16 April 2014

Design is everywhere!

It is fascinating to notice the design and beauty that is all around us, everyday.  Here are some images from a recent trip to my home state of Indiana.
 A great menu from an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant.
 Terrific logo from this store supplying all things chicken, bee and garden.
 One of the chicest deviled eggs I've seen. Taste.
 Repurposed gas station. The fabulous Locally Grown Gardens, Indianapolis. They carry high end olive oils, vinegars, jams, french porcelain, flatware and linens. Not to mention the amazing salmon, roast chicken and pulled pork dinners and pie! And it's located right next to the Monon Trail.
 Love the rustic pie on the french plate and fork with bee motif.
 and then there's the art . . . the Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of my favorite places . . . not only is the museum fabulous, but they have over 100 acres of beautiful grounds including gardens and a historic home.
 they have enlarged the contemporary collection
 coolest escalators
 Gorgeous use of common, everyday items.
 Best use of mylar ever!
 a view to some of the grounds
 Pattern Magazine is a local publication promoting the fashion community.  This issue focused on leaders in the design community~interior, architecture, product, etc. Very exciting and impressive. Indianapolis is a city that welcomes and involves you quickly. The opportunities to contribute and be a part of what's happening are there for the taking.
 small town charm . . . tin ceilings and main street architecture
 This new brewery is beautifully designed and everything is outstanding.  The owners really know what they are doing.  It's innovative farm-to-table food and brewery would stand up anywhere. Very sophisticated but with down-to-earth midwestern attitude.
photo credit James Brosher

20 February 2014

Indianapolis Architecture

Although I've lived in various places on the east coast for 20+ years, Indianapolis remains my favorite place to reside.  It's about 150 miles from where I grew up but I consider it a second hometown.  It is a beautiful, affordable city with great culture, amazing food and so much to do as well as lots of great surrounding towns--whether you have a boat and want to live on a reservoir or enjoy cobblestone streets and fox hunting.  Often, I am surprised at how little east coasters know about "the middle." Here are some great photos from Herstory on Instagram (unless otherwise noted,) it's an account that chronicles historic buildings. I'm already planning a short visit this spring and my list is always longer than my time.
 iso_symphony on instagram
 two photos from laur3nfi3lds on instagram

photo from doingindy. Lilly House at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
p.s. Martha Stewart's recent visit

03 February 2014

Waterlogue App

Have you seen the Waterlogue app?  It's pretty amazing and there is a craze going on Instagram :)  Watercolor interiors are one of my favorite things and these images transformed so quickly by an app are very exciting.  It works on pictures of any subject. Here are a few of my favorites.

 Mark D. Sikes
 Mark D. Sikes

01 February 2014

Happy February!

February makes me think of pink and in terms of design, it reminded me of Sid and Ann Mashburn's lovely, well edited Atlanta living room.  As the owner of two pink couches, I'm happy to see these . . . maybe I need a lucite coffee table too ;D
 photos from Atlanta Homes Magazine
to read more on these tastemakers, go to Matchbook Magazine

30 December 2013

The White House at Christmas

Am I the only one obsessed with HGTV's special covering The White House at Christmastime?  I hope not :)  Maybe it's because I worked in politics for ten years and lived in Washington, D.C. but also have a passion for design.  Whenever I see this annual special, it takes me right back to my time and work in our nation's capital and all the social events and amazing people I met.  Here are a few photos to enjoy. 
Happy New Year!

The White House gingerbread house is always amazing and the replicas of the First Family's pets are so cute!
Photo from The Washington Post
These vases are made entirely of sugar "gum paste" flowers and fruit by Maggie Austin Cakes of Alexandria, Virginia.