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

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

Skeletons in my Closet

The skeleton key. Such an icon of the moment. I have been collecting the metal and plastic wall plaques from the 70's for years because the image is so graphic. Enter the collage pillows from Jonathan Adler. I can vouch for the fact that these pillows go with everything since I have moved mine all over the house. Right now they are on my sofa, next week the guest room. Then there are these other two pieces from West Elm. Has West Elm hired someone new? Their brand new product line is unbelievable! I am going to mix the heirloom quilt with my bedding for fall. Get it while it's hot! -dann

What Our Children Will Be Buying on Ebay

I found these amazing screen printed art pieces in a little shop and thought I had won the lottery. Made in the charming little beach town of Grand Haven,MI they have loads of style and are so incredibly cheap! Did your parents have the nature themed screen prints on linen by the artist Marooshka? This is the same family 30 years later! Check out these fabulous new classics at The Art Farmer. -dann

This Season's "It" Handbag

If Sex and the City was still filming, I'm sure that SJP would have shed her designer bags this season and replaced them with this season's "It" accessory, the reusable shopping bag. Some bags like the Feed bag are reusable and also raise money for a good cause. Some bags make a statement (literally) like the bags from Greenhome, or inject a little glamour into green like this one from ScoopNYC. Then there is this super cool bag from Hable Construction that could double as a decorative accessory. Lets lose the Prada and try something with a soul! -dann

Chair+Pillow+Floor Lamp

I love putting these vignettes together. I feel alive when there is tension in an interior!!! Maybe I should see a therapist...Maybe you should have some tension in your life. Enter the Lyla chair from Oly. This chair could live in any interior based on the pillow it held. My choice is this fabulous skull pillow from Hable Construction. When you mix two opposing styles like this, add the "little black dress"of floor lamps, the spun floor lamp from Design Within Reach. -dann

No Excuse For A Boring Lamp

OK. So I am on the war path against boring accessories. I am so over all of us taking ourselves so seriously!!! Who needs an imitation brass candlestick with a white pleated shade now? These unforgettable lamps frome Shine Home are the stuff dreams are made of. Take a risk! I feel like a rockstar since I welcomed the Belmont table lamp into my entry hall! -dann

Art for your bed

These pillows are especially near to my heart because they are made by a local artist from my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. The artist Shelly Klein sews these designs on natural linen and cotton. The people in her art pieces really speak to me and there is no better signature piece for any sofa or bed. They look fabulous with the Matteo bedding we posted the other day. Check out her stuff at KStudio. -dann