Collections in Design

I just recently started collecting things….good pieces that make me happy. When I was in my 20′s, I would buy things to fill in gaps in my design. As I entered my 30′s, I became more sentamental and found things that I truly had a passion and interest in and have incorportated it in my own home design.

My first collection I had started was Turquoise Pottery. Not new Turquoise Pottery…but old Turquoise Pottery…with fabulous crazing, discolourations and slight imperfections. My first piece was a small casserole dish with a lid. I loved the sound it made when I closed the lid. Sort of a muffled “clunk”. It will always be my favourite piece.

Below are some interesting collections that inspire me. I would love an art wall and be more adventerous with the art I choose to display. I think of Sarah Swan’s Photography (KAZA’s May Featured Artist) and how her pictures are so colourful and alive. I imagined my dining room wall being full, floor to ceiling, with her ‘bloom’ line of photographs.

Designer, Kristin Buckingham created a wall of art that is so inspiring without feeling contrived (below).

Collection of Art--by Designer, Kristen Buckingham

Collections do not need to be expensive pieces. Nor do you need to buy every piece at once. In fact, part of the fun of having a collection is taking the time to buy the pieces that have purpose and meaning.

I love the natural collection (below)–coral, sponges, mounted butterflies, etc.

My personal natural collection in my own home is a gorgeous hornets nest (empty of course!-lol), corals, rocks and minerals, finger sponges, etc. Each piece is a memory for me and takes me back to a special time in my life.

collections do not need to be a bunch of the same things or same colours. Sometimes...it can be a collection in theme. Such as this gorgeous Nature Collection.

I have just recently started collecting creme stoneware for my kitchen. I love the simplicity of the creme and alot of those pieces make that cool sound…that muffled “clunk” that I mentioned above. I really love that sound. I remember my grandmother (memere) making oven-baked bread pudding  in her old, crazed floral casserole dish. She would lift the lid to gently check the breads consistancy and it would smell sweet and “clunk” , she would close the lid and return it to baking. Mmmmm….I love that memory.

Creme Stoneware--Gorgeous!

KAZA’s New Collection:

At the shop, we have decided to showcase a collection of cameras-ranging in age from the early 1900's to 1980's

Fabulously Chartreuse

(prounounced shar’tru:z)

Chartreuse is a cross between green and yellow . There is a yellow chartreuse with a stronger yellow hue and a green chartreuse with a stronger green hue. I, personally, prefer the green chartreuse. It is softer than lime and a bit brighter than a granny smith. Typically, when a person paints a room chartreuse, they imagine it being much brighter than what their final results were. But as with any green or yellow, lighting really can effect the final look of the room. I think natural light is crucial to achieving the crispness of the green chartreuse as well as with yellows.

Painting a front door chartreuse is stunning, dont you think? But, it's got to be the right kind of door.

See what I mean about the natural lighting? I think chartreuse deserves to be in a space with alot of natural lighting to give it crispness. I love this tablescape for a birthday party. Little details go a long way. Recreating this table would not be difficult and would not cost alot of money. Just a bit of planning and some elbow grease! )

Chartreuse in combination with a bright fuschia can be stunning--but I also love the softness of it when combined with a sweet strawberry colour.

Sometimes chartreuse can be a pop of colour in an unexpected colour palette!

Chartreuse is a living colour and I think that is why so many people love it. There are different variations of chartreuse, however I think this one is my favourite. It’s bold and playful, yet organic. A favourite colourist in New Hampshire is at Capital Paints in Concord, NH. They can match the exact colour you want as well as offer advice as to what the under-colour should be to achieve the desired colour on the wall. It is actually a bit of a science and they are extremely professional and spot on.

Show your playful side and have fun with colour. It’s just paint; its not expensive  and can always be changed.

Lovin’ The Ruffles

Simple Linen Sofa with Fabulous Ruffles!

Ruffled Up--Satin Heavily Ruffled Flower Pillow

I love ruffles….more than love….it runs deep inside me and can honestly say that I am passionate about ruffles. Ruffles on pillows, clothings, furniture…everywhere! If all our pillows in the shop could be covered in ruffles….ahhh…..to dream. I dont know what it is about ruffles that effects me so much. Ruffles are light, not serious, fun..and so romantic. Remember Carrie Bradshaws’ dress (final season of Sex in the City) when she was in Paris, waiting for the Russian? I seriously think I fainted the first time I saw it. It still makes me gasp during re-runs. Exquisite.

Pleated Skirt --In my opinion, pleats are another form of ruffle. Check out the pom-poms on the pillows!

Pleated Table Runner-adds softness to a modern masculine surface

When I think of ruffles, I think of Easter Sundays as a little girl with our tiny white wicker pocketbooks, white wicker hats and the smell of carnations and chocolat.

Exquisite Frayed Edges and Ruffles combined....

Ruffles On Clothing--Haute Couture

KAZA’s attempt at a handstitched ruffle:

"Svetlana" Ruffle made with gorgeous vintage silky textile

Long Live The Ruffle!!

Hello world!

Moroccan Style Dresser

Do you remember when white walls was a major faux pas? Now it is completely en vogue and fabulous! So whiten those walls and buy some colourful spray paint--this room is peaceful and fun at the same time.

White furniture and bright walls--the complete opposite of the upper picture--yet equally fabulous!

We at KAZA love love love design.  Many of the  customers that come in to KAZA ask my opinion on design and it is difficult for me to really give my idea without seeing the space or knowing more about the person. So, I decided to blog about spaces that I love, why I love it and try to figure out how to recreate the look on a budget. This blog is not about the shop or sales we are having or  the new inventory. It is all about beautifully designed interiors and a bit of insight from us, at KAZA.

We hope this blog will allow people access to the inner soul of KAZA–how designs influence us and hopefully will influence you, as well.

Join us for the journey of fabulous design!