Tropical Patterns

INSPIRATION

The upcoming Lilly Pulitzer for Target collaboration has us thinking about tropical patterns. Traditionally associated with umbrella drinks and Hawaiian shirts, palms and exotic floral patterns have taken a sophisticated and even edgy turn in recent years. Today, tropical motifs are often used in very chic and classy settings in the home, in fashion and in design. Aloha!

TropicalPatterns2

A Pop of Color

INSPIRATION

On these long winter days it’s so nice to brighten things up with a pop of color here and there – a bright purse, colorful boots, a bold scarf… We love adding a hint of color in our invitation designs as well to liven things up a bit. Below are some great ways to help brighten your day at home, on the street, down the aisle, and in the mail!

Colorpop3

Winter Citrus

INSPIRATION

Winter citrus season is my favorite time of year. Quartered, peeled, pureed – no matter what way you slice it (get it? get it?) – they are all delicious and gorgeous. The intensely bright greens, yellows, oranges, and reds make for a beautiful fruit spread or seasonal salad. And, off the plate, they bring warmth and cheer to any design.

WinterCitrus3


King of Hearts

INSPIRATION

It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow which means we’ve all been inundated this week with heart-shaped cards and candies. The classic heart comes in all different sizes, colors and mediums, but one of our favorite expressions is from American artist Jim Dine. Dine has made thousands of hearts in his lifetime – from sculptures to paintings to sketches – and they are all very beautiful and very different. 

Dine says “I use it as a template for all my emotions. It’s a landscape for everything.”  What a sweet and inspiring thought as we share our hearts with our loved ones tomorrow.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

JimDine

source: artsy.net/artist/jim-dine


Wave

INSPIRATION

We just adore this whimsical children’s book called Wave. Using no words at all, and just two shades of watercolor, artist Suzy Lee’s beautiful and simple illustrations tell a joyful story of little girl’s day at the beach. I found myself smiling and laughing the whole way through. 

suzyleebooks.com

TheWave2


Marble

INSPIRATION

We are loving the resurgence of marble these days. The gorgeous, swirly pattern is not just appearing on kitchen and bathroom countertops anymore, but has expanded into textiles, graphic design, and in unexpected places throughout the house, too.

Marble2

photo credit: pinterest


Yellow

INSPIRATION

We love award season and gabbing about the best and worst dresses from every party. All the yellow coming down the red carpet this year really caught our eye. It was a reminder that yellow can be such a fantastic color in fashion and design. It’s not easy to pull off, but we think these women and these invitations are a bright success.

Yellow

photo credit: E! Online, Hollywood Reporter


Rip + Tan

INSPIRATION

Rip + Tan is a favorite blog of ours for a daily dose of inspiration. Former fashion designer, Jenni Kayne focuses on a beautiful and stylish lifestyle. She touches on travel, cooking, parenting, home, art and design, and all with an emphasis on quality and ease. 

Take a peak! 

ripplustan.com

Ripplustan


New Year’s Resolution

INSPIRATION

One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is to take the time to see more art. It could be a quick pop into a new museum exhibit, an afternoon of gallery hopping or simply perusing the internet.

Artsy.net is a great resource for this – making the world’s art accessible to anyone with an internet connection. You can follow your favorite artists and galleries, preview new shows and art fairs, or simply click and browse around.

Check it out… Artsy.net

Artsy


Copper Accents

INSPIRATION

The holidays are officially over but we’re not saying goodbye to the flash and shine just yet. We love how a copper accent adds warmth to everything from an invitation to your kitchen sink…

Copper2 


Specialty Cocktail Menus

INSPIRATION

The holidays are here and cocktail season is upon us! I recently came across this incredibly unique cocktail menu design from Padrecito, a fantastic Mexican restaurant in Cole Valley. It reminded me how little details like illustrations and a touch of whimsy can transform something from ho-hum to absolutely memorable. I was inspired to do a little digging and find some more examples…

CocktailMenu

photo credit: henry, charlie bird, trick dogetsy, padrecito, barnhart


Lulu Frost

INSPIRATION

Looking for some unique holiday gifts this year? Check out the amazing jewelry by our friends at Lulu Frost – a unique blend of antique and modern design.

And if you’re in New York, swing by the “The Lulu Shop” – the new retail store located inside their studio space on the second floor of 12 East 20th Street.

lulufrost.com

LuluFrost


Carol Vaziri

INSPIRATION

We’re in the midst of redesigning our website (stay tuned for an early 2015 launch!) and are lucky enough to be working with fabulous Carol Vaziri on the photography.

We loved her immediately – she’s a mother of 3, yet manages to stay creative, inspired and supremely down-to-earth. As we move into the season of holiday cards and family photos, we wanted to share Carol’s wonderful eye:

carolvaziri.com/kids/

Carol


Corita Kent

INSPIRATION

The artist Corita Kent would have turned 96 years old yesterday – we’ve been so inspired by looking back on her artwork this week and reflecting on her unique style and powerful messages conveyed through a vivid mix of color and typography. These images are still powerful and beautiful 40plus years later. Below are some of our favorite screen prints of hers from the 1960s and 1970s. She was a graphic arts pioneer!

CoritaKent

The Mill

INSPIRATION

One of my favorite places to meet a friend for a cup of coffee is the Mill. They not only serve delicious FourBarrel Coffee and yummy Josey Baker Bread – but the space is just so supremely fantastic. Their use of white tile and wood creates a bright, airy feel that still feels warm and inviting. Added bonus – they have the coolest selection of kitchenware and cookbooks for sale.

themillsf.com

TheMill

Coyuchi

INSPIRATION

I am obsessed with Coyuchi linens. Their designs are rustic yet elegant and soooo soft. A visit to their store in Point Reyes is very inspiring – I just love admiring all of the lovely color combinations and subtle patterns.

Their blog, The Naturalista, is also a great resource for reading about their great community of artisans, locally sourced products and sustainable practices.

coyuchi.com
coyuchi.com/the-naturalista

 Coyuchi


Pumpkin Carving Creativity

INSPIRATION

Halloween is such a creative time of year – DIY crafts and decorations, costumes, and, of course, pumpkin carving. We can’t help but be inspired by all of the unique approaches to what was once a steadfast medium for the classically carved jack-o-lantern.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Pumpkin Carving


Ode to Oscar de la Renta

INSPIRATION

The passing of fashion icon Oscar de la Renta has saddened us all. At the studio this week, we’ve been reminiscing on his amazing design contributions and can’t help but be inspired by his outrageously beautiful use of flowers.

Oscar2