A Clean Slate

A friend asked me the other day, where I get my influences. The answer’s easy: sea glass. I’ve spent hours walking up and down the sandy shores of Lake Michigan hunting for the illusive red sea glass in order to finally beat my daughter in our own little summer completion each year. At first, the game was merely a silly way to escape the heat of Chicago. Yet, while I write this, I understand that the glass has embodied something else entirely, the seemingly insignificant moments of summer that I cherish the most. This post is reminiscent of this, meaning the clean crisp colors that are found randomly and influence design.

By picking out hints of color here and there or the ultimate wallpaper for example, like my family tradition, may seem ordinary and insignificant. However, when you finally rest in your home, surrounded by the colors peeking from behind the curtains, a sense of accomplishment and pride emerges. You have finally captured the mood. 

Now go out and find your sea glass. 

The power of blue including the Thoroughbred paint collection from Ralph Lauren

Whitewash with a pop of color

Imagine the color possibilities by Sherrill

a fresh take on a spring/summer palette

keeping it neutral wall system courtesy of Somerset Bay 

A stroke of the pen

Balancing the weight of the pen in my hand, I begin to write. Each new idea forming and bubbling to the surface is scribbled on a post-it note. This may sound manageable and organized to some, but the fact is that these hieroglyphics remain to be incomprehensible by others and even myself at times.

The problem is that as I while I compose this post, preaching the beauty and importance of organization, my wallpapered wall behind my Mac is hidden behind the numerous post-its with evidence of my fleeting thoughts. I’ve become accustomed to tracking down an inspired idea on the backs of old grocery lists, yellow, green, blue sticky notes, and any scratch paper that’s in arms reach. Yet, understanding the simplicity and ease an office should leave its owner, I’ve become intrinsically motivated to make a change.  

And so, with a stroke of the pen, I begin. 

A simple home office illustrated by the use of CAD.

Salvaged wood and extending glass desk

Dream office and Ralph Lauren office chair. Beautiful.

Zinc desk, milk glass lamp, and easy storage

Try to bring something into the mix that personal and enjoyable. For me it's a touch of the mountains.

Reuse, recycle and restyle. Leather pencil holders

Always have your reference materials handy

A hint of Pantone's color of the season tangerine. A little goes a long way.

Calligraphy,it's never to late to learn. Drop by my facebook pages to see what we are all talking about.