Oh Joy!

{outside/inside} a quirky cloud... 26 Jul 2012

OUTSIDE / The Cloud House sits besides an inviting pool, proving that the architects at McBride Charles Ryan can balance playfulness and modernity. This house inspires...

...an INSIDE that's all fun and games, but in a very grown-up way. What could be more exciting than an overstuffed gingham chair, colorblocked rugs, and striped candles, all with hints of whimsy? I picture a budding photographer lives here; someone with a real eye for color and a passion for seeing life through the viewfinder... — Joanna 

{left to right, top to bottom: striped taper candles from Leif, colorblocked wool rug from A+R Store, ceramic clock from Woonwinkel, shuffle table from Horne, piazza gingham chair from CB2, mineral birdhouse from Terrain, blackbird fly twin lens reflex camera from Poketo, cord table lamp from The Future Perfect.} 

{Cloud House image from Arch Daily}

family fun... 25 Jul 2012

I've been a longtime fan of Famille Summerbelle for their gorgeous city paper cuts. And now, they're coming out with a book next month full of projects for the whole family. I love seeing peeks into their family life too and how their home is reflected in their signature paper cut style. — Joy

{Be Creative with Famille Summerbelle, edited and published by Edition Paumes, photos by Hisashi Tokuyoshi}

the coolest bicycle ever... 23 Jul 2012

Before we moved to a hilly part of LA, I used to enjoy riding my bike in Coronado {where we lived for a year before moving to LA}. The streets were wide, the land was flat, and it was just fun and easy to ride around on. Now that we're in a hilly area, it's nearly impossible to ride around without the feeling that my lungs might fall out of my body. So, when I came across this new electric bike by Faraday {which is being developed in San Francisco where hills reign supreme}, it really struck a chord with me.

Not only is the design pretty amazing {um, hello leather and wood mixed with white and mint green accents!}, but it's electric to help give you a boost up hills and has a really useful utility basket up front. You've gotta see this video that shows it in action. And while it's pricey for a bike, if you live in a city where a bike is your only mode of transportation, it seems like a really functional and beautiful option. — Joy

{photos by Faraday}

love these... 13 Jul 2012

...amazing tiny canvas buckets by Chewing the Cud. They'd be perfect to give tiny gifts {baby booties or little soaps!} or to fill with snacks {like berries or cookies!}... — Joy

{outside/inside} watercolor mod... 12 Jul 2012

OUTSIDE / Harry Gesner's Cooper Wave House perches over the Malibu coastline, flirting with the high tide and killer waves...

...an INSIDE jolted with watercolor tones of citron, aqua, and tangerine. The furnishings might include a collage of materials—rope that plays against shiny gold, warm wood, and powder-coated steel. I imagine the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, might reside here while soaking up the sun surrounded by beach babes. — Joanna 

{left to right, top to bottom: lily pad armchair from Terrain, Nason Moretti dandy tumbler from Barneys,  molten spectrum knob from Anthropologie, Jonathan Adler nyx vase, liquid octagon chartreuse bowl from CB2, recycled paper lamp from Calypso, duval side table from ABC Home & Carpet, watercolor painting by So Very Happy Art.}

{Cooper Wave house image from Wallpaper}

this week's farmer's market flowers... 9 Jul 2012

It's been a while since I picked up some flowers from my Sunday trips to the Hollywood Farmer's Market and had to get these gorgeous dahlias {mixed with other little beauties} this week from the Silver Lake Farms' floral stand. They have the most amazing assortment of blooms which went straight into my favorite quirky vessels... — Joy

{photos by Oh Joy. Vases by Jonthan Adler and Joanna Mendicino}

summer textiles... 9 Jul 2012

This summer I've been all about fouta towels—basically a blanket, throw, and wrap all-in-one. They're perfect for having on hand for picnics in the park, extra warmth at the beach, or as a summery table cloth. Nine Space has a gorgeous collection of them...and I kind of want one of each! — Joy

wrap star... 6 Jul 2012

Ever since my trip to Japan a couple years ago, I fell in love with Furoshiki cloths, and these new ones by Link Collective feel especially modern and graphic. And, how cool is this kit that turns a cloth into a shoulder bag? — Joy

in the morning... 29 Jun 2012

I'm a sucker for vessels, bowls, and containers of pretty much any kind. So I'm loving these slightly rustic and handmade pieces that seem perfect for breakfast time by Just Potters and Canvas... — Joy

{left to right, top to bottom: juicer by Just Potters, Honey Pot by Just Potters, ceramic creamer by Canvas, bowls by Canvas, rimmed creamer by Canvas}

{outside/inside} a grown-up tree house... 28 Jun 2012

OUTSIDE / The Lodge's tree house sprouts from the lush Scottish greenery creating a grown-up hideaway...

...an INSIDE that I imagine would be full of beautiful rustic pieces mingling with dark metal, raw slate, and pops of pastel. Perhaps, a retired dendrologist or the heroine of a romance novel lives here? — Joanna

{left to right, top to bottom: Moso pendant lights from Branch, John Robshaw pillow, forest canopy bed from Anthropologie, hanging rattan chair from Serena & Lily, branch pendant from ABC Home & Carpet, bow bin from Areaware, dipped slate chalkboard from Terrain.}

{tree house image via Style Me Pretty}