More Pillows - Chinoiserie Chic

What do ya think??

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Are You Passionate about Peacocks?

I'm working on a series of illustrations for decorative throw pillows that will be offered with my fabric line. I've always been fond of peacocks so I decided to explore how they would look on a pillow front. Are you a fan of peacocks or do you think they've been overdone?




I think I'm still loving them. Picture these two colorful beauties on natural linen ground cloth covers overstuffed with feather down inserts. Hummmm...............

Have a great weekend.

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Paris Hilton Bedroom Tour

Inside Paris Hilton's home

You have to see this.... she is definitely the queen of gross self indulgence.

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Cote de Texas - The Sad State of Shelter Mags

My dear online bud Joni over at Cote de Texas has posted today about her disappointment at the decline in quality of our precious few remaining shelter mags siting a recent article about the design shown above and giving an in depth analysis of just why it is so wrong.

She features this home which made a splash in the blogosphere not too long ago and was touted by some as being a stellar example of eclectic design. I had the same reaction as Joni did - HUH??? What the hell is that! When we have seen from many of the blogs posting original work that there is good design out there that should be featured why is this stuff shown front and center?

This is a subject I have written about in the past to the horror of faithful Domino readers . Read here.



I also wrote about this article which to me seemed forced and unworthy. Read here



Why should we have to skim through three or four sub par articles showing just plain bad design to see one or two worthy of publishing. For me I feel that we are being spoon fed nasty caustic medicine that we are supposed to believe is delicious. The effort that goes into trying to convince readers that these projects are good design could be better put to use actually scouting great projects. I am sure that in todays market there are amazing politics that go on behind the scenes and the remaining publications are under great pressure to tow the line, stay on budget, and sell covers but does it really have to happen at the expense of the integrity of the publication?

Here is the most recent example in my humble opinion of a major mag trying to force feed us dog food and call it caviar.



I have seen this abomination everywhere. What the heck is up with this room? Coordinating wallpaper and headboard - okay we're off to a decent start although in my opinion the fabric is a very poor choice for the shape of the tufted headboard. Then we throw in the requisite gourd lamp - I can't wait until this overused trend is over! A cheap table sits next to the bed in too small a scale for the room and it is crammed up against what looks like a full sized day bed along the window wall which also looks out of proportion. Then we have the bedding - here is where I say what the heck are you trying to feed me? There is no amount of posturizing that is going to convince me that this is an intelligent, strategic design decision that was made to enhance the aesthetic of this room. This is grandmas left over linens thrown on a bed without any regard to their effect on the entire space. Is the pretty girl lounging on top of them supposed to hide the fact that it is hideous? Then you have the pillows on the day bed. Another random throw in that has virtually no connection to what's going on in the room. And what is the motivation behind the thrift store painting? Random - unintelligent & insulting to the level of sophistication of the reader.

I am amazed that this photo has been plastered all over the blogosphere as Joni was with the other aforementioned rooms. We need to be smarter than that people. We should not fall for every piece of bait that is thrown to us. I applaud Joni's courage at stating the obvious as I know from prior experience that she will elicit some backlash. More of us should be as honest.

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Pagoda Obsession

I'm obsessing about Pagodas. For some reason they really appeal to me. Perhaps it goes back to my early years as a doll house devotee. I love their childlike, whimsical details. I would love to build one in my backyard but I don't think my home owners association would approve.



One of my favorite book purchases last year was Chinoiseries. Eye candy to the extreme.



I see Pagodas everywhere.



I loved this Pagoda shaped lantern so much I decided to do a rendering of it. Here are a few versions in different colors.

I want to move in....

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Pretty in Pink

I'm loving this color right now - cotton candy pink with a touch of chocolate thrown in ......

sorry for the lack of photo credits - if any belong to you please send me an email and I will mark them accordingly.

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Inspirational Goods

I'm always looking for inspiration for new designs, colors, trends, etc. Here are two fabulous sources that I am currently crushing on.




This beautiful line of fragrance products from Lollia Life, is designed by Margot Elena. She has designed products for Restoration Hardware, Disney and Red Envelope as well as for her own company Archive.


I am absolutely in love with the packaging. Her choice of motifs, patterns, and colors combine to create such a beautiful and soothing collection of images that makes me crave her products.





I particularly adore the collection of candles with their accompanying crystal embellishments. The peacock, bees, and florals are so delicate and refreshing - I love it.
These fantastic cuffs from Erickson Beamon are beautifully composed. Their colors are so crisp and happy. You can find them on Net-A-Porter.

These stunning pieces are made by Bijoux Heart - also available on Net-A-Porter. Every piece they design is more beautiful than the next.




Isn't this ring to die for? Delicious....





I'm also inspired by this collection of rings from Rings Eclectic and Roberto Cavalli.

And then there is this beauty !

I hope you find these as inspiring as I did. Enjoy!

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Rachel Ashwell - Grace Under Pressure

No matter what you design aesthetic is there is probably something about Rachel Ashwell and her signature Shabby Chic look that inspires you. I bought her books and stopped by her flagship store in Santa Monica every time I was in town. I admired her for turning nothing into something by popularizing junking and re purposing almost anything.



She was my first introduction to slip covers as a cool design element and not just something your great grandmother used. I loved her do-it-yourself attitude, she was not afraid to get her hands dirty and encouraged her fans to try everything and to never be afraid of making mistakes as they were part of the beauty of the finished project. She made thrifting and yard sales into a new form of social experience.



I just ran across her blog the other day - I didn't even know she wrote one - and I was stunned at what I was reading. I had no idea that her company was going into chapter 11 or that her stores were closing. I began reading and was filled with overwhelming sadness as she recounted the sad journey her company and her life have taken over the past year. Throughout all of her posts documenting the loss of her beloved mother, the closing of her stores, her production facility and the loss of her employees, she has a resolutely positive and philosophical attitude. For someone who rose to such extreme heights of her industry to once again find herself with an uncertain future like the rest of us to remain so gracious and inspiring is a testament to her true nature.




She talks a bit about doors opening and closing, she mentions a new book , and she looks forward to an unplanned life. In this age of such uncertainty I am grateful to have read about her experiences. It reminds us to never take anything for granted and to always pay attention to the things we love most, family and friends.


I am sure we have not heard the last from Ms Ashwell. She is a formidable talent and I am sure she will rise from this setback to once again inspire the world.

Read her inspiring blog here

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What a Great Idea! - Layered Roman Shade

Super talented fabric wiz, Liz Ware of Details Pattern Company has produced a pattern for this truly innovative layered roman shade. Each scalloped layer is pulled up behind one another as the shade is raised creating a a great stacked effect at the bottom.




Looks like you would have to be very careful with your fabric selection but otherwise it seems to be a simple design. Isn't it crazy how something can seem so obvious once someone has done the hard work to figure it out! Thanks Liz, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of your design in the future.



Her pattern is available now on her website Details Pattern Company





Liz is most notable for her fine detailing and tailoring as seen in these designs. I've always loved these floral tiebacks and long to make some but I haven't had the time.




Loved this tacked back scalloped facing at the leading edge of this panel. Using buttons to hold the fabric in place is a great idea.




This very subtle and tailored version of the shirred cuff heading is wonderful.

Can't wait to see what you dream up next Liz, Keep it coming....

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