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*** Hello! This blog was written from 2010- 2014, Find me and my current work now at www.LauraBurkhartCreative.com ***

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Love it / Live [in] it: Feather & Disguise [Jennifer Ament]

One of my favorite parts about the work I do is meeting and connecting with other creatives and Jennifer Ament has been an absolute blast to work with. Not only is she hilarious and incredibly stylish, but she also makes amazing artwork. Her linocut prints are stunning, drawing a variety of eras and influences, lending themselves to any style and aesthetic...

print by Jennifer Ament, interior via sfgirlbybay

 I love this space with its tonal neutrals and organic textures, and it reminds me of Jennifer's own house which is also incredible. If you happen to be in the Seattle area, you have a chance to meet the artist herself and see her work in person next week...

I'll be attending this little soiree and I'd love to see you there. Of course, I'll be the one in the gold masquerade mask so make sure you find me, I hope to see some of you next week!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Love it / Live it: Geometric Weaving

Today I'm inspired by sculptural geometry for the wall and the interior. Whether it is delicate string intricately woven around a grid of nails, or an illustration that seems to vibrate right off the wall, I just love the rhythmic energy in all of these pieces...


And I wouldn't mind bringing this look into the room either. Bend Seating has a small line of gorgeously crafted and carefully designed pieces that offer a modern sculptural sensibility. I especially love 'The Drum' in white, it would make a wonderful little cocktail table if you just added a tray on top, don't you think? Hope you're all having a wonderful week...Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Love it / Live it: Modern Geode [Tabitha Bianca Brown]

These prints combine two of my greatest loves, geometry and geodes. In tonal hues and subtle textures, designer Tabitha Bianca Brown's faceted illustrations are absolutely stunning...


prints via Tabitha Bianca Brown, earrings via Ditty Drops

and just as wonderfully graphic, some hand made gems to keep your ears just as chic...Enjoy!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Office Space: TODAY IS THE DAY

Hello Monday and hello Fall! With the new season finally here I thought I'd give my blog a brand new look to go with a brand new chapter of life I've ventured into this year. I've joined the intimidating world of self employment and while working freelance has been incredibly rewarding so far, it is a constant challenge putting myself out there and overcoming the hurdles and setbacks that come with it...

Despite the challenges of being an artist and designer for a living, I'm absolutely thrilled to be doing what I love and am so excited to be able to offer both graphic and interior design services here. I've been having so much fun working with a variety of clients and am loving the excitement of taking on new projects week after week.

Lantern via 1st Dibs, rug via Anthropologie, Chair via Velocity Art and Design, Print via the big harumph, pencil cup via Jayson Home, Tray via Vivre, Desk via Velocity Art and Design

With that said, it is high time for me to create an office space where I can have some peace and calm, organize my thoughts,  and stay motivated and inspired everyday. So while I continue the search in pulling together my dream office, today I'm inspired by a mix of well traveled accents and modern silhouettes all on a warm and cozy ikat shag rug. And you never know, maybe today is the day that you land that dream job, get that promotion or make your dreams a reality, so let's get to it, shall we?...Enjoy!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Art + Music: Led Zeppelin 'Going to California'

Many of my friends refer to me as a 'hippie' and while this may be because I go in bare feet or sandals more often than not and I rarely if ever run a brush through my hair, I think it's mostly because I like to wax on about peace and love and would rather make art than have a 401k. So here is a little tribute to the flower child in me...



I simply could not think of a better soundtrack than Led Zeppelin for these images, they make me want to get away from it all and just enjoy the moment. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and have some time to relax with love in your heart and flowers in your hair...Enjoy!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Love it / Live it: Painted Ikat

Good morning readers! I am always on the lookout for great throw pillows, I love the way they can add a splash of color and texture to a room without overwhelming the whole space. And they are an incredibly cost effective way to spice up an otherwise drab old sofa. I've loved the palette and feel of this image for some time now and was absolutely thrilled to find some pillows that had the same effect...

image via Hiddenite, pillow via Burke Decor

I love the way the pattern seems to be sketched and painted on, creating subtle imperfections and an organic sensibility. And there are more where these came from right over here...Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Love it / Live it: Patina Horizon [Katherine Sandoz]

I'm embracing Fall today with the return of misty grey mornings and early earth toned sunsets . I'm pulling out my sweaters and coats and resisting the urge to bundle up under the covers all day long because there is work to be done, people to see and so much to create...

art by Katherine Sandoz, vase via Wisteria

I love the peace and calm this abstract landscape by artist Katherine Sandoz brings. The palette is dead on for Fall and reminds me of quiet mornings with a piping hot cup of tea...Enjoy!

p.s. Congratulations to Molly who has won my painting over on Apartment 34, head on over there to see the way Erin herself would style a room around it. And in case you missed it, don't forget to check out my grey and triangular Artful Interiors over on Design for Mankind this week.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Art + Interiors: Desert Decor

Lately I've been incredibly inspired by the desert. There is something so intriguing to me about the dusty dry heat and the presence of old and new life. And I'm particularly loving the way incorporating antlers and horns into a space can bring that same sensibility into a space. While I'm not a fan of hunting, I love the idea of giving these elements new life through design...

from top images via Spell and the Gyspy, Kari Herer

I also love the way designers have been re-purposing this age old decoration in new artistic ways from painted and decorated deer heads to woven antlers. The style fits seamlessly with eclectic and traveled as well as fresh and modern...


How brilliant is the kilm rug cut into the shape of a cow hide? What a wonderful way to get the look without using a real animal's coat. I'll leave you with my favorite modern desert finds from around the web...Enjoy!

from top left: painted antler via Haley Ann Robinson, horn cups via Jayson Home and Garden, Antler necklaces via Decomp, Gilded antler via My Mother the Hunter, Antler wall sconce via Velocity Art and Design, Antler print via Monorail Studio, painted antler via TjabArt, horn serverware via Jayson Home and Garden

Monday, September 19, 2011

Love it / Live it: Shock Therapy

Happy Monday everyone! Fall is officially here, and though I'm no longer in school I always get a sense of a fresh start, new beginnings, and the changing of seasons. Here is in Seattle, the days get drastically shorter, the skies turn to grey and the leaves turn brilliant, almost neon, shades of orange, red and yellow. And while I love the Fall, the grey, overcast skies can be tiring and I find myself battling the dullness with the most shocking hues I can find...

art via Carl Kleiner, clutch via Fabric Paper Glue

I'll definitely need some artwork for the wall with this vibrant green as well as a neon clutch or two. I love these paper works by Carl Kleiner, his clean and simple layering and fresh color combinations create so much depth in each piece, they seem to spill back through the wall. Hope your Fall is off to a wonderful start, I can't wait to see what the new season will bring, I have a feeling it's going to be good...Enjoy!

Friday, September 16, 2011

My [Colored] Daylight: 9.16.11

Ah, Friday, so happy you're here! It has been an incredibly busy week and I'm very much looking forward to some time away from the never ending to-do list to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation with the ones I love. But before I shut down I thought I'd leave you with a few snippets of my current favorite color combo...

I tend to go through phases with color and lately I've been incredibly drawn to all things turquoise. Paired of course with gold, it's sort of been my power duo. What's your current palette? Hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with inspiration and much, much joy.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Art + Living: Gold Rush

It is no secret that I have an affinity for gold. Some might even call it a bit of an obsession but let me take a second to tell you why. I love its vibrant warmth, its neutral properties, and the way it can be glamorous and gritty at the same time. Wearing gold promotes courage, confidence and will power. Oh yeah, and it goes with absolutely everything....

Painting by Robert Rauschenberg, photo via Favim.com
images via Oracle Fox
Pendant via 1st Dibs, Ring via Free People, Necklace vie Loren Hope, Glasses via Z Gallerie, End table via Marjorie Skouras, Pillow by Dwell via Velocity Art and Design, Feather dish via Jayson Home and Garden, Chandelier via 1st Dibs


Just a few of my current favorites from around the web right now, because gold is the perfect addition to any interior, wardrobe, or tabletop...Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

DIY Northwest: Nightstand Revived

Good morning! Have you been over to Apartment 34 to enter in the giveaway yet? Thank you so much to each and every one of you who have already entered and written such kind and encouraging words, it truly means the world to me. I can't wait to see my painting hanging in someone's home!

Now, as much as I love modern furniture, nothing beats taking someone else's trash and reviving it to create a one of a kind piece to fit your home...



Black just isn't my color so after finding this little cabinet at our local Good Will, I picked the brightest turquoise in the aisle and gave it one light coat for a traveled and weathered look. I then found some great vintage brass hardware to add some interest and functionality and now it lives happily right next to our bed. Happy thrifting everyone..Enjoy!


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Art + Interiors: Acid Brights [Yago Hortal]

Lately for both the home and the wardrobe I've been loving acid brights. A neon accent is the perfect way to keep things fresh and modern and with the greyer days closing in, we'll need all the extra pop sunshine we can get. I especially love the way artist Yago Hortal isn't afraid of any acid hue and the way her paint application has a creates so much spontaneous energy in each piece...


Pendant via Anthropologie, Tea Towels and lighters via A+R , Chair by via Architonic, Hanger via A+R, Cup via Canadian Bar Store, Chair by Pedrali via Architonic

And just a few ways to bring the look into your home. Hope you're living bright today wherever you are...Enjoy!

p.s. And find more of Yago Hortal here and here and head over to Apartment 34 for a very special giveaway!!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Love it / Live it: Speaking of the Ocean...

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Yesterday's 90 degree weather had me dreaming of the ocean more than ever. What I wouldn't give to have a whole day with the waves and the sunshine all to myself. I'm always fascinated with the never ending shades of blue and turquoise in the ocean's tide, and the crisp white of the crashing waves...




For now I'll have to satisfy my coastal craving with some gorgeous ocean photography and stunning resin dishware from Dinosaur Designs (made in Australia, is this a sign?!). You'd never feel far from the coast with these on the table..Enjoy! 


Friday, September 9, 2011

I want to live in...Chandelier Creative's Surf Shack

Happy Friday everyone! I have to admit I have always been a bit fascinated by surf culture and Chandelier Creative's Surf Shack epitomizes it perfectly. I love the laid back vibe, the organic materials mixed with ocean blues and the way every piece of furniture feels like a blanket wrapped around you at a late night beach bon fire....





I have a feeling the entire space was furnished by Anthropologie (wouldn't that be nice!) but if you don't have the means to make that happen, here are few pieces for a little sun room with the same beach front feel...

pillow via Indian vs. Indian, Wave Photograph via Elgarbo Art, Rug and Chair via Anthropologie, Table via Cb2, pillow via Sukan

This makes me want to pick up and move to Australia and spend my days surfing and sunning. And now that fall and the chillier days are drawing near, that's not looking like such a bad idea. Hope you have a wonderful weekend my friends and you're savoring the last days of Summer, I know I'll be soaking up every last moment of the sun myself...Enjoy!

images via Oracle Fox

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Love it/ Live [in] it: Moroccan Mornings [Maiji Fiebig]

Today I'm inspired by the intricately patterned landscapes by artist Maiji Fiebig. This piece is a perfect marriage of some of my favorite elements; geometric patterning and a snow capped mountain scape, and in such a lovely and unexpected color palette, I love the combo of teal and rust...


And how would one ever leave the house with a bath this decadent and decorated?? From the richly saturated tones to the architectural details, it is absolutely to die for. Of course, being the Moroccan home of fashion designer Liza Bruce, I would expect no less...Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Art + Interiors: Northwest Style

Every once in a while, I get really proud to be a Northwesterner. And this past weekend, while checking out Flatstock 2011, an annual rock poster show at Bumbershoot I had one of those moments. Printmaking is in my artistic roots and seeing so many talented print artists in one place, along with their amazing music posters, I was blown away. If you ever get chance to see the show, I highly recommend it. And until then, I've picked just a few of my favorites, including this green Seattle-inspired one that is now hanging in my dining room...


And as our kitchen is next on the list of spaces to design, I've started thinking about how to capture that Northwest style. It is organic modern meets industrial chic, always with a quirky edge and sense of humor...

Light fixtures, bowl, antler, serverware and vases via Jayson Home and Garden, Matches via Velocity Art and Design, Chair via Modernica, Napkin and bottle stopper via Anthropologie

I've been seriously coveting the grass green Eames chair lately and was so heartbroken to find out they are currently not producing any more of the fiberglass versions. I'm on the lookout for a pair for our office so if you happen to spot them at a reasonable price, please let me know! Oh and Happy Tuesday everyone, Enjoy!


Monday, September 5, 2011

Love it / live it: Rock On

Happy [holiday] Monday everyone! I hope that [unlike me] you're enjoying a long and relaxing three day weekend and in the company of good friends and loved ones. Summer has finally hit its stride here in Seattle, now that it is almost Fall, and it is the most gorgeous day outside. Though I have more work to do than I can fathom, I'll be taking frequent breaks to bask in the sunshine...

art via Moon to Moon, Necklace via DearEvelyn on etsy

On another note, our precious little [giant] puppy has been quite sick lately and I'm hoping to channel some of the healing energies of the amethyst today to mend him. We are hoping that our love and sheer determination for helping this little guy will get him on the right track and feeling like his rambunctious self again, but we'll take any positive energy we can get, so please send Phinney your good vibes, and have a wonderful holiday!