I really enjoy these abstract paintings by Marten Jansen. He grew up near Amsterdam. When he was 17 he was interested in music and actually wanted to become a composer. Because his parents opposed his music interests and with his own self doubts, he studied economics (1983). Later he developed an interest in physics and mathematics. In 1990, he started painting. In 1997 Jansen states that things just started to click and he became much more motivated to produce art. Read his full biography.
I love the simplicity of Amanda Talley's artwork and I love the color choices she uses. Amanda's artwork is quite sought after. She has worked with designers such as Gerrie Bremermann. He used her painting in a design project (top photograph) which was featured in Southern Accents. I first saw Amanda on Bayou Contessa where the owner was fortunate enough to have purchased a couple of Amanda's paintings.
I have been a huge fan of Emily Martin for years. I'm not sure why I haven't posted information about her sooner. I suppose since she has been posted on nearly every other blog, I felt I didn't need to write about her. However, I haven't seen her work lately and got excited all over again when I saw it. She is THE biggest seller on etsy. Her shop name is The Black Apple. Check out her blog, it's sure to inspire you. Inside a Black Apple.
Check out this DIY project on cucumbersome. The original table sells at Anthropologie for $698.00. This project was created for a mere $96.00. This table is relatively easy to make and if you already have a table you would like to spruce up, the project would cost even less than a hundred dollars. You basically cover the drawers with decorative trim from the hardware store. If you are interested in the full directions, you can find them here at cucumbersome. First seen on DesignSponge.
I really like this room from Domino. A girlfriend of mine once taught me a simple trick when it comes to decorating. Her advice was to find a room you love in a magazine or on the web and just copy what you see. It is such a simple idea yet very effective. In this room, the designer Steven Gambrel, designed this room on a budget. Gambrel usually works on projects that are in the million plus range. But here, he gives great ideas you can implement into your own home on a budget. His simple tips are inexpensive yet very effective. I particularly like these three ideas: hang curtains high to make the windows seem elongated; create a molding with paint a shade darker or lighter to the walls;use mirrors to open up a room. Read the full article here at Domino.
Today it is 35 degrees in Minnesota. The sun is shining and this is warmer weather than what we have been having, so I should be happy. However, everyone is coming back with sun kissed skin from their vacations and I can't help but daydream of warmer destinations. Currently, my feet are cold, I always say that I have popsicle toes. Right now I can't think of anything I would enjoy more than sticking my little popsicle toes into some really warm soft sand. Photos are taken from Exclusive Resorts.
