So much good stuff comes out of Australia! The Fortynine Studio is a creative collective based in Sydney with a plethora of talent. The group – Lauren Austin, Ben Elbourne, Carly Vickers, Sarah Spackman, and Harriett Watts – has a variety of backgrounds and talents to contribute. Check out their lighting, textiles, and paper. But what really truly caught my eye was their line of ceramic tableware.
A set of three solid brass paperweights with a brushed finish – Geo Stands – that double as holders for photos or cards seem like just the thing for many places besides a desk. (Though they would obviously be perfect there as well!) I’m picturing a set with smallish (5″ x 7″?) art prints on my mantle. Each one measures 1.25″ tall, just big enough to have a presence without overwhelming whatever is in their grasp.
Far & Wide Collective partners with some of the most talented artisans in post-conflict and emerging economies, then connects them with the international market. The high quality pieces that are found in tucked away workshops and rural villages are then made available to us consumers, and a more sustainable infrastructure within these communities are given more stability. Add an exotic touch to your space with a beautiful basket or some color to your wardrobe with a caftan or beaded bracelet. Here are a few of my favorites.
I love a solid piece of furniture that can do double (or triple!) duty in my home because I’m most definitely a re-arranger. So when Target invited me to choose an item from their revamped Room Essentials line to style three ways I was all in. More than one piece caught my eye, but I couldn’t stop thinking about this Parsons Desk and its clean lines and unmarked surface.
The entry is a busy part of my home – it’s where I drop my bag, the mail, my keys, and whatever else I happen to be carrying when I traipse indoors. For that reason I like to keep it tidy, but pretty with a vase of fresh cut flowers, an accessory or two, and done.
The office is the most obvious spot to place the Parsons Desk, but I can’t say enough about how it’s the perfect size for all I need it to hold. (I tend to get a little too cluttered when given more space than necessary.) My laptop, my planner, and some basic supplies leave me ready to work – or play online! – for hours.
This last might just be my favorite – ever thought of using a small desk as a vanity in your bedroom? Me either until this one came along into my life. I can’t tell you how much nicer it feels to sit down here and put on my face, much better than sitting on the toilet lid and leaning over the bathroom counter! Dare I say it’s a luxury even?
How would you use the Parsons Desk in your own home?
Nell & Mary was founded in 2012 by Krista Stovel, Leah Stovel, and Avery Bloom. (Krista and Leah are sisters, and the shop is named after their grandmothers!) With backgrounds in interiors, fashion, art, sustainability, and manufacturing there was simply no way that this trio could go wrong. Nell & Mary’s collection of environmentally and socially conscious goods are created in their Portland studio, and all artwork is original to them. Looking forward to checking in on this shop as they continue to grow!
This week on Design Crush:
Take a look at five #makegood makers I carry in Design Crush: The Marketplace.
Design Crush was invited to be guest curator on UGallery – check out the collection of art chosen!
Loving these laptop and 3-way bags from DAAME (post… they give 5% back to charities!).
Click over to see the low-contrast, color blocked art of Alan Reid.
Snarky graphic tees – trending since 1999!
I’m pumped to give you a sneak peek of the new Design Crush Headquarters (aka my new house)!
Crushing on the murky watercolor portraits of Sylvia Baldeva.
The newest art addition in my current home – Scarf in Freya No. 1.
The magical Paper Mountains of Brendan Austin are incredible.
Beautiful modern necklaces from Vulantri to spice up any ensemble.
Something new – Checking In: July 2014.
Embroidery that breaks borders by Ana Teresa Barboza.
A few months ago I discovered Quercus & Co and immediately shared them with you. Since then I’ve happily added one of their incredible pieces to my home – the eat-in area of the kitchen to be exact, right next to my depression era kitchen cabinet. I chose this space to hang my Scarf in Freya No. 1 because I love the way the greys in the print play off of the wall behind it and the slightly darker shade on the wall adjacent to it. The artwork is actually printed on canvas which gives a great physical weight and texture to the entire piece. I’m hoping to use one of Quercus & Co’s more graphic wallpapers in a small area of my new house, too!
Disclaimer: I received product for this post. However, all words and opinions are my own as usual. Thank you for supporting the brands that help to keep Design Crush going!
You’re right, I never post on Saturday. But today is special, because I’m shining a light on five of the incredible makers whose creations are available at Design Crush: The Marketplace. (In fact, lots of GREAT.LY‘s tastemakers are doing the same July 21st through August 4th through the #makegood campaign.) Read on for a snapshot of some of my favorites!
A Sensible Habit creates hand painted linens, rubber stamps, and stationery. The Atlanta-based shop leans towards domesticity and entertaining in a playful way by creating pieces that will give your home and your get togethers that extra special touch.
In the market for some pottery? Jill Rosenwald‘s hand-makes the shiny chic variety in her Boston studio. Choose from vases, bowls, and more that will add a dose of pattern or color to your space.
Japanese techniques are alive and well at papergluebamboo. The Carmel, California-based shop uses ikkanbari (papering) and chigiri-e (pictures torn from paper) to create a collection of updated traditional pieces.
Yucu Ninu‘s stunning otomi pieces are made through collaborations with Mexican artists and cooperatives. The emphasis on fair trade prices, ancient traditions, and promotion of social trade make each beautiful piece that much more special.
Shop these and many other talented makers at Design Crush: The Marketplaceand check out the #makegood hashtag for more featured makers. It’s so rewarding to support independent artists and makers!
01/ A giant Ophelia painted atop a boat floats down the River Lee in East London.
02/ Tom Blachford‘s tranquil photos of the ocean are the next best thing to being there.
03/ Time is Dancing is a clock has hands that are read as different ballet poses.
04/ Lightovo’s Milo Lamp also acts as a greenhouse!
05/ Exobiotanica sent a series of delicate plants into the stratosphere.
06/ Anatomical undies… because why not?
07/ Check out Wink Space, an immersive kaleidoscopic mirror tunnel in a shipping container.
08/ I Love Summer is a series of high-speed photos of people emerging from a waterslide.
09/ The Tree of 40 Fruits does exist! (But this is Photoshopped.)
10/ Undress Me is the sequel to the smash video First Kiss. You can guess what happens.
This week on Design Crush: Erik Olson seems to have located the intersection between cubism and expressionism.
Marble and copper statement necklaces from RillRill.
Folksy, story-telling illustrations from the hand of Sarah Burwash.
Now that my OKC home has sold I’ve got new home essentials on my mind! Jaclyn Conley paints some mean hair art (in a good way).
I gathered up some fun cards to send to loved ones as summertime hellos.
Lovely whimsical illustrations from Lizzy Stewart.
A bevy of awesome socially + environmentally conscious design is available at Grain.
I’m crazy about these countour key rings that could double as jewelry.
Design Crush elsewhere: Patio party tips and picks for the ultimate outdoor get together over on Wayfair.
Aside from creating beautifully designed wares, Grain has another purpose – a dedication to social and environmental responsibility. (You know how I love a company that gives back.) As committed members of 1% For The Planet, one percent of Grain’s annual revenue goes back to environmental non-profits. Their work unites current manufacturing technologies and age-old craft techniques, and goods are produced in small batch runs in their Bainbridge Island studio. Good design plus conscientiousness equals all the more reason to buy! Check out my favorite pieces: Hung Mirror, Circlet Triple Sconce, Bound Hand V1, Grail Cassoulet, and Strung Sconce.
