I came across these the other day while searching for some one-point perspectives to study for a painting.

This one really amazed me; the color of the foliage and the rock reflected in the architectural choices.

This structure found in Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil is named after former President Juscelino Kubitschek. When I saw this picture, I was drawn into the expanse.

From all angles, a photo emerges. This last one from the Windy City, made me appreciate the thoughtful engineering in our own corner of the world.

Happy weekend friends!

This weekend in Malibu at the Lion’s Club flea market, there was lots to uncover…

Look at this beautiful vintage day bed greeted me upon arrival.

This store was a favorite as we rummaged through deep bins of linens dated from the 1920-50s.

Isn’t this one funny!? My friend, Annie, spotted it and she loved the color.

I had to take home, this linen tablecloth. I haven’t decided exactly what to do with it yet, but I did decide not to cut it up!

Here it is draped over my couch.

Just look at how intricate the cross stitching and applique were. They combine to make such a simply beautiful piece.

Okay~ so I admit I didn’t find this next dresser this time around, but I wish I had…

This mirrored dresser is from Anthropologie and I love the aged finish of the mirrors.

Vintage linens, glass containers, and worn mirrors are all things to look for on a hunt like this. Not to mention, I had hoped to find a couple of wooden furnishings to refinish.

On our way out, we stopped at this shop brimming with knick knacks.

Glass bottles with stoppers, vintage baby shoes, even little ink wells that could become part of a collection.

This burlap covered stool could be used in a variety of ways in a modern setting.

Other flea markets in L.A. that I have visited include: Fairfax, Rosebowl, and Silverlake shows. The Rosebowl flea market is by far the largest. Plus, I’m hearing good things about another one in Long Beach that is great for buyers.

If you’d like to see more amazing flea market style and finds, check out this book, Paris Style from Taschen. It has some seriously good pictures inside, plus lots of things to look for on your next treasure hunt.

Bon voyage!

While rummaging through an antique shops in my favorite part of town, I came across old horseshoes at Crescent Hill Trading Co! They have the most adorable dog who roams the shop and a large selection of tableware. I figured horseshoes have multiple uses for the eclectic homemaker, either way, something interesting.

Check out these hooks that I found:

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Look for more on Ebay, you’d be surprised how many styles and shades are out there.

Another antique horse that I loved was this carousel pony! Since, I recently went to the fair, it’s even more fitting. This one has been removed from an old German carousel and is a real antique! I can picture it in so many settings.

Lots of these lovelies can be found at the Antique Horse, a site specializing in all types of restorations of this genre. A final thought for a little girl’s room is this beauty. A completely restored antique wooden rocking horse.

Now as a little girl I had my own horse whose name Dallas, I think I named it after the show that I had never seen.I worshipped that horse, although she was not quite this glamorous. Now, I’d love to know what your horse’s name was!

There is so much more inspiration out there from saddles to attire. If you ride, I invite you to share your pics with me a hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com. I have some beautiful photography of horses that I taken over the years.

As many of you know. I’ve spent the past week exploring the stomping grounds of my childhood Louisville, Kentucky. I thought many these photos from my visit were worth sharing. On a day trip to Indiana, I found myself enthralled by the cloudy sky rolling over the farm.

The visit to Huber’s farm in Southern Indiana was a pleasant departure from the bustle of L.A. It proved to be just as picturesque as any of the vineyards, I love to visit in Napa Valley. Best of all were the deep fried (yikes!) biscuits to slather with homemade apple butter, orchards to pick apples from. and ducks to feed.

Another snapshot from East Market street is quiet buzzing with galleries, design shops, and places to chow. We tried out Toast on Market, and the bread pudding pancakes were tasty!

An art store mural by a local artist on Baxter Avenue juxtaposes animals and machines.

Another form of artwork threaded throughout the city is are the painted horses celebrating Gallopalooza, a local event. Another mid-western city does painted pigs and cows too. The Derby, being one of Louisville’s most famous equestrian events inspires the horses around town.

This got me thinking about all the cool equestrian inspired design out there. I came up with tons of ideas.

Check back here tomorrow, when I reveal my favorites.

SImply gorgeous.

Now for today’s brief art history lesson!

I came across some research I did in 2004 and thought it may be interesting in lieu of real travel to travel back in time today and look at some designs from William Morris.

Morris was a British designer who aspired to incorporate art into all aspects of daily living. He was indeed a bit of Renaissance man specializing in calligraphy, printing, weaving, and embroidery; yet he lived during the 19th century.

He was an innovator who wanted to incorporate art into every crevice of the home.

Check out his Chrysanthemum wallpaper.

I love the color palette and intricacies of his work. His other work includes carpets, tiles, and all sorts of textile designs. There is an organic quality reflective of his love for nature. Let’s look at his Honeysuckle wallpaper, a former favorite of mine.

Yep~I still love it! Now, I’ve come up with an idea on how to bring his art into the 21st century. A few years ago, I did a painting that was a modern interpretation on a William Morris design. Now, I’d  really love to take the same idea and apply it to a wall mural coming up with a modern interpretation of his work in an entryway or hallway.

Ok. Here’s one more I can’t resist, his Artichoke wallpaper.

As you can see by entangling all these elements of earthly beauty, he creates a simple, yet stunning design. I’m going to work on developing a .pdf stencil for download, sort of a nod to his gorgeous work and design.

Plus, I’m serious about the wall art. If anyone would be interested in a custom piece, send me a message!

As promised, here are a few tips showing how to incorporate applique into your living space.

• Tablecloths, curtains, and pillowcases serve as inspired and detailed works of art.
• Use appliqué or embroidery to introduce texture.
• Tiny mirrors reflect lots of light.
• On a budget appliqué work could provide a cost effective wall decor.
• Historically significant pieces could add luxury to a room.
• Take a hint from Jaipur and embrace color!

Today, let’s take a look at golden embroidery referred to as Karchobi or Zardozi utilizing spun gold thread. This work dates back to the Rajasthani region of North India and abounds in the north Indian cities of Jaisalmer and Jaipur, known for their artisans and trade. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, offers a plethora of textiles amongst which includes the Karchobi style incorporating metallic threads of flat stitches into garments and tapestries.

These garments are often used for weddings, costumes, wall hangings, and even curtains. Zari or jar thread is a similar process of twisting cotton or silk for brocading not to be confused with zardozi.

Mirror work is popular in appliqué as well. In India, it is traditionally linked to the women of Gujarat and Rajasthan who carry dowry bags embroidered with mirrors. The wife of Shah Jahan, the same man responsible for the construction of the Taj Mahal, promoted mirror work during her time. It went on to gain popularity around the 17^th century. Historians believe it may have originated from Baluchistan, currently part of modern day Pakistan. In Jaisalmer, the saddle of camels and horses are adorned with tiny mirrors. In the city of Barmer, women’s bodices are also noted for this intricate work. Tiny mirrors encircled by threads form patterns in bedspreads, pillowcases, and quilts.

Lastly yet certainly not least, Monday I’ll make suggestions on how to incorporate these exotic pieces into eco-friendly and worldly designs!

I’ve recently been inspired to take a closer look at Indian patchwork rugs. The art of Indian embroidery is some of the best worldwide. India offers a variety of styles, each with a unique history and linked to a specific region and culture. Some types of embroideries are associated with customs such as weddings or festivals. Some are known for the special thread employed or method of stitching involved. Appliqué work is a popular style of embroidery that is recognized worldwide and within the design industry for it’s nuances including Karchobi and mirror work.

In appliqué work different pieces of cloth are patched together to make a multi-colored mosaic. The vivid colors, shapes, and patterns in combination stand out when stitched onto a contrasting background. Typically appliqué is attached to padded cotton backing, which itself can be purchased in large rolls. Patchwork of this kind is essential in many Indian tapestries and can be found all over towns in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in northwestern India.

Patchwork of this kind is essential in many Indian tapestries and can be found in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in northwestern India. In Nathadwara, a Rajasthani city, the Pichwai style embroidery reveals colorful cloths and wall hangings throughout the village. One aspect of some appliqué artworks is that they can be monochromatic or employ analogous colors. For example, a customer may discover an appliqué cloth in all blues, turquoise, and greens. Others feature rosy pinks and shades of fuchsia. For an interior, they could be used to create a monochromatic color palette within a room.

Common motifs include trees, peacocks, houses stacked into the hillside or the tower pictured above. If you look a bit closer some appliqué work, shiny golden threads and mirrors gleaming within the embroidery can be seen.  More on mirror work and the pink city of Jaipur later this week!