Home Ideas - Modern Home Design: custom

Y knot!

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;51;50;124;80;200-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0#A124-239;P;c254;51;50;124;80;200-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588132103681599378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhtTy6NBx2nuomfB_C-g4s_tJmK12RMiZbebtJD9KLIpFt7GYvM9SlTeLwbBAbqkZTvN1Vr6hHsg2Jgjln0n2UVkeFf6Kg-UIvccdQcF-o3vOSrG8D6YCMWLgHZTGUUZQlz7St-UhOdkp/s400/black-whiteYknot.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 248px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;51;50;124;80;200-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0#A124-239;P;c254;51;50;124;80;200-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0">Y knot pattern designed by Yvonne Blacker available exclusively at Alluminare.com</a> </div> <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/business-of-design.html">A while back I mentioned</a> wanting to try my hand at creating patterns for fabrics, etc. What designer hasn’t searched for the perfect pattern in just the right color combination and wished they could just design what they were looking for? With a background in illustration, graphic design, and print production, creating a pattern for fabrics (or other surface designs) seemed like a fun extension of the same creative process to me. After day dreaming about it for some time, I have finally given it a shot! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=P120-239;P;c254;51;48;124;80;400-9700-9700-10-CSHB3x1-STEMS36x1-DK20-0-0#P120-239;P;c254;51;48;124;80;400-9700-9700-10-CSHB3x1-STEMS36x1-DK20-0-0"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588136830094981522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1PvmSxVFK0UbAK_puQbC1JAMEGYJM-Nsmy9Vn2lqZQc0sMeUBOh6tpUGljdmM_m70vJkVOPfMLhyXDNsNs36ei5RKyP7-cvRZjM9XlS-2CemxySdZBn9tRZA0jDiaMI2zYneNPVbXRp5/s400/tanYknotShadeYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 294px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=P120-239;P;c254;51;48;124;80;400-9700-9700-10-CSHB3x1-STEMS36x1-DK20-0-0#P120-239;P;c254;51;48;124;80;400-9700-9700-10-CSHB3x1-STEMS36x1-DK20-0-0">Y knot in White/Chocolate Milk, Small Scale</a> on an Alluminare 20 inch drum pendant light </div> This week my pattern “Y knot” was introduced exclusively on Alluminare.com! Now anyone can order a throw pillow, lamp shade, fabric or wallpaper in this modern-geometric typography inspired pattern (see the chain of capital letter Ys?) What I love about Alluminare is that each pattern they offer can be custom designed with a variety of colors and pattern sizes. See how easy it is to transform Y knot into completely different looks from subtle to bold ... <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;51;163;124;80;400-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0#A124-239;P;c254;51;44;124;80;800-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588146373385871346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7SNVj6uQ09NP_eStj1ShzMnERnMTqcyU1im0I6YmGa8Rv5d7PKWkXtGQ6-NGk7xJRYLt0Fuun_Z9DzlBK9N-fIK7E9aeOVyOjQffz_P96p52NfNLBOZjdB2g6Z-mBmM5HDK5_g-8-PgB/s400/silver%253AwhiteYknotYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 247px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;51;163;124;80;400-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0#A124-239;P;c254;51;44;124;80;800-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0">Y knot in White/Silver, Tiny Scale</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;51;38;124;80;100-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0#A124-239;P;c254;51;38;124;80;100-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588136825899507490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBblmF7cPR2wtmbJ1BsKlTsATEhOrb-a2UIGlW-GwlXSRhwd3OpUUAUJxaw2ffumz2LBug0pCeHE1s2bgzMuOxy4Z0Og1Ud_6t-pBR_5N66umpVgD8huXdaE6zvuD-qD3Q-ueRZ5YxwRXd/s400/greenYknotYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 243px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;51;38;124;80;100-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0#A124-239;P;c254;51;38;124;80;100-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0">Y knot in White/Spring Grass, Large Scale</a> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0#A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0"></a><a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0#A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588143606591718082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1enhQBPiprbGR6kKTXyk9hnTZX6r3xNBM5nWexZvJMr9FKugWrC_a-qHk78JFkKhHpyAmY2GC8CheJz0TZv7tcdeqCxhZ0sdjZLvI8DgnltsPOwe776adrhBFwUPcGBV_KyzFnD3IllEa/s400/cantaloupeYknotYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 248px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0#A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0">Y knot in Black/Cantaloupe, Largest Scale</a> <div style="text-align: left;">This last pattern, when blown up to its largest scale, reminds me of a monarch butterfly! This was not intentional, just a pleasant surprise as butterflies happen to be one of my favorite graphic design icons. Look for them in the following design show spaces: </div> <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/designers-before-and-after.html">North Shore Design Show, 2010</a> (can you find 3 in this post?) <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/05/fairy-tale-event.html">North Shore Design Show, 2009</a> (can you see 5 in one photo?) <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-nursery-design-in-detail.html">Danvers Historical Society Design Show, 2010</a> (can you find one?) <div style="text-align: left;">I plan on creating more patterns and hopefully a collection or two in the future. Thanks to the creative minds at Alluminare.com, custom pattern design is now a dream come true for me : ) <a href="http://blog.alluminare.com/custom-designs-with-alluminare-and-companies-we-adore/">Click here</a> to see how you, too, can utilize the custom design features available at Alluminare.com! </div> <a href="http://www.alluminare.com/design-your-own.asp?sku=A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0#A124-239;P;c254;50;101;124;80;50-9700-9700-18-nonex0-nonex0-0000-0-0"> </a></div>

Y knot!

Y knot pattern designed by Yvonne Blacker available exclusively at Alluminare.com A while back I mentioned wanting to try my hand at creati...

4:00 PM

Getting cozy in the kitchen.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmizOBLISf_JLXLlqv1wdeWW86j9maMQCYRxoLygZmJQswx-KGsFrdNw_xr65GPVhVKLPL_xaG22tmlsiGlOX0Y6aHAzNz8qq3r-qNiCmUPlU0onsWn1Feomjr3S5nxMkD0HjQc-dlxM/s1600-h/custombench.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388939840175198946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmizOBLISf_JLXLlqv1wdeWW86j9maMQCYRxoLygZmJQswx-KGsFrdNw_xr65GPVhVKLPL_xaG22tmlsiGlOX0Y6aHAzNz8qq3r-qNiCmUPlU0onsWn1Feomjr3S5nxMkD0HjQc-dlxM/s400/custombench.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" /></a> A custom bench cushion with accent pillows that I recently had made for one of my clients to coordinate with a large but simple valance designed to showcase a dramatically scaled print from <a href="http://www.starkfabric.com/collections.htm" style="font-style: italic;">Stark</a> fabrics. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HD_vJ1Z7FyrLsiDcAJwN3NcdUFN4FTBW2k1yRm6GyF3qZESqHBGGgv6Mqcayn57DcHNnkk-Y_B9YEt6l6Ad5iNeW-MctURJinz3OVy3HO_KakMY1AtmKYkKqvH7Y1OX1rFsJZTQKQDQ/s1600-h/roostervalance.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389117910394209042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HD_vJ1Z7FyrLsiDcAJwN3NcdUFN4FTBW2k1yRm6GyF3qZESqHBGGgv6Mqcayn57DcHNnkk-Y_B9YEt6l6Ad5iNeW-MctURJinz3OVy3HO_KakMY1AtmKYkKqvH7Y1OX1rFsJZTQKQDQ/s400/roostervalance.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> Despite the pouring rain on Saturday, many showed up (in some very cute slickers, I might add!) to take in The <a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum’s</a> <a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/adults_programs.html">2nd Annual Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour</a>. Nine kitchens were showcased – and of the six that we had time to visit, each was unique and all were quite welcoming in their own way. Some were like walking right into a magazine spread (which I loved), while in others you could tell that these kitchens have been cherished by their love-to-cook owners (which I totally envied). Here is what I noticed (but wasn’t able to photograph ...) • The floors: lots of medium to dark hardwood on the floors. One that I really adored had beautifully dramatic extra wide planks. So unusual! I love hardwood in the kitchen (a farmhouse feature of my current in-need-of-a-renovation-kitchen that I am a-ok with). Hardwood has a slight give underfoot, which a cook who spends a lot of time in the kitchen can really appreciate. • Unique materials: One home in particular stood out from the rest with its patchwork of earth-colored cork tiles, a center island topped with a genuine slab of pine (smooth and shiny on top, but still sporting its roughly curved edge), sparkly walls (I think there were shells ground up in the plaster?), and large rock finials on the stair banisters. This home, with its nod to nature, felt and looked “real.” • In a big room, small cozy spots stand out. Who doesn’t love a secret hideaway? In some of these wide open kitchens, it was the pantry that stole the show. Pantries are my all time favorite ... I can just imagine sneaking away from a party to sip a drink with a friend and talk about the goings on in the quiet comfort of a stylishly decorated butlers pantry. • Personality counts. I can’t remember how many burners each stove had, or who had the newest kitchen gadget (with the exception of the kitchen with two dishwashers — my dream!), but I do remember the framed photo of one homeowner with Julia Child, the collection of horseback riding inspired tea cups, the family portraits, and the boldly dramatic choices in lighting, wall coverings and fabrics that gave us a glimpse of the personality of those who lived there. • Flowers make a difference! Some of my favorite spaces included beautiful flower arrangements. Even if your kitchen isn’t on a show house tour, you can give it some designer-love with a pretty vase of flowers. Even better ... make up three small vases with the exact same arrangement and place them side by side on your counter or dining table. People WILL notice, and they are great for taking the attention away from the have-to-live-with-for-now-items that you may not want people to see ... like Harvest Gold appliances, for example (I use a lot of flowers in my kitchen)! You can actually <a href="http://www.finn-martensdesign.com/kitchens1.html">check out one of the kitchens online</a> by my friend, designer Patricia Finn of <a href="http://www.finn-martensdesign.com/index.html">Finn-Martens Design</a>. Her sophisticated design is both warm and thoughtfully modern, while still referencing the historical character of the home. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqRDs1eSG__qgFDOTWOBEb-VvS3Vc1aIruqnAesUv4tse_1vKcDA4mwTAifgEEDhH1xuCSBBbHIWmPuPglXaTfBm8DENwYdJe1MTA6W0pdmh9Ya5bg7w7X0MiZ5d2evA-RGvo-Qle6V8/s1600-h/fmdkitchen.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389093474590813138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqRDs1eSG__qgFDOTWOBEb-VvS3Vc1aIruqnAesUv4tse_1vKcDA4mwTAifgEEDhH1xuCSBBbHIWmPuPglXaTfBm8DENwYdJe1MTA6W0pdmh9Ya5bg7w7X0MiZ5d2evA-RGvo-Qle6V8/s400/fmdkitchen.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 274px;" /></a>Photo from <a href="http://www.finn-martensdesign.com/kitchens1.html">Finn-Martens Design</a> website End note: We worked up quite an appetite after touring so many gourmet style kitchens. In one home, we saw a plate of brownies that seemed to be taunting us from under the safety of its glassed dome! We didn't sneak one – this time – but I will remember to bring some snacks for the ride next year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-4YlAX5McPQSVjeW0ZUo1I7Y8AL6M4croo8dvUU81tM5wW_KDy7xioJm11Fj0rgq002auOPlPDJZlFjSYeHvLtIcf6oMLy6lQKvXlMU5cGermjtSR6ieaf9dy8gIZ7uIfXCRT6TQ4x4/s1600-h/kitchenbenchW.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388967008473934786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-4YlAX5McPQSVjeW0ZUo1I7Y8AL6M4croo8dvUU81tM5wW_KDy7xioJm11Fj0rgq002auOPlPDJZlFjSYeHvLtIcf6oMLy6lQKvXlMU5cGermjtSR6ieaf9dy8gIZ7uIfXCRT6TQ4x4/s320/kitchenbenchW.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a> Maybe this recently renovated home overlooking Chebacco Lake will be on tour next year? I will post more pictures of the other newly designed rooms soon. In the meantime, if you are seriously considering a re-haul of your current kitchen, check out this great interview with Ina Garten of the <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/">Barefoot Contessa</a> (one of my favorite people that I haven’t met!) by Christine Pittel of <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a>. Ina’s philosophy on what makes great kitchen design, and how to entertain at home without stress is a must read before starting any kitchen renovation ... <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/barefoot-contessa-kitchen-of-the-year">50 Kitchen Ideas from the Barefoot Contessa</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxw7389Pw4hj7IoYL9f2-WmMQ5webTRkfuGJwra3_8fFrVrMQk-1OHdD5oG6HLzhRpbg4BmJ-ISPmyJlKJr0FOniu1oxIDxLoBfoiBnccH5-Y27pB4UT0RwegPUo34rMajb7CiArDZp0/s1600-h/InaGartenKitchen.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389098797011949058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxw7389Pw4hj7IoYL9f2-WmMQ5webTRkfuGJwra3_8fFrVrMQk-1OHdD5oG6HLzhRpbg4BmJ-ISPmyJlKJr0FOniu1oxIDxLoBfoiBnccH5-Y27pB4UT0RwegPUo34rMajb7CiArDZp0/s400/InaGartenKitchen.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" /></a>Photo credit: Julian Wass </div>

Getting cozy in the kitchen.

A custom bench cushion with accent pillows that I recently had made for one of my clients to coordinate with a large but simple valance desi...

9:00 AM

Home Ideas - Modern Home Design

Y knot!

Getting cozy in the kitchen.

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