papernstitch » home decor

Interior Obsessions – Breakfast

Modern Simplicity — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:01 +0000

When I am designing a new home or remodeling an existing kitchen area, clients typically ask for an informal eating area. Sometimes this space can be set slightly apart from the kitchen itself, as in a breakfast nook, or it might just comprise in-kitchen eating, like a bar along a countertop. Although generally these areas don’t supplant an actual dining space, more and more these are becoming the location where families spend most of their time eating. Because our dining room is separated a bit from the kitchen, the backside of our peninsula counter has become the main congregation area in our home.Perhaps you live in a small apartment with a galley-style kitchen. A small table or counter perpendicular to the main space may be just right for two. Or add a small table against the wall to fit three. Raise a bar behind a peninsula counter to provide stool-height seating, or add one lower than the counter that can accommodate a standard chair height. Extend an island to fit seating around one end, or add a thin freestanding counter that defines the kitchen area and lets your guests take a seat. And don’t forget the standard nook style with built-in benches and a table. Whichever way you decide to arrange it, casual dining is here to stay.

Extended Island

Mid-Counter + Tiny Table

Low Bar

Freestanding Counter + Adjacent Table

Table on the Wall

Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.

An interview with Jonathan Adler. Yep, that Jonathan Adler.

papernstitch — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:59:14 +0000

I was recently contacted by the winner of Cottonelle’s blogger contest, Stacy Wichelhaus of Hello Cupcake, and asked if I might be interested in featuring an interview. But not just any interview – an interview with designer Jonathan Adler. Yes – THE Jonathan Adler.

Stacy asked Jonathan some really juicy questions about overcoming fears, living a creative life, and a whole lot more. He even references The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Love that. I’ll let the two of them take it away…

Fear of failure is a paralyzing emotion that oftentimes holds one back from pursuing what they are most passionate about.

Stacy here from Hello Cupcake! I’m recently back from a trip to New York City where I had the opportunity to meet and interview well known designer Jonathan Adler in his SoHo loft. In choosing what to ask the “Happy Chic” designer with stores across the US, his third book in production and having collaborated with an impressive list of big name companies, I wanted my questions to resonate with people who are looking to kick start a creative career or act on their ideas no matter how scary it may seem. Having an Etsy shop and recently quitting my full time job at a San Francisco nonprofit to start a boutique public relations agency I wanted to talk about fears, failures and successes in the pursuit of following ones creative passions.

Stacy Wichelhaus: At 27, you vowed never to have a “real job” again. What led you to this leap and how did you overcome your fear of failure to do this?

Jonathan Adler: Lucky for me, I didn’t have to make a choice. I once burnt down an office building from a kiln fire and I got fired from every job I ever had. I was totally unemployable, so I knew I needed to figure this out. Sink or swim. I honestly think there have been so many times along that way that I should have sunk but because there was a sheer sense of panic to make this work I did.

SW: Have there been any words of advice given to you early on in your career that have stuck with you?

JA: When people ask me for advice I usually say that there is a lot to be said for “panicked stick-to-itiveness”. I look at someone like my husband (Simon Doonan) and I who have both been doing what we do for quite some time. Neither of us has bounced around. He has been at Barney’s as a window dresser for 30 years, and I’ve been here for 18 years. I think there is a lot to be said for staying the course.

SW: How did you handle your nay sayers and doubters?

JA: When I was in school, I had a pottery teacher who I went to for advice and told her that I wanted to be a potter and she told me that I had no talent and couldn’t do it. I think it’s good to have someone who doubts you. Having the support of your friends and family is also important. My family has helped me get through some really tough times.

SW: Did you ever have a moment early on in your career where you were asked yourself “what the heck am I doing”?

JA: Every day. Every single day. I can’t count the number of times I would just lie in the fetal position on the bed. The numbers of screw ups that have happened over the course of my career are of such monumental scale and capacity. I’ve had so many of those terrible moments. I think doing your own thing, especially when it’s as weird a thing as a creative business, it’s a preposterous undertaking and you have to be slightly delusional and you need to fully believe that something as crazy as what you’re trying to do can work even though there is a possibility that it may not. You need to be incredibly resilient and hard working. But don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I wish people weren’t as hard on themselves as I was on myself.

SW: You’ve collaborated with a wide variety of industries. How has this helped you to expand as a designer?

JA: For me, my whole career has been improbable and I would say that I’ve always welcomed design challenges. Collaborations are something that people are doing these days. Once I understood what I was trying to say with my work, I thought that happy chic idea could be applied to so many areas and it made a lot of sense to take my design vocabulary and the spirit of what I do and spread it out. I love designing, it’s what makes me happy and I ALWAYS welcome a challenge!

SW: You and your husband, Simon Doonan are both creative. How do you fit two creative people into one household and where does Liberace (their Norwich Terrier) have a say?

JA: In Simon and my case, we’ve been together a very long time. We do things thoughtlessly and naturally and we’ve always been on the same page with one another. I feel that in a way, creativity is mostly logic anyway. It takes work and analysis and I think Simon and I both fully understand that. He’s a window dresser and a writer and you know the saying ‘writing is rewriting’? I think it’s so true. I can have an idea in my head of what something is going to be and then when I get it back it’s a disaster. So it’s the same thing. If you’ve seen that episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, it’s like when Sheree decided to start a clothing line and when she got the first prototype back she was like “this isn’t what I thought” and I’m like “hello, welcome to any design undertaking. It’s never what you think it’s going to be it’s always a disaster. It’s only on step 10 after you’ve been rigorously analytical and covered all the issues that anything can come to fruition as you hoped or imagined that it would. Once you surrender to that idea in whatever you do, whether it be medicine or a creative pursuit that’s when you end up being successful and that’s something that both Simon and I agree on”. And Liberace is an adorable idiot, he’s really dumb but oh so cute!

Stacy Wichelhaus is the owner of Hello Cupcake Public Relations - a boutique public relations firm for the Wedding Industry. Stacy is also a stationery designer for Hello Cupcake Creations and she, her husband and their furry baby Ginger live in San Francisco.

Thank you Stacy for choosing papernstitch as the blog to share this awesome interview. If you like this post, please “like” it or share this article using the buttons below.

Interior Obsessions: Artwork

Modern Simplicity — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:00:24 +0000

I have to admit that my first inclination is to leave a wall blank. I tend towards good bones in a space and good furniture and I don’t mind having a lot of white space in my home. But having a graphic designer and photographer for a husband means that we have a large number of artwork pieces that we want to display. In our case, most of these pieces are fairly large scale, so often they place themselves in the home based on size and color. But there are many great ways to display artwork throughout your space, and I thought I’d go through a few methods to possibly spark a couple new ideas.

First of all, there is always the single large piece. You can place this on a wall space in between areas, centered over a piece of furniture like a sofa, or placed asymmetrically over a sideboard. Another method for placing artwork is to use a grid, especially for pieces of similar size. This can also be used to hang pieces in a row either horizontally or vertically. Try grouping by color – a set of pieces in a monochromatic color scheme can have all different sizes with different frames and still look pulled together. You can corral smaller pieces within a larger framework like a bookshelf or even a painted rectangle on the wall. Anything that holds the pieces together visually will work. Or use a ledge or shelf to tie disparate pieces together. If you have pieces in varied sizes and you don’t have an obsession about your space looking perfect, stacking is another great method of displaying artwork. Be sure the best parts of each piece are visible so that you can enjoy each one, even though you can’t see the entirety of each piece. Do you have any other great ways to display art in your home?

(above) Framed pieces on multiple ledges

Stacked on a low ledge + Stacked on a table

Hodgepodge with mirror and window as artwork

Large scale with supporting artwork + Single large piece

Grouped over furniture

Interior Obsessions: oversize lighting

Modern Simplicity — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:00:04 +0000

One of the interior trends that I’ve seen this year that has really been making the rounds is oversized lighting, used mostly in dining areas, kitchens and sometimes in living rooms. We had some really positive responses from the first one of these I posted looking at golden touches in the home. There is something about adding an out-of-scale object to a room that brings it to the forefront, takes something you might not notice and gives it a little extra oomph.

Although you can certainly use a single one of these oversized pieces, they also make a great impact used in multiples. Simplicity seem to be the key here. Large-scale lighting needs to be able to make a statement without going overboard. But the finish should be anything that fits with the style of your surroundings. Even placed in a smaller niche over a beautifully accessorized sideboard, oversized lighting can be a fun way to rev up your interior landscape.

(above) Multiple black pendants

Black over blue dining + Multiple washbasins

Golden disc

Large metal + White Dome

Black Dome

7 Steps to a Cozy Modern Home

papernstitch — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:00:44 +0000

As a couple, Jeff and I are fortunate to have a very similar aesthetic. We both gravitate towards clean lines + modern style, but things also have to be uber cozy because we spend a lot of time at home and want to be comfortable.

That may seem like a battle between two very different things, but we have a trick that, without fail, works every time: color!

I am a total believer that color is one of the easiest ways to bring good vibes into a room, making it feel more comfortable and warm. More alive. Even if you’re going a modern route.

But like all things, it is often best used in moderation, which is why we do color pops (colorful accents) in our home, as opposed to overwhelming color drenches.

1. Gold meets white. Futura Small Bowl from Jonathan Adler $118.80

2. Quirky meets clean. Cuckoo Clock from CB2 $99.95

3. Create a Neutral Base. Parlour Oatmeal Chair from CB2 $799

4. Tiny color pops. Olive Bud Vase from Heath Ceramics $22

5. Let the outdoors come inside. Hanging Planter from Wallter $72

6. Have a Sense of Humor. Brasilia Snake Pillow from Jonathan Adler $110

7. Get Graphic. Fluro Random Spot Pillowcase from Castle $49

How do you make your home feel cozy?

Bringing Neon Home

papernstitch — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:00:22 +0000

Good morning! Hope your Monday is off to a peppy start.

I like to start off Mondays with something fun and bright whenever I can, so here’s a little day glow to start your day…

A few days ago, I wrote a post for Hello Brit. If you don’t know it already, head over and check it out – thsi site is quickly becoming one of my favorites (Brit has packed the site with home and style inspiration along with a long list of great diy projects).

I translated the neon fashion trend into home decor pieces. And I am pretty certain I now want to buy almost every piece I included. That’s the danger of writing retail related articles, isn’t it?

Anyway, I would love for you to check it out when you have a chance, and share it with a friend if you like what you see.

Interior Obsessions: Unexpected Dining

Modern Simplicity — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:00:23 +0000

All of us know what constitutes a standard dining room chair. It is typically wood with a fairly straight back, sometimes with a gently padded seat or back. Often they are sold as sets with armless versions for the sides of the table, and armed versions for the two ends, many times designed to match the table itself. ‘Designy’ options have included either an Eames fiberglass model, or perhaps a Wegner bentwood frame.

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of license taken with what constitues a dining room chair, and I think it’s a super idea to note that all kinds of different styles can work well within the dining room setting. From vintage chairs on casters to fully padded options, no option is really verboten. Try benches only, or opt for an acrylic piece that is barely there. Slung leather typically found in more of a lounge setting may work, or perhaps try a molded bucket. If the style and color fits your decor, your choices are wide open.

Rolling vintage

Benches + Bentwood

Lucite

Molded shell and Leather sling

Overstuffed Option

Monday Vintage Finds

papernstitch — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:15:47 +0000

Over the weekend, I started organizing my office and realized I desperately need to decorate.

For some reason my studio is the only room of our apartment that we haven’t really done anything to. We did hang a couple of posters, but that hardly counts.

So I am thinking about what I want the room to be…I am picturing another art cluster (similar to the one I did in our old house) and a big shelf to house some of my favorite little trinkets. Which, of couse, led me to start looking for more little treasures to put in this (still un-purchased) trinket shelf. What is wrong with me?

So anyway, that leads me to today’s shop of the day: Jolly Time One, a vintage shop full of bit and bobbins for the home. Love these horseshoes. Totally want ‘em – and can picture them on my imaginary trinket shelf right now.

Visiting Sandy’s shop is kind of like walking into an antique shop meets online thrift store, with more than 300 items ranging from quirky odds and ends to functional storage to craft supplies. A little bit of everything.

You’ll just have to see for yourself.

Interior Obsessions – Gilt

Modern Simplicity — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:00:06 +0000

I’ve always been a fan of silver – I think it stems from my interest in the black-white-grey color palette. When I got older, the metal shifted to platinum, but the palette was essentially the same. But lately, I’ve been struck by some of the golden beauties I’ve seen around, especially those placed in modern interiors. These aren’t the creepy brass fixtures and ornate frames I remember seeing in my youth (although you can see below that one of the spaces uses just that,) but these interiors use a touch of gold in just the right way.

The reason these spaces are so successful is that the amount of gold used is just right – enough to make a strong impact, yet not so much as to look ostentatious. And the neutral backgrounds that house these gilt treasures keep them from getting out of control. Try bringing a few golden pieces into your decor. They can be true accessories, like a trinket placed on a shelf or table, or can be a single major piece. I’m particularly taken with the contrast of the matte black against the gold-leaf finish in the first shot. It really lets the gold have a modern edge.

Oversize gold-leaf lamp

Golden sink + Gold-leafed wall surface

Ornate frame

Cabinet interior + Stove

Oversize Gilt A

Tilsammans Posters by Lisa Bengtsson

Christina — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:15:46 +0000

How fun is the Tilsammans Poster series by Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson?

My favorite is the pup wearing the glasses and bow tie. The series is currently available for purchase at Huset ($35 a piece). For more of Lisa’s work, check out her portfolio.

Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.