Arabesque design goes back for centuries to manuscripts, tapestries, and metalwork, but the rhythmic linear patterns and geometric shapes from the 19th century are ever present in today’s modern world. From party invitations and stationary to home decor, we are loving the everlasting power of this long traditional form of artistic decoration.
Posts By: A Day In May
Pretty in Pink
The playful personality of Mia and Kendrick shone through in their invitation design and really packed a punch in the envelope. We loved the bright, bold pink touches, which also added a fun and colorful look to the wedding day as well. Event planner: Laurie Arons Photographer: Meg Smith Invitations: A Day in May
Calistoga Ranch
One of the fun things about iPhones is that your photo book can trigger happy memories at any given moment. I just stumbled upon this photo from last summer – my daughter Sabine playing at the Calistoga Ranch kids’ pool. There’s just something about that big beach ball, floppy butterfly hat, and her pink dress!… Read more »
Hygge & West Patterns
We are loving these Mexico-inspired wallpaper patterns from Hygge & West. With their graphically intricate patterns, these designers were inspired by traditional embroidered textiles, painted murals in San Miguel de Allende, and the tile floors of a Mexico City church. hyggeandwest.com
Lily’s Cuvee
Awhile back we had the fun opportunity to redesign the wine labels for the Anderson Valley winery Donkey and Goat. They recently released a new sparkling Chardonnay (delicious!) and we love that the label looks just as fantastic on a bottle of white as it does on the reds. With just a small color change,… Read more »
Indian Springs
I just spent Mother’s day at Indian Springs in Calistoga, the oldest operating spa in California. Wine country has it’s share of luxurious spots brimming with modern polish and posh, so it’s pretty wonderful to find a beautiful, family-friendly place with a whisper of roughness around the edges. Think swanky sanitarium meets mom & pop… Read more »
Studiopatro
“Useful and beautiful”, that’s the unofficial motto of the newly opened Studiopatro. We couldn’t agree more. We love when good design goes hand in hand with functionality and Studiopatro hits it out of the park with their beautiful textiles. So, in case you still need to pick up some Mother’s Day gifts this weekend, check… Read more »
A Day in May Interview on Style Me Pretty
We are honored to be featured on Style Me Pretty today. Read our interview at the link below… http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book-blog
Welcome BBQ Fiesta
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we wanted to share these very fun photos from a pre-wedding BBQ fiesta. We teamed together with event planner extraordinaire, Laurie Arons, and helped Sarah and Graham kick off their wedding weekend with a Mexican-themed welcome party. Event Planner: Laurie Arons Flowers: Kathleen Deery Design Photography: Gertrude and Mabel… Read more »
Olive and Cocoa
I just sent flowers to a good friend today. I have pretty high standards when it comes to floral delivery and I am normally unhappy with the presentation, but today there was good news! I found Olive and Cocoa. They offer really interesting and beautiful containers and unique floral designs ranging from hip succulents to… Read more »
First Signs of Spring
Spring took it’s time to arrive this year, but the early signs are hard to miss. Nothing screams Spring like the color green. In an homage to this fresh and fabulous hue, here our some of our favorite ways we’re seeing it around town. photo credit: kate spade, heath ceramics, wedding wire, serena &… Read more »
Springtime Romance in Santa Barbara
We love the beautiful, unusual combination of navy and rose gold for this Santa Barbara wedding invitation. Navy is such a classic, timeless color, but the blush and copper tones lend a softness to the palette. Jenna Lam Events really brought the entire design to life at Villa Sevillano to create a romantic springtime setting…. Read more »
Charley Harper
As I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago, I’ve lately been fascinated with graphic, simplified forms of illustration. I was mesmerized by this recent little video on Charley Harper. His minimalist drawings of animals are utterly gorgeous. I love how he’s able to distill a complex subject down to it’s bare minimum, rendering only the most important… Read more »
My Wanderlust
I love this new packaging design for Jo Malone. The collection is called My Wanderlust and it’s quite a departure from their usual stark black and white design, but it still manages to work well with their elegant, understated brand. It’s also a perfect reflection of the word wanderlust – romantic, dreamy, aspirational… jomalone.com/my-wanderlust
Lucinda & Millie
Lucinda and Millie are an adorable sheep and chicken duo that live together on a vineyard in Sonoma. They are important contributors to the farm’s ecosystem and we were thrilled to team up with them and the organic winery, Lucinda & Millie, to relabel their bottles of delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Take a look… Read more »
Milo
My husband is Argentine which means, happily for me, that when we travel to see his wonderfully large family, we get to go to Buenos Aires. We are visiting now and my daughter was given a very cool coloring book by a famous artist here called Milo. Milo’s artistic style is whimsical and full of… Read more »
Weekend Wishes
We just love hand lettering over here at A Day in May, and when it is paired with a beautifully inspiring quote, we love it even more. Shuffle Prints from Etsy has elegantly transformed the words of the 19th century English novelist George Eliot (which, by the way, is a male pen name for the… Read more »
Spring Break
It’s Spring Break! Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite beach destination wedding invitation designs to get us excited for some hot sun and sand….
A Butterfly Birthday Cake
Spring arrives at my house with an extra air of festivity: two of my daughters celebrate their birthdays a single day apart. Though I don’t love the madness, I’m a sucker for creating a fabulous cake. My sister-in-law Katrina, one of the most stylish people I know, turned me on to these wonderful edible butterflies… Read more »
Design Destinations
I just love this post from POPSUGAR: 35 Design Destinations To See Before You Die. It covers the entire globe and some locations are even right here in our California backyard. As designers and design lovers, it’s so inspiring to see someone highlight a new perspective on travel experiences. Time to book our tickets! popsugar.com/home/Best-Design-Travel-Experiences