Rethinking the Look of Things No. 20 - Painted Fabrics

Several introductions at the International Home Furnishings Market in North Carolina have me rethinking the look of "painted fabrics".  These pieces are an indication that creativity is still flowing in the furnishings industry. After a few years of hum drum introductions it is refreshing to see that vitality is back.

For many many years if you wanted a fabric that told a story toiles were your answer. I'm loving the new approach to story-telling in fabrics for upholstery. Whether a familiar painting translated onto fabric in normal scale or the traditional botanical painting dissected and enlarged to show detail these treatments on upholstery are amazing.

These fabrics make statement pillows too!

Image Sources: Vanguard Furniture, Design Legacy, Elle Decor

Be Inspired No. 25 - Alphabet City

We are all familiar with the saying, "take time to smell the roses." I'm inspired to photograph my adventures in a whole new light. Alphabet photography is nothing new, but I am so taken by the graceful script of architectural elements that resemble letters.


These photographed "letters" paired to spell a word - give even the most ordinary word such impact. And I think it must be printed in black and white or sepia.  

The quote by Victor Hugo, "If you know how to see, you can recognize the physiognomy of a king in a door knocker" motivated college professor and photographer Marc to pursue photographing the city of Paris like a book.  Love!

So be inspired to look at architecture in a different way when looking through that camera lens. The architecture that brings awe to your eyes will offer yet another layer of character of itself.

Image Sources:  Marc Olivier Photography, Letter Alphabet Wordpress, Letter Legacy

Quote of the Week No. 8 - Graditude

Author: Unknown

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 19 - James Plumb

I recently came across a wonderful pair of designers whose mission is "to expose hidden beauty in the everyday, creating interiors with traces of history, but with new stories to tell".  Love them!!!

Cluster chandelier created from vintage shades.

Suitcase drawer chest.

A repurposed vintage church pew makes a fantastic shop counter.

When one ceiling medallion isn't enough.

Image Sources: JamesPlumb

Gotta Love No. 14 - Le Papillon

I have such an admiration for couture fashion. The creativity to design such a piece and then the meticulous construction takes my breath away.  But nothing takes my breath away like a fluttering butterfly.

Beautiful mounted butterfly artwork gallery.

How cool is this butterfly sculpture made from recycled beer cans!

Image Sources: Pottery Barn, Elle Decor, Luly Yang, Paul Villinski

Translation Fashion to Home No. 7 - Meredith Michael Shoes

Oh how the pavement textures, checkered shoes, and simplicity of black inspire a room! Here's my translation fashion to home from the photograph above.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Nelson Cuper, Tradional Home, Thom Filicia

Be Inspired No. 25 - Black and White Photography

I was hanging artwork yesterday (yes, I still had some to hang) and was inspired once again with black and white photography. When our children were about 4 months old I put black and white film in the camera and took some of the most amazing photos of them. I have two faves - I had them blown up to 18" x 22".  Another favorite black and white photo of mine is one of my parents.

Be inspired this year to print those photos you take in black and white. The clarity of the images is simple yet stunning.

Image Sources: Bluebots, DJdesigner, Smashing Magazine, Photo Visible