What could be more ordinary than chewing gum? Possibly the most accessible material on the planet, gum never fails to be graphically inspirational, whether you’re dodging spots on the sidewalk or observing them in a highly curated gallery. Interestingly, these two-toned glass sculptures from Vogue Living breathe life into this sculptural concept, merging high and low culture with a complex medium. Interestingly, this New York, New York Gum on Canvas piece by Adam McEwen, along with Dan Colen’s 2006 technicolor Untitled compilation, remind us of the infamous Rorschach Ink Blot test. Regardless of the imagery one sees in these random arrangements, one thing’s for sure, these blots are highly adaptable with timeless appeal.

We reported diamonds to be a shining motif in pattern design back in June and now the trend has officially crystallized.

We’ve seen the classic diamond shape shift to a crystal-like gem on works ranging from new Matt W. Moore murals to Chase Bank advertisements. The laser cut shapes are bold. Just check out these angular bangle bracelets by Patricia Field and this radiant Helena De Natalio clutch. The sassy accessories are the perfect way to flaunt some flash with a basic black get-up.

But these crystals don’t sparkle like their compressed coal predecessor. Instead, they catch eyes with their geometric shapes and powerful lines. Strong colors further emphasize their graphic feel, as evident in Phillip Low’s sculptures and Jen Kao’s angular FW10 debut. We can’t wait to [...]

While shopping in London last week, I couldn’t help but notice all of the string installations that kept popping up throughout the big department stores. From elaborate window displays to intricate floor designs, immense and artistic webs seemed to be woven throughout the merchandise in an effort to spice things up.

Selfridges, one of London’s main department stores, always dedicates a portion of it’s windows to art and is currently displaying a truly complex and over sized replica of a twisted loom. The design is very abstract with a constructivist style. Not only is it impressive, but wholly inspirational; I love it when I see good modern art that can inspire my own work.

Over at Liberty, there’s a beautiful geometric crystal chandelier installation that spans at least 4 floors in the Women’s section. It’s gorgeous and truly [...]

Oh, the proverbial question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The debate can go around and around. Much like the debates of who inspired whom, what inspired what, and where on earth do ideas come from. And of course, how do they become adopted by society and wind up as trends.

Because, we think we called it via our Interior Design Takes a Spin feature: people, they like change. They also like pixels. And in this case, web cams. We recently spotted Pepsi’s Refresh Project, One People tv spot, where a variety of people on their web cams interact with one another. Each paper conveys a pixelated vibe, and as objects are “magically” passed between squares, the concept is unified as global sharing. Naturally, we delighted at the synchronicity to our fun interior finds. Of [...]

When it comes to social thought, the number 3 holds mystical powers. Be it positive or negative symbolism, it’s nothing new to watch humans get worked up over this symmetrical digit. Over the past year, many people have been forced to reevaluate their priorities. In doing so, basic principles have been challenged, causing many to revisit their decision making process, not two but three or more times. Unsurprisingly, the creative community has reacted with stark and compelling imagery, representative of this repetitive and sometimes obsessive nature.

From this autumn ‘09 spread in Theme Magazine, highlighting the Perks and Mini cultural movement of the ’80s and ’90s to this retro German ice cream ad conjuring up Playboy imagery, to this illusionary sunglass shot from Justin Blyth’s photo blog, Them Thangs, all of these archival images have [...]

It has always been a personal fantasy of mine to be able to change the color of things at whim. It’s fairly easy when it comes to personal adornment, however interiors present a few laborious challenges. You can imagine the delight and surprise I felt when I saw Amirkhan Abdurakhmanov’s Change It wall. The wall uses triangular pieces, with each side representing a different color. The pieces can be rearranged to create a variety of looks, emitting a pixelated vibe. The mechanism this uses is reminiscent of the changing billboards we used to drive past on the South Florida highways. My delight at Abdurakhmanov’s concept isn’t unique, as this particular piece has been sweeping the web.

The designs immediately remind me of the Swedish design team, Front, and their Changing Cabinet, which we mentioned in [...]

Cupcakes. Who would’ve thought that with one transient shot on a Sex and the City episode, these delectable delights would still be trendy four years later. Before, there was only Magnolia. But now, there’s Billy’s, Crumbs, Georgetown, Buttercup Bake Shop, Cupcake Stop and Sprinkles. Even still, something’s been missing. When it comes to the slightly tougher, slightly rougher cupcakes, where could one turn? Butch Bakery.

As the site says: These ain’t your grandmas cupcakes. Butch Bakery sells manly treats in patterns such as Woodland Camo, Houndstooth and Wood Grain. To boot, there’s a flavor for every type of guy in your life. Frat boy turned banker? Beer Run (chocolate and beer-infused cake with beer butter cream frosting), Dreamy Don Draper? Try the Sidecar (Brandy-soaked lemon [...]

After visiting the gift show last week, it seems safe to say that we’ll be seeing a lot more of bohemian lux in the year to come. Restoration Hardware has already picked up on this trend, as has Jonathan Adler, and of course John Derian and Anthropologie are partially responsible for our modernized rustic desires. These pillows, by Sotto le Lune embody this trend to a T with the use of linen, subtly intricate beading and soft natural tones. Luckily, for the pillow hunters out there, this collection, designed by Wendy Hall and her interior-designer daughter, Gemeli Hager, just went on sale on One Kings Lane. These pillows are beautiful, so if you’re looking to be inspired, or just see what’s brewing in New Zealand home goods, check [...]