Kristan Cunningham» Design Report

Object Lovers Unite!

Kristan — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:10:08 +0000

From the co-owner of one of my favorite sites, Rare Device, there is a new book that I just love leafing through. Lisa Congdon’s A Collection A Day Book is the culmination of her 2010 Collection a Day project: a daily documentation of arrangements of items she has amassed, posted online on her blog. Some are real and photographed, some are imagined and drawn…all are eye-candy for object lovers everywhere and proof that utter beauty is in the regular “stuff” we live with everyday…

Fit to be Ty-ed

Kristan — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:35:04 +0000

I’m so impressed by Extreme Home Makeover’s Ty Pennington’s new line of fabrics! They’re fun, fresh, casual and hip. It’s a collection of sateens, cottons, laminated, and fleece fabrics called ‘Ty Pennington Impressions.’ From the horse’s mouth: “I am constantly finding inspiration everywhere I look, but primarily it comes from architecture, nature, travel and stories from the extraordinary people I meet.” I’m into it. Nice job Ty!

Now You See It, Now You Sorta Don’t

Kristan — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:37:17 +0000

Small space living is tough. How does one make a space feel airy and light while squeezing in all the pieces of furniture you need to make the home function? One trick is to incorporate a piece or two of acrylic furniture. Being clear, they allow light to travel through and they take up less visual space. And remember, they don’t just go in ultra-modern rooms, you can truly mix styles and go for the eclectic look. They’re quiet pieces, and really don’t clash with anything

Peekaboo Clear Nesting Tables from CB2, $199

Lou Lou Ghost Chair by Kartell from Lumens, $133

Pure Console Table from Chiasso, $398

Crystal Stacking Chair from Plummers $159

Anouk Acrylic Stool/ End Table – Clear (Medium) from Target, $119

Honeycomb Clear Acrylic Modern Dining Chair (Set of 2) from Overstock.com, $310.99

Marimekko Comes Stateside!

Kristan — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:34:55 +0000

I am thrilled to report that according to WWDRetail, one of my all time fave textile design companies, the famed Finnish company Marimekko, (they also make decor products, apparel and accessories, BTW) will be expanding its US presence this summer when it launches its US e-commerce site. WWD reports:

“Marimekko’s online shop will go live this summer. The Finnish firm is working in partnership with Method in New York to develop the site. In addition, by the end of 2013, Crate & Barrel plans to open 22 Marimekko shop-in-shops in its stores. This spring, shops will open in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The first Marimekko shop opened in the SoHo Crate & Barrel in October. A Marimekko shop will also be added to the Crate & Barrel e-commerce site.”

All I can say is, FINALLY!

Photos Courtesy of Marimekko Blog

SupermarketHQ for You?

Kristan — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:02:58 +0000

If you follow this blog at all, you know by now that I love Etsy. So do a lot of people, however, and the downside of its popularity is that it’s huge and can be crazypants overwhelming… especially when you’re just browsing. That’s why I like copycat site SupermarketHQ .

Sleek and petite, SupermarketHQ is sorta like early Etsy- manageable and shopable without all the crazy new tools Etsy now needs to help its shoppers. They divide their wares into three categories: wear + carry, space + place & paper + prints. Yet another way to connect with great designers all over the globe and another opportunity to make your home, your life and your wardrobe uniquely you!

Le Petite Sterling Silver Bike with Hearts Necklace from Rachel Pfeffer Designs $76
BA 8×10 photo from hassography, $89
Small Nest, Aqua from Heather Palmer, $60
Kimono Sleeve Top in Red from finch-design, $39
Grey Ceramic Cable Knit Cups from Reshape Studio, $28
Disc String Lights Custom Glazed from Pigeon Toe, $164

Diamonds are Forever (But Mostly for April)

Kristan — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:04:04 +0000

What can you say about diamonds that hasn’t already been said? They’re the quintessential gemstone, the cat’s pajamas, the end all be all… and as far as taking design inspiration from them, it is a no-brainer. Glittery, shiny and sparkly! Who’s home-scratch that- who’s life couldn’t use more razzle dazzle?

Pearly Dew Drops Photograph from irenesuchoki on etsy, $15
Diamond Lights by Eric Thermer, photo by Jesper Lindstrom, coming to US soon I hope!!
Vintage Light Catcher from kiamichi7 on etsy, $24
Vintage Murano Perfume Bottle from Ann Primrose on etsy, $24.99
Sequin Swirl Pillow from Urban Outfitters, $32
Diamond Sculpture from Chiasso, $24

Counter Top-Worthy Kitchen Cuties

Kristan — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:46:09 +0000

A small kitchen is an exceedingly common dilemma. If you’re short on storage space, a good trick is to find items that’d otherwise take up drawer or cabinet space and have them live on the counter top, or on exposed shelves and act as decor as well as be available for their task. Here are a few great finds that can clear out some extra space in your drawers and cupboards.

Roost Carved Wood Bottle Opener, $25 from Velocity Art and Design

Set of 3 Mixing Bowls from Bram, $79

Milk Bottle Measuring Cups from Anthropologie, $24

Le Cuistot Cast Iron Mortar and Pestle Small $21.50 from Amazon.com

Crate & Barrel Salt Pig with Scoop, $12.95

IKEA PS Spraka Spice Mill, $19.99

Heath Ceramics House Numbers

Kristan — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:01:45 +0000

The new lines of house numbers from Heath Ceramics are finally coming out this spring! They’ll be available in two typefaces developed by House Industries- Neutraface and Eames Century Modern. Long famed for mid-century style ceramics, Heath brings their ever-tasteful touch to this new product. With their extensive color choices, this is one more fun way to add style to your home’s exterior.

Aquamarine Dream: March Means Spring!

Kristan — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:12:57 +0000

Like the month it represents, aquamarine connotes to me the coming of spring. It makes me think of warmer days, salt water and sea breezes, robin’s eggs and fireflies at dusk. Open the doors and windows, pack up the wool sweaters in cedar chests and shake out your cotton blankets! Look up at that blue blue sky and know, spring is sprung.

Rustic Wood Flowers set of 12, from uncommon on etsy $40
Hive Vase from West Elm $29
Original Ray Ban Wayfarer in Aqua from Ushades $145
Vintage Blue Mason Jar Ball Set of 3, keeky27 on etsy $28
Saltwater Fedora from Anthropologie $48
Marie Full Set from Heath Ceramics $130
Twinkle photo by irenesuchocki on etsy $30

Pantone’s Color Prediction: Pretty in Pink

Kristan — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:44:22 +0000

Pantone, the global authority on color, named Honeysuckle (18-2120 TCX) the color of 2011. A fun, bright, rich pink, I personally love the choice, although I don’t know how universal it is. This is part of what they had to say about it: “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Here is a product collage inspired by Pantone’s choice. (I specifically like this shade with navy or charcoal. Sooo good.)

Fine Art Print by Kerri Shipp – Sea Fan II in Honeysuckle, $25 from Driftwood Interiors on Etsy
IKEA Cylinder Vase/Bowl Set of 3 $14.99
Dangerous Liaisons Rug, $229 from CB2
Sarah Ribbon and Pearls Necklace in Flannel Gray and Pink Taffy from Twilly Pop on Etsy, $28
Lumimarja Wallpaper in Pink and White by Erja Hirvi, $149/roll from All Modern
Rubber Vase in Pink from Conran Shop, $38