Tord Boontje

One of my favorite artisans/designers/awesome guy is Tord Boontje.  He produces incredibly intricate laser-cut whimsical stencil designs for lights, furniture, installations, housewares and even textiles.  I have his "garland light" and love it!  I bought it from the fabulous Seattle modern furniture store Velocity Art & Design,   His work really plays with light and shadow to give an effect that's much larger than the object itself.  I especially love his curtain panels and would love to work with one of those in my own house one day!

Here's a little Tord love...

(below is my garland light)

On Judging Books by Covers

I will freely admit to judging books by their covers.  Gasp!
Of course I don't exclusively make my reading choices on aesthetics, but they do certainly help!  First impressions make a big impact!  This was probably the reason it took me so long to finally read The Thornbirds.  It has a hideous cover.  But thanks to a persuasive cousin, I finally did! 
So, my last post on the home library got me to pondering, what makes a great cover?  I don't really have a good answer to that, it's kind of a mixed bag, so I'll show you a sprinkling of what I like to see on my biblio-covers!

(all of the above were designed by the amazing Coralie Bickford-Smith, who pretty much has the Midas touch as far as beautiful and interesting book design goes)

Anyway, for a bibliophile like myself, a trip to the bookstore isn't simply a utilitarian task - it almost takes on the reverence of a museum visit.

Happy reading, everyone!

Fantasy Bachelorette Pad - Part 3

Miss Scarlet in the LIBRARY.
Since my last Fantasy Bachelorette Pad post was on the home office, I thought I would do something a little related to that with the home library.  I love to read, and I always have to buy the prettiest version of whichever book I am to read next - because let's face it - holding a pretty, well designed book is just better than holding a half-price mass-market paperback.  So I've been building up my library for a few years now, and I didn't hesitate to jump on the color-coordinated book styling bandwagon.

Here's my inspiration:

And here's my version, with an admittedly large number of knick knacks, unfortunately.  Also, sorry about the darkness of the photo, it's always a sunny day here in North Texas.

I have a lot more books than this, but since my "library" has to double as my media entertainment center, my little shelves just can't take any more stuffing than this!  It's my dream to one day have an entire library devoted room in my house, much like the inspiration rooms, with floor to ceiling shelves and a comfy chair to read in. I am about to move (to Dallas) and will probably be downsizing so it will be interesting to see how I fit my library into the picture in my new abode.

My Beautiful Balloon

I've heard in some circles balloons are considered tacky and low-rent.  Bah!  They just haven't seen it done right. 

Balloons done with an artistic eye, and an out-of-the-box mentality will give your party the whimsy it needs to be a truly SPECIAL event!

All that Glitters...

I'm having quite a golden moment right now.

Fantasy Bachelorette Pad - Part 2

Every self-respecting independent lady needs a a chic home office with which to conquer her business world, and here are some of my favorites:

(Above and Below) the offices of the incomparable Kelly Wearstler

(Above) literally my favorite desk EVER.

(Above) The home office of one of my favorite bloggers, Emily.  I absolutely love her use of a Confetti System garland here, streamers aren't just for parties anymore!  I've long been eyeing a more colorful version for permanent installation in my own living room.

Love this office of Roger Vivier brand ambassador, Ines de la Fressange

I'm a sucker for polished brass, especially when it's as amazing as this 1970s shelving system

(Above and Below) how amazing would it be to live in a climate that could sustain a wonderful open-air office like these!  As it rarely dips below 100 degrees here, these offices would produce more sweat than work.... but they're pretty!