It’s Friday! Thank you for joining me this week on burrs & berries, I hope you have a wonderful weekend lovelies. What do you have planned? Anything exciting? The weather has been gloomy in Toronto for the past few days, and I have been buying fresh flowers every week to add some life to my apartment. These are some I’ve recently bought.

It’s going to be another busy weekend for me! I am working on a project that I can’t wait to share with you, but you will get to see soon! I’m also going to a design conference tomorrow with speakers from some of my favorite agencies in Toronto, so I’m looking forward to meeting people! I’d love to hear what you will be doing. See you on Monday!

(image: samia kallidis for burrs & berries)

I recently discovered Clayton Gray Home while browsing through the ads on the lovely decor8, and fell in love with their new spring pillow collection! Have a look.

If color is what you are all about, then this collection will speak to you, with a wonderful variety of bright colors, textures, and fantastic assortment of intricate patterns, ranging from geometric to floral. I would love to include a few of these in my home for spring to brighten it up and wash away the winter palette. And they would stand out great against a white or neutral couch! Do you plan to add a few touches of spring into your home? How do you brighten up your space?

(images: clayton gray home)

Are you doing well today? I hope so! What have you been doing recently? Let’s look at Etsy and some great shops today, are you ready?

Sugar and fig is just filled with lovely little accessories and beautiful textures and prints you can indulge in. You’ll find hand drawn, hand cut, hand carved and hand printed goodies on cotton and linen. This is one hard working shop! Get to know Lindsay and follow her work on her own blog.

Amy spends most of her time turning illustrations into silk screened prints. And from that, she creates beautiful as well as functional items for the home. I love the casual nature of her products, and although they look simplistic on the fabric, the detail in the illustration give them such a strong presence. Visit Amy’s shop and website to see more of her lovely work.

Perideau Designs specializes in personalized stationery, prints, and gift tags. Bridgett runs the small stationery business from her home on evenings and weekends, creating clean and simple designs, which are fun and light-hearted. I love her minimalist approach towards design that is mainly directed toward parents and children. Be sure to visit her shop for more of Bridgett’s work, and while you’re there why not place a custom order?

What better way to stay in the mood for spring than the bright and colorful patterns and fabric from scarletfig designed by Laurie Wisburn! How adorable are those pillows? I love the playfulness in her patterns, and they could be used for anything, not just pillows. I’m thinking of brightening up my home for spring by going on a fabric search to make pillow covers, napkins, maybe even curtains, and I am glad I found scarletfig to include in what is currently my tiny collection. And you, what do you think of these lovely prints?

(images: sources listed above)

As the weather insists on being cold and gray, and the snow slowly settles on the ground, I’m urging for Spring to come quicker than ever! I’ve got lots of happy color to share today to get you in the mood for Spring, so let’s check out some brights in the world of pattern and fabric!

Designer’s Guild just rolled out their Spring collection and it is anything but dull! With pops of color and intricate patterns flying at your from every direction, this collection perfectly captures the light of the much anticipated season and all that comes with it. Their fabrics are so luxurious, and the colors so vivid. I have put together some of my favorite looks for you, but you can visit their site for more of their new collection. I love it all, and I’d love to own fabric and wallpaper from there at some point.

Here’s some background in case you’re not familiar with Designer’s Guild. It was established in 1970 by Tricia Guild, designing and wholesaling fabrics, wallpaper, upholstery, and bed and bath collections. They also have a flagship store in London featuring Tricia Guild’s own brilliant designs that I would also like to visit someday.

Have you seen Tricia Guild’s book from 2006, Pattern? You must take a peek, it is filled with a huge variety of wonderful patterns and color, and even texture. What are you looking forward to most this Spring?

(images: designer’s guild)

I want to apologize for not being very consistent and a little behind on posts lately, but this has been a hectic past few weeks for me, and to top it off I got a concussion playing basketball yesterday, so I’m dealing with that and working from home today (I can get used to it actually). But hopefully, everything will be in order soon, and I will make it up to you, I promise! So, how are you doing?

I’m so excited to present a very talented illustrator based in London, England. Katey-Jean Harvey has a wonderful portfolio that you can view here. I urge you to visit and get inspired!

Katey-Jean’s work is often narrative based, which is what I think pulls you in to make those connections and join the dotted lines. She has a way of transporting you into the world she creates, of “grumpy girls in cute dresses [that] sulk about boys and hang out with skeletons and sausage dogs”, through the dreamlike quality and attention to detail in her illustrations.

Don’t you just love the soft feeling of the colors she uses? They are happy colors, but not too bright or flashy. They have a subtle air to it, so clean and lovely. If you would like to stay in the know about Katey-Jean’s work, visit her blog!

With such a great portfolio, how do you pick a favorite? Luckily Katey-Jean has quite a selection you can swoon over! She also has a Flickr page. What do you think about Katey-Jean’s work? What do you like the most?

(images: katey-jean harvey)

Let’s start this week with some Flick Favorites, shall we? But first tell me, how was your weekend? What did you do? Whatever it is, I hope it was lovely. I didn’t get much time to rest, I had so many projects to work on and still couldn’t get everything done! I think I agreed to take on too many projects and just can’t keep up. Slowly but surely is the way to go. And I will get to rest in a couple of weeks when all this chaos has calmed down. But in the meantime I will remain positive, and know that I shouldn’t overload myself and to be realistic in the future. ha!

1. Hasn’t started to make sense of the world yet but thinks it’s beautiful all the same. 2. Sunday 3. making sunday breakfast… 4. threadfrompcc 5. 384 6. xmas pies

What do you think of this collection of images? I love the soft, subtle palette with hints of color here and there. It’s very calming and that’s exactly what I need right now. It highlights the simple pleasures in life and how beautiful and delicate they can be. Sometimes when life preoccupies us and we are so busy, we forget about them. And I feel that it’s important to take a deep breath and remember the sweet, simple things.

(images: sources listed above)

Happy Friday! Can someone please tell me how this week flew by? Before I sign off for the weekend I would like to share a little something. I learned about Interior Designer Anne Coyle while browsing through the latest issue of Elle Décor, and have been so excited to share her work with you ever since!

Anne Coyle is a Chicago-based interior designer with great style! From reading her bio, I learned that her career began after having to renovate and decorate her own 3500 square foot vintage apartment. And since then, she has worked with many clients on projects ranging from family luxury apartments to loft residences and beach houses.

Her great combination of bold colors, various textures and contrasting patterns is what initially captured my glimpse. She works with classic shapes that are updated with modern colors and a great selection of upholstery fabrics. Every inch of her spaces are carefully thought out and designed beautifully.

To me, her decor screams chic and glam, and she spices it up with classic vintage pieces alongside modern details creating a wonderful contrast. I love the way she uses candy pop colors, and balances them out with soft neutrals. From viewing her lovely portfolio, you can see that “a deliberate and measured use of clear and unusual color is her signature style element.” Notice all the beautiful flowers in her rooms. I love how stylists use cut flowers to often add a lift and complete a look. The pink bouquet in the first photo is gorgeous, isn’t it? It completely livens up the room, and adds that touch of brightness that wouldn’t be there without them! Check for yourself!

Flowers always liven up a space, and I think I’m going to go out and buy some more today. I have been buying some every week to make sure that my home is always brightened up with a fresh bunch. Anyway, Isn’t it fun to get inspiration from a wonderful interior designer, and it’s just what you need sometimes to get your butt in gear and get motivation to work on your own space. So thank you Anne Coyle!

Is there anything you have been meaning to do that you keep putting off? That maybe you just need a little inspiration to give you a kick start?

(images: anne coyle)

Hello friends! How are you today? I have such a sweet Etsy finds for you coming from four lovely sellers. Ready to pay a little visit to each one?

Alyssa Zygmunt is a fashion designer living in Brooklyn. She loves the endless creative possibilities in recreating abandoned objects and pieces. And they are such beauties, from her adorable little porcelain animals to beautiful charmed necklaces. Be sure to hop on over to her new blog and have a look around.

Mandy Lynne is one talented lady! You can see for yourself if you visit her website. There is something so beautiful and innocent about her photography. Skippy designs demonstrates that, her passion for creating timeless imagery. Mandy’s work is “simply an expression of my heart, inspired by my children and simple life experiences.”

Indo Bay creates modern hand-printed textiles. The organic shapes, natural prints, textures and colors are so warm and welcoming. And with a playful and loving attitude, these charming creations would brighten up any home!

Here comes a local reference! Sweetbeets in Ontario designs letterpress cards and prints using a vintage printing press. Most of the work is targeted for children, Sweetbeets uses beautiful warm tones that capture the magic of childhood in creative ways. Visit Lisa’s blog for Sweetbeets updates and handmade inspiration for children!

So tell me friends, what did you think of these shops? What stood out to you the most?

(images: sources listed above)

Today I’d like to share with you the lovely and inspired work of Nada Debs, what do you say?

I recently visited Beirut, Lebanon while on my latest trip to Dubai and came across beautiful home accessories while I was out shopping. You can visit Nada Debs’ website to follow her latest designs and releases.  I loved the shop and took note of it as soon as I got home, and wrote to Nada asking if she would like to share her work on burrs & berries because it’s so very inspirational. I’m happy that she gave me permission to do so, and she also agreed to answer a few questions in a rather informal interview that would allow me to understand her style and inspirations a little bit better.

Nada is originally Lebanese, but grew up in Japan. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Interior Architecture, which led her to start her own company in the UK “designing and producing custom furniture.” Nada created “East and East” in 2000, using her multi-cultural background to design furniture that appeals to a global market, and through which she designs, manufactures and sells her own furniture line. What an inspiration!

“East and East” has grown to two retail outlets based in Beirut, the Nada Debs Gallery displays the collection and the Nada Debs boutique carries her home accessories. And even on a global stage, Nada’s products are represented in New York, London, Rome and Dubai.

1. How would you describe your decorating style? I would say modern arabesque—arabesque touches in modern form.

2. What inspires your collections? My inspirations come from the past and the present—I look at the past for the beautiful handcraftmanship and I look at the present for new materials and new concepts.

3. How has your multi cultural background affected your decor? Fusing the different cultures I have experienced (Japanese and Lebanese as well as USA and the UK) has given me the opportunity to learn from each and apply it in my designs.  Japan for minimalism, USA for functionality, UK for European sophistication, Lebanon for traditional craftsmanship.

4. Where do you like to shop for your home items? I collect all kinds of objects, modern and antique…what I would say defines them is the fact that there is some kind of craft—whether modern or old.

5. What are your plans for Nada Debs furniture and design? As a brand from the Middle East, I would like my furniture and home accessories to reach the masses, especially in the Arab world…so an expansion of my Home Accessories Boutique and Gallery is one of the directions that we are pursuing.  Another is working on interesting private projects and customized furniture.

6. What are 3 decorating tips you’d like to share with burrs & berries readers?

• CONTRAST –mix old and new—because old looks beautiful against new and vice versa.

• Remember that when you are decorating a home, it is YOURS, so choose things you like and don’t always follow magazines.

• COMFORT – choose things you will use and not just something you will look at and make sure it’s comfortable! You’ll love it more!

Thank you so much Nada for sharing your decorating tips and beautiful work with us today!

I love the concept of blending crafts, getting inspiration from different backgrounds and creating something unique, which is at the heart of her work. Nada Debs uses the rich Middle Eastern craft with the Far-Eastern ideals of purity of line, which explains “East and East”. Also using materials like acrylic and concrete demonstrates the commitment to quality workmanship. So tell me friends, after a little trip into Nada’s world, what do you find personally inspiring?

(images: nada debs)

Let’s hop on over to visit the talented Tabitha Emma from Sydney, Australia. Tabitha is a young emerging designer who does it all! You can visit her website for a wide range of her lovely work, she encourages you to “have a sit down, grab a hot cup of coffee and take a browse through my work.”

Her design work covers print, video, web, textiles, photography and illustration! And she’s not just a jack of all trades, because she actually masters all those areas. I will mainly be covering Tabitha’s wonderful illustrations and some playful hand crafted textiles.

Trained at the Whitehouse Institue of Design, she also recently graduated from the Enmore Design Center, Tafe with a diploma in Graphic Design and Communication. I love her natural style of illustration, it feels so organic and pure. Through the soft colors she uses, to the shapes, I love how everything looks freehand, it’s hard to find these days, and I appreciate the human touch. And something about little imperfections, rather than perfect vectors. My personal favorites from her shop are the girl with the bunny “Wild  Child” (notice the detail in her hair, amazing isn’t it!?) and “Caged Bird”. How about you? What stands out to you the most?

Luckily for us, she sells her textile goods and prints at her shop. I encourage you to visit for some lovely prints and textiles. You can also check out her wonderful blog for more inspiration from Tabitha.

(images: tabitha emma)