I have been a huge fan of Ghislaine Vinas’ for ages now. Several years ago, I was reading O Magazine and came upon an article on a couple living in NYC who had an utterly DELIGHTFUL place…it was filled with fun colors, inspiring accent pieces and had such a warm, cozy feeling to it. I pulled out several of the pages and put them in my inspiration journal.

Image via Oprah.com

Then, when I was playing around with names for my blog, this picture stuck out in my mind. The candy colored Buddhas on the bookshelf really grabbed me. So much so that I emailed the Rubins – the owners of the apt. – and asked them where they got them. Unfortunately, they didn’t know where they came from.

Had I been more design savvy, I would have emailed their fabulous Designer, Ghislaine Vinas. But, alas, I spent several weeks googling ‘Candy Colored Buddha’, coming up with cheap, bizarre statuettes.

So, fast forward several years and many Buddha searches later and I finally received my answer…from Ghislaine Vinas herself! (Can you believe they came from CB2?) A few weeks ago, she left a comment on one of my posts. Utterly THRILLED to have her stop by, I emailed her, requesting an interview…and she quite graciously agreed to one.

So, without further adieu, here is a fun little question/answer session with one of the most fabulous Designers on the planet. Thank you, Ghislaine. You are truly an amazing artist.

Image via www.gvinteriors.com

1) You fill the rooms you design with such interesting, unique objects. Where do you find such fun, whimsical pieces?

Image via www.gvinteriors.com

Putting the finishing touches on an apartment is not always easy because I want the clients home to be filled with objects that they identify with and find special. When I shoot my work, it often has a combination of the clients things and some of mine. I see the images in a very graphic way so the objects become really important.

I love animal objects and I love finding interesting finds at flea markets, thrift and antique stores. Because my interiors are very modern I like putting vintage pieces in my interiors to balance things out a bit. I just found a huge bust of John Wayne that I have to have – its so kitch and funny – might even put some rhinestones on it….

2) Do you have any rules for mixing colors? Do you tend to gravitate towards certain colors or certain hues? Have you gotten bolder in your color choices as you’ve gotten older?

Image via www.gvinteriors.com

Color has always been very natural for me to use…. I don’t like mixing warm and cool tones as much as I enjoy sticking with one tone. I love blues and turquoises but I don’t think I have ever done a project without using green or orange. Green especially is something that makes my heart skip a beat. I decide on color very early in the design process and often its the very first thing I decide on.

3) What countries inspire you most? What cities do you see as most cutting edge design-wise?
I am very inspired by dutch design and would say that Amsterdam is my favorite for finding cutting edge design – its also the most colorful as far as design goes.
I would love to do an african inspired space – there are some great things coming out of South Africa.

4) How has being a mother changed the way you design? Do your children share your design aesthetic?
Being a mother has made me busier!!! It also has made me very conscious of selecting items that will function as a jungle gym and as well as a piece of functional furniture for my home. I can’t be stressing about my furniture… I am also conscious of using fabrics and materials that hold up well. My girls definitely have an interest in art and design but I want them to feel confident about their own design aesthetic and not just merely follow mine. We often flip through magazines pointing to things we like and I always tell them its ok to like things I don’t like.

5) Who are some of your favorite fashion designers? How would you describe your style?

Image via Elle.com

I love Girbaud but I don’t really follow fashion that closely. I buy most of my clothing in Holland when I go visit my parents every year. I wear a lot of black simple pieces paired with interesting asymmetrical pieces. I will buy an expensive skirt but pair it with a H&M shirt. I accessories with color and have a lot of scarves and shoes and necklaces in great bright saturated colors. I dont wear any pattern excepts for dots or stripes.

6) How do you feel about wallpaper? Is it coming in? Going out? Here to stay?

Image via www.gvinteriors.com

I started using wallpaper about 4 years ago. Its a fun way of adding glamour fun or interest to a room. I love using it on ceilings or unexpected places like the interiors of closets. I think it will be around for a while, disappear again and then reappear.

7) Name a few of your colleagues who have inspired you.
Patricia Urquiola is one of my favorite designers – she is brilliant. I love Matali Crasset for having so much fun. I love what Marcel Wanders has done with Moooi.

When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what do you do to get re-inspired?
Blogs, magazines and taking a walk through Soho.

9) What is your style mantra?

Image via www.gvinteriors.com

Create spaces that make you happy.

In addition to her website, be sure to check out her blog. Good stuff!

Just got some new leggings. I only hope I can come up with an outfit as wicked cool as Balibulle’s…

Jeanine Hays of AphroChic has launched a new retail site that is going to knock your socks off!!!
Here are a few of my faves from her site…

The first, is based on the lovely silhouette of Ms. Hays, a self-portrait if you will…

And the same pillow in yellow (backside view)…

And another delightful fresh, modern pillow…

She also has a rockin LOOKBOOK on the site too…

See more HERE.

Wouldn’t this lovely bed skirt

go nicely with this Designers Guild set?

Sweet dreams.

Image via southernliving.com

Southern Living has revamped their mag and I think you’re going to like what you see. With everything from fab decor to delicious recipes, SL has really stepped up its game. I particularly liked this mac and cheese recipe and a piece on a Chatanooga Bungalow renovation that had fun tips such as using corks as cabinet hardware (such a cute idea!) and using maps instead of wallpaper.

Check it out!

A few weeks ago, at the Clayton Art Fair, I came across an artist that stopped me in my tracks. His work is so spectacular that I wish I had the space to post every single one of his pictures. Alas, I have to pick and choose. Here are a few of my favorites.

Introducing Ray Hartl…

I just saw this on The Kitchn and am in love love love…what a perfect solution for a kitchen with limited counter space! Love it!

Each season, it seems that Anthropologie has one item that grabs my heart and won’t let go until I get it. Here’s this season’s zinger…

YUM!

(Can’t wait to try it out with THESE.)

I just got a notice in the mail that Barbara Barry will be making an appearance at my local ASID meeting. Unfortunately, I will be out of town that night. Perhaps I’ll treat myself to one of her delightful candles to make up for it…

Image via candledelirium.com

Now THIS is my kind of candy. Intentional Chocolate. It is the intention of the manufacturers of this chocolate that, after eating it, you will “manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels, and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being for the benefit of all beings.”

Om Shanti. Gimme some.