RESET

Dear readers and subscribers,

 It's been over a year since I have posted a single thing on my page and for that I apologise. I, like most people went ahead and got a job in an architecture firm and forgot that I had a life outside work... oops... I forgot all about why I loved writing and all the things that make me smile about art and design. Very often as artists or creative minds, we are stuck in the ruts of life. All the while knowing that we are not meant to fit neatly in a box, or be a perfect cog among other cogs. And at this particular moment in time, I feel like a cog in a machine and I want to reset. Or rather I need to reset. I refuse to cry over spilt milk and instead push myself to remember just why I do what I do and why I love it. I choose to be positive, patient and persistent in the pursuit of great design. So, this serves as a reminder to those creative minds out there, who love what they do but sometimes get lost in the machine that is life. It's time to press RESET. Start over, not for the spirit of 'New Year' where most resolutions are made; but sincerely for yourself. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Maya Angelou quote

Finally, a quote from my heroine Dr. Maya Angelou that I shall never forget, and that you should remember: "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated."  


Sincerely,

Christina.

CREATIVE ENTHUSIASTS IN KENYA

To all the creative folk in Kenya looking to boost their portfolios:

xx christina xx

Air of Romance

With each new year we all make resolutions that we swear to see through. There's always that thing we want to do or that thing we want to get or something we want to change. We make promises to eat healthier, sign up for that gym membership, quit smoking, get our lives organised...the list is endless. This year I realized that life needs, well, more life! More laughter, inspiration, spontaneity, purity, sensuality and last but not least more romance. 

Romance I fear has been somewhat lost to our generation, only to be found in books that hardly anyone reads. Furthermore, romance has become associated to many teenagers' delight with fictional characters in Vampire movies and series. Anyway, that's besides the point. Whatever your idea of romance is, pursue it... Consequently, In my pursuit, I have compiled some images of inspiration of the 'air of romance'.

romantic style bedroom in soft cream

The key to a romantic setting is light. Soft light seeping through light and sheer curtains that billow in the slight breeze.

gold gilded dining room

The second key to romance is in the details and embellishments. Hand-carved, hand-painted, hand-stitched and hand-drawn artifacts give the impression of time and care put into them. Additionally, they imply that each one of them is unique to its owner, its time and place. 

embellished bedroom

Sometimes romance is simplistic.

white and silver bedroom

Other times elaborate. 

fairy tale inspired cradle by Giusti Portos

Romantic bathroom designed by Servio Firmino

Other times mysterious.

romantic canopy bed

Sometimes innocent and playful.

countryside romance

softly draped yellow curtains

There's so much more to romance than we can possibly imagine or put together. Our idea of it varies from one person to the other. I hope however that we all seek it... after all, what harm could come of it? Thus with these few words I bid you all good wishes for the new year and a year full of romance.

Disclaimer: I do not own these images and I have not referenced some because I collected them a while back. I have referenced those I could. 

2D-3D... Issey Miyake store, Tokyo

 

Front view of the Issey Miyake store window display

I came across these 2D-3D chair display byYoichi Yamamoto for Issey Miyake in the dezeen magazine. I think they look so cool as window display for the store in Tokyo. The backs of the chairs stand up on the stage and the rest of the chair (legs) are painted onto the floor. From a fixed angle they appear to be in the correct perspective. Contrasting hats then accessorize the intsallation. 

Side view of the Issey Miyake store window display

Below are some of the close-ups of the 2D-3D atrwork. I absolutely love the colour of these chairs against the white floor as well. I also love how the yellows, limes and the oranges pop out of the display. 

 2D-3D installation close up

Installation in use

 Installation in use

Store windows at night

Hope this gives you some inspiration on any 2D-3D projects you might have. And for more images and technical drawings (plans and elevations) of how they did it click here. Be inspired...

xx christina xx

S.C.U.L.P.T.U.R.E

         

abstract, african and sport sculptures

Sculptures are to homes as accessories are to outfits; very necessary. These home accents can adorn your home and give it character and style. Decorative busts and wooden sculpture accents can blend in perfectly with both traditional and modern home furniture. Poly-stone and resin sculptures provide great options for both indoor and outdoor decor.

eclectic mix sculptures

Don't be afraid to mix and match styles,materials, shapes and sizes. What I really like about the image above is the eclectic feel it gives. Modern meets traditional. For those who have no clue what style they would like in sculpture,  mixing the styles could help you compare and contrast what suits you better. I think it would be absolutely stunning to have that roman bust on a pedestal in a foyer. The gold lamp sconce would be a great bold statement but the leopard print chair sculpture could be an acquired taste to design 'newbies'.

figure sculpture on pedestal

 

table sculptures

 

Urn sculpture

 Here are some outdoor sculpture ideas. Figure statues often give an air of romance and fantasy to a garden. They compliment traditional gardens and the more they age, the more beautiful they become. For those looking for a better fit for their modern garden, abstract stone or metallic sculptures would create the perfect accent.

 slave girl sculpture, lady in garden, fairy sculpture

abstract garden sculpture

I would recommend looking at the 'Art Gallery Buy Sculpture'. It's a site that makes it easy to visualise the sculptures in the space. So if your looking for an accesory to match your fabulous home, look no further. There are sculptures of all shapes, sizes, colours and materials. Bring the romance and fantasy to both your indoor and outdoor spaces with one or more stunning pieces. Happy shopping everybody!

xx christina xx

TAKE ME TO MOROCCO

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There's something very unique about Moroccan inspired design. It carries with it an exotic air of mystery, romance and seduction. It's rich in texture, color and culture. It's vibrant, highly decorative and requires a lot of character to pull it off. With morocco, every sense is tantalized. Everything is pleasing to the touch and to the eye. So much so that you can almost taste it. To kick start your global inspiration here are some Moroccan inspired interiors with both modern and traditional twists.

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What i love about the interior above is that you can infuse a space with so much rich and vibrant color without so much as a touch of paint. This is a modern twist to the exotic feel. The space is bright and airy and gives the sense of being on holiday but from the comfort of your own home.

  

 

Moroccan lamps

Being highly ornamental, one way to introduce decorative patterns, colors and shapes into your space is through lamps and lanterns. The key to picking accessories for the space is in looking out for the handcrafted ornaments. Detail is what gives it that little extra touch. Look out for hand painted, hand carved, hand moulded pieces.

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Hand painted vases and Moroccan tea set

Moroccan tea set

So for those that love the rich, vibrant and seductive feel of Morocco, this would be the way forward. Be bold and daring with your choice in pattern, colour and accessories. In Morocco 'more is more' so layer up on all these exciting factors, sit back and indulge in some well deserved exotic tea...

xx christina xx 

THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR PAD... living room

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Your home is a reflection of yourself. Piled up pizza boxes and empty beer cans are not a good look. Bachelor pads are meant to be suave, sophisticated and dare I say it, cool. If your home is none of these things then it might be time to upgrade the digs and rethink your decor boys. Now don't panic, for those of you who have no clue what decor means. Follow the tips below and transform your mess of a home into the ultimate bachelor pad.

Living room:

The first order of business is spending your cash on a great sofa. Invest in a comfortable piece that can host your mates for the big game or host a guest crashing over at yours. You spend most of your time here so dig deep in those pockets and get something worthwhile. Light sofas make a room feel bigger but for those who eat on the couch often, darker sofas will camouflage food/drink stains better. Go for neutral colors if you're in doubt. 

Another essential item you should have is a coffee table. Depending on the feel  of the space, go for either classic or contemporary and you are sure to have a winner. Next, invest in one or two statement chairs, something that's... "so you." Main furniture done! With lighting, the rule of thumb is having more than one light source. Have your main overhead lighting be a feature in itself and compliment it with a floor and table lamp. These additions will give your living room the perfect light conditions.  If you don't have a fireplace fear not because candles are a great alternative for heat and light. And fire is always sexy.

Mood board by yours truly

The next items on the to-do-list are accessories. here's where your creativity comes in. Introduce pops or shades of colour through accessories. Rugs, artwork, cushions, curtains, bowls ... the list is endless. Its easy to experiment with colour and texture this way and the best thing about it is that it can easily be changed. Last but not least is storage. Keep your place clean and tidy with shelving and racks.

Mood board by yours truly

Now there's no excuse for a  messy, mismatched living room. Keep things simple, express yourself and the rest will come together. And with these kind of secrets the ladies might never want to leave... You're welcome.

xx christina xx

ALL FOR WALL DECAL

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Wall Decal... Not an entirely new concept but there are so many reasons why it's fun and great for your interior. Vinyl wall decals give you the opportunity to add color and patterns to your home without lifting a single paintbrush. They are excellent for people who like to change their mind and even better for those who redecorate every five minutes. oops...same people... Anyway below is a list of reasons why vinyl wall decals are a great idea.

• They are easy to use...literally peel, transfer and peel off
• A neat alternative to stencils for those who do not enjoy working with paint
• Suited for use on painted, papered, glass and mirrored surfaces
• A way of expressing yourself (you can also post your philosophical quotes)
• Inexpensive but powerful
• Great for changing up the feel of a room
• Have a great variety in terms of color, pattern and images
• Great for kids rooms

If you haven't experimented with wall decals, now is your chance. Try them large or small, bright or pale, simple or complicated, with pictures or words. They have absolutely lots to offer.

clock wall decal and Love wall decal

I am absolutely in love with the unique clock wall decal. Very quirky. Also, the the pastel 'Love is no.1' is really lovely matched with the white chairs. I really love the park bench and tree wall decal in brown below. It really brings in a natural element to the room.

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I like this because it's quite modern, simple and  feels like someone did some freehand abstract painting. I love the quote by Rumi and I would imagine breakfast on that table would be a lovely experience each morning.

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reflective wall decal

I adore the reflective wall decals because they would bring a dynamic new feel to any room. These would be a definite must have for those willing to take great and fabulous risks.

kids room wall decal

Last but not least, wall decals for children's rooms are a great idea and inspire imagination in the youngsters. Any child's room can transform into a fun and magical destination by the transfer of wall decals. There's so much variety in this department that it would be a shame not to try. In time, when the kids are all grown up, swiftly peel off the wall decals and opt for a more age appropriate design.

There is so much variety when it comes to wall decal and one need not be an expert to create a fabulous interior. Experiment. Experiment. Experiment. Its easy, fast, affordable and  need I say more? Go out there and get it now. 

xx christina xx