Kristi Blunt- prop stylist

Beautiful prop styling by Brooklyn based Kristi Blunt. Prop stylists are also great resources for wedding/event ideas; a repetition of the small details they create in a picture frame can make for an intimate, layered effect. On a side note...you will so see this rich marigold color in my Fall goods :)

Trina Turk

Have you all seen Trina Turk of late? I'm mad for these prints and the saturated colors throughout the collections...I've only recenly learned that the brand has home accessories and I can't wait until the full collection is online.

Simplemente Blanco

I first saw Simplemente Blanco in a magazine years ago and the products stuck in my mind...I may have tucked that page away in my inspiration book as a matter of fact. Fernanda Bourlot has created a line of products that I just love for it's simplicity (that was easy :) and detail in texture. It's an incredible range and I'm honestly not sure how she does it all...with everything from lighting to soaps. These are some of the first products I would turn to for a modern caribbean look though.

Open Air Living

The home of furniture designer John Houshmand in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Aside from the rich wash of color next to neutral tones in each room, I'm in love with the ceilings. Wow! I know it may sound strange but this is why I started Hammocks & High Tea...to show that "tropical" living is at once rural, rough, modern, warm, cool, chic, and more than anything a delicious blend of cultures. Eventually I hope that the combination of product line and possibly interior design firm will be a reflection of that.

P.S. The bed in the bottom image is one of John's pieces from his furniture collection...see here.

Images from Interiordesign.net - love it!

Me & my flowers

So I have a little secret that I'm going to spill today. I LOVE flowers. Last year my wedding gift to one of my best friends was to do her entire wedding on her budget; as with many brides getting what she envisioned would have cost her an armload, and getting what she could afford would have been lackluster. She wanted red and white and fell in love with hydrangeas and of course the quintessential rose. She just picked what called to her for her special day and I put it together....so much fun. I used the hydrangeas in a medium glass fishbowl to create a full but intimate look on the tables and her bouquet (bad pic above:) was roses and sprigs of freesia. I was a bridesmaid and decorator in the same day but their joy was so well worth it.

Organic Beauty- Coconut Oil

My mom used to tell me how great coconut oil is for the skin as she used it liberally as a child. Of course I didn't listen and only now after hearing so much about it am I hip to the miracles myself. I've started using it on my hair and body and let me tell you...my skin is soft as a newborn. It soaks into the skin and leaves just a soft and supple reminder. The brand I use is Spectrum Naturals found at Whole Foods...the unrefined smells like coconut but not overwhelming at all and refined has no smell. I plan to start using it to cook soon since the properties are good for you inside as well as outside. You can learn more here about this fantastic oil.

O'Hare & D'Jafer

I'm loving these moody and brooding colors from design studio O'Hare and D'Jafer. I like the idea of textile chandeliers like the one above made from leather...there is something about having a presence but no weight over your head. Check out some photos of their process on the about us page.

ah rats...too late

(designed by Karen Young for Hammocks & High Tea)

A couple of months ago I was invited to partake in design challenges at Minted (an online store for wedding stationery that scouts new design talent through contests). Anyway it's been such fun for me to play around in a different arena and open my design mind. Custom stationery is one thing that is on my may-do list.

I had uploaded one design for each of the three couples and just decided to play with one more today...I love the brides colors of chocolate brown, white, pink and orange...look familiar?? (I left out orange to try a uniform look). Just so happens as I was done I noticed the contest had closed...rats!!! So I'll share what I think was one of my nicest here since it shouldn't hide from the world on my desktop. What do you guys think?

P.S. Minted is open to any stationery designer who would like to test their custom skills. It's such fun!

Richard Sweeney

Is this stunning or what? Artist Richard Sweeney creates incredible forms using a variety of materials including plywood, plastic, paper (yep... paper!) and in the case of the vintage milk bottle...ceramics. Take a look at his flickr page for more images, and be prepared to question your vision.

all images from Richard Sweeney photostream

Dishfuls of Doodles

Aren't these dishes just the snazziest ever? DishfulsofDoodles is designed by Mary Imig Gallimore and each of these porcelian dishes is drawn freehand and then handpainted (aka 'daydream-inspired tableware'). There's a great selection in Mary's etsy shop. The large twice baked bowls would be perfect for oodles of noodles...ok, that wasn't a sheepish attempt at rhyming... I really do feel for noodles today!

Elizabowl

I came across Elizabowl in an article last night and had to find out more about this designer. Student designer Sarah O'Brien took home first place for her Elizabowl at the International Housewares 2008 Show. Technically speaking the separate compartments minimize bruising and reduce the transfer of ethylene gas that causes over ripening. Design fan speaking...the bowl reminds me of a tightly packed vase of blooming roses. See more of Sarah's fantastic work here, see judges commentary here, and a you tube video of the bowl in action here. The name and design is inspired by the collars worn during the Elizabethan period, you can see another reference to that in Sarah's portfolio.

Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Eco Lodge

Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Eco Lodge is much more than your average eco resort. Part of a tree farming, restoration, and conservation project..the owners have planted almost 1.5 million trees and et 800 acres of forest under conservation. Located in Nicaragua, this family owned hacienda is 45 minutes from the Costa Rican border and 2 hours from Granada in southern Nicaragua. Definitely on my list of must see when I get there.