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?

Check out the little drafting table equipped with art supplies. It would be a definite hit with my daughter (well, and for me!).

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.

The series was designed by Penguin Designer Coralie Bickford-Smith. They’re inspiring me to revisit some classics!

Above: From My Scandinavian Retreat
Below: From SkonaHem

I’ve also included this image, because I love the prints.

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.

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.

Wouldn’t it be nice to call one of these spots home?

Nicolas Tye Architects

John Pawson Baron House

Preston Scott Cohen

Derek Sanders Black Barn

Leroy Street Studio Barn and Pond Studio

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.