Inspiration is everywhere in Lisbon, especially if you love Azulejos Tiles. Today these tiles are dominant in every Portuguese city and embedded in its history and culture.
The word “azulejo” means “small polished stone” and although they are not a Portuguese invention, by the 18th century no other European country was producing as many tiles as Portugal. Over the years, azulejo tiles have become an art form used for a variety of design applications both in exterior and interior home design.
Spending time in Bairro Atlo and Principe Real, two older areas of Lisbon, I spotted various azulejo tiles on homes in different color combinations and patterns. Below are a few of my favorites.
Heading back to our art/design studio in New York City, Design Works International, feeling inspired and excited to create our newest textile collections….and we just might have the perfect name….Artisan Aesthetic!
Bold bedding geometric inspired prints in black and white in BVH department store in the Marais section of Paris.
Gift set mug collections in black, white and gold featuring text graphics in various type fonts.
This teal color [on the blue side] is the second largest influential color behind black at retail in Paris.
Over scaled geometric prints lend a graphic vibe to any sofa, bed or chair.
At the Merci Concept Store in the Marais section of Paris, tabletop was truly a trend to be reckoned with adding mini dishes and plates to the mix.
This bed set at Conran’s on the left bank of Paris was just one of many graphic inspired beds throughout the city.
At Galleries Lafayette Maison, these graphic towels in black and ecru have a tribal vibe that coordinate well with the graphics aesthetic of the season.
At Le Compagnie Francaise, graphic one color ikat patterns compliment this mixed substrate chair of leather and vinyl cording.
This woven bench detail at BVH is not only trend right, it’s a practical solution for expanding seating in your home.
At Merci Concept Store, it’s all about the graphic and global mix, showcasing authentic woven baskets in black and white, mixed with rustic matte and glossy black ceramic vessels.
For inspiration regarding color I often take my cue from nature. This weekend I noticed that our hydrangeas were starting to bloom at our country house and I was inspired by these awesome cool tones of lilac and purple…having just painted our front door lilac last weekend I decided to use the same inspirational color on our outdoor shower…I am never one to match when designing the interior or exterior of our home but I love the connection of color here…and it’s always nice to collaborate with nature💜 [even better when your husband agrees to paint your front door and outdoor shower lilac]
Last month in NYC I spoke about print, pattern and color trends at Surtex NYC, representing our design studio, Design Works International, a lifestyle/product design firm specializing in the home, fashion and accessory industries.
Out Of This World…literally..we are talking Galaxy inspired prints, patterns, embroideries with an iridescent sensibility and style. Nocturnal tones of deep purple, indigo and magenta are part of the color plan to heighten the vibe of this celestial superstar.
Even after a year of playful pineapples…we are still craving for more…NEW this season…the use of millennial pink mixed with metallic and textural accents.
Somewhere Over….yes it’s all about iridescent finishes and rainbow colorways in fashion, home and decorative accessories. The more color…the better and these saturated shades are cross generational…NOT only for the millennial crowd.
Boho Style continues to increase as a lifestyle look and we are seeing the resurgence of Folk Florals..[did they ever go away] as wallpaper, clothing, home accessories and garden tools in Americana color combinations that coordinate beautifully with denim…another trend that has cross generational appeal.
This is the last of a 3 part series …so if you missed part 1 and 2 please take a peek either at Color, Chaos and Creativity or at Design Works International’s blog.
All prints and patterns designed by Design Works International are property of our studio until a purchase agreement is signed. If interested in purchasing prints, our website is Designworksintl.com or call our studio at 212-594-0777 ext 112.
Stay tuned for our next series on new color combinations…2018
Stays In Vegas…The IRE Show (International Roofing Expo) was held March 1-3 2017 at the Mandalay Convention Center focusing on the latest trends, advances in technology and the best practices for business growth in the roofing industry.
Honored to give a Trend Session on Global Greats and meet some of GAF’s residential and commercial contractors while talking about the GAF On-Line Style Guide @gaf.com/styleguide We talked about the relationship between the roof as an exterior element that reflects the sensibility of interior elements in the home…take Terra, our global lifestyle that emulates a more curated and collected lifestyle gathering interior items from your travels while mixing and matching them in your home. Glenwood Golden Prairie and Timberline HD Barkwood are both excellent examples that are part of our Terra Trend!
Awesome having Guy Fieri join us from the Food Network and cook his signature burger at the GAF evening party…by the pool at Mandalay Bay!
It’s not your grandfather’s roof any more as GAF has so many updated colors, textures and shapes that can redefine your roofing style!
Remember your roof really sets the trend for the rest of your home so why not enjoy the many roofing possibilities that GAF has to offer…visit us @gaf.com/styleguide
GAF At IRE Las Vegas 2017GAF Style Guide Featuring Nancy FireGAF Designer Shingles At IRE Las VegasGAF Education Area At IREGAF Layering The Roof
Sharing some of our holiday favorites from Design Works International created for Dollar Tree Stores…we love collaborating with our creative clients🌲
Sharing some seasonal favorite finds with Harvest hot color highlights! Truly some global greats from 2016….
Organic HarvestGaleries Lafayette Home Spice Market, ParisMedellin Colombia, South AmericaArtisan Ceramics Santiago Chile, South AmericaInspirational Fall BeddingRustic and RefinedRustic GlamRoberta Schilling MiamiRoberta Schilling MiamiOrganic ColorTwins, Fall in NYC Central ParkEast Quogue Long IslandFarm Fresh East Quogue Long IslandSouthampton Long Island
Finally had a moment to explore the streets of Wynwood in Miami and they did not disappoint…if you are a fan of graffiti, updated eateries, craft beer and interesting boutiques, this is your inspirational paradise!
Best to park (download pay by phone) parking app and walk the streets to view as much graffiti as possible. The artwork is truly amazing and is varied in style, scale and medium. Some pieces are 3-D, others are etched techniques, airbrushed and mixed media. Colors run the gamet from neon, primary, earth tones and black&white.
As a designer, the vibe I felt was a celebration of the Arts, a restoration of an industrial area that is now surrounded by colorful love through design! Reminded me of the streets of Soho back in the 1980’s….probably because the same family that helped inspire Soho NYC back in the day had a similar vision for Wynwood in Miami.
In 2009, The Goldman Family had a vision for this area and the Wynwood Walls were born consisting of 6 separate warehouses where the exterior walls serve as giant canvases for the greatest street art collection ever assembled in one place. (@wynwoodwallsofficial http://www.wynwoodwalls.com)
Posting some of my favorites and apologizing in advance if I could not find the artist to give the proper “shout out”to! Best to view on your own and fall in love with this creative town paying homage to culture, design, style and artistic freedom!
@kobrastreetartWYN Wood Block
CryptikEarnest Zacharevic Lithuania
Wynwood Gallery Suggestions:
Art Fusion
Bake house Art Complex
Wynwood Warehouse Project
Wynwood 28
Wynwood Blank Canvas Project
If all this art viewing and innovative shopping motivates your appetite try some of the following innovative restaurant choices in Wynwood:
SuViche Wynwood
Wynwood Kitchen
R House Wynwood
KUSH
Morgan’s Restaurant
Joey’s Italian Cafe
Alter Bar and Restaurant
GK Bistronomie
SUGARCANE raw bar and grill
Made in Italy Gourmet
Baccano
MIAM Cafe
The Lunchbox
Concrete Beach Brewery
The Butcher Shop Beer Garden and Grill
Juicy Lu (Vegetarian)
Bunbury Miami
Wynwood Brewing Company
Pride and Joy BB
Wynwood Shop Suggestions
Nomad Tribe
Special thanks to the Goldman Family for allowing a space like this to exist…but I have been a fan for years as I was married 28 years ago at The Green Street Cafe in Soho NY owned by this trendsetting family!
Color, Chaos & Creativity 