ann kent

Another New Beginning

2011-05-10T16:23:09-04:00

As I have said before, I am a frustrated artist with an infinite number of ideas manifesting themselves in my thoughts. I have been extremely frustrated by my failure to bring most of these thoughts to life. Today, I sauntered about and this quote found me:

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

I will continue to try.

Cute Aesthetic

2010-10-11T09:15:27-04:00

I really like this.

Freunde von Freunden - Sarah Illenberger from Freunde von Freunden on Vimeo.

Cute Dress No. 10: Liberty of London at Target

2010-03-23T11:18:37-04:00

Ok, check. Acquired Girls Liberty Dress. Many of us have been waiting diligently for the Liberty of London premiere at Target and now it is here! This line is a fast seller and I was not able to visit Target until yesterday, almost a week after the debut. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, there was not much left in the women's line other than the polyester pieces. The line is very pretty; however, the fabric of the women's apparel is not wonderful (lots of polyester which in my mind is a bit of a contradiction in terms ... Liberty of London in polyester)?

Nonetheless, the Girls Liberty line is absolutely perfect. The items are all cotton with pretty light linings and the good news is that for the slimmer adult set, one can fit into a Girls L or XL !!! Without further ado, here is my new purchase to be worn with leggings this summer (can't wait)! So ... if you are a fan of the look, hurry on over to Target. Your local Target may have inventory but, alas, this version is already "out of stock" online! Good luck!

Charlotte Gainsbourg & Johnny Depp

2010-03-23T09:16:11-04:00

I'm loving this clip from the French film Happily Ever After with Charlotte Gainsbourg and Johnny Depp.

Snow In The North East

2010-03-01T09:52:51-05:00

We continue to be mired in snow in the Northeast! I love it because I grew up in Buffalo, New York where we were blanketed in snow nearly every day during the Winter! And, one must admit, snow and sunshine is a beautiful combination!

In any event, I found a wonderful Christmas craft idea at the Better Homes and Gardens website (here) and, yes, it is after Christmas; nevertheless, if we commit to making just one of these ornaments per month, we will have quite a nice collection of very lovely, architectural Christmas ornaments to either keep or give away as presents in December 2010!

PS I am drawn to the mid-century modern ornament! Enjoy!

Images via BHG and JCrew.

How To Decorate A Modern House, Ranch, or Split Level II

2010-01-18T08:27:19-05:00

I recently found this apartment featured on the Living Etc website and I am truly smitten. Hasn't Jamie Karlsson (co-owner of Jimmie Martin, a hip furnishings purveyor) articulated the perfect blend of modern and classic? I love the neutral walls and floors and the pops of color (see frame and chair)! I adore Mr. Karlsson's text based art and covet the black velvet settee! And the french chair with the bright flower print - it's mine! Mr. Karlsson's decor is exactly the mix of antiques and modern that I reference in my earlier post about modern decor here. Mr. Karlsson - thank you for the inspiration - we love it!

A Funky Apartment In Denmark.

2010-01-08T15:49:35-05:00

I traveled to Borders today to pick up a few books and of course, as soon as I walked into the store, the issue of Living etc. resting on the shelf caught my eye. This particular issue was a bit outdated as it was the holiday issue. I quickly flipped through the magazine and, of course, I saw so many images that were consistent with my own design aesthetic that, despite the rather hefty price of this Australian magazine to Americans, I had to have it. Simply. After the demise of Blueprint, Domino, and House & Garden, well, you know the situation. And so, I purchased the magazine.

I returned home and as I walked through the door, I thought - oh goodness, when will this end. I am over 40, time is passing, and I continue to be obsessed with white walls, a modern but eclectic decor, and bright pops of color. Of course, I started to doubt myself ... well, what is this obsession anyway? And aren't you a bit, dare I say, old for this? Oh sadness.

Well, the heavens assuaged my doubts immediately; there is no question. The weather in the Northeast today is overcast and snow falls. I brewed tea, and opened my purchase. The first article I turned to was a layout of images from Marianne Brandi's apartment in Copenhagen. Marianne designs the home collection for the clothes and interiors label Day Birger et Mikkelsen. She and her partner are living in an apartment in Sweden for three years temporarily while Marianne's 18 year old daughter finishes school.

Here was the answer to my doubts. See for yourself. Marianne shares a design sensibility similar to my own. Here are shots from Marianne's apartment and isn't the decor lovely? I felt reassured. See all of the images at Living etc. here .

Inspiration From Coach.

2010-01-07T16:47:45-05:00

Today, I found myself perusing the Coach website looking for my new "it" bag for Spring/Summer. I found the Kristin Bag which not only might be the perfect summer pool bag but also totally inspires me to try a new painting. I can't wait. Thanks Coach. Stay tuned.

A Girl And A Frame

2010-01-06T10:42:00-05:00

She journeyed to the flea market in the dying city where she was born. Long ago, the city was rivaled only by New York City in the breadth of architectural design present in its buildings. There were mansions designed by McKim, Mead & White; a park heralded from the offices of Frederick Olmstead; residences by Frank Lloyd Wright; museums that were constructed for a Pan-American Exposition; and an office building bearing the imprimature of Louis Sullivan. Now, the city was suffering from years of economic decline. It's residents fought hard to preserve its treasures; yet, pieces of those treasures were increasingly found at the local markets offered for sale.

During her wandering at the market, she found a complete guide to the city's architecture. She passed and regretted it later. She found a large box of ski patches from resorts such as Alberta, Banff, and Zermatt. She purchased a handful to adorn her designs. Then she discovered the frame. It was beautiful but decrepit, cracked, and missing pieces of its ornamentation.

Nevertheless, she knew that there was a place for it in her home far, far away. A place where the broken treasure would bring smiles to those in its presence. Five dollars was written on the tag and she offered three. Her offer was gladly accepted and the frame travelled from its place of origin to a new city, just as she had years ago. She felt pangs of sadness while painting the lovely frame, covering up its history and broken, gilded carvings. Yet, when she was finished and it hung, it had new life and brought its owners happiness.

A New Year.

2010-01-04T11:14:30-05:00

Enticing, clean, new. Via Emma's Design Blog