Getting it Right: Typeface

Garance Dore just gave her blog a facelift thanks to the fabulously french talents of Colorz, a digital strategy agency. In true Hermès fashion, they have brought play and style to e-commerce. Their graphics and font provide a well-rounded web experience. Meredith Melling and Valerie Boster's creative consultancy has a sharp but concise web presence. I suppose that is to be expected for the former Vogue editors...

The chic San Francisco interior design firm Elizabeth Swift Design just launched their site and I'm loving the graphics and font on their "contact" page.

I'm working on a new project for a client and love exploring different typefaces. Typography, the art and craft of arranging and designing type to make the written language most alluring, can have a dramatic influence on how the brand or product connects with the consumer. Above are a few typefaces and designs I'm currently coveting.

Getting Frank...with Chic Textiles

I met Christina Bryant at one of the first dinner parties I attended in San Francisco close to three years ago. We swapped life stories over vino and hors d'oeuvres as I quickly developed my "girl crush".  I was immediately enamored by Christina’s views on international development, her tales from her travels in Africa and the surrounding globe, her graduate work at Stanford, her entrepreneurial spirit, and overall grace and gumption. This girl had it all happening. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing your friends and peers pursue their dreams and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce you to Christina's remarkable company, St. Frank. St. Frank launched in October of 2013 as the only retailer of framed textiles. All of St. Frank's pieces are handmade by artisans around the world in low and middle-income countries, each one showcasing a traditional craft with rich stories. Central to the company's model is what they define as a two-fold mission: supporting economic empowerment for artisans, while preserving and cultivating the traditional craft. Each unique item is truly a conversation piece, and a chic compliment to any space.

Above, you'll find an assortment of pieces from St. Frank's vintage collection. In addition to these pieces, I encourage you to view their newest collection: Coffee & Chocolate. Impressively, St. Frank has received a multitude of praise from Harper's Bazaar, Traditional Home, C Magazine, Lonny Magazine and the like. C&C wishes Christina and the St. Frank team continued success!

Office Inspiration: Grégoire's Gem

  One of the perks of now working at an interior design firm is the sheer joy of being surrounded by tangible inspiration all day long. I am deeply affected by the landscapes in which I live and work in, and my new work environment makes me truly happy. Instead of the interior rigidness of a financial institution, I am now surrounded by a flood of rich fabrics and textiles, architects drafting elaborate blueprints, a sea of French antiques, and, a library full of auction and design catalogues. Thus, I bring you my latest obsession. If I could jump in to this landscape, I would. The images come from the French design publication Côté Sud and depict the most idyllic residence on the French Riviera. The vacation home belongs to Grégoire Gardette, legendary photographer, designer, publisher and graphic designer. Now all I need is a new white bikini, my Bain de Soleil and a tall glass of Pellegrino - dreamy! In addition to salivating over the serene scenes above, be sure to view Grégoire's portfolio, here: http://gregoiregardette.com/fr-en/

Mark Your Calendar: SF Decorator Showcase

The Decorator Showcase is my favorite annual event in San Francisco. This year, I am particularly excited about the house selected, as I have been mesmorized by the ivy-covered home ever since my first walk in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Last year, the home sold for $18M making it one of the most expensive (residential) real estate transactions within the year. It should also be mentioned that it sold above asking price. (For those unfamiliar with the San Francisco real estate market, this is more common then you would think). The Decorator Showcase will be open from April 26 - May 26 this year, showcasing the work of over twenty six interior and landscape design firms. The event, open to the public, is a fundraiser for the San Francisco University High School. Last year, the event raised over $622,565 (net).

I reccomend attending the event on a weekend morning or after work. It's a wonderful event to go to with friends who appreciative design, and also makes for a fun pre-dinner date activity.

To learn more and purchase your tickets, visit here.