flower power...

Hands down my favorite accessory is and always will be flowers. Filling your home with fresh flowers need not be complicated nor expensive. Minneapolis boasts one of the finest farmer's markets in the Midwest making fresh cut stems accessible and affordable.

Three rules to arrange by:

1. Keep. It. Simple. One flower, one color, immense impact.

2. Flower Power Squared. Load your arms (green grocery bag or basket) with as many bundles as you think it will take to fill your vessel... then double the amount. When in doubt er on the side of too much. If ever there is a time for excess it's now.

3. Let Them Billow. Trim stems close and clean (cutting at a diagonal) and fill your container to maximum capacity.

A fool proof centerpiece of peonies.

Everyday objects make perfect vessels.

Use flowers, such as hydrangeas, with large heads to make a statement.

Cluster small containers on a mantle or table to create one large ensemble.
Perfectly perched on a pedestal sink or lonely window sill.

Simple and classic.

Put flowers on your weekly market list for you, not just for house guests or dinner parties.
Investigate your own gardens or landscaping for unusual blooms.

See? More IS more!

Add color to your decor without the fear of commitment...

..or when in doubt white will never fail you.

Save the Date: The Soap Factory $99 Sale!

It’s true, I’m a sucker for original works of art. My personal space sports works created by friends, the occasional street artist and one-of-a-kind signed/dated finds from my favorite antique stores or random estate sales. Purchasing art is a pursuit to add interest and a truly unique touch to your personal space. My suggestion for purchasing the perfect piece of art?

If you love it, buy it.

The Soap Factory is presenting the fourth annual $99 sale on

September 11th and 12th.

To learn more about the event check the website exhibit page.

Or better yet check out the YouTube Video.



Check out the Soap Factory in person

at 518 2nd St. SE, Minneapolis MN.

Happy art hunting!

Best,

For the love of prints...

For me printed fabrics are like chocolate. I don't need to consume the entire Dove bar, I just need a little square to feel content. Every space needs at least a taste of pattern for interest. Think pillows, an accent chair or perhaps even window treatments. Every now and again you run across a real, "sweet tooth," space which requires layers of pattern creating the illusion the room has evolved by collecting over time. There's not a better medium for a bold pattern than natural linen and cotton fibers, and no one knows better than Quadrille, China Seas, Alan Campbell and Home Couture. China Seas Lysette Reverse Navy on Tan. Soft but not too whimsical.
China Seas Double Cross, New Shrimp on New Blue. Simple and bold with striking colors.
China Seas Balinese Batik, Orange Cream on White. Like a Dreamsicle but calorie free.
Home Couture Principessa, Tomato on Tan. Not your Grandma's damask.
China Seas New Batik, Jungle Brown on Tan. Perhaps best described as an ethnic paisley.
Alan Campbell Cap Ferrat, Multi Salmon Green Gold on Tint. One word, FUN.
Alan Campbell Cintra, Multi Rose Turquoise on Tint. Ikat fabrics hold a special place in my heart and this is no exception.
China Seas Lyford Print, Dark Rose on Tint. A fresh take on toile.
Alan Campbell Criss Cross, Taupe on Tint. A modern check.

For more inspiration visit Quadrille's slide show of recent publications. For ideas on how to incorporate print into your space brooke@brookevossdesign.com.

A Different Kind of Design...

When it comes to picking the exact hue of pale green for your walls or selecting a perfectly appointed sofa I'm the woman to call. When it comes to creating branding, designing logos and selecting fonts I most certainly know my limitations. Creative industry requires creative marketing collateral from a graphic design, industry expert. Amy Barthel is among the most talented of graphic designers with a strong background in art and color. She was able to take my basic concept, "classic-simplicity," and produce bold, yet sophisticated,
graphics for my business.

Another company required fun and flirty material geared toward a
fashionable, female market.

And another seeking, "fresh," design to accompany their fresh produce.
By personal rule I don't give referrals unless I completely confident in my recommendation's work and work ethic. Amy Barthel is most certainly a trusted source for graphic design for small or large business and personal graphic design.

Please visit her blog at: http://i-heartdesign.blogspot.com/ or email her at amytbarthel@gmail.com.

Haute Design for the Hot Summer Months...

Spring has most certainly sprung! I have always preached neutral upholstery creates a perfect backdrop for seasonal design. Heavily woven, "meaty," fibers have their place in squishy down filled pillows and nubby cable knit throws for the chilly winter months, but not when the sun-is-a-shining. I believe in seasonal design for myself and my clients. A retail store changes merchandise for the changing seasons and doing the same for your home doesn't have to be exorbitantly expensive or complicated. Simply swap out pillow covers (using the same down inserts) and voila instant summer!

A few of my favorite warm weather fabrics from F. Schumacher:

Chiang Mai Dragon-a bold Asian influenced patterned with punchy color.

Manor Gate-a whimsical trellis pattern woven in course linen.

Moonpennies-does not require a green thumb to look alive and vibrant.

Good Day Sunshine-enough said.

Swapping out a few seasonal accessories is another way to stage your home for the summer months & makes fall and winter decor items new and fun again (even if the cold is not). Some of my favorite haute/hot accessories from Stray Dog Designs (done in paper mache and low VOC paint of course):

The Giant Crab in Pumpkin Blush: Can't you see him peeking out from under a cocktail table? He's large in stature measuring in at 12h x 69l x 39w!

A Funky Faux Bois Mirror in Black: Francais for fake wood and totally awesome.

A Little Birdie in Stray Dog Pink: Adds a perfect splash of color perched atop a stack of coffee table books.

Ferdinand (yes, Ferdinand) in Douglas Fir: Seriously, what's not to love?

A Stump Stool in Yorktown Green: A spare spot to sit or a great little side table.

No go on! Git! Head outdoors and enjoy the sun!

Comments and questions always welcome.

Best,

Designing Outdoors...

Spring has officially sprung! The over night temperatures might be a bit too chilly for adding colorful perennials, but don't let this stop you from sprucing up your outdoor living spaces. A few of my favorite picks to easily and inexpensively brighten your outdoor decor...

Bold graphic floral prints without needing a green thumb or a watering can. Outdoor pillows are UV and waterproof. $32 and free shipping from Pottery Barn online.

A place to perch! Add extra seating or a makeshift cocktail table with these espadrille

striped floor cushions or glossy garden stools both from Pottery Barn.

Greet guests with this all weather outdoor rug from West Elm.

Simple as sisal with great natural color and fabulous texture.Get cozy with a gas heat lamp or a copper fire pit courtesy of Restoration Hardware and Smith and Hawkin. Just add friends for wood-sey fun minus those pesky tents and sleeping bags.
A picture perfect window detail.
Every home should feature a window box for seasonal planting all year long.

Grab the spf and a cold glass of lemonade and head outdoors to enjoy!

A sign for the times...

Perhaps the British propaganda poster is more pertinent now than ever. But, how exactly did the simple graphics circa 1939 come to fruition? The history as show below is courtesy of the website Keep Calm and Carry On.May I suggest every home needs a copy as a gentle reminder H1N1 shouldn't

paralyze your home with fear...

Inky blue, easily added to a study or home office. A subtle hint when

checking your account balance online.
Pretty in pink for the little Princess' room, a suppressant for teen or tween drama.
At some point the economy will rebound and perhaps we will have learned a lesson or two on living life a titch more frugally. See more sour apple green...I purchased my copy on Etsy for $24.50 including shipping (unframed).
If you live in the upper Midwest, as I do, we will soon see the sun and get the Vitamin D we so desperately need. Add a little sunshine with a lemon yellow print.

Simple words to live by, "Keep Calm and Carry On."