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Tag: interior design

Growing. Watercolors GO BIG!

Last Fall, custom wall covering company Area Environments debuted four designs featuring my work in their Collection VI. You may have seen me post about this new collaboration on social media and I’d planned to post here much sooner but, well, life happens!

AE and I had been following each other on social media for awhile and I was regularly blown away by the stunning designs they were putting out by favorite artists of mine like Carlos Ramirez and Andrea Pramuk. So when they reached out to see if I was interested in publishing with them, the answering was a quick and resounding YES!

luckless romance

We tried out some of my acrylic paintings and watercolor sketches but overwhelmingly agreed that the watercolors were absolutely the way to go. To give you a little hint as to the magic AE produces– most of these watercolors began as 5″x7″ sketches and can now cover a full wall.

AE can create custom wall coverings for your space, whether you want one big statement wall or to fill an entire room (which I think would be AMAZING, especially with my watercolor forests!)

colors and promises

gravity

Statement wall coverings are definitely having a big moment in the design world (check out my Artsy Dwelling Pinterest board where I’ve pinned some favorites!) and AE’s wall coverings can be specified for residential AND contract design. I mean, how beautiful would these be in a healthcare environment?!

drinkers and dreamers

Head over to the Area Environments website to see more, order samples, and maybe just drool over all the stunning designs!

Wallpaper images by Area Environments, #watercolorsandcoffee image by me.

January 9, 2019
Dreaming. An Art Studio Reading Nook.
It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

What to do while the paint is drying? If I have a comfy spot, I’ll grab a book and catch up on some reading.

As I’m daydreaming (a lot these days) about what my permanent studio will look like, I’m definitely conjuring up a cozy reading nook tucked in amongst the paint and canvas.

image found here

Here’s how the perfect studio morning would go– I step out my backdoor and take a leisurely walk to my studio among the trees.

image found here

After painting for a few hours, as I wait for the paintings to dry, I make a cup of coffee and curl up in my reading nook with a book. Maybe an artist biography (this Joan Mitchell bio is so good) or maybe I’ll just flip through a book of work by a favorite painter, like this book of Georgia O’Keeffe watercolors.

Of course, I dream about what that cozy little space will look like!

images found here here and here

Light walls, wooden floors, fresh, cozy, textured, warm. A place with plenty of natural light (good for reading and painting!) and an atmosphere of sweet calm.

Since I’m daydreaming, why not be specific? So I spent a little time on the Arhaus website and put together the elements of my dream studio nook! PS- Make sure to check out all their lighting options— so important for good reading! AND during their storewide sale this month 10% of the purchase price of all lighting and accessory mirrors will go to Global Dental Relief.

I think if you can’t go just a bit funky in an art studio, well, where can you? And a few of these may be a bit too nice for studio life, but a girl can dream right?!
1. Painting, Shadow On the Wall by Lesley Frenz. Must make sure furniture matches the artwork!
2. Rug, Zayne 8×10 Grey Rug by Arhaus.
3. Chair, Dori 31″ Upholstered Chair in Madeline Gold by Arhaus. For guests, but more likely the cat.
4. Light, Wooden Prism 22″ Chandelier by Arhaus. Don’t forget, buy this baby & that’s almost $70 to GDR!
5. Pillow, Boho Ivory Applique Pillow by Arhaus.
6. Sofa, Fiona 97″ Upholstered Tufted Sofa in Brussels Rosewood by Arhaus. I dream of velvet tufted sofas!
7. Chest, Teal Ming Cabinet by Arhaus. For book & blanket storage, obvi.
8. Ottoman, Gentry 50″ Upholstered Bench in Aliz Indigo by Arhaus. Somewhere soft for the tired footsies.
9. Mug, Black & White Tumbler by Studio Joo. Coffee tastes better when sipped out of something beautiful.
10. Throw, Faux Fur Brown Feather Throw by Arhaus. Something extra cozy for cold days in the PNW!
11. Pillow, Stone Washed Velvet Rectangular Pillow in Stone by Arhaus. Never enough pillows in my world.
Just thinking about this space and doing this exercise has me so very excited to settle into a permanent studio next year! I have no idea what it will look like or where it will be, but there will be books and coffee and pillows. Oh yes, there will most definitely be!

Image sources linked above.
November 8, 2017
Live the Artsy: Deb Haugen

Home has been a subject in the forefront of our minds lately. Over the next several years, Mr. F and I are saving like mad so that we can settle down and build a little house that fits our needs and our aesthetic perfectly. What might that aesthetic be, you ask? Well, it has a lot in common with the work of this month’s Featured Artist, Deb Haugen— fresh and organic, yet modern.

art | found here

interior | found here

In her work, Deb, a California-girl, balances that lovely line between the modern and organic, often employing watery, free flowing colored forms dotted with graphic ink drawing. Translating her work into a living space means lots of white walls and furnishings dotted with pops of muted color and warmed with natural textures and graphic punches of black.

A space like this is just dying for a post-beach fire, wine, and conversation! If you’d like to see more of Deb Haugen‘s work, check out her website AND visit The Trove, Artsy Forager’s new Great.ly boutique gallery where you can find lots of Deb’s work for sale including these lovelies EXCLUSIVE to The Trove!

work by Deb Haugen available exclusively at The Trove

Please note that the above works are cropped. You can see the full versions here!

*This post contains affiliate links. As a Great.ly Tastemaker and curator of The Trove, I receive a small commission on each piece sold from The Trove boutique gallery.

June 11, 2014
Artsy Dwelling: Small is the New Big

10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact

By now, we’ve all seen the gagillions of pins of perfectly arranged art walls, so we know full well that when grouped with other work, small art pieces can sing. But when grouped with all those other works, lilliputian work can sometimes be as overlooked as a backup singer. Hang them on a wall all by their lonesome, though? You’re giving them the mic and letting them shine!

Here are a few of my favorite rooms showcasing small art works–

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Need more convincing that small art can have major effect? Head over to Mantle Art & check out the beautiful, super affordable Artsy Forager Collection of limited edition prints. They’re small but they’re fabulous!

All image sources linked above.

May 28, 2014
Insert the Artsy: Black and White Art, 3 Rooms 3 Styles

Choosing artwork for your home can be an intimidating process. Sometimes we fall in love with a piece of work but wonder how in the world we would ever incorporate it with our current style?! You know that old adage, buy what you love and somehow it will work? I’m here to prove it’s true. Let’s say you fall for this bold black and white art pair by this month’s Featured Artist, Alexandra Bellissimo.

the antagonist | the guardian

They’re strong. They’re daring. They’re a little weird but totally fabulous. Now where can you put them? The best thing about graphic black and white art like these is that they can add a sense of the unexpected to anywhere they hang.

1 | fierce romance This fantastical pair are like creatures from a dark fairy tale. Hung off to the side above the antique sofa in a romantic bohemian living room, The Antagonist and The Guardian would add just the right amount of sass to counteract the sweet.

art by alexandra bellissimo | interior image found here

2 | sleek soak In the bath is often the very last place we consider for artwork, but these guys are just screaming to add a little of the unexpected to your personal spa. They’re graphic so maybe placement in a contemporary bath seems like a no-brainer, but their organic sci-fi feel compliments the space in a fresh way.

art by alexandra bellissimo | interior image found here

3 | rustic edge Maybe you love rustic decor but don’t want to completely live the cowboy life? The his and her pairing is perfect for a bedroom and this black and white art would provide a fantastic juxtaposition against a wood feature wall. Want to edge it up even more? Add an extra wide white mat and simple contemporary frames in a bold color like yellow or bright green. Boom. You’ve turned up the sophistication to 11.

art by alexandra bellissimo | interior image found here

Have a room you need some artsy help with? Or art you love but not sure how to style in your room? I can help with that! Check out my Forager Services page for details. Love this pair by Alexandra Bellissimo? Check out her site AND stay tuned for some news here and on the Mantle Art site for affordable, limited editions prints coming soon!

All image sources linked above.

April 30, 2014
Design Foraging: Brian Paquette Interiors

Interior designers have a special place in my heart. Perhaps because I call so many of them friends and because I spent a few years studying to be one. That plan derailed ( a story for another day! ), but I’m still so appreciative of the work that designers do, especially when it comes to incorporating original artwork into the spaces they design. And Seattle’s Brian Paquette of Brian Paquette Interiors, of course, is showing the world how to using original artwork infuses a space with personality and turns the fabulousness up to 11.

The work Paquette chooses add yet another layer of texture to his already gorgeously layered designs. The spaces are elegant, yet warm and friendly, much in thanks to the contemporary art he uses that is anything but stuffy. Named one of The Next Big Names in Design by Lonny Magazine, the future’s looking bright in rainy Seattle for Brian Paquette Interiors.

To see more of the Brian Paquette’s portfolio, please visit the Brian Paquette Interiors website.

All images via the designer’s website.

April 2, 2014
Artsy Dwelling: Art Filled Nursery

Mr. F and I may not have any babies, but that doesn’t keep me from ooing and awing over fantastically artsy nursery designs. So when my friend and fellow art obsessive Kaitlyn, over at isavirtue shared pictures of the art filled nursery which will soon welcome her new little bundle of joy, I just had to share them with you!

I love the zap of color, texture and gosh-darn-happy this painting by Freyja Zazu hits you with. I’m willing to bet that baby Patience will love to stare at it when he gets a little older and plays that age old game of let-me-turn-the-light-switch-on-and-off.

In the rest of the light filled space, Kaitlyn and her hubby have chosen to hang work that is meaningful and playful, perfect for an artsy baby.

Over the crib hangs a series of original illustrations by the artist for whom Kaitlyn works, Ted Harrison. The works were created as illustrations for a children’s book about Harrison’s dog titled Maggie’s Magic Dream. Perfect for a peaceful sleeping baby, kind of a visual lullaby.

On the wall above the ( awesome ) rocker, is a vintage print salvaged by K’s hubby from his parents’ garage. Six sweet vignettes capture the bedtime routine of a daddy bear and baby bear. ( collective awwwww! )

Above the dresser/changing table, which by the way, is such a smart use of resources, is a lovely little art wall filled with a collection of quotes and woodland themed prints from affordable sources like Etsy and BigCartel. That little fox is grabbing my heart and so is the story of the inspiration behind the doe and fawn drawing.

all art sources linked on isavirtue

I mean, if this isn’t the sweetest little nursery ever, then I’m a monkey’s uncle. See more images from Kaitlyn’s art filled nursery and find out more about the design on the isavirtue blog.

PS– Congrats to Kaitlyn & hubby Jon as they welcomed baby boy Jackson on March 22nd!

All images via Kaitlyn Patience and isavirtue.

March 25, 2014
Artsy Dwelling: Art on Patterned Walls

There’s this thought that’s been dominating the art and interiors world for a while now– the white cube phenomenon– the thought that art is shown at its best on a clean white wall. And perhaps sometimes that’s true, but when you live with art, it becomes a part of your surroundings in a much more subtle and incorporated way. Layering your art on patterned walls can create a complex visual even more intriguing to the eye!

Here’s four ways to display art on patterned walls–

1 | soft texture So maybe you’re more into super subtle patterns, letting a softly textured pattern play a secondary role in a solid, rich color, allowing monochromatic artwork takes center stage. Just an understated wash of color and visual texture plays up the nuances in the artwork.

found here

2 | playful repeats Play up an element in your artwork by subtly repeating it in your wall covering. The nautilus shell-like pattern below is a quiet nod to the lollipop swirl in the painting. It’s not in-your-face-repetition, but once you start looking, you’ll see repeating patterns everywhere!

found here

3 | modern botanics This isn’t your grandma’s family portrait on floral wallpaper. The monochromatic scheme of the paper keeps it feeling fresh and modern and subtly picks up on the greens in these contemporary portraits without being matchy-matchy. Plus it’s like being in a sunny garden! Bonus.

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4 | graphic goodness Big bold, graphic artwork is too much for all this pattern, right? Wrong! The symmetrical and relatively small pattern repeat on the wall covering is the perfect foil for the freeform overlapping squares in this piece. Keep the scale of pattern in your artwork complementary and you’ll be sure to please the eye.

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These definitely have me rethinking my aversion to wallpaper! Have you ever hung art on patterned walls? Did you love it or hate it?

All image sources linked above.

March 12, 2014
Live the Artsy: Erin McIntosh

While we are getting settled into our new temporary Eureka home, what we want in our eventual forever home is heavy on our minds. While Mr. F aka Mr. Practicality is thinking of square footage, alternative power sources and cost, I tend to focus more on how the space will feel and how we will live in it. A home that is a peaceful retreat, yet full of life and creative energy. The mix of warm neutrals, light pales and bright shots of color in Untitled by this month’s Featured Artist Erin McIntosh, feels like the best of artsy spaces– inviting, yummy colors and patterns and spots of cool serenity.

art | found here

interior | found here

Now to design a space how this painting feels– this interior featured on Apartment Therapy feels like the perfect translation. Though this series by Erin is based in geometric shapes, the atmosphere remains organic and flowing, never hard and stagnant. There is warmth to be found in the natural woods and nubby textures in the room and the pattern on the rug & other textiles calls out to the geometrics in Erin’s painting. My favorite element, the light blue concrete floor, provides a stream of lightness and translucency, just as shots of the same blue do in Untitled. Oh how an Artsy could live here!

To see more of Erin McIntosh‘s work, please visit her website! Want to see more from the Live the Artsy series? Check out the archives!

March 11, 2014
Artsy Dwelling: Art on Wood Walls 4 Ways

Once upon a time, wood paneling was the epitome of dated and dreary. Think back to that 70s basement.. yikes! But wooden wall treatments are seeing a resurgence lately and they are coming back stronger and more artful than ever! You may love the look of these modern paneling interpretations, but not sure how to incorporate art on wood walls? There are as many ways to style a wood paneled room as their are trees in the forest. Since painting over wood gives you basically the same canvas as a painted wall and I like a challenge, we’re going to focus on art on wood walls with a more natural finish/stain.

Here are just a few ways you can go–

1 | beachy keen, jelly bean. Lightly stained or pickled wood lends the perfect bleached out style to a coastal setting. If your taste in art tends toward a pastel palette, keep the softness and natural calm going. Pieces like these by Leora Armstrong with a strong horizontal vibe recall that perfect spot where the sky meets the sea.

image found here

2 | mid-century glam it up. Love Mad Men? Live for Saturday afternoons spent combing vintage shops and thrift stores for Mid-Century treasures? Secretly want to wear a pencil skirt and heels while serving cocktails? Large cut wood panels in a uniform stain are the ideal backdrop for some MCM goodness. Abstract artwork in earthy tones complete a room Don Draper would be proud of.

image found here

3 | cozy up to modern warmth. Sometimes the elements we love about modern spaces, like concrete floors and soaring ceilings, can lead to a less than inviting atmosphere. But juxtapose warmly stained wood walls against those details and it’s like cozying up to a warm fire. Artwork with lots of texture as well as pops of color and pattern add to the warming effect.

image found here

4 | elevate to rustic elegance. Pickled wood walls can be taken in so many directions. Their greyed-out tone makes them ultra versatile. In Jackie Aster’s NYC apartment, as featured in Elle Decor, the wood walls add just a hint of neutral texture and ground the formal finishes with just the right amount of rusticity. A Damien Hirst etching adds a bit of playfulness turning what could have been an uptight room into space filled with snuggly joie de vivre.

image found here

Do you live with art on wood walls? How is it working for you? Or maybe this inspired you to embrace that wood paneling you used to hate! Work with the grain, not against it. 😉

All images are linked above. Want to see more in the Artsy Dwelling series? Check out the archives here.

February 5, 2014

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artistic pathfinding by lesley frenz

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