COVERUP: Diane von Furstenberg‘s bold prints meet Roxy’s signature swim silhouettes in a collection that is both playful and empowering. The graphic hexagon print of this dress, with its bold use of shadows, recalls some of DVF’s first designs. It doubles as a swim coverup so you can look stylish poolside.

ROOM: A pure, white and kelly green living room with a contemporary sofa paired with palm leaf pillows flanked by  sleek, midcentury modern end tables with triple gourd table lamps. The square abstract canvas, bird decor item, and Warhol coffee-table book bring this space into 2013 via Morrison Fairfax Interiors.

ROOM: Inspired by The Endless Summer? A surf board can be a sculptural element when bared with likeminded bohemian items. Surf shack chic is embodied by relaxed and mismatched pieces. A slightly eroded wooden floor helps, too.  Photograph via Coastal Living.

ONE PIECE BATHING SUIT: W Swimwear’s ’Vintage Surf’ One Piece Swimsuit features an array of classic boards—long and short— which transport a plunging one-piece swimsuit back in surf history. Purchase via Nordstrom.

BIKINI: The Tukie Flower High Waist Bikini channels your inner Gidget meets Brigitte Bardot at a Nantucket yacht party via Free People.

ROOM: A contemporary yet classic marine living room in Sao Paolo, Brazil ala Marcelo Brito & Pedro Potaris architectural interiors. The navy and white stripes pair nicely with paisley.

“Hark, now hear the sailors cry, Smell the sea and feel the sky, Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic…” - Van Morrison, Lyrics from Into the Mystic 

“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” 

― Coco Chanel, Chanel

Photography from the book 100 Ways To Happy Chic Your Life By Jonathan Adler, Sterling Publishing

A sleek bachelor’s residence in Buenos Aires, Argentina brings Gothic glamour to a new level via Habachy Designs.

Ghost chairs, damask, a zebra and Chinese imperial details bring this room high drama. Design via Melissa Lane Interiors.

A contemporary and de-cluttered office space begs for supreme concentration without distraction. The yellow lamp and painted animal head bring a bit of contrariety. Nottingham room design by Sally Wheat Interiors, based in Houston.

A patterned black, white and grey den complete with matching blinds, prints and the famous Le Corbusier Petit Modele Armchair. This amazing retreat can be found in Mallin Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan thanks to Atmosphere Interior Design, Inc. Moody, European, glossy perfection.

The darkness is kept from becoming too sterile thanks to the floral wallpaper. The soft, sandy grey rug anchors the space and allows it to feel mellow. The bed and side-table are traditional, yet the Barcelona Chair, design in 1929 by Mies van der Rohe is anything but!  The Hawthorne Master bedroom in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was created by Cardel Designs.

OXY is a Mirage project which transforms ceramics into furnishing elements. Painted steel sheets and metal oxidation create unique effects, where lived-in, corroded matter looks sleek. OXY is a range of porcelain stoneware designed for floor and wall tiling. The living room is part bar space, bar street view, part factory and part antiquated library. The mix of surfaces and textiles is all tied together by the unification of the color black.

Keren Richter is an illustrator and designer who works within a wide range of mediums and industries. Her work has appeared in the form of textiles and signature products and she loves working in collaboration with fashion (for Opening Ceremony), music, and lifestyle brands.

What first drew me to this artist, let’s be honest, is that we both shared the rather rare name “Keren”.

Doug, Gouache paintings on paper. 
From Giant Artists group show at THIS gallery show, 2012, Keren Richter

tile 1 // tile 2 // tile 3 // flower hook // dipped vase // sofa // rug // table // 

Deeply saturated and richly pigmented, the unique portrait by Keren Richter is both folksy and modern. The geometric patterns and monochromatic palette give the room a whimsical and bright outlook. The cool blue recounts oceans, skies and sapphires.

A bouquet of hydrangeas, delphinium, hyacinth, bluestar and bellflower; not included.