Maryam Ashkanian‘s Sleep Series, a collection of pillows with images of sleeping people sewn onto their surfaces, is an expression of the mysteries of the dream world. Ashkanian describes the pillow as a canvas for dreams and the universe of possibilities waiting beyond.
I think we’re all too fast to run inside once the temperatures begin to fade, don’t you? There’s something to be said for embracing the harvest season that’s almost here, cozying up in layers, and enjoying this time of year and all it has to offer before the hustle and bustle of the holidays take over. As I mentioned before, I’m bent on putting my backyard and decks to good use this autumn – plenty of game day get togethers, birthday celebrations, and fire pit parties are already on the docket. I like having an arsenal of dinnerware and serving pieces set aside especially for this time of year and the type of entertaining that I associate with it. What does that mean? Nothing overly precious, pieces that are functional and earthy in material and tone, and a bit heavier than my summer wares.
Metals and woods are my favorite right now. The heft and textures they bring to the table (ahem) are unparalleled and, well, a little bit of shine never hurt anyone! I like it when my table looks pulled together, but not pristine. Matchy matchy is out of the question, so mixing metals and other elements is key to pulling everything off. Pier 1‘s Bronze Palm Leaf Serving Bowl is such a great statement piece that brought form and function to my table in spades.
My favorite recipes for casual get togethers are simple and fresh. For appetizers I like baked zucchini parmesan crisps and whipped Mexican grilled corn dip. I insist on serving a salad of some type – not always of the leafy variety – and can’t wait to try this grilled potato salad with basil, blue cheese, and tomatoes and this perfect for autumn almond apple quinoa salad.
It’s easy to pick up a few growlers of favorite local beers to keep things casual, along with setting out a pitcher of plum spritzers. As the evening cools down even further there’s always a pot of coffee not too far away in the kitchen. I particularly love this Diamond Cut Drinkware because it reminds me of a set of similar glasses my Grandma used to serve iced tea out of every summer.
When entertaining outside I like to lean heavily on my trusty grill and my crockpot. One creates delicious things within a few minutes while the other maintains a set-it-and-forget-it frame of mind, with both results usually being eaten on a bun. Case in point are these fried mozzarella and caramelized peach caprese burgers and pulled honey lime chicken sandwiches with corn and cabbage slaw. Hearty and bursting with flavor, they’ll please even your most picky party-goer. A few lanterns helps to further set the mood. One of my favorite outdoor entertaining tricks is using scented candles, the aroma ends up subtly wafting around in the most pleasant way. Simple white plates and cotton napkins help to bring everything else together. Later on we can carry these down to the fire pit to make s’mores and bask in the warmth of another evening spent in good company with good food and drink.
No get together is complete without a curated playlist, at least not at my house! So of course I had to pull together some of my favorite songs that channel chill vibes and welcome autumn with open arms. Have a listen!
Hoxton Salad Server Set // Mother-of-Pearl Stainless Steel Pitcher // Diamond Cut Drinkware (Amber) // Bronze Palm Leaf Serving Bowl // White Buffet Napkin Set // Landen Mini Lantern // Landen Black Lantern // Pumpkin Chai Pillars
Brought to you by Pier 1. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help Design Crush create fresh content!
Posted In behind the scenes, entertaining, living, outdoors, sponsored post
Minty Sainsbury, who is a frontrunner for Best Name Ever, is also a talent with pencil and paper. Architectural drawings specifically. Check out this series of famous landmarks, each with their neighboring buildings ghosted out. Sainsbury really forces you to focus on the detailed architecture by segregating each structure.
(via fubiz)
Posted In create, illustration
Art that mimics… paint swashes and drips? Yes! Jack Hogan‘s acrylic on wood sculptures do just that by taking on a new dimension and leaning themselves languidly against walls or casually standing in the middle of the floor. And the response they create is kind of like that hot guy at last weekend’s party – the one that you couldn’t stop staring at.
(via The Jealous Curator)
Posted In create, sculpture
If summer is all about cotton and linen and lightness, then autumn is surely about the opposite. Heavy canvas, knits, and most definitely leather. Leather bags to be exact. Brown by preference because black just feels very much like winter and I’m not quite ready for that just yet. What will you be toting this fall?
Azeb Getaway Tote // Sea Sack // Giselle Leather Clutch
Bum Bag // Equestrian Leather Tote Bag // Il Bussetto City Bag
Shopping Bag // Tan Saddle Bag // Light Brown Carryall
Posted In bags, round up, series, style, wear it
You know I’m a sucker for some monotone art, pair that up with Sungsoo Kim‘s melancholy subjects and it’s the perfect formula. These oil and acrylic on canvas pieces are matched so well in mood and appearance and I just can’t get enough of them.
I’m smack dab in the midst of an insanely busy creative period, and Eleanor Bolton‘s jewelry is speaking to me on that base level. All of her statement pieces are made in London with 100% cotton braid and 100% cotton yarn, the colored pieces are carefully hand-dyed. The chunky weight and texture of this collection is beyond perfect for layering this coming season, be sure and check out the neons!
An Empty Belly by Allana Cavanagh // Arctic Night by Stellaire Studios // Austin Leaf Map by Holstee // Hello, Yellow by Easy, Tiger // Make It Handmade by Schafer Design
Motorcycle Patent Print by Patent Prints // Owl’s Snowy Flight by Natalie Wargin // Plaid Flag by Nick Nelson // Watermelon by Lu West Studio // Foxes of the World Field Guide by Kate Dolamore Art
Posted In create, graphics, illustration, painting, paper goods, prints
This week on Design Crush:
Modern, functional ceramic pieces from Recreation Center.
New jewelry, accessories, and home goods from Son of a Sailor.
Elise Morris‘ abstract paintings remind me of sunlight through leaves.
I’m crazy about Gift Shop Brooklyn‘s leather goods!
Sam Kalda’s Men and Cats series is the way to my heart.
My backyard is finally ready for some outdoor living!
Though temporary, Martin Kruck’s Body Language is impactful.
I’d rather be in one of these bath tubs.
Such great themes behind the mixed media of Christine Lantz.
Design Crush elsewhere:
Check out four ways to celebrate fall with an easy picnic!
And on that note, it’s nearly time to bring on the plaid.
Mixed media art really has the best of all worlds, doesn’t it? Christine Lantz‘s work is some of my favorite lately. Themes of nature, women, and science run throughout her portfolio with just a dash of vintage for good measure. Pick up a print or two for yourself at her Etsy shop, Stellaire Studio.
(via The Jealous Curator)
Posted In create, mixed media