Better Words

I've been gone for a while, because I haven't been able to put words together. All the things that I begin to write down, have nothing to do with what I have been doing so I've been at a total standstill. I thought perhaps using someone else's eloquent words would be a smarter choice:)

A Creative Hero: John Saladino

Via Saladino Style

As I was scrolling through the 1st Dibs' site this morning, I found a great article written about John Saladino's most recent book; Villa. In it he describes the arduous but heartfelt process of renovating an amazing Italinate villa. For all die-hard design lovers, this is a book that must be seen!
Saladino holds a very special place in my heart. He was the first designer I knew by name as a teenager, and his work awakened my true love of design. The photo above in particular stands out in my mind. Its been published many times over, I know; but its so timeless and beautiful. The color palette, mixture of textures, and use of antiques in an otherwise minimalist space influence the way I think about design almost every day. Ahhh, I could go on and on; but maybe the photos speak for themselves;)

Via 1st Dibs

The First Couple of Cool.

Sixx Design is a favorite among bloggers, and w/ good reason. Their style is daring (how many other designers would think of including photos of Tupac?) and fantastic. Personally, I'm intrigued by their gutsy approach of taking run-down spaces and turning them into design gems, while working together no-less! I love my husband to death, but I'm not sure we could collaborate on this scale.

In April, Sixx Design is releasing a book called Downtown Chic. It will be a great source of inspiration from a couple who are a wealth of information.

A Small Space Wonder

I ran across the home of Alison Brungart the other day and bookmarked it. Coincidently, I was reading the new Apartment Therapy book, and saw her home in it!
Alison is a furniture and interior designer from Miami. Her little jewel box apartment is only 396sq. ft. I just can't imagine. My husband and I lived in 850 sq, ft. apartment for a while, and I thought I was going to lose my mind!
I think Alison's apartment really works because of her well thought out storage and furniture layout. The center-piece is the large storage unit that sits at the foot of the bed. It has open storage on both sides, but has open spaces that the eye to see through it. In my experience, even a small space needs a visual barrier (like the large bookcase). A room is much more interesting when you can see "around" something, and not see the entire space all at once. It is sort of like wearing an outfit that is sexy because it's slightly revealing, but doesn't show too much.

I love the little pink touches, like the bicycle, flip-flops by the bed, and even the lining of the heels in the closet. It is a fun detail in a mostly neutral colored home.
I recommend the new Apartment Therapy book; it is a lot of fun. It also features a couple of bloggers in it, like Vanessa of Turquoise and Victoria of SFgirlbybay.

Maira Kalman

Don't miss an interview with Maira Kalman at Inspiration Boards!

If you are not familiar with Maira, you do not know what you are missing. She is an illustrator and artist among other things. I featured her book The Principles of Uncertainty (here). Besides her work, Maira is known as a personality. Her quirky and hilarious observations of every day life are truly unique. Her sense of humor is what I relate to the most. I absolutely love her outlook!

The Principles of Uncertainty/ Maira Kalman

I Love This Book!

On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I discovered this wonderful book by Maira Kalman. The beautiful cover, and unusual title immediately caught my eye. I am not going to say that I knew much about Kalman before I read this book, but I am a genuine fan now.Kalman is an author, designer, and illustrator. She has illustrated many covers for The New Yorker and has contributed to many other books, including several for children. She has built a reputation for viewing life in a very quirky, and sometimes absurd way. The Principles of Uncertainty was originally a narrative journal composed for The New York Times.

I must admit that as I began leafing through this book, I felt a strange connection to it. It was the kind of feeling you get when you meet someone that is so much like you, that you think they taking your thoughts and saying them for you. I love the abstract thoughts and unusual connection of themes in this book. Some thoughts are hilarious and some are very poignant, but in a very unusual way. I am sure that not everyone will understand Kalman's logic, but it is still worth reading. First of all, the illustrations are magical and charming, they are pieces of art that can be interpreted according to every readers point of view. Its also great for those time when you need a chuckle.

Traer Scott Photography

Shelter Dogs and Street Dogs

I recently found these wonderful photography books, and was immediately mesmerized by them. I have always been a dog lover, so these photos really spoke to me. This is the work of Traer Scott, compiled in to two books. Shelter Dogs (Merrell Publishers 2006) includes portraits of dogs in shelters waiting for homes. Street Dogs ( Merrell Publishers 2007) capture the lives of many homeless dogs and their manner of survival.

"Joshua"
I really love this portrait of "Joshua". He is such a stately animal.

"Terrier"

"Rosie"

"Beach Dog on Roof"

I have many relatives in Mexico, so as a child I would often travel there. This photo of the dog on the roof, reminds me of what is a rather familiar sight there.

"Gumdrop"

Traer Scott's books donate fifty cents from each book sold to the ASPCA (Shelter Dogs) and WSPA (Street Dogs). These books are available at all major bookstores and on the ASPCA site (click here), and the WSPA site (click here). I recommend going to Traer's site also. (click here). Her portfolio is wonderful.