Must Have New Book

My copy of the new Jeffrey Bilhuber book arrived today. I have to say it has been a long while since I have been so impressed with a book by a single designer (Bunny Williams I think was the last one that I loved like this).

What I love most about the book is first of all the great pictures, clear, well lit and shot in a way to give the reader the most information possible. Secondly, his work is just amazing, it all seems so fresh, but firmly rooted in tradition. If I had to show one book that highlights why I love design, this is that book.

Just click on the link above and check it out, it would be the perfect Christmas gift!

Look at Life a bit Differently

I came across the work of a Texas based artist today, that I think is just tremendous. His name is Paho Mann, and I love the way his photo's force you to look at the world in a whole new way. The series pictured above is called "Junk Drawer" and its images of junk drawers from around the country. It is such a piercing look into our dark nooks and cranny's. His other work includes "Medicine Cabinets" ( I am less a fan of this after seeing a similar series by Damien Hirst), but his series on re purposed Circle K's is great.

Even More Recycling

It seems that we are verging on turning this into a Blog about recycling, but I came across the work of Amy Hunting and I just could not resist. She is a furniture maker/ artist from Norway and she went around to a whole bunch of wood mills and scavenged their scraps, from which she has made a line of furniture that seems to be inspired by patchwork quilts. At first I was not entirely sure whether I thought these were beautiful or just a little ugly, but the more I come back to the images, the more convince I am that they have a real folksy beauty.

Check out more at Amyhunting.com

Reduce Reuse Recycle

In thinking about today's post, while watching the stock market plummet farther and farther down, I realized that all design work will have to become as much about beautiful new pieces as about using old things in new ways and taking ones own belongings and using them in different applications. I had a look around my own home and discovered that in a way, we have already begun doing so.


My partner worked in a grocery store in his younger years and managed to "nick" some old 7-Up Bottle Boxes. Up until recently they were at the top of a storage rack in the garage but while searching for a new way to maintain some semblance of organization of my magazines, I came across them. What a fun way to bring in some personality, memories, beautiful wood and a bit of kitsch quirkiness!


Additionally, in my weekends worth of magazine organization, I came across some wonderful pictures in Home & Garden UK (March 2008) of different uses of the "under stairs" area which so often is one of the most impossible place to utilize space in a useful, dynamic, and beautiful way. I particularly fell in love with the idea of the wood piled artfully. The simplicity of leaving the under stairs open looks elegent in quite a modern application and the wood creates a bit of texture and interest in an all too commonly looked over space!

I’m not quite sure how I first stumbled upon Stray Dog Designs… I think it was one afternoon as I was tediously doing my catalogue reading when I saw it… the bright blue “artichoke lamp.”

Not only was it funky and different, it intrigued me to venture to its website and see what other treasures might be hidden among the pages. I didn’t have to look far, as Stray dog designs is a diamond in the rough. Their lighting is fun and whimsical, perfect for a kids room, or a room that needs a shot of color or a bit of personality. Their accessory pieces are bold and dynamic, like the customizable “peace antelope” that is available in 14 different colors and made from recycled materials by artisans in Haiti.

Who knew being “green” was going to be so fun?
Best of all, the pieces on the site are hand-made with custom colors, and a portion of each purchase price is donated to a charitable organization. A company with bold design, and a heart… now that is refreshing. Check out Stray Dog Designs at http://www.straydogdesigns.com/

Dining Chairs to Covet

Recently I have found numerous pictures of chairs that I have ripped out of magazines for reference, only to discover that they all share a similar "bent"----It seems that my sub-conscious is gravitating towards the same look in several various and fabulous incarnations.

The Emmerson Chair
This lovely chairs have a slightly Asian feel but the gray white finish and the beautiful Abaca woven seat lead me to believe that they could look fantastic in any decor. They are on sale at the moment so lets hope Pottery Barn keeps this darling for the long run!

The Nguni Chair
Clean lines, beautiful craftsmanship, & an ethnic feel without the usual embellishments have taken this simple chair to another level of chic. Made in the South African Delta and sold but a Spanish company, they may be more difficult to get than just a click away but certainly worth the effort for the outcome will be outstanding!

The Kadrega ("chair" in Milanese dialect)
Slightly different from the previous and a bit more modern, these Italian lovelies are yet to be priced but I dare say I think that they will be making a trip from Milan to Los Angeles in order to grace my dining room. I would love to see them with the Large Tableaux Dining Table!

Tick Tock, 5 Great Clocks…

1.)The Nelson Asterisk Clock is fun, modern, and perfect décor for anyone with a sense of humor. With its simple modern design, it is a great accent piece for the minimalist who refuses to take themselves too seriously.

2.)The Innermost UK’s Ghost Clock really is an amazing re-creation of a traditional carriage clock. The classic etching on the clock’s glass face and roman numerals, are reflected by a strategically placed mirror that makes this clock a beautiful timepiece and a fantastic accessory.

3.)Five years ago I never dreamed I would be blogging about great clocks from Target, but today I am. A new take on the vintage cuckoo clock, the Utopia Wall Clock is a Mark Cutler Design favorite. Delicate edge detail and a swinging pendulum make this clock perfect for a kid’s room, living room, or any room that is in need of a fun piece that won’t be going out of style any time soon.

4.)My fourth great wall clock on this list (also from Target) is by Designer Sami Hayek. As a design professional, this piece spoke to me immediately; reminiscent of the color wheel I had back in design school. I think this one might be my favorite, with its tiny splashes of bright colors on a simple wood background. I could see this clock in my home office as a perfect daily reminder of those color wheel days, and just how far I’ve come.

5.)Lastly, the Wenge Clock by Architect Jason Linde takes a backward look at a traditional clock. This design is not only unique, but it combines simplicity, innovation, and style. A great conversation piece, this clock is for the décor-a-holic looking for the clock that no one else has.