Kristina Klarin’s Color Stripes
I came across Kris Klarin’s blog, Color Stripes today and had to share it. Kris is a jewelry maker and is branching into home decor, like these candlesticks. But I really love how she focuses on two of my favorite things (other than design) – color and photography. It’s a joy to look at, and an inspiration.
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Roger Borg: Rethinking Neon Lighting
I’ve been hard at work here in the design studio these days. When I got a call from neon artist, Roger Borg, I was relieved to take a rest from the day-to-day to feast on some illuminating eye-candy.
Roger takes neon to a new level. He’s created some brilliant designs for the home, including this neon chandelier.
He’s been experimenting with various forms like this colorful table lamp and, as with the chandelier, a different take on the standard shade pendant.
He does his own things, too. The orange pendant light (left) and the yellow floor lamp are truly unique.
This is my favorite. It’s a pendant lamp. So very cool.
To see more of Roger’s work, including his neon signs, visit his personal site here. Or, visit his company’s site, 419 Neon. You can find Roger’s work at various retail shops. Or, shoot him an email and he’ll give you pricing. He can also explain what to do with the transformer, etc.
A neon chandelier? I’m thinking yes. How about you?
Mood indigo: decorating inspiration in a blue hue
I thought you’d enjoy taking a look at interior design inspiration based on indigo, one of the most rare and expensive dyes in the ancient world. 
Deep blue hues seem to like living with turquoise and voilet.
The contrast it offers next to white is also perfection.
It all depends what mood you’re in. Here, the designer jumped across the color wheel to create a warm contrast.
Feeling dark and mysterious? Indigo is the way to go.
Indigo will make the orange tones in wood pop.
Feeling uncommitted? You can paint your walls white and use indigo for accents. Some choices are: IKEA’s PS Collection African rug, Indigo toss pillows from Persnickety Home ($17.95), Ink Dish Tattoo dishware from Fitzsu ($82.00 for a 4-piece setting), & Crate & Barrel’s Lago Lamp ($129).
Maybe because it’s summer, I think white is looking really good next to indigo. But turquoise, and other jewel tones, are also beautiful. Agree?
images: Henry Bourne, William Waldron, Hanks Fonk
Tuesday morning inspiration
We all need some color right about now. Spring is in the air. The flowers are beginning to think about showing off their vibrant blooms. While we wait, take a look at this beautiful and colorful room.
Don’t be afraid of red. I use it everywhere – on ceilings, on floors, in my accessories. It’s the perfect accent color.
Returning to Embellishment
I’ve been thinking a lot about the late 18th Century and wondering if some aspects of fashion from that period will begin to appear in the design world. I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll see more of it as people tire of seeing so much mid-century modern design in all the shelter magazines.
Hats and fans from Marie Antoinette and The Duchess
So many people are mourning the loss of Domino, which seemed had a more cozy feel than the truly historic-yet-contemporary look of Charles and Ray Eames, and company. Domino was decidedly feminine. Likewise, the new interest in floral wallpapers, like those from Anna French and Designer’s Guild, seem to take a step back in time.
Anna French
Why the 18th century? I’m thinking of movies like Marie Antoinette and The Duchess. The costumes were the stars. The drapery in the dresses – the ribbons and adornment lend themselves to a more feminine decorative style.
Designer’s Guild
I’m thinking we’ll begin to see more dressmakerly embellishments on curtains and accessories. More florals. More comfort.
Elegant comforts from Marie Antoinette
The current economic crisis plays a role as well. When times are tough, it’s more comforting to come home to a nostalgic, cozy and embracing environment than a bare-bones bunker.
A more somber palette, but no less elegant, from The Duchess
Here are a few sites I’ve been looking at lately for inspiration in this direction. Will it take off? Of course I don’t know. But I’m enjoying taking the time to ponder how I would incorporate some aspects of the ?ºber feminine in my personal approach to my design work.
Feminine Inspiration
Embroidery as Art. This blog is dedicated to stitchery that goes way beyond your grandma’s sampler.
Designer’s Guild. Furniture, textiles, etc. They’ve got a decidedly European girlie thing going on that I love.
Anna French. Wallpapers and textiles. They’re both contemporary and vintage. It’s all in how you use them.
The Costume Gallery. This is a nice resource for inspiration gathering. It may be about fashion, but it all translates.
18th Century Fashion. A fun Flickr gallery of period costume.
