Design Palate Finds At The New York International Gift Fair

So excited to tell you all about my first visit to the New York International Gift Fair this weekend! In addition to having an amazing time looking at all sorts of design candy--from home furnishings to fashion and accessories--I met with some of the most amazing and talented people. My best finds were in the Handmade Global Design division, which showcased artisan-made items from all over the world. Let's check them out, shall we? (P.S. if you click on the images, it will take you to more info about the product.)

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Amazing detail, don't you think? This vase, called the Three Leaf Fish Vase, was made by an artisan from San Juan de Oriente in Nicaragua and is showcased in the U.S. with the wonderful help of Chaka MarketBridge. I'll tell you more about that in another post!

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I love the colors of these woven textiles from India.

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LOVE! these pillows. Such beautiful craftsmanship by the talented women living in the rural communities near Tegucigalpa, Hondoruas. More on their story on another post too!

[caption id="attachment_989" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Photo by Michelle @ Design Palate"][/caption]
This is a garden wall art made out of the base of an oil steel drum by an artisan in Haiti. What a marvelous way to repurpose used bins!

[caption id="attachment_989" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Photo by Michelle @ Design Palate"][/caption]
During the Autumn, ever think of turning that pile of leaves that fall on your yard into eco-friendly lamps?? Well, eangee home design had a great idea and ran with it...working with artisans in the Philippines to make these colorful beauties for you.

[caption id="attachment_996" align="aligncenter" width="768" caption="Photo by Michelle @ Design Palate"][/caption]
Malaysian woodcarving by Norhaiza Noordin, mastercarver. This little image does not do the real pieces justice. When I meet Norhaiza, he was sketching plans for a beautifully intricate wood-carved bed. He's an amazing artist all around.

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A gorgeous wood cabinet with mother-of-pearl inlay from Syria.

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And one of my very faves, Egyptian ceramics at the Aid to Artisans booth.

What do you think? Amazing pieces aren't they? Know of more artisan-made home furnishings and accessories? Let us know!

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Movie Locations!!

Almost time for the filming of Fractured Legacy...the locations are set! If you are in the Washington, DC area or Middletown, Newark, or Wilmington, Delaware area and are interested in being an Extra in the restaurant or school scene, contact me!

Lights, camera, ACTION!

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The "Mansion." We are filming some of the most critical scenes here!

[caption id="attachment_961" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Photo By Garret O'Brien"][/caption]


St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware.

[caption id="attachment_962" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="From Fractured Legacy on Facebook"][/caption]
Cafe St. Ex in Washington, DC. I'm turning this wonderful Art Deco inspired cafe into a more contemporary, posh restaurant.

There you have it!

Movie Set Design Inspirations for the Home

Of course, now that I'm working on Fractured Legacy, I'm enamored by all things related to set design. Found some fave set designs for home inspirations to share, one in particular has already served as an inspiration for Our Peach. Can you guess which movies these are from?

[caption id="attachment_928" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn. From Sylist"][/caption]

Great color palette. Love the pureness of the cerulean blue against porcelain white.
Production Design: Jeremy Conway; Art Direction: Miguel López-Castillo and Marco Trentini; Set Decoration: Lydia Marks and Lee Sandales.

[caption id="attachment_930" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="From Hooked on Houses"][/caption]

Great approach for combining masculine and feminine tastes.
Production Design: Jeff Mann; Art Direction: Keith Neely and David Sandefur (supervising); Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo

[caption id="attachment_925" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="From Kate Collins Interiors"][/caption]

I'm in love with this kitchen! The open concept makes it inviting...
Production Design: Jon Huntman; Art Direction: John Warnke and Franck Schwarz; Set Decoration: Beth Rubino

[caption id="attachment_951" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="From Art Deco Style"][/caption]

The tufted accent wall behind the bed and the handpainted wallpaper in the far right wall gives the space a delicate, yet opulent look!
Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Art Direction: Nick Gottschalk and Niall Moroney (Supervising); Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

The trailer below is one of the most vibrantly rich and colorful movies I've seen. If you haven't yet seen the film, I highly recommend you do so!

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Fun Design Project: Fractured Legacy

Got myself hooked in on a fun little design project recently! I'm the Art Director for a short film called, Fractured Legacy. Check out the video below of our talented writer and director, Sebastien Tobler, discussing the film's storyline.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/25688381 w=400&h=225]

Fractured Legacy - Kickstarter Video from Sebastien Tobler on Vimeo.

So what exactly does an Art Director do and how's that related to design? As I'm quickly finding out...it's a lot of hunting and gathering for set locations, props, and costumes to visually set the tone of a scene and convey the attributes of the characters...their unique style and personality. Sound like interior design, eh? But in the latter case---rather than revolving around a story---we're setting tone of how the individual (client) wants to experience the space, dressing it up to convey their unique style and personality.

I've been busily creating set design concepts for our three locations and wardrobe concepts for our characters. More to come in the next few days as all this unfolds....!!! Stay tuned!

A Walk Around DC's Capitol Hill...From NE to SE and Back

It was Saturday afternoon.

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The Hubby and I had a craving...

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for this strawberry-yummy-goodness....

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So we went here, at our neighborhood Good Stuff Eatery, and along the way we came across these beauties.

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For interior shots, check out the Washington Post's feature of this home!

[caption id="attachment_889" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Photograph by Michelle @ Design Palate"][/caption]

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This one is actually our dream home in the neighborhood. One of these days, the Hubby and I might just walk up to the front door in our Sunday's best, knock, and say, "We know you're not quite ready to sell, and we're not quite ready to buy. But 15 years from now, when your kids are grown and you want to downsize, please call us first so we can have the chance to live joyfully in your home."

Color Pairings: Salmon, Orchid, and Chartreuse

Found this beautiful bouquet at my H Street Farmer's Market this past weekend. 

[caption id="attachment_862" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Photography by Michelle @ Design Palate"][/caption]

Such great color combination infusing vibrant salmon (pinkish-orange hue) with medium orchid (purple-pink) and light chartreuse (yellow-green)! Here are a few interior inspirations that bring them all together....

[caption id="attachment_863" align="aligncenter" width="302" caption="From Jane Hall's Picassa Gallery"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_866" align="aligncenter" width="474" caption="From decor pad"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_864" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="From decor4all.com"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="From Sara Gilbrane Sullivan's Travel for Design"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_869" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="By Katie Ridder from Elle Decor"][/caption]

Aboriginal Art

Came across these design treats the other day after discovering one on the wall of ish and chi. I just love the energy and richness of the colors of these pieces as well as the meaning and intent behind their creation. Aboriginal art has blossomed in recognition in recent years thanks for folks like Sabine Haider, owner and director of Central Art (in Australia), and of galleries like Artlandish, who have provided the world with the opportunity to learn about and cherish such beautiful pieces. Here are some that suited my sweet tooth. Click on each to learn more about the pieces and their artists.

[caption id="attachment_792" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Bush Plum Dreaming by Kathleen Ngala"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_791" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Yam Dreaming by Dolly Mills Petyarre"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Painting by Lily Napangardi"][/caption]

More about Lily Napangardi here.

[caption id="attachment_796" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Women's Ceremony by Walangkura Napanangka"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_851" align="aligncenter" width="286" caption="Star Dreaming by Alma Nungarrayi Granites"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_794" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Awelye & Bush Melon by Betty Mbitjana"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_793" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Womens Dreaming by Debra Young Nakamarra"][/caption]

design palate "Meets Obsession"

So proud of Mei Tan, my dear friend and managing editor of thriving online magazine Meets Obsession (MO), on the premier issue of MO's print version! Check it out for fashion, culture, art inspirations to influence your design tastes!

[caption id="attachment_832" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="From Meets Obsession"][/caption]

See the inspiration board I created for Mei for her Cleveland Park studio.

Recipe Redo: Refresh Your Coffee Table

Among my many hunts these days is finding inspiration for refreshing the Peach's decor, particularly the coffee table. It is much loved and therefore showing many years of wear. Hubby and I often find ourselves in the living area after work lounging with cocktails...sometimes staying for dinner. And on weekends watching our fave Cooking Channel morning shows, while sipping our cups of Joe, keeping our table true to its name. I'm debating getting another one, but maybe I can simply refresh it with some color. I've been browsing the interwebs and thought you might be interested in some of my finds. Coffee table redo and...

Make two yellow.
[caption id="attachment_804" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="From Arhzine"][/caption]

Do metallic.
[caption id="attachment_805" align="aligncenter" width="530" caption="From Arhzine"][/caption]

Go white.
[caption id="attachment_806" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="From Interior Ideaz"][/caption]

Distress it.
[caption id="attachment_816" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="From Country Living"][/caption]

Use teal and showcase memories.
[caption id="attachment_809" align="aligncenter" width="554" caption="From Nature Inspired Crafts on Etsy"][/caption]

Paint it green.
[caption id="attachment_812" align="aligncenter" width="475" caption="From Ana White Home Maker"][/caption]

What do you think I should do?

Pinterest Challenge

I recently received an invitation to Pinterest, a virtual pinboard that makes it easy to catalog images you find in the interwebs. It takes the "inspiration board" to a whole new level. You can capture images for ideas for your home, your closet, your travel interests, your hairstyle, your you-name-it. I've got a pinboard for...

My dream destinations...

Source: pinayflyinghigh.wordpress.com via Michelle on Pinterest

My DIY project ideas...
























Source: snowybliss.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

































My fashion/hair style interests...(chic, right?)

























Source: thebeautystop.com via Michelle on Pinterest






















And, of course, ideas for the Peach...























Source: amberinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest


































Well, the craze is on for Pinterest! If you're not signed up, do it! And here's an even better way to use Pinterest and motivate you (me) to create something out of the inspirations we've found and pinned.

[caption id="attachment_761" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Image by Katie Bower of www.bowerpowerblog.com"][/caption]

Lovely ladies, Sherry of young house love, Katie of Bower Power, Emily of Style By Emily Henderson, and Lana of Making a House a Home have posed a Pinterest Summer Challenge. To learn more, check out their video (I can tell they'd be fun to hang out with!).









Alright - I guess, let's get to it!