Rethinking the Look of Things No. 65 - Tattoos

If my kids saw my browser search history lately they might get a bit worried about Mom because the word "tattoo" would show up in excess. Ever since I came across the Dan Gold tattooed leather chair (see my blogpost "Gotta Love No. 56 - Skulls & Tattoos") I've been distracted by the idea of tattooed leather home decor. Just how could this be tastefully integrated into high end design? Well, hello my fellow idealists! 

Meet P. Tendercool, a bespoke handmade furniture company that tattooed the leatherback of one of their side chairs with inked serpentes. Go ahead and stare, I know I did. Then I thought let's take that idea and transform some so-so leather toss pillows with some ink. A leather round bolster is the perfect canvas for the art of a tattooist. 

Meet Oliver Sweeney, a tattooist who takes the canvas of British men's shoemakers and tells a story in tattoo art on the leather finery. What more perfect shoe for the groom than a pair that boosts a tattoo that says "My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me". Love the shoe. Translation to our home - forget the black and white typographic wall hanging - put this bit of sweetness on a tattooed leather kidney pillow and add it to the favorite chair.

And Oliver Sweeney's custom Ben & Jerry's tattooed flavor list? Totally need tattooed on a leather barstool in the kitchen. Then how about your favorite drink recipes tattooed on the inside backs of leather barstools at your home bar? Yes!

Just how far will one go? I mean one either has no tattoos but stares in wonder at them. (Ahem, that's me!) Or one dips their toes in the tattoo pool and gets a small one tucked in a secret spot. Or there are the ones that jump full body into the art of tattoo. In home design - let's keep it a toe dipper version. Tattoo art in home design - less is more in this blogger's opinion.

Meet Article.com who handed over a leather ottoman to their local tattooist and received back a convo piece for the home. 

The stunning art of embossed leather has been an element in home design - let's shift and rethink the look of things and consider tattooed leather elements in our home.

Once you start rethinking the look of things - in this case tattoos in home design - it blows your mind. Ponder, delight in the possibilities, and then reign it all in and choose wisely. 

Sources: P. Tendercool, Article.com, Oliver Sweeney, Gessato, Red Bubble, Neiman Marcus, Etsy, The Fuller View

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 64 - Redefining the Easel

The easel, a word derived from the German language, is defined as a self supporting wooden frame for holding an artist's work. I'd like to redefine the easel as anything that supports art in our home. So it could be an actual easel or let's rethink it.

I love the use of a furniture piece as an redefined easel. This furniture piece can be one that the actual art is propped onto or; how about sitting beneath it,  supporting the art without even touching it? 

A bookshelf that supports the art piece inside or outside its shelving is brilliant! There is something about art being displayed in a manner other than just hanging it on the wall because it brings all the colors of the room together. Reconsider that art piece truly being unique by rethinking where it is placed. Think actual easel or think the definition of easel and find a supporting piece that holds the artist's work.

Interestingly, the word easel is a synonym for donkey. The beast of burden. Like a fine wine pairing, the art and its "easel" must be carefully thought out. Just as the artist studies his blank canvas on the easel so must the art owner study the perfect perch. Is it a settee? Is it a console table? Is it a chair? The supporting "frame" that hold the art has a burden to partner, but not steal the show.

Whatever you choose to support your art piece it almost becomes the period at the end of the sentence of meaning of the art. Or the exclamation point! The supporting role piece provides the quiet completion of the art.  

When one chooses to prop a art piece it provides for an interchanging of favorite art pieces of the same size. Allowing one to enjoy a "new" art piece up close and set apart for a time and then another holds its spot to start the process all over again.

How will you rethink the easel for your art piece? Be inspired!

Sources: Home Bunch, Remodelista, Room for Tuesday, Rustic Chic, Vicente Wolf, Veranda, Tumblr, Apartment Therapy, Domino, House Beautiful, Pinterest, Etsy

Well Dressed Home No. 66 - Porte-Cochere

Call it a silver lining. The porte cochere, in design doesn't have to be grand to create the feeling of driving towards a special place; a hidden secret. As a fan of secret passageways inside a home I am always giddy with joy when driving through a porte cochere at a residence. The connection this architectural delight provides between a home and its garages and courtyards is full of intrigue.

Whether a stone clad estate or a quaint bungalow, the porte cochere can fit like a glove. The combination of  building elements considered for this passageway adds a handsome extension to the home's architecture. An extension where an interestly-shaped window has its place, a chandelier has center stage, and landscape seems to have found its perfect picture frame.

The peek into a "by invitation only" outdoor area of our home is certainly accomplished by the porte cochere. The occupants in the vehicle, driving through a porte cochere for the first time, become silent in reverence to what is to come. 

With or without a gate at its entrance, the porte cochere's lure remains the same. Sort of like watching a blockbuster in the theater or in the comfort of our own home. Our experience of passage is what we make it. 

And for those in the know about accessorizing a space - the porte cochere is not complete without the outdoor fixtures that finish its space, the flair of its home owner. These pieces become even more personalized when they pay homage to the family's heritage. 

Let's not forget what we tuck above the porte cochere. The romance of the room above this architectural passageway cannot be a forgotten space. It deserves more than a place for storage. Whether an artist's studio, a writer's perch, a reader's nook, or the childrens' play area - the porte cochere's "crown" needs to be that special place that only a few are granted entrance.

Be wise about the placement of a porte-cochere. The home's structure, design, land plot and function all are important factors in allowing your home to garner a porte cochere. It's almost one of those things that the rest of the home is built around not vice versa.

The well-dressed home even on the outside. A passageway by invite is certainly one of those things that dress a home well. 

Sources: Bill Ingram Architects, Mockler Taylor Architects, Howard Design Studio, House of the Silver Lining, Olde Mill Inn, Houzz, Flickr, Pinterest

Be Inspired No. 92 - Fire Balls

Meaning should be one of the most important factors in designing our homes. The design of a space should evolve from how the space will be used and who will be sharing the space; thus giving each piece in the space a meaning.

This meaning manifests itself in many forms: comfort, calmess, texture, objects, sound or silence. The silence in a space sets the stage for restoration of our soul. Be certain to pay close attention to including an element that encourages silence into a space where you want to retreat for relaxation. It can  be a space that is multipurpose - entertaining both robust conversation and relaxation at different times. 

I believe fire is one of those elements of meaning, whether designing indoor or outdoor spaces. I think we can all reminisce over times spent around a controlled burning fire. Whether it's the bonfire at our high school celebration before a big game against the rival team, or the fireplace in our home with friends and family, or the outdoor fire pit with or without s'mores.

Fire is one of the five elements of nature. The dance of the flames and the flicker of a warm palette of color capture us as we stare into them. It is almost a sacred moment around the fire. Conversation is limited and a warm, loving environment is revered. Time stands still and our souls are open to receive whatever nature has stopped us to receive. This environment is either predominate or underlying - depends on the guests and celebration. 

What I love about fire balls as a choice in our fireplaces or fire pits is how their shape adds to the  harmony of the fire ritual. The round form says arrange me however you want, you are limited only by your imagination. The spiritual symbol of the ball is unity. In Chinese practices, meditation balls focus on stress reduction and relaxation. The extension of these meanings to our indoor and outdoor spaces is a welcome element.

Greek philosopher, Plutarch said that "the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." What better place to achieve this than in front of our fire receptacle. 

One disadvantage of the fire ball versus wood logs burning is the crackle of the fire. We can always find a disadvantage, a con vs. a pro in all the choices we make in designing our homes. Remember there is still the dance of the brilliant flames - the silence that pulls us in deeper to a state of relaxation. I love a fascinating, roaring, crackling fire in a fireplace or fire pit - as a matter of fact I can be lulled into a deep restorative sleep by its sound or dance to some great music. So it is a trade off - a choice. I always seem to find a way to enjoy the best of both worlds with decisions like this. Perhaps not both at the same place - but each in a special place where I can either stay home or visit a dear friend who has the crackle that I might not. The sound versus the silence. 

Know that the color of the fire balls will change over time. There will be soot marks over time. If you aren't a fan of patina choose the color of the fire balls you use in your space to be darker to hide the soot marks and patina. Be inspired to mix and match colors, what a remarkable way to be the perfect dance partner to the every changing colors of the fire's flames.

The style of your fireplace or fire pit should not dictate whether you choose fire balls or logs. There is no design rule that lists restrictions for your selection. Just like there are no restrictions on whether your fireplace or fire pit is log burning because of the surrounding decor. 

Be inspired to remember that meaning is of the utmost importance in the design of all your spaces. Capture them all - the meanings you need to thrive in your spaces. And don't forget a well-stocked bar and s'mores fixings at the ready for your fire element.

Sources: Ciao Newport Beach Blogspot, The Savvy Heart, Pinterest, My Domaine, Mix & Chic, Mary Flanigan Interiors, Google, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle