Today’s post is a collaboration between two posts I recently spotted from two of my favorite blogs, Design-Milk and Minted Condition. Not only was a blown away by these stunning images, I was super excited to learn about a Brazilian practice I had never heard of before. The art installation (by Rivane Neuenschwander) and chair (by 20AGE) are based on the Brazilian tradition of tying ribbons around one’s wrist for good luck. Apparently, in Bahia, Brazil, wishes are written on the ribbons and tied around the wrist of the wisher with three knots, a wish for every knot. Once the ribbon falls off, the wish comes true!

I absolutely love the inspiration here, for both the chair and the art installation. How very clever to take such a beautiful tradition and apply it to art. I think I need to start my own Brazilian inspired ribbon wall in my office. Hopefully all of my dreams will come true!

I spend a considerable amount of time sifting through products, so in the past few years I’ve become obsessed with product designers and the entire design process. Today I thought I would share with you the work of one of my favorite people and one of the most influential product designers of our time, Hella Jongerius. Though I adore everything this incredible woman produces, I am particularly drawn to the Ikea-Unicef project she did with women in India back in 2009.

The aim of this project was to help Indian women earn a living and meet other Indian women while their children attend school. The wall-hangings created are the result of industrial and craft production and “honor the role of the craftspeople, as each specific fabric carries the name of the woman who contributed to it.” The images of the hangings were inspired by Swedish fairy tales as a tribute to Ikea’s homeland.

I have a tremendous amount of admiration for designers that reach out and work with local craftspeople and women’s collectives in other countries. I know Jonathan Adler does a lot of this through various organizations in Peru. I hope this is a trend that continues to grow and develop as it is such an important type of partnership.

On a side note, if anyone knows where I can get one of these wall hangings, please please let me know!

I’m a bit pressed for time this morning as I’m simultaneously blogging/packing/doing last minute laundry for the trip I’m scheduled to take in about two hours. I’m heading off the the Altitude Design Conference in Salt Lake City! Woohoo! Because I won’t be blogging for the next couple of days, I thought I would leave you with lots of beautiful and colorful photos of the stunning Casa Barragan in Mexico. One day, I’m going to paint something very large pink.. or maybe orange.. or yellow! I can’t decide. Enjoy!

Check out additional photos and story here. Via Minted Condition

As an avid collector of “stuff,” I like to bring home beautiful cultural pieces from my travels. Mostly I love collecting textile and ceramic pieces that I put on display in my home. I once attempted to bring back a cowhide rug from Argentina for my foyer. It was probably for the best that it turned out to be virtually impossible seeing as how Miles destroyed the sheepskin rugs I brought back from Poland. Bad dog! Anyhow, that’s a whole other story. What I love about bringing home these beautiful treasures is how seamlessly they are able to make their way into my modern decor. Today I wanted to share some wonderfully successful examples of how to merge culture in modern spaces.

This stunning textile from Mexico is perhaps one of my favorite pieces in textile ever. (Does anyone know the name of this print?) It’s also a great example of the type of souvenir you want to bring home when traveling abroad. I’ll definitely be filling my suitcase with this the next time I’m in Mexico!

While, on it’s own, it has an incredibly ethnic look, when placed in a modern and minimal space, it’s just the right amount of color and print needed to turn a mundane space into something really special.

Perhaps one of my favorite examples of ethnic fabrics done right is this stunning headboard created by Design Sponge blogger Grace Bonney.

The possibilities are endless when you bring home something truly lovely and timeless! Next time you’re abroad, be sure to look out for quality pieces. You’re going to love the way the work in your home and the little smile you get on your face when your reminded of your travels.

Photos via Table Tonic

I am a HUGE fan of fashion illustrations. Something about the way they’re sketched and scribbled yet able to communicate such strong style and texture really captivates me. There’s also a beautiful femininity to them that I adore as I love all things ultra-fem. Someday I hope to have a space all to myself where I can hang a wall full of fashion illustrations I’m dying to collect. Today I’m loving these illustrations by Brazilian fashion designer Nica Kessler. I’m particularly partial to their vintage feel and the cute little notes she has scribbled. “Delicious Yummyyy?” Definitely!

Images via Elle Brazil

Located in Arraial d’ Ajuda, Brazil, Casa Do Dean is a spectacular feat in regional home design. Designed by celebrity photographer Dean Freeman in collaboration with local architect Carlos de Oliveira Rodrigues, the spacious house has the feel of a giant New York loft but is finished with local Brazilian wood and furnished eclectic South American pieces. Perched on top of a cliff, Casa Do Dean also has incredible rainforest and ocean views. I could spend my life here! Really. If I ever disappear, this is where I’ll be.. beautifully designed beach-front heaven.

via this is luster

Based in Queretaro, Mexico, Geninne Zlatkis has been one of my favorite artists for several years. I was fortunate enough (and SO honored) to have her create these prints for the LAMA shop, and it’s been really exciting to see her career evolve in the time since. Recently Geninne moved into her new home designed by her equally as talented husband.

If you’ve never checked out Geninne’s art blog, you’re in for a treat. I can’t stress enough how wonderfully talented she is!

Thanks to Kireei for the photos!

Question. How is it possible that today is already December 15th? Now here’s the bigger question.. How is is possible that I haven’t purchased a single Christmas present?! For me, I have to be made painfully aware that it is indeed the holiday season. Otherwise, locked in my little office, zombies can be taking over the planet and I would have no idea. I use zombies as an example because over the weekend I watched the entire first season of The Walking Dead. (*note: do not watch this series in one sitting unless you want to have terrible nightmares). Anyhow, how have I gotten so off topic today? Yes, Christmas.. as I was saying, sometimes you just have to be made aware of the fact that it’s the holiday season. For me, these ADORABLE Christmas pieces by artist Ximena Carreira just may have done the trick.

Ximena Carreira is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, from Buenos Aires, who recently discovered a new way of expressing herself by creating with her hands. Luckily, for the rest of us, Ximena discovered this new form of self expression. If you love off-beat Christmas decor as much as I do, you should certainly check out her work.

By the way, if you’re still in need of the perfect holiday gift for that artsy someone in your life, be sure to stop by LAMA. The entire store is heavily discounted as we clear out our current inventory to make way for next year’s new items!!

Every time a friend asks me where they should go on vacation or for their honeymoon, I always say Buenos Aires! I love Buenos Aires. The city is beautiful, the food is fantastic, and the people are lovely in every way possible. I vow to purchase a flat there someday! Until then, I’ll just have to admire their stunning spaces from afar. The flat below is owned by Veronica de Miero, owner and creator of Argentina’s Seco Rainwear. She and her husband (architect Jorge Mazzinghi), have created a gorgeous space that combines several of it’s original 1920′s elements, with a mixture of vintage and modern pieces. My favorite design element of this apartment is the brilliant combinations of color and pattern. I am always trying to convince others that florals and plaids and stripes really can co-exist in the same home. This incredible flat is a prime example how that is possible.

Be sure to check out additional photos here.

As this year is starting to come to an end, my mind has been racing with excitement over everything I’m hoping will come in the new year. High on my list of things I’m hoping will happen is another shopping trip to Buenos Aires. It seems that so much has happened down there since my last trip in 2008 and I’m dying to catch up! I’ll definitely be stopping by Bartolomea, an adorable little store located in Palermo, BA.

Bartolomea is a gorgeous little boutique shop stock full of colorful and eclectic items for your home. They carry both new and vintage merchandise from flea markets, local designers, and beyond. I think I want ten of everything!

If you’re in or heading to Buenos Aires, be sure and check out Bartolomea. Then send me an email and brag all about it! I promise I won’t hate you.