12 July 2011

Industrial Design Stamps

A great stamp makes the envelope much more interesting and I think these are terrific!
The U.S. Postal Service has dedicated a new sheet of stamps honoring 12 of the nation’s most important and influential industrial designers.  The 12 designers who are honored on individual stamps include Peter Müller-Munk, Frederick Hurten Rhead, Raymond Loewy, Donald Deskey, Walter Dorwin Teague, Henry Dreyfuss, Norman Bel Geddes, Dave Chapman, Greta von Nessen, Eliot Noyes, Russel Wright and Gilbert Rohde.
“Encompassing everything from furniture and electric kitchen appliances to corporate office buildings and passenger trains, the work of these designers defined the look of modern America, and in doing, revolutionized the way we live and work,” said Dean Granholm
Industrial design emerged as a profession in the United Sates in the 1920s, but really took off during the Great Depression. Faced with decreasing sales, manufacturers turned to industrial designers to give their products a modern look that would appeal to consumers. Characterized by horizontal lines and rounded shapes, the new, streamlined looks differed completely from the decorative extravagance of the 1920s. The designs evoked a sense of speed and efficiency and projected the image of progress and affluence the public desired.
source: U.S. Postal Service

29 June 2011

The Perfectly Imperfect Home

For those of you who enjoyed Domino Magazine, you'll be happy to know the founding editor, Deborah Needleman, has written a book detailing the items essential for a comfortable, stylish home.  Virginia Johnson illustrates.  She is a very talented Toronto based textile designer and also illustrated the Kate Spade books.  It is due out in November, available for pre-sale on

25 June 2011

Charlotte Moss collages

Recently, I came upon this article on Charlotte Moss and what inspires her.  She is so elegant and a beautiful designer, I found them fascinating.  There's nothing like a great inspiration board or collage to get the creative juices flowing.  Some of these can be seen in her new book, Charlotte Moss Decorates.

18 June 2011

17 June 2011

Announcements

If you're moving or throwing a housewarming check out these clever designs from minted.  My favorites are the paint chips :)

13 June 2011

Sarah's Cottage

Sarah's Cottage (Summer House) has ended.  What a great renovation and beautiful retreat.  Here are more photos from HGTV of the cottage.  Enjoy!
 the bunkie or guest house

03 June 2011

summer is coming

and this is one of the cutest cottages I've ever seen . . . on Nantucket of course!
photos from House Beautiful