Pattern Pulp

Homegoods from Helsinki




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We’ve been big fans of Polkka Jam since they launched. The palettes are fresh and the graphics are a beautiful balance between simple and interesting. Today, we’re fixated on the Huvila Collection, which launched this past Spring.

The collection comes from a place of love, honoring the small and meaningful moments we spend with friends and family. The graphics signify a secret garden gone wild. If you’re looking to freshen up your table or bed, snap these up quickly, as they’re a limited edition run.

 

Trend: Feminine Florals for Summer





1floral_skeetch_trendFlowers are everywhere – as to be expected…we’re upon summer! What’s interesting though, is the type of flower we’re seeing. Every season, we get accustomed to new design styles, and this time around, painstaking detail and illustration is front and center.

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Line work dominates, reminding us of the medical journals that started popping up when organic and artisanal packaging started filling store shelves. It almost doesn’t matter if the colors are vibrant or muted, as the illustrations tell the story.

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The style transcends products both locally and abroad- as the imagery above is from Sweden, the Philippines, New York, Miami and Paris. While we’re used to seeing flowers and vines from fashion and beauty, it’s most interesting to see the application blown out of proportion and scattered throughout the home sector…that’s when we know the design is here to stay, at least for a few years.

1. Genus Chair by Pillip Estlund  2. Wallpaper from A Bakeri Grows in Greenpoint (via Design*Sponge) 3. Nature & Human Collection by Lesia Paramonova 4. Illustrative work-in-progress by Daryl Feril 5. A Beautiful oversized knit I shot while in Stockholm 2 weeks ago 6. and another photo I took while at & Other Stories

 

Renovating with the Pattern Foundry




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Last night, I got an note from my friend Laurie titled, Patterny Things. It’s not so uncommon, you know, getting emails like this, as everyone from friends, to past teachers, to coworkers and press people share links along on a near-daily-basis. When Laurie gets excited about something though, I listen up.

The Pattern Foundry‘s doing something cool. They’re not encouraging you to buy textured accessories, they want a greater commitment- they want you installing patterned motifs within the architecture of your home.

From tiling and carpeting to ceramics and woodworking, this collective of UK craftspeople share a common interest in all-things decorative. Have a look at their site, as it might inspire you to refresh and revisit your home basics.

Around the Globe in San Francisco




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I’m finally back in New York after a two week stint on the west coast. The weather was a welcome change, as was catching up with family, friends and colleagues I don’t get to see that often.

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My hand’s been on the mend for the past few weeks as well, from a somewhat ridiculous kitchen accident involving a wine bottle opener…(I know…) which has been fairly frustrating (particularly in the work dept). I will say that Sherpaa, Mt. Sinai, NYU Langone and Beth Israel and I have all become my good friends this month. Sherpaa, in particular. On a more positive and serious note though, on week three, while on the road, I was able to start designing again, which was a long awaited relief (for both me, and my clients).

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To balance my new-found free time during this unworkable, yet medicated period, I went on more inspiration hunts, photographing, absorbing, meeting new people and mentally sketching new ideas out in my head. I also watched two full seasons of Nashville and signed up for a Hulu Plus account. It was a forced break in a sense, and terrible timing, as several deadlines had been looming, but so is life. Sometimes accidents happen, and you just have to be grateful that you have a good support system and healthcare.

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Today, I thought I’d share some pictures from my last pitstop in San Francisco, before heading to the airport. Justin (my husband) and I met up with a few friends at Heath Ceramics in the Mission, off of many solid recommendations. It’s a superb space filled with beautiful objects.

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In another world where I didn’t have a kitchen set I was using and already attached to, I’d fill my home with their ceramics and textiles. The vibe throughout is modern, but simple and very color and texture focused. If you like Fort Standard, Anthology Mag, Purl, and Steven Alan, these products are for you.

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For over a half a century, Heath Ceramics has produced handcrafted tableware and architectural tile in it’s Sausalito, CA factory. They also carry the Alabama Chanin line– which is prominently featured today.

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Their placemats combine organic cotton and intricate stitching- reminiscent of Japanese decorative techniques. They’re as simple as they are busy, and if you’re looking to make your own, they sell DIY kits.

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The ceramic plates follow a similar stitch story, only the application is obviously different. It’s all delicate and a nice balance of folk meets modern. If you’re in the area, don’t skip this gem, there are so many interesting stories throughout and small gifts to purchase, if you’re in the market for that kind of thing.

Visiting En Soie in Silverlake




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This week, I’m working out of West Hollywood. Since I’m here for a bit, I’m exploring some of the neighborhoods, poking in and out of cafes, restaurants, friends’ offices and shops.

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I found myself wandering around Sunset Junction in Silverlake yesterday and happened upon En Soie, a gem of a family-run Swiss store, located on Sunset Blvd.

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While buying a scarf, I started chatting with one of the daughters, Eleonore Meier, and she explained how one of her sisters paints and prints her patterns while the other works on a jewelry line, all sold at the store.

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The Argentinean wine behind the counter was made by her Father. Such an incredibly creative family, I love how they all work together, making likeminded items under a cohesive brand.

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While doing a little online research after the visit, I came across this video of Eleonore and her husband on Jessica Comingore’s blog.

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It’s beautifully shot, and dives a bit deeper, sharing her ceramics, clothing and lifestyle- she also teaches us how to tie an En Soie scarf in the most casual and sophisticated way.

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All of the pieces are unique in an incredibly wearable way- with lovely unexpected color pairings. If you’re a local, pop on in, otherwise, check out their online shop.

Pattern delights from Blabla




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If you’re shopping in the baby department, it’s likely you’ve crossed paths with the adorable line, Blabla. The patterns have a loose illustrative hand and the crochet dolls are sophisticated playmates with soft features and sturdy trunks. We’re fans of everything from the mobiles to the sheets to the bean bags. If you haven’t checked this Atlanta-based company out, bookmark their site, it’s one of the few American lines that truly feels international.

 

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