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

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

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

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

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

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

House Tour

I was on Apartment Therapy the other day and came across this fabulous apartment tour. Visit Anne & Jacob's LA House Tour to view these and many more inspiring photos. -ian

Brian Militana

I am taking this opportunity to introduce you to my friend Brian Militana. If you couldn't already tell from his work pictured above, he is nothing short of genius. After graduating with a BA in Philosophy, he is going on to pursue his Masters in Architecture at Harvard's Graduate School of Design. He also makes absolutely beautiful music. Hear it for yourself here. Artwork NFS. -ian

Thank You Mr. Warhol

This image is so inspiring to me. Not only is this one of my favorite records of all time, but this particular worn copy could easily be in an art museum. I could look at it forever. -ian