My own style is a bit of a moving target, but the one thing that continues to ring true for me is to MIX IT UP! Whether I am telling myself to mix it up in life (train for a sprint triathlon when I really haven’t exercised in eons, okay!) or with my own home, it almost always turns out for the better. A great way we encourage people to mix it up at Spruce is with texture! To create a layered look in your home often calls for different scales, different colors, and different textures. One item that I can’t seem to not want to throw in is leather! It is so many things…rich, homey, luxurious, comfortable, tailored, LOVELY! Leather can be appropriate in just about any design aesthetic. Mixed in with other textiles it will greatly enhance the “vibe” you are looking to put off. Check out a few knockout integrations of leather into a space.

Here are a few of some of the leather pieces I have been drooling over!

 

Check out these unconventional uses of leather. Don’t let the boundaries of convention stop you!

We all know that leather can be overdone, but a little bit here and there can’t hurt.  Leather can be a pricey option, but have no fear! There are hundreds of faux leathers out there that are supple and look glorious. This is a great choice for those who for personal reasons would be against the use of leather as well. If you are having a design block and can’t figure out your next step, consider leather. It may be just what you need!

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I was so intrigued by the above image of a pix-elated sofa that I could not help but to do a little investigating on the brain behind this design.  The owner of these designs is a man by the name of Cristian Zuzunaga and I felt that he was worthy of a blog entry all of his own.  Mr. Zuzunaga is a Barcelona born graphic and print designer.  His more recent creations are a result of the inspiration he gets from modern architecture.  The pix elated fabric comes from magnified images of modern buildings and cityscapes.  The outcome provides such a large repeat that each piece  is truly unique.

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that he takes this pixel print beyond furniture.  In fact, as you will see, he uses several different mediums to feature the oversized pixels.

I really just can’t get enough of this.   I love the big chunks of random color living together in harmony.  If you want to take a peek at his website you can see his most recent collaboration with  Danskina.  Their best-selling rug, Bravoure, now has four new fantastic color ways brimming with texture and contrast.

I bet you will never look at a photo the same again.

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In the last five years, gold has come back with a vengeance! You couldn’t pay me to have gold jewelry as a kid, so it’s always comical when your taste does a 180. Now, I can’t get enough of it. It is a perfect addition to any space. Gold has the unique distinction these days that it can go in so many directions. It can be luxurious or it can be simple. It can be progressive or it can be traditional. It can be loud or it can be subtle. The sky is the limit with this color! I find myself wanting to add a touch of gold to just about anything. I recently purchase some ho-hum planters for my new succulents. With a little gold and some painters tape, boom! Not so sad anymore. Check out how that turned out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold has been incorporated in the oddest of places. Whether it’s paint or actual gold, people are putting it everywhere! Take a look at some of the places I have found gold used.

Gold has been around in fashion forever, so it is fun to see it have another heyday!

Now to the things we really love, interiors! I love the use of gold in conventional and unconventional ways. Take an Eames Chair for example. The frame has been gold-leafed, and now it creates an entirely different look than it had in it’s previous form. I have had my eye on the Dwell Studio magazine rack for some time now, need to win the lottery for that one ha! All of these pieces really nail it when it comes to the use of gold.

Then there is the knick-knack-paddywack. The stuff that really makes a home feel lived in. Gold is EVERYWHERE among these items. If you are not careful, gold can be a bit overwhelming, so these little touches of gold are the perfect place to incorporate the color.

Now that I have throughly mesmerized myself with all this gold, I need to go get me some! Hope you find a touch of gold to add to your home; I know it will do wonders.

 

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I am pickin’ up what Stephen Burks is layin’ down! Man oh man! As I peeled through the current Elle Decor, this wonderful designer’s look and work certainly caught my eye. I’ll add that I am quite late on being privy to his contributions- he has been making waves in industrial and hand-made design for some time now. Little did I know the things that I have been loving have his stamp on it. A name to a product!

Here’s what I saw in Elle Decor - click the link to read the article. Featured are some of Burks’s stools made in collaboration with the Italian fabric company Dedar. There they are below – brilliant, hand-made with lovely texture, looking strong and lasting for years. I covet these stools. These treasures consist of rope, fabric trimmings, and rubber.

Mr. Burks has founded readymade projects inc., making this company his creative hub for designs in retail interiors, events, packaging design, lighting, furniture, home accessories – it seems there’s nothing he can’t tackle. Please visit his site. He’s collaborated with everyone, so naturally you may be familiar! Below are some of my other favorites from Stephen Burks (via plenty of designers and collaborations – I will do my best to footnote!)

I hope you’ll follow the rabbit trail on the web to all points leading to Stephen Burks. You will find that he is everywhere in design. He is truly one to watch as he is prolific in his small amount of years. I am stimulated! Mr. Burks – I admire and salute you – will be watching you moving forward. Thank you for your illumination in design! Love it!

 

 

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I recently revisited an Elle Decor magazine from many months ago, and as I was flipping through, my eye caught this little beauty.   It was so simple….yet so complicated and intricate.  The design is by Inga Sempé, a French designer from Paris.  She began her design career with intentions of designing casters and screws, hence her utilitarian aesthetic.  More recently her focus has been on designing furniture, lighting, objects, and fabrics.   One of my favorite tidbits that I read about Inga Sempé is that she cringes when asked what inspires or influences her.  She simply says, “My aim is to do things I’m interested in.”

I really like her no-nonsense approach to design, she simply wants to create things “that don’t bore her.”  My favorite pieces would easily be her ruché sofa and bed for Lignet Roset, but I certainly wouldn’t say no to her lovely lamp plate.

Enjoy her remarkable creations!

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