Small Business Saturday - Avie Designs

One of my FAVORITE stationary companies is Avie Designs, based out of Decatur, Georgia. Creatively conceived by Avis Wampler in 2007, the business has grown significantly to include hand folded stationary, wedding invitations, business cards, and custom designs. Avis's background is in graphic design, but she's always had a fondness for paper. What do you get when you put the two together?... absolutely stunning letterpress!

I first contacted Avis when moved back to CT from Boston in 2009. I was sending out resumes like a mad woman. I'm a huge believer in first impressions - so I knew I wanted not only my resume to look stunning, but also the envelope! I ordered a set of return address labels with a custom graphic that she had designed. After approving the proof, my order arrived promptly and was even better than I expected. The graphics were striking, yet soft, and totally unique. When I saw that she took the time to write me a hand written note expressing her gratitude for my order, and her hope that I was happy with everything, I knew I was going to be a customer for life : ) 

When I decided to venture off on my own in 2011, I found myself in need of some show stopping business cards.. I knew just who to call. I emailed Avis my idea, and she worked with me from the beginning to nail down the design. Again, she sent me a final proof for approval, and my order arrived promptly. They were perfect!

Avis is talented, kind, and a true creative spirit. And on top of it all, she has generously offered to donate one of her hand made cards to us for our first Monthly Give Away! Stay tuned for details next week...

Color Placement - Fuchsia!

The process by which color is chosen + utilized in a design has a profound effect on how an interior environment is perceived. I am always fascinated by this effect. Not only the color selection, but the placement and variations of the chosen color. Should the color exist on all of the walls, or just one? Maybe the color is only on the ceiling, or in accessories? The collection of images below showcase the varying uses of one of my favorite colors... a reddish/pinkish knockout, with just a hint of purple - Fuchsia!

Color is on the ceiling, bedding + accessories. The crisp white crown 

molding provides distinct separation between the walls + ceiling.

Credit : Tineke Triggs

A powerful statement on an accent wall.

Credit : Stephanie O'Leary

The oversized fuchsia armchairs create a grounding effect 

in a double height room.

Credit : Ligne Roset

Punches of accent  odor in the rug + accessories, with a pale 

wash of the color on the windows.

Credit : SHH Associates

Imagine this space without the punches of color.. beautiful, but static. 

Once the strong color is introduced in solid form as well as in a pattern, 

it allows your eye to easily travel about the room.

Credit : Emily Ruddo

The strong color wraps around the room, but is contrasted by 

bright white bed linens.

Credit : Casart Coverings

A simple throw with saturated color livens up this 

monochromatic entry way.

Credit : Jeremy Kohm

Warm, bright, and lively!

Credit : Logan Hammer

Black - Friend or Foe?

Often associated with negative connotations, the "lack of color" black has gotten a bit of a bad rap... The words mourning, evil, dark, unknown, and morbid quickly come to mind for most, however, the appropriate use of black really doesn't have to feel this way. It is obvious that black is a strong "color" and therefore, evokes strong emotion... too much can usually be overwhelming. Aside from these depressing associations, which really aren't black's fault, we are forgetting that black is also authoritative, sophisticated, powerful, and when worn, can make anyone look 5 pounds lighter. Black also has the ability to cool down red hot colors when positioned directly next them, and can act as punctuation in a room, outfit, or piece of artwork. By eliminating color, or using color sparingly, one can focus more on pattern, texture, rhythm, and even subject matter.

Pollock - Untitled 1948/49

Jackson Pollock

Audrey!

Marilyn Monroe

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash

David Doubilet

Lanciano Interior Design

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Dunes & Duchess Candelabra

CC Deux Vie Chevron Pillow

Laura Bielecki

Laura Bielecki

Tucker Robbins Spiders Nest Table

Studioprototype - Custom Pendent Lights

Studioprototype - Bakery Design