Smitten.

I want everything from Emerson Fry, especially this Live Free (or Die) T, it is just brilliant • I posted about decorating with texture last week and this nubby wool pillow from Jayson Home is right up my alley • Nude sandals are a must for Spring and Jcrew got it so right with their Tybee patent flats • I'm in need of a black pair of shade and RAEN Optics has so many stylish and affordable options (it's all about the two-tone, baby) • A stunning daybed that I spotted in Christine's beautiful new nursery • I'm absolutely smitten with this new furniture line by Grand. The ingenious brass hardware on this Lock cabinet is reminiscent of the ball clasp found in old fashioned women’s handbags • My obsession with round mirrors continues, it's too bad I found this simple brass hoop mirror after my Round Mirror Round-Up • I recently inherited a vintage Cartier watch with black leather band but I'm considering purchasing this stylish number for everyday use • Words to live by, "Why Not Have a Big Life?"

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Smitten | Cathy Bruni Norris

I love the idea of supporting local artists so I was thrilled when my client fell in love with the work of Chicago artist Cathy Bruni Norris.  We stopped by Cathy's Bucktown studio last weekend to see some of her current work and let me tell you, it was love at first sight!  Pictured above are the two pieces we were looking into purchasing.  Stunning, right? Cathy creates these cosmic-like pieces by layering acrylic paint on the reverse side of a clear piece of plexi glass then mounts the finished product to a piece of wood so the depth of colors really pop. If we had space in the room I would have tried to convince my client to purchase both pieces but in the end we ended up going with the painting on the right.  Pictured above is the inspiration board I put together for my client-I can't wait to share pictures once everything is installed!

You can see more of Cathy's work, including the Blue Orb painting we didn't purchase, on Flickr.  And if the real deal isn't in your budget, you're in luck...Cathy paintings have been printed onto the most beautiful beaded fabric and made into clutches and wallets - if you live in Chicago be sure to stop by Laudi Vidni on Armitage and check out the entire line!

Smitten | Delpozo

It's Monday and I'm in need to a pick me up!  My 28th Birthday was on Friday and I was locked inside all weekend with the stomach flu!  Well, actually, I did leave my apartment for an hour on Saturday and in that short time I managed to get in a car accident.  Oy.  Luckily Birthdays are yearly so I have plenty more to make up for this one.

If you've had the stomach flu you know that it's like the plague and you can pretty much guarantee no one will want to hang out with you if you tell them you have it so...I spent a good amount of time this weekend searching through the #nyfw hashtag on Instagram.  Party!  But seriously, it kept me entertained and introduced me to my new obsession, Madrid-based label Delpozo.  Creative director Josep Font created what I believe to be one of the most beautiful collections of the season.  I mean just look at the images above, the seamless lineup of voluminous, sculptural dresses are perfectly complemented by delightful color combinations of emerald green, burgundy, cinnamon and fuchsia.  And nature-themed metallic embroidery?  To die for.  I could see this collection inspiring a living room design or beautiful pillows.  I seriously love it all!

Have you been following NYFW?  What's your favorite collection so far?

Smitten | Billy Cotton

Since I've been cooking a lot more and sharing some of the photographs and recipes here on the blog I've realized that I'm in desperate need of simple, plain white dishes.  I've been collecting vintage china for a few years now and while these highly decorative pieces spice up a fancy fete they detract from the visual impact of simple foods like say, the soft pretzels I made last week. Plain plates, especially classic white allow the food to be the star.  So last week I set out on a mission to find the perfect refined white tableware. Enter Billy Cotton. Love at first sight.  There's something about the shape of the French Bowl that has be seriously smitten.  Oh and the handle on the pitcher, to die for!  My Birthday is coming up next week so I may have to treat myself to a few pieces.

I have a crazy tableware addiction so I'd love to hear what kind of dishes do you use?

Smitten | Ice Glass

Chicago is finally covered with snow and ice, which is somewhat apropos since I stayed up way too late last night searching for "ice glass" lighting.  Why ice?  Well, just look at it!  I've been obsessing over these hand-moulded glass icicles, made by Kalmar of Austria during the 1960s, ever since I spotted one hanging in Douglas Rosin Antiques.  I'm convinced I need one because there is something about magical combination of glistening, frosty glass and brass that manages to warm my heart even on the coldest of cold days like today!

Stay warm this weekend....see you Monday!!

Smitten | Anna Wolfson Wallcoverings

The all natural burlap wallcoverings of Chicago-based artist Anna Wolfson have me smitten! Burlap often gets a bad rap but I really love it for the rustic yet somehow luxurious feeling it can bring to a space. When used on the walls the texture adds a subtle richness and interest to a room without the visual clutter that can result from an overload of patterns. The subtle fringe patterns that Anna creates are seriously sophisticated and are sure to stand the the test of time!

Smitten | Ilse Crawford for Georg Jensen

Intrigued by the nature of daily rituals, Ilse Crawford created a functional yet poetic line of products for Danish brand Georg Jensen. The collection, built around this concept of daily ritual, includes two bowls, two vases, three boxes and a candleholder, designed to house objects deemed special by virtue of their daily use. To explain this concept filmmaker Justin Anderson follows the water jug, metallic bowl and candleholder through a choreographed series of daily rituals in the whimsical short film above. Ilse's designs add beauty to even the most mundane tasks and with the holiday's right around the corner what could be better than giving the gift of everyday beauty? I've added the candleholder to Christmas list--which object do you like best?

(Images via Yvonne Kone, Georg Jensen)

Smitten | Collected By

Lighting and chairs are two things I just can't seem to get enough of so when I spotted the Collected by Jason Koharik lamp series I had serious heart palpitations.  American made lighting with a vintage feel? Yes please!

"The Collected lamp series is inspired by the beautiful sweeping lines and modeled forms of the Art Nouveau period and early French Modernists. The series represents a "New Nouveau". Each lamp is a one of a kind sculpture made with a variety of materials (often reclaimed) that show age and marks from its maker. Each is hand crafted in effort to create a unique and nostalgic piece that can settle comfortably in a modern environment."

The angular arms and slightly curved shades have a very Serge Mouille feel to them, which I love and lord knows I have affinity for just about anything brass. The green chandelier is my absolute favorite but I honestly would hang any one of these beautiful sculptures in my home.  You can read more about Jason's inspiration and design process here, and if your interesting in purchasing a piece hop on over to Lawson Fenning.

Collected | Pitcher Perfect

While I'm on the topic of geometric optical illusions, I thought I'd share with you my most recent purchase, a cubist pitcher.  When Katie Lee posted these pictures on Instagram over the summer I was instantly smitten.  I needed that pitcher, oh and those glasses, amazing! I left a comment on her post asking who made the pieces but she never responded.  Sigh.  I completely forgot about them until I started working on yesterday's post at which point I decided to make it my mission to find my own set.  A few google searches later and ta-da, I had found the maker.  The pitcher and tea glasses are from the Fostoria Glassware American line.  Fostoria closed their factories in 1983 so you can't find the line in stores but there are a ton on pieces available on ebay and at Replacements Ltd.  I purchased a pitcher, glasses and a bowl last night...I feel a collection in the works!  Have you started a new collection lately?

(Images Katieleekitchen on instagram)

Smitten | Galraith and Paul

 Monarch

 Lotus

Trellis

Lotus Wallpaper, Amber Interiors

Small Star and Tulip

There are a lot of things that I get excited about: shoes, furniture, and fabric most certainly falls on that list, which is why I'm talking about it two posts in a row! Yesterday I mentioned my love of John Robshaw textiles and today I wanted to share another outstanding American textile source, Galbraith & Paul. Founders Liz Galbraith and Ephraim Paul's Philadelphia studio create hand block-printed textiles, handmade rugs, studio printed wallpaper, and lighting.  They have built a business based on craftsmanship, quality, and creativity. G&P recently released new sets of fabric and wallpaper patterns so I made sure to stop by Holland and Sherry (the Chicago showroom that reps the line) to check the insanely beautiful creations during my visit last Friday.

In talking to the showroom rep I learned that all of the fabrics and wallpapers are made to order.  Like the Robshaw prints, the pictures do not go these textiles justice.  Many of the patterns have almost a 3D effect because the artisans use multiple colors and shades to give the prints depth and character.  Having just learned the basics of block printing (using only one color and trying to keep the edges clean) I'm in complete awe of the artisans that work at G&P.

So what are your thoughts on Galbraith & Paul's creations? To me, their style is really versatile and could be used in a casual or formal setting. Besides loving their patterns and colors, I also appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind all of their products. That's pretty hard to come by these days!

I'm planning on placing an order soon so if you want a few yards or a pillow feel free to email me at kkerrdesign@gmail.com!

Smitten | Marissa Webb

Citron and sequins and suits oh my! The cool off-beat color combinations presented in Marissa Webb's debut collection have me seriously smitten!  The palette although mainly black and white is infused with the most beautiful shades of turquoise, chartreuse, pale pink and cherry red.  The olive green blazer tossed over the neon necktie blouse with matching sequined shorts is by far my favorite look but I'm also really digging the incredible watermark plaid print that ties the palette of the collection together. It's clear that  that my bank account is going to take a heavy blow when these pieces hit the stores next Spring!

And so my girl crush ensues...Bravo, Marissa!

(images Bazaar and Style)