good vibes.

I am loving this colorful and plain cool card featured on the Parcel Post blog. I want to frame 3 of these and place them on my kitchen window sill. Small accents make big impressions.

loving. living. small. chats with Jessica Rust Jessica Rust Designs Personalized Dinnerware

- Tattoo collection -

- Love Birds collection -

- Best Friends collection -

- Family Tree collection -

I have been a huge fan of Jessica Rust's lovely personalized dinnerware for a while now. Simple yet enchanting, her passion and creativity embodies her craft. I love the idea that small details can make a big impact in a small space and using this dinnerware to dine or as a home decor accent will surely do just that. I am thrilled to have e-met her and she sweetly agreed to do a little interview with loving. living. small. Enjoy reading about some of Jessica's inspiration and style for Rust Designs.

I was turned onto your pretty dinnerware by the personalized collection. I immediately fell in love with your designs. What is the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! Long walks with my dog. Gives me a chance to clear my head I don't take a phone so I can really see what's around me. I love nature but am not a nature girl my idea of a nice weekend in the country would be a nice big porch and someone serving wine. I use a lot of what see around me in my work. I will often take photos and go from there.

What other ways have you or do you like to see your dinnerware being used? (i.e. as an art display, etc)
I hope people will use my dinnerware, I'm not a fan of dinnerware on the wall, not that it can't be lovely. My grandmother has the most amazing collection all over her kitchen, but I really designed it to used and incorporated into dinnerware you might already own.

Small space dwellers definitely have to consider the amount of things that can go into any space. How much "dinner ware" do you feel the average couple needs in their kitchen?
Hmm I suppose that depends on how much you like to entertain. I would say at a minimum 6 dinner plates, salad/dessert plates and bowls. More of course if you like to have friends over. That way you're not washing dishes all the time. Of course you need mugs I never seem to have enough.

I watched your great profile on The Today Show (congrats!) I love your passion and drive. How did it feel when your product "made it"?
I've been asked this before and I'm not sure that I've made it, kind of always wanted a porsche perhaps when I can afford one I'll feel I've made it.

Tell us about your work studio? Would it be considered a small space and how do you use it?
I lived in NY for too long for this to be a small space. It is a wonderful space a fabulous space. The space is a carriage house that we (my husband and I renovated) it's not a finished space but it gets amazing light in the winter, has 16' ceilings. It's a bit hot in the summer with the kilns going, but I love it. The first floor of my studio is where production is done. The second floor is my office and work table where I hash out my designs.

I love the colorful designs on your newest collection, Tattoo. What are your fave color tips in a space?
Thank you. Well, first and foremost if you could see my house you would know I LOVE color. I use it a lot. Biggest tip; to not be afraid of deep or dark colors they can actually make your space feel larger. I hate hearing when people say they can't use this really rich color because it will make the space feel too small. It is often best to paint a small space intensely. OH, and don't be afraid to use color, you can always paint it over if you don't like it. Take a risk it's what life is about.

Thanks, Jessica! Click here to enjoy the Rust Designs site and buy up some of her fab wares.

USING YOUR WALLS: Wallpaper + Molding + Paint + Art Gallery

I am loving the look of the very stylized wall. Sure, there's a lot going on here but it works and works well. The addition of the molding to create two distinct areas on the wall create a strong visual cue. I like the color and pattern combo and, of course, that fab wall gallery.

SMALL VASE, BIG FLOWERS

Yes - what a nice visual impact!?! Loving fresh roses from the farmers market placed in a few small bud vases.

missing domino? What Home Magazines Are You Reading Now?

I sure am. While I (thankfully) have tons of old issues saved to flip through, I miss the colorful whimsy and accessible sophistication the magazine offered. I'd love to know what you are reading and why? I need a boost of magazine inspiration.

NEW WALLPAPER FROM MARIMEKKO

Loving loving loving this new wallpaper from Marimekko. I really am happy with the resurgence of wallpaper over the last few years, available now in terrific and relevant patterns and color combinations. I love the idea of wallpapering one accent walll in a small space. It gives the room an anchor and dimension. Click here to check out the fab selection available Always Mod, the 1st US retailer to carry the products.

GUESTING OVER AT RE-NEST, AT's GREEN SITE

I am doing a little blogging over at re-nest this week. re-nest is Apartment Therapy's dedicated green site which highlights abundant design for green homes. My post today covers the fab green designs of Danny Seo as he makes over an actress's West Hollywood abode. {featured in this month's O Magazine}. The transformation is incredible and the color addition is pretty breathtaking. Click here to check out Re-nest.

COLOR POP BY PROXIMITY

I love this set up of fab black bust and lovely pick flowers. By simply placing a bunch of colorful bulbs next to a home decor accent, you are providing a compliment to the piece just by proximity. Pretty!

loving. living. small. chats with Sixx Design

I had the pleasure of e-meeting the design duo behind Sixx Design, Bob and Cortney Novogratz. Tackling design projects in Manhattan, the creative couple develop and design unique and eclectic spaces and turn "funky into fabulous". With the launch of their new design book, Downtown Chic, design lovers and small space dwellers can catch a glimpse into Sixx Design's interesting and design inspiring world of sophistication meets bohemian style.

New York is full of small space dwellers. When you are taking on small space projects, what are the main things you consider?
The key to design of small spaces is to make it as clutter free as possible yet not lose a personal style. Make sure the furniture is in scale with the room and hide as much junk as you can. Small spaces tend to be more comfortable so always keep that feel.


Your first book, Downtown Chic, was just released. {Congrats!!} How was working on this project and how did you pick the spaces to include?
The book chronicles all our big projects from our first house to last year.


What are your best tips on creating a focal point in a small space?
We love fleamarket finds! So your focal point should be something you love and no one else has. Our favorite pieces were not expensive.


What has been your craziest project? Was there a time when you considered not working on it? What inspired you to take it on?
We twice have been hired for big celebrities and walked away from the jobs ...never work for someone that you have to answer to their 'people".


What are the things in your own house that make it a home?
Our black and white photo wall of our large extended family and relatives.


Thanks, Sixx Design! Click here to check out Downtown Chic.

SMALL SPACE LIVING MEETS FUNCTION Every Day Items Double Their Use

I often talk about reconsidering the use of furniture and decor in small spaces, highlighting pieces that can double or triple as a function in your space. (This also includes actual rooms.) I love this photo of a glass and a vase holding flatware. Simple idea, simple to do and looks organized while providing a little visual cue. {via Ellemania}