We always have a special place in our hearts for anyone who loves the printed word, so I was immediately drawn to Denise Fiedler’s illustrations. In her former careers, Denise was an interior designer and retail store designer in Chicago, and in charge of the Marimekko line at Crate and Barrel in Boston before following her heart to San Francisco. (Another reason we love her!) Her latest endeavor, Paste, is focused on representing things she loves through cut paper. Denise’s work highlights sets of objects—for example a line of chairs, animals, food, and fashion. And each pieces is unique; the pieces she sells aren’t prints of the originals. She hand crafts each to order, and owning an original is surprisingly affordable.
{Images via Paste}
This past holiday season, one of the best gifts I received was a Patch NYC candle. I love the votive label and accompanying matchbook, both of which feature Don Carney’s signature line drawings. As I was admiring the candle last night, I was reminded of the collaboration between Patch NYC and Astier de Villatte.
To create the collection—which includes ceramic serving pieces and notebooks—Carney and fellow Patch NYC designer John Ross spent time in Paris working with the talented team at the venerable French firm. In addition to re-interpreting classic shapes, they developed new silhouettes that were inspired by crests and shields. The pieces are available at the Patch NYC shop in Boston’s South End, as well as other specialty stores worldwide.
{ Photos from Patch NYC }
Last week I was dreaming of a Southern California getaway, and so Friday I hopped in the car and headed out of town. I didn’t make it quite as far as The Saguaro—and also didn’t get to enjoy any balmy weather (it was 30° both mornings!)—but I did hit some great Los Angeles spots. If you’re planning to visit LA, I’d recommend making time for OK Store.
There are two locations, the first store near the Beverly Center, and a newer location in the Silver Lake neighborhood. My favorite items were kitchen goods, but that’s what I always gravitate toward. The mix of objects, selected by proprietor Larry Schaffer, was a combination of beautiful and functional. I was tempted by the timeless Dansk peppermill as well as the quirky collection of bottle openers, but the thing I kept coming back to was the Yanagi colander and bowl set which seems like the perfect vessel for freshly washed summer fruit. And if kitchen goods aren’t your favorite category, there are also great office tools and supplies, a pretty collection of jewelry, well-designed kids toys, and much more.
Starting with a blank slate and a grand plan is one of my favorite parts of the beginning of each new year. I love making lists and resolutions, and planning projects to accomplish. It feels so freeing and full of possibility to leave the old behind and start out on a new project. (I also love that we get to do this four times during the year, each time we start a new issue of Anthology.) In the last week or two, I’ve been particularly inspired by some of the projects I’ve seen others undertaking as 2013 has gotten underway as well.
One of our favorite illustrators, Lisa Congdon, teamed up with writer Maria Popova for a project I’m sure I’ll be watching all through 2013. Each Monday the pair is featuring a particularly inspiring female from history with an illustrated portrait and quote by Lisa, and short biographical essay by Maria. They’re selecting trailblazers who have shaped the world through their contributions and fearless spirits. The combination of the incredible illustrations, the sentiment of these women, and the interesting history lesson is perfectly packaged. I might make it a resolution to visit The Reconstructionists every Monday as an inspired way to start my week.
{Illustrations by Lisa Congdon via The Reconstructionists}
As Alexis mentioned on Monday, the Anthology team kicked off the new year with a little retreat in Yountville, California. In addition to Bouchon Bakery, a gastronomical highlight of our trip was dinner at Redd Wood. But I was as impressed with the interior design as I was with the food! The talented designer behind it? Erin Martin. (Redd Wood’s gigantic dome-shaped light fixture, pictured above, is a buoy that has been cut in half and spray-painted.)
I’ve been a fan of Martin’s work for some time now, having seen her work at various San Francisco showhouse events over the years. And every time I’m in St. Helena, I pop into her shop and marvel at the cool furnishings and accessories. Her portfolio includes so many gorgeous spaces; the following are just some of my favorites.
{ Residential photos from Erin Martin Design }
