I was introduced to the vibrant work of interior designer Kit Kemp years ago, when I stayed at the Covent Garden Hotel in London. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the rooms and/or restaurants at several other properties in the Firmdale Hotels group—which Kit and her husband, Tim, own. Every time, I find myself marveling at the colors and patterns that she brings to the spaces.
When I found out that Kit was releasing a book, A Living Space, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. I can’t believe it took me this long! (The book came out in October 2012.) Since its arrival earlier this week, I’ve been reading at least a chapter every night before bed. Which has led to dreams about my next trip to New York City or London—and staying at the Crosby Street Hotel or Sixteen. In the meantime, I’ll continue to peruse A Living Space for design inspiration!





{ Photos from A Living Space by Kit Kemp }
One of my all-time favorite Anthology stories has to be the “Conversation” with Amy Sedaris, which was published in Issue No. 7/Spring 2012. I’ve long admired the work of the actress, comedian, author, and crafter. Well, this month, Sedaris can add textile designer to her list of accomplishments. Her collaboration with Windham Fabrics—a collection called “I Like You” (also the name of her first book)—is now available.
Not surprisingly, the patterns are bold and a bit offbeat. I can totally picture using these designs to whip up some fun kitchen wares—such as aprons, potholders, and oven mitts.


Of course there had to be a gingham print in the collection. In the photo below of Sedaris in her NYC apartment, her fondness for the motif is evident!

{ Photos of Amy Sedaris by Todd Oldham for Anthology Magazine. Swatches from Windham Fabrics. }
by Alexis on December 21, 2012

{Image above via Ambrosia Girl}
With Christmas and Christmas Eve on Monday and Tuesday, this weekend feels like the real kick off for the holidays. And with the busy lead up, it seems like there hasn’t been much time for holiday crafting. So this weekend I’m planning to make a steaming mug of cocoa and work on a few projects I’ve bookmarked over the last month. I’m trying to decide exactly which to dedicate my time to—these five all seem worthy.
I’ve had my eye on the ombre ornaments above since Jenn at AmbrosiaGirl posted them this summer. (She’s clearly ahead of the game!) The instructions are straightforward and the transformation is amazing. Also in the tree decor category, these origami paper cube lights below by Amanda at Wit and Whistle are lovely. All you really need is a stack of typing paper and a holiday movie to watch. With plenty of wrapping still to do, this hand stamped wrapping paper is a timely project. While it seems late in season to attempt something like this greenery swag by Moon Canyon, it’s so pretty it’s still tempting. And last, I love the technique for making the snowflakes on these felt stockings by Purl Bee. I’m thinking the snowflakes could also be repurposed as ornaments. I hope you have some time to unwind and craft this weekend, too!

{Clockwise from top: Origami Paper Lights via Wit & Whistle; Hand Stamped Wrapping Paper via Poppytalk; Greenery Swag via Moon Canyon; Felt Stocking via Purl Bee}
A couple of months ago—right around the time we were releasing Issue No. 9—Kate posted about her love for designer Michele Varian’s shop. The entire Anthology team has actually been a fan of Michele’s for quite some time now (it’s on my list of must-visit places whenever I’m in Manhattan). So we were ecstatic to feature the loft that she shares with her musician husband, Brad Roberts, in Issue No. 9.
As usual, we couldn’t publish every single shot in the magazine. Here are some of the additional images of the couple’s home that we think are too good not to share! We hope you enjoy the photos—and if you’re in NYC’s SoHo neighborhood, be sure to stop by the Michele Varian store.



{ Photographs by Seth Smoot | Styling by Kendra Smoot }