Fresh Design

So it's been a while since we've all seen the sun. I am starting to tire of gray days for sure! That's why I was so glad to find some fresh perspective on one of my favorite blogs desire to inspire. They featured designer Anna Spiro my new found hero. Finally! Someone who is not afraid of color and pattern! I am so encouraged by her bold statements and smart respect for scale. When I look at this post I feel like I'm not crazy and someone understands. -dann

I'm Having an Affair

So I'm sitting on my sofa having an affair with Chester. My sofa has been good to me but alas my wandering eye. I'm dreaming of it looking like the sofa in my "Bring on the Color" post. It can be sleek or bohemian just like me! Check out the Chester sofa at Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams. -dann

Bring On The Color!

Image From Domino
On a dreary January day this interior brought me inspiration. Enjoy! -dann

Recycled Lux

This has already been a super wierd year in the land of retail. I don't think that is any surprise. So as a visual merchandiser for a furniture boutique in Nashville, I had to get creative. Basically, let's look fabulous but don't spend any money. Oh, back to my roots! I knew that this holiday season should reflect a scaled back sensibility and that the organic back to our roots message needed to be the main statement. No reason it shouldn't still feel lux. Anyway, I had been walking past a stack of old shipping pallets for months, wondering what else they could become. A 13 foot tree, 5 huge wreaths and just about anything else you can imagine later, and I think we have a winning look. I want this tree for my house but I think I'm too tired for any more pallet creations for this Christmas. All I have to say is, I am so thankful for the brad nailer my parents got me for Christmas a few years ago!!! -dann

The Hamptons, Meet RRL

If you read Elle Decor, you may be familiar with a shortlist each issue, where they ask some design-savvy individual the "12 things he/she can't live without." Well, the December issue of Elle Decor features John Derian, a New York artist turned designer, who converted an East Village shop into a showcase for his eclectic creations. His expanding business includes a textiles annex and soon-to-be opened antique-and vintage- furniture showroom in Manhattan, as well as a summer outpost in Provincetown, Massachusetts. You may have also seen his name on a capsule collection for Target and a line of upholstered seating. In other words, this man has it going on. His taste is relatively impeccable. If you are wondering what the hell this has to do with anything, I just thought I would fill you in on the rabbit trail I followed to arrive at this post.

So here it is... in the fashion of flawless taste, Derian lists RRL clothing by Ralph Lauren as his #3 in the shortlist of 12. The following photos are of the relatively new RRL in East Hampton. Even though I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of Ralph Lauren, RRL is undeniable. I think I am drawn to this line because it is demonstrative of the real Ralph Lauren; Ralph Lauren the man, an icon of american fashion, not Ralph Lauren, a label on an irregular polo at TJ Maxx. As you can see by the fabulous photos, this is less prep and more americana, which suits me just fine. Anyway... I dare you not to drool. The exterior is enough for me, let alone the brilliant interior. Simply beautiful. -ian

All images by Brian Berman, courtesy of A Continuous Lean.

Saving Your Pennies?

Economic crisis got you saving your pennies? Well, if are willing to ignore the notion that spending money on something to help you save money is counter-productive, then check out these SUPER CUTE options from Our Children's Gorilla. Choose between "IL BUONO" and "IL CATTIVO," artisan-interpreted classic western characters, meaning "Good" & "Bad." These are two of many items on this site that has me eager for children on which to spend money despite the economic slump. See for yourself. Or, if you want, I suggest sticking with the piggy bank and putting the money you would have spent inside it. -ian

Acne A/W '08 Fashion Show

I thought it would only be right to give you a look into one of my very favorites in fashion (and further confirmation that I LOVE Sweden): ACNE. Above is the A/W '08 Collection in two parts. Take a moment to admire the simplicity and detail in every garment. They are the kind of company that makes me want to blow my entire fashion budget for a season on one outfit. I wouldn't mind wearing it every day. The problem is... what would I wear when I have to take it to the cleaners? -ian

Can You Marry a Sofa?

OMG! I saw this Vitra sofa in a magazine several years ago and then I lost the picture. Then it just showed up in Elle Decor this month. Reunited at last! The detail on the buttons is so crazy cool. I love pretty much everything about this piece especially the tonal mix and the geometry. This is definitely on my top ten list! -dann

A Nod to Nature

So it's been a while since I have posted. I think that I ran out of inspiration...Well this fall it seems to be all about nature. Maybe it's phase two of the Green movement, maybe it's the fact that nature never goes out of style. Either way I am mad for these felted wool stone ottomans. Not only are they dramatic as all get out but they also have a great story. Check them out at Viva Terra. -dann

Eco-graphic

So I just found this website that I will be bookmarking immediately!!! It's called reformschoolrules.com. They feature great art, accessories,books, and jewelry all with an eco-friendly story. These graphic posters are printed with soy based inks on recycled paper. I love mixing these graphics into art collages and at this price I can put a few other things in my cart. Check it out! -dann

Deep Sea Glamour

So a couple of weeks ago I happened to catch an episode of Thom Filicia's show Dress My Nest on the Style Network. He paid a visit to Mecox in LA where he selected this octopus triptych. It has haunted me for weeks! Who do I have to sleep with to get one of these? I love the drama of the color! Then this week I stumbled onto this fabulous linen pillow from Hudson Boston and this dramatic image again. There is something very now about this beautiful and ominous icon. -dann

Muscle Cars

So call it my inner Dukes of Hazzard but I need some muscle car in my life, not to mention a little Bo and Luke! I may not have a car that I have to enter from an open side window but maybe I'll settle for a little design mayhem. I imagine that this fabric from Reprodepot would make a very rebellious shower curtain. These pillows from Jonathan Adler could stir up a little trouble on any sofa! And while you're in the mood, Ian recommends downloading "Muscle Car (featuring Freeform Five)" by Mylo here. It's the perfect soundtrack for the bad ass in you. -dann

Alexander Girard

These graphics are engraved in history. Alexander Girard was a genius! His textile designs for Herman Miller are icons from an era of icons. I was thrilled to find that I can have a piece of the design pie with these fabulous pillows and floor mats from Maximo. If you could only see the closet in my house specifically designated to pillows you might say I'm a glutton for pie! If you ever get a chance to read up on Girard, you will find his career fascinating and his designs unforgettable. -dann

Quintessential New England: The Home of Alex Carleton

Images courtesy of A Continuous Lean
Men's Vogue was wise enough to do a spread on Rogues Gallery (see our first post) creator Alex Carleton's stunning home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. In the article, Carleton discusses his inspiration for the brand. The pictures really speak for themselves--Carleton is a man of authenticity when it comes to creating a company like Rogues Gallery. For years I've admired Rogues as a brand for taking cues from a dusty, mysterious maritime past. Now, after seeing this article, I love them even more. Plus, where do I move in? I could honestly spend hours exploring this man's house. It looks like the beginning to a great adventure! -ian

Botanicals

I am enchanted by these botanicals from Natural Curiosities. They look so authentic and what's not to love. They are the perfect signature piece for a collage of art. -dann