What I missed at NY International Gift Fair 2012

I was all set to go to this summer's NYIGF when a last minute obligation came up.  I was a bit bummed as I haven't been to one yet, and I have been wanting to go for years now.  I will shoot again for 2013, and in the meantime, live vicariously from those lucky enough to attend.

Here is some of my favorite coverage and products.

Unsurprisingly, COCOCOZY's booth is a breath of beautiful fresh air...

Love the combo of luxe and rugged on this throw...by PEHUEN

3 images above via OD360 Designs

Adorable ceramics by Kahler

and Pantone bowls by Room Copenhagen

via 3 rings

All the finials a girl could want....by Hillary Thomas Designs...

via Habitually Chic

How gorgeous is this dresser upholstered in Indian embroidered textiles from Manglam Arts?
via StyleBeat

See anything you like?

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

Back to the simple life

The hectic holidays and overall state of the world right now definitely takes its toll. That's why I think it's more important than ever to create a haven that is orderly and beautiful. Try to keep possessions limited to only those that are beautifully designed and functional (often things well designed are beautiful and functional.) Hold on to items that have always been there for you and stood the test of time. If possible, repair them if needed and treat them well. Opt for natural or recycled materials, as it will make your home healthier, and give you peace of mind, therefore making you healthier. I know this is all easier said then done, and unfortunately natural, well made items are often costly (but a good investment.) If this really speaks to you I also recommend reading this post on Wabi Sabi - http://decorology.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-life-style-im-into-wabi-sabi.html Also,you might consider looking into feng shui. The main thing I need to work on is creating to-do lists and staying focused. It takes practice, but I'm getting better at it, and I've definitely found that when I have an actual, tactile to-do list and keep it at hand, moving from one task to the next, I get so much done and feel great at the end of the day. Okay, I'm ranting. The point of all this was to introduce you to the simple-life inspiring Brooklyn store, Brook Farm General Store. Remember this image from my autumn inspiration post?

The image is from Brook Farm General store, and I thought it warranted a cyber-visit. I used to live in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where it's located, but I think I moved before they arrived.

Lamp Gras, the original architect light.

Look at little Nutmeg on the left, so cute!


Isn't the shop beautiful?
They also sell vintage finds.

These brushes have an interesting story -
"These beautiful brushes are handmade in Sweden from local wood and all natural fibers. Traditionally, in Europe, visually impaired craftsmen and women would make brooms and brushes by hand. Iris Handverk has continued this craft, designing brushes each with their own individual function.

These are the most comfortable, effective brushes we have ever used, and the fact that they are part of a centuries old tradition only makes them more desirable. The type of wood used for the handle and the natural fibers used for the bristles are chosen based on the designated purpose of each brush, so you can be sure that you are getting the best possible tool for your specific job."

What do you think? See anything you like?

Visit the Brook Farm General store website

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.