Art is such a personal thing. As I’ve mentioned before, when I love a piece, I fall instantly. I’d choose any of these prints for my daughter’s room (in fact, I’ve already taken the plunge on a few):
Below: I bought Rachel Castle’s Bloom print for my daughter. I framed it in a simple white wood shadow-box frame. I picked up this piece long before I’d bought any furniture for our new place and I’m so happy that I did. It makes me smile whenever I look at it.
Above: Bloom, Zebra, and Happy Love prints by Rachel Castle.
Below: It’s hard to decide which print I like most by graphic designer and illustrator, Blanca Gomez. Here’s a peek of just a few that I love.
Above: Rain Prints for Garabat exhibit, New York print from the Illustrated Cities series, and an untitled print.
Below: As you might know, I have a soft spot for photography. And I’m not just talking about taking pictures. I’ve been sketching cameras in one form or another since I was a kid. So when I spotted these illustrations by Yellow Owl Workshop, I had to smile (and buy!).
For those of you new to this site, we’re building a home. I’ve been running through design decisions and inspiration room by room. We’ve made our way through the main floor, most of the second floor, and now we’re onto the kids’ rooms.
Our nursery furniture has been passed down to the baby and our eldest daughter is ready for some new digs. How exciting. My goal is to design a room that is playful, but not too childish – if that makes sense. Fun and whimsical with some longevity as she grows.
Below: It was years ago that I saw this photo of Amanda Peet’s daughter’s room in Domino Magazine. Something about it stayed with me, though. The space is filled with character, but is still sophisticated. The Funny Girl poster is fabulous and I love the mix of patterns. Plus, what’s not to love about the rug?
Below: Milk Magazine is a total treat from start to finish. It was hard to whittle down which shots to share, but here are a few.
Below: If you don’t already know, I’m a big fan of Emmas Blog. She always has inspiring finds and the kids rooms below are no exception.
Below: The room below was designed by J.Crew style maven, Jenna Lyons, as seen in LivingEtc. There was no shying away from colour for her son’s space. Black walls – I don’t think I’d have the guts to pull that one off, but she certainly did!
Below: Former Domino Magazine editor Deborah Needleman also gave a good does of colour to her kids’ rooms, not to mention a gorgeous Paul Smith rug!
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Frank Viva by a mutual friend. Frank has it all going on with modesty to match. He’s built an amazing branding and design agency called Viva & Co. He created Whigby – you must check out their poster and stationery line. His first kid’s book is pending with HarperCollins. And, now, yes, Frank has hit the illustration jackpot. Deservedly so. He’s illustrated the latest cover of The New Yorker. The New Yorker. Let me say that again. Ok, I won’t, but you get the picture. I adore Frank’s illustration style. Its modern and distinct and gaining serious momentum.
I have a heap of old New Yorker covers that I’ve been collecting over the years. What a fabulous addition the January 18, 2010 issue will be.
I’m always on the lookout for great paper products. How glad am I to have found Rifle Paper Co? Designer Anna Bond has created a whimsical line that is original and personal. Some designs are hand illustrated and custom creations are also available. The collection makes me want to throw a post-holiday party. Well, maybe not, but I do love their invites.
I’m Katherine Yaphe, the founder and designer behind Oliver Yaphe, Inc. This business was an idea in my mind for a long time. I knew that I wanted to build something, I just didn’t know how. I worked in the corporate world dreaming of what to do next. Then one day I decided to just start. I launched with rugs. Branched off to artwork. Paper came next. We’ll see what’s to come. What I do know, is there will be more.
Oliver Yaphe Blog
I love being inspired to create. It doesn’t matter how big or small the undertaking, it’s more about this feeling that drives so much of what I do. This blog is my space to instill a bit of that energy to my readers. It’s a lofty goal. I might fail horribly. But every once in a while, something might click (or at least I hope so).
Maine seashore
Fresh cut grass
Vermont air
Wooden tennis racquets (a la Bjorn Borg)
B&W photographs. Real photographs
The Brooklyn bridge
Central Park Roller disco
Picasso Museum in Barcelona
Moleskin notebooks
Rhodia orange writing pads
Globes
Magnum Photo
Letterpress stationery
Coffee table books
Farmers markets
Great packaging
Typography
