Spotlight: Avo

Morning !

I am a huge fan of hides.  Rugs, pillows, upholstery.  Practically - easy to care for.  Visually - texture, richness, unique in that no two are the same.

Meet AVO and Brookyn designer Brit Kleinman.  I was first introduced to her work in NYC at Studio Four about three years ago while on a buying trip during Spring Market, and with this year's trip just a week away I am looking forward to seeing a few new introductions.    Take a look at these beauties.

AVO was created in 2014 by Brit Kleinman, who brought her passion for materials and painting to life using leather as a canvas for her creative vision. Rooted at the intersection of art and design, AVO’s signature “Painted Plains” collection of hand-dyed cowhide rugs play with the juxtaposition between material, shape and pattern. AVO continues to develop these dynamic visuals through a wide range of products including pillows, furnishings, and wall coverings.

Brit Kleinman was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

She takes an anthropologic approach to design, studying how objects that surround us reflect the culture in which we live. From travels around the world to daily adventures, Brit gathers inspiration from the ingenious ways people find different solutions to similar problems. With AVO, she explores the use of age-old techniques onto new materials and patterns that cross cultures

After studying Industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Brit began her career designing bags and honing a passion for The Way We Carry. She continued sharpening her craft while acting as head bag designer at Jack Spade from 2008 to 2013. In 2014, Brit opened her own studio in Brooklyn, where she launched her flagship collection of hand-painted leather rugs.

The latest - cowhide leather wall tiles... um LOVE ....

Stay tuned for more inspiration for ICFF Spring 2017 !

Spotlight: Rebecca Atwood

Hi There !

It could not be any colder, cloudier, and drizzlier than it was the other day in Charlotte.  I had big plans to work at the office on tax stuff, but honestly I just couldn't do it.  Tomorrow's another day (Scarlett).  I needed to be creative on my big, green sofa with my kids around.  I am working on several new projects and looking for all the great accessories. One of which, the perfect textile.  One of my favorite artists is Rebecca Atwood.  We incorporated a pair of her grey marble pillows in our latest install (here).  They were perfect.  Rebecca has a beautiful line.  Thought I'd elaborate a bit . . .

Her patterns and fluidness are what I love, as well as her choice of color combinations.  Hand painted looking and original.  I came across her originally at one of the New York shows and have been following her ever since.  

Brooklyn based artist, "believes in the process of making."  The artistic process is what drives her and it's evident.  Simple and luxurious that is for sure.  I read she grew up on Cape Cod and drew some of her inspiration from the ocean.  Now living in Brooklyn she continues to find inspiration in her surroundings from everyday observations.  With a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, she began her career at Anthropologie - that's cool !  Working with major retailers today, she's a trend setter for sure. 

From paper to textiles, the translation is there and each piece is a work of art.  Take at a few of my favorite pillows - surely to make that sofa or chair something that much more special.

These are the beauties we used in the Edgerton Master Bedroom install (here).

What about art?  Framed in white or black, these can be yours as well.

Love !