You're SO Naive!

Just added this to my Amazon cue:

Naive: Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design.

I have always LOVED illustrations and graphics from the '60's! This book is about the graphic design from the '40's to the '60's. The Amazon review describes the style that graphic designers are rediscovering as "stylistic" and reminiscent of "silkscreen, classic typography, hand lettering, woodcutting and folk art."

New designers are integrating styles from Saul Bass (famous for his film titles and logo design), Charley Haper (modernist graphic artist), and the fabulously talented Alexander Girard (textile designer who worked with the Eames' and George Nelsen). This "new" graphic style enlists the use of "earth and pastel shades, reduced strokes, patterns and shapes with a strong folkloristic element."

 

  

 

 Doesn't this remind you of Sasek childrens' books? I'd love to tear out some pages and frame them for dining room art, or kid's room art, or any wall that needs some funky graphic illustrations!  I just adore this style! And I'm very excited to see how modern graphic artists and designers are taking inspiration from that beloved older style!

xoxo,

The Perfect Desert Storm... house

This is so magically beautiful.

Marmol Radziner, a Los Angeles based architecture, landscape, and interior design and construction firm, are responsible for this gorgeous desert gem. I first saw images from an old issue of Dwell and searched for the genius minds behind the design. 

I absolutely love this prefab, L-shaped home (of a good 2,000 sq. ft.) that overlooks San Jacinto peak in California. The architecture frames the pool and fire pit in the back "yard" beautifully. I could definitely live here.

 

Marmol Radziner designed this desert house as a prefab prototype for Marmol, his wife, and their daughter as a vacation home in the prestigious Desert Hot Springs, a subdivision of Palm Springs, CA, known for it's waters and winds.

 

While the fabulous pre-fab model is not necessarily classifiable as affordable housing (this one cost just under a million dollars), Marmol Radziner prefab is a less expensive option than some custom architects/builders. They estimate around $240 to $280 per square foot instead of $350 to $600 per square foot for custom.

  

The floor plan consists of the main wing, housing the master bedroom and dining/living area and then the smaller leg of the L-shape that has a guest room and studio. Between the two legs, lies the sparkling pool, surrounded by decks and plenty of seating and outdoor living area.

The use of materials, steel, concrete, and glass are beautiful and create such volume and light that make the space mesmerizing. I'm in love. 

xoxo,

Monday Inspiration

So what? I'm posting this on Tuesday!

I really need to get a haircut/hair color. I mean bad. I just had my 25th birthday and spotted a brand new patch of greys.
yes. truth. new greys....
*BIG SIGH*
Really like this photo of an old school barber shop. Do they make those anymore?

barbershop photo via.

I know Valentine's Day is coming up soon, but me and my man just aren't super into the mushy-gushiness of it all. We're kind of crowd-avoiders so we've been known to celebrate by buying chocolate and port wine and spending an evening in. I'm never opposed to gifts- for any occasion- and I think these mugs are the cutest for a non-gushy Valentine's Day gift.

You can buy them here.

I want to take a long hot bubble bath in this chic bathroom. The bathtub is centered as the focal point, as it should be. The best part is the frosted glass doors that slide to separate the bathroom from the bedroom. The only thing I would add is a fantastic yet rustic chandelier.

from Marie Claire Maison.

I'm in the mood for driving around in a cute moped. We keep thinking about getting one for our second mode of transportation and the recent lovely weather is making it seem like the perfect idea. It's been chilly and windy and sunny which makes me want to go fast and feel the wind in my hair! This picture reminds me a little of our vacation in San Miguel de Allende. We drove four-wheelers around all over the place (not as glam, I know, but so fun!). It's completely the norm there. You drive your four wheeler down the cobble stone streets to the market, zooming past the lovely architecture and friendly people. Can't wait to post about that trip.

Sigh. So, that's your dose of Inspiration. Take some with a large glass of water (or pinot noir, whatever suits your fancy) and call me in the morning. The week is underway! :)

xoxo,

Interior Inspiration: JC Garcia-Lavin

Everyone (including me) seems to still on a black and white interiors kick. These images from stylist JC Garcia-Lavin give me just the eye candy I need. Once a stark minimalist, Garcia-Lavin has designed his 1,000 square foot New York abode in a much more eclectic style, perfect for showcasing his art collection. Read the Elle Decor article here.

These kitchen cabinets are to die for! They were custom made by William Feeny Studio.

For
xoxo,

Designer Spotlight: Amy Lau

 

New York Interior Designer Amy Lau

How gorgeous is she!?

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

  

I just love her style! So eclectic, colorful, and high contrast! Her use of glossy reflective surfaces make each space sparkle! I love a room which bright colors! I would live in any of these rooms! Check out her 1stdibs feature!

What do you think of her use of color, vintage pieces, and shiny accents?

xoxo,

Little Black Room

Sherwin Williams is predicting that matte black is the new interiors color trend for 2010 and I concur. Just like black is a staple color in my wardrobe, I think it should be a staple accent color for interiors. It's moody and dramatic but classic and crisp. This article recommends that a black wall be trimmed with light baseboards and molding to balance the dark wall. Be careful to also use bright, light-reflecting decor to keep a matte black wall dreamy and dramatic instead of heavy and overwhelming.

The Stir article recommends adding "some interest to the room with glossy lamps or fixtures; high-shine hardwood or tile flooring; or a thick, textured rug. Consider repetitive, angular patterns and "nubby" or ribbed textures on furniture or accent pieces. Choose either a creamy or stark white to round out the simple color palette, and then finish it off with just a few bright colors that draw the eye without overpowering."

Miles Redd

unknown source

Apartment Therapy

Lonny Mag

What do you think? I absolutely love matte black! I think a bedroom accent wall would be my perfect place for black.

xoxo,

Printed Burlap

Using burlap sacks in interiors seems to be all the rage nowadays (p.s., my sister-in-law says I sound like a little old lady whenever I use terms like "all the rage"). But really, printed burlap seems to be popping up everywhere! I think they lend an old Americana influence to interiors. I really like a little printed burlap thrown into an industrial feeling space to give it a little character.

 Like this Postage Sofa from Horchow. 

Love the vintage-meets-industrial look, but not the $4000 price tag.

This vintage grainsack rug from VivaTerra is really cool. Speaking of old grainsacks, we have a bunch of old quilts from my grandma that are backed by old flour sacks- really cool!

These Pottery Barn pillows from coffee bean bags are personally my favorite. I love anything coffee! I do wish that these came in other colors besides red.

 

Look at these beautiful Louis XV chairs from Jayson. I love that they are each unique! These would look really great paired with a rustic metal dining table!

There's a great DIY tutorial (found here) for making your own printed burlap! I always thought you just had to find vintage grain sacks or coffee bean sacks from coffee shops or ebay (like this, or this), which is still a really cool idea. But if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, just make your own! 

Basically, you purchase enough burlap, from a place like this. Decide what text you want to use, blow it up to the correct size and have it printed on laminate or something plastic (Kinko's can do this), and cut it out- this will be your stencil. Then water down some paint (to create a weathered look) and paint the burlap using your new stencil! Voila! Now use the printed burlap to upholster a chair, make a pillow, or whatever innovative use you can think of! I think framed wall art would be super cool!

As with any DIY, I'd love to see your results! Send me pictures and I'll feature them on the blog! Happy stamping!