And with that, dear friends… I am signing off for the weekend since it’s after 3:00 p.m. and I have lots to do this weekend and right now I’m off to whip up homemade curry vegetable soup to warm my soul — it’s getting cold here! But I’ll be visiting you again on Monday morning bright-eyed and bushy-tailed so I’ll see you soon. :) For now, I will leave you with the portfolio of photographer Annie Schlechter to enjoy. Make sure you pay attention to the cupcake twinkle lights below because they are such an easy DIY project don’t you think? And quite darling… You could use cupcake wrappers with a pretty pattern on them or keep them simple and white as shown below.

What will you do this weekend? We have an anniversary brunch to attend and I have endless amount of organizing (still) along with errand-running, but I plan to watch You’ve Got Mail and possibly fit in another feel good film, like About A Boy because I know both of them so well that I don’t have to pay 100% attention but they’ll be fun to having running as I sort through things. I’m also going to bake for my cousins… it warms the soul, the house, and the heart and I can’t think of a better mood enhancer than the smell of chocolate nutella brownies with walnuts and marshmallows, can you!?

(images: annie schlechter)

I’ve been so excited to post this interview before I sign off for the weekend… I’m wiggling around in my seat typing as fast as I can to get this from my little office to yours! I just know you’ll love it. I recently heard from freelance stylist and former deputy style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings, Shana Faust, who so nicely introduced her work and I decided to interview her the moment I viewed her online portfolio. With three degrees, years of styling experience, and a book on its way I thought it would be interesting to get into the mind of this successful and talented lady to learn more about the day in the life of a stylist. This interview focuses mostly on that aspect because so many of you have an interest in this profession right now — it seems styling is hotter than ever whether it’s for your home, photography or the products that you shoot for your online store. Ready to sit down with a cup of tea and listen in? Good!

Holly: Hi Shana! So honored to have you here today! Most know from my introduction that you’re an accomplished stylist who formerly worked as a depute style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings magazine until 2008. What have you been up to since?

Shana: I had a baby girl last November, so I have been caring for her and working freelance for a number of different clients. I’m also working on a book which will be out next Fall. It’s a collaboration between myself and the two amazingly crafty and inspiring ladies behind HelloLucky! letterpress. It’s a DIY book, full of inspiring craft projects for your wedding day.

Holly: Lovely! Tell us, what got you started in this particular field and can you trace it back to childhood at all?

Shana: Yes… Starting in my early teens I would pour over whatever magazines and catalogs I could get my hands on and was fascinated by the stories told by the arrangement of people and objects. Even at the age of 10 nothing could have made me happier than getting some quiet time with a Sears or LL Bean catalog. I remember even pouring over what seemed like banal grocery fliers. How the fruit was photographed, its color, the backgrounds, the layering of typography. It all got me excited. This eventually led me to fashion magazines like W and Bazaar and to pursue a degree in art history. After many years studying iconography, styles and movements I felt like I needed to create beautiful pictures, not just look at them so I began working at a fashion magazine in Canada doing photo shoots and realized that being a stylist was a combination of everything I loved to do. Dreaming up narratives, searching for just the right props and arranging them in a compelling and dynamic way was just the perfect job for me.

Holly: So let’s take it step-by-step for readers and explain how a photo shoot works, okay? How does a magazine spread come to life?

Shana: Yes of course! A photo shoot is always the result of a collaboration between at least two, if not many more, individuals. And that’s the best part! Everyone brings something to the images, and the more talent involved, the more dynamic each shot becomes. Photo shoots are conceived in all different ways depending on the project. Often a stylist works with an art director to conceive of a particular shoot. Other times, brainstorming can involve other stylists, designers, outside artists or contributors and even the photographer.

Holly: And can you please tell us about the brainstorming and collaborating bit… More, more, more!

Shana: Styling is so much more than arranging everything you see in a aesthetically pleasing way. It’s more like communicating a story using things like color, lighting, texture, people, places and objects. I like to think of it like a movie, when you break it down into frames, each shot communicates something to the viewer, and an atmosphere and mood is created over the course. It requires a lot of imagination and hard work. The process for me as the stylist almost always starts with research — seeing what else has been done and thinking about new ways to present material. After that I’d start making some inspiration boards to help give the shoot some early direction. These boards often hold pantone chips, fabric swatches, swipe, and sketches. Next comes creating a “story board”. Loose sketches of what I imagine each shot to look like… what it contains, its palate, etc. etc.

Holly: This is great, keep going… :)

Shana: The really fun (and often frustrating) task of finding everything you want to include in each shot is part of that — from the backgrounds (are they actual walls and sets? sweeps of fabric or paper? A location?) to each teacup, candlestick, flower, ribbon, vase, dog, lamp, etc. – this comes next. While on this scavenger hunt, each finding usually helps me to better envision the shots coming to life. So while running from one shop and prop house to another, I’m usually feverishly jotting notes, sketching and taking quick snapshots. By the time I get to the shoot, not only do I have loads of props, fabrics, papers, tools and materials, but I often have folders of reference containing notes and drawings for each shot.

Holly: And so what happens once you’ve arrived on location?

Shana: Once at the shoot, the magic really begins. Using all the props I had made, purchased or borrowed, photographer, the art director and myself would start to tell our “story”. As soon as the camera begins to capture these arrangements, the pages of the story begin to come to life.

Holly: Ah, and that’s the magic of a stylist. Most of us know those in this profession to be the magic makers and story tellers, those who arrange things so beautifully that we eventually see in print and drool over. But there’s more to that, because you have to dream up the ideas and pitch them to the creative director and hope they’re approved, correct?

Shana: Yes, you do usually have to pitch your ideas to a creative director. So when you have done some work on the story and have an idea of what kind of mood, feeling, props, theme, palate, you are going with, a meeting would generally take place. Hopefully the creative director would be enthusiastic about everything and give feedback as to how to improve on your ideas or, in a not so great scenario, send you back brainstorming.

Holly: When you are deciding on what to pull together, are you considering current trends?

Shana: Following trends is an important part of the job. Both in terms of the products you are selecting and the way you are going to style them. But it’s not necessarily about the latest trends… You always want the images you are creating to seem fresh and new even if they often give nods to past styles or eras.

Holly: Do you have to shop for products yourself or, when working for a magazine, do you use what is available on site?

Shana: You really have to bring everything to the set you think you may need and many options too, as some things may not look the way you had hoped. I shop for products myself or if I am hiring an assistant, I give them direction so they can do some of the buying. Propping can often be a big job so another good eye and extra set of hands is always valuable.

Holly: Now that you are a freelancer, do you feel like you can be more creative and if so, what types of projects would you enjoy working on that may challenge you outside of your comfort zone?

Shana: There are so many interesting projects out there for a freelance stylist; it’s hard to know where to begin. I love books—because they give you a chance to really delve into a certain topic. The fashion stylist in me would love to create a line of women’s shirts. I could also be pretty content running a booth with found objects at the Brooklyn Flea, or if I had a green thumb, working at Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden!

Holly: What do you enjoy most about your career as a stylist?

Shana: Getting to collaborate with so many talented people for sure! I am always awestruck. I have gotten the chance to meet so many artisans, crafters, trades people, designers, stylists, shop owners and so many passionate individuals. Meeting and working with people like this makes every day delightful. Getting paid to scavenge the world for interesting and beautiful things is probably up there too….

Holly: Do you have any advice for aspiring stylists?

Shana: Go for it! Styling can lead to so many things, not necessarily limited to print. Just find someone’s work you admire and start assisting.

Holly: And for those reading who may be interested in learning more about styling, can you suggest a good book on this topic?

Shana: Yes, there is a quirky little book out there called Arranging Things: A Rhetoric of Object Placement, which is one of the only books (albeit academic) I have ever seen which breaks down the art of arranging objects. It’s a quick little read about creating compositions, which may be interesting to those looking to get into styling or wondering if it’s what they want to do.

Holly: Finally, what is currently inspiring you?

Shana: These things…

Thank you so much Shana for freely sharing your experiences as a professional stylist with all of us today, and I hope it’s okay that I ask readers to chime in with any questions for you… I’m guessing a few will have some they’d like to ask in addition to my own. Have a lovely weekend!

(images: shana faust)

If you have orange and brown on the brain today (the stores are packed with it), you’ll love to see the colorful home of artist Jenn Ski that I wrote about this morning at Real Simple. I shared some photos of her home taken by Boston photographer Bob O’Connor and find her pad a delightful mix of old and new.

I know lots of you are are fans of the mid century style and will really love Jenn’s gorgeous home and be inspired by her fresh take on it. Enjoy!

(images: bob o’connor)

Canadian artist Julie Morstad has such a gorgeous portfolio of her illustrative work online, you simply must take a peek to see it! And the good news for those who like her work is that she has a small shop where you can purchase a special print for your home. If you have children, or are young-at-heart, you may also enjoy the various books she has illustrated, you find them here.

Her work is surreal and therefore quite imaginative, a bit creepy even, with lots of animalization which we’re seeing a lot in the art world, don’t you think? The line between her human characters and animals is blurred and there is a lot of symbolism – emotions are shown through physical objects more than the facial expressions. Her characters lack facial expressions don’t they? But the objects around them seem to be showing what their faces are not. It is so interesting to study her work and to create your own idea of what she could be trying to share through it.

I found an amazing write up over at the Sans Everything, a blog on politics and culture with some art posts from time to time, about her artistic style. I swear, it’s one of the best blog “art” reviews I’ve ever read. The writer is just incredible in his description — you can read it here to see what I mean.

(images: julie morstad)

I’ve raved about Car Möbel before because I’ve ordered from this German company in the past (furniture) and really like their selection… and I’m here to rave again because I always find something on their site or in their catalog that I like, whether it’s a pouffe or a bookcase. And while they only ship locally, at least I’m guessing from what I’ve read on their site, many of you can look at some of their arrangements of things to gain inspiration for how you’re displaying objects – I think they do a good job of it. I really like the hallway decoration shown below with the soft, pale blue wall with gray and white. So fresh and welcoming.

Most of what you see pictured are from the major brands that Car Möbel carries from Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Germany. Some of these brands include TineK Home, RICE, Greengate, PIP-Studio (they have their bedding and bags now!) and House Doctor. Though what makes Car Möbel so special is that they also carry their own line of furniture shown in all of these photos that is available in natural wood, white and sometimes black. I like this because you can buy unfinished pieces and customize them. The brands I’ve mentioned above are quite common to find, I guess you can say they’re as common as West Elm or Pottery Barn is in America.

If you live in Germany then you can feel free to order as they come highly recommended by me (and I’m a picky customer!). I really love their professional, prompt service, packaging, and quality of goods. I also need a desk, so I’m looking high and low for one and found something on their site this morning that just may work for me. So! Here are some arrangements that I like that I thought would inspire you over the weekend, if you feel up to it, to redecorate or style a particular part of your home in a fresh, new way without purchasing a single thing. Give it a try – the bookcase that looks a wreck, your closet, the hallway, even a few shelves in the kitchen or bathroom.

Often mini refreshers like this can make your surroundings much more enjoyable – plus I think it’s good to have movement in the house. What I mean by this is that when something stays in the same place to long it almost makes me feel stuck or in a rut emotionally just looking at it. I move things around frequently because it feels like the energy can circulate better. I know in words this makes little sense, but just try moving things around and you’ll see what I mean… there’s freedom and a fresh perspective that can often result from the moving of objects. Plus I observe a lot of movement in the natural world and thing that it’s easy sometimes to forget that our interior environments may also need to change from time to time in order to allow for growth and change. At least, according to me. :)

(images: car möbel)

Hello friends! How are you doing today? I am very well and quite happy because a giant moving truck arrived this morning and delivered everything to us which means that my three month relocation is officially over. Phew! And despite the fact that my home looks like a bomb dropped, I’m very happy to have all of my belongings in hand. I just blogged about it here and included a few photos in case you’re interested…

So! With that I am signing off until Friday. I’m not leaving you without some inspiration first, so I’ve blogged a few posts already, including Etsy Take Five Tuesday.

Also while I’m away from my desk, here are a few links to keep you busy:

DIY Pinwheels from Style Me Pretty (shown pictured above, project here).

Now I can say I’ve moved by me.

Nicola is busy setting up her new apartment in Germany, too.

Gorgeous gray room inspiration at Canadian House & Home (if you can endure all the annoying pop-up ads!).

Emma’s pretty new bedroom in Stockholm.

Tea towels from To Dry For.

Soon to visit Istanbul? Check out PukkaLiving!

A Danish clothing line I’m currently loving… Graumann.

And by the way, thank you for going on this journey with me as I’ve relocated from America to Europe. It’s so special to have those whom you’ve grown to know well enough online to view as friends to share this life change with. You’ve all been so supportive and encouraging along the way so thank you for that and well… I’m off! See you in a few days on Friday.

With love,

Holly

(image: style me pretty linked above)

Would you like to tour a sweet little apartment in Paris with me today? No you say? Yeah, right. I know you, I had you hooked at tour. Or was it Paris? :) Either way, let’s go visit the city of lights, or in this case, the apartment of lights… Elodie, who authors the sweet blog la mechante, invited me to share photos her home here today and I couldn’t refuse as I think it’s darling and a total inspiration for those living in a small space (like me!). Elodie is a designer/interior architect and a photographer and lives in a 26m² flat, which is roughly 279 square feet – yeah, that’s little living!

Look at all of her books and nooks, this place is packed with stuff but so cozy and charming though a minimalist may go a bit bonkers with all this stuff around. But Elodie likes it quite a bit and has made her life in this place surrounded by the things that she loves and with what inspires her to life a happy life. And that’s the point: we should live however we’d like just so long as it supports us personally.

This is but a glimpse of her magical world, to see more click here (including her kitchenette). Thank you so much Elodie for sharing your home with us today!

(images: elodie at la mechante)

Photographer Diana Brennan recently started a new blog, Song and Scene, that I find unique and inspiring. Especially since my husband is a photographer and music composer (both hobbies, yeah he’s a smarty) and often composes songs around the photographs that he takes. I have to tell him about Diana’s new blog! This may inspire him because she shares a photo that she took along with a song, not her own song — but a favorite tune that she feels fits the photo. In case you wonder what she’s using on her blog it’s called Soundshark, suggested to her by Tara Lutman Agacayak.

I really like this because it’s so nice when artists try to make the blogging experience more emotional and heartwarming, attaching their work to music and/or video certainly makes it come alive and also gives one further insight into the personality of the artist. Check out her blog and see what you think, I’m sure that she’d really enjoy your feedback on this idea of hers as well… it’s a nice one.

(image: diana brennen)

Good morning friends! I thought I’d get started early today with Etsy Take Five Tuesday so are you ready to see what’s cookin’? I hope you like my finds because well, I do! :)

Feeling crafty? Fall and winter brings out the crafter in all of us. How about some Korean crafts from Lemon Tree. Don’t miss the pineapple and leaf post-its. {etsy}

Next, Lovely Pieces and lovely pieces (totes, cards and more) they are! If you’re a yoga addict, you’ll love her posters and tees. {etsy} {blog}

Embroidered bits and patterns are available at September House. {etsy} {blog}

More hand embroidered beauties, this time pins and ornaments from Hare and Drum. {etsy}

And finally the paintings, stationery and prints of Marisol Spoon. She also has released a limited collection of brass lockets. {etsy} {blog} {website}

(images: linked to their sources above)

Recently my contact at Chronicle Books in San Francisco was nice enough to send me a copy of Lotta’s Printing Studio, which is more like a kit, and it arrived this morning which was a nice way to begin a new week. Lotta’s Printing Studio was my morning read that I enjoyed as I had breakfast, and bonus! Because it’s very light reading and compact I finished it in about an hour. Yippee! I love a book that is simple and quick when it comes to crafting. If it gets too wordy, I’m likely to not make it beyond chapter 3. This booklet was great and I hope that more craft books go down this path of booklets because they’re so easy to toss in a bag and show your best friend over lunch and they just feel accessible – quite the opposite of some of those crafting bibles out there that often leave me overwhelmed and feeling a bit like I signed up for something I cannot commit to. Or worse, I go out and buy the long list of supplies that the craft project calls for, then I fizzle out halfway through and never go back to the project again. Sure, some things I’ll take my time on like quilting, my last quilt took me a year but it was worth every cut and stitch. However when it comes to an afternoon craft project, I want it quick and dirty. :) Here are a few views of this great new booklet with other goodies on my work table…

In this newly released kit you receive a 48-page booklet, stenciling sponges (2), a set of carving tools with two different blades in case you want to try lino-block printing at home, and custom stencils drawn by the talented Lotta Jansdotter who lives and works in Brooklyn. I’d like to note also that the booklet was photographed by freelance photographer, Jenny Hallengren, who is based in Stockholm. I’ve included a glimpse of her work below too.

This DIY decorating kit will certainly give you many creative ideas and a ton of inspiration, you’ll be stamping your aprons, curtains, walls, clothing and handbags in no time. And at $19.95, it’s a terrific value. Carving tools alone can run you half of that price, but also consider the stencils included and the sponges. This is a great budget option and would be a perfect gift for a friend who needs a little creative push because it suits beginner and intermediate crafters (though I wouldn’t suggest it for advanced stencil pros and printers, it’s basic and not really meant for those who have years of experience). Enjoy!

And by the way, Chronicle gives me nothing for posting this – they send me books from time to time and if I like them I review them, if not, I don’t. Of course, I get to keep the book but that’s it!

(images: top four: holly becker for decor8, bottom grouping: jenny hallengren)

Lizette Bell is an Australian photographer that I recently came across via lovely Lucy and I like her work and think that you will too. Lizette’s diverse portfolio features two of my favorites: still life product shots and interior photography. You can also find fashion and portrait work too — here is just a peek into her portfolio pages.

The pale green with cream looks very nice, I imagine it would be a new and interesting palette for winter if you felt like going off the path a bit and trying something new amidst all the pine green and white we typically find during this time of year. I think the pale green, along with gray and cream and soft caramel could be a really warm and rustic palette.

Next, look at the photo above the two green/cream images… What do you think? I like the assemblage of natural wonders set against a white background. I’m not sure if that is a fireplace mantle or a rugged table, but it is very nice to just stare at for a moment… it gives a sense of relaxation, a feeling of rest mixed with curiosity, if that even makes sense? To me, it does. ;) I like to examine all of the details, for instance notice the 3 books with two pages facing outwards, one with only the spine. Perhaps the stylist and photographer thought that having all three blue spines showing would give a weighted affect to the left side of the image, causing lack of balance or maybe it would create a focal point in the wrong place? With the pages turned outwards, their grain and color speaks to the tall vase, which creates a sense of balance but also allows the eye to travel.

It’s so interesting to consider these things when you’re looking at the work of a photographer and important if you want to learn for your own work or even when it comes to decorating or creating stylish vignettes in your home — be curious, ask why, take notes, pay attention to the details. One warning though… be careful not to get into the habit of collecting hundreds of images without really asking yourself WHY you like the photo, what in it speaks to you, what you can learn from it to apply in your own lifestyle, etc. When I started asking myself real questions like that, I got so much more out of the photos I found in some of my favorite publications and it really helps you to train your eye and fine tune your sense of style. :)

To see more of Lizette’s work, please visit her website. It’s a nice way to begin the week!

(photos: Lizette Bell Photography)

I thought that this morning I’d share a glimpse of how one blogger, Nadine from Herz-allerliebst in Germany, decorates her home for the seasons. Her cozy decorating style is, at least the colors and accessories, quite common here (in the north where I live) in books, magazines and in many of the local shops but Nadine infuses lots of her own handmade elements to give this look personality and warmth. I love seasonal decor because nature redecorates the landscape every three months and with that, there are so many textures, smells, colors and patterns that we can bring into the home. Seasonal decor, at least the style that I prefer and use, is kept very simple by either bringing in found objects (nuts, seed pods, leaves, etc.), using flowers and greenery that is in season to create thoughtful arrangements, or simply by using functional items as decor — instead of hiding them away, display your pretty scarf on a hook in the hallway and your yellow wellies by the front door.

There are many simple, affordable touches that one can add without going overboard or spending too much money. In my opinion, I guess based on the time period when I grew up, less is more when it comes to this sort of thing if you want to keep the look clean, focused and somewhat modern  – whether that’s vintage modern, mid century modern, Scandinavian modern – I think the key is to decorate without the decoration taking over – bringing a season in from the outdoors doesn’t have to be the focal point, you can simply mix it in with what you already have to complement your current decor – not distract from it. Nadine does a lovely job at this. I’m quite fond of how well she mixes things without losing her personal style or straying from her color palette. These photos show both her fall and winter ideas. They are so cozy and accessible and while not all decorate in this style, you can still pick up ideas from examining her photos and arrangements of things no matter what look you have going on in your pretty little nest.

You can see how some elements are used again, but in a different way or with other things that make them look fresh, like the glass cloche and the little deer, for example. Lots of simple touches, like ribbon and baker’s twine, are inexpensive but charming. Simple wreaths on a cabinet give an otherwise all-white cabinet a bit of color and warmth. Using seasonal fruits, flowers, branches and twigs, nuts and veggies also dress things up but are also functional – you can eat most of them or return them to their natural environment when you are finished. I like that her muffins were made with homemade flags, an easy DIY but it definitely makes a simple snack look even more appetizing! Add a warm blanket, some candles, and you can easily create a cozy space, too!

Lovely work, Nadine!

(images: Herz-allerliebst)

So! It’s the weekend and I’m officially signing off as I have an illustration exhibition to attend and a very messy china cabinet and closet to organize tomorrow! I also have tons of material to read – my subscription to Australian design magazine Real Living just arrived today, and the gorgeous German magazines Living & More and Living & More Country are here too. I can’t forget VTWonen from Yvonne, which she so nicely included in my order as a housewarming present. Combined, these mags really nail my aesthetic and I think many of yours too — cozy, nature-inspired, relaxed decor. I also have a pile of design books to consider for possible review, friends to visit, and I need to prep a few things for the arrival of our 82 boxes this coming week. Yup. All that stuff that I can’t remember packing…

I’ll be taking off a day or two next week to unpack and organize, so I’ll meet you back here on Monday and in the morning on Tuesday (for Etsy Take Five) but on Wednesday and Thursday I’ll be consumed in the task of unpacking and organizing my flat. If I find any of it at all blog worthy or inspiring in some way, I’ll certainly share it with you as I go. I can’t believe that between this post and today, my relocation is finally about to wrap up. I’m so, so happy and I can’t wait to get my printer, computer and everything else back – it took three months but I think having that time allowed me to settle in here with ease – I can’t imagine landing on fresh turf and having all that stuff arrive the same day or even the same month. There is so much to take in when you leave your country for a new one. And though I love it here and plan to stay for quite some time, I still have so many adjustments to make.

And on another topic… gee thanks you guys for opening up in the post about blog content. As a result, over 100 of you poured out your thoughts and feelings on the topic and it left me feeling really proud of all of us in this community of bloggers who so passionately and openly share bits of our world with one another. As a result, I will have a weekly column starting on Thursday, November 5th called, “Talk It Out” and each week I’ll take a question via email (send your question to me and I’ll try to answer as many as I can in the weeks to come) and I will post it on decor8 and we’ll talk it out. I’ll share my views and then, all of you can participate and hopefully we can continue to inspire, build, motivate and encourage our community of men and women online who are blogging and sharing. Sound good? When you send me a question, make sure it is one that you think would benefit not only you, but the community involved in the discussion.

What my weekend looks like. :)

For instance, questions pertaining to your blog specifically (like, “What should I change about my blog?”) won’t really work  – but a question about an issue you’ve had, or a concern or anything else having to do with authoring a blog or having a small business may work. Perhaps you’ve wondered how bloggers find their material. Or maybe you’ve wondered how to get out of a creative rut. Maybe you need to know how to market your new shop, or anything else. Perhaps it’s related to an idea you had for your brick and mortar store and you wonder if it would work. Or you want to learn how to approach store owners with the things that you make. The questions can be on a variety of topics, I don’t mind, as long as they fit the overall theme of decor8: creative living, decorating (no room design tips will be given, however, so please do not send in photos) independent design, small business, blogging and community. I won’t assign the column to anyone else, nor will I ask anyone to participate in advance — it will be more of a community approach where we all are equals. We’ll ALL toss out our ideas and such to see where they land. I know other blogs have these kinds of columns in place  but Talk It Out will be different because I’m going to personally answer each question and post it here so that you can answer it too and it will be our column.

See you on Monday! And send in your questions for Talk It Out, okay?

(images: top 2 – lagerlings via design evolution, bottom: holly becker)

It’s always fun to hear from my peeps back home so when Jill Rosenwald told me about her studio and recent open gallery event, I was excited for her and to see her space. It’s very inspiring, often I find the process of something more fascinating than the end result though in this case, both process and finished product are equally lovely. Jill is a ceramicist, one I’ve told you about a few times before, who not only creates and sells to stores but also maintains an etsy shop. Here is a glimpse of her world, a day in the life of Switch/Jill Rosenwald Studio located at 369 Congress Street in Boston — a studio for both Jill Rosenwald and her husband, Lawrence McRae.

Doesn’t this environment inspire you to make something? How about this weekend… if you can set aside time to make just one thing, why not give it a whirl? A cake, a small painting, a sketch, anything really…

(images: jill rosenwald)

I recently had a chat with Ioanna Paraskeva from the newly opened design shop in Cologne, CONTAIN Gallery, and thought I’d share our conversation with you since my goal is to spotlight more unique, independent and small galleries and stores out there. If you don’t know Ionnna, she is the wife of Markus Gogolin who is the founder of online design portal, DESIGNSPOTTER, also based in Germany. (Yes, they clearly have a thing for uppercase!) She has worked with him for three years thus far and was responsible for communications and marketing and co-organized three large shows at the International Furniture Fair imm cologne. Wow! These two live and breathe design!

Holly: Hello Ioanna and congrats on your new store. Quick first question to get us started today… how did you decide on the name?

Ioanna: I like the association of containing/comprehension/accommodation; at the same time a container protects precious goods and transports them from one place to another. That’s what I liked most: The idea that I wanted to form a physical location to show international pieces of design and transport their message and meta-ideas to the people around.

Holly: Okay, I get it. It’s part shop, part gallery. How do you define it?

Ioanna: A forum for young and modern design – this is CONTAIN Gallery’s mission statement. Alternating topical exhibitions, presenting international up-and-coming artists and their exclusive prototypes, progressive design concepts and limited editions. Carefully selected pieces will also be available in the Gallery Shop.

Holly: What gave you the idea to open a shop?

Ioanna: A step back is a step forward – Digitally dealing with design on a day-to-day basis led me to desire to give design talents and their products an opportunity to become permanently touchable and come alive in sophisticated surroundings. I took a conscious leap from a breathless digital world right into the decelerated, clear spaces in Cologne’s Aachener Str 29.

Holly: What goals do you have there (shows, workshops, etc.)?

Ioanna: My ultimate ambition is to discover young international design talents and newcomers who have big creative potential. I want to give them advance and claim them simultaneously. My main work as a curator is to cultivate contacts, to communicate in a target-orientated way and to multiply media attendance for the designers I represent. Also, I plan to participate in some exciting international art/design shows – but first of all I have to establish my location here in Cologne.

Holly: How do you plan to market your shop so that word gets around?

Ioanna: As I have a lot of experience in public relations and marketing and furthermore collected a huge amount of designer and press contacts within my work for DESIGNSPOTTER, I already started the PR tsunami :-)

Holly: Who are some of the designers that you currently feature?

Ioanna: Frank Plant (USA/Spain), Bram Geenen (The Netherlands), Zeitgeist Toys for KPM (Germany), Platform/Iker (UK/Poland), Design Apparat (Belgium), Stephan Roller (Germany) and Per Emanuelsson/Bastian Bischoff (Sweden). You can view them all here and read their profiles.

Holly: Why did you select these designers, what spoke to you about their work?

Ioanna: The current exhibition’s theme is „Utopie jetzt! or in English, utopia now!“ and is reflected in the creations of young international designers. Utopia is an idea of an allegedly refined society – contradicted by a cross-section of modern urban lifestyle and it occasionally collides with a constantly growing examination of one’s sensitivities and responsibilities. The scope of exhibited products reaches from Barcelona to Bulgaria, from vehement weapons to enlightened surveillance. What these products have in common are the juxtapositioning of realities. Manga figurines in golden and platinum hand-painted porcelain clothes; a super-sized Kalashnikov in admonishing red; a floor lamp with surveillance cameras as shiners. All these and lots of other exciting designs formulate an international interpretation of meaning, value and use. Objects and their meta-concepts float free, sometimes provocatively, sometimes ironically. In any case they animate the viewer to give some thought to own ideas on how to improve the world we live in.

Holly: Are you accepting new product submissions or do you prefer to approach artists and designers personally?

Ioanna: I am very open minded so anyone can feel free to contact me!

So nice to meet with you today Ioanna and to see your space – thank you for sharing it with us here on decor8!

(images: contain gallery)

Interior designer Maha recently talked about creative director and shop owner Niki Jones on her blog (here) and I fell instantly in love with this online store in Scotland. I love the ethnic prints and patterns and the strong contrasts, especially all of the white and black. Does white and black ever go out of style? It doesn’t seem to be the case, it’s such a classy, seductive palette. It’s good and evil brought together to form a passionate dance, one trying to lead, but neither succeeding because the balance is the beauty of their dance. That is why I think that the collection of Niki Jones is so stunning. And it’s not all about white and black, there are other colors brought in to add spice like purple and red. Those strong jewel tones that are so popular this time of the year.

So, who is Niki Jones you ask? Niki trained at the Scottish College of Textiles and the Royal College of Art in London before working at Habitat as textile designer and style coordinator. She then got into ceramics and worked as a design director at Wedgwood. Moving out of London, she went to Scotland where she started her own brand of household goods because she couldn’t find well designed and well crafted pieces that were special, online or even in London as she says that she, “became aware that there was a real lack of choice (in London) if you were looking for something a bit different and special.”

In her line, you can find Uzbek textiles, knitted and felted goods from countries like Iceland, furniture with bone inlay, mirrors, rugs, French antiques, optical patterns, embroidery and hand knotting – details she insists on and that give the home personality and style. I love that black silhouette chair, is that not stunning?

Okay and the kitty… I wish I could order that sweet little creature! :) Meowwww!

(images: niki jones)

I mentioned recently that Anthropologie in London will soon open its doors, today in fact, as the first Anthro in Europe. I decided that since so many of you showed interest wondering what it will look like and such, I asked one of my friends if she’d play roving reporter and share her impressions from the store. Susannah Conway, from the lovely blog Ink on my fingers, attended a press event there a few days ago and has pulled together a quick review for all of us who haven’t yet been to the new store. Would you like to see a peek? Susannah tells us about her visit below….

Hi everyone, Susannah here. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the new Anthropologie store on London’s Regent Street and, in all honesty, I’m still swooning. The 10,000 square foot store lies over three floors, each filled with so much eye candy you could happily spend a whole afternoon sampling every morsel. I’d been to the Anthropologie store in Seattle back in 2006 so I had an idea of what to expect, but their first European store still managed to surprise and delight.

The store has a full-time team of ‘visual artists’ who look after the windows and in-store merchandising, and judging by what I saw yesterday, those talented souls must truly love their jobs. While each floor has its main focus – textiles, home accessories, apparel – it’s all mixed together so artfully you can easily envision everything in your own home. It was vintage-inspired bohemian chic at its best – a look I adore – so I danced around the store with my camera(s)…

Even if you don’t plan on spending a penny, the store is a must-visit for anyone yearning for some visual stimulation; there were so many colours and textures to take in, with old sofas and dressers displaying floral china and jewel-coloured glassware, patchwork wool cardigans and embroidered peasant dresses, and, of course, the bedcovers, blankets and a huge rail of the most adorable aprons (seriously!).

The store mixes British and European designers with their own in-house designs so you’ll find new discoveries among the Anthro staples of scented candles and quirky ceramics. I loved the use of whimsy throughout the store: an octopus rug on the wall, a huge papier mache narwhal hanging from the ceiling and the truly amazing living wall, a 200 square metre wall made entirely from living plants, all watered with rainwater collected from the roof.

I think it’s safe to say that London shoppers will welcome Anthropologie with open arms; I’m already planning my return visit. - Susannah Conway.

Anthropologie, 158 Regent Street, London W1

Thank you Susannah for giving us a peek at the store! Readers, you can see more impressions over on her blog right here. :) Also my other English blog friend Bowie, who also attended this press night (from the Print & Pattern blog) took tons of photos – you can see them on her blog. Now no one has to feel left out because they’re not in London! :)

(images: susannah conway)

Would you like to participate in a little conversation with me today, because I would love your personal opinion on this topic since I never thought much about it until recently when reader Rose Deniz left a rather intriguing question on my more personal blog, Haus Maus. I will answer her question below but would love your thoughts on this too if you’d like to share.

“Do you feel like sometimes even your alone time is not really 100% alone because you talk about it on your blog? Sometimes I feel like I am not truly by myself unless I do something quiet and unspoken. Just curious if this affects how you view your alone time at all, while enjoying it you might be thinking about it being material for a blog post. It’s not really a criticism, just a curiosity because these days life is so transparent with blogging, although I think you do a great job about talking about the personal without revealing everything.” - Rose Deniz, Turkey.

Rose, thank you for this great question. When I first started blogging, I was constantly searching for blog content. Yes! I was obsessed with finding something new and fresh, something that may not have been seen or heard about before. Then, as the number of blogs grew, I quickly realized that there were thousands of other roving reporters out there and that I needed to find balance. So, instead of constantly looking for the next topic or product to blog about, I decided to not function solely as a content provider and to actually add my own personality, life and interests to my blog while still highlighting the work of those who inspire me. So instead of hunting down stories, I tried to think of ways to make my own life better so that I could lead by example. I want people to respect me as a person, and to know me as a real person, so this meant being 100% myself. My friends in real life who read my blog tell me that it is just like having me in their office whenever they read it, it feels and reads just like me. And this is the highest complement one could ever give me. I want my blog to reflect my authentic voice and passion. That way, if you ever meet me someday, you won’t be disappointed! :)

But you want to know how I’m able to have a life outside of blogging and if I do certain things merely to blog about them. Yes and no. Yes, in that I have a life outside of my blog. There are many things that I am involved in that I do not share publicly on my site, whether it be a cause I’m passionate about, a charity or project I’m involved in that does not relate to decorating, etc. I don’t share everything on my blog or through other social networking channels because it’s vital to me to keep part of my life between my family, close friends and I. Whenever I feel like blogging about something I did during my personal time, and if it involved a friend or family member, I always ask them for their permission to use their name on my site and if they are comfortable with me sharing it or sharing a photo or two from the event. For instance, I wouldn’t attend a friends’ wedding and then blog about it showing all of the photos that I took without first asking for permission from the couple. But then again, I doubt I’d blog that anyway because I want some things in my life to be between me and those closest to me. I view my readers as friends, yes, but I also know that there are some out there who are not my friends and who may not at all care about my personal health and welfare and I’m cautious to not expose every detail about my life since those people lurk and it is them who I don’t feel should have access to certain parts of my life. Not my loyal readers though, and if I were in a room with any of my readers I would share even more freely, but being on the web I have to be somewhat careful.

And no, I don’t do things in my life solely because I want to have something to blog about but I do think it’s okay when people do that because we all need motivation and blogging can be a real motivating source. But, I’ve been known to do this at times when I felt like I needed some motivation to do something. I’d blog that I planned to do this or that and then, because I told thousands of people I felt accountable to do it. Like clean out my china cabinet, which I plan to spend this Saturday on since I finally have room in my schedule to do it. Yeah I know, I told you guys I’d do this two weeks ago. Sigh. I love this about having a public space to write, there is accountability and it feels good. We all need to feel accountable, knowing people are waiting to see something we’ve promised to deliver is a huge push to actually do it.

To wrap up, is your life all about blog content? And is that okay, if it is? Or do you sometimes feel stressed out? For instance, do you do things just so you can blog it? I think in many ways this is healthy but I can imagine some scenarios where it may not be. What are your thoughts? Does having a blog help you to own up to your life? Does blogging make you feel stressed sometimes because you think you’re not as good as those blogs you follow who seem to have incredible homes/jobs/ etc.? Do you sometimes exaggerate the truth on your blog in order to impress readers? Where do you draw the line on your blog when it comes to sharing your personal life?

(image: holly becker for decor8)

CG Creative Interiors is a full-service design firm based in Atlanta owned by the talented Caryn Grossman. I met Caryn recently on Facebook and after seeing images from her home, I decided to share it with you today thanks to Caryn who so nicely sent a slew of beautiful photos to me. Her home reminds me a movie set, it feels very southern and like the homes I visited growing up whenever we went on field trips to Charleston. Her home, a converted telephone factory with an original concrete floor, is very charming and glamorous unlike it’s roots, and there is genuine personality here. The texture and pastels mixed with jewel tones looks very pretty and in Caryn’s creative home, it all really, really works. I can see that she is very creative but also artistic, and her home seems to be an ever evolving series of art installations almost like a theater, gallery or retail space — I love that. And in a way, it almost does function this way as she frequently holds art events in her home. Nice!

In addition to seeing her space, I thought I’d ask her a few questions about her business and inspirations. Would you like to sit in on our chat?

Holly: Have you always been a designer? What got you interested in design as a profession?

Caryn: I’ve always been entrepreneurial, working for myself since I was in my 20s, but my first round of business was in marketing and communications. I would concept, write, and act as art director and creative director for all of my client’s campaigns. I specialized in architecture and design firms, and somewhere along the way it occurred to me that I was far more intrigued with what they did, than what I did. I took some additional courses in design, and loved it so much I asked the chair of the interiors department if I could join his program. That was more than 10 years ago, and I’ve never looked back!

Holly: Who are some great people who have influenced your work along the way?

Caryn: I’m inspired by just about everything visual, and love designers who take risks, who aren’t afraid — whether it be film, fashion, interiors… I am wholly inspired by Javier Mariscal’s animated brilliance, Nani Marquina’s whimsical designs, Philippe Starck’s often sarcastic style and Ingo Maurer who makes it all look like play. Closer to home, Clint Zeagler, inspires me in all forms fashion and style, while Christopher Moulder, a sculptor who plays with light, helps to ignite my own creativity.

Holly: What is your design philosophy?

Caryn: Awhile back, when I was first finding my own style, a friend gave me a book called ‘Breaking the Rules’, and I guess I have been, ever since. I believe that spaces are meant to come alive, to express, to evoke. They should have meaning, resonance, for all who pass through. Great spaces render emotion; they comfort, they enliven, they convey. I believe that good design is magic, that each space tells a story.

Holly: How would you describe your style?

Caryn: Each of my projects is decidedly different, yet each tells a story. I think that’s the common denominator, the story, rather than a particular look or style. For my own personal space, I’ve created what feels, to me, like a Paris apartment, full of salvage and vintage finds, set within the stark walls of an old industrial surround. I love the play of contrast, the opulence of silk taffeta drapes, pooled on a concrete floor. Prior to that I lived in an old bungalow, where the focus was on color, rhythm and flow. There’s a Japanese theory, Shakkei, where there are three views, the immediate, the one that’s beyond, then the one that’s beyond that. My little bungalow was all about those views, one room leading into another, and then the view beyond.

Holly: Do you gravitate towards a specific palette and if yes, what colors and why?

Caryn: My palette changes with each client, with the feelings we are trying to convey. For an ad agency, we chose a deep red and mustard, lively bold colors, while for a residence the palette was pale — blues and lavenders, very soothing, very relaxing.

Holly: If you could design a room for anyone, who would it be, which room and why this particular person?

Caryn: Goodness, that’s a hard one. I think it would be for a fashion designer, like Coco Chanel, her dressing room perhaps.

Holly: What things inspire you as a creator?

Caryn: Everything! I love fashion, tiny opulent touches, silhouettes and contrast. I love the way music can fill a space, the way a certain refrain ‘feels’ like a particular color or scene. I love when, even in discord, there is an absolute harmony. I’m also tremendously curious. I love the creative process, even more than the result.

Holly: Can you suggest some of your favorite design books that may inspire decor8 readers?

Caryn: Just about any book published by Phadion inspires me — I love the way they put the books together, the binding, the pace of the pages. Taschen is another great publisher. Books of botanicals, with arrangements of glorious colors and textures. As for titles, I can’t really say. It’s rare that it’s an interior design book that inspires me; rather its books on fashion, industrial design, graphic design.

Holly: And finally Caryn, what is your most cherished possession in your own home and why?

Caryn: Teacups passed from my greatgrandmother, to my mother, and then to me. Each one is different, like notes in a melody.

Thank you Caryn for connecting with me on Facebook, and for accepting this interview – it has been a pleasure to get to know you better.

Oh and readers…. I have to comment on this: don’t you LOVE the idea of having your home function as a space in which you hold events that are centered around art, design and good music? Oh yes, I love this idea. And I vow today that if I happen to find a larger flat here I will host some events and invite whoever will come because seriously, what a nice way to get to know others and share with them some of your favorite things!

(images: cg creative interiors)

Nuevo Estilo Magazine, or “New Style” in English, is a design magazine out of Spain that also has a website where they share some beautiful rooms and decorating tips, all in Spanish of course. This particular home in Madrid is one such home and it was flawlessly pulled together by interior designer Raúl Martins. I love how purple and yellow were used to brighten up an otherwise neutral palette, don’t you?

And of course, the neutrals here aren’t completely flat and boring, but there is texture and a variety of materials used to make this space cozy and warm. This is such a good way to bring to life a room that may be a bit blah in your own home. Introduce two complementary colors (colors directly opposite of one another on the color wheel) to your neutral palette and see what beautiful things can result. Complementary colors are useful when you want to make a point: when you want something to really stand out.

Lovely work by Raúl Martins… and I cannot seem to locate a website for this talented designer so if you know, please comment with the link below!

(images Nuevo Estilo Magazine)