I despise the term shelfie, but I do love a well-styled set of shelves. I have three in my home that serve as both organizational epicenters and focal points. The built-in in my dining room (above) corrals favorite serving pieces and barware, along with a few other things like candleholders and glove molds. (Trays, party decor, and other odds and ends live in the cupboard underneath.) The freestanding set on wheels that resides in the kitchen holds most of my cookbooks, a collection of vases, and stacks of white dinnerware and glasses that I pull out for entertaining. And lastly, the shelves in my living room show off most of my books. (I want to get away from the organization by color, but haven’t been able to let go just yet!)
What’s your stance on shelves? Do you like them stacked full or sparse?
Last week I took a few minutes to think about some important things – namely what I’d like to get out of this coming summer. While it’s been quite a few years since I’ve had a summer off, there’s still something magical about the season and I’m looking forward to this one immensely.
Living in a home that was built in 1900 has helped me come to appreciate the beating a structure can take from the elements. Whether it’s wind, rain, snow, or ice, the exterior of a space needs to be able to take a lot to help protect whatever lies within its walls.
Valspar is no stranger to helping protect architectural integrity, or to developing the technologies that keep buildings of all types looking their best inside and out. As one of the leading manufacturers of architectural coil and extrusion coatings in the world they carry a proud history of innovation, while their commitment to durability and an ever-expanding palette of color offer unlimited design freedom to countless industries and projects.
While Fluropon Extreme is a good choice for a variety of uses, it’s especially well suited to tough installation processes such as roofing. No other coating offers both resistance to abrasion and a smooth finish.
Fluropon Pure is ideal for buildings with extreme environmental requirements or anywhere you may desire a greener product. With reduced hazardous materials, these coatings are formulated with both the environment and our grandchildren in mind. It’s even LEEDv.4 and Living Building Challenge certified and Red List compliant!
The latest color palette, Rustia, is being introduced at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention and Expo May 19th to 21st. Rustia features a soothing, nature-inspired palette that’s never before been available in the Fluropon line, one thatprovides a calming invitation to linger and savor.
If you’ll be in attendance at AIA, you’re invited to swing by Valspar exhibit no. 3621 to speak with them about the new products and palette in person. You can also attend the Valspar Learning Lounge at the AIA Expo for CEU (Continuing Education Units) courses.
This post sponsored by The Valspar Corporation. As always all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content! Follow Valspar on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date.
When it comes to technology I’m most definitely drawn to a certain aesthetic, one that overflows into every other realm of my life. Clean lines, modern look, and limited color palette. I always looks forward to what’s next from HP, our longstanding partner, like their recently released PC with incredible craftsmanship and style – the HP Spectre. The resulting technology is a form of reinvented obsession, and delivers a luxurious computing experience that should resonate with all design-minded folks. HP reimagined every element during the design process to ensure the best user experience as well as maximum performance. The end result is a PC that doesn’t compromise on style, function, or performance.
The idea of reinventing obsession is nothing new to me, I do it on a daily basis both here on Design Crush and as a graphic designer. Each day and every project requires me to reevaluate, refocus, and bring my best creative self to the table. It’s not always easy but Spectre is a source of inspiration, in particular its modern color palette. I’ve found myself inexplicably drawn to shades similar to its high contrast matte aluminum body and glossy copper trim over the past few weeks in everything from design projects to my own home.
You may have also noticed that HP has debuted a sleek new logo, a modern take on the two letters consisting of little more than four slashes. When working on my bread and butter, logo and branding work, I tend to think minimally when starting work on a new brand. This redesign reminds me that in design simple is usually best. A rule of thumb that I live by is to take away, then take away some more until nothing is left but the necessities.
HP also collaborated with two world-renowned designers to create exclusive limited edition Spectres that highlight the intersection of art and technology. Dutch-born, London-based designer Tord Boontje created the HP Spectre by Tord Boontje that exhibits delicate, intricate, dreamlike patterns across the laptop. Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Jess Hannah created the HP Spectre by J. Hannah with opulent 18K gold. Both will be auctioned off for charity.
This post sponsored by HP Spectre as they #ReinventObsession. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
One of the more recent friends I’ve connected with in Pittsburgh is the multi-talented Genevieve Barbee, aka The AP Collection. In fact, if you follow me on social media you’ve already seen her work without realizing it because she’s the artist behind my avatar. Genevieve has her hand in many creative pots, my portrait being part of her That’s What You’re Good At (TWYGA) project where individuals are asked to submit their talents to be translated into art. Mine was trendspotting and the result is one of my favorite depictions of myself ever.
While the temperatures as of late can be described as nothing other than frigid, I’m starting to have spring on the brain in a big way. And nothing says the hope of spring quite like a bounty of florals and lighter cuisine to help pull us out of winter’s grasp. So last weekend I invited some friends over to take advantage of a cold, bright late Sunday morning.
I pulled together the table the day before to make Sunday morning as easy as possible, and the entire house felt instantly brighter! A pink and green striped runner, a dozen votive candles, and two big vases full of flowers were front and center. Then each place setting received a few blooms for a special touch, all tied up with a length of green and white baker’s twine. If you don’t own an affordable set of simple white dishes I couldn’t recommend doing so more – I use them for every single get together.
I’m thrilled with how simple yet put together everything felt, and my guests seemed to echo the sentiment as we first indulged and then sat talking over coffee through mid-afternoon.
Messy floral arrangements are some of my favorites, especially with a mix of varietals like I used here. I purchased two of these matching vases a few years back and love them because they’re the perfect height, no views across the table are blocked. I’ll even use them for shorter blooms to create a more artsy piece.
Whether you know me in person or on the web, you probably know how much I love my five pets. (Like, a lot.) I’m definitely guilty of spoiling and including them in festivities whenever possible. My youngest cat, Rainey, loves being around the table when it comes time to eat – you’d think she was one of the dogs the ways she sits patiently waiting. But the one way I don’t indulge my cats is by giving them table food. It was easy to keep those laser-like stares at bay by treating her to a can of Fancy Feast Medleys.
We were both excited when Fancy Feast introduced four varieties of pate to their Medleys line. Each can is full of inspired combinations of ingredients that Rainey couldn’t wait to devour. And because they have accents of vegetables, garden greens, or even cheese I can feel like I’m treating her to something special. Check out more information and get a free sample for your favorite feline companion at discovermedleys.com.
This post sponsored by Fancy Feast. I received compensation, though all words and opinions are my own as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
If you follow @designcrush on Instagram you’ve probably noticed the resurrection of #365quotes in the form of #365quotes2016. When the end of last year rolled around and people were still lamenting the original project’s demise I figured I’d give it another go! This year the design is a bit different, I’ve abandoned the daily handwritten style in favor of something more type driven and time saving. But rest assured that no less time is spent choosing just the right words.
January is not only the coldest, but the month demanding the highest level of coziness. Thankfully Snowe recently released the perfect throw blanket for the job. I’ve been carrying it from room to room for the past week as I work through my day, because it’s just that functional and versatile. It’s a great throw to curl up with during a nap, and the super luxe cashmere, merino lambswool. and silk feel as amazing as they sound.
I’ve been trying to get back into my reading groove in the new year. This throw is the perfect thing to curl up with in my favorite chair – just add a book and a steaming mug of tea! Not only does this beauty look seamless in my living room, it’s also static resistant so it attracts less… like my pups’ hair.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s ideal for curling up in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine. Just like all of Snowe‘s goods, it’s exceptionally made and thoughtfully designed. I’m looking forward to adding more of their pieces to my home over time.
This post sponsored by Snowe. As always, all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
It’s no secret that working from home can be a challenge some days. For every advantage (flexible schedule!) there’s a disadvantage (distractions!). As Design Crush has continued to grow as a business my approach has had to change, and the latest curve is one I can’t say I was expecting.
As a freelance or contract worker there’s always the fear that the current job I’m working on will be the last. It’s the nature of the beast, and in my case the anxiety – and I don’t like saying no because of it. In the past year I’ve said yes a few too many times, and found myself slogging through the last three months of 2015 with way too much on my shoulders. Namely, I was neglecting to make any time for myself.
I knew I had to change up my routine and focus on the times during the day when I felt most productive as for that hour or two that left me dragging. I used to end my day during chillier months with a cup of tea, and thought that maybe rescheduling what used to be my downtime as a time to refocus might help me out.
Then along came Pique Tea. Designed for excellence with every sip, Pique Tea has taken the tea world by storm with their new Tea Crystals. I love that even though my tea is ready in an instant the results aren’t compromised, the tea in my mug is pure and rich and tastes just as though I’d thoughtfully brewed it.
So just how does Pique Tea achieve this tea crystal sorcery? It’s relatively simple – they brew high quality organic loose tea leaves, then when the perfect brew is reached they distill it into pure tea crystals. Basically taking the guesswork out of making a great cup of tea, and helping me avoid over-brewing by walking out of the kitchen and letting my tea steep for too long. (So guilty.) The hope is that a great cup of tea made easy will cause a ripple effect of feeling well, doing well, and doing more.
But don’t take my word for it, try Pique Tea for yourself. Sign up for a free trial and receive all five flavors – Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Mint Sencha, Sencha, and Jasmine – to try on your own (that’s 14 sachets, or a week’s supply)! Now tell me, how do you make time for yourself during the weekdays?
This post sponsored by Pique Tea. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
I’ve been a fan of Bridge & Burn from the start. Their classic, functional clothing designs are right in line with what I prefer to wear most days. Since 2009 they’ve been creating classic, understated apparel inspired by the natural beauty and culture of Portland. Each piece is designed right above their flagship store by a small team, meant to stand the test of time and be worn again and again – occasionally from the outdoors to dinner and back again! I picked up the Howell parka (below) and a few other pieces last month and am in love with the quality and fit of every one. This is a line that’s sure to be a staple in my closet for a long time to come.
