An artists resides in all of us…Long Live Rembrandt according to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Imagine…seeing your art hung at one of the most prestigious museums in the world! I was pleasantly surprised when I visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to see the “Long Live Rembrandt” Show.

Not realizing that the show was a juried exhibition of 575 people who told stories about their relationship to Rembrandt and his art. Each contributor has his or her own view of the great master. Many painters feature Rembrandt as the main character in their narrative while others have shown him with other icons.

More than 8500 people from 95 countries sent in their work of art, young and old, professional and amateur! Side by side, these generations of artists pay tribute to Rembrandt. The youngest artist is three while the oldest artist is in her nineties.

What an awesome way to bring a bit of Rembrandt into all of our lives, the people looking at this unique collection to the 8500 participants that felt compelled to enter their work that was inspired by the greatest Dutch artist of all time.

Below are just a few pieces from the “Long Live Rembrandt” exhibition, showcasing various techniques from painting, torn paper, fabric manipulation, plaster and sculpture.

To quote Pieter Roelofs, chairman of the jury and head of the Rijksmuseum’s painting and sculpture department, “In Long Live Rembrandt we see the master through the eyes of the makers. The exhibition is not only about Rembrandt, but also about ourselves.”

Inspired!!!!!

I am going to get in touch with my Rembrandt in hopes that one day my artwork will inspire others like I was inspired by this creative and collaborative exhibition.

Lots of color, a bit of artistic chaos and a whole lot of creativity.

Leaving Amsterdam and heading to Paris hoping to seek out more creativity in the art world.

Designers Dream de Gournay Paris

Current Situation…meet my new friend Taylor [bucket list worthy] unrolling the archives for me this morning…could not be more thankful and appreciative of my VIP tour..so get this..I walk in, totally waited for Deco Off Paris to be over cause the crowds are crazy…and this awesome, yes awesome young lady opens the door and after hearing my American version of “Bon Jour” says welcome…this 24 year old superstar has been living in Paris and working there for 6 months before she heads back to nyc to work in the de Gournay Showroom in NYC..exciting Design events coming our way New York City.

As a designer with a BFA degree, the artisan techniques still used in the de Gournay wallpaper collection allows one to appreciate every detail. From tea stained paper to silk ombré subtleties their style is forever timeless. Here are just a few delightful images from my behind the scenes tour…thanks Taylor for making my trip to Paris a designers dream!

Flamingos Collection Eclectrique

Palms Collection Eclectrique Colors Gaugin

Temple Newsam Collection de Chinoiseries

Portobello Collection de Chinoiseries

Silk Tree Collection Japonaise + Coreenne Colors Blossom

Deco Monkeys Collection Of Panoramiques

Portobello Collection de Chinoiserios

Graphic Greats…Black and White Prints and Patterns in Paris

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.

Surtex NYC Trend Updated From Color, Chaos and Creativity…Part 3

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

Surtex NYC Trend Update Part Two

Surtex NYC Trend Updates From Color, Chaos and Creativity….Part Two


Colorful Contrasts highlight this season by adding fresh and fun color to an assortment of products from paper goods, tabletop, fashion as well as home decor accessories. Do not be afraid of positioning primary colors together especially in full coverage patterns. Royal blue, teal, red and fuschia are leading the pack with a powerful punch of color!


Jewel Toned Textures keep our textured trend alive in 2017-18 with a shift in color to a warmer color palette. Fuschia, tangerine, golden yellow with accents of blue are updated color combinations for the season.


Mostly in home decor we are still seeing soft pastel shades mixed with deep accents trending in fabric prints and patterns. Millennial Pink continues to take the lead with lilac, grey and yellow creating this Soft Edge update!


It’s back, looks like Seaform of the 80’s is back with a vengeance looking new and updated mixed with black and white.


Transitioning from Millennial Pink to Mauve/Lavender will be a trend we will be watching as pinks transition over the next few months.

All Design Works International Prints and Patterns are owned by our studio until time of purchase. To purchase designs log into designworksinternational.com and click on shop prints…you will need to sign into your account or create a new account. Any questions e-mail nfire@designworksintl.com

Merci. Have you been?

Have you ever been to Merci in Paris? You know that lifestyle store that has a cult following from all over the world… which I guess Includes me!!

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Take a detour, you will be happy you did! Located at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais in Le Marias.

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Merci never disappoints because they are on the cutting edge of style with fashion as well as Home Decor.

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The vibe; bustling with trendy people from all over the world coming to see the newest textures, substrates, colors and style updates.

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Today they were making custom chair tops from a powdery substance that allows you, the consumer, to design your chairs on the spot! Right in the store! Pretty awesome! Pretty millennial! And Pretty Fast!!

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The beauty of these custom chairs is that no two are alike since each one is individually made. With the various color combinations and ombré effects that you can create using these powder substrates…it’s an instant DIY! Each one is an original work of art and a true one of a kind… I am ready to create mine!

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TRENDING In Paris..Global Greats In Fashion and in Home Decor

We have been talking about global influences in fashion and in home decor for the past decade but this season global is more than an influence, it’s a lifestyle that is melding the borders of countries.

No longer are we singling out a certain cultures style or influence, we are celebrating all cultures as a lifestyle.
In prints we are combining color palettes that are unexpected and celebrating the craftsmanship of many countries by embellishing  with embroidered and appliquéd accents.

In fashion we are seeing a melange of fabrics working together on one garment with updated global color palettes.

In home decor, texture is important either printed or embellished with 3-D fabrics.

It’s time we celebrate these global greats as a new way of mixing craft, style and art both in fashion and in the home.

Kelly Green Updated Ikat Bedding At Compagnie Francaise
Woven Wicker Inspised Stools/Tables at Sentou
Block Printed Textiles By Lisa Corti At Bon Marche Home Store
African Woven Wicker Baskets At Conrads
Woven Lighting At Conrads
Antique Global Vintage Vibe
New Spice Market At Galeries Lafayette Home Store
Applique and Embellished Decorative Pillows At Galeries Lafayette Home Store
Pierre Frey Global Textile Collections
Pierre Frey Global Textile Collections
Anthropologie Global Candels At Galeries Lafayette
Fall Fashion Collections At Galeries Lafayette
Global Kids At Sergent Major
My Favorite Find Global Tribe Vibe Doors

Creative Color, Medellin Colombia

A Designer’s Paradise….vibrant colors fill the streets and artisan shops of Medellin Columbia-also known as the City of Eternal Spring because of its moderate temperatures all year round. Situated in the Aubbrua Valley and surrounded by green mountains, this progressive Latin American city is quickly becoming an international cultural destination.

The food scene is fantastic with both local and international flavor. Carmen, one of my foodie favorites offers elaborate meals created by husband and wife team Carmen Angel and Rob Pevitts who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco.

A must see on the art scene is the Museo de Arte Moderno, this industrial chic space houses exhibitions that change every quarter. On the premises you should visit their two museum stores that showcase local artisan products that are affordable and curated beautifully!

The Art Hotel, a boutique hotel situated in the El Poblado area, is a perfect place to rest and relax while enjoying your stay in Medellin, Colombia!

New meaning to “wearing many hats”!

Ode to Artisans with these indigenous Colombian hats found at Museo de Arte Moderno.

Music is part of everyday culture.

Ode to Atisians with traditional Colombian patterns on ceramic found at Museo de Arte Moderno.

Vibrant stripe handwoven hammocks.

Ombre Artisan Baskets

When your transportation matches your graffitied wall.

Streets of Medellin

Celebrating Street Art