Dwell on Design

So another couple of busy weeks are ahead as I've been hired to help out with Dwell on Design's Outdoor Spaces. I've just jumped into it today so there's lots to learn and do, but I'm really excited to be on the floor while everything gets delivered, help set it up and enjoy the camaraderie of long days.

Are you going to Dwell on Design (June 25-27)?
How about one of the cool home tours?
You can also volunteer to man a home on a home tours or at the convention to get in for free (plus some other goodies)?
And there's a great party happening for a good cause on Saturday the 26th.
You can also follow the event on twitter or follow me!.

Phew. I'll keep you all updated as much as I can. I'm already so inspired by the vendors I'm working with!

Small Space Style in Venice

Found these pictures over on A Cup of Jo and just love them. These images are the reason that I loved living in venice. Small spaces done just right. A little euro and a little fun. If I could live with this little stuff and that much space and order all the time I would. Alas, it's basically physically impossible since I love things and need stuff like 5 cake stands.

A funny aside is that I sent this to my dad and it turns out that the studio belongs to a friend of his. Small World!

If you're interested i renting it for a week at a time and spending some quality time in venice, check out the details. And if you do, tell him that Laure sent you. Then I'll give you all my tips for hanging out in Venice.

What about you? Would you be able to live in such a small space and keep it neat?

Feeling Scandinavian Today

I've been reading this great book (that I got from the library!) and it's part of what's inspiring me to want to go to Sweden.





Plus as ICFF, I got to see the OFFECT booth and loved their playful take on the mod furniture of the 50's and 60's.




And I've been using this Swedish skincare line that so far I really like. It's called Hakansson skin.

And any guesses where I might be headed this afternoon? Yes, the watered down version of all of this: Ikea.

Yellow!

The color choices of home owners have been a hot topic recently starting here and moving on to here. It reminded me of all the yellow I've seen in my neighborhood. It looks thoroughly modern and I wonder how much of it was inspired by the blueprint article on The Stepped-Up Stoop since I know the top house (for lease everyone!) got painted last month.

Not French But....

I'll be back after I finish up my stay at this awesome hotel.

Home is Giving

I have lovely memories of my gramma teaching me the proper way to wrap a gift. Tight corners, minimal tape. I still love the ritual of wrapping presents. Here are some wrapping papers from Martha that I have my eye on for summer gifting ($5.99 for 2 sheets of 24"x36"):

Picnic Time

This Neo Baroque Plastic Deluxe Cutlery from Pandora Design would make the perfect addition to an outdoor BBQ or Picnic. Charles and Marie say on their website:

"Designed by Donata Paruccini and Fabio Bortolani and inspired by traditional Italian cutlery from the end of the 1800's this fabulous set of four is made out of high tech plastic, making it much stronger than your usual plastic cutlery and most importantly: you can put it through the nasty dishwasher – which you really shouldn't do with the real thing..."

Set of 4: $20.

I like the colors altogether so don't know how I'd settle on one set, but for that price you could accrue a collection over a couple of summers.

Vacation Home Away From Home

Let me introduce you to Hope Springs in Desert Hot Springs.

I stayed here with E in December of last year. Three hot springs, varying hot-ness, no tv's, beautiful breakfast spread, far enough from palm springs that you can really relax and soak in the weird desert vibe, but close enough that you can go out for a great dinner.


Every room has slightly different mid century modern details like this pottery in the lobby.


Here's breakfast and a blue chair.