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Artist Spotlight: Illustrator Emily Isabella

Name: Emily Isabella

Art Form: Illustrator & Designer

Location: Upstate New York

 
Jacquin: Tell us about your studio space. What is your favorite thing about your work space?
 
Emily: Right now, I live in a 250 square foot cottage in the woods. My studio table takes up about half the space! My window looks into the woods and everyday a family of deer walks by. I always take a break from my work to watch my daily visitors. My husband and I are in the process of building a larger studio to work out of. Right now, I use a lot of small brushes and enjoy painting at a very small scale. I have a feeling that my work is going to get a lot bigger when my space grows!
 
Jacquin: What is a typical day in your studio like?
 
Emily: I wake up, make a carafe of coffee and check my email. After I’m done with correspondence, I usually take an hour or two to work on a personal project. It’s important to me to balance client work and work I do for myself. I tackle client work for the rest of the day with short breaks throughout the day for a picnic lunch outside or maybe a short walk in the woods. 
 
Jacquin: Describe your dream client.
 
Emily: I love a client who trusts my vision and allows me to be authentic. My best work happens when I’m given freedom and time to work from an honest perspective. 
 
Jacquin: Where do you see your amazingly creative business in 5 years? 
 
Emily: I’m always looking for new ways to apply my illustrations and textile designs. I’d love to design large scale patterns for upholstery and interior fabrics. I’d also love to illustrate picture books, design home goods, work on props for movie sets, I want to do it all! It’s exciting to think about all that’s possible in the future. 
 
Jacquin: I know you recently took a trip to Provence. How wonderful! How were you inspired creatively during your time in France recently?
 
Emily: My day to day can be pretty busy and I have to make a conscious effort to take breaks. It was so nice to not have an agenda and spend the day filling my sketchbook with inspiration. I find it so easy to be inspired in Provence because it’s a place that really speaks to my personality and style. There is inspiration everywhere, from the way a sample of cheeses looks on a plate to the texture of a peeling painted wall in a 13th century church. 
 
Emily’s 13th century Provencal church inspiration for her illustration on the right. 

Jacquin: I absolutely love your portraits with flowers! (Flower Ladies) Can you share more about how nature influences your work? 

Emily: I started illustrating those when I moved to upstate New York and wanted to start memorizing the plant varieties of my new home. I would write a little poetic story about each one that evolved as I researched about each flower. I live in the country, surrounded by nature, so naturally I am influenced by what’s directly around me. Using nature as inspiration is a simple way to create honest work.
 

“Flower Ladies” Illustrations – by Emily Isabella

To learn more about Emily Isabella and her whimsical artwork, visit her website here.  
 

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Lenny Kravitz’s New Collection for CB2!

Lenny Kravitz has been busily working behind the scenes to blow our minds again with amazing design.  If you missed it, earlier this year I wrote a post highlighting Lenny Kravitz as an artist of many forms, transcending music and delving into the realm of infinite art forms, namely interior design.  This week CB2 (little sister to Crate and Barrel) has launched its collaboration with Kravitz Design featuring a 20 piece modern furniture collection.  Kravitz’s collection is clean and crisp with a touch of 1970s glam, perfect for the contemporary home.  Here’s a first look at Kravitz Design’s new furniture collection for CB2.  
 
Shop Lenny Kravitz’s new collection for CB2 here.  And if you missed it, take a look at the last Interiors by Jacquin feature on Lenny Kravitz and Kravitz Design here.  Have a great week!
 

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Globetrotting in Style: The Hidden Gems of San Francisco

Jill of Champagne for Everyday blog takes us off the beaten path in San Francisco!  Having moved to The City just over a year ago, I’m always looking for new, artistic haunts that are off the fresh and unique. Here are three of my favorites:
 

ONE – 398 Brasserie: French cuisine with a destroyed-modern vibe

Located just outside the buzz of Union Square, this French fusion restaurant features a cool, destroyed-vintage interior. Sleek furnishings and plush red booths contrast with battered plaster columns and a crumbling Victorian ceiling façade that looks as though it barely survived a demolition. Red table settings add a punchy modern touch, as does the black and white floral print behind the bar.
 
 
What to order: The Showgirl cocktail (scotch, amaro montenegro, vermouth, lemon, and hibiscus) and the grilled octopus.
 

TWO – The San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI): Contrasting architecture and unbeatable views

Just a few minutes from Lombard Street with its iconic hairpin turns and throngs of tourists, this beautiful location remains relatively unknown to the average traveler.  The Spanish villa inspired design of the original school harkens back to the 1870’s, and newer additions feature Spartan, angular shapes that contrast surprisingly well with the older part of the school. Lined with student paintings and exhibiting a stunning Diego Rivera mural, SFAI is also the alma mater of famous fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz.

 
THREE – Union Larder: An interior that’s a feast for the eyes + voted best wine bar in San Francisco by 7×7 Mag
 
Union Larder’s interior is refreshingly different from any other wine bar in San Francisco, with a design that hints of an industrial kitchen. At the same time, it’s made to feel warm and inviting with an impressive collection of unique epicurean treasures and vintage kitchen instruments that look like they belong in an old world European deli. The wine list is impressive, with a heavy emphasis on Californian blends – of course.
 
What to order: Any of the roses are refreshing and perfectly chilled, and a plate of charcuterie is a must.
 
Outfit details: Dress – French Connection, Shoes – Gentle Souls, Bag – Reed Krakoff, Sunglasses – Fendi
 
Photo credit: The talented Michael Moore

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Fashion meets Interior Design featuring Kalan Laws

When it comes to men’s fashion, Kalan Laws really knows his stuff!  Today I’ve collaborated with Kalan to bring you the male perspective on Interiors by Jacquin’s very own series, Fashion meets Design.  I provided Kalan with a colorful interior design for inspiration and he came up with this fantastic look!  Kalan shares his fashion interpretation of this color-rich design…
 
Who is Kalan? Well I’m the fun loving, life living southern gentleman with big city dreams! I’m from a one high school town outside of Dallas, TX who is in love with Faith, family, fitness and fashion. My journey in fashion began in middle school. I loved wearing my suits to school on game day. That was a requirement by all of my coaches because we meant business! This quickly turned into a staple in my weekly wardrobe. As a preacher’s kid I had a lot of suits and was eager to wear them every chance I could.
 
Fast forward 20 years and through many iterations of my personal style (Cross Colors and Guess ruled my closet in the 90’s) and we land in 2012 when I launched my blog Senor Guapo 713. The name is translated as Mr. Handsome. I started the blog in an effort to establish a voice in the fashion world so that I can transition my expertise into design. The blog is a showcase of my personal style, menswear style and grooming tips, and stylish lifestyle events!
 
Designed by Suysel dePedro Cunningham & Anne Maxwell
Foster of NYC firm Tilton Fenwick
 
When asked about my “style-spirations” it’s always difficult. I tend to pull elements from many different persons most of whom are not famous or in the industry. My current aesthetic is European street style. I’m a SUCKER for harem pants, extended tees, and the freshest walking sneakers or cross trainers you can find. However, I will never abandon a more dapper look. As is the case with the ensemble built based on my design choice.
 
When I looked at the pieces from the room design I focused on the essence of the room. The room spoke class and fun! I love how the sofa is very traditional in yet funky. This perfectly describes my style aesthetic! The blue and yellow draw the eyes but the muted brick calms the scene as well! I love how the blues and yellows are on opposite sides of the room creating a symmetrical balance.  I wanted to mirror this complete sentiment exactly when choosing
my ensemble.
 
The cap toe oxfords shoes by JD Fisk was my starting point. Such a bold color can be a challenge but if done correctly will be a win! Next was the blue. I knew the blue could touch the yellow because it would be too much so I opted to break them up with a sea foam green denim and rolled them up too keep it fun. To add texture, which is an essential element to a strong outfit, I put a striped tank under the blazer. A splash of maize on the pocket square with a butter hued lapel flower rounds off the look. A perfectly placed gold timepiece and beachy wrist candy adds the right amount of class and playfulness.
 
I tried to capture the comfort, modernness, classicism, and edginess that I saw in the design frame and put it in a sartorial masterpiece.
¡Espero que disfrutes!
~SG
 
To find these looks, check the link below:
  • ·       Royal Blue Blazer | Express Men: www.express.com
  • ·       Denim | Levi’s: www.macys.com
  • ·       Oxfords | JD Fisk: www.nordstrom.com
  • ·       Tank| Pac Sun: www.pacsun.com
  • ·       Lapel Pin | www.harrisonblakeapparel.com
  • ·       Pocket Square | www.nordstromrack.com
  • ·       Time piece | Diesel | www.norstrom.com
  • ·       Wrist candy | Aldo Accessories | www.aldo.com

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When you want a taste of France at Home… And a Cozy Office Tour!

 

Jacquin: Hi Emily! Thanks for joining us today! Tell us about yourself an your blog.

Emily: Hi Everyone! I’m Emily Grossman from  Goutaste.com, a fun little Franco Foodie Lifestyle blog that I run out of my new home office in Denver CO. As a lifelong francophile and more recent foodie, I found myself drawn to Paris. After living there for six months, I exhausted my income (and my visa) and had to return to the States – I just didn’t want to leave my new French way of life behind! I started Goutaste as a way to share my French lifestyle with others who wanted to experience French life in their day to-day — all without the $1200 plane ticket 🙂

By day, I also work as a consultant specializing in mobile SEO, app search optimization, and social media. 
 
Jacquin: What is your favorite thing about your workspace?
 
Emily: This workspace really came together in the last couple of months when I hired a design company, Zeal Denver to re-do an under-used part of my condo and transform it into my ideal office. The place really came out exactly as I had wanted it (it looks just like my pinterest boards ) but my favorite piece is absolutely the hanging chair (above). I love to read in it on Sunday mornings, and the cup holders make it so I never have to get down. I can stay in it for hours – of course my cat, Dani, loves it, too!
 
Jacquin: What is your absolute favorite office trinket, decor item, or office tool?
 
Emily: Denver can get chilly, so I love having a furry blanket nearby. My favorite trinkets are on my bookshelf: globe reminds me of the places I want to travel, my favorite books are there to inspire me, and match boxes from some of my favorite Denver restaurants serve as my sort of foodie collection!
 
Jacquin: As a fellow Francophile I must ask, how did you become a Francophile, Emily? I studied abroad in Nice for the first time in middle school and I have been hooked ever since!
 
Emily: I honestly cannot remember a time when I wasn’t a Francophile! My dad is a filmmaker and I suppose all of the nouvelle vague he showed me as a kid must have seeped in! But in all seriousness, the movies hooked me first, then the language, and finally the food (oh, the food)! Moving to Paris really sealed the deal for me as I found so many wonderful people and special moments living in France. I think the pace really resonated with me, and the high-fat diet sure doesn’t hurt!
 
Jacquin: What’s your favorite French recipe? 
 
Emily: My favorite French recipe is this madeleines recipe that I modified to mimic the madeleines my teacher’s wife would make in Paris. The best French food to make at home is very simple and lets the quality of its ingredients shine – madeleines are the perfect example. Get high quality butter, great vanilla, and a super ripe lemon – it makes all the difference. Plus fresh madeleines just make your whole house smell amazing!
 
Jacquin: Thanks for sharing your recipe.  Sounds yummy!  So, what would the perfect day be like for you?
 
Emily: After waking up with my kitten, I make coffee in my french press and open my curtains to a gorgeous snowy day. I curl up in the chair with a cup of coffee, a madeleine, a good book in my hand and the cat on my lap. I drive out to the mountains for a half day of skiing that ends with a tasty dinner and cocktails back home at beast + bottle, my favorite restaurant in my neighborhood. I finish the evening writing a post for Goutaste by the fire and drinking a bit of port wine (miam!)
 
Jacquin:  I think you’ve converted me, Emily!  Your perfect day sounds like it could be my perfect day too!  🙂 Thanks for chatting with me today!

 

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Inspiration for a Zen Bathroom

Let’s unwind (in our minds) with these calming, zen bathrooms.  You’ll note the Japanese style soaking tubs, neutral color palettes, and minimalist decorating style in these stunning Asian-inspired spaces.  These bathrooms also highlight nature, by bringing the outdoors in with warm wood tones.  It’s the perfect combination to create a relaxing environment… because sometimes, less is more. Cue the soothing spa music!
 

Designer Michael de Perno‘s California home, via Elle Decor.

Image via Pinterest. 
 

Japanese wood soaking tub, Image from Interiors Collective via Luxe. 

Soho loft bathroom featuring cherry blossom tile mural, SPI Design. Image via Pagoda Road.

Contemporary Powder Room by Miami Interior Designers & Decorators Allen Saunders, Inc., via Houzz

Enclosed residential sunroom featuring Japanese soaking tub, designed by Dirk Denison Architects. Image via Architizer. 

Florida waterfront home inspired by Indonesian architecture. Designed by Kirchhoff & Associates Architects and Mary Washer Designs.  Image via HomeAdore. 

Image via Pinterest.
 
While I’m a color lover at heart, these zen bathrooms maximize relaxation by keeping the color palette neutral and the decorative elements minimal.  A valuable lesson in restraint for those who could benefit from simplifying your decor and maximizing your zen.
 
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the soothing spa music! These nature sounds are perfect for unwinding after a long day.  🙂
 
 

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Marble Gets An Elegant Upgrade

Marble is the epitome of luxury and it can be a great addition to a space of any style.  I’ve recently come across the marble designs of french company Retegui and I was so impressed that I had to share their designs with you. Prepare to be amazed.  Retegui takes natural stone and combines it with 3-D rendering technology to create truly unique marble furniture with impeccable engineering. Despite Retegui’s high-tech approach toward design, all of their furniture and decor maintains a timeless elegance highlighted by a timelessly elegant stone — marble. 

I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a coffee table quite like this one.  (Shown above and below).  I love the juxtaposition between the soft upholstery and hard marble tabletop in the center.  Truly an artistic statement piece.

Retegui is under thecreative direction of Jean Louis Iratzoki and their CEO is Claude Retegui, civil engineer and the grandson of the1939 founder, Laurent Bergez. With this engineering expertise, Retegui’s 3-D Technology department has allowed for far more creative possibilities within the realm of stone furniture design. 

Retegui’s 3D technology allows them to layer marble with composite materials to create innovative designs, that just weren’t possible without this technology. Their unique combination of composite materials with marble yields beautiful designs like the dining tables shown below.  Retegui’s designs expertly maintain the essence of marble while utilizing technology to develop lighter weight, marble-based furniture.  I especially enjoy the blend of natural and contemporary in their lighter wood tone dining table below.  I’ll take one please! 

 
You’ll absolutely love their new collection of marble-blocked mirrors!  (below)  Retegui teamed up with expert industrial designer Sylvain Willenz to develop this stunning collection of mirrors.  These mirrors come in several fun shapes and sizes and are all oh so chic!  The marble in this design blends into the mirror so seamlessly.  Yet another reason I was so impressed by Retegui.  See the first picture in this post for a peek at the other mirrors in this collection.

Retegui’s marble furniture is so innovative, yet absolutely elegant at once.  The Retegui design team certainly highlights the intersection between design and technology.  I’m looking forward to seeing how the technology and engineering world continues to influence and blend with design and style.  For more on the intersection between engineering and style, take a look at the latest edition of Fashion meets Design, featuring fashion blogger & engineer, Carrie Colbert.  

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Interiors from Around the Globe – A Stylish Roundup

Let’s take a quick trip around the globe to explore some of the world’s best decorating!  You’ll definitely enjoy this international design round-up. 

Australia – Home of furniture designer Mark Tuckey

Australia – Home of furniture designer Mark Tuckey

UK – Design by Coach House Home

UK – Design by Coach House Home

Spain – Decorator Luis Puerta

Spain – Decorator Luis Puerta

Spain – Decorator Luis Puerta
Sweden – Svenskt Tenn Interior Design
Sweden – Svenskt Tenn Interior Design
Tunisia – Vacation home in Tunis, Tunisia – desigmed by Phillippe Xerri, Rock the Kasbah
Tunisia – Vacation home in Tunis, Tunisia – desigmed by Phillippe Xerri, Rock the Kasbah
Italy – Home of Iosselliani jewelry designer, Rome via Garance Doré
Italy – Home of Iosselliani jewelry designer, Rome via Garance Doré

So which country features your favorite design?  I absolutely love the bold, blue Swedish designs and the natural and serene vacation home from Tunisia.  If you have a favorite international designer right now, I’d love to hear about them in the comments. It’s always nice to share the hard work of decorators, designers, and stylists from the far corners of the globe!  

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Exploring Installation Art in Residential Design

You likely know by now that I love exploring the fine arts! I believe that wall art can transform a room and is an important component of completing a space’s design.  If you’re already an art lover, let me introduce you to the next wave of artistic expression for your home – installation art! I often see stunning installation art in public and commercial spaces, which really excites me, but what’s more exciting is when I see this concept translated to residential design.  It is absolutely possible to enjoy larger scaled, installation artwork at home and let me tell you, installation art is always a show stopper!  

Contemporary Office/Library by Robert Couturier Inc. and Edwin Luytens in Hampshire, England

Image via Heirloom Philosophy

Make you own butterfly feature wall like the one shown above with this easy instructional!  The paper chandelier below can also be created DIY-style.

Raindrop chandelier installation in NYC by Dara Huang and Lisa Hinderdael of Design Haus Liberty.

Design by David Oldroyd, Photography Philip Harvey, Image via MyDomaine

Tikibaq Folding Screen designed by Bleu Nature, Image via Ocean Home Magazine

Art installation entitled “Dream Colourfully” by designer Adrian Koh for Dream Interiors x Elixr. Photos credit Adrian Koh

Ceramic Installation art by J Prichard Design

Feeling inspired?  Artists love taking clients’ inspiration and creating truly unique pieces that are perfectly scaled for your home.  Right now I’m loving the installation art creations of J Prichard Design, based in Austin, Texas.  She creates lovely, ceramic based artwork for installation in your home or business, like this vibrant green accent wall shown above.  The creative possibilities are endless!

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