Chair Obsessions Part Three

I’ve said it before, but to reiterate - chairs are my favorite pieces of furniture.  Ariele of Brooklyn to West did an awesome reupholstery of a classic chair silhouette with a modern geometric textile. The Leftovers Chair by Lauren Davies is a beautiful assemblage of different species of wood.  Changing mediums and materials, Nicole Franzen lifestyles photograph of mis-matched leather chairs, a stool, and upright light capture a moment and space perfectly. The style featured on the Nyahem blog showcases natural materials mixed with modern handcrafted design; and how could I leave out a Victoria Ghost Chair by Kartell.

Geometry Remixed

I love geometric patterns on furniture, tile, textiles, art, just about everything. Post-Office created a clever glass wall for Dezeen's office.The glass wall framed in various square shapes adds depth and character to the ultra simple design. Another delicious offering from Milan 2013, Austerity Edible Furniture by Lanzavecchia + Wai. The Apartment always has lush looking textiles, and this black + white moroccan rug is one of them. If you prefer tile, architect Nataniel Fuster enhanced and designed new tiles to augment traditional isleno titles. And to add a pop of beautiful color and geometry to your living room, the fishbone table collection by Patricia Urquioa for Moroso is divine.

Black + White

I am a lover of color as a way to add depth and texture into a space. However, it can also be done using a monochromatic scheme. And one can never go wrong with black + white in design, art, architecture, the list goes on.  The Italian brand Slamp teamed with Zaha Hadid for lighting, and the results are fantastic. More on lights, love the Tom Dixon lamps featured in Martin Lodby's photograph for Fashionable Living by Maja Munthe  Tokujin Yoshioka's Sparkle for Kartell are a great play on crystal. Although not black or white- I couldn't resist including a butterfly chair from brick house. Enjoy!

Get Outside

The hint of spring weather turning to summer Portland teased me with last weekend has me excited to get outdoors to do some serious lounging. I love Jaime Hayon's Gardenias Garden chairs and how dramatic, yet simple they are. Mal 1956 furniture remind me of what Don + Roger would sit in by the pool. Speaking of pools the splash of color from the Rosenbaum home in San Paolo is perfect against the bright aqua tile. However, if I could hop over to Greece to lounge about at the San Giorgio Boutique Hotel - I certainly would. And, I couldn't resist the romantic charm of the Lovelane Caravans. They are perfect for a fantastic rural retreat. It's time to get outside. 

All of the Lights Part Two

Spring has officially sprung. Yet, Portland skies are still various shades of gray with the occasional pop of blue or ray of sunshine. The affects of lighting for atmosphere and mood are important. And, those gray skies I am looking at aren't enough for lighting up  spaces. Bring on the lamps + pendant lights!  My current lighting obsessions right now include Lindsey Adelman's Burst light with grey, pink, clear and 24k gold foil clear globes. They are angular fascinating gems of lighting, that double as pieces of art - or so i think. Like jewelry that glows with light in a space. Phil Cuttance's Fraceture light shades are polyhedron furniture at its best. The Wo and We Collection industrial double-arm wall-mount swing lamp is simple and I love the mobility of this piece. And, I couldn't resist showing strands of outdoor lamps for how romantic they make a space feel. Last but not least, a simple pendant lamp to complement a colorful eating + gathering area. Enjoy!

Things for Your Wall Part Two: Art

Continuing with my spring cleaning - or spring rejuvenation of my house. It has come time to change out the art on the walls. Just like blankets, pillows, rugs, and other decor accessories, art is a great way to change and add to a space. I have been on an Ed Ruscha kick for some time now, and I love his use of materials and the timeless feel of his work. Following along with text based art, Dan Hoopert's wire typography is a gorgeous display of the architecture of a letter. Helt Enkelt's photographs are saturated with color and simply pleasing to look at. While I do not know who painted the deer, it was too fabulous not to share. 

Furniture Objects

Spring is right around the corner, and I have been in spring cleaning mode, which means more rearranging, refreshing, and purchasing than actual cleaning. I have got all my textiles covered (can always use more pillow cases though), but I have found that I need to mix up my furniture and introduce a few new elements: side tables and stools. These type of furniture objects are great for extra storage or seating, and some stools can double as both. Side tables and stools are great accent pieces that can introduce more playful and daring sides to your design, and ways that I like to tie in different materials into a room.  I love how the objects above are examples of beautiful tactile and geometric surface elements. Or a Nod to the simplicity of form found in Danish furniture design of the mid-century modern era. Altogether, these furniture objects are absolutely fabulous.

Color Punch Part Two: Patterns

Naomi Stein's Home of Design Mainifest

Patterns. Patterns are my favorite color. I enjoy a space, piece of furniture, textile, art, architecture, or clothing that incorporates a pattern. Put a monochromatic or incredible geometric pattern on a throw or pillow, and I can all but not have it. Luckily, spring is about bloom, which means it is about time to switch out the textiles and incorporate all things fresh, lively, and colorful.

A Gathering, Dining Rooms

What we love to do: eat and drink and laugh together. Dining rooms are one of my favorite spaces in a home. They can be incredibly formal, informal, or a perfect mixture of both depending on personal preference. Regardless, they are spaces for gathering and enjoying  company, food, and drink. On top of it all they incorporate some of my most favorite things: fabulous family and friends, food, and a table and chairs. I love mix-matched chairs, dramatic walls, or the refined statement of mid-century modern design for a space to gather and share and celebrate. 

Modern Minimalistic Architecture

Modern minimalistic architecture has been catching my eye lately. And surprise, surprise, those designed with concrete, wood, and glass curtainwalls to push the architectural form forward are especially compelling. The wood paneling on the exterior of the Sentosa House by Nicholas Burns brings warmth to its concrete foundation, and helps connect it to the beautiful surrounding landscape. The stunning Dutch Bridge house by 123DV invokes mid-century modern architecture and design. And, the Icelandic Brekkuskogur Cottages designed by Arkibullan Arkitektar are breathtaking in how angular, but organic they look and feel.