05 October 2010

Hand-Painted Ricepaper.




Wallpaper is an exciting way to dress up walls and create more impact than just paint alone. It can also be considered art for the walls. There are so many different varieties available that it may sometimes be difficult to choose. I recently discovered a collection of Hand-Painted Ricepaper Wall Coverings from Anya Larkin that is simply beautiful.

Taken from the Anya Larkin website, "Anya Larkin is a most passionate designer who brings the highest level of artistry to everything she touches. Wall coverings, like fine works of art, add feeling and depth to a room. It is a pleasant emotion - created by layers of uncompromising craftsmanship. Larkin patiently mixes subtle reflections of light, with thoughtful, intellectual patterns and textures reminiscent of the sublime Zen of oriental art. For Larkin the wall and the spaces in between are vast canvases for her endless artistry.

Larkin's work is both infinite and timeless, reflecting a passion for nature, antiquity and that elusive element...comfortable elegance. Her designs are a fine balance between contrasts. Classic, yet modern. Asian in mood, yet European in opulence. Practical, yet theatrical.

Larkin occupies an important place in the modern era of design as a creator whose talent moves through unlimited horizons. Trained as a fine artist, Larkin has also applied her artistry to "fine silk canvases" created for many of the world's best-known couturiers and worn by the world's most notable women. Larkin's artistic integrity and genius has been recognized both by the Louvre's Decorative Arts Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Her wallpapers are housed in their permanent collection and are frequently on public display."













04 October 2010

Unexpected Lighting for Children?




This artistic lamp available from Urban Electric Company would be a fun sculptural detail in almost any room of the house. I, however, saw this lamp and thought it might be a cool floor lamp to sit in a child's room. It certainly is not typical or expected and that is just what I like about it. It is whimsical and fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. It makes a statement, may even be considered a bit silly and is certainly quite playful. So, why not try something totally different in a playroom and fun bedroom or anywhere a distinct eclectic statement may work well? It's unusual and sometimes that will go a long way in creating a design that is out of the ordinary.




28 September 2010

Orchard Collection.


While on a recent visit to New York City, I had the opportunity to stop into my favorite grocery market extraordinaire, Dean & DeLuca. Here is one of my fabulous finds - The Orchard Chocolate Collection! Available only at Dean & DeLuca, this celebration of the autumn harvest is the delicious brainchild of Chocolat Moderne's Joan Coukos. Twelve heart-shaped chocolates are delicately hand-painted and filled with the flavors of orchard fruits, including red apple-almond marzipan, green apple caramel and Poire William pear caramel. These would make a beautiful statement set at the dessert table following an Autumn meal with family and friends.

23 September 2010

The Halley Lamp.




Even though Autumn is now upon us, I could not pass up the opportunity to post this beautiful, portable, and lightweight lighting system from Vibia. The Halley Lamp, as it is called, is a simple, easy to assemble set of LED strips designed to transform any outdoor space into a unique and well lit environment. The Halley is made from a polycarbonate LED strip with 12w high intensity discharge. There are many creative ways to use this lighting system. All would look smashing illuminating any outdoor space.