Ladybird: Washed Out - Feel It All Around

the calm before the storm; this is not the name of the song but the feeling i get before New Years Eve. I know that fun is going to be had and probably a little too much. The song i chose to relax to is by Washed Out a band out of Georgia. All of his songs are awesome but Feel it All Around is one of my favorites. Sit back, relax and get ready for my next post which will be an ode to New Years!

signing off ladybird

                     

and some interiors that are just as relaxing...

image via lonnymag



image via the selby





Art + Interiors: Black and White Optical Illusions [Bridget Riley]

Hello! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and are keeping warm, I apologize for the lull in posts this week but I'm getting my booty back in gear now. I realize my posts lately have been heavy on the color so I thought I'd do a throw back to the classic black and white palette but of course with a major twist. Enter Bridget Riley...

The English artist was iconic in the 1960's with the Op Art movement, a body of work which sought to trick the eye of the viewer causing optical illusions. The movement produced works of art that pulled you in then seemed to vibrate right in front of you. Riley's works in particular show a great deal of meticulous restriction in line and color letting the eye of the viewer fill in the blanks.

And I was especially smitten with the photographs of Riley in her studio which make me nostalgic for my days as an Art Major at the University of Washington where I would spend hours in the print studio loosing track of time. Riley's work speaks to immersing quality of art and shows us that black and white doesn't have to be boring at all...

 

Rug Madeline Weinrib, Scuplture Chiasso, Pillow etsy BeStillShop, end table Arteriors Home, Art Chiasso, pillow Sachin and babi, Coffee table Jayson Home and Garden, Ottoman/tile Sparrow and Co., Sofa Room and Board

 

"The eye can travel over the surface in a way parallel to the way it moves over nature. It should feel caressed and soothed, experience frictions and ruptures, glide and drift. One moment, there will be nothing to look at and the next second the canvas seems to refill, to be crowded with visual events" -Bridget Riley 



And a few quirky black and white interiors for you...Enjoy!!

image via ArhZine



image via art-deco-interior.blogspot.com









Ladybird: Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time! Animatic

merry christmas to all who read, and those who cant as well(we do not descriminate on this blog). I of course had to do a holiday post since Sufjan Stevens makes such wonderful Christmas music. This song is not your average gospel Christmas song, oh no! Sufjan brings the jams in this one called, Hey Guys! Its Chrstmas Time! Check out his other holiday songs as well, they are great, especially the one entitled That was the worst Christmas ever. I love Sufjan in all his melodic glory!

Signing off ladybird

Eco Gift Guide for Coco+Kelley

Okay so we are officially only 4 days til Christmas, so most of you have probably been much more on top of things than I have and have all your Christmas shopping done, but in case you don't, just thought I'd share this Eco-friendly Gift Guide I put together for Coco+Kelley. I am so excited and honored to be contributing to the amazing design blog in the New Year with posts on Eco-friendly products and resources and continuing her 'Kelley Green' column! She asked me to put together a Gift Guide in the mean time and I thought I'd share it with all of you just in case you missed it on Coco+Kelley last week. She's been posting fabulous gift guides all week so definitely head over there to check them out as well!

 For full links check it out at Coco+kelley http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/2010/12/gift-guide-for-mother-earth.html Hope you enjoy!

*1. Reclaimed Wood Mirror from dryads dancing

*2. Organic Nailpolish from Kaight NYC

*3. Reclaimed screen printed feather wood hook from NewDuds

*4. Recycled Clutch from GreenEnvy

*5. Recycled Metal necklace from Polli

*6. Naturally dyed vintage pillow from Sukan

*7. Recycled copper bowls Pfeifer Studio

*8. Laptop case made from recycled plastic bottles from Econscious

*9. Natural Mint Lime Sugar Bath Bomb from GreenEnvy

*10. Bag made from recycled sails from sea bags

*11. Journals made from vintage wallpaper from lorgie&me

*12. Recycled glass necklace from Smart Glass Jewelry
*13. Tivi clutch made from timber from Polli
*14. Grey Pashmina made from rayon bamboo from Overstock.com
*15. Ethically made shoes from Kaight NYC from Kaight NYC
*16. Bamboo iphone case from grove
*17. Sprout Watch with Eco-friendly white corn resin bracelette and mineral crystal lens from Macys
*18. Fair Trade Emerald ring from Elegant Roots

Art + Interiors: Psychedelic Modern

Happy Monday before Christmas, readers!! I'm back with another shock of color for you, as I am now back in Seattle in the dead of winter, I'm finding myself in need of bright vibrant interiors.(it tends to be a bit grey here...) And because I've always felt like a flower child (voted most likely to name my children Rainbow and Sunshine in High School) I am bringing you a 70's inspired post today...

Who doesn't love the Beatles really? And these posters done by photographer Richard Avedon in 1974 capture the mood and energy of the era perfectly. Psychedelic hues and organic decorative motifs and I imagine if you were lucky enough to live in this era these posters would bring you right back there. Otherwise for those of us that can only dream, a little Bohemian Modern style for our homes....

rug via abc carpet, light fixture via abc home, pillow via John Robshaw, table via casamidy, chair via design within reach, pillow via madeline weinrib

A mix of patterns and textiles in saturated hues against industrial materials and organic surfaces is the key to this look. I love this home done by the L.A. design collective Commune. Roman Alonso's home is the perfect modern hippie abode. Vintage concert posters mixed with earthy accents and artifacts from his world travels create a casual, cultural look while the metallic finishes keep things from feeling too granola. Enjoy!  

photos via House Beautiful

Ladybird: Tame Impala - Expectation

Just a little soundtrack to go with this technicolor vibe we're having here today...Laura's post made me think of this song..Enjoy!

-Ladybird

Art + Interiors: Life in Technicolor [Paul Jenkins]

I've made it no secret here that I am a huge fan of Abstract Expressionism and Paul Jenkins' work represents the bold, gestural, emotion-driven qualities of the movement perfectly. His body of work is so vast I had a hard time narrowing it down to some of my favorites. The saturated, translucent washes of paint layering in and out with little boundary or control give the pieces a vibrant energy that provide a little jolt to the senses of the viewer. Depicting light and inner reflection, Jenkins works are simply breathtaking.

And if you're lucky enough to be in the bay area, make sure you head over to Sacramento's Crocker Art Museum this month for the Paul Jenkins exhibit. This pieces are even more stunning in person.



Splatter Chair via urban outfitters, Pillows via Madeline Weinrib, rug via abchome, lucite table via chiasso.com, clutch via Meganadamsdesigns.com. chairs via kartell 



I love the bold, saturated hues in Jenkins work splashed against stark white backgrounds. So here are a few pieces that would bring that same energy to a space. I'm absolutely drooling over Abc Carpet's new line of over-dyed rugs, the colors are unbelievable. If I had the money to spend on only one thing it would be a statement rug like this one; the rest of the pieces could be nuetral and subtle and the room would still sing brilliantly. Enjoy!

Ladybird: If Not for You / George Harrison

Some days we need to think about how lucky we are to have inspiring, wonderful people in our lives. The song by the great George Harrison expresses in words how I feel for my significant others out there… you know who you are <3. Hug someone today; I know I will!

Signing off Ladybird

We found this adorable photography on Etsy from Capow's shop...Feel the love!

etsy.com/shop/capow

"Above all things I believe in love. Love is like oxygen. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!" via Moulin Rouge

Art + Interiors: MAKE ART NOT WAR [Shepard Fairey]

Today I am inspired by art for a cause, namely the works of renowned street artist Shepard Fairey. Fairey's works put a modern artistic spin on propaganda, delivering peaceful sentiments with rebellious undertones. Mainly sticking to a black, white and red palette his pieces are hard to miss and never fail to make an impact.

"Nothing splendid was ever created in cold blood. Heat is required to forge anything. Every great accomplishment is the story of a flaming heart."

-Arnold Glasow

Box Apartment 48, Pillow Etsy bestillshop, Pillow Jayson Home and Garden, Chair Room and Board, Rug Madeline Weinrib, Pendant Arteriors Home, Pillow Sachin and Babi, Chair Casamidy, End table West Elm, Pillow John Robshaw



I'm such a fan of The Make Art Not War poster and the way he uses decorative motifs and bold contrasts for a heavy impact. Red being one of the most energizing and passionated colors in the spectrum I can't help but use the palette for a room that would be sure to light a fire in you and have your creative juices flowing...Enjoy!!



Art + Interiors: Winter Wonderland

Happy Monday! Now that finals are over (and I'm officially finished with school!!) and the holiday season is officially under way, I thought it was about time for a little Wintery inspiration....

Etsy shop of buckscountyframes, Artist Caetano de Almeida, Etsy shop of irenesuchocki

I have to admit that Winter is not my favorite season but with these glistening images and abstract motifs in shades of winter whites and greys I am smitten. I love the way everything just seems to sparkle more dressed  up in frost and powdered with snow.

Jayson Home and Garden, end table abc home, chest Robb Stucky, Rug west elm, pillow esty bestillshop, pillow sachin and babi, tray vivre.com. coffee table mosson line

I love a white on white palette with splashes of grey and accents in gold and silver. It feels timelessly chic and with the subtle hues you can play with pattern and texture to your heart's desire. Enjoy!

Art + Cycle Chic: Biking Euphoria

As my move-out date rapidly approaches I wanted to pay a little tribute to the things I will sorely miss about life in Southern California. One of my absolute favorite aspects of living down here has been my beach cruiser. With me since the very beginning, my bright blue bike has seen me through a lot of ups and downs here and whenever I needed a break from it all and a little lift, hitting the boardwalk on that bike was the perfect fix.

Jackson Pollock, Eva_lu

One of the most amazing women I've met down here is Eva of http://www.eva-lu.com/ she is total inspiration with a bike and a camera. Her blog documents her life biking around Orange County and all over the World, shopping for vintage clothes and spending time with the people she loves and her 'Cycle Chic Sundays' are among some of my fondest memories down here. Drawing from her photos and works from some of the artists featured in LA's Museum of Contemperary Art (MOCA) I bring you today's Southern California dedicated inspiration...

Richard Diebenkorn, Eva_lu

"To me the act of riding a bike is just as much an art form as it is a mode of transportation. While riding I am an object in motion interacting , supplementing and bringing life and movement to the backdrop of my suburban landscapes. Things may be a bit drab in the flatlands of stuccoville - but with my closet as my palette and my bicycles as my brush I zip along the bike lane leaving colorful impressions in the tailwind. " -Eva

Mark Rothko, Eva_Lu

I love the way her photographs capture the feeling of being on a bike; exploratory, vibrant and absolutely freeing. Enjoy and head on over to http://www.eva-lu.com/ for more inspiration and cycle love!

Art + Interiors: Golden Femininity

Happy Monday! As many of you know, Gustav Klimt is one of my all time favorite artists. I've featured his works on here before but I just could not resist bringing his paintings back to translate them into a space. I love the heavy patterning in tonal golds and the juxtaposition between the flattened graphic surfaces and the voluptuous women they cloth. His women stare straight into the viewers eyes exuding a sense of female empowerment. I love that these women are strong and fearless while excessively adorned in gold and textiles, they symbolize women's unique ability to be gorgeous and tough!

Pillows, chairs and stool via Jayson Home and Garden, Screen via Armani Casa, Pendant via Wunderly, End table via Arteriors Home

A little bit Turkish, a little bit Moroccan and a few golden modern touches and this space is both luxurious and weathered at the same time. Perfect for a cozy sitting room around the fire on these cold winter days, Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Modern Geometry [Frank Stella]

"There is magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds, comforts and virtues, never known beyond its hallowed limits."  -Robert Southey

As I pack my things, say my goodbyes and tie up loose ends, it is bittersweet. I will miss so much about Southern California but as I close the pages of this chapter of my life to open up space for the new, I feel a bit lighter to be going home to Seattle. For the past 2 1/2 years I have walked past this Frank Stella mural when arriving home at the Sea-Tac airport. The mural has become a symbol of homecoming for me and as my visits became more and more frequent and I saw the mural more and more I realized that Seattle was where my heart truly resided.

There is a unique simplicity to Stella's paintings that I sincerely admire. It takes a skilled veteran to hold back in their art and to paint expressively through the use of geometry and simples hues. I love the way these paintings play with space as their cotton-candy palettes keep them light and bright!

live in it....

Wallpaper via Architonic, Tile via Walker Zanger, End table via Mcquire Furniture, Chair via Architonic, Sofa via Chiasso, Lamp via Arteriors Home, Rug via Madeline Weinrib, Vases via Belvedere Inc, Chair via Mcguire Furniture, Pillow via Jayson Home and Garden 

Mint green, peachy pink and airy blue may sound like a nursery room make but with modern silhouettes and organic accents you can make a space that is modern, chic and a light-hearted treat to live in. Enjoy!!

Art + Interiors: Colorful Vibrations [Wolf Kahn]

Good morning and happy Monday! With the dropping temperatures and the days shortening, I thought I'd start the week off with a little jolt of color. The work of artist Wolf Kahn is the perfect anecdote to a grey and gloomy day. His fusion of realism, color field and impressionism makes his style unique, his abstract landscapes instantly transporting the viewer to another space and time. I love his free, unconventional use of color and the way his sweeping brush strokes create a constant vibration in each piece.

"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts- such is the duty of the artist"- Schumann



Chair via Casamidy, Pillow via Sachin and Babi, Dresser via Robb & Stucky, Chandelier via Kravet, bedding via John Robshaw, Chair via Kartell, Fabric via Isaac Mizrahi 



Nothing brightens a room more than a shock of color like this neon yellow chair that seems to vibrate before your eyes or this painterly Isaac Mizrahi fabric. The blues and greys balance out the space while the mix of patterns adds a subtle rhythm. I also love classic silhouettes in a modern medium like the Kartell Ghost chair. The perfect relief for a grey winter day don't you think? Enjoy!

Style + Interiors: High Fashion Pendleton

I absolutely love that southwest prints are popping up everywhere right now. On the runway and at home they add a fun pop of color and graphic texture that fits right in with your black and brown basics. I spotted these shorts on style crush Rumi of Fashion Toast and fell in love. I love the mix of brown leather jacket with black leather shoes with the Pendleton shorts mixing it all up in the middle.



http://www.fashiontoast.com/, http://www.creaturesofcomfort.us/



Chair via Arteriors Home, Pillow via Etsy shop shapescolors, Rug via Madeline Weinrib, Rock sculptures via Arteriors Home, End Table via Room and Board, Pendleton Bag via Etsy shop timberlineltd

Until I find a way to get my hands on a pair of these lust-worthy shorts myself (just a tad out of my price range!) designing around them will have to suffice. Black and brown mixed finishes, accents of poppy and orange, and lots of geometry to keep your eye moving, I'll take it! Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Bohemian Glamour [Alexandria Valenti]

Hello lovely readers! Things have been incredibly hectic around here, between finishing up my last few weeks of school (woohoo!) and getting ready to move I've hardly had a chance to catch my breath. So at the end of the day, after a little centering yoga, taking in some beautiful art and design helps me find my calm. And this gorgeous photography from Alexandria Valenti has me absolutely swooning. I love the sun drenched ambiance, the tattered interiors and crystal chandeliers. It is bohemian glamour, relaxed and effortlessly chic that is just my style.

"Smile, breath and go slowly" -Thich Nhat Hanh

http://www.alexandraintheforest.com/

sideboard via Four Hands, Chandelier via Arteriors Home, Lights via World Market, Agate plate via Vivre, Lace via Franticstamper.com, Pillow via Kelly Wearstler for Sferra, Lamp via Etsy, Sofa via housetohome.co.uk, wallpaper via Wallpaper Collective

I love this palette; mustard yellows, rich turquoise blues, golden accents and pops of teal-emerald. The mix of decorative motifs gives that bohemian vibe while the draping chandelier and veluor sofa add a touch of glamour and luxury. I've been lusting over that turquoise sideboard forever and someday when I have the funds it will be first on my list! Thanks for stopping by, I'll leave with this stunning room by Barbara Davis, hope you leave feeling inspired, Enjoy!!

Art + Interiors: Berry Punch [Richard Mayhew]

Today I am loving the vibrant expressionist landscapes of African-American artist Richard Mayhew. After seeing this piece, 'Rhapsody' in person at the De Young Museum in San Fransisco I knew I had to have more. The vivid colors pack quite a bit of punch and are not easy to miss. The heavy application of color upon color, the vast range of values and the complimentary palettes (orange and blue, red and purple) make these paintings emotionally charged and incredibly substantial. I love the way the trees silhouetted against their rich skies seem to vibrate with life. They emit the feeling of nature's energy and its connection to us all.

"I paint the essence of nature, always seeking the unique spiritual mood of the landscape" -Richard Mayhew

live in it...

 

Chair via Jonathan Adler , Lamp via abc home , End table via Neiman Marcus, Table via West Elm, Pillow and Rug via Madeline Weinrib



 I loved pulling from the highly saturated jewel tones in Mayhew's work to bring that same drama to a space. Not only would you never feel cold in this palette but the berry pinks are flattering to any complexion. And how much would you love to curl up in that bright orange tufted chair for a catch-up session with one of your closest friends? Enjoy! 

And a couple designers who know how to amp up the palette the right way are none other than the one and only Kelly Wearstler... 

And Marjorie Skouras...