Out of Africa Art Shop!

How's everyone doing? I hope you all have been well. Today I am so excited to share with you some gorgeous things out of Africa. I'm excited for the obvious reason that we all love some pretty things, but too, it is my very own mother's shop. This is something she's wanted to do for a while, and I am so proud of her, for putting together such a wonderful collection of arts, highlighting the great talents of African artists. The shop aptly named Out of Africa Art Shop is decor heaven. The shop is located in West Palm, FL, so for you Floridians - lucky, lucky.

These beautiful handcrafted jewelry from South Africa are a few of the gorgeous pieces in store or online. I love the intricate metal work combined with the soft beautiful gemstones.  

This tablecloth with napkin set is one of my very favorite things in the store. It is so fresh and perfect for summer entertainments.

 Doesn't this little gathering of the cutest animals put a smile on your face?!

I picked some favorites, narrowed it down, then narrowed down from that to share with you all :-). They are truly gorgeous pieces, and just knowing how hard she worked and the time she spent making sure that she got the best of the best to showcase makes me even more thrilled for her. Please check out the site for plenty more gorgeous pieces here. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Images: via Out of Africa Art Shop

Inspire

At times, inspiration comes from big things, small things, the unusual, the mundane, the extraordinary, or the ordinary. Sometimes you seek it, and at times it seeks you. Either way, when it hits you know it!

(Images: Emma's Blog, Anna Gillar, and Anna Gillar)

New - Le Souk

It is no secret that I love North African and Persian design. The new collection at Le Souk just strengthens that love. The pieces have that handmade (most or all are handmade) quality that I love, the vivid and intricate design that are expected when you say North African design, and easy casual vibe all wrapped up to make up gorgeous furniture and decor pieces.

That chandelier reminds me of the famous Marjorie Skouras chandeliers. I like the choice of color, gives it and almost etheral feel.  Another cool thing about the light is that it's made of wood. The throws made in Tunisia are gorgeous! They are hand woven using traditional techniques. I would love to lay my hands on one for this Fall. 

         

What do you guys think? What have you seen out there that you are crushing on? Do share please.

Have a lovely day!!!

(Images: Le Souk)

The Shop at Number 57

Hello everyone! How has your week been? School started for me this week and I am already buried with homework. Most of it is fun kind of homework - I get to start designing a loft for a made up person :-). I am excited! I am also doing a research paper and presentation on the great Elsie de Wolfe, which has been a good learning experience for me. I've decided I need to look back, and learn about the greats of this industry who have paved the way for the rest of us today. Elsie is considered the first interior decorator of the US, she is the first person to decide that she can make this a profession, and along with that she brought a lot of fresh ideas to a time when people were only stuck on victorian design.

I saw a picture from The Shop at Number 57 on Decor 8 the other day, and I was immediately drawn to it in the way that you have to find out more. Oh, do they have many gorgeous stuff on there. A husband and wife team give old and neglected pieces a new lease on life.  They also produce some sweet prints like in the pictures above, and crafts with a beautiful modern twist.

I love how they took something considered a "granny" look, and made it modern, and fresh.

How cute and funny is this?!

You can take a closer look at The Shop at Number 57 over here if you'd like. I have to say one of my favorite things about their products is that, you can feel their sense of humor in them. They are very joyful.

(Images: The Shop at Number 57)

Donna Walker Skeleton Lamps

I am pretty smitten with these Donna Walker Lamps. There is so much beauty in their simplicity and minimal design.

I can see these lights working in most design styles. It will add a surprise element in a traditional space, and it will be right at home in a contemporary or modern space. Because of its clean lines and airiness, I can see it working very well as a dining area lighting or in a workspace too.

What do you think? How would you use them in your home? Or can you see yourself having these in your home at all? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

(Images: Donna Walker)

Studio Snowpuppe

Studio Snowpuppe, have you heard of them? My goodness am I inspired by their lamps! I was utterly excited at the first sight of these clever, and gorgeous works of art. Studio Snowpuppe is based in the  Hauge, Netherlands. The owners are Nellianna an architect, and Kenneth an industrial designer.

It's funny how things work sometimes, I have a project for class where I'm designing a kid's space. One of the things I was thinking of incorporating were crumpled paper lights. I'd never seen one, but just thought it would be cool. It is like they designed these for me.

I love how they use humor in presenting the materials as well - the cat is quite adorable. I was chuckling at a lot of the photos as they were too cute.
See anything you like? Can you see yourself with any of these in your home. I surely can.

PS: I am kindly asking you to vote for me for the best Home Design Blog on Apartment Therapy's Homies Award here. Thank you, thank you! :)

(Images: Studio Snowpuppe)

Name Design Studio

Have you heard of Name Design Studio?  Not to worry if you haven't, because today we will be looking at some fab finds from this beautiful studio. Based in Istanbul, Turkey, Name Design Studio upcycles furniture using beautiful upholstery and patchwork.

I love how bold and graphic this chair is, with all the lovely, bright colors. The chair is cleverly covered in fabric using glue. They would make great accent chairs, in a corner somewhere, or used as a nightstand. I can easily see it as a night stand, with books or magazines stacked on it, and topped off with a simple reading light.

 This blue settee is no shrinking violet, love the lines and the choice of colors. So simple, yet its presence cannot be missed.

This chair was inspired by blue and white porcelains, and it is so easy to see. Such a gorgeous interpretation.

I find their use of patchwork upholstery so fresh and exciting.  I absolutely adore this floral covered wingback sofa. For some body like me, who loves floral patterns, this would be a dream to own. Put it in a quiet, white room, and it will awaken the space in a heart beat.

See anything you like? Are the wheels in your head turning? Hopefully you've seen something that got you inspired to try something new, and different in your own home.

Happy Monday, and have a beautiful week!

(Images: Name Design Studio)

NEW - Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily is one of my favorite online shops to peek into every once in a while. They always have beautiful collections to inspire good design. I am really liking their collection of African finds. I love the prints, patterns, bold colors that is oh so African. Adding even one of these into your space will add something special to it.

These beautiful baskets will look great as wall displays.

I love the unusual shape of this basket.

         

           



I am a sucker for beading, and these little handcrafted beaded animals are the cutest things! These will be great clustered in a kids room/playroom. They have a wide selection of animals (a lot of it sold out :-( )

(Image: Serena & Lily)