Home of Solange Azagury Partridge via World of Interiors, February 2013
It's a lot less green out there, even here in sunny California. And so I find myself drawn to things that remind me of spring, like these amazing tropical leaf prints. They're wild and fecund and altogether fun. This boldness makes them a bit tricky to work with, though. But fear not: I've got tips for you on how to use them. Read on for some leafy inspiration and education.
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Hunter 2012 (Ink, watercolor, colored pencil and graphite)
I've known artist Allison Hawkins since our days together at Kenyon College. Her work features potent imagery and a restrained palette; it would add a dose of warmth to an industrial space, or a hit of toughness to a softer one. We spoke recently to discuss her process and inspirations, and her thoughts on the role art plays in the home.
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Art is a necessary component of all great rooms. It sets a tone for the space, and can go a long way towards directing its palette. It's also intensely personal, so as a designer it's handy to have a large roster to consult. That's why I was so excited when one of my clients introduced me to Michelle Gibbs, an abstract painter based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work is vibrant, evocative, and beautifully tactile. We spoke recently to discuss her process, inspirations, and thoughts on framing paintings like hers, which are done in acrylics and oils.
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Yoyogi Village, Tokyo, via cubeme.com
I love a good houseplant.
They connect your space with the outdoors, freshen the air inside, and
are an easy way to add life and texture to an empty corner. Living
walls do houseplants one better. Call them the wild child of the potted
kingdom. Read on to learn more.
Crested crane bust $198
It's official: animals are running amok in home decor. This is nothing new for the kid space, of course. What is new is the huge variety of animal objects that would be at home in any room in the house. Following are some of my favorites.
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Feroz by Flavor Paper
One Friday recently, fellow designer Kate Hayes and I braved the Brooklyn rain to trek to a magical realm of wallcoverings: Flavor Paper. The small business designs and produces a myriad of patterns right in our neighborhood, and I couldn't wait to check out their offerings up close.
Flavor Paper is not what you'd call subdued. In fact, their work is pretty outrageous. So it's not for the faint of heart, nor is it for every space. But for those with a good sense of humor or bold taste, it's a truly excellent resource.
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Fun fact about my husband Andy Pratt: he's a maniac for beautiful children's books. He's been known to confiscate them from our toddler son, with the (correct) assumption that the books might otherwise become compromised (pen drawings of trains in the margins come to mind).
So when Andy came across news that Oliver Jeffers, one of his favorite illustrators, had teamed up with jewelry designer Aaron Ruff for an art exhibit, we packed up the kids and off we went. Read MoreI try to follow this rule in my own home, and I encourage every one of
my clients to do the same. It's a surefire way to rid yourself of
clutter.
This isn't to say that William Morris
is a minimalist--far from it. In fact, he's a genius with lushly
detailed decor. He may have done most of his work in the mid to late
1800s, but it can still feel so fresh. And you know Will and I both love
a good pattern mix.