Surface Design

Kelly Ventura is a freelance surface designer living in Michigan. Her work plays beautifully with different colors, shapes and textures. I've come to appreciate good hand drawn patterns when they are versatile in what can be done with them. Ventura's work could be used on stationary, fabrics for the home, clothing, etc. My mind is running with ideas and thought of creating my own patterns. I mean for someone that loves patterns why not give it a go. If anyone has suggestions on the best process to create patterns I'd love to hear. It's crazy to think that in all four years of attending art school I never took a surface design class. Thank you to Design Sponge for the introduction. TGIF!

 {All images belong to Kelly Ventura}

Home Essentials

Clockwise from top left: Mid-Century Table Lamp/West Elm; You Can Print/West Elm; Tufted Wingback Chair/Anthropologie; Sea Scribble Coaster/LEIF

After recently moving into Andy's one-bedroom apartment and placing most of my belonging into storage it got me thinking about essentials for the home. What is really necessary? Over the past 13 months I've really downsized and learned how to make small spaces feel cozy and not cluttered. Trust me it can be a challenge. There are four items that are key to making a small space (or any space) feel unique and styled.  1) A Lamp that is colorful, has a great big shade or made from wacky material can really transform a room. You can also use the lamp as a starting point for decorating a space. 2) Art speaks of ones personality helping to give the space character and feeling like your own. With artwork you can go in so many directions and should not be limited to just a painting or photo hanging on the wall. Get creative and play with size and shape. 3) A Chair is one of those pieces of furniture that can last for decades and can always look different in a new room. If the chair is simple or fancy you can restyle it with the touch of printed pillows. The chair too can be a starting point for decorating a space and can be statement piece. 4) Coasters are maybe not essential, but they can a little flair to a table or nightstand. Best to get coasters that are not your typical solid coaster, the ones above also act as decoration. Not too mention helps keep those water rings off our furniture. I'm loving the items above for their colors, materials, prints and shapes. They would also work in various rooms making them all keepers. #TGIF 

School Bags

These double handled; zip-fastening totes from Burberry Prorsum Menswear Autumn/Winter 2014 collection are a must have. Men's bags are becoming more and more popular, working with more colors, prints and textures. The St Ives bag (inspired by the St Ives School) is available in hand-painted leather and suede and British-woven blankets and authentic rugs. 

Coexisting

Extremely successful and visually stunning. I get giddy when multiple patterns and textures coexist and still look beautiful. I've been doing a lot of research on redecorating and adding new textures throughout the house. These images are the perfect inspiration to just go ahead and have fun.  This is the perfect post for a Friday afternoon. Have an amazing weekend. Check out the rest of the article here

Photographer: Olga Volkova Tuponogova, Stylist: Natalia Obukhov, Model: Keshia Asiedu

Artist Spotlight: Gray Malin

I am so excited about today's artist spotlight. Feel a little embarrassed it has taken me this long to post about photographer Gray Malin.  Malin's work is fantastic, fun and colorful even when black and white. I greatly appreciate his attention to detail and the way his fills the frame. The work above is from A Timeless Pursuit  that was photographed in 2008-2011. Working with an Oscar de la Renta dress from the 60's Malin traveled the streets of Los Angeles, New York City, and Paris. The use of black and white for this series sets the tone and notice you are never able to see her face.  In La Dolce Vita, I can hear the people pictured on the beach, the waves crashing. A successful piece of art is one that allows you to be transported to a location, era or whatever it maybe. Gray Malin is a success!