Gotta Love No. 56 - Kelly Wearstler's Channels

It's a backstory to design elements that enrich its value to me. This is because I firmly believe that as my blog profile states, 

"I love rethinking the look of things. Bringing a little more story and personality into our homes. Loving the way we live. If it tickles your fancy, brings a flutter to your heart, or makes you feel like you just won the "finders-keepers" game of life then give it a place of honor in your home."

Kelly Wearstler's Channels pattern is one of these amazing design elements. Her design of this pattern fuses her interest in graphic street art with refined stripes, according to her website. What is it about graphic street art that tickles my fancy? There is so much to it - the bravery of the artist, the movement, the colors, and the chaotic yet seemingly planned presentation of the art on buildings and freight trains. 

The Channels pattern is one that fits even the well planned interior. It seems to be that fun afterthought to scramble things up just a bit. I am loving all nine colorways of this pattern and love the dimension it brings when used on a ceiling!

It seems to be a great scarf that is paired with a classic trench coat. The comfortable loafer that feels like a slipper. And it tops my list of things I cannot wait to use on a project; the right project.

The embrace it gives a kitchen is racy and it will be the chair taken first when friends and family arrive. It's the wall or drapery panel that is caressed by the normally composed visitor when no one is looking. Why? Because this is what happens when a room holds the unexpected and "not for everyone" element inspired by the familiar. 

Channels is one of those "wish I would of thought of using it first" design elements. An element that calls for breaking the rules of what defines traditional. It stirs the pot of branching out and expressing ourselves. All while maintaining simplicity.

Channel your inner love!

Sources: Kelly Wearstler, 1st Dibs, Apartment Therapy, Cedar & Moss, Dering Hall, Etsy, Lonny, Pinterest

Be Inspired No. 85 - Build Around It!

 A television commercial for Kohler has stuck with me. It features a prestigious architect giving a couple a tour of his offices narrating all the awards and accolades he has to his name, then once seated in the conference room he asked the couple, "now what can I do for you?" The wife pulls a Kohler faucet from her bag and says, "design a home around this."

I've put it in writing before and I'll do it again - our homes should hold meaning and purpose. I am inspired by a space designed to hold a piece of furniture where everything else is built around it. I am talking about a piece that holds it's throne without apology or intimidation. 

Remember this "build around" conceptual inspiration when you see a furniture piece that you just can't walk away from. The piece that captures you. For those that have experienced it you get it. I call it furniture porn. You don't want to get caught staring, but you can't look away.

Stay inspired to push the limits of building around it no matter the room. Remember we don't live in that box of rules! 

Building around a furniture piece allows you to redefine it's intended use. Give thought to how it best fits the purposes in your room. Give thought to how the hardware will set the tone for its stature. And remember the exposed interiors can be altered with a coat of paint, glass shelving instead of wood shelving, or even the addition of lighting.

Whether antique, vintage, or new; that piece that has captured you has its place in your home. Build around it! 

Sources: Traditional Home, Apartment Therapy, Pinterest, Ironstone & Indigo, Maison Boheme Blog

Well Dressed Home No. 61 - Traditional Minimal Design is Chic Too!

What does a designer do if they have more than one thing in a client's traditional design that they want to give a place of prominence, center stage? This is where the idea of minimalistic design comes into play. Though this design approach has most often been given to a modern, contemporary design; it is chic in a traditional setting as well.

I believe the stunning interiors born from this approach is the best way to highlight multiple individual pieces in one space. The sophisticated simplicity allows an appreciation for the furniture's curves, twists, and turns when they are allowed to stand alone in their individuality in a non-cluttered environment.

It elevates the less is more concept that delivers a never ending calmness, while at the same time giving the heart of the beholder a little flutter. The pause that happens in a traditional minimal design will have you seeing detail you missed before.

So where do you put your collected treasures in a traditional minimal design? Consider some of these tips: beautiful shelving or display cabinet, tabletops with restraint, the seat of that individual wood frame chair in the space, an easel, under an end table or console. You won't have to point out the details of your special furniture pieces - they will be noticed when one takes a traditional minimal design direction. Enjoy your new found beauty!

Sources: Elle Decor, Daryl Carter, Vicente Wolf, House & Home, Mark Cunningham