Louella Court

Petit Collage

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

As some of you may may have noticed I have slight obsession with home decor.  I am always looking for possible gifts (or who am I kidding additions to my own collections). During our 24 inch snow storm last week I was browsing for a possible baby shower gift when I came across these cute prints and mobiles by illustrator Lorena Siminovich.

I love the vintage appeal these have as well as their strong color palettes.  I believe these could be really cute accent pieces to any nursery or kids room.

Founder Lorena Siminovich, created the company Petit Collage in 2006 out of her love for illustration and design. Her line can be found in stores including Anthropologie, Pottery Barn Kids, The Art Group, Habitat UK, Galison, Mudpuppy, Chronicle Books, and Crocodile Creek.

Images via Petit Collage

Steady as it Goes

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }
 
While aimlessly searching online for some inspiration last night, I came across something I must share.

A few months back I did a post on some very intricate laser cut business cards, lamps and leaves . I thought I would simply add a few more examples to my previous post; however, this turned out to be a completely different can of worms. These leaves were not laser cut at all, they were each very carefully hand carved. This beautiful art form comes to us from China, where very skilled artists take months just to carve one leaf!

Here's an interesting fact, these amazing artists prefer to use the leaves of the Chinar tree, native to India, Pakistan, and China. These leaves are considered 'lucky' in Chinese tradition.

I will never look at leaves in quite the same way. Instead of being a nuisance in which we all must rake each fall, I choose to look at each one as a blank canvas!

{ images via treehugger }

now that's a sight for "green" eyes

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

I have been quite interested in this new "green" design trend hitting the scene. The concept of a living wall is popping up in quite a few cities across the country.

Take a look at North America's largest living wall located in downtown Pittsburgh, Pa. PNC Bank's Corporate headquarters has a 2,380 square foot living wall on the side of their building. This vertical garden is soil based and the home of various types of local foliage.

I think this is such a great design feature. It is visually appealing as well as completely functional.

{ images via inhabitat }

A New Spin on Nursery

{ posted by Jen, production manager }

For all you mommas or soon to be mommas who have a bit of an edge to your design aesthetic, I found the perfect quilts for you!

With quite a few of my close friends soon to be expecting, I have found myself wandering the infant bedding sections in utter boredom at their selections. While teddy bear and princess themes are perfectly acceptable, I found myself wanting to see something a little more gender neutral with a bit more of an urban edge. So when I came across these adorable organic Cuccio baby quilts I knew I had struck gold. 

Cuccio teamed up with Australian based textile company Umbrella Prints to provide us with these amazing baby quilts carried exclusively by Rose and Radish. With a bright pop of one of Cuccio's signature colors — blue, Kimono red, or Starfruit green — partnered with Umbrella Prints' signature elephants, I believe this quilt is the perfect pairing. With their neutral undertones and splash of rich color these quilts will provide stimulation to both you and baby as well as a cozy and tranquil place to snuggle.

{ photos via Inhabitots }

found {recycled, repurposed, rediscovered}

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

Anyone who knows me would agree that I have a slight obsession with boots and bags; I am always on a quest to find my next interesting piece. I love finding items that are a one of a kind or have a different aesthetic to them, so I was so excited when I came across :: found :: recycled, repurposed, rediscovered by Nicki. She makes repurposed purses and wallets out of old leather goods and even finds a way to reuse their zippers and buttons. Browse her Etsy store and check out her very cool creations.

 

 

 

 

{ photos via :: found :: on Etsy }

Sketchup something interesting...

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

One of my professors at the Art Institute of Philadelphia told me to check out this free download from Google called Sketchup. It is a program that allows you to create 3D forms and manipulate them in different types of settings.

As an interior design major, I have found this to be helpful in laying out and creating interesting spaces. Plus, you can’t beat the price!  You can get a whole different feel for a room when you see it three dimensionally versus two dimensionally on paper.

simply mod

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

While browsing the web for some inspiration for my latest interior design project I came across this site called Mod Green Pod. This Austin-based company is a member of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and produces organic textiles and wallpapers. Take a look at some of their spunky patterns.

I love how vibrant and bold these patterns and colors are. Using one of these strong prints as an accent on either a wall or piece of furniture may be the perfect touch to finishing any room. And better yet these products are organic, toxin free and totally produced in the United States!

Take a look at the room creator that allows you to play around with the colors and patterns; I’ve had some fun playing around with their multiple combinations — hope you have fun, too!

All images via http://modgreenpod.com/

tile time

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

I have always had a passion for interior design, and I am constantly looking for new interior concepts to use in my own home. When I came across these amazing tiles by Maruja Fuentes, I thought I best share with my fellow design junkies.

Any guesses on what this is? It's a leaning wall intended for public spaces to make standing in a crowd a little more bearable.

These "green pocket" planters are ceramic tiles which fuse nature with the interior space. What a clever idea, and what an easy way to add a splash of color to your kitchen backsplash — whether with some fresh herbs or some nice flowers.

Check out some of her other interesting designs at marujafuentes.com.

lovely laser cuts

{ posted by Jen, head production assistant }

When you think of laser beams you tend to think of bright colored beams of light cutting through metal or some other rough surface. However, I’ve seen firsthand just how delicate a laser can treat a surface after working on some invitations with intricate laser cut patterns (and remember those gorgeous business cards we did for Alison Conklin?).

I was so interested in this process that when I came across other companies using the same technique, I had to share. Check out these laser cut paper lamps from Levent & Romme. 

I love how they are using light as an art form. The intricately cut pattern winding itself around the base of the lamp allows rays of light to peak through to carry your eye around the entire lamp. This is truly a great conversation piece for any room.

A few more of their masterpieces:

 

Another innovative company using the laser cutting technique is Brazilian company Tatil Design. Look at this amazing portrait:

And check out these unique business cards they created from dried leaves! These cards were part of their “designing naturally” workshop.