Color and Grace in Houston

(Miles Redd)

This week has been quite eventful and exciting in Houston. We were fortunate to have several design legends in town Miles Redd, Marjorie Skouras, and Jonathan Adler. I know, right?! Its been decorator heaven around here lately.

On Wednesday, I attended the Fall Market at the Houston Decorative Center. PaperCity hosted a panel discussion on the inspirations of art and design. It was so exciting to see Miles Redd and Marjorie Skouras discuss how they started in design, what influences them, and how they go about bringing together their vision. Fantastic!

(Marjorie Skouras)

The discussion was great and while there, I ran into some friends. Paloma of La Dolce Vita, I met Jeni of Mrs. PlainJane, and chatted with Aaron and Ruth of Found. Of course, that isn't all I did this week. Be back later with the rest:)

Pretty Little Girls

This morning I was greeted by these sweet illustrations in my email. Artist Alice Dufay captures little moments with great simplicity. They can be found on L'affiche Moderne which is a great site for limited edition prints.

Fab

(The Beatles on Itunes)

Usually I'm not one for pushing "products". But, it can't be helped.

If you are wondering, this amazing photo was taken by Bruce McBroom

Real Estate Stalking: Austin

Yesterday morning, Mark and I said "Let's go to Austin!" Without any prior preparation we took off. It was a great time and I came back with treats. I happened upon this Artful cottage. when I took a wrong turn. (Sometimes mistakes are wonderful, eh?)

I only saw the exterior, but I knew the interior would have to be just as fantastic and it is. Hooray! Look at this place. At less than 1000sqft. its tiny, but who wouldn't be willing to make the sacrifice? Of course, the price tag is for you to make a decision about. Sorry, I can't help you there:(

Whoever photographed this house, I would like to say, bravo! These shots are amazing. I'm imagining framing the photo above and hanging it as art. Love it. (P.S. if you're wondering why I didn't take photos myself as I usually do. We left so suddenly, I didn't get to pack up my camera. I felt naked all day)

How many fantastic parties, could happen out here, I wonder?

The second treat is this little yellow house. Another mini house with lots of personality. I don't think this photo shows it so well, but the pretty color scheme really pops. Especially, that fantastic red door. I love driving around Austin neighborhoods because the houses are so unique and imaginative. I always feel inspired when I return home.

Another thing I love about the little yellow house is that it faces Sparky Park. I had never heard of it until yesterday, but I'm smitten with it now. It was built by converting a former substation into a piece of public art. I recommend stopping by if you are in the neighborhood.

Industrial Beauty

(Via Rue Magazine)

This morning I was drooling over these photos from Sfgirlbybay. Finding metal lockers like these, is the sort of thing I dream about. What is even more beautiful is the harmonious way this industrial furniture fits into a soft and serene room.

Love all the small details!!

The top photos reminded me of this photo of Sarah Jessica Parker's home in Elle Decor. That little blue cabinet takes away any feeling of generic design. Its such a unique touch.

Some of the most fantastic industrial pieces I have seen are from Obsolete. If you have never seen their website, go immediately! I'll wait for you:)

Vicente and Me

Confession time: I've been sitting on these photos for a couple of days now, because I wanted to come up with a clever introduction for them. I wrote and re-wrote, but all I ever came up with was...I MET VICENTE WOLF, I MET VICENTE WOLF!!!!!!!
Now you understand my dilemma. I mean what do you say about meeting someone you admire so much., who's creative genius inspires you to be better at your own profession, everyday?

(That's me palling around with Vicente. I won't show the photo of me unconsciously twirling my hair around my finger while he spoke to me)
So, sorry this is late; but here's what happened. Monday, the Houston Design Center hosted a book signing and lecture to promote Vicente's new book, Lifting the Curtain on Design. This was something I couldn't miss!

It was so exciting and I was pretty nervous. I imagined myself walking up to his table and drooling or passing out. Also, I wondered if I could tell him how much I love his work and how much of a genius he is. In reality, all I could get out was, "Hi Vicente I'm Carolina. I love your books, will you sign my copy of Learning to See, also? Oh, and may I take a photo with you?" Amazing, huh? Funny enough, he asked me if I spoke Spanish and I answered, "Si, claro". This seemed to make him relax a bit and we chatted a little bit more.
Next, Vicente spoke about his new book and about the ins-and-outs of running such a prominent design firm. I found this refreshingly honest. (Let's face it designers have a tendency to be a bit standoffish!) So, it was awesome.

Although by evening's end, Vicente wasn't overwhelmed by my charm to the point of insisting on being my new BFF; I still had an experience I will never forget:)

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Here's hoping this inspires you to add some creativity to your day!