Some of you may be looking for alternatives to painting or wallpapering a room. Linen on the walls is a wonderful way to add elegance and warmth to a room. I would love to try it in a small space such as an entryway or powder room. Traditionally, linen covered walls was a technique used in wealthy houses during the early 20th century. The linen served as a canvas for paint and prevented cracks from developing. Happily, I came across a modern version of this effect through Casart Coverings, a sister-sister duo that designs and manufactures linen-esque wall coverings made out of a durable vinyl and canvas. I love the rose-peach glow of this room by Casart below.

I could also see doing something really opulent like the linen and velvet in blue-green combination.

Casart also does stair decals like the before and after here. These would be a great solution for a temporary living space like an apartment or for someone who updates their home frequently. They specialize in customizable and removable coverings that quickly transform. As you can see the tiling really makes an ordinary stairwell, pop!

Lastly, you wouldn’t believe how cool grey linen looks with a yellow twist.

photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

So calming, it could be used as an accent wall behind the bed or throughout the room.

Amongst other exciting news, Pink Pianos has been nominated for a Lovely!

If you are a reader, please pop in over there and leave a shout out under my banner for me!

I had the pleasure of meeting Laure Cuvillier at the Silverlake Art, Craft, and Vintage show last month. I was immediately drawn to her dreamy style and cool totebags! I wanted to find out more about her as a person and an artist. Laure was born in Paris, where her love for painting developed and now she is living here in Los Angeles.

I love the imagination I see in her artworks. Especially, that little cowboy boot with tabs that reminds me of a paper doll accessory.

Could you please share one interesting or little known fact about yourself?

I am also a a creativity coach. I assist people in creating and developing a personal creative language and/or artistic process.

That sounds wonderful! If someone is looking for a a creativity coach how shall they contact you?

laure@laurecuvillier.com

What an inspiration.

Lets get Tuesday morning started  with a these psychadelicious art cards by Ms. Edy Pickens.

Edy is a wonderful painter living in Southern California. You can discover more about her work here, plus have the chance buy her one of a kind cards. What do you see so far?

Not only is Edy is a good artist friend of mine, but she plays in a band; all while organizing year round programming for her own endeavor, Camp Monkey Muffin, an innovative art program for youth.

As a result of all of this awesomeness in graphic design, look forward next Wednesday to a product giveaway!

Here are some surface designs to cheer the mundane.

An artist from Britain, Natalie Singh makes graphic prints and develops them into cards for family and friends.

I find this print especially eye-catching and could even picture it as a wallpaper.

Love the background colors and pattern on this one!

A final fave is this curvy retro pattern below.

Natalie also has a shop where you can purchase cards and she oozes with original features on design.

Another artist that has caught my eye on several occasions is Jill Bliss with her organic shapes and eco-inspired designs. One of my favorite topics to discuss in an artwork is nature and it’s splendor. Based in Oregon with roots in California, Jill’s work investigates the flora around us here.

These poppies are delicate and  beautiful.

Love the minty fresh card!

Oh, what a mural.

Jill maintains a stunning shop of where you can truly grasp her unique style. I was reminded of Jill’s work on my trip to Kentucky, where I noticed some of her splendid notecards for sale, these cards available here.  At Jill’s shop you can learn more about her inspiration as an artist and look at her portfolio too.

Look forward to catching a glimpse of another artist’s cards tomorrow morning along with Jenna’s desk redo coming soon!

I must say that I have always loved pretty papers! Who doesn’t? Especially wallpaper and the smell of a Kinko’s store…

That being said, many the great wallpapers cost well over $100 a roll.

So in the spirit of a recessionista, I decided to source some upscale giftwraps (matte only, no gloss) to get started on projects ranging from pendant lamps to vases.

Snow and Graham has always been a favorite of mine that I pick up for little projects here and there at Dick Blick, the local art store.

Eieio, the cleverest name in the paper biz is both modern, graphic, and employs soy based inks. With studios in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, I was thrilled to come across these bold prints. Not to mention, Jean, the owner is super helpful! I am doing a modern desk in one of her graphic designs, but I won’t say which one…It will be a surprise, which I love~ Guessing games and surprises!

Smock paper offers soft and nuanced designs. Much like their story of “falling for” an old industrial buiding in Downtown Syracuse is equally romantic. They pride themselves on creativity and sustainability. There papers are oft recycled and/or made from bamboo!

So, there! Now you know my top three. Please be so kind as to share any pics, companies, or paper projects with me hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com or leave me a comment below.

Plus, I’ll reveal Jenna’s desk amongst other projects very soon. Signing off from the Bluegrass State this time.

Have a great weekend everyone!