In case you haven’t picked up a West Elm catalog in two years, “grellow” is the color that is mostly yellow, with a gray, almost green, tint to it. You either love it or you hate it: I adore it. Here are my favorite grellow picks right now:
Clockwise from mirror at top: Scallop Mirror, $59 (image via bronette); Diamond Bowl, $129, by CraftSystems (image via Branch Home); Crate and Barrel's Chloe Chair, $899 (image via C&B); Yellow and Gray Cube Rug (image via The Rug Company); Dwell for Target Rosette Pillow, $29 (image via Target); TPS Chartreuse File Cabinet, $149, CB2 (image via CB2); San Francisco Print by Ork Posters (image via Ork)
Nothing can go wrong today, because almost all of these are less than $50 a yard! (image via Calico Corners)
I didn’t realize that they’d added Dwell to their collection until today, and while searching for a gray fabric on their website the Maze Work Azure stopped me in my tracks: I know a good Dwell graphic print from miles away. My son was happily chomping on a handful of cat food while this was happening. I WAS SO HAPPY I DIDN’T EVEN CARE.
Check them out for yourself online or in person: I’m betting that even you traditional folks can find something you love. If you don’t, then I will eat some cat food.
We’ve been seeing a lot of birds indoors recently. Am I right?
(images, clockwise from L via: Burke Decor, Thomas Paul, Eleanor Grosch for Urban Outfitter )
Lately it seems that every popular designer has sipped some KoolAid from the birdbath…if you get what I’m saying. If you want proof just take a look at Jonathan Adler, Thomas Paul, Angela Adams, Urban Outfitters, half of the stuff on Etsy, and all the popular catalogs like West Elm and CB2. Even Dwell Studio has been using aviary themes for their bedding for adults and children for years.
Chinoiserie-chic for adults on the left (image via Dwell Studio), and kitschy-cute birdies for kids on the right (image via Dwell Studio).
Don’t get me wrong: I like birds. Well, actually, I don’t care much for real birds (I’ve been known to call them Sky Rats) but I do like them on pillows, bedding, and melamine plates. I even have birds on my shower curtain at home! Also, some of the most successful nurseries I’ve seen have had anywhere from subtle to super-prominent bird themes. I mean, if we’re being honest we all agree that the bird theme is EVERYWHERE. When done right it’s lovely; but when overused and done haphazardly it’s become a symbol of “cute” that doesn’t really translate to good design.
Nothing captures the comical application of birds to dishes, teapots, pillows, and tote bags better than the new IFC show “Portlandia” which aired last week and made me laugh more than a few times. You can see the clip of their “Put A Bird On It!” sketch below. Enjoy, and remember to choose your birds wisely!!
P.S.: In the spirit of full-disclosure, I love and have recommended the wallpaper that’s very briefly featured in the first few seconds of the clip. It’s called Blackbird and it’s by the lovely people at Cavern Home.
Cavern Home's Blackbird wallpaper. (image by Mark Finkenstaedt via Apartment Therapy)
As a fan of edgy graphic prints, I adore Dwell Studio. I used “chocolate dots” for my son’s crib bedding and expect that I’ll also use it for his toddler bedding. I also have a bunch of their kitchen towels from Target.
Clockwise from upper right: Plus Rug, Cars onesie from Target, "Gio Lemon" shower curtain, Target kitchen towels
Over the past few years, their line for Target has garnered them national attention; it takes their fun style and makes it more accessible to people who don’t want to pay $400 for a duvet cover or $160 for a decorative pillow. The great thing about their Target line is that though it doesn’t feature the same prints as their main line, the pieces coordinate and can be paired across retailers. Dwell does bedding, kitchen accessories, bath accessories, sometimes furniture, and as I just discovered…shades!
From The Shade Store - Left: Relaxed Roman Shade in "Owl Sky," Right: Flat Roman Shade in "Chocolate Dots"
As a designer, it’s embarrassing to admit that I was unaware of their line for The Shade Store (this partnership began in 2008) but having just found it, I’m loving the options. Maybe my son will be upgrading his windows soon.
Paint It What I Tell You 