3 the textures

Oscar de la Renta's Manhattan studio.








You MUST see the rest here.

images via melody eh$ani

4 mix it up

It's feeling like spring already here in Atlanta and I can't wait to break out the sandals and skirts this weekend when it's in the 70s. My favorite model Chanel Iman schools us on how to mix prints for the spring in this fab spread for Vogue Brazil.





Images via Vogue Brazil / Re: Fresh 1968

8 easy no-sew tableskirt

Usually, the art of interior design requires a mix of an eye for style, creativity, research and strategic planning. In this case, I can tell you that I used no planning whatsoever to do this project! I decided to revamp my home office this weekend, but I had no idea what I was going to do until I did it.

I had my desk and computer set up in the closet of my guest bedroom. My reasoning for that? I hate seeing all the paperwork, chords and such associated with work and having my desk in the closet allowed me to just close the doors and see none of it. The problem with that? My back was always turned from the window, and the heat from my BIG iMac in that tiny closet would make it very warm in that tiny space.

When it was in the closet, I had some fabric that I found for a bank-breaking $3.56 at Goodwill hanging on the inside walls of the closet as "curtains". It was cute but, didn't really have an impact on the room. After taking these pseudo curtains down, a stroke of inspiration made me realize that I'd cut them the perfect width to be a skirt for my desk! Instantly, I pulled out my scissors, tape and glue gun and went to work.


What I am using as a desk is actually an IKEA table. First I wrapped the perimeter of the table in one half of the striped fabric and taped it to the top of the table to make sure there was a snug fit. I didn't need to cut anything! It was already the perfect size. :)


Once that was done I laid the second piece on top of the table and trim it to about 1" + the tabletop size. Then I gently folded the fabric along the front side of the table at the black stripe to keep the pattern. I put a little hot glue every inch or so right in between the two pieces.


Once the first side was done, I let the glue dry before starting on the others so that I could pull the fabric taut as I went. I simply wrapped the corners like a present and *TADA* brand new desk :)



Here's what my guest room/office looked like when we first moved in...


Here it is now! Not nearly done but here's a first look. The two bookcases are the perfect size to fill that wall, and also from IKEA. The lamp is one of my favorite finds from one of my fave Raleigh vintage stores. The small piece of art on my desk was a gift from Blayne for my birthday last year, I love it! And the roses are left over from Valentine's Day!


click for a bigger view

I'll be sure to post the finished room soon. I'm on a mission to finish it now! What DIY projects have you done lately?

3 design in color

Fab blogger, graphic designer and teacher Andrea Pippins is a huge inspiration to me. I remember when I first stumbled upon her blog,Fly, in 2008 I spent hours reading it from inception to present just because I couldn't get enough! I love this project that she created highlighting designers of color as educational materials. I think it's so crucial to provide examples of careers in the creative arts to minority kids. Growing up, I was always encouraged for my artistic talent, but I had absolutely no guidance on how to translate that into a career.

Design in color provides current examples of designers making a difference in their prospective fields.





With the overabundance of stereotypes presented to kids, this is an awesome alternative. I hope it inspires you as much as it did for me! All photos via andreapippins.com. If you don't know her blog, go check it out NOW!

3 ideeli dot com

Have you guys seen ideeli.com? I blame my friend Courtney for this new obsession of mine... It's an invite only sale shopping site that's mainly women's apparel but they have some great deals on home items too! Right now they are having a sale on sphinx rugs, and here are a few that I really love.








Sales only last for a day or so on the site, so if you see something you like, you have to grab it fast. Wanna see more? Click here to accept my invite to join the site. It's free!

5 diversity in design

Last year Tina Shoulders of Laidback Home created an awesome guide highlighting people of color in the design industry. As a veteran in the design world, Tina has seen the success of many of her peers and wanted to highlight minority designers to encourage others to follow their dreams to a career in design. Being that it's the first weekend of Black History Month, take a few moments to read these great profiles of people of color creating amazing design.

Can't see it? Click here to download for your computer, iPhone or iPad.

Have a great weekend!

6 more matt moore

Almost exactly two years ago I did a post about a phenomenal graphic artist by the name of Matt Moore. I was so drawn to his unforgettable explosive use of color and psychedelic patterns. Since then, I've been following his work and but hadn't really learned much about him. My Modern Met recently did an excellent interview with the artist that gives insight into his process, his inspiration and what's to come!

Check out a few of his pieces below and then go read the entire interview.