When’s the last time you sat down and wrote a letter that wasn’t a to-do list on a post-it note? These days it seems like the credit card signature is the only handwritten word that gets any attention. Interestingly, designers have been toying with handwritten treatments and scanned-in type for a while now, trying to contrast minimalist trends and appear more approachable for the recession-minded masses. The above notebook from The Home Port Collection is an interesting product example that carries the nostalgia of yesteryear, reminding us of simpler times when learning to read and write was the toughest part of the day. Paralleling this mix-media approach, this Parisian painting from the home magazine, Cote Maison reflects a similar objective, proving cursive is beautiful, adaptable and a playful solution to any adult room.

When buying or revamping expensive furniture, it’s quite difficult to suppress your inhibitions and trust your creative gut.  Back in July, The New York Times highlighted Pamela Bell, one of four original founders of the Kate Spade brand.  Bell took it upon herself to reinvent the concept of doodling and let her children go wild on two pieces of antique furniture.  The results, though alarming to some, were well received my most.  Fast forward a few months, and it’s time to inspect how this idea of laissez faire fabric graffiti seeped into the marketplace.  On display at Elizabeth Bauer, a store for modern traditionalists, sits a wonderfully adapted high-end interpretation of this style. French handwriting covers all visible fabric, representing a playful pattern on pattern effect.  This chair is as flamboyant as it is elegant.

Bold & [...]