Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
House Building
Hello, I'm back!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was a bit tumultuous, but more on that later. For now, lets talk about what we want more of in the new year! For me, organic and beautiful design sits high on the list:)
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was a bit tumultuous, but more on that later. For now, lets talk about what we want more of in the new year! For me, organic and beautiful design sits high on the list:)
House Building
If you're wondering, yes; this is a re-post. I've never done this before, but I just wanted thank all of you for your comments. It reminds me of one my favorite things about blogging, kinship. So many of you mentioned cutting out pictures and ideas and then cataloging them in some manner. I didn't mention this in my original article (See Below), but that is something I do too. Now I say I do it for "my work", but lets face it. I also do it for fun, just like I have been doing since I was 10 or 11 years old. Sometimes I think I should outgrow that habit but haven't yet. I just love hearing from all of you who love saving all those pretty pictures for as long as possible. So again, thanks everyone:)
XO
Carolina
XO
Carolina
As I continue my efforts to renew inspiration, I decided to clear out mental and physical clutter. Last week, I attacked my closet and this weekend I attacked my magazine stash (gasp!)I clear out old issues once or twice a year, but its usually only a handful. This time, I decided to be ruthless!! It wasn't easy, but I made a big dent. Now, I would like to say I got rid of half of my magazines, but that would be exaggerating. I can say I cleared out about 1/3 of the stash. I'm quite proud of myself! Now don't worry, I did drag all the mags to recycling. Lucky for me I had a very strong assistant:)
(Note: No back issues of Domino were harmed during this process)
House Building
Hello all! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Still struggling to be inspired.I did want to share these beautiful photos I found today. So much beauty in such simplicity. I can't tell you where they came from, but I can tell you that I found them on a blog I am really loving right now. Its called Either the Drapes Go Or I Do. I couldn't resist that name and I'm so glad I found it. Perhaps for now I will enjoy other people's inspiration.
Have A Great Weekend!!
House Building
A few weeks ago, I wrote about my current love of blue. I also asked what colors some of you were inspired by and got several great responses. Ms. Joni of Cote de Texas mentioned loving white, and I got to thinking about how much I love white too. Years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead with almost anything white; but now I can't get enough!I find as my life gets more hectic and with more demands placed on me, I love the quietness and simplicity of white. When used in decor, white offers room to breathe. It lightens up any space.
Here is a wonderful example! White stones, stucco, and whitewashed woods blend beautifully with soft paint and floor colors. Its like a little piece of heaven:)
I'm not certain if this floor is slate or stained concrete, but I love its warm depth and patina. Pairing it with white walls and furniture shows that white can be warm, exciting, and beautiful.House Building
Warning: Some May Consider This Post To Have Too Much Personal Information. Scoffers Look Away!
I sat down to do some blog surfing and ran across this video. It is a Swedish dance group's tribute to Michael Jackson. (Found here) Its just fantastic! Here's the funny part. As soon as the dancing began, I broke down into tears and could barely see the monitor through my fogged up glasses! So, what I think is that I have been in mourning. I don't think its a coincidence that since Michael Jackson's passing, I haven't had two creative thoughts to rub together!
I feel very silly admitting this. I mean I sound more like a 13 year old than a 33 year old. But its the truth. When someone as inspiring and magical as Michael passes away, its like the world becomes a little grayer. Some of you are probably wondering why a Texas girl who loves interior design would take this so hard. I mean I don't sing, dance, or anything along those lines. But it was his Passion! His insane talent and his determination to live in his own way. No matter what others thought. That is what inspired me as a little girl. To be completely unique without apologies.
Okay, if anyone is still reading, thanks for indulging me and my crazy feelings. I'm not sure what to do about all this, maybe I just need some time before color returns to my imagination.
I sat down to do some blog surfing and ran across this video. It is a Swedish dance group's tribute to Michael Jackson. (Found here) Its just fantastic! Here's the funny part. As soon as the dancing began, I broke down into tears and could barely see the monitor through my fogged up glasses! So, what I think is that I have been in mourning. I don't think its a coincidence that since Michael Jackson's passing, I haven't had two creative thoughts to rub together!
I feel very silly admitting this. I mean I sound more like a 13 year old than a 33 year old. But its the truth. When someone as inspiring and magical as Michael passes away, its like the world becomes a little grayer. Some of you are probably wondering why a Texas girl who loves interior design would take this so hard. I mean I don't sing, dance, or anything along those lines. But it was his Passion! His insane talent and his determination to live in his own way. No matter what others thought. That is what inspired me as a little girl. To be completely unique without apologies.
Okay, if anyone is still reading, thanks for indulging me and my crazy feelings. I'm not sure what to do about all this, maybe I just need some time before color returns to my imagination.
House Building
I'm considering having myself put into a deep meditative state to overcome my creative funk.
Just let go of all cares and maybe my brain will do a hard reset. Aahhhh.
Don't know if it will work, but its worth a try, no?
I found two amazing bedrooms that would be just right for this process. I think they are perfect for weekend unwinding.
house buildinginterior design
House Building
Hello...hello? Where has the inspiration gone lately? I woke up one morning with a creative block so thick that it has had me at a loss for anything to say. I'm not sure what's going on, its very frustrating! Maybe its too hot outside and my brain melted, or maybe its so overrun with ideas that it finally wore out.
To try and remedy this problem, I have set out on a quest. I want to find where inspiration comes from! What do creative people do to jumpstart their imaginations? Is inspiration a sort of mystical force that falls upon us, or does it come from working and being forced to make on the spot decisions? In other words, is inspiration a blessing from God, or does God expect us to do our homework and inspire ourselves? Maybe it comes from a place or a person that serves as a muse. I'm not really sure, these are the kinds of things I want to figure out...or at least try;)
For today, I thought I would start the journey with looking at a few things that inspire others. I hopped over to The Selby, because I love the unusual homes and objects it features. Selby is such a cool site for many reasons, but my favorite feature is the attention it pays to little details in each house. You know we all keep little objects around that would mean nothing to someone else, but mean the world to us. I really love the office of George Gorrow. He is the creative director of an Australian fashion house called Ksubi. Random objects cleverly put together, give this space so much character. One detail I love is the collection of sunglasses. Gorrow designs sunglasses and so surrounds himself w/ this amazing collection. This brings up a reliable source of inspiration. Studying and admiring those who have gone before you. What were those talented people thinking? How did they come to the final product? As they say, you have to start with the basics. When I was a kid I never understood why I had to learn what others had done. I wanted to do my own thing, so why did it matter? Now, I understand that starting from the beginning gives me the tools I need to really build something new. (Learning the importance of tools is also a sign of having been married to an engineer for a while).
So this is my first quick stop on my journey. I hope its not one that is too aimless. I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this, so I hope all of you are interested in flying with me. BTW, any input about finding the source of inspiration would be greatly appreciated!
My rusty brain and I are off!
House Building
The torpid artistseeks
inspiration at
any
cost, by virtue
or by vice,
by friend,
by prayer,
or
by wine.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Images are a great source of inspiration to me and I have collected a large amount of them.
Very often I can't fully describe why they inspire me, so I don't always post them on this blog.
I decided to collect these images as a way to generate ideas for myself. Find them HERE
and perhaps they will inspire you too.
(Above photo is of the Dylan Hotel)house buildinginterior design
House Building
When does preservation cross the line into revisionism?Being a history buff, I ask myself this question occasionally, and
so does photographer Robert Polidori in Versailles series.
For over 25 yrs. he photographed the preservation process of the great Versailles,
although the process did take away some of its romance.
house buildinginterior design
Interior Design
Phillip Gorrivan is a New York designer, with an amazing sense of color. He finds creative ways to use beautiful fun colors in what is spaces that could be considered very formal, otherwise.Link: VT Interiors
Interior Design
Don't miss an interview with Maira Kalman at Inspiration Boards!
If you are not familiar with Maira, you do not know what you are missing. She is an illustrator and artist among other things. I featured her book The Principles of Uncertainty (here). Besides her work, Maira is known as a personality. Her quirky and hilarious observations of every day life are truly unique. Her sense of humor is what I relate to the most. I absolutely love her outlook!
building houses
Interior Design
I devour all things Allegra Hicks. I was very excited to find she now has a series of fabrics designed for Lee Jofa. I realize when most people think "Hicks", they think David Hicks; but I really love Allegra too. Although, heavily inspired by David; her look is more organic and free spirited. I believe what I love the most about Allegra's style, is her sense of color; often pairing darker, earthy neutrals with bright bold colors. Along with the Sills and Huniford room, the photo below; is one of my all time favorite rooms. Its a wonderful blend of formality and casual liveliness.
I find this entry dramatic and inviting. I love the graphic pattern of the rug along with the muted colors. So soothing.Interior Design
I'm not one to write about fashion, because I don't follow trends close enough to know what I'm talking about. Also, normally what I like has nothing to do with what is going on at the moment, (remember the "weird kid" label?) Despite that , I do like reading the Sartorialist; as many of you reading this do. I found a great blog called Wear Palettes. A graphic designer has taken on the amazing photos from the Sartorioalist and creates color palettes from the all the amazing outfits. Its fascinating. As I was scrolling through the photos, I couldn't help noticing small details that w/out the color palettes; I would have missed.
Now I believe the blog is meant to inspire wardrobes, but I think it could be a spring board for interior palettes too. I have often read designers recommend styling a home the way you would style yourself, and I couldn't agree more. Many people are confused about what style they like for their home, but most people know what style and colors they like to wear. The subconscious is a funny thing...we usually seek out the same things over and over again. Personally, I love men's clothing. I like men's clothes because they are all about subtle details. Wonderful stitching, tailoring, and intriguing combinations of patterns and textiles. Also, men's clothing is more often made using natural fibers. All of those features are what I love to include in the decor of my home and projects I work on. I think we need to learn to trust our subconscious more. I included a few of my favorite palettes, that I think could be reinterpreted into a design scheme. Most of the palettes have lovely neutral colors that can be used as the foundational colors and very fun strong colors that can be used to give a little pop to a room.
building houses
Interior Design
I am very inspired by this dreamy set of photos from stylist Faye Toogood... (what a great name). Every photo could be the basis for a great room design.
Besides, the great color, I love the unusual manner of displaying all the varying objects. My favorite arrangement is the grouping of tiny animals above the chair rail.
building houses
Interior Design
I don't have any real commentary for these photos, I just am fascinated with them, and thought I would share. These photos are from a photographer named Angus Mcritchie, (love the name). There are many more wonderful photos on his site, but this was all I cold fit on this post. I would like to have many more photos at a time, but I haven't figured out how to do that. I'll admit I am not the most tech savvy girl in the world. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Meanwhile, enjoy these inspirational photos.
building houses
Interior Design
Whenever I travel home I am reminded how much I love the Southwest landscape. I am also reminded of one of my ultimate dreams...to have a home in Santa Fe. Ahhhhh, what a wonderful place. Here is a kitchen in Santa Fe, designed by Houston's Shabby Slips. Photo from Western Interiors magazine (one of my new favorites).Interior Design
On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I discovered this wonderful book by Maira Kalman. The beautiful cover, and unusual title immediately caught my eye. I am not going to say that I knew much about Kalman before I read this book, but I am a genuine fan now.
Kalman is an author, designer, and illustrator. She has illustrated many covers for The New Yorker and has contributed to many other books, including several for children. She has built a reputation for viewing life in a very quirky, and sometimes absurd way. The Principles of Uncertainty was originally a narrative journal composed for The New York Times.
Kalman is an author, designer, and illustrator. She has illustrated many covers for The New Yorker and has contributed to many other books, including several for children. She has built a reputation for viewing life in a very quirky, and sometimes absurd way. The Principles of Uncertainty was originally a narrative journal composed for The New York Times.
I must admit that as I began leafing through this book, I felt a strange connection to it. It was the kind of feeling you get when you meet someone that is so much like you, that you think they taking your thoughts and saying them for you. I love the abstract thoughts and unusual connection of themes in this book. Some thoughts are hilarious and some are very poignant, but in a very unusual way. I am sure that not everyone will understand Kalman's logic, but it is still worth reading. First of all, the illustrations are magical and charming, they are pieces of art that can be interpreted according to every readers point of view. Its also great for those time when you need a chuckle.
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