Founder/Editor of decor8 decor8 , Freelance Writer/Blogger/Interior Design Consultant.
Founder/Editor of decor8 decor8 , Freelance Writer/Blogger/Interior Design Consultant.
Handmade products from letterpress stationery, modern quilts, knit blankets, plushies, art, to fashion, furniture and beyond. Sure, I pick up some items from big box retailers due to availability, but I try to purchase handmade as often as possible. I also try to buy fresh or organic food although it doubles my grocery bill, it's cheaper than meds or a doctor's bill. I prefer boutiques over malls. The thrill of the hunt fuels me, finding something that may not be known by too many others yet. Also writing, interior design, world travel, browsing design stores and showrooms, inline skating, music, drawing inspiration from people, books, blogs, and magazines, cooking and eating ethnic cuisine, exploring cities without a map or agenda, time with family and friends, cafe blogging, dancing, textile arts, being active in any capacity, illustrative art, addicted to magazines like Domino, Selvedge, AB, Living Etc, Elle Decor UK, Vogue UK, and when I'm tired from everything else, just kicking back in a cafe or airport and engaging in a little people watching.
Above everything else though, I love spending time with my sweetheart and living between two countries. Our life, our family, our friends... I love spending time with my husband... He is amazing in every way! At the end of the day, HE is what matters.
Fellow design addicts that love to create and inspire others through their work. The best conversations are with those who aren't here to be the brightest stars, but who have strength of soul and passion for learning and growing, are humble, and who thrive and inspire others as well as themselves.
My design philosophy: Design evokes emotion so surround yourself with what inspires and motivates you, keeping only items that you love in your space. Maintaining a well-edited home that contributes to lots of positive energy is key. Incorporate bursts of awakening color (energy), develop a floor plan that encourages relaxation and communication (flow), and never forget the power of good music, a glass of wine, a regular thorough cleaning, and a house full of love and laughter (spirit).
Tip: If you own anything that makes you feel negative, consider donating it to charity. RECYCLE whenever you can. All to often, we keep things we don't want/need/like based solely on its monetary value or because we don't have the spare change to replace it. Bottom line is that if it reminds you of a negative time period or event in your life, hasta la vista! Replace it with something that you only associate happy feelings with. A well-designed home goes far beyond simply infusing it with great furniture and color, it needs to support your emotional growth, too.
Your home is YOUR space where creative freedom is allowed. Explore. Enjoy. Live it up.
techno, britpop, alternative, ambient, house, world, latin pop, show tunes, 70s-80s pop music, and of course, the classics like Frank and Dean. Artists I love: Thorsten (http://www.alternatewords.com), Sasha, Morrissey, Keane, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Blonde Redhead, Nek, Paris Combo, Michael Buble, Sting, Yann Tiersen, Andreas Vollenweider, The Cure, U2, Gwen Stefani, I could go on forever with this...
Action, sci-fi and foreign drama. Some classics, some romance. Alien, Blade Runner, Casino Royale, Notes on a Scandal, Amelie, About a Boy, Mostly Martha (German), In July (German), Das Parfum (German), the Bourne films, Transporter, Wasabi, Ronin, You've Got Mail, Notting Hill, Subway, Leon the Professional, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Sting, Batman Begins, War of the Worlds, In Her Shoes, The Holiday, Cowboy Bebop (anime), Appleseed (anime), Analyze This...
Not that big into television, I draw inspiration from conversations, travel, blogs, and magazines. I am a very hands on type of person, and so much of what I'm into is completely interactive.
Almost French, One Year Off: Leaving It All Behind for a Round-the-World Journey with Our Children, Memoirs of a Geisha (1999 pre-movie edition), Reading Lolita in Tehran, All Red Dress Ink Chick Lit (I know, I know...), Architecture + Design books (of course), Children's books (mostly for the illustrations) and of course, Art books (I love Chagall, Paul Rand, Japanese illustration (not anime more like Megumi Asakura, Shigeshisa Kitatani, Miyako Nomura).
My husband Thorsten, 100% in every way. The man walks on water. I also adore my mother, she is wonderful and so creative. I miss my auntie Pat very much, as she was such an inspiration. Her story could fill books... And all of my friends, family, and blog readers - all have inspired me to write, design, travel, and reach for the stars. I am so grateful for my amazing network in real time too!