Next-Level Thinking

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!)
 

Aiveen Daly, 2 Letchford Gardens, London NW10. Tel: 020 8962 0044, aiveendaly.com 

(Photos www.Aiveendaly.com)

Coquine

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?

The Gateway Drug

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.

Poster Post: Gifts Edition

 

Admittedly, I have a 'thing' for screenprinted posters. Blame my day job as a graphic designer or the fact that I live in a rented house and cannot paint the walls, but I'm running out of wall space, and now I give them as gifts! Here are some of my recent favorites (only one of which I already own) and the lucky recipients who might love them: For the friend who always invites you to art openings:
For your too-cool indie rock friend's birthday:
For the bride who already has every conceivable household item:
Two for your honey:
For a hostess gift or housewarming gift:
For your most-est fabulous-est girlfriend:
Here's custom one for someone truly unique (or perhaps "Do you like me?" for a secret crush?) You submit the question that goes on the one-of-a-kind print.
And lastly, a few for baby showers and kids:
Seen (or made) a great poster lately? Please share! Sources: Lake Illustration, Threadless, VLLG, Lake Illustration (again), Sparkle Power, Roll and Tumble Press, HowFab, Frank Chimero, The Paper Tray, CreativeNeesh, SweetBeets