Before you go:

- Marfa's weekend is Monday and Tuesday so plan your trip accordingly. If you happen to be there on a Monday or Tuesday, take a side trip to Alpine and/or Marathon.

- It takes 3 hours to drive to Marfa from the closest commercial airport. Midland Airport is closer to east coast destinations but driving from El Paso Airport passes by Prada Marfa Installation.

- Don't go with high expectations for cell phone service or Wi-Fi connectivity. Some establishments have free Wi-Fi, but everything is spotty at best.

Places to stay:

Marfa is also not someplace that you visit for a fabulous hotel experience. There are places to stay that are livable, but each has their pros/cons. Here are 3 options:

Hotel Paisano was built in the 1930s. The Spanish Revival architecture is beautiful, especially the lobby and courtyard. It's easy to imagine James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor staying there when they filmed the movie Giant. The only thing is, and this is a big only, working at a bedding company doesn't make it easy to stay in hotels with less than comfortable beds with scratchy poly-blend bedding. Even my happy-go-lucky husband mentioned that the bed was a little seedy. But it is…historical?

Thunderbird Hotel is an revamped and updated 50s roadside motel. The rooms are pretty bare bones overall but have some luxury details that make it worthwhile – great, soft 100% cotton sheets and Malin & Goetz toiletries are nice touches. But don't expect friendliness from the hipster staff or working Wi-Fi.

El Cosmico is campground meets Ace Hotel. Instead of traditional "rooms" the choice of accommodations is from a stylish mix of yurts, VW buses and airstream trailers. The gift shop is great but ultimately we decided not to stay because for almost the same price we could have running water at Thunderbird.

Things to do:

Judd. Chinati. Art. Eat. Repeat. That is basically anyone's itinerary in Marfa.

The Judd Foundation "The Block" tour is really good. When Donald Judd moved down to Marfa in the 70s he ended up snapping up a bunch of property and created his own live/work space that spanned a city block. The tour is of his house, studio and library.

The Chinati Foundation was formerly funded by Dia until the 80s when Judd and Dia parted ways. Donald Judd used Dia's funds to amass 340 acres of land to execute his vision of monumental minimalist land works and promote artists he believed in like Dan Flavin and John Chamberlain. For those who suffer from "museum fatigue" and get bored easily, the shorter "Selections Tour" is fine.

Marfa itself is full of contemporary art galleries. Most have sort of unpredictable hours but they are all good and interesting. We liked Exhibitions 2d the best because the owner, Dennis Dickinson, is passionate about the artists he represents.

Where to Eat:

There are a handful of places to eat, we didn’t have a bad meal the whole time.

Cochineal topped our list. They are actually transplanted New Yorkers who used to own a restaurant on the Upper West Side.

Fat Lyles is a food truck (yes, even Far West Texas has not escaped the food truck craze) right across from El Cosmico. Most people who go to Marfa rave about the Food Shark but we loved the Brusselsprout Haystack – a delicious mess of crisp brussel sprouts, crumbled blue cheese on top of a bunch of french fries. It's a flavor explosion.

Art, memorable hotels and flavorful food are the cornerstones of a good vacation, and Marfa was the perfect spring getaway.

Spotted in the video - Sonia Floral Marine Duvet.

Kay speaks about pulling inspiration from art, history and the world around her. Here in the studio, she surrounds herself with images of everything from current fashion shows, classic interiors and ancient tapestries.

Get inspired, watch the video>

Image via DwellStudio Instagram

The Pouf offers easy, flexible seating – “it’s a little bit of a chair and a little bit of an ottoman,” says one of our designers. Arranged around a coffee table they are the perfect casual seating; add a tray and it’s a table, place one next to your favorite chair as an unexpected footrest.

The chicest layer for indoors and out, our Marrakech Cocoa and Braided Wool Poufs fit with any palette. Decorate with our Stripe Lemon or Souk Melon for a summery pop of color all year round.

Shop all Poufs>

Read more for Michelle’s tips and tenants>

What are you up to this weekend? We're looking forward to seeing the new Matisse show - In search of True Painting - at the Met.

This show is a bit different than a normal artist retrospective. The curator placed several variations of Matisse's paintings side by side, so that we - the viewers - can examine the detailed differences ourselves.

Matisse was obsessive about reworking his paintings - he often revised them again and again.

He tested different techniques like painting dark colors over bright ones to create a soft underglow, or playing with varying styles of brushstrokes to produce interesting textures.

About his meticulous nature, Matisse said he wanted to "push further and deeper into true painting."

We love that for Matisse, the process of creation was just as important as the finished canvas.

We're looking forward to letting our eyes linger over each piece and trying to spy all the intricate variations and tonal nuances in his work!

Images via The New York Times and Vogue.

Who are your favorite pinners? We would LOVE to know!

We can't wait to examine Sophie's elaborate tucks and pleats, impeccable embroidery and whimsical embellishments up close. This ultra attention to quality and construction is so important to remember in a time when so much focus is on instant-gratification of fashion.

In 1929, Sophie took over as the director of Saks' Salon Moderne, an exclusive haute couture boutique inside the department store that introduced brands like Balenciaga, Vionnet, and Schiaparelli to the states.

In the 1940s, Sophie began selling her own couture designs in the salon. She became known for her ultra-feminine clothing with giant skirts, lots of tulle and a romantic silhouette.

Sophie helped dress many notable women including Marlene Dietrich, Rose Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson. In addition she coordinated and organized one of the first showings of American fashion in the 1940s, which morphed into our modern-day Fashion Week.

An intimate fashion show in the Saks Salon.

“Gimbel was an outspoken champion of American fashion,” said Beth Dincuff Charleston, who also curates the Parsons Fashion Archives, which houses the school’s collection of Gimbel garments as well as nearly 10,000 other works that represent a range of styles, time periods and countries.

She helped to popularized many wardrobe staples like bolero jackets, culottes, beaded sweaters paired with ball gowns, and sari dresses.

Sophie helped to lead the American Couture movement during her tenure at the Salon Moderne from the 1930s until its closing in 1969.

A wedding dress created for Saks Fifth Avenue by Sophie that was featured in Vogue.

The exhibition features several garments from the Parsons Fashion Archive that were laboriously crafted by highly skilled artisans who worked in the Salon Moderne workroom

These dresses, gowns and suits showcase Sophie's love of employing delicate techniques like cutting, patternmaking, draping, construction and fitting as well as her use of luxury fabrics and rich color palettes.

We can't wait to check out this stunning show. What are you doing this weekend? We would LOVE to know!

(Images via The Unsewn, Lolly Koon, Parsons and Google.)

For all things cutting-edge culture Nowness rules.

Our senior designer Jenn is obsessed with Sight Unseen for the coolest studio visits.

To satisfy our thirst for all things French (and those amazing fashion illustrations) we turn to Garance Dore.

For beautiful interiors and on-the-road views from Peggy's travels On Blue Pool Road is endlessly inspiring.

For the most artful interiors, we love For Pilar.

When we're in need of a little masculine haberdashery you'll find our design department browsing Mr. Porter's Journal.

And of course for closet envy we adore The Coveteur.

We love daydreaming about the beautiful spaces captured by The Brick House.

Can't get enough of the aesthetic musings from I'm Revolting.

We turn to Miss Moss for everything from food to fashion to house tours.

We adore the whimsical fashion and home-inspo guides from Penny Weight.

Totally obsessed with the dreamy interviews and house tours on Tales of Endearment.

Who are you loving right now? We would LOVE to know!

Dorothy Draper is absolutely one of the most influential American designers. She is also the muse for many of our current design celebrities. Philippe Stark has riffed off of her Neo-Baroque touches and Kelly Werstler is heavily influenced by her style. We have also paid homage to this great lady and her genius use of stripes with our aptly named Draper Stripe – I have always loved her use of regular stripes as décor.

My favorite Draper space is the floor of the Chrystal Room corridor from the Greenbrier Hotel – a Draper masterpiece.

Love the graphic paint and pops of Kelly Green and Fuchsia here.

Adore the grand lobby of the Quitandinha in Brazil.

Dorothy was modern before all of us. She reinterpreted the classics with bold scale and color. Her interiors were dramatic, cool and not at all what you would expect from a lady who favored a hat with a veil.

All images via Caleton Varney's wonderful book: In the Pink - Dorothy Draper ]]> Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:41:01 +0000 http://www.dwellstudio.com/blog/architecture-world/ We found the most amazing Pinterest board this week - it's filled with stunning images of modern architecture from around the world. Like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which it the tallest building in the world, Zaha Hadid's futuristic Roca Gallery in London and the Studio Gang Architects' Solar Carve Tower in New York. We are completely obsessed!

Who are your favorite pinners? We would love to know!

P.S. Follow us on Pinterest to see what's inspiring our designers.

Denmark: the Danes love to leap off chairs at midnight, hoping to ban all bad spirits in the new year. They also celebrating the new year by breaking dishes. People throw their old dishes on their friends’ doors on New Years and the one with the most dishes outside their door, usually has the most friends.

At midnight in Spain everyone consumes 12 grapes and tries to finish all of them by the time the clock stops chiming.

On New Year's Eve in Puerto Rico everyone throes buckets of water out the window to “clean” the old year out. They also clean their homes and decorate them, to symbolize the “cleaning” of the spirit.

In Belarus, unmarried women compete in games of skill to determine who will get married first in the new year. One game involves setting piles of corn and a rooster before each of the single ladies. Whichever pile the bird approaches first, is believed to be the one who is to be married first.

In South America everyone wears brightly colored underpants. Those who wear red, are hoping for love in the new year. Those who chose to wear yellow, are wishing for money.

So how will you celebrate New Year's? We would love to hear on Facebook!

Meet Anna...

What’s your 9-to-5?

I am a graphic designer and lifestyle blogger, which is a creative mind’s dream. I get to try a little bit of everything. Styling, branding, event design, etc. I am a mom of two little ones and work from home. It’s a learning process of being able to be present to them and get my work done as well. Its fun to see their personalities grow and their own creative side develop.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in Ohio- the Cincinnati and Columbus area, and started college there as well. After my family moved down south, I followed, and the weather sucks you in and doesn’t let you leave!

Where do you live now?

We live in the north Atlanta area. It’s a beautiful part of Georgia where the mountains are to the north of us, and the city right below us.

What’s your decorating style?

I tend to lean towards modern eclectic design. However, since marrying my husband, I have noticed his classic style influencing me more and more.

Tell us about your Modern Thanksgiving board.

I noticed touches of gold creeping their way into many of the pins. I also love natural touches. Evergreen sprigs, pears, and driftwood. Making your guests feel at home with personal touches, adding a little fun to the environment with holiday drinks and appetizers, and of course enjoying each other’s company. This is the overall theme of the board!

Any tips for holiday entertaining?

I have to confess I have hosted many parties, but never a thanksgiving dinner until this year! It will be my first time hosting. I think its important to make the surroundings come alive. Music, good food and drinks, and even just a little decor can do the trick.

How about styling the holiday table? Any good tricks?

If you have one or two elements that tie everything together you can have a little more freedom to mix colors and textures. I realize I kind of style the table in layers. I always start with an inspiration piece and go from there.

What’s your favorite DwellStudio product? How does it fit into your décor plan?

The gold ribbon vases. That is what I call an inspiration piece to make a whole table set up out of.

What are the 3 things you cannot live without?

Well not counting my husband and children (a given!): Music, Sense of humor, and a GPS.

Any go-to host gifts?

I recently bought a pumpkin bread mix and apple butter combo wrapped up nicely for a hostess gift. It’s a fun alternative to a bottle of vino!

Images courtesy of In Honor of Design.

Meet Lindsay!

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from the Pacific Northwest (the Seattle/Tacoma area).

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Eastside Costa Mesa, California.

What’s your decorating style?

I would describe my style as modern with odes to mid-century modern throughout. I love a graphic black and white palette accented with warm, organic wood and hits of bright colors (like DwellStudio citrine!).

Tell us about your Modern Thanksgiving board.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and be thankful for our blessings—a perfect opportunity to balance some more formal, traditional pieces with approachable, comfortable items. I want to include some earthenware items juxtaposed with splashes of gold and sparkle, raw wood paired with high-gloss shine.

Any go-to host gifts?

I am a big fan of plants; flowers die, but the plant can be kept for years. I love succulents specifically, as they require little watering and care. I’ll choose to personalize the gift to the recipient through selecting the right planter or adding a cute tag or garden marker.

Any tips for holiday entertaining?

I’m a planner; I like to have most of the items completed or delegated prior to the event, however, I try to remember to give myself grace during the event. I want to spend quality time with my guests, not be stressing over the preparation or presentation of the next dish.

What’s your favorite DwellStudio product? How does it fit into your décor plan?

I have been on the hunt for the right artwork for our apartment; I have framed pieces and some canvases and prints, but I’ve been oogling over the Folded Brass Wall Décor piece. I love it’s layered, graphic shapes in the sculptured brass.

How about styling the holiday table? Any good tricks?

A simple centerpiece. With all the dinnerware and decadent food for Thanksgiving, I like to keep the centerpieces low to avoid visual barriers between guests. A few small pieces down the center should do it—just mix a few votives with small, simple florals or pumpkins and voilà!.

What are the 3 things you cannot live without?

Being a graphic designer my iphone and mac are pretty high on that list, a great lip balm/lipstick, and my precious (and crazy) German Shorthaired Pointer, Hazel.

What’s inspiring you right now?

Textures. I’m so inspired by a mix of textures and how they interplay with one another both in visual and tactile qualities.

A glowing Halloween vignette via The Zhush.

This slouchy, oversized knit via Eat.Sleep.Wear is the perfect shade of mustard for a chilly Halloween night!

The auburns, purples and burnt tones in this Vanessa Paradis image has us dreaming about a bohemian Halloween. Image via Vintage Virgin.

And we're loving the Victorian feel of this gorgeous floral setup via Ruffled

What are your Halloween plans? We would love to know!

P.S. make sure to stop by our Urban Tag Sale next Saturday to hang and shop with Jessica and Danielle of Decorative Traces!

P.S. Today is the last day of our Upholstery Event! Shop the sale >

This season our design team looked to the innovative designs of artist Josef Albers. His clean geometric compositions and color theories were central elements of the Bauhaus design movement. Our team was especially inspired by Albers' Homage to the Square series and his graphic posters from the 1950s and 60s.

Don't you love all the bold colors and graphic lines of Albers' work? We pulled these images straight from our design team's inspiration files!

Image credit (clockwise from top left) Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

His designs even inspired our Frame Rugs and Concentric Square Throws from our new fall collection. Who inspires you? We would love to know!

Shop our Modern Neutrals color story >

A true icon, this mistress of fashion didn't begin her career until she was in her late 30s. She began her foray into the magazine world by writing a humorous column for Harper's Bazaar; she then moved on to take the helm at Vogue. Where it didn't take long for her to transform the magazine's editorials into aspirational look books of edgy glamour. She even re-invented herself post-Vogue by revolunitazing the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This film is sure to be filled with provokative and dazzling anectodtes about Vreeland's life à la mode. We can't wait! What are you doing this weekend? We would love to know!

Our design team developed the Tubular Burst Sculpture based on the elements of our popular Tubular Burst Objet. Its geometric silhouette comes from the modernist qualities of Mid-Century American sculpture and architecture. Asymmetrical proportions, spiky details, handcrafted construction and flashes of gold—this piece will infuse any room with a dose of drama.

Images (clockwise from top left): Our Tubular Burst Objet, Philip Johnson structure, Josiah Mcelheny's Island Universe at ICA in Boston, Ray and Charles Eames molded ply sculpture.

Add a little luxury to your home... shop our newest collection of decorative accessories >

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Born in Hungary in 1906, Eva cultivated a passion for ceramics at an early age, and she maintained her creative drive throughout her prolific career. A consumate artist, Eva constantly sought to challenge and provoke the idea of modern design and beauty. Her pieces are classics in museums throughout the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

One of her most iconic pieces is this salt + pepper set. Doesn't it look like two people embracing?

Another famous design—her belly-button wall dividers are part of the decor in the lobby of the Standard Hotel in LA.

Her book The Magic Language of Things is a DwellStudio library favorite. Our designers love pouring over the pages filled with Eva's words, designs and inspirations. One of our favorite quotes from Eva on design is, "I have always thought of my own work as a link between the past and the future, not as a break or departure from past styles."

Our new Eva Pillows (named for Zeisel!) from our Fall Collection were inspired by the shapely contours and undulating shadows that are so prevalent in Eva's work.

We're inspired by... Eva Zeisel! Who are you inspired by right now?

P.S. Stay in touch with us...

on Facebook

on Twitter

on Instagram

on Pinterest

and Tumblr

P.S. Need a home makeover this fall? Enter our Update Your Space Sweepstakes for a chance to win $5,000 in DwellStudio product!

From our Facebook post, we adore the use of childhood sketches and bold graphics in this room via Lonny Magazine.

Personal photos set in chic frames make a sweet gallery wall for the nursery via A Cup of Jo.

Op-art contrasts with horizontal stripes and comic book prints via Martha Angus.

Tradition with a twist in this modern kids' room combines velvety, tufted headboards, Italian Renaissance-style paintings and childhood sketches. Image via Nuevo Estilo.

And one from our files... at DwellStudio we love to mix our animal heads, graphic prints and kids' illustrations for an inspiring gallery wall escape! (P.S. this image is a sneak peek of our new kids' bedding).

Start curating a gallery wall for your little one with our collection of statement-making artwork available in The Art Shop >

Who are some of your favorite pinners? We would love to know!

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A Striped Sensation from the Coveteur

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Brightly Hued with Bonnie Tsang

P.S. Have you entered our Update Your Space Sweepstakes for a chance to win $5,000 in DwellStudio product!

Channel natural elements with organic forms. Image via Let Me Be Inspired

Play with dramatic proportions to make a modern sculpture statement like this living room via The Brick House.

Dress up the modern dining room with an elegant chandelier a la Kate and Andy Spade via The Selby.

Layer metallic lamps into a darkly hued room for tonal contrasts. Image via Rue Magazine.

See our full collection of modern lighting options and view more of our favorite ways to layer with lighting on Pinterest >

Who are some of your favorite pinners? We would love to know!

Sneak Peek Answer: It's the image at the top right corner. Stay tuned for our newest DwellStudio for Robert Allen collection debuting this fall!

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Painterly butterflies mix perfectly with graphic bedding. Image via Pinterest.

A palette of neutrals and muted blues has us cooing over this striped ceiling. Image via Design*Sponge.

Playful proportions, layers of texture and geometric wallpaper give this room a sophisticated carnival feel. Image via DosFamily.

Soothing blues and whimical aviary wallpaper via The New York Times.

Rouge and elegant in this nursery spotted via the Jennifer Reynolds Interiors blog.

A plush menagerie accentuated by muli-colored stripes, spotted on Row House Nest.

See more wallpaper inspirations on Pinterest and check out our debut collection of wallpaper for the kids' room.

(Karen in her Vermont-based studio.)

How did you become a toy designer?

The idea to design toys came rather suddenly although now it seems like quite a logical development. I majored in studio art at Oberlin College and received a Masters Degree in Early Childhood at Bank Street College of Education, so my passion for art/design and my interest in child development and the importance of children’s play was a perfect fit. The aha moment occurred soon after graduate school when I was teaching pre-kindergarten in the NYC public schools. I stumbled across an exhibition catalog “Play Orbit” from the ICA gallery in London and I thought—that’s it—I can combine my passion for art and play by designing toys.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

My inspiration comes from many sources but observing children at play would have to be the primary one. I have spent untold hours watching children of all ages play with both with natural materials and with toys. I have a good sense of what sustains a child's interest and imagination. I also continue to spend time in art museums and galleries looking at both historical and contemporary art, architecture and design objects. In order to design toys, you need to understand the history. I have curated several exhibitions on the history of “education toys” and more specifically on the history of building toys. This involved spending time researching and examining toys from many different time periods that I am sure has influenced my designs. I am always on the look out for interesting materials that may inspire new designs. However, I am very conscious of the limits and challenges posed by issues of safety.

Do you have any favorites from your line?

I do not really have a favorite toy. I like what children create with my designs as much as the designs themselves. I enjoy working with limits. The Arcobaleno has a limited number of pieces with unusual beveled edge shape that stimulate creative thinking.

I love working with color. Coloratura plays with a variety of colors but is based on color theory, and that continues to interest me. My favorite toys are the ones that I see children drawn to and that provoke them to create amazing structures—that always surprise me.

What are your hobbies?

I love to cook and to dig in the dirt, and I have a large garden in Vermont which I enjoy all summer but also put enough away in the freezer to enjoy during the long Vermont winters. I have a passion for the Italian language and literature and I been studying it, on and off for a number of years. It is also helpful since I am the US distributor for the books from Reggio Children in Reggio Emilia, Italy and travel to Italy at least once a year. My favorite city haunts are art museums, galleries and book stores.

How do the toys a child plays with influence the way they think?

Everything children play with or encounters have some influence on the way they think. In the exhibit, “Educational Toys in America:1800 to the Present” we came to the conclusion that everything – every toy was “educational” in the sense that a child took something from the experience. What they took and what value it had is another question. If one thinks (as I do) that it is vital for children to be able to use their imagination and to think creatively, then toys that are open-ended – toys with loose parts and no scripts – are the kinds of toys that children should have.

(L: Karen surrounded by her first collection of Learning Materials. R: Leading a workshop at the Whitney.)

Tell us about your involvement with MoMA’s “Century of the Child” exhibit?

I was asked by the Department of Education at MoMA to participate in an interactive studio space to be held in conjunction with “The Century of the Child” exhibit. This will involve designing an interactive installation using my toys with the emphasis on creative play as well as leading two, participatory workshops. The MoMA Studio will open on September 24.

The infamous banana leaf pattern at Indochine.

Gio Ponti’s maritime mosaics at the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Sorrento, Italy

Daring , fiery and baroque... Diana Vreeland's Billy Baldwin-designed red living room on Park Avenue.

The haute glamour of Kelly Wearstler's interiors at the Viceroy Hotel in Palm Springs.

Colorful, vibrant and botanical, Josef Frank wallpaper makes the kitchen bright and cheerful.

See our new collection of wallpaper>

Shop our summer entertaining essentials >

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Christian'e Summertime Lunch in Amagansett

A Striped Sensation from The Coveteur]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:33:22 +0000 http://www.dwellstudio.com/blog/a-striped-sensation-from-the-coveteur/ Breton shirts, Picasso candids, Sea-faring Nauticals and Zebras, circa Vaudeville. We’re drooling over The Coveteur’s Seeing Stripes board on Pinterest. This Parisian-girl staple has inspired many of our favorite textiles for summer from our Draper Stripe Rugs to our Graphic Stripe Duvet Sets. Stripes are a true summertime classic!

We’ve been huge fans of The Coveteur’s swoon-inducing blog for a long time. (Those fashion-insider shots are too cool!) But we just discovered their lust-worthy Pinterest page—pinned to the hilt with style icons, colorful creations and mad-cap artwork. Who are your favorite of the moment pinners?

Related Posts:

Across the Board

A Summer Must - Shakespeare in the Park

A Beach-Side Lunch in Amagansett

Last week we had a chance to see As You Like It with live bluegrass written by Steve Martin! The show was incredible and seeing theater outside only enhanced the performance. Tickets can be hard to come by, but it's more than worth the effort! What are some of your favorite summertime activities in the city?

Plus check out the things Christiane can't live without this summer>.

Steven Alan's Must Haves

Q: Reading anything good right now?

A: Still not finished with the Jobs Biography, and I’m currently getting a lot of inspiration for my Spring 2013 line.

Q: What iphone apps can you not live without?

A: Uber- for car rentals, I use maps all the time, TripIt, Flipboard, Snapette, Pinterest, Svpply, Instagram, Evernote.

Q: Favorite Steven Alan item?

A: Any of my shirts.

Q: Favorite DwellStudio item?

A: The Zebra head wall mount.

Q: What is your sport of choice?

A: Tennis.

Joshua Young’s Must Haves

Q: Reading anything good right now?

A: Would love to cite something brilliant and literary, but I must admit I am deep into book two of the Hunger Games trilogy, and it’s a great read.

Q: What iphone apps can you not live without?

A: Sonos at home, Shazam when I’m out and cannot for the life of me remember that tune, and WindAlert when its kiteboarding season.

Q: Favorite Steven Alan item?

A: Oliver Suit Jacket.

Q: Favorite DwellStudio item?

A: Hans Leather Chair.

Q: What is your sport of choice?

A: On my own, kiteboarding. With my kids, skiing and tennis.

Using light to illuminate a citrine moment... via The Selby.

Rich jewel-toned citrine in the living room... via The Glamourai.

A subtle corner filled with citrine accents adds dimension to this grey-themed space... via SF Girl by Bay.

Sun-washed in citrine elegance... via ECLECchic.

A farm table made bright with yellow chairs... via 79ideas.

Plus make sure you check out our Memorial Day sale... we're offering 20% off, site wide. Have a lovely long weekend!

Shop all our citrine products>

P.S. Do you remember this How You Dwell with MStetson!?! All those pops of yellow... so chic!

(Image credit from top left: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7, Image 8, Image 9)

Michelle Williams

We love seeing all the street style snaps of Michelle cruising around Brooklyn holding hands with her equally chic daughter.

Jessica Alba

Jessica always looks city savvy when she out and about. She really nails the whole effortless-chic vibe.

Keri Russell

We love Keri's laid-back cool style--she always looks happy and put together while strolling around Brooklyn.

Image credit from top: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3.

p.s. check out all of our StyleSquared moms HERE>

Kate Moss

Ever the chicest in her super laid back street style Kate always makes us swoon.

Jane Birkin

If you follow us on Pinterest than you already know that we're obsessed with this Mod muse.

Natalia Vodianova

This Russian beauty manages to stay forever gorgeous even when walking the streets of fashion week with her full brood in tow.

Vanessa Paradis

We've professed our love for Vanessa's je ne sais quoi on Pinterest and we're doing it again here. Plus she's got that amazing little gap that only a French girl can pull off!

Image credit from top: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, , Image 4.]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 16:21:40 +0000 http://www.dwellstudio.com/blog/style-squared-cool-moms-entrepreneurs/ In honor of Mother's Day and our first Pinterest contest—Style/Squared—we've been celebrating stylish moms we love! Today we honing in on our favorite entrepreneurs!

Kate Spade

Kate Spade is another chic lady at the head of her own company. Kate knows a thing or two about mixing patterns and using bright colors. We adore her playful spirit!

Ariane Goldman

Our friends over at HATCH Collection have a pretty cool mom at the helm of their company—Ariane Goldman. She started her first company Two Birds to solve the age old problem of the disposable bridesmaids dress. Inspiration struck again while Ariane was pregnant—she launched HATCH—a chic line of maternity wear that can be worn whether preggers or not. We love this stylish problem-solving mom!

Tory Burch

She's built an empire based around her signature style, made affordable luxury cool and crafted the gold stardard in social media prowess. We love her entrepreneurial spirit and her effortlessly chic vibe.

Christiane Lemieux

Of course we have to include our own Christiane Lemieux in this list! Christiane founded DwellStudio in 1999 when she saw a gap in the world of modern home furnishings. With a bureau full of vibrant patterns, graphics and abstract re-interpretations of botanicals, Christiane built a business that continues to expand! (Did you know our flagship store opens in June!?).

Image credit from top: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

The first series you see when entering the gallery (Fixed Cycle) appears to be a flowering collage of cherry blossom trees but lean in—the trunks are industrial pipes and the pink buds are tiny toilets—such an interesting juxtaposition, don't you think!?!

We love how Opdyke's show forced us to interact with the artwork by stepping closer to discover the truth behind the pieces. It's such a good reminder that the things around us are not always what they seem. If you're in New York this month, stop by and see for yourself! The show runs through May 25th.

P.S. We spotted this really cool photo essay of the artist, David Opdyke, setting up his show...

Making of a New York gallery show - Images by Justin Lane

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

P.S. Make sure you're following @DwellStudio because you could be our next Pinterest Star!

1 - Madison Diaper Bag

2 - Knotted Trellis Sheet Set

3 - Deco Boarder Pillow

4 - Moroccan Tea Candle

5 - Pair of Metal Peacock

P.S. use code WELOVEMOM for free shipping! (expires this Friday)

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Here's a look at a few of our favorite pieces. Plus we uncovered some awesome archival photos of these artists hanging out in their studios. We love getting a little glimpse into their work spaces.

Deceptively minimal Agnes Martin worked almost exclusively in black and white. Her grid-like forms are a tight and orderly form of geometric abstraction.

Painting with wide and wild strokes, Franz Kline hewed towards the action side of expressionism. His work is dynamic and spontaneous and often draws references to abstractions of Japanese calligraphy.

Sol Le Witt saw himself as a architect of form. His geometric sculptures and drawings used basic shapes like quadrilaterals, spheres and triangles, and he often stuck to a simple color code of black and white.

Shop our debut line of artwork>

(Image credit clockwise from top left: image 1, image 2, image 3, image 4, image 5, image 6)

Clockwise from top - Black Dots Artwork, Ribbed Globe Vase, Diamond Cut Egg Vase, Colorfield Artwork, Lion Ink Pillow.

A few of our current inspirations...

crisp white orchids

Chanel’s black-and-white color blocking

the majestic stripes of Serengeti-grazing zebras

and abstract expressionist Franz Kline.

P.S. head to Pinterest to see more black-and-white musings.

(Image credit from top - image 1, image 2, image 3, image 4)

Shop Bedside Tables>

From our Spring Catalog interesting objets and a mini-library of books.

Bold and tribal via The Selby.

Lilly white flowers and silver accents instantly freshen via Winter Monroe.

A vintage vibe with antique crates via Design*Sponge.

Vintage valises feel so European via Song of Style.

Golden baubles and pretty pink florals via Twig Home.

Earthenware ceramics and blooming botanicals via Everything Fab.

Shop Artwork for the Kid's Room>

A chic painting for the nursery via The Glow

Crisp, blue and contemporary via Elle Decor

Grand and opulent via Seed Capsules

Big, bold and bright via The Selby

On creating a relaxed vibe while entertaining

I always try to involve friends and guests in the meal preparation. It’s tempting to plan the food to come out of the oven the minute they arrive, with a pre-set table and ice in the glasses, but this feels more formal and stiff to me. Most people enjoy having something to do while talking and catching up – it breaks the ice. We do this with our Kinfolk dinner series as well; everyone is given a task as they arrive (setting the table, opening wine, lighting candles) and it seems to immediately put them at ease as they help.

Springtime Dishes

The menu should definitely evolve with the seasons and reflect what is available at the time and the dishes that will feel appropriate. These are a few of my recent favorites that seem suitable for spring.

Shaved Fennel Salad

Blood Orange, Prosecco & Thyme Sorbet

Classic Pesto

Go-To Table Setting

Low glass tumblers, plain white or ivory cloth napkins, well-used candles, and sprigs of rosemary.

Current Literary Inspirations

I’ve been reading Bringing It to the Table by Wendell Berry as inspiration for our next volume of Kinfolk, as well as keeping up with a few of my favorite magazines: Smith Journal, Anthology, and Monocle.

And make sure to check out Kinfolk’s current issue—a beautiful tome on everyday entertaining!

Show us your salon wall style on Pinterest>

From Jason: Measure twice, nail once and don’t ever put a frame against the crown molding, corner of walls, etc.. No matter what is going on with interior spacing try to keep all outlying edges aligned for a clean perimeter.

From Ashley: Arrange on the floor first, take a photo, and use the toothpaste trick to hang photos.

From Leslie: Start from the bottom center and add up and out. It’s much easier than trying to lay it all out beforehand.

From @BirchandLily: Use thick (2”) painters tape around the edge of a frame to create the same amount of space between the frames.

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1 - Edward L Shaped Sectional
2 - Dunham Floor Lamp
3 - Deco Border Kelly Green Pillow
4 - Hans Leather Chair
5 - Facet Candleholder
6 - Franklin Media Cabinet
7 - Chelsea Stripe Rug
8 - Jean Baptiste Geometrics Artwork
9 - Curtis Table

1 - Octagonal Mirror
2 - Deco Floral Bronze Pillow
3 - Urchin Objet
4 - Chester Leather Sofa
5 - Gazelle Side Table
6 - Draper Stripe Rug
7 - Yates Lamp

During the early 1900's Martin and Osa Johnson set out to explore the uncharted African landscape. Documenting majestic wildlife, sweeping Serengeti scenery and vibrant tribal culture, Martin and Osa introduced the world to the splendor of Africa with their early nature films. Their documentaries ignited a fascination and hunger for adventure in the American consciousness. Chic tastemakers of the era romanticized the idea of a grand safari vacation. Suddenly taking expeditions through the African bush was en vogue! It's this notion of the 1920s Golden Age of Adventure that inspired our current crop of pillow patterns. Rich colorations, zebra motifs and art deco prints echo that trailblazing safari spirit!

Peep our designers' mood board for their visual narrative.

Images clockwise from top:

Rifle Paper Co.

The Selby

Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

Paris Hotel Boutique on Pinterest

British Vogue Archives

From the Undecorate outtakes

via Cindy Thompson on Pinterest

via Elaine Gaito on Pinterest

via Vogue

via Poppytalk

via The Brick House