Office Space 8.31.11

Since becoming a freelancer, going to work often means getting up out of bed and getting on my laptop. Now this may sound wonderful but as many of you in the same position know, it can be incredibly challenging working from home. Having an office space that inspires you is absolutely essential. So I've been scouring the web for office inspiration lately and these prints from Happy Deliveries on Etsy caught my eye...

Just the kind of encouragement you need around on a daily basis when trying to start your own business. And if I do ever happen upon the funds to design my own dream office, here are a few things I'm currently coveting for the perfect space...

Agate bookends via Healings of Atlantis, Lamp via Arteriors, Chair via Architonic,  Print via Happy Deliveries, business card holder via Vivre, Desk via Four Hands

While I love color, I like the idea of keeping it to accents and an inspiration boards in an office so anything you do can fit into your space when the creativity strikes. I'm also learning the importance of having a well made office chair with lumbar support and adjustable heights and am on the search for one that doesn't look like it fits in a cubicle. This one has a stunning silhouette and I love the wood veneer. And a just a couple of my favorite office spaces to leave you with...Enjoy!

images via Living Etc., Marie Olsson Nylander

My Daylight: 8.30.11

As you may remember me mentioning, I had the chance to have a little photo shoot earlier this summer with a dear friend and talented photographer Natassia Robinson. It is always a thrill to spend a day working with another creative, especially when it means hanging out in a park on the water on warm and sunny day. I was so excited to receive them in the mail yesterday that I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my favorites with you...

She has a brilliant way of capturing the light, the photos completely exude the feeling of summer in Seattle. Anyway, sorry for all the personal photos, but I just had to share this talent with you. I promise I'll be back to my normally scheduled programming tomorrow, until then...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Wanderlust

Happy Monday everyone! I've caught quite the travel bug lately, having an urge to get outta town and see the world a bit more. Thus, I've been incredibly inspired by maps and all things related. I'm especially loving artist Jessica Durant's take on a world map in dripping sea toned watercolors....

art via JessicaIllustration, pillows via MyBeardedPigeon

And aren't these vintage map pillows beautiful? I love the idea of collecting one for every country or city you travel to. So I'll need that Thailand pillow pronto, and then I'll have to book a ticket to somewhere like Singapore, Australia or just about anywhere in South America so I can fill out my collection of favorites don't you think? Being in a foreign country and immersed in a new culture is one of the best ways to shift things back into perspective, rejuvenate, and get inspired. I'll leave you with a few snippets of what inspired me the most about my own Thai travels...Enjoy!

Musical Inspiration: Bon Iver

Happy Friday readers! As you may have noticed, Miss Ladybird has been a bit M.I.A. lately, not to worry though, as she has simply been busy enjoying her recent engagement to her wonderful fiance (yay!). But as music is a constant inspiration to me I wanted to make sure it remained a part of this blog, so I thought I'd share a bit of my current life soundtrack with you...

After seeing Bon Iver perform a couple years ago at Sasquatch and being completely blown away, his music has seen me through the hardest of times and the purest of moments. There is a sadness yet peacefulness to it that lifts you up and soothes the soul.

The subtle artwork of Tom Burrows has such a soft and calming ambiance, it reminds me of the way the sunlight reflects on the ocean.

This is one of my current favorites from his most recent album. It is soul searching music at it's best, and on warm summer days, driving along the water with the windows down, there is just nothing better...Enjoy!

artwork via Tom Burrows, images via Spell and the Gypsy, Oracle Fox

Love it / Live it: Golden World

Lately I've been thinking a lot about traveling, which means spending some time gazing at the map, dreaming of adventuring in distant countries. Unfortunately I'm not quite in a position to get away at the moment but I love the idea of using maps as decor, and better yet as adornment...

art via ThousandViews on etsy, necklace via A+R

So while I'm not able to start booking flights just yet, I wouldn't mind having a few decorative reminders on the wall and around my neck of the big wonderful world we're a part of...Enjoy!

I want to live in...A Scout Designs Interior

Today I'm inspired by the modern bohemian interiors of Scout Designs. The design duo blends vintage and modern seamlessly, adding a mix of worldly accents in absolutely gorgeous palettes...

I love the warm neutrals and the mixing of patterns and textures in this space.

Green and gold always feels luxurious and I love how the unexpected pairing of the combo on weathered wood floors.

More and more lately I'm loving clean white walls. They allow for each and every shape and texture to create the color story of the room. This space has an understated elegance that draws on the elements beautifully. As much as I love a bold interior, it takes an incredible eye and attention to detail to create a space that doesn't use color to set the tone...Enjoy!

Love it / Live [in] it: Pollock Off the Wall

Lately I've been incredibly influenced by one of the first American Abstract Expressionists, Jackson Pollock. I've been referencing him a lot in my own paintings, using metallic gold paint to finish off my pieces with an added bit of energy and spontaneity. And if you're not afraid to get a bit messy it is such a freeing way to paint. I have a print of this particular piece in my house and I just never get tired of it for some reason...

art by Jackson Pollock via MoMA, interior via Anthology Mag

And now I'm inspired to starting splattering off the canvas and onto the furniture. What a fun way to bring some artistic character into a room! I especially love the way the chest is color blocked in black and white first, giving the effect of the black side splashing into the white. Absolutely stunning. I'm going to have to make a trip to the thrift store to find a piece to paint like this ASAP. Happy Friday my friends, hope you have a chance to get a bit messy this weekend...Enjoy!

p.s. make sure to check out today's installment of 'Artful Interiors' over on Design For Mankind!

Colored Daylight 8.18.11

Though I'm a lover a bold, saturated hues, I'm just as inspired by subtle, delicate tones like the palette of the ocean and sky. So for a little color therapy today, some snippets of one of my favorite color combinations; breaths of turquoise and mint...

from top via artist Cynthia Camlin via Punch Gallery, hiddenite, ethereal-rose

If you happen to be near the ocean today, please take a little dip in it for me, as I love the lakes of the Northwest but miss the ocean's crashing waves and aqua blues...Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Dripping Nostalgia [Stina Persson]

I've long since been a fan of artist Stina Persson. She has quite a range of work but I'm most inspired by her dripping watercolors that reference the 70's while feeling incredibly fresh. She uses the negative space in each composition with just as much intent as her sultry and ethereal hues...

I love the idea of getting this same effect in a sitting room. Subtle tonal changes with an overall wash of blue-green color with a few pieces whose silhouette creates as intriguing a shape in the negative space than in the piece itself.. 

pillow via furbish studio, pendants via velocity art and design, rug via abc carpet, end table via clayton gray home, chair via 1st dibs

As you can see, I'm still coveting Abc Carpet's Color Reform rugs like mad. I just love anything that is unusually saturated and bold in colors you might never expect. Hope you're week is humming along beautifully, I think I'll sneak some breaks from the work I'm currently buried in to take in some serious Vitamin D...enjoy!

Love it / Live [in] it: Blushing Ridge [TCHMO]

Ever since moving back to Seattle, the snow capped mountains that surround us on every side here never cease to amaze me. There are so many days where the grey mist is just too thick and the mountains never even 'come out' as we say. But on a clear summer night, when the sun is going down and the sky has only delicate streaks of clouds drifting across it, the mountains are absolutely magnificent against the pink sunset sky. Ok I know that may sound a bit cheesy but I just can't help but be in awe of them...

art via TCHMO, interior via Living Etc.

I love this print so much I had to post it again, and I love the use of tonal pinks and purples in this mid-century modern space. Pink chair and purple rug, a bit off the wall but somehow it works! Happy Wednesday everyone...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Elephant Love [Margot Bird + Cardboard Safari]

Happy Monday my friends! I've had a special place in my heart for elephants ever since my man and I traveled to Thailand a few years ago and they won my heart with their sweet, playful dispositions and tender eyes. There is just something about them, so large and fearless yet so warm and endearing that sort of takes your breath away. I love this painting by the fearless local artist Margot Bird, the palette is stunning and there is just enough intrigue in the skewed gaze of the elephant to make you do a double take...

art via Margot Bird, elephant head via Cardboard Safari

I'm so excited to see her studio in a few weeks and a series of collaborative works she's been doing at an upcoming show, you should definitely join me if you're in the Seattle area. This girl is raw talent working in a style that is completely her own and unlike anything I have ever seen. I also happened to stumble upon this cardboard elephant head this weekend at Retrofit Home and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. It needs to live my on my wall. Pronto. Hope you had a wonderfully inspired weekend...Enjoy!

Love it / Live [in] it: Colin Pennock + Miles Redd

Happy Friday everyone! You'll have to forgive me for my sparser than usual postings this week, I finally took a whole day off to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and Northwest scenery and spend a little quality time with some of dearest friends in the great outdoors. And after soaking in the lush greenery and deep blue lakes, and roasting marshmallows by a cozy campfire, I am back and more inspired than ever...

And since I'm seeing so much green, thought I'd share a couple inspiring men that use this brilliant color boldly. A stunning painting by artist Colin Pennock and a daring interior by the Miles Redd has me plotting unusual color combos and bold wall decor. I'd leave the bed and throw blanket but love the layered gallery wall and the saturated hues. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and get a chance to see some serious green [in nature that is] Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Dripping Sunset [Jen Ament]

One of my absolute favorite things about living in Seattle is connecting with other local creatives and lately I have had the utmost pleasure of working with print maker and painter Jennifer Ament. I'm excited to be doing some graphic work for her, giving her blog a little makeover, and her incredible style and stunning work makes my job very easy...

art by Jennifer Ament, pillow via Furbish Studio

I got to see this gorgeous painting in person and am dreaming of one in blues and greens for my own home. Until I can commission one from her I'll have to get my fix with these silk flame stitch pillows from Furbish Studio, a great way to add a little splash of color to a room don't you think? Enjoy!

Love it/ Live it: Asymmetrical Balance [Victoria Haven]

I'm a routine girl. I function best when my days are well mapped and I can schedule a healthy balance of everything I find important in life. But with this new part-time freelance, part-time job thing, I'm having a little trouble finding that structure. So this week I'm just going to embrace the chaos and find a new kind of balance where although I'm going in a million directions at once, I'm injecting moments into each day to breath, spend time with the ones I love, and enjoy the scenery...

art by Victoria Haven, necklace via iluxo

Victoria Haven's geometric illustrations could not be a better fit for my new mantra. Happy Monday everyone..Enjoy!

Love it/ Live [in] it: Teal Morocco [Shae Acopian Detar]

Happy Friday, friends! I am absolutely thrilled today to begin authoring a column on one of my absolute favorite blogs, Design For Mankind. Erin's beautifully curated display of all things art and design is a constant inspiration and resource for me and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it as a weekly contributor doing what I love...

art by Shae Acopian Detar, interior via Elle Decor

So after soaking up the fluid mixed media work of Shae Acopian Detar (yes definitely worth posting twice!) and the boldly layered interior of Joauad Kadiri, head on over to Design For Mankind for another helping of 'Artful Interiors' brought to you by yours truly. And have a lovely and inspired weekend!

Love it/ Live it: Color Pop [Loretta Bennett]

Today I'm inspired by this seemingly simple yet intriguing work by artist Loretta Bennett. I love the vibrant tonal blues, the play on scale and proportion, and the way the otherwise static shapes seem to flow in and out of each other...

art by Loretta Bennett via Greg Kucera Gallery, blue clutch via Marketa via Strataflora, green clutch via Need Supply

And as I am apparently on the hunt for the perfect clutch lately, these babies are on the top of my list today. I love the pop of color and scale these clutches would bring to any outfit. And of course the gold zipper is a detail I'm especially fond of. Hope you're finding your own vibrant pop of color today, however that may be...Enjoy!

Music + Style: Mod Bohemian [Shannon Eileen]

Meet Shannon Eileen. Creative blogger, talented musician and lover of the great Northwest. Shannon's blog Happiness Is... inspires me on a daily basis and her music truly soothes the soul. Her band, Lorelei's debut full length album is available on itunes and is an absolute must. I'm thrilled to share our little interview with you and a bit more of what makes her tick and gets her creative juices flowing..

What inspires you?

Other people in creative and artistic fields living their dream and doing what they love. Especially if they are sacrificing money and comfort to make it a reality.  

You have $100 to shop, where do you go?

Online shopping makes spending money way too easy! I would probably hit up ASOS, Ruche, ModCloth, Anthro, Free People, or Etsy vintage stores.

How would you describe your style?

Retro, bohemian, feminine, and comfortable. I like to wear at least one vintage item with every outfit. Lately, I've been into blazers, high waist shorts, 70's sundresses, rompers, architectural heels, and gold jewelry.

record player and headphones via urban outfitters, necklace via nallik, dress and shoes via topshop, clutch via sass & bide

If you had to choose a different era to live in which would you choose?

Definitely mid-century for the style and idealism. But for equal human rights, I'm happy being born when I was!

Who are your favorite musical artists?

 Dusty Springfield, Peggy Lee, Sinatra, Sade, Esthero, The Supremes, Maxwell, Si*Se, Jill Scott, Fiona Apple, Common, Radiohead, Pharcyde, Bob Marley, DJ Shadow, Miles Davis, Bill Withers, Portishead, John Coltrane, young Michael Jackson, Amel Larrieux, Gorillaz, Ella Fitzgerald, The Roots, Sam Cooke, Pearl Jam, Tribe Called Quest, Carla Bruni, Sarah Vaughan, young Weezer, D'Angelo, No Doubt, Eva Cassidy, Res, Gnarls Barkley / CeeLo, Prince, Frou Frou, Thievery Corporation, Adele. (Sorry so long - that's a HARD question, and I'm sure I'm leaving so many out!)


Your favorite viusal artists?

 Fantastic Hysteria, Matte Stephens, Blanca Gomez.


And your favorite fashion designers?

Ellie Saab, Stella McCartney, Orla Kiely, Missoni, Bianca Benitez of Dear Creatures.

When your schedule is crazy how do you find your balance?

No matter how busy I get, I try very hard to take time out for myself, whether it's getting more sleep, allowing myself a night off, saying no to people or projects that can wait, shutting off my computer, or just rewarding myself when I feel I deserve it. ME time is very good for the soul.

pendant via 1st dibs, vases via anthropologie, table and pillow via abc home, chair via design within reach

What is your favorite city and why?

Seattle! I grew up in the NW so it will always feel like home to me here.  Not only is the city beautiful, but the people are grounded and down to earth.  Venice / Santa Monica would be a close second, since I lived there after graduating from USC and it's where my man and I met.  International cities are another story all together. I'd choose London, Venice, and Santorini.

When you are up on stage what brings you your calm and confidence?

Being well rehearsed! Also, seeing my loved ones' faces in the audience puts my mind at ease. As soon as I stop thinking about how I'm sounding or how I look, I'm completely at peace, 100% into the music and what it's saying.

Any advice for girls dreaming big?

Persevere. I struggle with this every day, whether to keep pushing towards the goal, or take an easier route in life. In the end, I always revert back to dream, because I wouldn't be happy doing anything else.

What album are you listening to right now?

Esperanza Spalding and her upright bass. That girl is talent.

Where do your lyrics come from, is it personal or just comes when you play?

My songs are usually personal and come from experiences I've had or experiences people close to me have had. However, I'm a private person, so I don't like to get too specific or detailed. I think a little bit of poetic ambiguity is good and allows others to connect and relate with the song. For me, lyrics take time to craft. I don't want people to misunderstand me, and I'm probably way too focused on what other people will think. I sure wish I was the type of songwriter who could make up a song on the spot!


Besides music, what is your creative outlet?

My blog keeps me creative on a daily basis. I'm constantly inspired by the things I discover online and I love sharing that inspiration with others. I also hope to one day open up an Etsy shop with my own artwork... details TBA  ;)

images via Christopher Bachman Photography and Angela Burdine Photography

Love it / Live it: Aaron Farley + Swarm Home

Today I'm inspired by this stunning mixed media work by artist Aaron Farley. It's everything I love all wrapped into one bright moment; blue skies, fluid, painterly greens and even a faint little rainbow. Did I ever mention I was named "Most likely to name my children Rainbow and Sunshine" back in high school?

And if you only knew how long and hard I have searched for a painted chair done as well as this little gem! Sadly I just checked and this particular one is sold out but there is plenty more where it came from over on Poppy Talk Handmade from Swarm Home. What a lovely way to add a little art to an interior...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Clutch it Tribal

Happy Monday! Just a quick little post this morning to tell you how much I love all things tribal, especially the organic and geometric African bark cloth...

and how I adore incorporating the look into an outfit like with this great little clutch from Deep Dark Africa...hope your weekend was no less than wonderful, Enjoy!