Inspirations for Design: "The Heart of Life is Good"

Happy Monday!

My favorite part of the week is Saturday Mornings. I snuggle up in bed with my daughter, catch up on all the magazines and info that makes its way into my life each week, I sketch ideas for my clients, and generally "regroup". This morning I shared with my fabulous intern, Mackenzie, what grabbed me and inspired me from my Saturday morning ritual. Michael Boyd summed up in two little sentences what I have been trying to convey to my clients for years with the following quote:

"If you do lots of little short strokes that are humble and correct, the overall impact is enormous. A house doesn't have to be pumped with steroids to impress your friends."
- Michael Boyd
Architectural Digest
June 2011

My translation: Keep the bones of your house timeless and quality and it will be as fresh and relevant in 20 years as it did they day you built it. Thank you, Michael!

My BIG inspiration this week is the incredible Iris Apfel. May I get to be 1/10th as cool as she. I loved her quote when asked why she thinks she is causing such a stir in fashion and design circles so late in her life: "I'm giving them permission to be individual again." (Architectural Digest June 2011) AMEN! Mackenzie has put her thoughts down about Ms. Apfel as well as some images that inspire her today. Thank you, Ms. Apfel for inspiring our little design studio!

From Mackenzie:
It is never too late to chase what you love and pursue that love affair with all your heart. Whatever your circumstances, let that passion drive you and motivate you. Along the way, keep your heart humble and grateful. Iris Apfel is an eighty plus year old designer and founder of Old World Weavers. Still at her age, she remains inspired and pursing her passions. She is young at heart, driven, and is welcoming new challenges. She is starting a new jewelry line and eighty + , she has great taste! I know I have a lot I could learn from her. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/17/fashion/thursdaystyles/17IRIS.html