Inspiration: Living Etc magazine + Fornasetti


Isn't this studio/office amazing?
I love how the utilitarian furniture is contrasted with the very whimsical Fornasetti pieces.
And don't you think everyone should have some storms clouds + a naked roman lady looking over them as they work!

While working on some pattern samples yesterday I went through a big stack of Living etc magazines for inspiration. In the January 2011 issue there's an amazing piece on the home of Barnaba Fornasetti (the son who took over the design house after the death of his father Piero)
The photos took my breath away and went right up on my inspiration board!

Little Home Reno update + Some thoughts on Colour


We started with this....

and now it's lookin' like this

I know i know... it looks like my last bedroom!
Walls are Ben Moore Chelsea grey
Pillow by Judy Ross

Ok so it has been ages since I posted a reno update so here's a peek at what's been going on Chez Alanna. I put in two walls to create a private bedroom and a large vestibule. Painted the bedroom Ben Moore Chelsea grey as usual and got a new bed! Next step is to get an upholstered headboard which I'm hoping will pull the room together.

Isn't this stunnning?! LOVE the mustard headboard.

I was gonna go very neutral with the headboard in a nice grey in felt or linen but after seeing the beautiful photo above i'm inspired to do the headboard in a fun colour that will really pop off the grey walls. Am thinking either a mustard as in the Judy Ross pillow or my all time favourite colour: limey chartreuse.

*Dear Readers - Your feedback is most welcome in this serious matter.*
(Please note the irony of that statement)

Now that's a grey!
Photo from the marion house book

Colour note: The Chelsea grey is ok but am now wishing I'd gone with a more dark slatey grey like in the dreamy photo above. I think the paint might be Farrow and Ball's Down Pipe.
Looks much better huh?
I say Learn from my mistakes Dear Readers!

ps. I very much wish I didn't have a mind that obsessed about colour so much... but alas I do.

and pss. I found the bathroom photo on a great new blog The Marion House Book which is written by an Exhibit/ Interior designer and fellow West - Ender Emma Reddington. Emma has really great style - reminiscent of what one finds in the British Decor mags like Living etc + Elle Decor UK plus... she loves greys + blacks! Highly recommended.
(Thanks Kim for turning me onto Emma!)

Inspiration: Anthropologie



Close up
Took a field trip to Anthropologie yesterday. Very inspired by the giant paper flowers on the second floor. Am thinking it'd be fun to make some of these for my apt! What a great way to bring a sense of whimsy to a place.

Looking at these animal masks also gave me a craving to do some paper mache. I think getting covered with flour + newspaper would be a welcome antidote to spending so much time in front of the computer.

Big Orange Scissor print is available


Big Orange Scissors print in the home of Liz + Steve
Photo by Michael Graydon for Wish Magazine

Several folks have inquired about the Big Orange scissors print from the Style at Home Booth so here is the info:
The print measures 29.5" X 42" and is hand screened on BFK Rives paper from France.
From a 2nd Edition of 30
Signed and Numbered
Available unframed for 895.00
I ship worldwide via Fed Ex.

What does the scissors mean?

I love scissors because they are a very simple tool with a lot of creative power! The image therefore represents the ability + celebration of making things - particularly within limited resources.
When I was young my mom was incredibly supportive of my zany "art making ways" and always kept me well supplied in crayons, markers + scissors so the print is also a homage to her.


Big Orange Scissors framed in black in my friend Kim's house