Capturing the Color Change

The first crunch-crunch-crunch of fallen autumn leaves under my feet on the way home tonight inspired me to do a little Etsy searchin' for fall finds. And hoo boy, look what I found: a pressed leaf series from Conan Guy Carpenter.

I totally dig the idea of highlighting where each leaf was found. The crayon handwriting and black masking tape used for the street locations have a simple, everyday charm. And could it be more obvious that this artist lives in Chelsea?

Images linked to their sources

Artist You'll Love: Christoph Niemann

Wanted to start the week off with a bang by delivering another great guest post from my girl Leah. Thanks again, LB!

I love looking at unique and cool and pretty pictures and drawings as much as the next guy or gal, but combine it with humor and I will absolutely adore it. Christoph Neimann's work is that perfect combination.

You may have come across some of his work in the New York Times on his Abstract City blog. If you haven't, it is definitely one to check out. His artful way of seeing mundane things is hilarious, such as this image from his post on maps.

"My Way to an Omelet"

You can also find him in the bookstore. In addition to numerous children's books, he's done a few NYC-centric books such as "I Lego NY". First off, who doesn't love Legos!?? Add some funny and I'm hooked.

Spread from "I Lego NY" book

If you're a reader of magazines, you've likely seen his work more than once. In addition to numerous The New Yorker covers and inside illustrations, you can find him in Wired, Inc, and many others. You can even buy prints of your faves on his portfolio site. Check it out for more brilliantly witty pieces that are the perfect match-up of artistic talent and smarts.

Cover of The New Yorker

Images linked to their sources

In the Moment

Yesterday I told you about François Chambard of UM Project, who talked to me about the "moment" he created within the kitchen table he installed in the townhouse project featured on the latest cover of Interior Design mag.

Today I want to tell you that François just sent me a few photos of that smart, small screw detail.



See what I mean? It's that small touch--that moment--that knocks a simple white table up a notch on the chic scale.

God is in the details, I tell ya. And moments are the thing. And if I've learned anything after this week, it's that I need more of them. (And maybe even a townhouse. Or perhaps just a kitchen table.)

Thanks, François!

P.S. See more pictures of the AMAZING townhouse project here (much better than yesterday's iPhone sitch). Happy Friday...

Photos by Francis Dzikowski

Interior Design Magazine’s “NY” Launch Party

You know those weeks where you feel amazingly inspired? I'm having one of those.

My dear friend Glenn--always creative and brilliant--has been in town celebrating the release of his new book (along with the book's partnership with YouTube). And last night, I attended a party for the launch of Interior Design magazine's "New York: In Living Color" issue.

The event was held in one of the issue's features: the Tribeca townhouse designed by Ghislaine Viñas. I was invited by the also-always-creative-and-brilliant François Chambard of Brooklyn-based UM Project, who I've featured here at M-Dashing and a couple times at HermanMiller.com.

I am a big fan of François', and he has always been tremendously appreciative of any of coverage I've given him. It was great to chat with him and his wife at the party, and he showed me some of the work he did for the townhouse project.

And you want to know my favorite part? A small detail on the kitchen table he created. Now, this table was photographed for the issue's cover, but you won't be able to see this particular that I'm referring to. And that's because it concerns the screws that join the legs to the top of the table. François slightly widened the "hole area" (no better way to describe it) around where the screw joins the wood and painted the inside a fire-engine red. It's a nice, bold surprise--a touch that seems very smart and very "UM."

When he pointed it out, he told me, "It's a moment. I like to create moments like this in my work."

If I had been able to take a photo, I would have--but crowd around the table was entirely too thick. So you'll just have to trust me. But it was definitely an inspiring moment. And for a second, it was all mine.

All these pics were taken with my iPhone, so pardon the fuzziness. See the real deal in the September issue of Interior Design.