Do Walls Have to be Flat?

 Apparently, not!! Did anyone watch "Esquire's Bachelor Pad" this past weekend? It was amazing, but  a little too "bachelor" for me. What really intrigued me was the work by POD Design group. They built walls with a serpentine metal feature and a "sexy ghost". (You have to watch it, to know what that means). I decided to check out their website and found some very cool design projects. The treatment for a space deprived loft, really caught my eye.

 An "armature" wall was built as a way to add extra ledges, wine storage, space for a medicine cabinet and even shower! By adding pieces of cut plywood in varying sizes and at varying angles, a plain wall becomes a focal point with a purpose.

I like the photos showing the structural parts of the wall. Above the wall looks like a beautiful honeycomb, below the plywood pieces come together like an origami piece. 

The Rothko Chapel, a Houston Gem.

 I'm so exited about this post, and I can't believe it took me so long to write it! A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend and mentioned the Rothko Chapel. She had never seen it. I suddenly realized that most people I mention the chapel to, have never seen it. So, I'm hoping to do something about that!  I lived in Houston for years, before discovering the chapel, too. It impacted me in a way, I will never forget!

 The Chapel was the brain-child of John and Dominique de Menil. Houston art lovers are familiar with the de Menil's and their amazing contributions to Houston's culture. They were responsible for bringing modern art and architecture to Texas. It was the de Menil's idea to commission a space where God, art, and people of all faiths could come together...WOW!!! The idea seems so extravagant, but it was made a reality in a beautifully minimalist manner. Thanks to the majestic yet sober panels that fill the small sanctuary. I haven't found any photos that show just how amazing this art is. Its as if their beauty can't be captured. They just have to be experienced in person. I will admit to sitting on those plain wooden benches and weeping. Ha, that makes sound a little bit crazy! Later, I learned that Rothko was quoted as saying, "The fact that people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I can communicate those basic human emotions..the people who weep before my pictures are having the same religous experience I had when painting them". 

Even before walking into the building, I was struck by a sense of serenity. There is a large reflection pond and in the center is the Broken Obelisk sculpture by Barnett Newman. Quite amazing!

I don't think I'll go on and on, because plenty of people have written about the Chapel and in more depth than I can go into. But, I will say that any one who sees this post and can get to the Rothko Chapel...go as soon as you can!!

Photos via:

1. Lost the source, sorry

2. Heimsath Architects

3. Yelp. 

4. Heimsath Architects

Forward and Backward

It is a new year and I'm drawn into reflection and pushed toward expectation. I look back at the last couple of tumultuous years and I find myself in an unforeseen place. I'm such a dramatically different person, that its difficult to put into words. 

Two years ago, this month, I lost my father. We had a very special bond and I believed that from him, I inherited my creativity. When he was gone, You could say that my life went into a sort of tailspin. It seemed a large vacuum opened up and sucked away the meaning behind much of my life. I mean, most of my habits, interests, and routines were left without significance or purpose. I kept saying, "What does this mean, anyway?" "Why am I doing the things I do, what's the point?" I was struck with how short and precious life is. I was forced to question the little life I had made for myself. Was I using it wisely? Could I use it for more? If I decided to live to the absolute best of my ability, what would that look like? Where would I wind up? Although, confusing; I decided to veer off my comfortable route and start down "the path less traveled".

There's no way I could explain all that I have experienced in this one post, because lets face it...who would read all that? I'm bringing this up now, because I feel I'm at a place where I understand myself more. I sort of found myself again, but I'm different. It seems time to share what I've learned. I haven't blogged much during these two years, because design and interiors no longer have the same meaning to me. I've struggled with how to talk about deeper things on a "design blog". I still don't have an answer. I think I just have to make a sort of break. I will explain myself better in future posts.  Don't get me wrong, I still plan on writing about design, but with the perspective that interiors should have a deeper purpose and not just be nice to look at. My goal is just to live life more authentically and with more creativity. I'm anxious to use this blog as a means of exploration!

So, for those of you who stuck with me this long, I say thanks and I hope we have a great new year of blessings and learning!
Photo via This Great and Lonely Space

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad!

I'm out until next week!
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! 
Feliz Navidad!
Photo here

Unconventional Christmas Wrapping

Christmas is almost here, and once again I'm writing about how to celebrate it unconventionally. Why be normal, right? This year I have been collecting cool wrapping ideas. Thanks to my new Pinterest site, I have a handy spot to gather my thoughts! Be sure and check it out here. Anyway, hope you are inspired.

 Recently, I learned about Furoshiki and LOVE it! Furoshiki is an ancient Japanese tradition of wrapping and carrying items in fabric. Stop and imagine the possibilities of that!! There is no end to fabric patterns and folding techniques. I also love that the fabrics are reusable and can be a gift in themselves.

 These decorated clothespins are so adorable!!

My favorite idea for wrapping is using origami inspired folding. It feeds my obsession with origami and the small details make a gift so special. Personally, I've spent quite a bit of time learning folding techniques. Not sure what Mark must think about all the tiny boxes around our apartment. But, I'm determined to have an origami Christmas!!

If you are looking for more beautiful ideas, check out Essimar's Fickr site for more amazing photos!

 Sometimes, only a bag will do. Here is a cool DIY bag, made from newspapers.

Finally, we can't forget our four-legged friends. Check out the "doggie bag" gift with another decorated clothespin! Fantastic!! 

Fantastic wall!

Found this via Tumblr today! Its the Taiwan Noodle House via the Contemporist. I was astonished by the dark walls, intricately covered with noodle bowls. Isn't it fantastic?

P.S. I decided to spiffy up the look of this blog, but I may still change a few things. Consider it my virtual remodeling. You know, its like a new coat of paint and rearranging of the furniture.  

Happy Things

Hello all! I'm so glad to be back, I've been sick for over two weeks and I'm fed up with it!! Of course, the bug hit Liam and Mark, too. Overall, it hasn't been much fun around my little home. Luckily, I've discovered a few things that have brought a smile to my face and I wanted to share them. They are not related in any way; I just enjoy them. 

First, these freshly colored pillows by Leah Duncan. I can picture many rooms where these pillows would fit right in. They are so lively!

Next, I've been pouring over Anthology Magazine. Its so beautiful! In the last year, I've become disillusioned with so many design mags, but this one gets it just right. What is it about being able to thumb through a beautiful periodical? Online photos just aren't the same.

Finally, (remember I said these things didn't relate to one another) I'm in love with this flash mob video! I admit a fan of the flash mob....even if it is overdone. This one is in a Mumbai train station and is too much fun. The music is addictive and fun everyone is having is contagious. Hope you enjoy it! 

So Inspired

Hello everyone. I hope everyone hear in America had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did, and I'm thankful for the time spent with family and friends. Admittedly, I am still in holiday mode, so I am not in the mood to be rushed. This video of artist Etsuko Ichikawa's work is both inspiring and soothing at the same time. Hope you enjoy it!

There Goes a Narwhal!

 Recently, I rediscovered "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's (it appeals to my ridiculous sense of humor). Anyway, one of my favorite parts is the lyric, "There goes a narwhal!" For the longest time I didn't even know what a narwhal was! Well, I was thumbing through an Anthropologie magazine, and what do I see? A narwhal Christmas ornament!! Ha ha, I must have one. I'm also loving the funny little guy below.

(P.S. If you've never heard "Rock Lobster" check it out. It will make you smile today)

I Want This House!!!!

 This weekend, I had one of those OMG moments. I was reading through a fabulous blog called, Miss Moss and found this incredible home. I think my heart skipped a beat! It was featured in Life Magazine in 1958. The house was designed by Donald E. Hustad as his own residence. 

 Imagine the fabulous cocktail parties that could go on here!

Ahh, so wonderful! Find more images at Miss Moss.

Feeling Vintage

 I think I'm having some sort of withdrawal symptoms. I need a vintage fix. The more worn and rusty the better, please. These lunch boxes remind me of my childhood. Maybe the metal boxes started my love of rusty things?

I also love worn and buttery leather!

 Perpetual calendar

These old springs make amazing decorative objects.