Ropes as art. Ropes as interior design. Ropes as functional elements. Ropes as decor.
Installation by Magdalena Abakanowicz
Not sure where I found this. Love the light though.
Ace Hotel in Palm Springs Lobby
The Exchange Hotel in Amsterdam
Rope Light from Etsy
Posted by Catherine on March 7th, 2012 at 5:29 PM | Comments (0)
It used to be that I could paint anything white and it would fit my décor. My sister used to make fun of me for my tiny obsession. For any of you who watch the show Portlandlia, my obsession reminds me of the hilarious skit, “We put birds on things”. I’d find an old picture frame that didn’t quite fit in my room, so I’d paint it white; a cool vintage statue of an owl, I’d paint it white!
Now I’m obsessed with gold. I love the level of sophistication it can add to any setting, but paired with the right color, and only using a hint of it, it can still be playful and fun. So, this goes out to you, Susie (my sis). You’ll no longer here me talk about white! You can also see this post on Brooklyn Bride where I guest blog from time to time.
Tablescape on The Decorista | gold flatware from West Elm | Confetti System Streamers | Foil Stamped Invitations featured on The Sweetest Occasion | gold painted chair from Anthropologie | artwork of Martin Pfeifle | Streamers from Martha Stewart | wallpaper by Verde | DIY star drink sticks | gold painted branches at Martha Stewart | gold installation by Carmody Groarke
Posted by Catherine on January 30th, 2012 at 6:46 PM | Comments (1)
I just couldn’t resist re-posting this diy idea from Hostess with the Mostess. They have such great diy projects. If you haven’t noticed, LS has a mini obsession over yarn. It’s so cheap and easy to work with. This tutorial of yarn craft brings me back to the yarn partition that we designed and built for our Vessels event.It also takes me back to more of our fabulous posts infusing yarn, including the Yarn Nest, Amanda McCavour’s Art, and our Cozies for the Urban Landscape post.
Posted by Catherine on January 9th, 2012 at 4:24 PM | Comments (0)
Staring at the blank wall in front of me, I am inspired to fill the space with something new and unexpected…which reminds me of the wall mural along the bridge to the sculpture garden at SFMOMA by Rosana Castrillo-Diaz. The piece is so subtle it almost disappears but its intensity changes depending on the light and as you walk alongside it. See it below (or go experience it in person!) along with a few other professional and diy projects that might inspire you to create your own masterpiece.
Images from SFMOMA blog
This next installation by William Kentridge at MOMA’s PS1 strongly contrasts Diaz’s ethereal piece with its gritty context and haunting figures in silhouette. The commonality is that the stairwell, much like the bridge, is transformed into an interactive experience rather than a mundane passage way.
Images from AmieOliver blog
Merimekko stencil with sharpy pen; Image from Curbly
Image from Apartment Therapy – reminds me of an ee cummings illustration
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Posted by Gretchen on November 30th, 2011 at 4:55 PM | Comments (0)
I stumbled upon the artist, Sipho Mabona, while researching origami after I spied this wonderful installation by Meva made of countless folded windmills (note the beautiful shadows cast on the ground below).
Above images are by collaborative, Meva, via designboom
Mabona’s work makes me smile as it encompasses some of my favorite elements – minimalism and whimsy – along with a touch of the unexpected. His installations run the gamut from conventional paper constructed birds and fish to less typical subject matter like full scale interiors and life sized figures made entirely of paper. Continue on for a few examples of Mabona’s work all referenced from his website.
*Origami is a very effective technique to use for an event or an unadorned wall in your home as it is fairly simple & affordable to create and packs a big punch! Click here and here to get started.
Posted by Gretchen on November 4th, 2011 at 4:32 PM | Comments (0)
I’m super into this table decor from Hey Look. This is so fall! It’s versatile enough and just right for a light meal with friends or even a somewhat formal dinner for the holidays. I’m in love with the gold vases and use of ferns. They even took the time to style some very cute corsages for the guests. I love that! I’m a big fan of the corny, “hello, my name is tag”, but in a much more subtle sophisticated way and this way (with gold flowers) is much more personal and intimate.
Posted by Catherine on November 2nd, 2011 at 5:32 PM | Comments (0)
In preparation for Tilt, the wedding event that we styled and participated in a few weeks ago, we designed and made some boutineers for our guests. It’s super simple and a great way to personalize your wedding attire.
Step 1
Begin by collecting your materials. You’ll need flowers (duh), ribbon or fabric, flower tape, wire and wire cutters. We chose to work with air plants with some accent flowers. The air plants were generously supplied by Air Supply Plant Co..
Step 2
Take a wire and poke it through your air plant, bend it halfway and cut it about 2.5 inches down.
Step 3 Arrange your other flowers next to your air plant. Begin by tapping off the flowers from the top down. At this point, you can choose to put a piece of vintage fabric or ribbon on top by wrapping it around and pinning it to secure it.
Voila!
Posted by Catherine on October 28th, 2011 at 4:52 PM | Comments (0)
Today’s post is inspired by decor ideas in the works for City Slicker Farms 10 year anniversary event tomorrow night: Collective Plate. Herbs combined with other flowers or even by themselves are a simple and lovely way to brighten and invigorate a space. And they feel like fall-ish too.
Posted by Gretchen on October 13th, 2011 at 4:35 AM | Comments (0)
Garland has come back around in a big way at weddings and events. But instead of those paper strips that made up the bulk of my childhood birthday party decor, people are now coming up with inventive ways to recreate mood by using ribbon, fabric, string, etc. Recently, we participated in and styled the Tilt wedding fair at Swarm Gallery. In preparation for our own booth we chronicled the making of some garland that you can design and make all on your own. Stay tuned for photos of the event to come!
Step One: Find a variation of 5-7 different types of fabrics with color palettes that compliment your event or each other. I chose to do a mix of vintage fabrics with some neutral white.
Step Two: Cut up your fabric into 1-2 inch strips. I chose to make ours as long as 3.5 feet each. You may opt for shorter or longer sections depending on coverage of the space.
Step Three: Sew or glue your strips together. Because we were crunched for time, I glues my pieces together with fabric glue. Quick, easy and seamless! As a side note: we obviously enjoyed the rough edge of our fabric for the finished product, but you can always buy some fraying glue at a fabric or craft store.
Step Four: Hang up and enjoy.
Posted by Catherine on October 3rd, 2011 at 1:23 AM | Comments (0)
Used or vintage bottles are a great and affordable way to add some decorating flare for a unique event. We loved these creative finds that turn the old into something new – but the possibilities are endless so try putting your own spin on it!
Bold colored vases by dahlhaus (not new but still a great diy idea!)
Posted by Gretchen on September 7th, 2011 at 5:52 AM | Comments (0)
