Monthly Archives: August 2009

in the library 8.31.09

August 31, 2009 Posted by Linsi Brownson under Inspiration
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This week’s book selection is all about color! The role of is sometimes overlooked or seen as a fun part of design instead of a crucial element. But the science behind color reveals that we are majorly impacted both psychologically and physiologically by it, so understanding color is a necessary tool for designers as well as diy’ers out there.

Color: Messages and Meanings is a great primer.




you can find the book at Amazon.com or your favorite local retailer
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Living Luxury

August 29, 2009 Posted by Linsi Brownson under Uncategorized
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My recent post on Luxury has gotten me thinking about all the things that it means to me. One word that keeps popping into my head lately is Quality.
As a designer I look at quality in materials. Items that are well-designed and are made to a high standard. I often look to small companies because they seem to be run as much on passion as they are for profit. The proprietors of the business eat, sleep and breathe their work and they stand behind what they do. They choose their materials wisely and oversee the process from manufacture to store. In green design this is especially important. I need to know that everything in the product and process is done in a way that I can comfortably recommend to my clients. Quality materials look better, last longer and often create a sense of pride in ownership. I believe that is luxury.

As a human being, I look for quality of life. Spending time doing things you love with people you love leads to a happier life. We must be able to balance the not-so-great with the great so we feel satisfied. When you spend more time in the drudgery of life than you do in enjoyment, it leads to problems. We must be honest with ourselves on what makes us happy and what does not and make an effort to create more joy.

So here is a little assignment:

  • Write down 5 things that bring you joy. They can be activities, people or objects
  • Come up with a way to incorporate each of these into your life on a regular basis.

If you post your list in the comments section, I will enter your name into a drawing for this luxurious giveaway from my favorite source for handmade goods, Esty.

Set of 4 Coasters made w/ Amy Butler fabric Morning Glory in Slate
check out the Etsy shop

The drawing will be held at the end of next week. I’ll be posting my list as well.

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weekend project: get ready for fall

August 28, 2009 Posted by Linsi Brownson under do-it-yourself, Projects
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It may be over 100 degrees here in Southern California, but that is all the more reason to yearn for the crisp autumn weather. Last night I was flipping through the newest Martha Stewart Living and came across the perfect fall project and I had to share.
Needle Felting is the practice (and the aptly named tool) of intertwining wool fibers- be it yarn, felt or wool roving- to create textural patterns. You can do this on any wool you can get the needle through (think: skirts, shoes, curtain embellishment, endless possibilities).


Add some seasonal color to the living room with these fuzzy felt & wool pillows. I’m a fan of the diamond pattern, which reminds me of an argyle sweater.


These scarves look like they would be expensive at a craft fair…

The projects actually look pretty simple, they just require the necessary tools. For a behind the scenes look at what the project was like, visit the Craft Dept blog and pick up the September issue of Martha Stewart Living for instructions. I’ll be testing this one out too, so check back for pictures and my version of the story. Happy Weekend!

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Build It Green

August 26, 2009 Posted by Linsi Brownson under See and Do, Sustainable Living
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I just got back from a green building professional training course put on by Build It Green, a California based program that certifies homes and industry professionals. The course was well organized and very informative, plus I got to brush up on my construction knowledge and meet new people in the industry.

I highly recommend checking out the organization to learn about green building practices, regardless of where you live. It’s not overly technical and they definitely preach the doable versus an over the top doom-and-gloom stance on sustainability.

The one thing I want to say is that we all need to be informed consumers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: you need to know the pros and cons in order to make the best decision at that moment. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but awareness and a little common sense goes a long way. And if you are looking for some help, there are lots of organizations out there to guide you in the right direction.

Green Guide Network is a business directory for green companies. They currently have listings for Southern California but are expanding nationally within the next few months.

The Green Spec Directory lists building products that fit the criteria needed for most green organizations (third party certification, etc.)

Treehugger.com is a great resource for those who don’t know where to start with their education.

Or you can contact me at linsi.brownson@gmail.com. I love to educate (i.e., hear myself talk).

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in the library 8.24.09

August 24, 2009 Posted by Linsi Brownson under Inspiration, interiors
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Luxury is a term often thrown around in the design world and it seems to have taken on a slightly different definition as of late. Terms like simple elegance and casual luxury lend themselves to a very different approach to the way we design spaces. Luxury now can mean anything that makes you feel rich (in whatever capacity that entails). Surrounding yourself in things that you love – unique artwork, handmade tschotskes, plush fabrics – means that every time you walk into a space you think “I love this room!” And that is a designer’s true goal.
My book selection of the week addresses this perfectly. Defining Luxury: The Qualities of Life at Home. The collection of spaces designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber are beautifully photographed to capture the character of each room, the details that make it feel casual and elegant at the same time.



available at amazon.com
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