Jaw dropping

  

“We need better things, not more. We should not pollute the world with meaningless, unused things when we can make and support things of rare and precious beauty.”

Daphne Guinness

I am so awe inspired by Daphne Guinness, fashion icon.  Her creativity, boldness to push all limits, and ability to express herself....leave me daydreaming......

  

Images from Vanity Fair, Harpers bazaar, photographer David Bailey, Zoo magazine, New Yorker

Tangerine Tango

This time of year I am always anticipating Pantone's announcement of the color of the year.  Tangerine Tango is 2012 color of the year. 

I was not surprised that this was the color of choice.  On our recent trip to Highpoint furniture show this color was everywhere!!

                       

I love turquoise with orange as a color combination in interiors. 

Photo: Betsy Burnham

The tangerine striped pillows were an inspirational starting point for our project, Mercer Square.  We loved the pop of color with the other natural earth tones in the rest of the space.

Please share your favorite tangerine moments.  Whether its a sunset, favorite consumption, object, or space we would love to know what it is.  Cheers to tangerine!

Photos from Washington post, Burnham design, and beautiful things to share.

Kay on Non-Conformity. Architecture. German Village

When Cheryl assigned the task to blog about what inspires us, I thought it was going to be a daunting task. Most of us are inspired by so many things on a daily basis - how do you pick just one? For me, it is nature, my children, a particularly well-thought-out line of prose or verse, a multitude of colors, art in all of its forms, and even Cheryl herself, who leads by example. But then, I went past one of my favorite houses while walking to work - the white painted brick one. It stands out proudly amidst a sea of red brick in German Village. I love the non-conformity of it, and that's when the little rebel inside of me clapped and said, "That's what you're going to write about"! Non-conformity. Architecture. German Village.

I lived in New Albany for over 2 decades, so I witnessed its transformation from quirky little 2-stoplight town with the grain mill and Dairy Creme, to an upscale city with cookie-cutter homes and brick Georgian architectural conformity. No I.M. Pei or Frank Lloyd Wright welcomed there! Then I moved to German Village. There's lots of brick here, too, but individuality reigns.

not your usual lawn ornament - love it!

reminds me so much of Europe

love this bright orange porch swing!

The diversity of the people who inhabit this unique part of Columbus is allowed to shine through in their homes. How much more personal than that can you get? I'm always inspired by those living an authentic life and not one that mirrors their neighbors. Non-conformity allows you to live without restrictions while simultaneously respecting the uniqueness of those who dwell and work around you. What actually gives German Village its sense of community is the fact that so many of its residents dare to live creatively.

For me, the companion to non-conformity is imperfection, a concept lovingly embraced by the ancient Japanese art of wabi-sabi. It shows us that authentic living is found in seeing the beauty of imperfection while acknowledging the value of worn, yet timeless pieces - of truly seeing just how exquisite ordinary items can be. I think this concept also translates well into architecture and German Village is a shining example. With its well worn brick streets and historical homes of every architectural style, German Village embraces its imperfections.

Non-conformity and wabi-sabi inspire me to live true to myself and

German Village is a great place in which to do it.

What inspires Luis?

Hello World! I'm next in line in Crimson Design's "what inspires you" marathon. I can think of many things that can send me into inspiration mode, but I've spun the wheel in my brain and have landed on a heavy hitter.

Travel. Oui, that's right.
It runs in my veins and has become a non-negotiable activity in my lifetime. Call me crazy but I love to be in a foreign country where I don't speak the language or where I don't know anyone. It's great to be taken out of your little comfort zone and be catapulted into the unknown. I guess that's why I love travel so much. It exposes you for who you really are...the good, the bad...you get it.

Travel would not be the same without everything that comes with it. In other words, sensory overload is to be expected. This is what truly inspires me, the colors, the smells, the noises.

Whether you're exploring the ornate gold of the Topkapi Palace, or the crazy open-air meat(fresh or almost fresh) market in West Africa, or entering the Ralph Lauren store in St. Germain, Paris, you're bound to have an experience of a lifetime.

It is my hope that even as you read this you become inspired! Inspired to go explore. My advice? Don't stop till you drop! There's a world out there! Take time to pop in somewhere and say "hello".

-Luis Stauffer

What Inspires Me (Stephanie)?

As a designer I get to see lots of beautiful things every day...one of the perks of this career! From beautiful fabrics and wallpapers to amazing furniture and accessories...and really so much more. It is these beautiful things that I get to see on a day to day basis that truly inspire me as a designer.

What I want to share with all of you are the most recent things I've seen in new spring fabric/wallpaper collections and product shows...all of which are currently hanging above my desk on my inspiration board. It's a great place for me to look when I need a little creative

pick-me-up. And, for all you animal lovers out there, well you're in luck! The current theme of my inspiration board is all about animals!

Here are just a few of the amazing animal finds I've come across recently...

Osborne and Little

http://www.osborneandlittle.com/

Grand Tour Collection

Best In Show

Wallpaper

Keep it classic with black and white,

Elegant with the metallic tone on tone, or...

Mix it up with the blue and purple color way!

Great for adding personality and impact to any space of a dog lover!

Porta Romana Lighting
http://www.portaromana.co.uk/north-america/index.php

Giraffe Lamp
This stunning giraffe lamp will immediately give character to any space. Add an interesting piece like this to your foyer or living room and instantly create conversation.

Stray Dog Designs
http://www.straydogdesigns.com/

Bird Stool/Accent Table These darling pieces can act as a stool or table! Nestle one beside a favorite chair to hold your cup of tea and book. Or, tuck one (or even two) under a console table to add interest in an unused space and pull out and use as seating when entertaining.

Roost
http://www.roostco.com/about.html

Dachshund Oil & Vinegar and Salt and Pepper

Dachshund inspired kitchen and table accessories with fun and functionality built right in! The playfulness of these pieces will be sure to make anyone smile :)

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For those of you who would like to see what inspires a designer feel free to stop in to Crimson Design Group and check out my inspiration board!