Something must be in the air, but I’ve received tons of inquiries lately about the toddler bed featured in the photograph with my buttons rug on my site. I figured this would be as good a time as any to share the details.
The bed is by Nume and I have to agree it’s quite lovely. And hey, if I can be so bold, I think it looks particularly nice with the buttons rug. What do you think?
I love the room featured below in Time Out NY Kids Spring Issue. The space was designed by Jennifer Ward for her Park Slope based clients.
Check out the little drafting table equipped with art supplies. It would be a definite hit with my daughter (well, and for me!).
I love reading about the rise of entrepreneurial empires – people who started small, took a gamble, and went for it. So I was particularly jazzed when I read the recent New York Magazine article on Kate and Andy Spade.
How amazing. It all started with a simple rectangular tote – a bag that you probably wouldn’t blink at today. They’ve since sold their company. Andy is producing wine, getting into film, partnering with galleries, consulting for J.Crew, etc…Kate sounds happy to not have anything to do with the company and to spend tons of time with their daughter. Sounds like a pretty good gig.
Here are some shots of their Manhattan apartment care of Habitually Chic.
My book fetish continues. Look at these incredible covers by Penguin. I spotted these while blindly scrolling through the Fridas Fina blog – and I mean, blindly, because the entire site’s in Swedish.
The series was designed by Penguin Designer Coralie Bickford-Smith. They’re inspiring me to revisit some classics!
Artwork adds instant character to a home, in my opinion. I’ve been noticing some really fabulous ways to display collections. Here are a few:
Above: From My Scandinavian Retreat
Below: From SkonaHem
I’ve also included this image, because I love the prints.
It’s funny how things that are right under your nose are often the most hard to find. Here I am, back in Toronto for over a year now, but it took Remodelista to direct me to one the best stores I’ve seen in this city.
Living in New York was different. I’d stumble upon incredible finds on daily walks. I admit, you have to do a bit more digging here, but there are great spots all over different nooks of the city. Entering Mjolk and chatting with its lovely owners (John and Juli) reaffirmed that for me. The store also cemented my claim that I love Scandinavian design. Love.
On such a dreary day, what a treat to discover the fabulous artwork by San Francisco artist Chloe Fleury (via Design Work Life). They are three dimensional and so unique. Each print shows a different SF neighbourhood. I now love the Mission District even more!
I’m a bit late in getting around to this posting. But, I was just at the checkout at the grocery store and spotted a New Yorker cover mentioning the passing of J.D.Salinger. Just seeing the cover got me thinking. It got me thinking about books and literature and the ipad and the future of publishing. I could go on.
One of the first rugs that I designed was called “books.” Sure, I could have had a more clever title, but really I wanted to pay homage to something that has inspired me since childhood. Books. Lots of books. Bookshelves. I love the idea of carrying around digital literature, but I love printed copies. I love collecting books. I love seeing my shelves expand. My bookshelf would never be complete without a copy of The Catcher in the Rye. Most people would probably say the same. That’s incredible, isn’t it?
It’s amazing that a single piece of literature could affect so many people. I first read Catcher in high school. It didn’t feel like an assignment. I knew from the first line, I’d be into it. I read it again years later and I loved it even more. I don’t remember all of the details that I should at this point, but the cover alone brings back memories and inspires me. It inspires me to read. It inspires me to write. It inspires me to talk about great writing. It’s reminded me that it’s been too many years since I’ve picked up my ratty burgundy copy of one of my favourite books of all time.
I’ve included a few cover samples so that maybe I won’t be alone in digging out my old copy.
We are oh so close to starting our new house build. As such, I’ve been doing a lot of digging for design ideas. I have to be careful not to waste entire afternoons searching through architecture and design sites. There’s just so much great stuff out there that it’s easy to lose track of time….and focus. Although I was on the lookout for great kitchen designs, I recently found myself drooling over country homes.
Wouldn’t it be nice to call one of these spots home?
John Pawson Baron House
Derek Sanders Black Barn
Leroy Street Studio Barn and Pond Studio
I always like going to design shows. Despite the blandness of most convention halls, I normally come out feeling re-energized in some way. At this year’s IDS in Toronto, I admit I was more impressed with some of the opening night outfits than the exhibits. I know, I know, that’s harsh. I’m impressed with anyone that can pull off a decent booth – I give total credit for that. But I was hoping to find a bit more. I don’t know what exactly, but just a bit more.
There were definitely a few pieces that caught my eye. Bauhaus had a great set of sliding doors on display, as pictured below.
Lema s.p.a. got me quite jazzed about doing the closets in our new house.
Atelier LC2 displayed a lovely walnut desk, called the Veto. The picture doesn’t do it justice, but the wood had heft and you could lift a slat to reveal a hidden drawer. I thought it was quite beautiful.
I also thought Light Form had some really cool lamps. Check out the Fork Floor Lamp by Foscarini.
Studio EyeSpy had a fabulous Studioilse lamp tucked away in the corner (available at DWR).
Klaus by Neinkamper also displayed some amazing pendants.
But really, the booth that got me to stop cold in my tracks was IKEA. Yes, IKEA. I could not believe the kitchen they had on display – I even loved their chairs.
Come to think of it, I should take back my initial comments. Turns out there were quite a few inspirational pieces after all. Plus, I didn’t even make it to the Jaime Hayon discussion. I wish I’d made it to that one.
So, there you have it – a slow start with a strong finish. I do feel re-energized after all. Sorry about that.