A Vermont home - full of nature and autumn inspiration

This home is featured in the most recent issue of Country Living - and I really like it.  It's country but not too sweet, and nature-inspired, but does it in a unique way.  See below-

What initially attracted me to this story was the homeowner - Laura Zindel's amazing earthy ceramics. Perfect for Halloween! You can purchase and/or read more about her ceramics on her site.

Laura and her husband commissioned Amish craftsmen to make all the furniture in their dining room

The home has a an interesting history. The original owner supposedly turned down many potential buyers.  He kept meticulous records of the home, and wanted the new owners to respect it's history.  One such example is the wallpaper in the master bedroom, which was installed by the original owner's (an elderly man) mother.  Laura livened up the wallpaper with sunny curtains from Anthropologie.

via Country Living

Lovely eco-goodies for spring decorating - from Olive and Myrtle

For you this morning- some sustainable, eco-friendly goodies for your nest. It's Spring, and while you're cleaning your home, consider replacing worn out items with products also "clean" for the earth. This stuff is truly adorable. Many of the products you see here - from Olive & Myrtle- don't cost any more than what you'd pay at Bed Bath and Beyond! They also feature a lot from Perch, a ceramic studio right here in Brooklyn.

My favorite Perch piece!



These stacking baskets are only $14!


More Perch prettiness!

Dishes that feed your inner wildchild, and look gorgeous!

I have a deep deep appreciation for the work that tattoo artists do. I have a degree in illustration and I can't imagine drawing something permanent on someone's one and only body! Famous tattoo artist Paul Timman, however, has branched out from bodies and collaborated on this special line of dishes. Ink Dish features Timman's Japanese Irezumi tattoo designs, and I think they translate really well, and are also very tasteful. My favorite pieces are the plates with the cherry blossoms, and the koi bowls. I would love to see these in more colors. How about you?






Go to Inkdish.com to read/see more.

Garden inspired ceramics

I went to college in Providence, RI surrounded by many great designers, and I try to keep an eye on what the art community up there is doing. My most recent discovery I had to share with you! Asya Palatova is a ceramicist who founded "Gleena" in 2002. Her cups, bowls, plate, vases, and other vessels are wonderfully delicate and lovingly crafted. I absolutely love the illustrations she uses, which often include shells, plants, and beautiful script. Being instantly drawn to handmade objects with an organic look and feel, I could easily have a whole cupboard of her work. Check out her website, or go to her Etsy store for more.

BKLYN Designs recap ~ For all design lovers

I've finally got my act together. I've collected my photos and literature and put them all together for a little sneak-peek back in time. The BKLYN DESIGNS show was held May 9th-11th with a record turnout of 6,500 design lovers. It was held in DUMBO, Brooklyn, spanned four venues, and showcased everything from the latest furniture to the latest jewelry. The spotlight of this year's show was definitely green and eco-design, with products locally made and constructed utilizing green fabrication processes. You can learn more about BKLYN DESIGNS and it's exhibitors at brooklyndesigns.net.

My favorites from the show mostly included ceramics, lighting, and furniture.




Lois Aronow was one of my favorites. The textures and colors were so unique and had a contemporary edge.


The sorapot from industrial designer Joey Roth was a big hit, and is now available for purchase. Go to the website to order one for yourself and see more of his clever designs.




I loved everything from Wüd. They combined very smart contemporary design with absolutely beautiful wood. The design was sleek, practical, and perfectly suited for urban life.


Environment 337 is a great Brooklyn resource for anything you'd need to make your home a little more inviting. They have a really cool selection of things for entertaining, relaxing, sleeping, and eating.



The lamps above are from furthur design. You must go to the website to look at more of their designs -- absolutely gorgeous glass and elegant designs! One day I must have one of those lamps...


Laidman Fabrication Inc. was a hit at the show. The chair above is made of many thin slats of wood which conform to your shape. I sat in it for quite awhile and it is very comfortable. They also have the same lounge chair in a couch size. Go to the site to see a lot more!



Phosphoria was another exhibitor with gorgeous lighting with a really nice sculptural quality. I just can't resist contemporary designs constructed from wood. Unfortunately my photos do not give it justice, you should definitely check out the website.


Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, founder of one of my all-time favorite blogs, Apartment Therapy was also there signing his new book, Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions.

House Tours: Brooklyn Apartment and Texas Ranch House

While perusing www.marthastewart.com, I found two great house tours with a very unique flair and aesthetic. The first is the Brooklyn apartment of Designer Lotta Anderson, which utilizes the same patterns that decorate her Lotta Jansdotter textiles and ceramics.







The minimalist and artsy Texas Ranch House of Photographer Tosca Radigonda.