design in mind

DIY and Recession Home Decor: Contact Paper

2010-10-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another post about low budget decorating. I live in a rental so painting is out of the question. I found some cleaver and temporary ways that you could use to fill up your blank walls.
Contact paper has other uses besides lining your cabinets. The two women that I am featuring creatively uses the sticky stuff to give their dwellings some flair.

Stephanie Sabbe has an awesome tutorial on her website about those lovely zigzags on her wall. I love how the colors work together to create a calm and peaceful texture. I'm not too crazy about the deer head. I'd rather see it alive than dead. Maybe a plush deer head would suffice :)

The second set of photos were discovered on Apartment Therapy. Adriane uses white contact paper to create thin strips for here fancy frames. The light on dark combo is super cute and chic! I think I want to try this technique. So far, I have some doilies in this weird flowy trail on the wall. I think this idea is much better.

DIY and Recession Home Decor: Thumbtacks

2010-10-14T17:13:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I have updated. I have been busy with my Etsy shop and babysitting jobs. However, I am so excited about my next series of posts. Since I consider myself a housewife (minus the kiddos+kritters) I am always looking for cheap ways to decorate my home. I don't know what it is about blank walls that bother me. Being that my husband and I are both designers, we really appreciate handmade things I'm sure he wants to create some paintings for our home too but he just doesn't have the time. Anyway, today's post will feature thumbtack art.

SWARM-I found this post on Apartment Therapy that another blogger submitted. Such a clever idea! Especially if you have walls that are totally ruined. You won't have any regrets adding some more holes in there! It's also versatile, you can easily come up with different words and phrases.

The second set of photos are by Eno Henze. I also found the original post on AT. The artist uses pushpins with round heads to create this ephemeral piece. I LOVE concept art. Especially those using simple materials. I always wish I would have come up with the idea myself!

So if you have walls that are ready for another round of beatings, go to your local bargain store and pick up some pushpins!

Scumdiliumptious

2010-06-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I have been away for a while. I am pursuing another career adventure: accessories design. Any who, Alex Mcleod's installations may look real but they are all cg! I absolutely love his creamy approach to these digital environments. These hyper-real renderings could easily be made into actual exhibitions-with real water and super shiny shit. Its definitely a place that would attract tons of visitors.

What a Sweet Shoppe!

2010-02-15T21:44:00.001-08:00

I probably mentioned this before but I am obsessed with ice cream. And some of my most favorite designed spaces are yogurt shops. Yoli Frozen Yogurt by Amseldrossel, a German design studio utilizes white space with vibrant pops of color to lure sweet tooth aficionados in. I also love the use of grey paint in unison with grey stone; how sexy! Now I want icecream and I why don't these guys have a website (insert sad face here)?

Books are Back in the Building!

2010-01-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

With the infinite rise in technology, most high-schoolers now a days are unsure of what a library even looks like. This installation of painted and stack books called “Book Sculptures" by Los Angeles native Mike Stilkey is not only green, but useful! I would even be tempted to take a few books out for a quick browse. Imagine if your local library displayed its books this way? Then again, it might be a pain to re-stack them.

Fun, Functional & Freakin' Cute!

2009-11-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

Ooooo-M-G! I came across the cutest installation ever! I love ice cream (actually I'm obsessed with ice cream) and exhibits. The two combined must mean I have died and gone to heaven. If I actually did, then this installation is what it would probably look like. And of course there would be an unlimited about of Ben & Jerry's. But it would have to all be low fat. And no chocolate ice cream either. And warm. I don't like being cold. This fine exhibit was done by Adrian Chan. I don't have much info on her, I found the work on another blog. All of a sudden, I'm craving Cherry Garcia.

Casa de Turquoise

2009-11-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

Oh my! How did I let a whole month go by without updating? I have been busy starting a new business that specializes in handmade accessories www.hotdogsandpoodles.com (for humans) and taking an animation course as well as a new job babysitting. Not to mention redecorating the bedroom I never use. However upon looking for inspiration for my new room I came across a great blog called House of Turquoise. The blogger and her fetish for turquoise interiors are combined to create an awesome collection of all things blueish-greenish. It would give any designer an artgasm! Please feel free to visit her site to see more. By the way, my room will be cream, slate blue with a hint of turquoise. I'll post photos when I am done, which is probably never.

2009-09-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite things in the world has combined to make a great exhibit; pop-up spaces and food! The Hatch is a pop-up food place that specializes in serving eggs. Designed by Studio Toogood and Arabeschi di Latte, the Hatch can be found at the 2009 London Design Festival. The best part of this interactive space allows visitors to create their own dish with a special kit. Its bright, colorful and wonderful. Just the way I like my food (dessert included).

2009-09-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it has been awhile. I got married near the end of June so I have been on an extended honeymoon. This new post is fresh, exciting and can be found in my hometown, New York City. Corian Design Studio specializes in countertops and Morris Sato Studio designed Corian's new pad in the Flatiron district with a clean & crisp approach. The website even has a cool white 3d rendering of the office space. Morris Sato Studio also features the project. Check it out!

Beautifully Upcycled

2009-06-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

The best part of finding green exhibits are ones that not only use found objects but are friggin amazing! I'm trying to cut back on my use of slang but you have to admit this shit is awesome! Tara Donavan's work at the Ace Gallery in LaLa Land, is a series of mass produced objects such as styrofoam cups, plastic drinking straws, paper plates, cotton balls etc. which is organized in a way that it creates surreal environments within the gallery space.

Still Life, Captured

2009-06-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Horacio Salinas work consists of still life photography which reinterprets everyday objects into something whimsical and eye catching. It's always intriguing to find inspiring work that challenges the creative outlook on the world. His work reminds me of my homey Vik Muniz!

3d Type Mobile

2009-05-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

A fellow Brooklyn Designer, Ebon Heath creates wicked 3 dimensional type mobiles. I'm not sure if I am looking at a photoshop rendering (the 1st image) or the actual object. Word has it that it took him over 10 years of experimentation to create these masterpieces!!! I want one of these in my studio! Well, future studio. And maybe if I was rich. Or had a job :P

Dreamy Interiors

2009-05-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ryuji Nakamura owner of his self titled Japanese architecture firm creates dream-like spaces with fairly simple materials such as paper, fabric and aluminum. These materials exceeds there original function and organically shape the space. Minimal colors combined with minimal form equals awesome!! (Have you noticed how often I use this word to describe everything?) I adore simple exhibition spaces and wonder why I never think of anything like that. Maybe its because I watch too much t.v. Or because I'm American. We tend to like visual garbage.

Not your average museum.

2009-05-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

**See what happens when you are too lazy to download photos** The link is also broken. Oh well, at least I have my memories ;(

I found these awesome type loaded exhibitions at a few different museums in Berlin. I'm not sure what they say but it friggin rox! I have included a ton of photos and many more can be seen here. Enjoy!

Some Yeezy Awesomeness

2009-04-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Kanye West since he first approached the rap scene with his white tee and gold chain days of Through the Wire. He has grown artistically and creatively over the years now. Did you know he reads motionographer? I know right!? Recently, gracing the cover of Complex Magazine, we see Mr. West as an all white anamorphic creature, reminiscent of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker movie. A company called Sway Studio hooked Yeezy up in a truly magnificent way. It actually kinda creeps me out but it is so awesome.

Bow...Wow!

2009-03-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

So cute, right? I thought this featured a unique way of advertising. Not only is it functional, but every dog on the block will be so envious! Sorry I don't have the permalink to the original post :(

Is that for real?

2009-01-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever come across a website and literally spent hours browsing through all the work? Well this rarely happens for me, like maybe twice a year. Well, just this one time. Mark Jenkins proves to be an adventurous installation artist whose work will have you grinning for hours. You have to see more of his stuff.... here.

WTF happened to THAT house!?

2008-12-29T20:55:00.000-08:00

I found this article online about a year ago as a part of my thesis research. I thought it was so awesome but I couldn't figure out how to reference it. Ultimately, it has found its way to my blog. Hooray! I love installations that bring the unimaginable to life. This "home" makes visitors question and draw their own conclusions about what happened. Maybe it was an alien invasion or a tunnel into another dimension. Nah. This house was being demoed so these 2 sculptor guys, Dan Havel and Dean Ruck made something thats really dope called Inversion. See more pics here.

Break a Leg! No, really!

2008-12-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

I wanna break my arm (again) just to wear this cool cast. I am not sure who did this or what language the website is in but we all can agree that this design makes so much sense rather than telling the same story over and over again. Check out more pics here.

Shapes of Spaces

2008-12-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

I discovered Elene Usdin from various days of searching for design inspiration. I really love how she utilizes space as a pallet for 3d design. I believe it is rare to find non-digital imagery of exhibition spaces that are bright, fun and impressionable. This piece here kicks ass! Ironically, my childhood bedroom is painted in the same shade of blue. Maybe Elene & I are kindred spirits.

GOBAMA!

2008-11-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

I am so elated that we finally have a new President. Most of my excitement is due to the fact that we finally got rid of Bush. Secondly, we have an intelligent and motivational speaker who will now lead this country. After the killing of MLK, we haven't had any other leaders who lived up to his standards. Who do we have now that fights for the well being of all people of colors in this country, not just Blacks? Obama!!! This is the first time in my life that I am proud to be an American. So I will celebrate by showing some cool Obama inspired artwork!!!

Justin Bua's "Obama: A New Day" F.Y.I I am OBSESSED with Bua http://www.justinbua.com/

David Choe's "X Obama Print" On sale via Upper Playground

I love you Hillary! But this is hilarious!

You can buy your Obama gear here. I really liked this button. Very youthful & pink!

L.A. Scene

2008-10-25T00:56:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I apologize for not having any new posts in a while. I have been living in L.A. this past month and I don't have the proper camera equipment to upload my photos. Anywho, here is a cool artist that was featured at the Carmichael Gallery in WeHo (West Hollywood). His name is Alexandre Anjo. I love the large scale paintings. Check out the flickr set of the entire show.

Because this video is sooo hot right now

2008-08-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

You probably saw this video but you have to admit, it genious!!! The guys at Psyop worked hard on tedious rotoscoping for this one and it rocks! BTW, that's not Santogold, its just little ole' me :)

Unbelievable Experience Design

2008-08-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

I found this video a few months ago, but couldn't figure out what site I found it on. Anyway, a friend send me the link and I my heart fluttered like love at first sight! This installation at the BMW museum by a Dutch company Art+Com truly emphasizes what Experience Design is all about. Try scrolling through the video to see the piece come together even faster.

Lights Out!

2008-08-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

This piece here is a cool experience to have for visitors to an exhibition. When someones enters into the rest room, the lights go out to reveal a murder scene in black lighting! I borrowed the same technology for my thesis. Its low-tech, cost effective and interactive.

http://www.thecoolhunter.net/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/limit,12/limitstart,60/

Way Cool Motion Graphics Stuff

2008-07-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Trollback is a motion graphics company that does some cool concepts towards design. I really find their website easy to navigate. They also do installations as well. Below are pics from a Nike spot they did. The kicks are anthropomorphized into butterflies. www.trollback.com

What's another word for shut up?

2008-07-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

No need to be quiet here. Hush a multidisciplinary design studio in Brooklyn (my hood) recently teamed up with George P. Johnson to create the Honda FCX Auto Show Exhibition. It's soooo sexy and ultra-chic. I just love the bright colors in contrast to al lthe pollution cars make. No worries though, the Honda FCX runs on a hydrogen cell. See more at www.heyhush.com

Street Critters

2008-07-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm a big animal lover (yet I don't own any)... So I absolutely LOVE this installation by Joshua Allen Harris. This lifeless critter comes to life when trains pass by underneath. Kind of like when a dog goes crazy when someone is knocking at the door. Maybe I can adopt one!

http://www.woostercollective.com/2008/03/wooster_followup_joshua_allen_harris_inf.html

That's Fabulous!

2008-04-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

I found this really cool photo of an advertising/guerrilla exhibition the folks at IKEA did about 2 years ago. There is always something about taking the unexpected and putting it into real life spaces. The pillow on the slide is great, oh to be kid again. To see more click the link.
IKEA Everyday Fabulous!

Jump Studios (How High?)

2008-04-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Jump Studios in London design some innovative and slick spaces. This space that I have higlighted is for O2 a telecommunications company. It is a work in progress as stated ontheir website. But it looks very chic & sophisticated. http://www.jumpstudios.com/

2008-04-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Although I personally don't really side with Zaha Hadid, I have to say her company's design for the Guggenheim in Lithuania is breath taking. The design is almost as challenging as the Guggenheim in Bibao. I wonder how long it will take them to build this one. I guess time will tell.

http://www.yankodesign.com/index.php/2008/04/11/museum-to-the-stars/

Grrrr Tiger Dunny is here!

2008-03-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Check out my new pet, Tiger Dunny. I got it signed by the designer, Joe Ledbetter at the NEW Kidrobot Pirate Store in Soho. Although the line was short, there were some crazy kids there trying to get Joe to sign his back (which was full of Dunny tattoos). A little bit obsessed or just plain crazy? Hmmm. The new store is not only bigger but has foil for wall dividers. Cheap & Chic! KidRobot is located on 70 Greene Street now.

http://kidrobot.com/

Be Kind Rewind

2008-03-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Extraordinaire Michel Gondry directed and produced the film "Be Kind Rewind" featuring Mos Def and Jack Black. There is an interactive installation of the film set at Deitch Gallery in Soho. You can make your own reenactments of your own movie using the set from the film as props. The show closes on the 22nd of March. If you can't make it, check out the movie. It's great!

Imagine New CIty

2008-03-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

What is it? Its a virtual city that connects the world. Check out Imaginary Forces latest project at MOMA in NYC. View their website for more details. Their work is truly imaginary!

http://imaginaryforces.com/

2008-03-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hello world! Welcome to my blog that highlights the best stuff (in my opinion) on the design planet. I will mainly have a focus on cool enviornments and experiences after all don't we all like to have fun? Stay tuned for weekly updates!

LaShay