interior inspired. books.

I think there is something simply lovely about decorating with books. No matter what type or genera the books are, there is an instant lived in quality that comes when placed atop of a shelf or next to a coffee table. It brings the environment of the room to a proper and educated level. These pieces of bound paper leave the home dweller with a segment of decor that can be taken out and used throughout the day to escape the world around them, then placed back once complete. Although technology is rapidly emerging products that replace the traditional print, I think, there will always be those individuals who choose to purchase the hard-back copies, and then display the works when they come to an end.


all images are from various sources. sources can be found on @ssarahfinkss pinterest

wednesday wisdom. Jack Kerouac

what's new. what's next.

It is said that the fashion industry is excitingly cut throat, but whoever said that has never experienced the interior design side of the coin. From editors who write & publish the spaces, to the vendors who push their high-end products, to the actual designers themselves; the world of high end interiors can definitely be intense. So when you take some of the top and most influential people involved in this competitive field, and stick them all in one building filled with showrooms of all types, it can only be the recipe to inspire and influence a young designer just starting off her life in this design savvy world.

This past Thursday I ventured across the river to the What’sNew, What’s Next event held at the New York Design Center. The fifteen story building was bustling with women and men dressed to the nines and itching to hear the various speakers, see the immense amount of new and beautiful products, and- of course- socialize with their industry peers. And then there was me, absolutely captivated by the entire event and loving the experience of seeing all these brilliant talents speak and all the new products coming out.

Although I took a few photos of the event itself and of some of my favorite pieces/instillations in the various showrooms; I had a great time wandering around and seeing what’s new and what’s next. 

wednesday wisdom. billy watterson's discovery

apartment pieces. my inspiration wall.

(image source: @ssarahfinkss pinterest)

As you can see from the images above; this vertical trend of covering prime eye real estate with inspiring images is becoming a fun and creative design trend outside the office. Originally an inspiration board was used as a way to collaborate with coworkers or to just keep track of items/images that stimulated/encouraged you. Now this trend has leaped from an inspiring professional need, to a entertaining way to keep you motivated to achieve your goals and energize your life.

Over the weekend I decided to finally decorate my bedroom wall. The bedroom itself really only has one wall that is itching for something to be hung. So with a few Elle Decor Magazine clippings, two nails, a hammer and some tape, I went to town creating my own mini inspiration wall.

In the images below, you can see how I took this idea and put my quirky twist into it. Let me know what you think!

wednesday wisdom. flowers

urbn inc.

(images sourced: office snapshot)

Like most women around the world, I love to shop. Weaving in and out of the various walkways surrounded by products just itching to be owned by yours truly, I find the entire experience extremely entertaining. And similar to a plate of food, presentation is half the battle when it comes to retail stores, and that is where retail design comes into play.

Retail design is one of my favorites. Getting the opportunity to design a space that is purely designated to draw customers in and show off the products as best as possible, without overwhelming the consumers. It can be extremely tricky. But when it’s done right it can create an atmosphere where women and men crave to go, not only to purchase the essentials, but to escape their own world, if only for an hour or two.

Some of my favorite stores to frequent are those owned and executed by the company URBN Inc. Most are probably more familiar with the company’s numerous brands; Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, and Terrain. And as you can see by the images above, the company’s retail design execution abilities start close to home, in their head quarters down at the Naval Yard in Philadelphia.

About a year ago I got the opportunity to not only see the main building- which houses their cafeteria, gym and main communal space- but also tour the numerous other buildings occupied by the various brands. Each building has its own unique style that directly reflected the brand that occupied it. This same separate yet communal way of working is transitioned seamlessly to the company’s numerous stores.

As most frequent URBN shoppers know, each of these stores can, easily, stands alone; with assorted seasonal window displays, products chosen to sell, and how they choose to present them. Yet as a whole all of the stores have such continuity in their branding and impeccable retail design that keeps the customers coming back time and time again.