Archive for June, 2009

6.30.09Plümo

I came across Plümo a few weeks ago but was unsure as to whether I should blog them or not since it appears they don’t ship outside of the UK… but now I’m thinking why not? We don’t have to purchase every single thing we see, right? I mean window shopping is absolutely allowed for those of us not living within their shipping zone so let’s drool and browse. No harm in looking plus I find their selection inspiring as everything seems to be inspired by the exotic vacations of a lady with exquisite taste, don’t you think?

I’ll be in London in August — just for a day, we have a reallyyyy long layover so we’re making the best of it and taking the train from Heathrow to Paddington Station and now I’m wishing Plümo had a storefront as their prices are pretty affordable even after the dollar exchange… most of what’s in London I fear I cannot stomach paying for after I run the conversion through my brain. But I must go to Liberty. And Caravan. And. And. And. Always And. :)

I really adore the style of all of these pretty things, don’t you? That flower garland would be lovely at a party, don’t you think?

(images: plümo)

6.30.09Lotta Jansdotter + Your Thoughts On Paper?

I was reading the Bubb Report this morning and came across these tissue boxes by Lotta Jansdotter and I thought, “If only Kleenex could get with it and give us something like this vs. all those mod boxes that don’t match one single part of my house!” – I mean, I guess it’s a little old fashioned to match the tissue box to the decor of your home (recall the crochet cozies in your grandmother’s bathroom – I sure do), I keep mine in the drawer anyway because they’re so ugly, but if you want to match and leave them out then I like these from Lotta.

My preference is the long flat box in plain white, vs. the round, box, oval and now “fruit wedge” shape that’s taking over tissue aisles across the country. Heck, if you have time on your hands, you could use rubber stamps to stamp a plain white tissue box yourself. When it comes to toilet paper, paper towels, and kleenex (and their boxes) I like things high quality yet simplistic in their design. And while world peace should be a concern, and it is, I do spend a little too much time thinking about every little thing that I purchase being both functional and pretty. I just love toilet paper that has those deep white on white almost letterpressed impressions on them. Do you know what I mean? You may not, as I don’t come across it here too often but in Germany they have toilet paper that is so beautiful with these gorgeous patterns deeply impressed into each sheet, I was so impressed. I figure if I have to look at these functional items on a daily basis then why can’t they at least look nice and not tacky. I know… I know you’re thinking I’m crazy right about now.

But back to Lotta because I’m sure she won’t want to read this post and see that the entire topic is around toilet paper and tissue boxes. :) Well it looks like she’s been bitten by the good old scrapbooking bug because now she is carrying some scrapbooks in her online shop which is a great option for her fans. I love the baby pillow and the mini tray in her collection, both shown above. Especially the tray — a personal favorite.

By the way, have you ever watched this ’07 studio tour of her Brooklyn office? I missed it somehow and stumbled upon it a moment ago. I guess I never thought about where she does all of her photography, print work, packaging, etc. but in this video, produced by Etsy, she gives us a tour of an apartment that she converted into, what seems to be, solely her studio space. It’s so inspiring to watch this power woman in action. Psst: If you are in Brooklyn in August, September or October visit Lotta’s studio space to take a printmaking class with her. I’d love to take a printmaking class with someone who has so much experience, especially in their ‘zone’ you know, a classroom in college is fine too but to be in the artist’s space seems a lot more intimate and energizing to me personally. More information about that here.

Okay your turn to dish. Do you care about paper towel patterns, tissue boxes, toilet paper rolls and the like? Or do you think all this focus on product packaging for such mundane things is a bit over rated?

(images: lotta jansdotter)

6.30.09Etsy Take Five Tuesdays

Welcome to this week’s installment of Etsy Take Five Tuesdays! Today you’ll notice a slight theme: Vintage Charm. Whether it’s an old bear or a classic typewriter, a poster with an old-fashioned feel, or a bunch of 60s Science books you’ll no doubt find this blast from the past fun & inspirational. And as a bonus, I’ve added a 6th shop for you to visit. It’s a tiny one and has little to do with the vintage theme but hey, I’m not want to stay between the lines!

Artist and illustrator Melody Sea from The Dark Tree in London is currently working on a series of paintings focused on lost and abandoned vintage toys. “I am fascinated by how much personality toys can have especially as they get older and I love to imagine their histories and all the adventures they’ve had before they came to me,” Melody says. I was excited to learn that she also offers custom portraits so if you have a beloved toy you’d like captured forever on canvas just let her know.

Vintology is a sweet vintage shop who currently has an even sweeter white typewriter in stock (works great, they say), a set of 10 vintage deer glasses, packs of vintage paper for your crafty projects and a great set of 60s Science books in dreamy pale blue with hints of lemon on the spine – yum. There are more great things in this shop, but I thought I’d share the four that I’d considering purchasing either for myself or as a present. I love Science and old books so these beauties are calling my name… they’d look gorgeous on a bookcase.

If you love letterpress posters with hopeful and optimistic themes then Roll & Tumble Press in Arkansas may just be your new favorite. Their bio is written so perfectly that I can’t help but share the whole sha-bang, “Charming painter turned letterpress printer + Art school dropout turned tattoo artist bond over a love of music, quirky collections and dusty junk shops — and one, big, drafty house, three rescue dogs, and a chance meeting with a true old time printer — Roll & Tumble Press is born.” They’ve been all over blogland but never in an Etsy Take Five roundup so I’m sharing them here today for those of you who may haven’t heard of them already. Enjoy!

How about a second vintage seller to add to your list this week? Meet Vintage Jane in Pennsylvania who specializes in charming finds for babies and kids. I like her current selection of letters, jars, kids chairs and girl pillows and can imagine parents who really dig this retro look will really like her finds. The little lamp reminds me of Victoria at SFGirlByBay!

While I’m at it, let’s add a third vintage shop to the mix. This time it’s Extra Virgin Home owned by sisters Kate and Allison who live in Santa Monica and share a passion for hunting flea markets in search of vintage home finds. They both worked for the original Shabby Chic so of course, they soaked in all that style and experience turning Extra Virgin Home into a special spot for them to now showcase their own personal style of casual and vintage living. I love the blue wood crate for the kitchen, I’d put all of my glass water bottles in it. The metal boxes stacked near the sofa is a cute look but I’d use mine in the office beneath my desk for extra storage.

And a 6th find this week, what I like to call the bonus seller that I like to occasionally surprise you with. Meet The Makers. A very small shop that only has log pillows but they’re too cute to pass by despite their teeny tiny inventory. Grab one while they last, and if they are gone then Etsy mail them for more.

(images linked to sources above)

6.29.09Vintage Finds @ Trampoline

Someone please take these gorgeous things, so artfully arranged by Trampoline, into your home to love and adore? Please? If you don’t, I just may have to deal with more things to pack and honestly, my luggage is already bursting at the seams. Look at these lovely vintage finds and try to resist…

And side note, notice her floral arrangements. Stunning.

(images: trampoline)

6.29.09Amanda Nisbet Interior Design

Have you visited the online portfolio of New York Interior Designer Amanda Nisbet? No, you say? Time to change this and peek into her perfectly designed rooms along with me. I spotted her in a recent issue of Elle Decor and well all I can say is don’t expect minimalistic, Plain Jane, or mostly neutrals with Ms. Nisbet. Oh no. She goes big, bold and all fancy-like and you most certainly won’t be catalog shopping with her at West Elm. She’ll introduce you to fabric lines you can’t pronounce. She may paint your crown moldings purple. And if given the chance, Nisbet will deck out your daughter’s bedroom so exquisitely that your little princess just may stop texting long enough to thank you. And your fear of mixing patterns or how to make purple look grown up? Gone, abracadabra… poof!

If I could rewind and be a purple-loving one eye one horned tweenster again, I’d surely want this room to be my own. Okay, maybe part of me wants this room now.

Check this out… monogrammed towel perfectly placed, gorgeous silver leather pouf for resting fashion mags, ledge for a glass of wine, gorgeous soaking tub surrounded by lush pink floral wallpaper. Yes, please. I’ll be over at 7:00 with lavender balt salts and a bottle of Riesling.

(images: amanda nisbet design)

6.29.09Christina Lundsteen: Pillow Heaven

I was able to spend a brief window this past weekend catching up on some magazines I’ve been meaning to read when I came across the gorgeous apartment of Danish pillow designer Christina Lundsteen in the January 09 issue of German Living & More magazine. Here is one image from Christina’s home, can you imagine living like this? The issue is packed with more — if I had a scanner I’d show you some because it’s an absolute stunner. One of those homes you imagine moving right into, curling up on the sofa, and dreaming about your last vacation where you found those lovely frames at that flea market or the amazing jugs from the bazaar. In this image below I can’t stop staring at the door leaning against the wall in that stunning blue and what appears to be the most unique coffee table I’ve seen in quite some time. Isn’t the petite chandelier and the pretty ceiling medallion a nice touch too?

Combining antique textiles in a fresh and interesting way, Christina’s designs really speak to me and I love seeing them in situ in a home environment because I think that you can see just how pretty they really are versus a simple Photoshop view against a white background. Since they are all one-of-a-kind you may not be able to find the exact prints and patterns shown above but many are currently available online at a beautiful Danish home store called Anker Living. AL ships outside of Denmark to the rest of the EU and the world, and speaks Danish, English and German so you should be in good hands should feel like placing an order. I suggest ordering the pillow covers (if they do in fact zip off, I’d assume yes) and buy the inserts locally to save on shipping. Email: ankerliving AT ankerliving.dk for more information please.

Don’t forget to visit the photographers websites below who took these photos – each of their portfolios is packed with stunning things that you won’t want to miss out on. I tried to locate a website or agent for the stylist, Bolette Kiær, who arranged the first photo without any luck. If you have her web address kindly leave it in the comments section and I’ll gladly edit this post and add it in later.

(Images: top: Mikkel Adsbøl, stylist: Bolette Kiær. all others Thomas Skyum.)

6.29.09Fabric From Greenolive Design

Greenolive Design: handprinted linens.

6.29.09Coral von Zumwalt Photography

Today I’m inspired by the photography of Coral von Zumwalt, a sought after professional photographer based in Los Angeles who has a stunning online portfolio that I suggest perusing with your morning coffee. I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the week than to get lost through her lens.

Coral’s client list includes InStyle, Glamour, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, and many more of our favorite magazine so don’t be surprised if you spot several photos that look familiar to you. I kept spotting ones that I’d seen before and now I enjoy knowing another memorable photographer to watch for the next time I pick up a copy of one of these publications.

I found the first two photos above intriguing and wondered who they belonged to so I did some research and discovered that this is the atelier of California jewelry artist Sonia Boyajian in Hollywood. I love her laid back bohemian style and examining all the little details. And what is it about a pink shell rocker? It never ceases to sweep me off of my feet no matter where I spot one – an any color – such a sweet chair!

(images: coral von zumwalt)