Texturized

Lots of cool textures to see at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

Metal(lics) and wood took center stage, 

but there were lots of plastic/acrylic and fabrics as well.

Today is the last day and is open to the general public.

Do you have a favorite?

Quintessentially NY

The old and the new

Have to visit ABC Carpet & Home while in NYC!

You can purchase this door at ABC...

 Brownstones- this one with a charming hydrangea step collection

 

P.S. Have I told you how lucky I am to have such a beautiful daughter? Spending the weekend with her was quite a gift and I treasured every moment of it.

Greetings from NYC

This week is a most special week for me- I am in New York City to attend a whirlwind of events with Blogfest 2012. They have organized an unbelievable three days for us, allowing for very little sleep time! I feel most privileged to be part of the group to experience the NY Design Week. 

Because of that, I'll be lucky to check my emails, much less post. I'll try my best to pop in and say Hi. I will, however, be sure to photograph as much as possible to share with you soon.

My first second stop (OK- Barney's was my first) after my arrival was The Met and I lucked out as I accidentally strolled by Louis Comfort Tiffany's large wall mosiac.

 Dream Garden mosaic by Louis C. Tiffany, 1915

Part of the separate mosaic fountain base can be seen in center front

 Iridescent glass and transparent tesserae backed with metal leaf were used to create the mosaic.

Even water lilies...

Tiffany's shimmering landscape is breathtaking in person.

Speaking of water lilies, we are now headed over to the New York Botanical Garden for their just opened Monet exhibition. 

Talk with you soon!

Graphically Speaking

... in black and white, many choices abound. 

Clean, crisp, soft or masculine- graphics can lead you most anywhere.

Of course, I had to insert a bit of or into the black and white. Kubus by Pierre Frey was inspired by a folding screen. 

Bangkok by Pierre Frey- an embroidered sheer

Zadig fabric by Elitis

Graphic patterns aren't just limited to fabrics- check out these rugs.

 Cadrys' Moroccan rug designed by David Hicks

 Loving this rug design- Everest by Hali

 Fuori Tempo by the Italian company, I&I

 Ibiza in chocolate- an Oscar de la Renta dhurrie by Elson & Company

Love this one too: Persian by Designer Rugs

Go for graphics on the walls... with stencils that are totally do-able if you patient and precise. 

Here are a few from Royal Design Studio.

One of the new patterns from RDS' African Collection- Circle of Life.

So cool!

Here Melanie stenciled an elegant "floorcloth" on the back of sheet vinyl! 

Get the lowdown here.

Cutting Edge Stencils also offers a fab selection of graphic stencils.

What is your favorite graphic medium?

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Mirror Mirror On the Wall

I wish I had spotted this first.

Copper with verdigris patina

You don't need anything else!

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Gorgeous Fortuny

Last week at the Legends of La Cienega 2012: Windows to the World in L.A., there was a rare exhibition of 25 rare dresses and velvet cloaks by Mariano Fortuny. 

What a collection! 

The dresses were presented by Keith H. McCoy & Associates in their showroom, where the dresses hung in front of some of Fortuny's new Colourismo Collection 2012. Mr. McCoy began collecting them in 1993, intending an offer to be submitted by a friend for three pieces. His friend later informed him that six dresses instead had been purchased for him, spending twice the budget allotted. Little did he know then that he would accumulate such an important collection.

 For your eye candy fix for the day, pop over to the Fortuny blog and admire!

Colourismo Collection 2012

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Photos by Andreas B Branch

Hidden in Plain Sight

Check out the typography and art of Sasha Prood- presented in watercolor. 

I recently ran across her works and was blown away by Sasha's sense of color and perfect imperfection.

How does she get the lettering so perfect?

Living in a small Brooklyn studio full of inspiring plants, she works the natural right into her illustrations and graphics. 

"I see 'art' everywhere - it is often hidden in plain sight. For me, art is everything from logos to packaging to signage to museum pieces - it does not just transform our world, it is one of the building blocks."*

Using pencil, pen, and watercolor along with the computer, Sasha's love for plants and botany is evident in her detailed illustrations.

You can view Sasha's portfolio here or buy prints here.

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