But watercolor designs are all over lately, from artwork and business cards to clothing to home textiles. There's something so refreshingly classic about them. Have you seen any watercolor designs that have inspired you?
What makes couture fashion so dreamy? A combination of the grandeur of the design, the inherent attention to detail, the perfect fit, or simply having of something not everyone can have.
Searching online today for inspiration for re-upholstering my great-grandmother's boudoir chair, I made a delightful discovery. British upholsterer and furniture designer Aiveen Daly creates impeccable, hand-crafted made-to-order and bespoke upholstery of new and antique furniture. Imaginative combinations of color and texture are reined in by strict tailoring to create something truly unique.
It is little wonder that Aiveen lists among her inspirations Galliano, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. The craft details in her work are straight from a Paris runway, and the execution is spot-on perfect. Add this to my chance-in-a-million wishlist!
Discovering Aiveen Daly is to my love of furniture what discovering April Reed was to wedding cake: Design and execution on a level above the rest.
Who is your favorite "next level" designer?
(Look at this upholstered door with nailhead trim. AMAZING!)
Today I made two lucky discoveries in one: The first was this amazing bar in London called Coquine, designed by the extraordinarily talented Lee Broom. I love how it's dark and classic and clean and current all at the same time. I love how the doorways feel like you're stepping through a frame into a painting. The slick subway tile on the curved ceiling is pitch-perfect next to velvet cushions.
Then I discovered this photo from Coquine, featuring amazing light fixtures made from repurposed antique cut-glass liquor decanters. The lights are a creation of the bar's designer, Lee Broom, and are for sale through his studio. They come in two finishes (gold or crystal) and each one is unique, since they're sourced from antiques stores and flea markets.
I'd love to use them in a super-modern, feminine dressing room. Where would you put them?
My interior design obsession began innocently enough. I went to work one day as an Art Director at a small office of a big international ad agency. My Creative Director called me in to his office and said "Hey, we're moving to a new space. Want to design it?"
After a year and a half of research, an elaborate renovation turned a nearly-abandoned former nightclub into a modern urban loft workspace for 40.
