SPRINGSPIRATION

Spring is often dubbed the season of new beginnings. It's when seeds take root and gardens blossom. Of course, if we never watered our seeds, there would be no beautiful trees and flowers to admire in the spring, or fruit to indulge in, in any season. The same goes for our emotional life. Our gifts, or talents and skills are like seeds given to us to water and nurture so they too may blossom and grow. If  we neglect or ignore our own gifts, and instead focus on someone else's "garden" or the garden we wish we had, we will never blossom into the beautiful flower we were meant to be (sappy but true).

This is why I love spring. It gives me a chance to reflect and focus on those things that inspire me. I'm a true believer in seeking inspiration almost anywhere. It's one of the ways I water my seeds. And creating a mood board from magazine cut-outs is a great way to get inspired.

Lately, I've been trying to focus on what inspires me on a gut level. Don't get me wrong, I love to follow trends as much as the next person. But I usually find the most satisfaction when I can relate to an image instinctively regardless of whether it's featuring the latest handbag or a trend from several years back. Sometimes I'm drawn to a picture in ways I can't even put it into words—I just know it speaks to me. At times I'm drawn to the nostalgia some images evoke, like the Rhianna image above which reminds me so much of a glam Phyllis Hyman. Or sometimes I'm drawn to an unexpected interpretation of a classic image. I really like this pic of a lady-like Karli Kloss standing by the side of public pool. It's somewhat bizarre, and makes me want to go to the pool fully clothed in my downtown clothes.

What's inspiring you this spring? Whatever it is, be sure to stop, take notice of it, and use it to help propel you into the life you desire. You never know how great your garden is unless you water it. ♥

Having a Moment With...Fun, Graphic Prints

Ever wanted to be a comedian? Well here's your chance to make them laugh without even saying a word. The humorous, graphic prints trend is in full swing, and I don't know about you, but I like adding a little comic relief to my outfits and decor. Try wearing a rooster coat, parrot print shoes, or covering your walls with bumblebee wallpaper (I think I'm sensing a pattern here) all of which are offset by sophisticated silhouettes and color schemes.  Or you can choose to shock 'em silly with a "pretty face" bag or a "psychoanaylsis" sweater (designed by Freud's very own granddaughter!). You can even be cute and cheeky with a lip patterned dress, doodle skirt, or "get-in-here" heart print. Or opt to just make them smile with a snazzy (yes, I said snazzy) "happy" clutch,  or a "swimming ladies" skirt.  Have a look:

Help7

Cute, right? I know what you're thinking, would I really wear a rooster coat? I had my reservations at first too. But the cut of the coat is so great (love that she added the belt) and the black and white color scheme so classic, that it provides a great context for the comical roosters. What fun, graphic pieces are you loving? ♥

Newsworthy: Remix by Jeanine Hays & Bryan Mason

I've been so busy teaching my abnormal psychology class this semester that it left me little time to do extra reading. But when my copy of Jeanine Hays' and Bryan Mason's Remix book came in the mail, I knew it was time to take a study break and indulge in some great design!

You may remember I wrote a post on Jeanine Hays some time ago. She is the founder and Creative Director of Aphrochic, a lifestyle blog and textile company that focuses on incoporating culture into modern design.

The thing I love about the Aphrochic brand is that it doesn't present cultural design in a conspicuous way. There are no hokey vacation souvenirs or awkward, "This is culture!" details.

Recall those grade school moments during Black History month when culture was treated as something other than "normal" and the minority kid (that would be me) was somehow expected to be the expert on all things cultural. While  the Aphrochic brand celebrates culture, it also presents it as a natural part of the decor that appeals to anyone.

Remix fittingly captures the Aphrochic design sensibility. It is divided into two parts. The first part, "Elements", looks at the details that make up a culturally inspired space such as color, pattern, original art, and global pieces. And the second part, "Modern Soulful Homes", features really cool black people (he-he!) with really cool, culturally inspired  homes.

In this book, culture is defined in a broad sense, and includes American culture as well. Oftentimes during discussions of (ethnic) culture here in the United States, we don't consider American culture, and tend to view it as "normal." But American culture is foreign to other parts of the world, and the rise of globalization makes this clearer to us than ever before.

Remix invites everyone to consider how culture, others or one's own, can be used to add soul and meaning to our spaces. This is quite consistent with the philosophy of design psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on creating spaces that trigger positive emotions. What better way to do this than by adding cultural elements that speak to us, and give us a sense of pride.

As I begin to decorate a new home, I've been considering how I can seamlessly  incorporate culture and soul into my space. There was a time when I only thought of cultural spaces in a trendy way.

I remember when I was really into Morrocan style, and bought a whole bunch of Morrocan furnishings. Then I fell for modern design and didn't know how to incorporate both. In fact, I thought I had to do away with all my Morrocan furniture.

As my style has evolved, I now more fully understand eclectism. Our spaces can be informed by multiple designs and cultural influences, and still remain relevant or with a sense of what Jeanine and Bryan refer to as the "eternal now."

Fun Remix4

So what do you think of the Remix aesthetic? Do you incorporate culture into your space?

{images by Fun}

Goodbye Small Space

I've been a small space dweller for as long as I can remember- 13 years to be exact. And living in small spaces has certainly had it's challenges, especially with a growing family.

But as I prepare to say goodbye to my small space and move into a larger one, I'm feeling kind of sentimental and have been thinking about what small space dwelling has taught me.

Whatever complaint there is to be made about living in a small space, I'm sure I've made it. Everything from not enough space, to not enough privacy, to not enough room for the kids. And let's not forget the wear and tear on the furniture from the kids jumping all over it. (You wouldn't believe how badly my settee needs reupholstering.) I'm know, that can happen in any size home, but of course, I blamed it on the small space.

On the flip side, I've also enjoyed the challenge of making a small space work for me. With all the space saving gadgets, organizing tools, and my tried-and-true Ikea, it's been fun to figure out how to make one room or piece of furniture meet multiple needs. For me, the living room has functioned as both the  office and play room, and I like the idea of incorporating kid sized furniture into adult spaces. After all, kids are as much a  part of the family as anyone else, right?

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from small space dwelling is to appreciate what I have and make it the best for me.

There were times when I didn't appreciate my small space at all, and thought I'd be much happier in a bigger hoome.

But I've learned that our sense of satisfaction does not come so much from the space  but our ability to make the best out of the space we have. Agree?

Honestly I can  live almost anywhere because I've learned how to make a space my own. But needless to say, I'm certainly thankful to be moving on, and can't wait to decorate a new home.

There are so many new ideas running around my head,  and can't wait to share them with you! So stay tuned.

What has your space taught you about yourself?

{Photos by Sarah Seung}

Truly Inspired By...AphroChic

Truly is all about inspiring us to be the best we can be. And what better way to do that than by featuring individuals who inspire us to live our biggest dreams. Hence my new column, Truly Inspired By.  One woman in particular that stands out among the rest is Ms. Jeanine Hays, Creative Director and Founder of AphroChic, a lifestyle blog and textile company.

{image: clutchmagonline}

Jeanine began her career as a policy attorney. In 2007, she started  AphroChic blog  to escape the stress of work and express her passion for design. She made the leap from blogger to blogger/designer in 2009 with her line of pillows. Her signature look is a blend of ethnic heritage and culture with luxurious and modern style. She calls it Modern. Soulful. Style. As a psychologist who loves design, her story struck a cord with me. I imagine she must have had many fears about following a different career path, especially after spending all those years grinding in law school. But clearly she didn't let her fears stop her. Take a look at some of my favorite pieces from her AphroChic shop.

AphroChic's Haze (left) and Vibe (right) wallpaper are indeed both modern and soulful. I particularly like the 1970's vintage feel of the Vibe wallpaper.

Chevron gets a much needed update with this swanky Vibe Saffron and Pink Pillow. It adds a touch of cool to any decor.

How fun is this Brooklyn Life runner? These stylish city life images both celebrate and validate  urban life.

I really like this Park Slope Placemat. It conveys urban chic in a simple, yet impactful way.

Like a page ripped from the Divine Destiny Handbook, Jeanine's design career is a lesson in perseverance and passion. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Elle Décor, and Lucky Magazine just to name a few. She was an online judge for the 2010 season of HGTV's Design Star, and her pillow collection was on the 2010 California Home + Design Hit List—how cool is that. Jeanine also contributes as a design expert on HGTV.com, the DIYNetwork.com, Houzz, and the Stylelist Home.

The Vibe wallpaper and Brooklyn Life Table Runner are at the top of my wish list. What are some of your favorite AphroChic pieces?

Communicating with Coral

"They" say that the influence of color is so automatic,  we barely know it when it's affecting us. In an instant the way we think, feel, and behave in reaction to a given color depends upon the particular context with which we are experiencing that color. That means that depending on where we are and what we're doing  we may perceive or react to the same color differently. Let's take coral for instance—one of my favorite colors right now. When I think of coral, I think sunny days, long naps on the beach, and sherbert ice-cream.  But depending on the context, coral can communicate many different messages.

{image: vogue}

Coral can be glamorous like this.

{image: pinterest}

Bohemian and calming like this.

{image: j.crew}

Or masculine like this.

{image: exquisite designs}

Coral in nature is simply uplifting and refreshing.

{image: pinterest}

So is a nice coral-colored drink.

{image: toby fairley}

Coral can easily be feminine and sophisticated.

{image: bazaar}

And so very fabulous as a winter color.

Madame Bolvary Sofa: The Paris Apartment | Meadow Reed Wallpaper: Houzz|Wood Floor: woodmagazine.com| Black Iron Side Table: One Kings Lane|Ming Pink End Table: The Estate of Things via One Kings Lane |Midcentury Orange Lamp: Century 44| Black and White Vase: Cowan’s Auction| Black and White Rug: Houzz| Vintage Brass Coffee Table: One Kings Lane| Books: WhoWhatWear| Geometric Paper Vase: Real Simple |Portrait: Etsy| Kartell Stone Stool: Design Buzz| Pebble Stone Orange Pillows: Fawn and Forest|Fan Coral Pillows: Overstock| Dog Pillow: Fab

This is my coral-inspired living room. What are your favorite coral pieces?