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diy by Amy Azzarito 15

10 Best Upcyled DIY Projects: Vintage Transformations


Last week, we made our annual trek to the Brimfield Antique show. Part of the fun walking around antique fairs is imagining the possibilities of transforming our finds into something cool. We found architectural balustrades that could be turned into table lights, industrial mixer blades that could become pendant lamps, and wooden crates that can become anything from plant stands, to a dog feeder to shelves. Do you have a favorite vintage transformation?  -Amy Azzarito

Image above: A vintage book cover becomes the perfect travel case for electronics. See the full instructions here.


Image above: Vintage Western belts become leather frames. See the full instructions here.


Image above: A shelf that turns vintage thermos finds into a hanging vase. See the full instructions here.

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artwork by Maxwell Tielman 15

Sketchbook Sneak Peek: Lisa Congdon

Over the last few weeks, we’ve taken added a special twist to our usual line-up of “Sneak Peeks.” In addition to featuring behind-the-scenes looks at unique interiors, we’ve decided to showcase the inner workings of some of our favorite artists’ sketchbooks. So far, we’ve taken you through the hand-bound books of Anna Emilia and the eclectic, multimedia work of Courtney Wotherspoon. Today, we’re absolutely delighted to bring you a peek into the work of an artist who is no stranger to any reader of Design*Sponge: Lisa Congdon. One of our all-time favorite artists (and people), Lisa is pretty much the poster-child for prolific creativity—her work as an illustrator, hand-letterer, painter, textile designer, and collecting maven has earned her wide acclaim, numerous product partnerships, and more than a few mentions on our own site (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Her work is at once intricate and playful, a combination of warmth, humor, and what seems to be a genuine, passionate love for the external world. Lisa’s sketchbooks, as more personal extensions of her artistic oeuvre,  reflect this same joyful spirit. After the jump, Lisa shares some of her favorite sketchbook pages along with her thoughts about the art of sketchbook keeping. —Max

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accessories by Grace Bonney 10

ICFF 2013 Trends: Crazy About Copper


As much as I’ve loved ICFF’s trends so far this year (Green, Geometrics and Brass & Copper), I will always consider copper my first love. Classic metallics like this will never go out of style, but copper really had a moment this year and, fingers crossed, seems to be tipping over into the rose gold world, too. That rosier, pinker point of view is so beautiful and feels so modern on really simple designs- I can’t wait to see how it evolves for next year. But this year’s collection of shiny copper pendants, chandeliers, canisters, baskets, tables and chairs really took my breath away. Fingers crossed it will cross over into rose gold next year…xo, grace

Image above: My favorite copper lighting of the show, Iacoli & McAllister‘s copper chandelier. These guys really had the strongest work at the show for my money. Chic, modern and on-trend without being trendy.


Image above: Blu Dot‘s beautiful smokey glass-topped (another ICFF 2013 trend!) copper tables.


Image above: Delightfull design’s rotating copper light (rotated photo after the jump)


Image above: Panoramica‘s copper baskets

More new copper designs from ICFF continue after the jump…

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furniture by Grace Bonney 2

ICFF 2013 Trends: Brass & Gold


There hasn’t been an ICFF in the past few years where gold & brass didn’t make a big appearance. And really, if it keeps popping up in gorgeous modern versions like these, I’m totally fine with that. Last year the brass felt a tiny bit rougher and more patina-ed, but this year designers seemed to really embrace shine. From glittering chandeliers to tiny gold perforated baskets, there was something gold and brassy for every style. Here are my favorite 15 pieces from the show…xo, grace

Image above: Chandelier by Charles de Lisle at The Future Perfect


Image above: A series of beautiful brass lighting by Tom Dixon



Images above: I loved this hanging light by Josef Hoffman, designed in 1907. The brass elements are handmade. Currently produced by Woka Vienna.

More new brass & gold designs from ICFF 2013 after the jump…


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vintage inspiration by Grace Bonney 11

Brimfield 2013: Interesting Storage Pieces


This year’s Brimfield show was full of interesting storage items. From wire baskets and tiny tin containers to glass bottles and letter files, there were so many options that nearly made it home in the car with us. What I love so much about this category of products is the pricepoint- for some reason, storage items always seem to be the more affordable things to bring home. For that reason we brought a handful of tin containers home (and Max found a few beauties for himself, too) and can’t wait to find ways new to use them. These were our favorite pieces and we hope you’ll enjoy them, too… xo, grace


More Brimfield storage ideas continue after the jump…

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Color History by Amy Azzarito 8

Color of The Day: Mommia Brown

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