for just about anything interior design & decoration related. There will be at least 80,000 people here. One week of the latest and greatest in design debuts here. Very different than the Craftsman weekend which celebrates a specific historical style rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement. Homeowners scramble to get as much Stickley in their home as possible.


Stickley furniture has survived any and all trends as well as it's own challenges as a company. It remains one of the most respected manufacturers today.

You are welcome to browse Stickley's site for a more complete view of genuine Arts & Crafts furniture. Hand made in the US and a lifetime warranty are two major reasons why Stickley is synonomous with collector's item. Yes that level of qaulity is expensive and authentic Antique pieces are extremely valuable.

I love this Poppy table-it has an art noveau flavor.

 A limited edition piece originally made in 1900, and was reintroduced for 2009 only.

It's quite a departure from the classic Morris Chair and I imagine it near an Alphonse Mucha print....

....or next to Stickley's Harvey Queen Bed:

I had the pleasant experience of meeting a similar company today at High Point Market. While they have a different identity than Stickly, Copeland Furniture has similar values: Every piece is made in Vermont and they primarily use maple, cherry, walnut and ash. All wood is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council-an verifying an authentic (and not easy to obtain) commitment to environmental responsibility.
We use sustainably harvested hardwoods from the American Northern Forest



"The Northern Forest is among the healthiest in the world and is actually growing in terms of standing biomass. The capacity of the Northern Forest to absorb carbon dioxide is growing each year. The forests of Vermont are no exception, now covering over 85% of the landscape. The lumber we use comes from within 500 miles of our factory. Living and working in and near the regions that supply our raw materials means that far less fossil fuel is consumed and less carbon dioxide emitted through transportation."-Copeland Furniture


They manufacture a Frank Lloyd Wright licensed collection:

I also enjoyed some scandidavian / mid-century inspired inspirations:

While I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the trends debut this week,

Quality design rooted in history never loses it's appeal, relevance, or beauty.

Disclaimer: the author has sore feet and is sleep deprived. Silly things like spell check and ramblings should be found amusing and promptly forgiven.

David Ashcraft Photography- Organic Inspiration

I am honored to know photographer David Ashcraft for a couple of decades now. His website  showcases a portion of his work. 

 

“No matter how sophisticated you may be, a large granite mountain cannot be denied - it speaks in silence to the very core of your being”- Ansel Adams.
David resides in the Sierra Nevada mountains, quite close to Yosemite (where I grew up).

David attended Newport School of Photography in Newport Beach, Calif., became assistant to the owner Al Belson in 1978.  He owned and operated commercial photography business from 1979-2001.

Career highlights include winning first place in photography at the Las Damas Art Festival,showing in local and national art galleries, the Ansel Adams group show at the Mumm winery in Napa, Ca. and the Fresno Art Museum's Decennial Invitational . His work has been published nationally.  David  teaches photography at Fresno City College, leading the next generation.

David's photographs can be found in many public and private collections around the world-and most importantly-on my wall. :) Granted, I did do a lovely bronze frame to highlight the organic colors, there is peace in the natural beauty of the photo I own (its not posted as I haven't asked for permission for that specific image).  It's a reminder to me take a moment to appreciate life beyond my schedule, freeways, the news, and just BREATHE. His talent and skill captures the raw, umatched beauty of the West Coast that I take for granted daily.

Artist Statement:

For me, the creation of art is a form of active meditation and the making clear or known of what is inside of me. Each work of art becomes an emotional or spiritual footprint of where I have been, where I am at, or where I am going. For me it is about freedom, the freedom to feel and to create just what I feel, to dream dreams and dare anything; to make mistakes, break rules, live, love, and heal.
It is the whisper of a starless night and the shout of the sun, a powerful shove or the gentle caress only a lover can give. I am fascinated that a mud puddle can become as profound as the ocean, or how a baby’s spoon can eclipse the sun like a great moon. I am captivated by art’s ability to start and end wars, or make the world feel safe for a moment.
Art gives birth and expression to the emotions and feelings inside that I cannot express through other means, birth to the creativity and musing of my being. I find it helps me to explore and discover the mysteries of the universe and to create my own mysteries. It gives a depth to life that I would not otherwise experience and enjoy and the means to share this with others.

Photography week!

This week we celebrate our inspirations, celebrations, and beauty worth preserving.

LaBoheme Photography

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Art plays a very personal role in Interior Design.
This week we will focus on art, specifically photography. If you have a favorite photographer that you collect, or simply like to take photos of things you love, feel welcome to email your suggestions to me.

Seeking Reincarnation

Recycled Venetian Blinds? Who knew? 

Table 433 utilizes a new recycled material called BLINDWood which is entirely sourced from venetian blind offcuts. The table consists of 433 elements which are hand selected and laminated, giving the design its unique look. Unlike other offcut materials, this laminate is not recognizable as an offcut material, but overwhelms the viewer with its visual appeal.

I picture this in front of a Crate and Barrel Petrie Sofa.

It seems this Aussie creation is no longer available, according to DieFabrik's website.A truly green product, the table came in 2 sizes but could be shipped flat packed-in furniture speak this cuts down on transportation costs, shipping, taking up space on boats/trucks, etc.

The words "reclaimed wood" have become so trendy that credibility is ignored. It's a bit of a design tease as well, insinuating  all things eco-friendly, responsible, and green are created equal. That hipster reclaimed wood coffee table from India put a whole lot of emissions into the air-both in the chemicals they sprayed on it to the diesel burned by the freighter and freight truck. No verifiable information as to what was reclaimed or why. It's as green as cash. Buy it because you love the piece, hope it was actually created from otherwise wasted wood, and move on.

If you are looking for a greener shade of responsibility, look for recycled products. Perhaps we will see more products like the inspiring Table 433 come back to life on our side of the pond once vendors see a growing market.

P.S. When the PC police come looking for me, please raise bail $ by taking your recyclables in for cash. :)

Keep on Keeping On

Every now and then a bit of well timed inspiration finds you.

Thank you, Inhabit
Made from 100% sustainable recycled polyester. Handprinted and handmade in the USA with environmentally-friendly inks with no chemical waste or disposal generated. All paper waste from this process is repurposed as shredded packing material. Product is recyclable at the end of its life-cycle.

Eco-whimsy

Eco-Whimsical Fun.

Our tree hugging hearts needed a vacation from all things serious this week.

We sought out sources of contagious smiles. Recycling is one of the most enviromentally responsible things we can do. It's also a way to add some character and personality to your home.

I dedicate this post to my sister Briana, whose heart and personality will identify with all products and philosophies mentioned below.

images courtesy of Ballard Designs
You can create a lamp out of a wine bottle or demijohn bottle. While there are many different DIY projects out there, Ballard Designs provides the quickest route from empty magnum champagne bottle to lamp, and it's the safest too (less chance of cutting or gluing oneself to the project). Trust me, I have tested this theory.

Matt Car for Umbra created this clock, the teacups are vintage and picked by hand. Limited Edition of 500 in White, 200 in black Retails around $300. contact is 800.387.5122

When I was little I had an Aunt Laura who had a collection of vintage cups and saucers in a cabinet. This reminds me of her and each cup has a history.

As a designer I often meet clients who have collections of....well....random stuff. There is a way to incorporate each client's hobbies and collectibles. Some are best displayed formally, and some are simply to be enjoyed, and even giggled at.

Whimsy from across the pond...

Fabulous English website, Bouf

"Max the bath tub chaise. A contemporary twist on the sofa briefly featured in breakfast at Tiffany's. Created from a vintage cast iron bath and upholstered in fabric of your choice. Perfectly formed for single seater slouching or sofa for two. available in your choice of colours and fabrics hand made in the UK .Max McMurdo is the entrepeneur who successfully featured on dragons den with his eco creations. He re-purposes every day waste items such as trolleys into chairs, baths into sofas and desks made from plane wings. eco has never been so cool. "

Bloom felt rug
From Selina Rose

" Intricately cut felt rug in charcoal grey featuring floral cut outs. This product is made from 100% wool felt and dyed using eco friendly dyes, the felt is sustainable and biodegradable. So the rug will not only look great on your floor but is kind to the environment. "

Good night.