City that never sleeps

Next week I am off to NYC for a fast and furious shop.  Stephanie and I are off to work at the New York Design Center for a few days and than meet up with a client.  In order to bring the best designs and stay fresh on new products and fabrics we visit NYC.  I am still amazed that through out all my travels, New York, is still my all time favorite city.  The diversity, culture, and talent always inspire me to be a better designer.  I hope to share with you some of my experiences from design, shopping, to amazing food. 

A visit to 5th Avenue and Bergdorf is always on the list

Stay tuned for more posts on New York.

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.

Thank you, Alive

A big thank you to Jackie Mantey and Jodi Miller from "The Alive" for visiting us at the new "Crimson." We have had a fantastic first month since our opening and have enjoyed some local press on the new space. I am so excited to bring you more in the next few weeks as we have lots of exciting things in the mix.

My new obsession is this green color!

Brian Coovert is the talent behind these floral creations, who personally gives me such inspiration. I can't tell you how much joy I get when I walk through the front door of our new space and see all of these beautiful flowers. How can your work environment get any better when you are surrounded by the beauty and aroma of fresh flowers.

We would love to have you visit us on your next trip downtown Columbus. We are tucked away in the quaint alley of Pearl street.

To read the full article visit The Alive

Article written by Jackie Mantey and photos by Jodi Miller

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!

What inspires Crimson Design

I have been blessed to work with an amazing team here at, Crimson Design Group. Everyday I count my blessings and the honor that I have to be surrounded with such peers and friends. I would love to have all of you get to know them better and find out what they are passionate about. I have asked all of the team members of Crimson Design to write and share what inspires them. This week we will be featuring each of them. Please stay tuned and find out more about what happens in our office everyday as we are working on so many fun projects.