Inspired

Hilary Walker

Today's guest is the talented Hilary Walker, the author of Hilary Inspired, a blog about style, art, and life. She's also a designer offering freelance interior design assistance and social media management to some well-respected Dallas based firms like Pulp Design StudiosPulp Design StudiosStudio Ten 25, and Denise McGaha Interiors.

Show & Tell: Hilary Walker // CLOTH & KIND

"To be completely honest, I haven't researched much about this vintage screen depicting flying cranes. I happened upon it about a year ago in a wonderfully serendipitous thrifting moment while browsing my favorite local thrift store one day. I'd been looking for a unique piece of artwork to fill a void in my dining space, walked in with few hopes of finding anything, and then BAM... there it was just waiting for me to find it!"

Show & Tell: Hilary Walker // CLOTH & KIND

"I was actually surprised that no one else had snatched it up yet. So, of course, I made a b-line for its corner of the store. As it turns out, the dimensions are perfect for my wall and the figurative subject, aged appearance, and warm tones fit my style and current home decor beautifully!"

Show & Tell: Hilary Walker // CLOTH & KIND

"A quick Google search would probably enlighten me on a few unknown details, but the mystery of it has become half the fun. Who knows where this worn thing has been and I kind of like it that way!!"

All Hallows Eve

Role Models: Sparkle Tee

Hue: Cinnabar

Hue: Cinnabar // CLOTH & KIND

I'm endlessly inspired by Schumacher's Shanghai Peacock in this colorway. Cinnabar is the perfect, delicious, cozy hue for today, isn't it?  Here in Ann Arbor, it's a brisk fall day with a wind-induced chill in the air. Festa from Alora Ambiance, my favorite autumn scent, is wafting through the house as is the fragrant apple pie baking in the oven (I'm no Julia Childs, as you well know... but our nanny extraordinaire is making it in her spare time - sigh!) Needless to say, all of these things tell me that the holidays are on their way. I love this time of year - before the chaos of November & December sets in and there's this sort of calm as we all relax into the cool weather and the slower pace of the longer days.

I'm hoping that all of my East Coast friends are cozied up at home as well, trying their best to enjoy the day off due to Hurricane Sandy. Wishing you all well as you brave the storm.

Top: Shanghai Peacock in Cinnabar / Schumacher. Clockwise: Two Persimmons with Bowl by Thornton Walker / Heiser Gallery. Linen Applique Pillow / Michele Varian. Silk Ethos Rug / ABC Carpet & Home. Colorblock Apothecary Jar / Terrain.

Vegas, Baby

Inspired: Vegas, Baby // CLOTH & KIND

RED HEART: Alexander Wang Playing Cards // BLACK CLUB: Aerin Lauder Round Match Striker // RED DIAMOND: The Rat Pack by Shawn Levy // BLACK HEART: Kelly Wearstler Wooden Female Sculpture // RED CLUB: Kim Seybert Golden Nailhead Tray // BLACK SPADE: Jonathan Adler Dragon Lamp

I've been in Las Vegas the last couple of days for work and admittedly, I'm not a huge fan. However, it does always seem to provoke the eccentric, more grandiose side of my design persona. Here are a few of my Vegas-inspired finds. If only the real Vegas was a little less gaudy and a little more refined like this...

What about you, are you a Vegas lover?

Hue: Ruby Red

Hue: Ruby Red // CLOTH & KIND

Christopher Farr's Willow fabric in Ruby, designed by Kit Kemp is the inspiration for today's Hue post. This exotic fabric, its texture, pattern and really everything about it, has me most mesmerized. Do you have any ruby red in your living space?

Top: Willow in Ruby by Kit Kemp / Christopher Farr Cloth. Clockwise: A Miles Redd Living RoomPeony Pillow by Alice Temperley / All The Best on Dering HallChinois Rug by Ben Soleimani / Mansour Modern. Dagmar Nightstand / Anthropologie.

Role Models: London Street Style

Hue: Swedish Blue

Hue: Swedish Blue // CLOTH & KIND

Plumwich's Chloe in Swedish Blue was my inspiration for this mood board. I've long been drawn to the cool blues and grays often used in Swedish design. Maybe because my ancestors are Scandinavian (Swedish & Norwegian, with a tad of French in there somewhere) so it's just in my blood?...but most likely because it's well-worn vibe is relaxed and inviting. How do you feel about Swedish style? Cold and sparse, or bright and inviting?

Top: Chloe in Swedish Blue from Plumwich. Clockwise: 18th Century Swedish Baroque Cabinet from 1st Dibs, Agra Rug from Mansour, Swedish Mora Clock in a Lars Bolander Design, La Plata Fabric by Josef Frank from Svenskt Tenn.