Kay on Non-Conformity. Architecture. German Village

When Cheryl assigned the task to blog about what inspires us, I thought it was going to be a daunting task. Most of us are inspired by so many things on a daily basis - how do you pick just one? For me, it is nature, my children, a particularly well-thought-out line of prose or verse, a multitude of colors, art in all of its forms, and even Cheryl herself, who leads by example. But then, I went past one of my favorite houses while walking to work - the white painted brick one. It stands out proudly amidst a sea of red brick in German Village. I love the non-conformity of it, and that's when the little rebel inside of me clapped and said, "That's what you're going to write about"! Non-conformity. Architecture. German Village.

I lived in New Albany for over 2 decades, so I witnessed its transformation from quirky little 2-stoplight town with the grain mill and Dairy Creme, to an upscale city with cookie-cutter homes and brick Georgian architectural conformity. No I.M. Pei or Frank Lloyd Wright welcomed there! Then I moved to German Village. There's lots of brick here, too, but individuality reigns.

not your usual lawn ornament - love it!

reminds me so much of Europe

love this bright orange porch swing!

The diversity of the people who inhabit this unique part of Columbus is allowed to shine through in their homes. How much more personal than that can you get? I'm always inspired by those living an authentic life and not one that mirrors their neighbors. Non-conformity allows you to live without restrictions while simultaneously respecting the uniqueness of those who dwell and work around you. What actually gives German Village its sense of community is the fact that so many of its residents dare to live creatively.

For me, the companion to non-conformity is imperfection, a concept lovingly embraced by the ancient Japanese art of wabi-sabi. It shows us that authentic living is found in seeing the beauty of imperfection while acknowledging the value of worn, yet timeless pieces - of truly seeing just how exquisite ordinary items can be. I think this concept also translates well into architecture and German Village is a shining example. With its well worn brick streets and historical homes of every architectural style, German Village embraces its imperfections.

Non-conformity and wabi-sabi inspire me to live true to myself and

German Village is a great place in which to do it.

What inspires Luis?

Hello World! I'm next in line in Crimson Design's "what inspires you" marathon. I can think of many things that can send me into inspiration mode, but I've spun the wheel in my brain and have landed on a heavy hitter.

Travel. Oui, that's right.
It runs in my veins and has become a non-negotiable activity in my lifetime. Call me crazy but I love to be in a foreign country where I don't speak the language or where I don't know anyone. It's great to be taken out of your little comfort zone and be catapulted into the unknown. I guess that's why I love travel so much. It exposes you for who you really are...the good, the bad...you get it.




Travel would not be the same without everything that comes with it. In other words, sensory overload is to be expected. This is what truly inspires me, the colors, the smells, the noises.

Whether you're exploring the ornate gold of the Topkapi Palace, or the crazy open-air meat(fresh or almost fresh) market in West Africa, or entering the Ralph Lauren store in St. Germain, Paris, you're bound to have an experience of a lifetime.

It is my hope that even as you read this you become inspired! Inspired to go explore. My advice? Don't stop till you drop! There's a world out there! Take time to pop in somewhere and say "hello".


-Luis Stauffer

What Inspires Me (Stephanie)?

As a designer I get to see lots of beautiful things every day...one of the perks of this career! From beautiful fabrics and wallpapers to amazing furniture and accessories...and really so much more. It is these beautiful things that I get to see on a day to day basis that truly inspire me as a designer.

What I want to share with all of you are the most recent things I've seen in new spring fabric/wallpaper collections and product shows...all of which are currently hanging above my desk on my inspiration board. It's a great place for me to look when I need a little creative

pick-me-up. And, for all you animal lovers out there, well you're in luck! The current theme of my inspiration board is all about animals!

Here are just a few of the amazing animal finds I've come across recently...

Osborne and Little

http://www.osborneandlittle.com/

Grand Tour Collection

Best In Show

Wallpaper

Keep it classic with black and white,

Elegant with the metallic tone on tone, or...

Mix it up with the blue and purple color way!

Great for adding personality and impact to any space of a dog lover!

Porta Romana Lighting
http://www.portaromana.co.uk/north-america/index.php

Giraffe Lamp
This stunning giraffe lamp will immediately give character to any space. Add an interesting piece like this to your foyer or living room and instantly create conversation.

Stray Dog Designs
http://www.straydogdesigns.com/

Bird Stool/Accent Table These darling pieces can act as a stool or table! Nestle one beside a favorite chair to hold your cup of tea and book. Or, tuck one (or even two) under a console table to add interest in an unused space and pull out and use as seating when entertaining.

Roost
http://www.roostco.com/about.html

Dachshund Oil & Vinegar and Salt and Pepper

Dachshund inspired kitchen and table accessories with fun and functionality built right in! The playfulness of these pieces will be sure to make anyone smile :)

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For those of you who would like to see what inspires a designer feel free to stop in to Crimson Design Group and check out my inspiration board!

Beachy Chic

Louie and I are taking a few days at the beach with some friends for some much needed rest and relaxation after a busy 3 months. I am struggling with feeling uninspired while working through personal struggles. So I am on a quest for inspiration to get my mojo back.

Image: Coastal living

Costa Rica

I find that traveling gives me the most creativity. Its the change of scenery, the smells, sites, and culture that I crave. Since I am at the beach I started browsing for some beachy interiors. Living in the midwest especially Columbus, a land locked city, I enjoy finding elements that you find at the shore and implementing them into our midwest homes.

Coastal LivingCoastal Living

Guatamala

Meg Ryan's beach home featured in Elle Decor

This coral color reminds me of things you find in the ocean.

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Blue glass tile always reminds me of water and the ocean. Chandelier by Currey & Co

House beautiful

House Beautiful

Photos from the new Traditional home digital magazine teaming with Lonny Magazine.

Lords South Beach Hotel designed by Dan Mazzarini at BHDM designs

Taking the Indoors Out

I think it's safe to say, spring is finally here! (maybe? please?!) As the weather warms, it's only natural to begin venturing outside more often for small gatherings, cookouts with friends and neighbors, pool lounging, and drinks on the back porch. Is your space ready?

sunset west

Outdoor "rooms" are a great way to expand your living space, especially if you don't have ample square footage indoors. They also give you the opportunity to have fun and go wild with colors, textures and lighting if you're too nervous to explore your creativity indoors.

house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

Keep in mind not only what you see, but what you smell and hear as well. Plant interesting plants and beautiful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Add soothing water elements for a relaxing space.

house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

Lighting is key when the gatherings last through the night. Create interesting focal points with fun lanterns, spot lighting, and ground lighting.

These outdoor spaces have me inspired to redo mine just in time for all of our summer parties!

I am looking for new fresh recipes to kick off the celebrating of warm weather!!!

High Point Furniture Show

Its that time again for the 2011 Spring High Point Furniture Show. The High Point market is to home furnishings what New York fashion week is to the world of fashion. After the hard long winter my soul is needing some southern sunshine and design inspiration so I am especially excited to attend this year. High Point is a host to thousands of national and international guests. From emerging companies showing their brand new products to buyers scouting the latest and greatest design and furniture. This show is thee place to be for all lovers of interior design.

This one building is just one of the many that cater to 1000's of furniture makers, art, accessories, rugs, and the list goes on. I will be posting my favorite new trends and new pieces that will soon be hitting our 'Crimson' boutique in downtown Columbus.

Spring is in the air

I enjoyed a brisk walk through Schiller Park today in desperate need of some sunshine. Spring is right around the corner and I can feel my spirits being lifted. I wanted to share some rooms full of beauty and color and hope these rooms leave you as inspired as I was. flickr

Designer's Guild is always a source I love to use when designing a room with whimsy and color.

I have had this sample in our design studio and now seeing it again on this pillow reminds me how much I love it. The pattern reminds me of my trip to Istanbul.

Kara Mann

The elegant living room designed by the uber talented Laura Day. As well as this fun table setting. Start getting inspired for those outdoor summer parties.

Miles Redd