This time of year brightly colored flowers are like tinfoil and I’m like a magpie, the more the merrier! I love having weekly blooms in my home, but when I don’t get around to it my Blooms + Posies board on Pinterest provides plenty of eye candy. I’ve been spending lots of time daydreaming about landscaping and flowerbeds while I peruse – only 22 days until spring!
Copenhagen by Vifa is equal parts retro and modern. That color palette, that Kvadrat fabric, all of it comes together to make a completely appealing audio solution with obvious Nordic influences. Even the volume buttons are embroidered! My hands are also throwing themselves together for the smart Copenhagen visual campaign. Available in six colors, if this well-designed audio equipment sounds hand as good as it looks you can sign me up.
Tie-dye is experiencing yet another comeback, but not just any tie-dye – shibori. Shibori is a Japanese process for resist-dyeing cloth by binding, folding, twisting and compressing. There are tons of ways to manipulate fabric for shibori, each one creating different designs and patterns. And right now it’s showing up everywhere in the home and on the runway.
I’m thrilled to see Susan Connor of SusyJack fame branching out into the world of textiles! She’s a self-taught pattern designer whose new new shop – Susan Connor New York – is full of textiles that are both modern and relaxed. Most of the pieces are being created in limited runs to afford Susan the ability to consistently explore and create new and exciting things. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this line evolves!
For me, 2014 is quickly becoming the year of the large basket. How have I never realized they’re perfect for just about everything? Use one to house an indoor tree’s ugly plastic planter, grab another to store rolled up blankets in the living room, and put yet another next to your bed filled with magazines and books. The possibilities are endless as are the options, take a look at 14 of our favorites below.
For the past few months I’ve been reviving my love of analogue film, so when Mako Haus contacted me about reviewing their line of FOTOSTRAP camera straps it was perfect timing. FOTOSTRAPS are available in three lines – canvas, leather, and seersucker – and a whole rainbow of colors.
I went with the most neutral canvas option (because of course I did) called Stone and the first thing I noticed was the quality made in the USA construction. This thing is sturdy and I love how well it balances the weight of my camera on my shoulder. In the past I’ve had others than felt like they were digging into my skin, but the FOTOSTRAP actually makes my classic Rebel 2000 feel light.
One of the best parts is that with every FOTOSTRAP purchase 10% is donated to Fotolanthropy, a non-profit that gives portraits and short films to inspiring people who have faced adversity. When great products team up with great causes everybody wins!
Disclosure: I received a FOTOSTRAP to review for this post. As always all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!
Less than 48 hours until Valentine’s Day and you’ve got nothin’? Don’t stress – we’ve got you covered! Twelve of the best free printable valentines and all that’s required of you is to hit PRINT. From box toppers to sweet sentiments, you’ll have a tough time deciding on just one! (And don’t forget our printable watercolor valentines!)
Click on each image to go to the project. All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
I might have mentioned before that a little over a year ago I started collecting cutting boards. It took me approximately 2.4 seconds to fall head over heels for these two exceptional black walnut pieces – 1.5.2 Ray Long and 1.5.2 Ray Large. Food, design, and contemporary craft all combined in a perfect storm to create these beauties that would be just as at home on the wall as are as on your kitchen table.
It would appear finding the perfect cauliflower soup is my annual winter mission/pastime (see Cauliflower Soup). This one is made all the better with the addition of sharp cheddar and crusty bread – I like to tear up a slice and put it right in the soup itself to make an extra hearty meal. It’s been great to have a pot of this around in these absurdly frigid temperature – maybe I should have named it Winter Vortex Soup instead.
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
• 1 stick butter, divided in half
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1 large head cauliflower, chopped small
• 2 Tbsp dried parsley
• 2 quarts low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• 6 Tbsp flour
• 2 C milk (any fat content)
• 1 C half and half
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 C sour cream
• 1 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
In a large pot melt 4 Tbsp butter, add onion and cook until it begins to brown. Add the carrot and celery and cook for an additional few minutes. Add cauliflower and parsley and stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 15 minutes. Afterwards, pour in stock and bring to a boil. The reduce heat to a simmer. In a medium saucepan, melt the other 4 Tbsp of butter. While it melts, in a mixing bowl whisk together the milk and flour. Slowly add to the melted butter, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and add half and half, then add mixture to the soup. Add salt and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Add sour cream and stir to incorporate. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
