Shaw Mansion Wallpaper

From Intern at Large Karli Hendrickson:

The New London County Historical Society, located in the Shaw Mansion, is renovating the old servants quarters into an educational space. During these renovations, cool old wallpapers are being revealed. As they work on the walls, they are discovering layers of papers ranging from an original 1850’s paper to many reproduction papers from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. Executive Director Edward Baker gave me a tour of the rooms with the best wallpaper examples.

Awesome. Thanks Karli!

Designers We Love : Diamond and Baratta

I am pretty much obsessed with the New York design team Diamond and Baratta.  Their bold style, whimsical exuberance, and use of pattern are remarkable, whether they are working on a Miami apartment, a Hamptons cottage, or a Western ranch.  From rugs to wallpaper, pillows to fabrics, their spaces incorporate so many geometric patterns, stripes, and other repeats.  Most of the design elements are designed by the duo and custom made by artisans for each of projects, so you can’t really buy this stuff anywhere (unless you hire Diamond and Baratta!) but if you are interested in patterns and how to use them in a space, look these guys up — their portfolio is the best lesson book in how to do it.  A few photos from their website are below, but check more out here.  Truly inspirational!

Designers We Love: Muriel Brandolini

If you aren’t aware of Muriel Brandolini, put her on your radar — her fabric, wallpaper and interior designs are all marvelous.  With vibrant colors, graphic shapes, and international influence from around the world, her patterns exude a sophisticated, elegant energy.  So beautiful!

Installation Inspiration

Cavern in House Beautiful Magazine

Just saw the November 2009 issue of House Beautiful — and Cavern is featured!  Love the “Blackbird” pattern in the bathroom.  Especially with the mirrors reflecting the graphic image and with the wallpaper continuing onto the ceiling, the room truly becomes unique and memorable.  Thanks Thom Filicia for thinking of us in your showcase!

MASS MoCA

MASS MoCA is showing an incredible, highly praised Sol LeWitt wall drawing retrospective.  Intern at large Karli Hendrickson snapped these photos a few summers ago when she worked on the projects: she and a a team of artists installed the drawings.

Dramatic walls such as these make me wonder: how can you incorporate such crazy, OFF the wall patterns in your living space?  Wall art can look so incredibly cool in the museum, but can it translate to the home?  Would anyone be so bold — or so foolish?  It seems like you’d be setting yourself up for amazing success or total failure.

1967 McCalls

Intern at large Karli Hendrickson just found a 1967 McCalls Magazine as she was tidying up.  Love love loving the patterns here. Thanks Karli!

Inspiration from ‘75

More inspiration from the 1975 Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book.  Love the graphic patterns!

Loving Old Wallpaper

Just got these photos from intern Karli Hendrickson of her grandmother’s house in Cape Cod.  I love old wallpaper patterns and vintage design looks.  And I love seeing rooms with walls and ceiling covered in bold patterns.  Thanks Karli!

Installation Inspiration

A little installation inspiration from Cavern's Blackbird Pattern.

Have a great weekend!