J. Ingerstedt

Today I discovered the photographic genius of J. Ingerstedt. These emotionally-charged photographs are so powerful! The not-quite-perfect interior styling evokes a sense of use and wear that make these spaces so inviting. I love seeing the running shoes on the floor and the informal inspiration board pinned behind the bed. The layers and layers of personality give this home a charm that I can't tear my eyes from. I was initially drawn to the whimsical art & playful accessories scattered throughout the space. These unexpected elements soften and complement the otherwise stark, high-contrast architectural elements. There is a mystery about these rooms - something intriguing that makes me want to meet the owners & inhabitants. Spaces should be a reflection of the people that use them - so this design is a complete success. I will certainly file this away as inspiration for future hospitality projects. I could disappear for days in this place!

all images courtesy of J. Ingerstedt

Process / 01

The design for the Grace-Made site has been a slow, thoughtful, & rewarding process so far. I think I underestimated the time, resources, and dedication that it takes to write blog articles that are inspiring and worth reading. I believe that design tells a story, and I'm thrilled to share the chapters that inspire me. I can't wait until the site is "done" - although, I'm not sure it will ever be 100% complete. I truly hope that Grace-Made will evolve and grow over time. I thought I'd share these illustrations that I recently created. Someday, soon, these drawings will be incorporated into the site. The site-build and launch is a lot of work, but it's a dream project & overwhelmingly exciting!

Bring It Inside

I dreamt of buying a bicycle long before I actually did. There is something special about cycling in San Francisco - you feel like a part of the  heartbeat of the city when you are on a bike. I finally ordered my dream bike back in November, but I had to wait a full 2 months before it arrived. Now that I own one, I'm faced with finding a space-efficient storage solution for it. Because locking my bike outside isn't an option, I'd like to create a beautiful way to display my bike, while also keeping it safe within my apartment. I've sifted through my stash of inspiring interiors for bike storage solutions that are both functional and nice to look at. I love all of the options below, but Mikili's solutions are, without a doubt, the most innovative.

KAPPÔ oak storage unit // under-the-stairs hanging configuration // the PINSTRIPe bike shelf (handmade!) // simple vertical display

Beginnings

I can't believe January 1st has arrived! I'm spending the morning planning, organizing, and preparing for the brand new year ahead. I decided to create a weekly calendar for myself. I'm hoping that it keeps me inspired and focused! I've organized the calendar by separating tasks from new ideas - this should help me stick to my "idea journal" resolution. Click the image below for a PDF download. Happy 2014! *tip* use the simple shapes for inspired weekly doodles - drawing keeps creativity flowing!

Floral Pocket

I love taking something ordinary and making it unique. When it comes to fashion, it's so special to add personalization and really own your style. I bought this gorgeous vintage Robert Kauffman floral fabric on Etsy about a month ago. I was only able to purchase 2.5 yards...so I've been careful in deciding how to use it. I teamed up with my mom tonight to sew floral pockets onto striped nightgowns. Every year, my sister and I wear new matching pajamas on Christmas Eve -- I think they're extra special this year! I love the contrast in the contemporary stripes and vintage floral!

The project was easy & fun! Click here for a pocket template.

Creativity + Couture

Exciting news! Moleskin has announced a new line of notebooks designed in collaboration with Comme des Garçons. I'm a huge fan of all special edition Moleskin collections, and this might be my favorite one to date. Cheers to Moleskin for bringing creativity and couture together! Not surprisingly, though, the collection is primarily being sold in Japan and from highly select retailers worldwide. I'm sad that the notebooks aren't being sold on the West Coast...but I'm recruiting New York friends to scoop one up for me and my hopes are high for online distribution!

Small Flowers

{ Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time } -O'Keeffe

How often do I consciously notice? I am so often blinded by familiarity, failing to appreciate and recognize the small flowers in my day-to-day. While reading Creative Confidence, I was struck by the subject of observation - keen, pointed observation. Professionally, I'm used to the idea of using behavior observation as a tool in designing a successful interior. I'm challenged, though, in tuning-in during the "everyday" of life. Creative Confidence says that there is power in a conscious effort to observe. Like maintaining a friendship, the capacity to appreciate each detail requires the power of will. If I observe the details of my surroundings - in design, in people, in music, in nature - with the amount of effort that I dedicate to dear friendships...I can hardly fathom the possibilities!

Carnival

Maybe it's the energy, maybe it's the stimulating & dramatic use of color and ornament, or maybe it's the pure & simple entertainment -- there is something that draws me to the carnival. At a carnival, I can jump into the mind of a child and forget about almost anything. Yesterday I had the opportunity to cruise down the coast for a day in Santa Cruz. I spent the day running through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, laughing, skating (i.e. breaking rules), riding nauseating roller-coasters, and appreciating the inspiration & beauty surrounding me.

Our day at the carnival reminded me of the beautiful craft of sign-making. I've always loved the charming quality of vintage marquee signs - and I saw plenty of them yesterday. I discovered Sideshow Sign Co. while researching products and sign-makers for a past coffee shop project. I instantaneously fell in love with their work. It's colorful, well-made in America, and unique. I hope someday to work with these incredible Southern makers! Until then...I'll just admire their inspiring online gallery!

11 Fresh Winter Finds

Winter, for me, is a season of new beginnings, reflection, and thanksgiving. I love the cheerful moods, holiday festivities, changing of color, and increased wearing of sweaters. I spent some time gathering items that remind me of the season and make me appreciate the month of November even more!

-1- This camera makes me want to get lost in the woods for hours. -2- These colorblock sneakers are perfect for the unavoidable errands of holiday season. -3- I'm thankful for California. Represent the Pacific NW! -4- The Grace Pack is high on my wish list. It's handmade in San Francisco! -5- This blouse reminds me of my mother's table cloths during dinner parties. -6- I've had the pleasure of working with Crash before. Their drafting table is so charming! -7- I love a good vintage floral. This fresh, pixellated version looks too good to walk on. -8- I snagged a black wool fedora at the flea market last weekend. Here's a floppy version! -9- Thanksgiving is a time for loved ones, food, and festive tablewear. -10- I can't wait to take this bike out for long weekend rides across the city and beyond! -11- A rich, red saddle for a touch of femininity. Someday!