domestic contruction

I'm in the process of designing my first-ever trade show booth (only 2 months + 5 days til the NSS! oh my goodness.) so I've been searching high and low for interior inspiration of all sorts to get my brain going on the 3-d side of design, a new and exciting challenge since I'm usually a 2-d kind of gal, creatively speaking.

I was completely psyched to find the website of domestic construction, comprised of daring design duo Trish and Maureen, both alumni of SCAD (shout-out to my hometown of Savannah, GA!). The multi-disciplinary design studio specializes in interior environments, custom fabrication for windows and events, and the like, creating groovy incarnations that are equally eco-friendly and design-savvy. Truly inspired and inspiring.

And, oh yeah, they make clothes too!

Secret Garden

Fantasic botanically-inspired pillows by Swedish duo Adam & Viktoria via the Lisa Fontanarosa Collection.

Nice Way to Start the Week

These cheery, Matisse-esque interiors by Brooklyn-based artist Bella Foster are just what the doctor (dentist?) ordered to help me forget my minor tooth-fix this morning, my second dental appointment in as many Mondays.

I spotted Bella's work at the Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale that took place Saturday over at Martha's offices in Manhattan. It was chock-full of crafty goodness and crazed Martha fans - the line was beginning to stretch outside the building and down the sidewalk when we left! I'll post a few more of my fave vendors from the sale this week.

Etsy faves

In honor of that holiday marketing invention, Cyber Monday, here are my picks from just a few of my favorite sellers. Buy handmade this season!


From top: Metallic linen pouches by Marketa, Crochet and felt cuff by kjoo. Below: Say it loud and proud with this HANDMADE pillow by
Going Home to Roost; Keep it cute with this cozy Squirrellicious iphone sleeve.

Random Happy Things

Citron yellow classic telephone from Sweet Bella


Felted soap from anthropologie


Retro-chic Tony Duquette 1951 Paris Snowflake Screen


This amazing 1790s copper tub, seen over on Apartment Therapy

Let's Be Frank

Josef Frank, Swedish textile and furniture designer, partnered with Svenskt Tenn founder Estrid Ericson throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, basically defining the modern, colorful Swedish design as we know it today.


Frank believed the home should be a refuge from the hectic city life, and was inspired by all things botanical. As a plant-deprived city dweller, this philosophy rings true with me. His laid-back, humanist approach to interior design is summed up in the quote below:

"There’s nothing wrong with mixing old and new, with combining different furniture styles, colours and patterns... A home does not need to be planned down to the smallest detail or contrived; it should be an amalgamation of the things that its owner loves and feels at home with."

Well said!


Continuing with the Frank tradition, Svenstk Tenn also produces this great textile pattern, below, by Therese Öberg.

Back to School Shopping

Some cool items from Brooklyn-based design store The Future Perfect.

From top: Ceremony necklace, Freck Specs, Strict chair

Sushi Style

I'm so excited about today's post! Created by my fellow Portfolio Center alum, Mimi Tin, these super cute and functional ottomans "have the look of meticulously prepared sushi. Silk thread is woven on supple fabric to create the illusion of delicate sushi fillings. These multi-functional ottomans can be used as a single piece atop the sushi tray base, or as 'mini' ottomans once the 'seaweed' wrap is removed."

Mimi, an Atlanta-based designer and teacher, runs her own design studio and was inspired by Pop Art and Claes Oldenburg when creating these fun and quirky pieces. You can learn more about the product line here.

Additional products will be coming out in the fall; the Sushiami line, geared towards a younger market, extends out to beanbags and accessories. Go Mimi!