Takashi Murakami

Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami has a wonderful exhibit at Versailles.  I love the playful juxtaposition of new against old.  I think it makes both more interesting. 

Loving Maps

What's not to love about old maps and globes?  They add a wonderful vintage aged element to any space full of memories and tales of far off places -- not to mention being educational!

Images via House Beautiful;  Livingetc; and chez my living room:)

Friday's Fabulous Woman: Mika Ninagawa

Delighted, amazed and in bliss to have discovered the photographs of Mika Ninagawa through her latest book.   Given that her website says she is one of the most popular photographers in Japan I am very late to the party but happy to have finally arrived.   I ordered her self titled book from the Rizzoli catalog a few months ago because it looked like my kind of book.  It was just published and arrived in the store yesterday.  Her work is a wonderful unabashed celebration of color, sophisticated kitsch and storytelling.  Can't wait to curl up on the sofa with the book and the latest issue of Vogue Living which also arrived this week -- I see a color explosion theme here!  A great way to end the week!

Living Rooms

I am a big fan of printed interiors magazines but I do like that most of them have pretty good galleries on their websites now.  Flicked through House Beautiful's living rooms yesterday which has a wide range of styles.  Of the 47 pictures, these are the three rooms I liked for one reason or another.....mostly the punches of color, interesting blend of objects and styles, and the great artwork.

Peter Riedel: Balancing Rocks

A wonderful series of photographs of the temporary sculptures created by Canadian artist, Peter Riedel.  It is so interesting that something as solid as a rock becomes vulnerable when it's balancing. Images via Daiily Telegraph

Bike Wall

Guess what this shop sells?  Great wall at a bike shop in Germany. Via SupermarketSarah.

Lampshades

Black and white Gloria lampshade in our store window:
Paper lampshade via Sweet Paul;
Lampshade by Johan Carpner. Via Whipup:;