Michelle Brand

Would you believe these gorgeous light fixtures are made from recycled plastic bottles? Designer Michelle Brand shapes the bottoms of plastic bottles to create these organic, floral-like (or jellyfish even!) structures that she custom makes into lighting and screens. Check out her website to see the difference when using color or when they become a window screen.

Images from Lisa Fontanarosa.

Tea Shop

Gorgeous tea cups, accessories, and loose teas from London based Leaf Shop.

Wallpaper

Loui Loui

Beauchamp Interiors

Currently loving: the fact that I can think about wallpaper without recalling images of Mr. & Mrs Ropers apartment on Three's Company.

The MOB jitters

I'm in the middle of getting my Fall 2008 line ready to launch and I'm once again getting the jitters. I'm greatful b/c as a small biz I have the ability to take my time (well kind of) to finalize designs...which is the most harrowing process to me. I go back and forth and change and hate and love until I produce something I want to see on shelves. This season will be all about subtle-bold (yep, made that up) colors for Hammocks & High Tea and unique prints. Thankfully it's time to expand, another thing I can do in increments...phew...so you will see more home goods, more paper goods, new drawer paper and scents, and a custom area for stationery (sneak peek above).

*MOB = my own business

** I read an interview with a store owner recently that put my thoughts about my goods into perspective. When asked if she would be carrying any new lines she said something like ' in order to be in my store the line has to be special and offer something unique, that's the only thing that will make a consumer spend right now".

Off to make something special...oh the pressure :)

Aline Matsika

I recently discovered Aline Matsika and had no idea this treasure was located in Soho. Aline's store is an incredible cultural blend and shows off just how well African textiles and art can fit any space. Looking through her portfolio, I noticed that all of her interior projects are neutral colors and an expanse of open space. Generally I'm all about layers but I love how it allows all the large scale pieces to breathe.