Biting the Bullet

Call me a fool, but I actually enjoy hand drafting.  It's how we were taught (the only way we were taught) in my design program and the mathematical side of my brain found drawing tedious details to be somewhat therapeutic.  But I'm quickly learning that hand drafting doesn't have much credence in the real world.  It's an art, and with that, a job that requires time and patience that most design firms and clients can't afford.  I've tried to put my foot down and proclaim that I will only use hand drafting, particularly if I have my own firm someday, but I've already given up this fight.  Last night, I surrendered my VISA and signed up for AutoCAD courses online.  Don't I sound excited??

I actually am looking forward to this!  It will be something new to learn, another skill to add to the resume and possibly open up doors for me with new design firms.  Wish me luck, as I'm hoping to finish this 4-month only course in under 3 months....we'll see how that goes.  Summertime only comes once a year, after all.

Bookmark Happy

I've been bookmarking sites like it's my job lately. I wish it was, because I've been finding some quality goods.

But there's no use keeping it to myself...I've come a long way from my hogging childhood.  Here's an index of my favourite sites, with a little blurb to get you all excited.

 

SCHOOLHOUSE ELECTRIC CO.
If you're into retro light fixtures for the wall, ceiling, nook and cranny, this is your lighting heaven.  Ideal for cottages, country homes and diners.

HOW I MET YOUR STYLE
Inspiration comes to me from everyday places, and fashion (well, not mine!) is a favourite source of mine.  The colours, artsy photographs - all of it is so refreshing!  This great website shares fashion profiles from very creative, original people and inspires me to be more daring in fashion and design.

AMY ATLAS EVENTS
When I helped organize my cousin's bridal shower this spring, I could've used some help from Amy Atlas.  As anyone close to me knows, I could eat sugar morning, night and noon...which is why I salivate over every dessert bar on her website.  Incredibly inspiring for children's birthday parties, kids rooms and the sugar-lover in all of us.  And she has a delicious blog too!

JJ LOCATIONS
As a self-confessed design addict, I'll admit that I scour magazines, blogs, etc in an effort to spot something new and inventive.  Fellow bloggers will surely agree that this becomes challenging.  The same pendant.  The same Restoration Hardware 'stuff'.  Even the same homes being re-shot at times - psh, what a design crime.  Want original spaces?  You will waste weekends on this site, I promise.  It's a location library of homes and venues available as movie sets and photo shoot backdrops.  I will go as far as to say, it may be the greatest inspiration I've ever stumbled upon (thank you Google!).  PS They're based in the UK.

Back with more from the stash tomorrow!

Words of Wisdom

Kristen Buckingham

 

Discovering the work of Kristen Buckingham on Coco+Kelley is probably one of the highlights of my week.  Her work is elegant, refined, eclectic and rustic (which just so happens to be my favourite combination). 

The beautiful Kristen Buckingham, wife of Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, has mastered the art of stylish living that is comfortable enough for family life and entertaining.  Her irreverent mix of colour and pattern is not the least bit overwhelming, and her artistic eye gives new appreciation to even the smallest prints and paintings. 

To view more from her portfolio, furniture line or store, click here.

Haruco-Vert

More so for the love of rich colour, creative thinking and an appreciation for femininity, than interior design, I introduce Haruco-Vert.  Based in Amsterdam, this budding fashion design company has launched a fragrance and clothing collection for the glamorous woman. Their website is such (such!) a beautiful thing, and I think even interior designers will find it to be a great inspiration.

I love a good office...

They give me that "I can't wait to grow up so I can have it" feeling that I used to get at the mall when I was twelve, walking past Jacob and dreaming about the day I could dress up for work.  Yeah, I know.  Then I learned you had to dry clean, iron, stick to a dress code, etc which was probably the exact moment I knew corporate life was not for me.  But design...hey, you can dress creatively AND work in an awesome home office like these.  So off I went to design school.  Happy as can be.

Words of Wisdom

Bear-Hill Interiors

If Arkansas wasn't so far away, I'd surely be forwarding Bear-Hill Interiors my resume and living in their showroom until I heard back.  Their designs are fresh, traditional and tailored; almost consistently working with a water-inspired palette.  Every photo in their portfolio is inspiring and offers new suggestion on finishes and upholstery techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words of Wisdom

A friend of mine passed this along to me, and it instantly struck a chord.  I hate to get too sappy on this little blog, but I definitely think this is worth its short read.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

via

Homes of London

Source: Pinterest

LONDON