surtex 2011 AND moving madness...

Hi everyone! I know, I have been a baaaad blogger. If only you knew the pure mayhem that is happening over here right now you wouldn't be mad at me. SURTEX is finally around the corner AND I am moving AND my hubby is starting a new gig! Crazyland - and I am the queen!

All that being said, I am actually having tons of fun, and I am so excited to see what this week will bring!  Are you headed to the show?  Please stop by and say hello.  I love it when my online friends, can become real friends!  yay!

I am still taking appointments so click here to make yours, or drop me a line at info@khristianahowell.com and we will get you all set up.  What is this "we" business you may be asking??  I am working with a fabulous new design assistant!  Her name is Niki, and she is fantastic!  She will be making her bloggy debut soon, so everyone be nice to her!  She will also be in the booth keeping me sane.  Hooray for Niki!

See you all in NYC!

practicing gratitude...

Look at this beauty I just bought from the Vol25 Etsy shop!! It is printed on this super cool textured canvas paper.  I love everything about it - the color, the type treatment and of course the message.  Gratitude is something I am recommitting myself to practicing daily.  I mean let's be honest folks, the past few years have been exciting times for growth, as well as super trying at times.  I am grateful for every bump I have encountered in both my business and personal life because each episode is an opportunity for  me to learn and grow.  Being truly grateful for this very moment in time whether picture perfect or difficult, has a real grounding effect and makes me remember what is truly important in my life.  Happy weekend all...

new obsession - john robshaw textiles...

Hi all!  I am officially back!  No more crazy cold for me.  I finally feel like me again!!  Ahhh....  So let's jump right back into some goodies!  I stumbled upon this designer a few weeks back, and now I think I am obsessed!  Strange enough, I am not usually one for pattern on bedding for myself.  I usually like clean fresh whites, or creamy neutrals.  I think it is the warm, earthy, organic goodness from John Robshaw that has entranced me.  Everything is hand dyed and block printed in India, and it just has that close to the land feeling.  These would be amazing in any guest room.

marimekko - fall 2010...

As you well know, one of my all time favs!  Here's what's happening at Marimekko this fall.



[caption id="attachment_2638" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="fabrics"][/caption]



[caption id="attachment_2639" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="more wonderful fabrics"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2637" align="aligncenter" width="264" caption="bedding"][/caption]

manhattan adventures - kaas...

I was on the hunt to visit the oh so fab hable construction when I was in New York last month.  I finally found the tiny door on Perry Street in the west village.  To  my surprise hable was no longer there.  Instead I found this little jewel Kaas Glassworks.  They do a wide fabulous range of handmade decoupage.  There images come from scouring flea markets for old paper.  The results is a space that feels aged and oh so romantic.  They also do custom work which is so exciting!  Enjoy!

Bokja Furniture: Ecletic Beauty

Hi all! Kristin the Intern here!

Coming back from NYC, one of my favorite memories was at ABC Carpet & Home where every floor was a new adventure. And holy moly when I saw this Bokja furniture, I was too excited for words. Every piece was an eclectic harmony of vintage and modern textiles, alike.  Beirut based designers, Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri compose pieces that not only are bursts of folklore & bright colors but highlight the longevity of sustainable fabrics. Every chair had a story  to tell from hand found materials taken from the silk road of India . This collection was every Etsy lovers dream come true!



Love the embroidered label!



clever "Head Rest" chair!



Khristian & I literally stood in this area for an hour admiring the subtle details.

nyc odyssey - the moma...

I never go to New York without popping into the MOMA.  Here are some highlights.  Starting with a little Picasso!  The depth of his work never ceases to amaze me.  (linocut)

nyc odyssey - abc carpet and home...

Happy Monday all!  Back from the trip, dealines a bit more under control (whew) - time to share the pics!  Lets continue with the always inspiring ABC carpet and home.  Enjoy!

Warning!  This is going to be a high drama area today!  I almost DIED five times over in the Madeline Weinrib Atelier.  She has an entire room dedicated to her yummy ikat and graphic goodness.  Rows and rows of absolutely divine rugs and pillows.  The killer moment was when I discovered the clutches.  GASP!  I know you are gasping too, come on! Gorgeous wallpaper!  Structured and refined from afar, loose and organic up close. I just love the freedom in this work.TREND ALERT!  Watch for graphic, seductive silhouettes and shadows for fall 2011.

artists i love - valentina ramos...

[caption id="attachment_2287" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="copyright valentina ramos"][/caption]

Omg! Really.  I don't think I need to explain why I love everything about Valentina.  Her work is stunning!  Intricate inky goodness, and so much fun!  Be sure to stop by her fab etsy shop, and a giveaway happening over on spring!

[caption id="attachment_2286" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="copyright valentina ramos"][/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2285" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="copyright valentina ramos"][/caption]

inspiration - yahgie textiles...

new obsession alert!  I quite simply love everything she does! Petergaye S. Kisielewicz designs all Yahgie textile prints, and they are all equally as fab as she seems to be.  Enjoy - I am!

these are so cool!  totally customizable - message, language, you name it!

mid-week inspiration - designerrugs.com...

[caption id="attachment_2174" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="alex perry "bibelo""][/caption]

Yesterday's inspiration post made me remember how much I LOVE this website!  OMG!  These rugs break my heart they are so fabulous (I hope you can sense the melodrama in my voice, but they are that great!)!  Have you seen this site designerrugs.com?  I mean really, you will be a fan too - promise!  The Aussies are really turning up the design heat these days!  :)

[caption id="attachment_2176" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="cloth "family tree""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2173" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="catherine martin "cockatoo""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2175" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="catherine martin "cockatoo""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2172" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption=""cybele""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2171" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="minnie pwerle "camp sites""][/caption]