The Wonder Exhibit At The Renwick Gallery

During our visit to DC last week, our friends suggested we see The Wonder Exhibit at the newly renovated Renwick Gallery, which we did.  Upon entering the building we were immediately struck in awe and amazement at what we saw.  Hearing so much about the exhibit from our local friends, we knew we had to experience it, but never expected it to be that impactful on our eyes and our emotions.  The installations are by nine leading contemporary artists who express themselves in a very big way using marbles, insects, index cards, strips of wood and LED lighting, among many other elements.  It's a museum experience like no other.  The exhibit runs through May 16th, so if you're in the area or planning a visit, check it out, you won't regret it.  In the mean time, preview here:

Many thanks to our many DC friends, who not only hosted us but also encouraged us see the all historical sites.  Washington is truly an impressive city.  Stay tuned for more images from our East coast visit.

Noir Inspirations

Lately I've been drawn to a sophisticated and slightly edgy color:  black.  Here are a few of my favorite noir statement items.

1.   A must have accessory:  the necklace.

2.  Contrasting styles;  the little black dress paired with a badass motorcycle  jacket. 

3.  A  70's Inspired leather sofa

4.  The all season classic:  the Clog.

5.  And, no surprise here, The Cass Clutch in Lassen Black.

Life Happens: At Times

Sometimes life just happens showing its effect on maturing children, aging parents, (and ourselves), instilling the realization that time is precious.  At other times, one makes life happen by opening oneself to new people, new places and new endeavors with the potential for success or failure.  Over a year ago, when I began work on The Cass Clutch, I knew I had to see this project through despite being unfamiliar with the leather industry, the manufacturing process and being a bit fearful of the unknown.  I put myself out there and now it's finally here and, although still a bit afraid, I am now determined.  Grateful for what the entire experience has taught me and no matter what becomes of it, I now know that I will be a better woman for having seen it through.  

Don't let your dreams fall by the wayside.  Make life happen, even if it scares you... 

Color Inspiration: 7 Softly Hued Rooms

Although softly hued, these rooms do not lack POP.  By combining unique furnishings, oversized art, texture and paint color patterns, a room can attain the same effect that bold colors are known for, but in a much quieter way.  Take a look: 

Soothing pastels provide the perfect background for your furnishings and art.   Spring is in the air...

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

At Home: Books, Textiles And Botanicals

Yesterday I decided to take some photos of the house after being away for the long weekend. Settling back in felt so good, that it prompted me to capture the "home sweet home" feeling through my lens.  This made me realize how this house gradually evolved into a home since we moved into it over three years ago.  As our essential furniture pieces remained the same, the smaller items, those that give our spaces their personality, have continually changed.  Pillows and art have been added and also moved around the house.  There's never a shortage of new plants, fresh botanicals, repurposed accessories and an array of current books and magazines.  It's uniquely our space and we are very grateful for it.  

Take a look: 

The Kilim pillows are from Yayla Rugs in Cambridge, Ma., while the textile that drapes over our sectional is from the Alameda Antique Market in the East Bay.

Our once yellow womb chair from Reside (Cambridge, Ma) was reupholstered in a vintage Knoll fabric in a tone very similar to our mid-century brick color.

Stacks of magazines, some old, some new, next to favorite design books offer inspiration as well as pleasurable reading. 

The bell garland is from Anthropologie (from years back) and the brass candlesticks are from Rare Heir, an antique shop in Oakland, Ca.

Foraged Acacia branches are displayed in a vessel found in a thrift store alongside a Heath Ceramics bud vase, a gnarled root and a wooden candlestick also found in a vintage store. 

This area of the kitchen was designed to display interesting/meaningful items and botanicals.  Since it's where we spend most of our time, I really wanted a designated spot for pretty and inspiring things.  The black and gold box is from West Elm, the Kwan Yin statuettes from Sugi in Lafayette, Ca., the wooden salt bowl is from Terrain and the vintage glass is from a recent visit to the Alameda Antique Market.

The large stripped pillow is from Garza Marfa while the smaller is one from One Kings Lane.  The metal table bases were found during a trip to Maine.  We added glass tops and spray painted them cobalt blue to be used as night tables in our previous home. In our current "project room" they happen to work perfectly with the rug from Yayla Tribal Rugs and the Peruvian blanket from the Marisa Mason studio in Oakland, Ca.  

What things do you love about your space and where did you find them?  Do share!