Missoni for Target

Not too long ago, while styling for one of our photo shoots, I scoured the web in hopes of finding the perfect bath towel.

I wanted quality and sizing, but most importantly I wanted color and pattern. I was fixated on Missoni Home’s line of bath linens- featuring Missoni’s iconic 60′s inspired pattern, in deep saturated hues that would make any room pop. I knew these could have the power to cheer anybody up- but priced at $150 / per bath sheet not just anybody could afford this luxury.
Until now.
Available as of today, Target is offering a limited collection (until October 22) designed by Missoni- Italian fashion house. Their 400-piece collection offers clothing for men, women & children, kitchenware (dish-sets, glassware…etc), luggage and home accessories: Bed linens, pillows and yes – bath towels!

A day in Kelly’s Shoes

This post is less about Kelly Wearstler’s interior design but quite literately about her shoes.

I would be quite thrilled to spend the day in her design studio and would be equally as pleased to raid her closet.

Kelly Wearstler is one of the most daring interior designers- hence her title as “style leader”  or top trendsetter.

Take it or leave it, her ‘more-is-more’ aesthetic, is constantly evolving and constantly taking one large leap out of the ‘comfort zone’. And good for her!

I love her sense of adventure with color, texture, pattern and with the most random finds.  Over the years she has teamed up with a slew of design professionals, vendors / manufactuers and has created quite a collection of products as a result.  This includes wallpaper & fabrics for Schumacher & most recently Lee Jofa, rug designs for The Rug Co…etc

All products I have chosen for clients or myself.

If that wasn’t enough, her new Pret-a-Porter clothing line is making it’s exclusive debut at Bergdorf Goodman, Sept 2011.

I really do wish I could look as glamorously coiffed & well styled all while schlepping hunks of marble or paint samples.  Kelly really does make it seem all so effortless.

Not only has her style inspired me to push beyond my design limits- but she has also inspired me to pull out my heels and embrace the discomfort!

Photos courtesy of: Kelly Wearstler: My Vibe, My Life

 

The Hex

The Hexagon is no longer viewed, singularly as your grandmother’s bathroom tile.

Not only is HEX a great scrabble word, but this timeless pattern in making a comeback in a very modern way.

From Form Us w/ Love to Tom Dixon to (unexpectedly) Natuzzi, these examples are chock full with inspiring color and texture.

I love that designers are manipulating it’s original shape and assembling to create an inspired honeycomb composition.

Photo credits: Form Us With Love, Antony Crolla, A N D Design + Construction, Joshua McHugh

Eye candy

These next images are provided from a rug company named Kasthall.

Their photo stylist is simply brilliant.
Regardless of the color schemes used (monochromatic, analogous or neutral) each image is rich with color & texture to make their photo gallery super interesting & inspiring.
I particularly love their use of furniture- purposefully selected pieces and creative combinations that you wouldn’t normally see in your day to day.

In all…a job well done.  From their photos, they were able to entice and showcase the quality of their product.
Enjoy and have a great weekend.

http://www.kasthall.com/en-US/

Self promotion

Not too long ago we had our business cards redesigned.

Our old logo / card design was something we had come up with on a dinner napkin 8 years ago.

Always so refreshing to put a new spin on things.

Thank you Stephen.

Designer: Stephen Schmidt
Principal / Creative Director

http://www.duuplex.com/

Raquel Allegra

It hasn’t been all camper – all the time.
For Mothers Day, I did manage to get out and get some pampering done. Which included friends, sun and clothes shopping. Life couldn’t get much better- right?
The aforementioned activity lead me to a very inspiring young designer named: Raquel Allegra.
In a little Berkeley boutique – I couldn’t help but be drawn to Miss Raquel’s collection, that stood out in it’s own section of the store.

At first glance, her garments would appear as simple tie-dyed jersey gowns (the collection included gowns, tunics, t-shits & tanks)- but after touching them and trying them on, these hand distressed (shredded), hand dyed pieces felt light, soft, breezy and sheer.

There’s nothing simple about them.  These pieces are well cut, and delicately crafted- making each piece a ‘One Of A Kind’ with details such as; sewn in pockets, perfectly draped shoulders, flattering scoop necks.  Each one has it’s story to tell- proclaims the designer.

This LA based designer, started her line while working at Barney’s and while searching for the perfect wardrobe for herself.  She stumbled on this inventive endeavor- by collecting & manipulating re-purposed jerseys from a men’s correctional facility.  Interesting concept.

Transforming each piece into an airy work of art you won’t want to take off.

This was the dress!  (Found at RedBird in Berkeley: 510.848.5530)

Camper Concepts

Now that we’ve decided to treat our camper as a cottage on wheels, we decided to make a few upgrades before we take off on our maiden voyage.

Upgrades we are proposing include the obvious: new cushion covers, new drapes, and new flooring. Something bright, clean and not 20 years old.

Other changes we are looking to make, and that would greatly impact the interior is the layout.

The banquet and table, in it’s original layout, feels really rigid to me, and seems over-sized. I don’t want the seating to take over, so I’m proposing to open things up by reorganizing the seating- and creating a sectional.
As it was originally designed, the banquet also transformed into a 3rd bed… Though clever, we’re opting to exchange the extra sleeping area for a cozy spot to sit and play cards.

I’d like to switch the tables out- replacing the existing collapsible table for an indoor / outdoor round side table- easy to maneuver.

Finally we’re going to replace the antiquated kitchen sink and propane cook-top, for a super simple white counter surface. Since we prefer to take our cooking outside (on rainy days- under the canopy)- we feel that we didn’t need all the gadgets and clutter.

This is the proposal.  (Gotta love IKEA)

1. Pair of Curtains
2. New Cushion Covers
3. Throw Cushion
4. New Flooring
5. Storage / Bench
6. Throw Cushion
7. Melamine Plates
8. Indoor / Outdoor Side Table
9. Hanging Mirror
10. Vintage Melamine Cups: http://www.etsy.com/listing/70317983/spring-green-vintage-cups
11. Cutlery
12. Handles

These choices are based on easy access and cost.

Stay tuned- Exterior Modifications to come…