shop | studio arhoj

Lets talk ceramics. Sure I was first introduced to the concept of decorative fired clay pieces in my youth (color me mine was basically my favorite birthday party and only partially explains the name of this site) but it wasn't until recently where I actually found myself on the hunt for beautiful pottery to decorate my home. From a plate to serve cheese on to a random chachki that just, well, looked pretty, ceramics are my new favorite finds. 

This constant search lead me to Studio Arhoj, the newest gem in the cmq vault of Shop My Style. In case you missed my first two posts (The line & Baskets of Africa), Shop My Style is the newest page on cmq where I share all of my favorite hidden gems around the internet. New sites will constantly be added and my very favorites will get a spot light. This weeks spotlight is Studio Arhoj. 

Located in Copenhagen and built on balancing Scandinavian simplicity and Japanese traditions, Studio Arhoj is basically your happiest kid memories transformed into incredible ceramics. They carry the basics - bowls, pen holders, ring displays, cups, etc. - but make them amazing. And not just amazing, but wonderfully cute and creative [see all the Ghost figures]. With a mix of show stopping colors and organic textures, each pieces is beautiful, well thought out and perfectly executed. I can't help but want to own absolutely every piece on their site (my virtual cart is full).

Check out all Studio Arhoj has to offer and don't forget to check out Shop My Style for even more sites you won't want to miss. Enjoy shopping!

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install time.

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All images are sourced from @ssarahfinkss on Pinterest. Follow along for even more inspiration

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Pierre Jeanneret

Ever since I started working at Peter Marino Architect I've been on a constant catch-up for all the art history and architecture knowledge that has slipped from my memory since graduating college. It is truly a magical place getting to work with such talented and well versed designers, not to mention the bonus factor that the office itself is a museum of incredible works of art, constantly on rotation. So yes, it's magical but it's also reminded me that just because the written exam is over, doesn't mean the life one is. And with that, I bring you my most recent google [stalk] search: Pierre Jeanneret.

I first took note and fell in love with Pierre Jeanneret's work when a client at PMA was looking for a desk chair and a "City of Chandigarh Desk Chair" was coming up for auction. Although the client didn't end up with the chair, I ended up obsessing over the piece and the designer behind it. This obsession quickly snowballed (which you'll see soon enough) but first, lets start with a little background 

Pierre Jeanneret was born in Switzerland in 1896 and wasn't only a furniture designer, but first and foremost was an incredible architect. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Geneva and post graduation started work at his collaboration partner/cousin, Charles Edward Jeanneret - better known as Le Corbusier's- firm in Paris, 1921. The pair took the architecture and furniture world by storm, creating a concept known as experimental interiors. Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier brought a new perspective to architecture by emphasizing order and harmony. The team was able to fill spaces with light and an overall feeling of airiness by utilizing glass and creating furniture pieces that had minimal, modern and clean lines.

Pierre Jeanneret designed pieces that weren't minimal in a uncomfortable, stark way, but instead employed in many of his pieces a strong diagonal. This throws the eye off and adds interest to what could be known as obvious. He also mixed that strong perspective with lighter materials, such as cane, velvet or wood. This mixture of minimal, modern, light and strong generated a framework for the perfect furniture balance. This was inherently different than the other furniture designers of the time who were utilizing chromes and metals within their pieces. 

As I explained before, Pierre Jeanneret was not only an visionary furniture designer, he was also an incredible architect. He, along with Le Corbusier, published a manifesto entitled "Five Points Towards a New Architecture", which explained their perspective and theory of technical decisions involved in architecture. The pair worked on several projects together, most notably Villa Savoye, which was completed in 1931 (below).

After a brief (10 years) falling out between the cousins- stemming from their differences on political views at the time- they were able to mend the relationship for one incredible project. In 1951 Le Corbusier was commissioned by the Prime Minister of India to design it's new capital, Chandigarh. This project didn't just stop at architecture but is actually where a lot of Pierre Jeanneret's furniture pieces were created for.

The project grew to be too much for Le Corbusier and halfway through, he dropped out. This left the project in the hands of Pierre Jeanneret, who then became the project's chief architect and urban designer. Jeanneret not only saw the project to its completion in ___ but also created a lot of the city's furniture, as you can see above. Taking note of Le Corbusier's rational urban design, Pierre Jeanneret designed pieces that could stand the test of time, both aesthetically and the craftsmanship behind each piece. 

Pierre Jeanneret lived out the rest of his working days in the city of Chandigarh until his death in 1967.

And there we go. Our first quick recap on one of my favorite designers. Now, for those of you who haven't studied any sort of interior design, you might be thinking, who is this Le Corbusier she is just glancing over? Well, that is a story/stalk for another day. Get excited.

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All images can be found on @ssarahfinkss on pinterest. Follow along for even more interior design inspiration

Information: [Dwell] [DWR] [1stDibs] [Magen H Gallery]

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shop | Baskets of Africa

Last week I launched a new aspect of color me quirky called Shop my Style. In case you missed it, this will be an ongoing collection of go-to sites that you don't want to miss. It will feature none-typical websites for any budget and need. The most important aspects about the featured sites is that they all offer a unique assemblage of items that can transform a space instantly. I started my introduction with a high-end site called The Line, but this week we're going to go to the other end of the spectrum with a website called Baskets of Africa. 

Woven baskets are beyond in right now. They are everywhere. From being the perfect pop of color/textural art piece, to additional storage for all your kids (or boyfriend's) toys, different baskets can aid and add to any space instantly. Baskets of Africa is my go-to for this ongoing trend for several reasons. Their section is incredible, everything is organized by tribe, their prices are reasonable and (most importantly) its fair trade. This means you are not only getting a gorgeous piece, for a great price, but you are also helping out people throughout the world. Could their be anything better? 

If helping out the world isn't enough to make you click, check out some of my favorite items below & don't forget to go to Shop My Style for all the sites you don't want to miss. Have fun shopping!

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