THE PAINTED PALETTE

One of my focuses for my new apartment is art. I feel like I've reached the point in my life where my taste level and aesthetic is clear enough that I can start investing in some pieces that I'll carry with me for years to come. So, I was over the moon ecstatic when contacted by painter Rachel Wright asking if I'd like to select some art from her site for my new place! This is the one I fell in love with...

There's an amazing story behind it, too. Rachel painted this back in April when there was that crazy outbreak of tornadoes passing through Alabama.

As she wrote to me, "It's a lot busier than most of my paintings because I was nervous all night. The weather was so scary. To calm myself down and to try not to think of a tornado hitting my home I started painting. I had almost finished it when the tornado siren went off, power went out and I quickly had to put my painting in a safe location and get in the hallway. When the night was over and we hadn't been hit I came back the next day to the painting and noticed that it had sort of changed form from the night before because of the way I propped it. I went with it and decided not to paint over some of the really elaborate drips and movements that it had formed. I normally never let a painting take its own shape and always hand-work it until I'm happy with it. But with this one I couldn't do anything about, and it ended up very beautiful - as if it were telling me to not worry, life happens, and everything is going to be ok."

I know that every time I look at this painting it will remind me of this story - significant in so many aspects. As a reassurance that beauty finds its way to us in many different ways. That we don't always get to shape things into our own idea of perfection, but sometimes they end up the way they should be. And that we can weather any 'storms' that life brings our way.

Of course, I'm also inspired by the palette of this painting, and can't wait to find a perfect spot for it. I had already planned on having some aquas and greens in the living area, but that addition of a soft peachy pink is perfect for a feminine touch...

While I don't want things to get too girly, I do think a dose of these bright feminine colors balanced by black and white, and maybe even a bit of red, will play perfectly into my plans! I absolutely can't wait to receive my painting and see how it looks in my new home. Thank you so much Rachel - for the painting and the story that goes with it. I'll value it always!

*house images via here, here, here and here

GET HAPPY!

I thought we'd start the week off with something fabulously cheerful...

These chairs! I mean, really... wouldn't they put on a smile on your face every morning? I'm not one to usually insert pink into my interiors, but these Casala classics are just too good! They're making me want to snatch up this pair for my own.

This home belongs to artist Kirra Jamison, whose pieces are pretty damn perky themselves:


What do you think?


*image via the design files, shot by daniel mahon for kirra jamison.

ART IN THE HOME

I've decided it's time for me to consider investing in some art. I love how it can give complete direction and focus to a room - or vignette - in the home. While I'll have to wait until I get into my new apartment to really start decorating, until then, I've been doing my research!

I'm finding so much inspiration in interiors and artists who I've had bookmarked for a while, like Sally King Benedict (top right) and talented friends like Jen Ramos of Cocoa & Hearts, and my favorite Nicole Cohen of Sketch42 (bottom left).

I'm also head over heels for pretty much every piece by Yolanda Sanchez and recently discovered Wendy Letven's 'Water, Land Air' series as well. The big question is do I go soft and let the art work with some of the pieces I already have, or do I go bold and mix things up, regardless of color scheme? That, we will have to wait and see.

For more of my favorite artists and picks, you can also follow my pinterest art board!

*rooms: kate schintzius via design sponge, interiors mag, veranda and suzanne kasler

WEST COAST IS THE BEST COAST?

I was very happy to spend a few sunny evenings this weekend with my girl Kelley, who is officially making her move to the NYC in a matter of weeks (we'll miss her so much!). Which begs the question...


Which coast is the best coast? I'm a born (in Santa Monica) and raised (in Seattle) west coast girl, but there are many things about the east coast that I really love too. Where does your heart lie, and what do you love about your coast... or city for that matter? I've come to realize that if I am surrounded by people I love and a city that offers me inspiration and a coast line, I can handle just about anything... but my heart will always lie by the beach in my la la land.

*prints by scout's honor

A FLOWING FLORAL CHANDELIER

I've been spending time the last few days searching for some spring installation ideas for a project I have up my sleeve, when I came across this stunning floral 'chandelier'...

It was part of the San Francisco Decorator's Showhouse back in 2009 - I had one of the images saved in my inspiration files, but did some digging and found out a little more...

The designer for the entryway, Nicole Hollis, commissioned artist Yedda Morrison to create this stunning centerpiece to the hall, setting the tone for an indoor/outdoor feel. The framed butterfly art adds perfectly to the botanical feel, and the natural linen drape does the same.  Now I'm curious how hard this would be to pull off on a smaller scale for an intimate spring dinner... hmmmmm....

*images via yedda morrison, anh-min, and flickr

SEASCAPING

Missing my beach time and dreaming of the sea...  I think these two pieces would be lovely additions to the home as little abstract reminders of that feeling of calm I get when looking out at the ocean...

*angela adams rug in gorgeous pile texture

*stunning and intricately layered paper artwork recreating the san francisco bay by crafterall on etsy

GLOBAL STYLE: JAMES NARES

Hello friends! Cristina from FujiFiles here, and I'm quite sure we all feel the same way about this Lonny living room. I know I had it on my Christmas list - in its entirety.
But for now let's narrow that (lofty) dream down to the two pieces responsible for the room's splash of color: the paintings.

Those vivid brushstrokes are the work of James Nares, a London-born artist, filmmaker, and musician based in New York. His paintings are like strokes of calligraphy, magnified and flowing across large format canvases.

To achieve the look, Nares suspends himself over the canvas in a selfmade harness, and paints one continuous stroke using large brushes he developed himself. 

"I found that brushes are like characters in a way: Each one does a different dance."  

Nares can go through hundreds of attempts before he's satisfied with a particular stroke (his assistant squeegees the paint off the failed attempts). With all of the work and ingenuity that goes into every piece, the final product has definitely earned its place on my art wishlist.

I love the bold movement and color they bring to every interior!

*images via Lonny, House & Garden, Google images

FRED SHAND FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE

One of my most favorite collaborators at Anthropologie is the designer Fred Shand - I'm completely enamoured by her graphic yet organic designs. So I was really excited to see this exclusive collection created with artists from Dehli, London and NYC...

The quilts (there are also pillows) are true pieces of art (and priced accordingly!). I wouldn't hesitate to hang one on my wall, if I could afford to! They're absolutely dreamy...


*see the full collection in 'the gallery' at anthropologie.com

GLOBAL STYLE: ITALIAN BEACHSCAPES

Happy New Year, friends! Cristina from FujiFiles here, and it appears I'm not alone in my post-holiday winter blues. How ever are we meant to brave the winter chill without the momentum of the holidays to get us through? By retreating into our beautiful, beachy abodes and sipping grapefruit mimosas of course! In the event that you (unfortunately) don't live beachside, however, I recommend large scale art pieces instead - fake it 'til you make it!  

These beachscape prints were taken by photographer Massimo Vitali, from Como, Italy. His recognizable Italian beach panoramas feature dreamy blue landscapes dotted with sunkissed beachgoers - one look and you'll forget the grey skies outside!  

Hang one of Massimo Vitali's large photographs on your wall and you'll feel as if you're gazing out the window of a resort hotel, practicing one of my favorite pastimes - people watching! 

images via canadian house & home, lonnymag

IF I COULD, I'D GIVE YOU LA LUNE...

So in love with this simple and sweet print... With so many of my friends having little wee ones in their lives, I'm constantly looking for pretty nursery ideas, and I think this one falls into that category! After all, who doesn't want to give their child the moon?

*available at double merrick

Corian® loves Missoni

Iconic design material meets world-class master in colour and style

January 2008 - What happens when you combine a world-class master in colour and style with a global star among design and architecture materials ? The result is one of the most inspiring events of the 2008 design extravaganza in Milan: “Corian® lovesMissoni”.

Corian® loves Missoni

Iconic design material meets world-class master in colour and style

January 2008 - What happens when you combine a world-class master in colour and style with a global star among design and architecture materials ? The result is one of the most inspiring events of the 2008 design extravaganza in Milan: “Corian® lovesMissoni”.