Have you ever visited Vermont? We live less than two hours from the border so Tee and I try to get over there whenever we can, we usually visit Brattleboro since it’s the closest and has some neat little stores and a few galleries that we enjoy browsing. Vermont is a beautiful state, it’s definitely worth a visit for either skiing in the Winter or for visiting a working farm in the Spring (I really want to do this). And from an interiors perspective, it’s a pleasure to step out of the mid century modern or ultra contemporary spaces for a little Country Chic. Ready to visit the home of an Interior Stylist based in Shelburne, Vermont?
Nest Decorating is a small design firm and art studio owned and operated by the talented Tamar Schechner, a Parsons grad who spent twenty years creating photo shoots and spreads for several magazines as Stylist and Creative Director. Now Tamar is out on her own doing what she loves – decorating homes in Vermont, dreaming up crafty projects to sell in her etsy store (she also sells wholesale to stores), being a good mother, and blogging. As for her design practice Tamar’s mission is to, “Make my clients as comfortable as possible, to truly understand the way their home functions and to work around their needs and possibilities creating a great inspirational space for them to live in and come home to.”
The stairs once had a tired berber rug but when they purchased the home the rug was removed to reveal plywood (eek!) so they painted it a fun green.
Work studio space
Her mother’s painting, “Spring” (part of a series of four) installed above the back door. It’s beautiful above the door and yes, that is a pink door.
This Japanese kimono belonged to her mother when she was little, she was born in Shanghai in 1931 so this is a most cherished piece deserving center stage above her chest of drawers.
The patterned blanket at the foot of the bed is from Urban Outfitters, the chair cushion is a tea towel, and the red floral painting (in the black frame) was painted by her mother.
A clever way to display her earrings – a window screen repurposed!
Some of the things she makes and sells in her etsy store.
A cozy spot to read complete with a rug from IKEA and an old chair with fabric tacked onto it.
Looking into her kitchen.
A country kitchen is hardly complete without colorful dishware.Thank you Tamar for allowing us into your country home today – it’s colorful, creative, and full of life, warmth, and positive energy. I really enjoy all the art in each room and the stories so many of your things can tell. That’s truly what makes a house a home. Thank you again!
(images from tamar schechner)
Priya from the delicious eye candy blog Love Made Visible posted about the Pirelli tire company?s 2008 calendar shot in Shanghai by Patrick Demarchelier and I couldn’t resist sharing Demarchelier and his work with you. It also inspired a little something more…
Demarchelier is primarily a fashion photographer with credits that include Vogue, BCBG, Vanity Fair, and Armani Exchange to name a few, along with top models like Gisele B?ndchen. You can view his recent work here. I’m so thankful that Priya showcased these images on her blog because it inspired me to build a palette around her collaged images as I imagined myself sitting in a luxurious living room surrounded by these exotic colors. Like a color saturated Tricia Guild showroom. Mmmm pretty. Perhaps the rooms would look like this…
We’re seeing lots of these colors (blue-green, violet, etc.) in the Pirelli calendar so I created this palette over at Colour Lovers. Colour Lovers is a great online color tool by the way, you must try it out. A palette and some inspiration is all it takes. (Peony by psr47can, Freedom photographed by my husband and the orchid is by wagner campelo).
Image via House to Home.
This is minus all the blue-green tones of course,but the floral pattern and pink reminded me of Demarchelier’s photos somehow.
Image via House to Home.
via Domino magazine.
via Domino magazine
via Living Etc.Some of the best and brightest stars in the world of Interior Design take their inspiration from the runway. I preach all the time on decor8 that inspiration comes from nearly everything, from a walk along the shore to a found object (shells, bark, pebbles), a handbag, nature photography, it’s amazing how the whole world just opens up when you start to look at the “mundane” things around you a little more carefully. Inspect product packaging, really notice wrapping paper, visit toy stores, look at the rooms featured in movies, notice the patterns that are formed by ice on a window or the various tones of flower petals. Have you looked through a microscope lately? The patterns and textures you see as you examine plants or liquids can open new worlds – I’m not kidding, these things are magical. Inspiration is all around so the next time you’re feeling uninspired, pick up a copy of Vogue, visit a museum, or go for a walk in a nearby forest. There’s so much to explore!
(fashion images from pirelli photographed by patrick demarchelier, collage created by priya.)
I’m really feeling inspired by yellow this week, especially when combined with pink (a color in all the stores right now). Jen from Hable Construction sent over these images showing some of their popular prints in a few new colorways that will debut in May at the ICFF in New York. Multi-toned pink stripes anyone (they’re already available to order here)? How about bright yellow with crisp white florals?
Sky cosmos is one of my favorite Hable patterns — I love seeing it in yellow (bottom right). I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling Spring already! I can’t wait to see what else these ladies debut at the show, May is always such an exciting month with so many great design shows and wow, to think all this eye candy is only four months away, exciting!
(images: rinne allen and jen ng)
Not only can this lady make beautiful children’s clothing, but she’s a fine potter who crafts some extraordinary pieces. Meet Mette of Mettes Pottery located in lovely Denmark, a country that I hope to visit this year if all goes as planned. Her work makes me happy and her studio is wonderful.
It reminds me of my classroom when I was a child, art class was always my favorite. It smelled of clay and I loved all of my art teachers. When I see these studio shots I can almost smell the clay and paint. Remember that scent? Think about it for a moment, I’m sure you will. The lighting here is so pretty the way it filters in like it does. I wonder if she teaches a class in this space? Oh, If only Denmark were a little closer I would have to visit her and bring home a pretty mug and lots of nice memories of what would be quite a special afternoon I’m sure.
I really appreciate it when artists share their workspace online because it really makes me feel like I know them somehow – you know, it’s a personal space and the fact that they’re sharing it and showing the process gives me this sense of community and friendship. Mettes Pottery is lovely. I sense the lady behind the work is equally precious.
(images from mettes pottery)
I’ve got my eye on The Gift Bag Factory lately because they work with illustrators from all over the world and I think that’s pretty cool. From Foxy + Winston, Sesame Letterpress, Pancake + Franks, Sukie, John McDonald Design to Ambriel Floyd, Janette Ritter, Looky Loo, Dewey Howard, Binth and others have pulled together some of the best gift bags ever. Total hotness!
Can you imagine some of these beautiful bags filled with fresh flowers to give to a friend? What about a few as an inexpensive centerpiece option with fresh peonies or roses arranged inside for a girly luncheon or baby shower? Of course, they’re also great for toting around your junk or for the more common purpose, placing a gift inside for a friend, but think outside the bag and you may come up with some creative ideas for using these sweet bags for yourself. Maybe in the home office to store spare supplies and such?
(images from the gift bag factory)
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