Hoop the Loop

Like most other aspects of my life, when it comes to interior design I'm all about color and bright prints. Despite this, I've always viewed wallpaper as too fussy, and love finding alternative ways to bring a bit of cheer to a room.

While you could frame rectangular fabric swatches, I love this playful take using wooden embroidery hoops. The circular shapes remind me of fanciful bubbles floating up the wall, exploding in a rainbow of colors and patterns.

Embroidery hoops are available at most craft stores and are relatively inexpensive. Best of all, they're lightweight and a breeze to hang (no searching for studs!).

Happy decorating!

Images via Polli

Typography

When I was in middle school, I discovered the joys of Photoshop and it's more simple cousin, Paintshop Pro. I would spend hours messing around with the design tools, trying to keep my mouse steady enough to create something besides a pixelated, rough mess. Of course, I'm far from becoming a graphic designer, but I have a greater appreciation for digital designs as a result. When I came across this typography work, I was instantly floored. I love the creative merge of a functional object (a recipe) and and art. The 70s concert poster vibe is rather charming as well.

I think this would be a cheeky decoration for a kitchen, even if it's far easier to read the recipe off the back of a bag of chocolate chips...

Image via DeviantArt

Moleskine Collaborations

What's a Moleskine? From the company's website:

Moleskine is the legendary notebook that has held the inspirations and ideas of everyone from Van Gogh, Picasso and Hemingway to famed author, Bruce Chatwin. Artists, authors, and geniuses of all variety have long appreciated the simplicity and superior functionality of these notebooks.

Moleskine books were originally produced by small French bookbinders. However, In 1986, the last manufacturer of Moleskine, a family operation in Tours, closed and Moleskine production ceased. In 1998, a small Milanese publisher revived the classic book.

I was thrilled when I saw that Moleskine had collaborated on a special set of books to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pacman. Pacman, and of course Mrs. Pacman and the ghosts, are indispensable pop culture icons instantly recognizable by several generations.

Moleskines are a bit pricey compared to other notebooks, but the quality and design are well worth the expense. The iconic pocket in the back of the book is handy for holding everything from business cards to ticket stubs, and I love the creative feeling I get totting around a notebook for ideas and sketches. With a variety of colors, sizes, and paper, there's a Moleskine for every type.

Image via Moleskines.com

Sleeping in a Ballgown Room

If I ever find myself in Milan, I'm visiting Viale Monte Grappa 12. The main attraction is the site of the old train station which has been reinterpreted by the creative genius of Moschino to become Maison Moschino.

Life is a Bed of Roses

The 65 room hotel is described as a "visionary and contemporary fairy tale." The rooms have surreal themes from the Alice in Wonderland themed "Alice's Room" to the whimsical "Luxurious Attic".

Sleeping in a Ballgown

My personal favorite is the "Sleeping in a Ballgown" room. I love the playfulness of the giant ballgown headboard, and the luxurious cream color. There's no better way to drift off to sleep than feeling like you've just returned from a fairy tale ball.

Luxurious Attic

Even the hotel's website is inspiring. There's a short movie clip that shows off the fantastic decor and luxury that epitomizes the Moschino brand. Maison Moschino's not just a hotel, but an exemplary example of creative design.