Pagani Studio

Quite some time ago now I posted on the House Beautiful Design Event I was able to attend in Chicago.  I have been meaning to talk more about the designs I saw there, and so here it is.  I was lucky enough to meet
Stéphane and Frouwkje Pagani, the husband and wife design team behind Pagani Studio, which specializes in handmade light fixtures.  After doing a bit more research I realized I had read about them some time ago in February 2008 issue of Domino Magazine and also found this amazing photograph below of their master bedroom.  The feature of the room is the amazing venetian chandelier.

Here is an image of their apartment living room in New York city that features their Equazionne Chandelier II.

Below are 2 of my favorite pieces that they have designed.

Esterel Sconce

Aquila Quartz Chandelier II

Displayed over their very rustic dining room table is the Aquila Pendant II.

Aquila Pendant II

You can check out more at their website or visit the Holly Hunt Showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.

January at the Art Institute

It is getting close to April and I am just getting around to looking through my inspiration photos from the Art Institute Museum in Chicago that I went to in January.  I'd like to get to the Art Institute every month, but it actually hasn't happened since then.  The last time I went I decided to check out the American Art prior to the 1900s.  The first pieces pictured below are from the 1700s and then the last ones are into the 1800s.  There is an interesting contrast from more dainty and detailed to more chunky furniture pieces.  I especially enjoyed the intricately made and artfully designed lamps.  Even though they are all priceless works of art in a museum I would love to have any of these in my own home!

This is at the entrance to the Art Institute Museum and at first glance just a little color inspiration for you.  You can read more about the artist and meaning behind it here.

I'm Back!

I have kind of disappeared from blog land this winter, which is rather odd since it would be the perfect time to stay warm and cozy indoors working on it. But I felt rather lost and didn't feel much inspiration I have to admit.

I did try to find inspiration though in getting out and seeing new art work and in taking new classes to learn a new art myself. My grandma passed away this past August and I have been thinking a lot about her since then and who she was. One of the main things that stands out to me is what an amazingly creative person she was. She was always making something whether it was cookies and bran muffins, or knitting a new blanket, or crocheting Christmas ornaments for all of us grandkids. I admire her for that so much. The more I think about it both of my grandmothers have lived very creative lives in that way and my mom as well. I am very inspired by each of them, and thankful they are in my life. Through this inspiration I realized if they are all talented in this way it must be in me somewhere!

So that's when I decided to take my first sewing class ever at this adorable little place called The Needle shop in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. You can check out their website here.  If you get a chance and live in the area I would highly recommend it.  It's a very modern but quaint little place with amazing patterns and fabrics. 

Here is my 1st ever sewing project - the pillow!  I don't exactly love how this pillow looks on the chair but I love the fact that I made it .....so much so that there it stays.  Being able to sew brings many exciting possibilities to decorating and the truly custom one of a kind things one can make.  I could make different pillow covers for each season to fit one pillow form.  That way I can easily fold and store away the cover. 


Once I get a bit more experience to this sewing thing I hope to give you some d.i.y. tips!  I haven't been able to practice much since I do not have my own sewing machine, but coming up next weekend I will be seeing my dear mom who is going to let me borrow her's for some time :)  Sewing projects here I come.  I know my grandma would be proud.