vintage wallpaper

Secondhand Rose--online and in NYC on 5th Avenue--has a wonderful selection of vintage and antique wallpaper, from grasscloth to 1970s avant-garde mylar to 1920s whimsical. I especially like their chinoiserie collection. Lots to peruse here.

sarah drake

Sarah Drake, a Chicago-based designer and stationer, has a beautiful line of personalized linens, stoneware, and fine china called The Monogram Collection...and I love it all! Here's a little peek (much more to see here): Belgian linen table runner with custom monogram (above); Linen-cotton Bistro Apron with custom embroidery (below).

water loft

This playspace is inside a houseboat! Below: Another angle, showing one of the built-in sleeping nooks. See more of this family "water loft"--a fabulous example of space planning with no shortage of charm--here.

fabulous flatweave

These great looking rugs from Luxeyard are handwoven, flatwoven, and 100% wool--check, check, and check!

ink + wit

A rubber stamp set that includes a Parisian Daschund and his very own scooter? Yes, please. Ink + Wit's charming rubber stamp sets feature original designs on maple wood blocks. Top to bottom: "A Day in Paris;" "Arctic;" "Berries & Weeds." More to see here and here. Amuse-toi!

art for CURE

At Avalisa, you can buy vibrant artwork for yourself and for children's hospitals (through a partnership with CURE International). After you browse through a fun inventory of stretched canvas art, make a selection then click "I would like to buy this for CURE International" (below the "add to cart" button).  A drop-down list of children's hospitals then pops up, giving you a choice. Above: The "big dots," "green wonder," and "diamond" patterns. Many more designs and colors here.

caroline brackenridge

Thank you to my friend, Ellen, for introducing me to the beautiful work of Caroline Brackenridge (Monogram, Inc.). Above: Custom sketches become embroidered keepsakes. 

Speaking of monograms, the classic look, below, is updated with the added layer of a floral pattern. Below: The colorful West Village, NY bath of Kemble Interiors designer Anna Burke (photo: Patrick Cline for Lonny; paintings by Burke; floral hand towels from D. Porthault).

katharine watson block printing

I'm on a stationery kick! Feast your eyes on the beautiful work of artist Katharine Watson. Inspired by textiles, D.C.-based Watson block prints on paper, journals, coasters, and more. Shop online here or in person at one of these stores. Below: Watson's alphabet sampler shows the options for her hand block printed monogram cards (top photo).

the printery at kneen & co.

I'm inspired by the beautiful gallery of custom stationery at The Printery--so many unique, original designs! At The Printery, the traditional craft of hand-engraving marries well with updated, vibrant designs. View many more samples here.