There is nothing more classic than an all white room accented with pops of juicy bright colors! I love these interior photos taken by London based photographer Rachel Whiting. I am constantly debating whether I should paint our walls back to white. I love how fresh and clean it makes a room feel and how you can change up the feel of a room with accent pieces!
It has become evident that I have a love for French furniture. I had no clue of this until I started blogging here. If I had to sum my decorative taste up into two styles, I think that I would choose North/West Africa and French. Talk about two totally different spectrums, yet I plan to fuse these two style in my future bedroom and possibly in our little girls room as well! Anyhow, I thought you all would like to do a little mini window shopping at The Bella Cottage in North Hills, California! I love these pieces!
I am not necessarily the girly girl type. I mean I am 5 years overdue for a “professional” mani/pedicure and I have to be dragged out of the house to go wardrobe shopping for myself, but there is one girly item that I am dying to have in my future home…a pretty antique vanity! Just the thought of having a special place to go and sit and pamper myself amongst scented perfumes, beaded jewelry, the fragrance of eye shadow and blush, and random collections of trinkets, makes me feel all giddy and fashionably inspired!
So, with that said, i thought it would be fun to gather up a few images of vanities that I LOVE! I am especially fond of Kelly Rae Roberts (psst…be sure to check out her home & studio tour section) white vanity with the blue floral upholstered seating..oh my!
So, what about you ladies..do you you have a special decorative spot to get yourself ready for the days and nights?
Oh..I love the crisp tones of white…so bright, pretty, and lush!
image from Elle Decor
I love these prints taken by photographer Zee Longenecker. From past posts, I think that it would be safe to say that I seem to love any photo that’s chock full of cotton candy colors and carnival rides!
This is my new craft/office space. It’s not a grand little space, but it does the job. It’s smack dab in our living room…giving me a birds eye view of all that’s going on with the kids and such. Organizing all of my little fabric remnants and crafty books, and sewing supplies really kicked off the season of spring. I also think I had a major urge to start nesting. With a new baby on his way, it makes me want to renew and cleanse constantly! I love spring babies! I finally started a patio garden for the year. Wish me luck. I tried to keep it simple, as I know that I will have very limited time with the new baby coming in 2 weeks! If only I can remember to water them, then all will be well!
So anyhow, this is where I spend most of my time, day and night. My favorite characters of this space are my travel cases(one which holds Amy Butler patterns at the very top), my idea to just place two bookshelves on top of my table(which I recently stripped of so many layers of paint), and my stash of beads from past jewelry projects. At the end of a long day I love sitting here, browsing the web, and enjoying a sweet dessert!
Recently I ran across two stylist that I love. Their portfolios are much different. In my opinion, I think thatBarbara Fritz captures the simplicity of it all, and Randi Brookman Harris captures expression and color! Here are a few of my favorites from each of them:
This sweet little spot is a must go to! Not only is the decor of the Sweetie Pie Restaurant in New York City charming, but the menu is just as sweet and decadent! With items such as: Roasted chicken cooked with caramelized leeks, roasted red bliss potatoes and port red wine sauce, Sparkling Sake, herbal Teas, Wild Asparagus Risotto with sweet peas, wild asparagus and shaved pecorino cheese, Lemon & Orange Cakes, and many many more indulging meals and desserts. Check out their full menu here, and if you can’t make to the NYC then take a little inspiration from their menu and create your own sweetie pie tea party at home!
When I came across the locations that are available for photo shoots and such via The Shoot Factory, I immediately thought of Anthropologie catalogs. I could not imagine having a job where my sole responsibility is to find lavish locations for movies, videos, parties, and commercials. I would think that such a task would be daunting. Anyhow, here are my favorite locations…I can envision lots of gorgeous photos of interiors and fashion being taken in these spaces!
Loving these rooms designed by Interior Stylist Aaron Hom. You may recognize his work from House Beautiful!
Although I am a sucker for lots of bright colors and mix-match patterns, there is something about the cool color palette in this room that I can’t help but to love. The shades of grays, lavenders, pinks, and whites are gorgeous and the backdrop of all the sunlight is magnificent. The only thing that I would personally change is the piece of art behind the sofa with the purple throw. The slim small abstract piece…it’s just not doing it for me!
This photo is of Jill Stuarts home from last years Elle Decor. You can see more of her home and find out more about her pieces Here.
The talented Sara Norris recently sent over a link to her etsy shop for me to share with you all! I love the enchanting photos that she takes. They are simple and whimsical with a touch of the vintage past in some cases. Thanks Sara for sharing your photos!
I am addicted to fabric. Many times I will buy fabric of many types with the intention of using them for an actual project, yet when it comes to cutting them, I stop myself. Especially if they have beautiful prints, colors, and patterns on them! So when Donna, the owner of Fabricadabra sent over an e-mail introducing her amazing cushions, I just fell in love! The Dutch Wax Prints are so colorful and brilliant. I definitely want to order at least one for our apartment!
“I have learned that if there is something you really want you have to just go for it & give it a try. I like that quote: “find a job you love & you will never work a day in your life”. That’s how I feel!” ~Rachael Taylor | Surface Designer
Quite a while ago I ran across the site of UK based Surface Designer Rachael Taylor. Her work is fantastic. Full of color, pattern, and imagination, Rachael takes the beauty of an object and creates lovely pieces such as pillows, fabric, tableware, lamp shades, greeting cards, and wall art. Her list of clientele includes: Paperchase, Graham & Brown, Target, and Hanes Paper just to name a few.
Rachael was so kind to take a few moments to share with us an insight into her inspiration and her process as a surface designer. To purchase some of her pieces, please visit her Etsy shop!
JuBella: How did you know that textiles was an occupation that you wanted to pursue as a career…what would you say was the inspiration behind it all?
Rachael: I have always been a creative/visual person from a young age & loved things like art, drama, dance, drawing etc. I studied Art & Design at College then decided textiles/surface design was a good area as it crossed over into so many areas. As surface pattern design had quite an open scope to go into fashion, interiors, ceramics, stationary etc. So it seemed like a good option for a creative role & it wasn’t to restrictive for career paths.
JuBella: Favorite resources/books/websites for textile/color, etc. inspiration?
Rachael: I look at a range of blogs like Print & Pattern, Poppy Talk, and websites like wgsn. I also look a lot at home magazines e.g Elle Decoration, Living etc., also fashion mags like Vogue & Elle. A lot of my inspiration comes from just general things I see & I try & take my camera every where I go. I’m also inspired by music. Usually my designs sometimes just come out of my head & it just depends on the mood I’m in or the song that I’m listening too.
JuBella: What is an average week for you like as a textile/surface designer & how would you best describe your design process?
Rachael: Everyday is different which is what I love. Generally I’ll have three to four days designing & the other ordering, paperwork & managing of my business. Two or three of the days I may be working direct as a freelancer for companies on a commission or brief, the others I’m left to create my own collections.
The days I’m left to work on my own designs, I try not to have a plan or structure. I may spend a morning out with my camera & sketchbook then I’m full of inspiration, so I put my music on & I just see what happens. I like the variety I have at the moment as I have great direction & trends to follow from companies as well as having room for a bit of spontaneous design within my own label.
JuBella: What are 3 things that you would tell an aspiring designer that you wish you knew when you first started your textile venture?
Rachael: I still honestly feel like I’m learning myself. There is so much opportunity out there. When I was starting out I wish I had learned not to take things to personally & not be to precious about my work. To just enjoy the ‘Now’. It’s great to have future goals but it’s important to take every day at a time & appreciate the work your doing. Just have fun with it!
JuBella: If you had to pick one, what would be your favorite form of handmade textiles/fibers(block printing, crochet, knitting, screen printing, etc.)?
Rachael: I love screen printing. It makes you feel like you are a part of your work as you are actually involved in the print process as opposed to just printing something digitally. A lot more of your personality comes out this way. I’m a big fan of machine embroidery, loose, messy, stitching, threads left loose & not trimmed away, something more raw & unique.
One of my favorite design/decor blogs is a beautiful blog called Yahgie, which is written by Interior Designer Petergaye Kisielewicz. Petergaye has recently launched a new line of home decor products that consists of fabulous: pillows, fabric, wall art, wallpaper, and tableware! You can see more of her beautiful hand designed pieces in her shop at Yahgie.com. One of my favorites would definitely be the “Screaming Lady” pillow, where she uses chandelier silhouettes for earrings…gorgeous; and the “Designers Chair Fabric” is fantastic!
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