New Book - Thomas O'Brien

Monday- April 5, 2010

I had some time over the weekend to finally read & enjoy Thomas O'Brien's new book, American Modern. It was wonderful! I thought it was filled with some great pictures & it was very interesting to read as well. I always enjoy getting into the mind of a designer, especially one I admire so much. It's fun to learn about their process and what their beliefs are. Thomas is widely recognized for his trademark style of "warm modernism" in which he brings mid- century forms & gives them a classic comfort. He uses a collected approach to designing where he "pairs old with new, sophisticated and simple, to create a style that feels once refined and familiar." Thomas O'Brien has created collections of his designs for many companies including: Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort, Safavieh, Reed & Barton, Lee Jofa, & Target. Also, coming in the next few weeks Thomas is introducing a new collection of furniture for Hickory Chair at this Spring's High Point Market. I can't wait to see his new designs!
Such a beautiful room! I also like the white floors, it gives the room a nice & airy feel!
A beautiful dining setting. The stack able Davis cabinet makes for great storage. I've also loved the Lenox Kitchen island since it debuted for Hickory Chair.
The stunning Chelsea bed, along with a few other pieces from Thomas's collection. The rug is also ones of his designs for Safavieh.
A picture from Thomas O'Brien's studio store.
Can't wait to see what Thomas comes out with next!!

Photos: Amazon, Aero Studios, Hickory Chair

Turquoise

Wednesday January 13, 2010

Just in case you thought I was making up the whole color of the year thing I decided to include the graphic from Pantone's website. I'm kidding but I was doing a little research today and thought I would share their graphic! It's a perfect example of the inspiration of turquoise (more on that tomorrow)! As I was reading one of my favorite blogs Designer Detective author Shay Sampson wrote about Turquoise with a particular designer. I loved reading this mainly because I have been a HUGE fan of Kelly Wearstler for some time! I have followed her work for awhile now and I specifically remember when I first purchased her first book Modern Glamour and almost died and went to interior heaven! I was in college and I think my roommates thought I was crazy, actually they are creative people as well so they appreciated her style! Anyway like Shay states, " Kelly is known for her bold use of color, her designs have received accolades and much admiration from across the globe. Check out Shay's post here but the following are a few of the pictures from her post on turquoise! Stay tuned tomorrow as it's a personal one for me!

The wonderful Kelly Wearstler!

Credits: Designer Detective, Kelly Wearstler, Pantone

Designer Profile- Barbara Barry

I have long been a fan of designer Barbara Barry. I have been following her work for a few years and am very inspired by her work. I love her soft colors and the way she layers texture. I also love the collections she has created for different manufacturers in the design world. Her collection for Baker is still a classic and we use it often at The Mansion. Her fabric & trim collections for Kravet is also a favorite & that is just a small sampling of her products! I read this on Traditional Home's website and thought it was worth sharing!

20 Ways Barbara Barry Nurtures Her Spirit Light It is everything! It illuminates a space and lifts my spirit. Color I love subtle shades of colors because they are soft on the eye and soul. Form I thrill to the shape of things…from an egg to a spoon to a teacup. My garden Nature is my biggest inspiration—mesmerizing and elegant. My garden is where I begin each day. The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market I live for each Sunday when I jump out of bed and head to the bounty that is unique to California—strawberries, avocados, ginger, flowers galore. It is endless! Walking I do my best thinking on my walks and always come back inspired. Yoga and Breathing I start and end my day with a series of simple poses and breath work. It connects me back to my body and makes me feel alive. Great Sheets It is the most restorative thing to climb into a bed of crisply ironed sheets. I feel like a princess, and I’m grateful for all that I have. Tea I love tea. The art of preparing it, the beautiful ways to serve it, the healthful benefit of it, and the ritual of stopping to enjoy it. Solitude It’s probably the most vital thing that restores my spirit. I don’t watch television or listen to much music. I like silence…in fact, I require it. Drawing A blank piece of paper and a sharpened pencil, and I am a happy girl. Girlfriends From my sisters to my BFFs . . . listening and sharing heals all. Blank Slate I love the blank canvas. Whether it is the dining table ready to be set, the dinner to be cooked, or the design ready to be sketched. That feeling of starting is so inspiring! Space A clean desk and an empty room—pure potential. My Bulletin Boards I love to put up whatever inspires me on a bulletin board. I see a connectedness in the way all beautiful things seem to relate. Watercolors I take watercolors with me everywhere I go. It’s my way of capturing the inspired moment. New Beginnings The minute I get a new project I feel that sense of excitement and play. It’s my favorite moment in a project because it is filled with potential. Family I was raised by an artist mother. It was/is everything to me—from seeing her exclaim with passion over color and ideas to building a belief in myself that I could do the same. Home My home is my haven, and it is a testament to my work—fresh and clean and calm. Beautiful Process, Beautiful Product I believe food cooked with love tastes better, and design made with care and good energy is evident.

Have a wonderful day!

Meghan M Blum