Color Silhouettes

I still love silhouettes and think they are classic. But if you're sort of over the look, one way to make it fresh again is to use color rather than black for the portraits, a la artist <a href="http://blog.carterkustera.com/">Carter Kustera.</a> Mr. Kustera is pretty much the king of the modern silhouette. He has painted <a href="http://blog.carterkustera.com/2009/08/michelle-obama.html">Michelle Obama's portait</a> and he does lots of work for <a href="http://blog.carterkustera.com/search/label/Jonathan%20Adler">Jonathan Adler</a> and his partner Simon Doonan (so also <a href="http://blog.carterkustera.com/search/label/Barneys%20New%20York">Barneys</a>).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/carter_bottom.jpg" /><br /><br />Not positive, but the silhouettes in <a href="http://www.angiehranowsky.com/interior/1-Interior-Design/33-lakeshore-drive/417/">Angie Hranowsky's kitchen</a> look like Carter Kustera portraits.<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/AdlersilhouettesHranowsky-Modern-Kitchen-2.jpg" /></div><br />This installation was at the D&D here in New York. So cool, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/29.jpg" /></div><br />I come from a big family and think it would be amazing to make a wall like this in my parents house one year for Christmas. And then every Christmas thereafter we would spend a day updating the silhouettes. I like the idea that everyone could pick their own color.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/5-1.jpg" /></div><br />I'm sure Grace would want to be purple and Claire would be pink. I think I would be bright red and Michael would be a deep green. Evie would make a lovely yellow - that baby is pure sunshine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/8.jpg" /></div><br />It's actually really fun to assign family members colors and then try to guess what they would choose for themselves. It's hard not to make it about personality! What's your color?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">All images courtesy of <a href="http://blog.carterkustera.com/">Carter Kustera</a> except for the Angie Hranowsky image.</span></span></div>

Color Silhouettes

I still love silhouettes and think they are classic. But if you're sort of over the look, one way to make it fresh again is to use color...

Read more »

Minimalist Desk Against the Wall by Mash Studios

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHG-Dfaau6ojK50WlW3evw0PNb4VoMq2hA7c_BSVq9ccCuD124zuLo4blAre6PO3no8iN3BGHGaniuCj5CJGjVfilMXt9x5Ph2Tt8H8DAk4kof6h8MGItdRkOKsPH8rjEO6hDQ_Xm2Ur8/s1600/Minimalist+Desk+Against+the+Wall+by+Mash+Studios+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569122319896165698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHG-Dfaau6ojK50WlW3evw0PNb4VoMq2hA7c_BSVq9ccCuD124zuLo4blAre6PO3no8iN3BGHGaniuCj5CJGjVfilMXt9x5Ph2Tt8H8DAk4kof6h8MGItdRkOKsPH8rjEO6hDQ_Xm2Ur8/s400/Minimalist+Desk+Against+the+Wall+by+Mash+Studios+%25282%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 307px;" /></a>Design a simple <a href="http://minimalist-home-designs.blogspot.com/search/label/Desks">desk</a> to a place or room is minimalist. Utilize a small space.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfylKNH1ub7bxwkwcOuzUeFziHcpkIWivPEiBJ1rhw025Iy4ScEFMW1NeHf99HHCkTlijYuBToYWcSbLi63oSwAkBR_49cBvB6wUHwjoSXsr6XlNMO9NEcdHRZzBFQiNRcO4CKzEih6jgQ/s1600/Minimalist+Desk+Against+the+Wall+by+Mash+Studios.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569122316539652818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfylKNH1ub7bxwkwcOuzUeFziHcpkIWivPEiBJ1rhw025Iy4ScEFMW1NeHf99HHCkTlijYuBToYWcSbLi63oSwAkBR_49cBvB6wUHwjoSXsr6XlNMO9NEcdHRZzBFQiNRcO4CKzEih6jgQ/s400/Minimalist+Desk+Against+the+Wall+by+Mash+Studios.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 306px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A simple method for space saving – the Off-the-wall Desk – was designed by MASH Studios and is part of a collection entitled The LAX Series. The desk attached to the wall makes legs useless and gives an alternative for small spaces. It also looks great and has a sliding part that hides the drawers.<br /></div>

Minimalist Desk Against the Wall by Mash Studios

Design a simple desk to a place or room is minimalist. Utilize a small space. A simple method for space saving – the Off-the-wall Desk – wa...

Read more »

High Gloss Mag + Tia Zoldan

I went to the <a href="http://www.highglossmagazine.com/read">High Gloss Mag</a> launch party last night and it was so fun to see some of my favorite blog friends. The <a href="http://www.highglossmagazine.com/read">premiere issue</a> launched yesterday and I loved it. Of course <a href="http://www.isuwannee.com/">Jamie's</a> house is unbelievably gorgeous and I loved the bachelorette pad <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/">Erin</a> designed!<br /><br />It was also so fun to see <a href="http://theroofovermyhead.blogspot.com/">Tia Zoldan's</a> house featured in this issue. Her home was a favorite among bloggers when it was featured in Cottage Living years ago. It was a treat to check out what Tia has kept over the years and what has changed. Shall we do a little comparison?<br /><br />Tia's old living room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/1147586_blue-ottoman_xl.jpg" /></div><br />New living room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture4-9.png" /></div><br />Looks like pretty much everything is new in the living room. She might have reupholstered the chair in that amazing print. The arm looks the same. I like the furniture lay out in the newer version, with everything laid out on a 90 degree angle. Love the new art and the rug.<br /><br />Old dining room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/tiazoldan-1.jpg" /></div><br />New dining room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture7-6.png" /></div><br />Tia kept her farmhouse table and painted the armoire white. I miss those stripey end chairs!<br /><br />Daughter's old room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/1147586_daughter-bedroom_xl.jpg" /></div><br />Daughter's new room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/HighGlossTiaZoldanPicture6.png" /></div><br />I like both of these rooms for different reasons. It's fun to see how this room has grown up with Tia's daughter. The bed was painted white. The moulding was gilded. The curtains are more tailored, but the hardware is the same. I LOVE the suzani on the bed and the wall sconce.<br /><br />Old kitchen:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/1147586_expanded-kitchen_xl.jpg" /></div><br />New kitchen:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture5-10.png" /></div><br />I love the <a href="http://www.neenaslighting.com/product.aspx?FR=1&model=2203-02-00199&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1">new lighting</a> and the new rug (though the old rug was really great too). I am head over heels for the chairs in the new version of the kitchen. And the herringbone patterned tile floors? So great. My very favorite change in here was probably the least expensive. That design genius, Tia, painted her back door a show-stopping blueish charcoal color.<br /><br />It's fun to see how a decorator's tastes evolve, right? I think Tia's home is lovely in all it's phases.<br /><br />**Also, did you know that Tia has a <a href="http://theroofovermyhead.blogspot.com/">GREAT blog</a>? She updates it often with images and products that inspire her. A must-read!**

High Gloss Mag + Tia Zoldan

I went to the High Gloss Mag launch party last night and it was so fun to see some of my favorite blog friends. The premiere issue launche...

Read more »

Traditional Office Desk Level

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2-y78oOQ4kylo2rcxz37Tr2Odsdmz5luwNxSnq2BDujJU1nn0XVU5jFpjjc1iq2-UXVG2rcihtO6FqJpoUv-BJFi6HzKdFCmEwoBmH2v7r_kyqcYXtUQCK4p6-3V7WHG9BTtwi0gYiBB/s1600/Level+Desk+office+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568698687253805938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2-y78oOQ4kylo2rcxz37Tr2Odsdmz5luwNxSnq2BDujJU1nn0XVU5jFpjjc1iq2-UXVG2rcihtO6FqJpoUv-BJFi6HzKdFCmEwoBmH2v7r_kyqcYXtUQCK4p6-3V7WHG9BTtwi0gYiBB/s400/Level+Desk+office+%25282%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 378px;" /></a>Design a simple <a href="http://minimalist-home-designs.blogspot.com/2011/01/lane-desk-functionality-by-jehs-and.html">desk</a>, Gabriel Teixidó designed the Level Desk for Spanish company AG Land 14. Contemporary forms were created through traditional craftsmanship, making this desk a jewel for a strong individual.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVPYysJGTm3aZr1XzXg6RSxqJ1jUnqJg9lCkS7BGuAncl6QK5XMxKJ3zD6RGrDqI2aFrsfCCF2AsnFGjt6SkRJNsi3P3-CzSyrrZ8g1r3Y84HISZzLnnTowtdbbahoLJY8NK-kL-CXBve/s1600/Level+Desk+office.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568698682785987618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVPYysJGTm3aZr1XzXg6RSxqJ1jUnqJg9lCkS7BGuAncl6QK5XMxKJ3zD6RGrDqI2aFrsfCCF2AsnFGjt6SkRJNsi3P3-CzSyrrZ8g1r3Y84HISZzLnnTowtdbbahoLJY8NK-kL-CXBve/s400/Level+Desk+office.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 245px;" /></a><br />This is a strong, masculine design that stands out through its very own simplicity and adds elegance and style to the room in which it is placed.

Traditional Office Desk Level

Design a simple desk , Gabriel Teixidó designed the Level Desk for Spanish company AG Land 14. Contemporary forms were created through tradi...

Read more »

Cards and Chairs

Two quick things:<br /><br />Firstly, <a href="http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/2011/01/oh-happy-day-letterpress-open-for.html">Jordan</a> rocks my world. She delivered a big ol' stack of freshly pressed business cards to me at Alt and it was like Christmas, except Santa was a gorgeous and witty brunette in a cute floral dress.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2103.png" /><br /></div><br />You can't really tell in these photos, but the edges are a really bright persimmon red. I love them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2097_2.png" /><br /></div><br />Jordan's <a href="http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/p/oh-happy-day-letterpress.html">letterpress business</a> will be going strong while she lives abroad this year. She'll be doing the designs herself and her talented business partner, Alexis, will do the printing. I couldn't be happier with the quality of my cards.<br /><br />Also, I had help designing my card layout and my new logo (see the JK blind emboss behind my new business name?). My professional site is finally going to launch soon. I'll post more about that later, but I have been so incredibly happy with my designer, Eileen. If you need help with your site, <a href="mailto:etwhelan@gmail.com">shoot her an email here</a>.<br /><br />Second item of business:<br /><br />Craigslist has been so good to me the past few weeks. Check out one of the pairs of chairs I got for almost nothing recently.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/004.jpg" /><br /></div><br />PS Want to be the happiest person for an hour or two? Type the word "pair" in your craigslist search box (either the furniture or antiques section) and all kinds of goodness shows up. It's true. Everything is better in pairs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/001-1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />These are going to be our host chairs for the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-old-dining-set.html">DR table</a>. They need some work, for sure. But a little paint and fabric will go a long way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/003.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I'm thinking white frames and something in a bold but small-scale pattern for the fabric. Or maybe like acid yellow paint on the frames and solid black Sunbrella for the fabric? Maybe still a fun pattern on the chair backs...

Cards and Chairs

Two quick things: Firstly, Jordan rocks my world. She delivered a big ol' stack of freshly pressed business cards to me at Alt and it w...

Read more »