Dan Faires

Moving

2011-12-11T14:46:00.001-05:00

I've packed up and moved to a lovely land far, far away!

THE GOOD NEWS IS YOU CAN JOIN ME! Don't be scared, hop in the boat and follow us on our latest journey by clicking HERE!

love y'all!

DGF

Blamo Toys

2011-12-01T09:13:00.006-05:00

New discovery! My wife and I are now obsessed with Blamo toys.

"Rice baby" and "Munch" are our fav's -

With so much reproduction of EVERYTHING in today's world it's VERY REFRESHING to see something creative & unique, no matter what industry it's in.

Spencer Hansen originally founded Blamo in 2007 to create a more organic and enduring species of toys that are designed to outlast fickle fads. Hansen splits most of his time between San Francisco's art scene, Bali, and the mountains of Idaho. He claims he draws inspiration from all over the world, but more specifically from these three areas to create each WONDERFUL specimen.

Spencer Hansen also says, "a good toy design is one you want to touch".

I couldn't agree more. He uses REAL materials (leathers, woods, metals, & glass) that he discovers and collects from all over the world.

And, as if the Blamo Toys aren't creative enough, Hansen also came up with his own line of adult knit onesies that allow fans to embody their favorite characters.

To receive more inspiration and information on Blamo Toys, click here!

Have a great (think outside of the box type of) day.

love y'all!

DGF

REAL LIFE perspective

2011-11-10T09:06:00.004-05:00

Typically I focus on design related inspiration for this blog. Every once in a while I stumble upon a story that isn't necessarily design related, but IS MOST DEFINITELY worth sharing.

I hope this video not only inspires you, but gives you some perspective on life's challenges and how our attitude can change the way we handle "the storms" in life. This sort of positive thinking is EXACTLY what we need more of in a world that can be pretty harsh sometimes. Stay positive and approach each day with confidence and excitement because not only will it help you enjoy a better life, but who knows how many other people it will inspire to do the same.

Next time you run into adversity in your life, don't stress out about it or think about the negative aspects of your situation. Stay positive, fight for what you want, and BE PATIENT (this is the one I struggle with the most). I've learned, though, that BIG THINGS take a lot longer to happen and require more effort and persistence!

Love y'all! Spread the love!

DGF

hot air balloons on the vintage

2011-11-08T14:56:00.004-05:00

My inspiration today? Vintage hot air balloons! There is a lot to admire and be inspired from in the photo below. Shoot, the CONCEPT of a hot air balloon is enough for me... and I WILL travel in one before I die, guaranteed.

Some more obvious inspiration comes from the vintage quality of this photo and the concept behind some of the first hot air balloons ever to grace our skies! So maybe these weren't the FIRST (I wikipedia'd it and the 1st one to launch was in 1783 in Paris, MERCY!) Anywho, these balloons look so much like oversized plump bubble gum bubbles that I just want to pop them!

Back to inspiration- the perspective and angle from which this photo is taken is spot on. Who is the lonely lady to the right? I love the outfits of everyone in the shot, but I'm also wondering if they're celebrating a safe return, or providing encouragement for a new launch about to happen.

With all of the progression of digital photography, nothing beats a vintage photo with a story. I would love to blow this photo up and do an entire wall mural with it in a quirky Manhattan restaurant.

via

Have a great week!

love y'all!

DGF

Design Star 5

2011-10-30T12:22:00.010-04:00

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" haha

I won't bore you with reflection from Design Star Season 5 (because that's old news). But, I will say that with all of the "flack" that Mark Burnett Productions took for the lack of design in our season, I'd say that it is pretty obvious that they have mastered the art of casting.

We're up to 4 out of 12 who have successfully locked in their own shows! Which is unheard of in season's past. I was excited to see Todd Davis from Season 2 lock in a show on HGTV, but have been even more ecstatic to watch my new friends (via design star) find their own tv success so quickly!

After Design Star, I honestly told myself that the BEST thing I gained from the show was the relationships that I created (both with cast members and production/industry folks). Amongst the cast, tight bonds were created quickly due to extreme stress, crazy situations, and limited resources on a show where your fate "hangs in the balance" each week. Although I left a bit earlier than I expected (and feel like I may have missed out on some great experiences/opportunities), I will say that I am thankful for the experiences I did have and the memories that I was able to make in this "once in a lifetime experience" on HGTV.

Post Design Star, I kept in touch with my new found friends, and have had a blast hanging out and getting to know them in REAL LIFE SITUATIONS.

Turns out, Michael Moeller and I live just blocks away from each other on the Lower East Side in New York and just so happen to attend the same gym, Ludlow Fitness! As we both settled back into "normalcy" and began to pick up new work and new clients, I had the privilege of working with Michael on several projects that included building some custom Capsule Furniture pieces for him. Although he was bummed about coming in second on the show, he was always optimistic about it and I KNEW WITHOUT A DOUBT that he had the personality and the design savvy to be a successful t.v. host. Outside of work, we have enjoyed house parties and great brunches in our neighborhood! My wife, Dasha, and I always look forward to our next adventure with Michael and his boyfriend, Tobin! A few months ago I was excited to hear from Michael that he and Nina Ferrer (also from Season 5 of Design Star) had landed their own show, Clean House New York, on Style Network!

SEE Michael and Nina's video HERE!

It is so exciting to see Michael and Nina working and laughing together on Clean House New York. It's sort of like a "flashback" to the final challenge on Design Star. Obviously Style Network saw an element and excitement between these two that they love. They are seriously two peas in a pod and are individually and collectively SO talented! I see a bright future for this new show and for each of them as VIBRANT personalities on such a major network like
Style Network

Next!

We all know the beloved Emily Henderson who actually WON Design Star Season 5! Her show, "Secrets from a Stylist" has received wonderful reviews and enjoyed two very successful seasons on HGTV. I'm sure Secrets from a Stylist is headed for another 4 or 5! Emily, who is as cute and quirky in person as she is on TV, graciously invited me to be on her show in the spring and build a custom coffee table for one of her clients. If you missed it, you can watch the full episode below:

I had a blast spending time with her both on screen and off. She SERIOUSLY is the biggest multi-tasker and craziest work-aholic I know and I'm certain it's one of the many reasons that she will continue to be successful in the industry. Literally every morning while she is getting her make-up done or anytime she has downtime from the show, she is on her Mac doing research, e-mailing, or updating her very successful blog, Style by Emily Henderson!

The good news too is that I guess I did a good enough job last time I was in L.A. to be invited back! Haha Emily had me back to build some custom furniture pieces that you will see soon in her 1 hour Christmas Special on HGTV. This trip was even more fun. Not only did I get to hang with Em, but I had a blast getting to know her #1 sidekick Orlando as well. He has such a great sense of snarky humor and is the perfect yin to Emily's yang.

I also love Emily's bio on HGTV.com because the way she was raised sounds IDENTICAL to how I grew up in Arkansas!

And the contestant behind door #4- CASEY NOBLE!

I have to say that I dig Casey's bold shift from high-end hospitality design to host of "Design on a Dime." She is a very educated designer, who believe it or not worked with Michael Moeller in the hospitality industry back in the day before they each started their own respective and very successful design businesses on opposite coasts. Casey's expertise will help bring new life to the classic HGTV show Design on a Dime, which I actually used to like as a youngster, but realized was a bit cheesy as I got older.

I have enjoyed getting to know Casey since Design Star too. I stayed with her when I was out in L.A. in the spring doing some work for the Oscars. Her and her husband Peter were great hosts and have quite a stylish home full of a few "design on a dime" features of their own! Casey's sense of humor is sly, but addictive. She instantly became the sister I never had, and when we weren't sarcastically bickering back and forth, we had a good time acting like 5 year olds who needed to be put in a cage. My most recent visit out to L.A. to be on Emily's show sparked a visit to Casey's house where I earned the nickname "screen door" which I'll explain in further detail to anyone who wants to listen. haha

Casey has visited New York quite a few times since our crazy experience together and each time is more exciting than the last. Hanging out with her and Michael together is about as close as I think I can get to an insane asylum without actually checking in! lol j/k y'all... I love ya! Here's a pic of one of our fun nights out in NYC!

I see Casey doing very well with her show and was excited to see snippets of her wonderful personality on the Season Premiere of Design on a Dime last night. The more they capture of the real Casey, the more America will continue to fall in love with her... I just wish she was easier to look-at! haha

I didn't find a link to a teaser or an actual episode of Casey's new show "Design on a Dime", but I did have a great time reminiscing and watching this video of her after she was kicked off of Design Star. It looks like she learned from her experience pretty quickly and has been doing some "on camera practicing" since, b/c she did a great job last night in the premiere. Congrats Case!

All in all, I can't help but smile from ear to ear when I watch each of my respective Design Star mates on their shows. Knowing them prior to their success and watching them blossom into successful TV show hosts is fun to witness. Regardless of their success, I feel blessed to know each of them and know that we will remain friends for a long time!

As far as advice for others, keep doing what you love and chasing your own respective dreams... Life is short and the opportunities that await you are countless!

Love y'all,

DGF

Arkansas Life Magazine

2011-10-30T12:04:00.001-04:00

The Northern Lights

2011-10-25T19:46:00.004-04:00

I am sad I didn't witness this because I'm in Arkansas right now, but Brian Emfinger did us all a favor and captured this phenomenal occurance in a time lapse video in Ozark, AR last night.

Here's the article from the LA Times-

The time-lapse video above was taken by Brian Emfinger in Ozark, Ark.

In fact, the sky-watching website Spaceweather.com reports that the northern lights were seen or photographed in more than half of the nation's states.

Incredible.

Usually the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are visible only at far north latitudes — such as those in Canada and Alaska.

But this week, sky-watchers in the southern latitudes got lucky. What's known as a coronal mass ejection from the sun apparently hit Earth at about 2 p.m. EDT, which disturbed the Earth's magnetic field, which in turn caused the lights to migrate farther south than normal.

"When these charged particles [from the ejection] go by our own magnetic field, it's like dumping gasoline on a fire," Joe Kunches, a space scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said in an interview with The Times. "Everything gets a lot hotter."

And that translates into a gorgeous aurora display that drips over the Canadian border and down into the continental United States.

Still, Kunches said, it is highly unusual for the northern lights to venture as far south as Arkansas.

"Why did we get so lucky in the United States to see these? It wasn't that the disturbance was all that strong," he said, "maybe the timing was just right for the western hemisphere. There were clear skies in the middle of the country, and it was just our lucky night as it were."

And here's the best news of all: The sun is expected to shoot an increasing amount of CMEs out in the next several years as solar flare season heats up. So if you missed this display, perhaps you'll be able to see another one sometime soon.

AMAZINGNESS. BE INSPIRED!

Love y'all!

DGF

Scandinavian Style

2011-10-24T23:35:00.003-04:00

It's all over the place and I have to say I love it! Scandinavian Style is simple, warm, comfortable, and rustic, which is MY DESIGN to the core!

WELCOME SCANDINAVIA... please never leave us, pretty please!

Love y'all! Happy Tuesday.

DGF

Rustic Industrial Library

2011-10-18T14:28:00.002-04:00

The interior inspiration for today is this amazing rustic industrial library in the Netherlands.

Ahhh.... to curl up and read a book in this space.

Photo via Jan Verlinde.

Love y'all!

DGF

Creature Creation

2011-10-16T12:28:00.000-04:00

This is blowing my mind right now! Inspirational indeed.

New Host Reel

2011-10-14T12:14:00.000-04:00

warehouse 54

2011-10-10T08:51:00.013-04:00

So my brother, TLee, and his girlfriend, Heidi, have been HARD AT IT back home in Arkansas. They have acquired a warehouse space that is quite a little gem, just off of the beaten path, but close to downtown Springdale. The building is an old strawberry warehouse that was turned into a shipping dock for Central Freight Company in the 1970's. The long narrow structure is only 20 feet wide, but it is 160 feet long with 7 dock doors! For the first few weeks, clean-up was the task at hand. But, things are moving right along and they're starting to acquire and sell vintage items and antiques out of the newly deemed "warehouse 54". TLee says the name is a tribute to the history of the building because they were told the structure was built in 1954. But, after cleaning the place up, he also says the beams inside tell a much different story. Maybe older reclaimed beams from another structure were used to erect this building in 1954, or perhaps it is actually much older than the documents suggest. Either way, it's a wonderful building with a lot of character and history that deserves to be cherished!

I'm proud of all the hard work TLee and Heidi have invested into their new "venture". They both have good jobs and work full-time, but they've dedicated much of their free time and weekends to getting warehouse 54 off of the ground!

An appreciation for vintage goods and antiques is MOST DEFINITELY a Faires trait. Thanks to our mother and father who raised us in an old farmhouse where the collected decor looked more like a flea market! And if our house looked that way, you can imagine what the barn out back looked like! I think some of my earliest memories involve digging through the rubble to re-organize the rubble. In fact, TLee had a bout with the antique reel lawn mower and my youngest brother Ben one year (I think we were 4, 5, and 6 at the time... bless my mom's "pea-pickin' heart"). Well, unfortunately in the tug-o-war, Ben came up missing the tip of his pinky finger! The story gets pretty gruesome after that, but basically ended with mom passing out, dad taking care of mom, and the neighbor having to drive all of us to the hospital! haha Anyways, sorry for the tangent, but knowing how we were raised will give you an idea of:

a. why we're all a bit crazy

b. why we love and appreciate old things so much.

Anywho, check out these great photos of some of the vintage items offered at warehouse 54!

That's Tlee's dog, Chap, he's always been quite handsome, but I'm digging the grey mustache he's acquired in his old age!

With the downtown area itching to "turn-around", this is just the type of artistic creativity and business that needs to happen to revive the area. I'm excited to see a lot of new things happening in Springdale and look forward to watching the culture evolve downtown.

As far as warehouse 54 goes, I am hoping to feature some of their vintage finds on lonesome whistler soon! In the meantime, visit their facebook page. Let me know if you see something you want and I'll try to get you my family discount!

Have a terrific week.

Love y'all!

DGF

dream big

2011-10-08T11:48:00.001-04:00

inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes!

love y'all! have a great weekend and GO HOGS!

DGF

incredible industrial office space

2011-10-06T08:07:00.001-04:00

Although I enjoy working from home most of the time, I would give my right arm to have an amazing office space here in NY.

The good news is, I found the space that I want- FULLY FURNISHED. The bad news is, it's also FULLY OCCUPIED by the New York design firm Roman and Williams. haha A man is allowed to dream, no?

Obsessed! I take it back, I would give my right and left arm for this space!

Love y'all,

DGF

Paint your wood floors!

2011-10-04T07:00:00.003-04:00

Hey y'all!  Today I'm featuring a special guest post from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a fantastic online source for lighting for your home. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting is a top internet lighting retailer that has an eye on the trends as well as classic lighting fixtures.

One of the trends we're seeing in flooring is painted and whitewashed floors. These simply beautiful floors are great solutions for old, worn wood floors as well as new floors, or even concrete. Plus, painting floors can be a DIY project. You are only limited by your imagination for color and pattern. Take a look at these simply beautiful painted and whitewashed floors. Enjoy!

Shiny, glossy white floors look fantastic in this kitchen. The clean black and white color scheme is a classic combination that works in contemporary or traditional spaces.

Gray and white checkerboard floors have a chic Swedish feel to them in a modern kitchen. Love the darker gray line that trims out the edge of the painted pattern.

The aqua floor looks fantastic in this white kitchen. Silvery stainless steel appliances and light fixture offer a subtle shimmer that works well against the glossy painted floors.

Flat white painted wood floors have a more casual feeling than a high gloss finish. Love the wider planks. Perfect for a contemporary rustic style.

White washed diamonds alternate with natural wood to create a beautiful floor in this living room. A black paint or a stain would create a very different look that would also be beautiful.

Paint allows you to be playful and creative on the floor. Love the chevron patterned “rugs” in this kitchen and dining room with its cool wicker pendant light.

Painted rugs can be as colorful and patterned as a textile rug. You can custom fit the size to fit your space, whether that be a room or hall.

Stripes are easy to achieve on wood floors—just follow the lines of the boards. This amazing striped floor is the work of a DIYer, Kristin Kauffman. Hope you found these painted floorboards inspirational. Visit Arcadian Lighting's website for more design ideas and a brilliant selection of lighting fixtures to go with them! Images (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Love y'all and I hope you enjoyed this guest post from Susi.  I am hoping to have her do many more feature posts in the future!

DGF

Amsterdam Loft

2011-10-02T10:47:00.006-04:00

Wow... SENSORY OVERLOAD! This amazingly beautiful loft in Amsterdam is ridiculous! Of course, Uxus had it's hand in the design, so what should I expect! It feels like a museum full of collected art pieces that balance perfectly with this massive old industrial loft space. Typically, I am not a huge fan of floor to ceiling drapes as room dividers, but in this space they work perfectly to add privacy and a layer of softness that is necessary.

Have a great day!

Love y'all!

DGF

aaahhhh... Barn Renovation

2011-09-28T16:47:00.008-04:00

This barn renovation in Washington by Shed Architecture is pretty amazing. The architects did an amazing job of taking this existing structure and creating a livable home with great space planning. The open layout and reclaimed wood interior walls pay tribute to the original structure, which I love! I will say, however, that the interior design is the weakest link in these spaces.

Though I feel much of the space is "underdesigned" I also feel that it is "comfy and country", and feels very lived-in. Of course, my favorite room in the house is the bathroom downstairs. So, I saved those photos for last!

This downstairs bathroom takes the cake in this entire home. There is great use of materials (from the concrete floors, to the iron details, to the floating double sinks, the rough reclaimed walls and industrial lights). I could brush my teeth here everyday for the rest of my life, no prob!

Love y'all! Enjoy the rest of your week!

DGF

Stylist Gitte Kjaer

2011-09-22T08:17:00.004-04:00

My inspiration today comes from the Danish stylist Gitte Kjaer. Her modern and vintage touches inside of industrial spaces are breathtaking.

Enjoy!

For these photos and more beautiful work from Gitte Kjaer, click here.

Love y'all!

DGF

Tolix Chairs

2011-09-21T10:11:00.005-04:00

Hey ya'll! I've been seeing the infamous tolix chair all over the place! And I'm not just talking about french bistros here in NY. Are you a fan, or nah?

Since the 30's this chair has been a staple in cafe's in France. And of course, with the industrial interior BOOM, they're now sitting at dining tables across America. The problem with industrial seating is the lack of warmth and comfort, but when used right, these chairs can add instant ambiance to any dining, office, or outdoor space!

The original Tolix manufacturer in France offers them in a number of colors. They are cast steel, so they are definitely a "solid" purchase if you plan on keeping them for a while.

I've also noticed that now DWR and Pottery Barn have them, although the styles are slightly different and the colors not as variable.

I'm a big fan of this vintage looking "mint green" that they offer at Design Within Reach.

Of course, call me old school, but I still love the true vintage Tolix chairs SO MUCH MORE. Like anything vintage, they tell more of a story and create a feeling that no new look-alike can ever interpret.

Of course, the true antique Tolix chairs are hard to find and can cost a pretty penny. But, if you're into the vintage Tolix look (like I am), pick up some newbies, roll up your sleeves and DIY them (a.k.a. beat the tar out of them)! And, send me the video if you do!

Have a great hump-day!

love y'all,

DGF

images via: antiquaire, dwr, apartment therapy, design manifest, pinterest, and tolix.

Where in the world is... Dan Faires?

2011-09-19T15:49:00.009-04:00

I know... I know... I've been MIA for a WHILE, but hear me out b/c I have multiple valid excuses:

1.) Fashion week was grueling, but I had a blast working events and building sets for Rachel Zoe, L'Wren Scott, and even an art show for Richard Hambleton put on by Vladimir Restoin-Roitfield.

2.) The previous week I was in L.A. shooting an HGTV Christmas Special that you'll be hearing more about soon.

3.) The week before that I was helping finish up this new bar on the Lower East Side called Interstate Food & Liquor. It's now complete with a reclaimed Capsule Furniture wood bar-top and some "Danmade" banquets and tables. My favorite project, though, was making the IF&L sign that hangs out front!

So, here is the deal... those of you who know me, know I'm not a big fan of self-promotion. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the beast in this business we call design. I have a thousand irons in a thousand different fires, which can be a bit stressful at times (never enough time to dedicate to mom - or anyone for that matter- on the phone... I love you mom), but I'M DOING WHAT I LOVE! Many people have blessed me with multiple opportunities to use my God-given talents, and for that, I am grateful. I am not responsible for the sole success of anything written above, I'm just 1 of MANY who are a part of exciting things going on in a very bustling city. So, I figured I would share and hopefully get myself out of the dog-house for my lack of attention to all of y'all!

Enough excuses! Here are some pics of the bar for your enjoyment!!! Let me know what you think. I look forward to getting back in the groove; finding and sharing inspirational pics/stories with all of y'all soon!

Dasha's mood-board

2011-08-18T09:35:00.005-04:00

Howdy! Things are CRAZY busy, as usual. I'll be posting some pics of the bar on the Lower East Side I've been working on called Interstate Food & Liquor. The grand opening is tonight, so everyone is anxious to see what the public thinks!

In the meantime, I want to share a mood-board with you that my wife created. The design is for a one bedroom side project she is working on in Hoboken.

Dasha is OOBER (or is it uber?) creative and such a great springboard for me on ALL of my own projects. In a perfect world I would be the GC/designer and she would be my decorator/stylist! She has a brilliant eye and a great sense of style. I don't brag on her enough, but I'm excited to see her take on this side project and hopefully be able to "give back" for a change!

Click on the photo to see it full-size and let us (her) know what you think!

love y'all!

DGF

Simple Home

2011-08-10T12:36:00.007-04:00

Sorry for the blog hiatus y'all! I've been stuck in L.A. la land working with my AWESOME FRIEND and the lovely and VERY TALENTED Emily Henderson.

I know the title of this blog, Simple Home, is a bit misleading, but I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE MAGAZINE. Rather, I am referencing the LIFESTYLE! I love the simplicity and character of this home. It has rustic elements, but feels clean, refreshing and new! The open layout downstairs would be a blast to entertain in, especially with that amazing fireplace at the core of the room. The kid's rooms are quirky and fun, which is what EVERY KID'S ROOM should be! Although, I'm not sure how they plan to keep everything white! ha

Have a great rest of the week! I'm looking forward to being back on NY soil (I'm sorry, concrete) soon!

via

love y'all!

DGF

Swedish seduction!

2011-07-27T07:37:00.008-04:00

I wish I spoke Swedish so I could tell you more about the home I am featuring today. Good thing the pictures are worth a thousand (or perhaps a million) words! I love the fun eclectic feel of every space with white walls throughout, industrial modern touches everywhere, and subtle glimpses of rustic elements that provide warmth. All in all, it seems like a comfy home to live in and is inspiring to say the least! Enjoy!

I love the open layout of the ground floor! The kitchen is NOT your traditional kitchen, however, it lends itself to a great space to entertain in!

With the ground floor more for entertainment and daily function, this AMAZING rustic spiral staircase leads you to a lofty upstairs retreat.

via

Truck Furniture- Japan

2011-07-19T09:23:00.006-04:00

Truck Furniture in Japan wins today's inspiration award! They have some amazing rustic, industrial, modern pieces which we all know I can never get enough of! Enjoy. I wish I understood Japanese. The adorable blonde lab has something to do with their company because they have his pic as the favicon for their website, but I wish I knew the whole story.

Anywho, I hope these inspire you as much as they did me.

Buen dia!

Chicken Point cabin

2011-07-16T09:46:00.005-04:00

What an incredible retreat! This cabin has won NUMEROUS AWARDS. There are many elements that I OBVIOUSLY love (i.e. the setting, the use of iron, glass, and wood, and the KITCHEN TABLE -AMAZING!) There are also some elements I do not care for (i.e. the cold cinderblock walls, the lack of ambient lighting, and the furniture selection). It seems the decor is simply missing that last layer of design to make this place warm and inviting.

All in all, this is an inspiring cabin. The setting alone will take your breath away and I think the designer/architect did a WONDERFUL job of highlighting it. The giant swivelled iron and glass door is incredible and I love the hand pulley system that opens and closes it, novel.

Have a great weekend y'all!

Photos via Ben Schneider, Tim Bies, and Mark Darley

DREAM farm house

2011-07-12T20:14:00.004-04:00

Feast your EYES on Mark and Sally Bailey's farm in England.

The Bailey's have been a true inspiration for me for quite sometime. Their philosophy about repurposing found and vintage items is directly in line with what I stand for. One day, very soon of course (ha), Lonesome Whistler will be the gem that Bailey's Home and Garden already is! Baby steps, I keep telling myself.

Anywho, I am OBSESSED with their farm house. I know you'll draw plenty of inspiration from it as well. Enjoy!

via

love y'all!

DGF

cactus couch

2011-07-07T09:09:00.003-04:00

Or cactus sofa for those more "politically correct". I took some heat on Design Star for saying "couch" and "curtains". Potato/pot'a'to. ha " You can take the man out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the man."

Anyways, I hope this adds some humor to your day to help get you through the rest of the week! Honestly, it would make a great yard art piece for an Arizona desert garden.

via

adios amigos!

Dream Loft

2011-07-06T10:33:00.004-04:00

For those of you who missed the "Brinson's loft" earlier in the year, here is some rustic, industrial loft inspiration for you! I had these photos tucked away in my archive and just HAD to pull them out and share.

Rob Brinson is an Atlanta based photographer who bought this artist loft studio in the King Plow Art Center 23 years ago. The building used to be a plow factory in the 1800's and it WREAKS of history and character. Rob and his wife, Jill Sharp Brinson, used to live in the space for about 6 years, however, they now use it as a crash-pad for friends and family. Jill is a stylist, designer, and creative director for Ballard Designs.

Inspiring people with an even more inspiring space! Enjoy!

via

Have a great day y'all!

foster huntington

2011-07-02T23:36:00.004-04:00

A talented NY photographer.

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FUNky space

2011-06-28T17:38:00.008-04:00

Playful, rustic, industrial, eclectic, with a bit of modern flare = AWESOME!

via

simple pleasures

2011-06-28T17:35:00.004-04:00

.... inspiration is anything that makes you happy!

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Gorgeous rustic retreat in upstate NY

2011-06-27T08:32:00.012-04:00

The setting is perfect for this simple home in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains.

"The Smithy" is nestled just off of a county road, near a little bridge that crosses the rushing Panther creek in the small community of West Fulton.

Properly named, this home originated as a blacksmith shop in the 1800's. It has seen many a transformation over the years, including the addition of two gas pumps and an orange "Gulf" sign painted on the side of the building in the 1950's. The latest transformation by Jesse James, the founder and creative director of Aesthetic Movement, is a sight to behold. He has slowly remodeled the home since 1999 and has done an unbelievable job of balancing history and charm with modern day upgrades and inspiring design. He now has "The Smithy" on the market for $210,000 which I'm sure he will have no trouble selling to a stylish NY family who needs a relaxing retreat upstate.

For more information about "The Smithy" click here

Have a blessed week!

DGF

heaven

2011-06-24T11:03:00.002-04:00

ahhh LOFT!

2011-06-23T08:40:00.005-04:00

WHITE WALLS, EXPOSED WOOD BEAMS, INDUSTRIAL FIXTURES, MODERN FURNITURE, RUSTIC TABLE, WIDE PLANK WHITE WOOD FLOORS, AND PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT. NOT SURE THERE IS MUCH WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE.

THE LOFTED BEDROOM OVER THE KITCHEN WITH THE LIBRARY LADDER ENTRY IS SUCH A COOL USE OF SPACE.

THE PERFECT BALANCE OF MODERN, INDUSTRIAL, AND RUSTIC = ME LIKES.

VIA

LOVE Y'ALL!

DGF

Moody Mill

2011-06-19T17:20:00.003-04:00

I could stare at this photo forever. haha

In fact, I'm thinking about bringing back the 80's landscape prints that cover the entire wall, just so I can cover one of mine with this image.

I hope y'all had an inspiring weekend and a happy father's day. Thanks, dad, for all of your wisdom, guidance, love, and support. My brothers and I learned so much about life just by watching your example. Thank you for helping me understand how to truly love others and appreciate the beauty of each new day.

photo via

love y'all!

DGF

Rope Lights

2011-06-15T18:50:00.010-04:00

These probably aren't the "rope lights" you are expecting, or are accustomed to seeing (I hate rope lights WITH A PASSION, no matter where you put them, sorry, honesty is the best policy.)

These are pretty much AMAZING! I love how you can tie them however you want. Instant ambiance, instance focal point, and most definitely an instant conversation piece. What I love the most is that the "concept" isn't that novel, but somehow the "quirky nature" of using this everyday rustic rope to provide some character in ANY room, really makes me smile!

One thing I would love to see, is how it mounts to the ceiling. Very important.

Anywho, enjoy!

You can check these out (and even buy them) here!

love y'all

DGF

REDICULOUS Amsterdam townhouse

2011-06-13T23:15:00.005-04:00

The design of this space might be in my top 10 so far this year. It's a bit more modern than most stuff that I love, but I think it is well done on many different levels. Aesthetically, there is wonderful balance between darks (mostly woods) and lights (predominantly white walls) which is one of the major reasons why I like it so much.

Sure, some of it is a bit predictable, and I don't really love the kitchen. However, there is great use of color, pattern, texture, warm woods, white walls, stylish furniture, and quirky art & light fixtures in every room.

The designer, Birdman, clearly understands balance, and it is mostly seen in the form of asymmetry. Each room is also comfortably warm and inviting with both masculine and feminine touches.

via

love y'all!

DGF

The Tree Hotel

2011-06-12T14:51:00.007-04:00

This boutique hotel idea in Sweden is unbelievable!

The goal is to have 26 different "mini-hotels" in the forest for guests to pick from. Each one is uniquely designed and built to minimize impact on the forest, while providing every amenity you would expect at a normal hotel. Here are some wonderful shots of the first few that have been completed. What an amazing concept and an inspiring marriage between art, architecture, design, engineering, and nature!

"The Cabin"

"The Bird's Nest"

"The Blue Cone"

And my personal favorite, "The Mirror Cube"

Find out more info at their website: click here

Images via.

Love y'all! I hope this inspires the rest of your weekend!

DGF

Classic style Barcelona home

2011-06-07T09:38:00.004-04:00

The classic design of this Barcelona home is simple and refreshing. Nothing about the design "blows me away", however, it is clean, comfortable, and well designed nonetheless!

via

And by the way, I find the body wash and hand towel on the top of the toilet in the last picture rather amusing! Stylists tend to get carried away sometimes!

love ya'll!

DGF

Art filled modern industrial loft

2011-06-02T08:27:00.005-04:00

Finding the right artwork for a space can be a tricky challenge for a lot of homeowners and designers. But, when it's done right, it looks amazing! This loft is FULL of art, and could easily feel "over-saturated" with artwork. It doesn't, however, because most of the rest of the space is a blank white canvas. Each piece seems to have it's own "moment" which is the point and purpose of artwork in any room.

The style is a bit modern for me to live in, but I can definitely appreciate the wonderful collection of artwork and the clean white industrial space!

via

love ya'll

DGF

Barn to home

2011-06-01T09:43:00.005-04:00

Though not a "novel" concept, I am a big fan of the GREEN trend I am seeing lately of converting barns into homes. Talk about repurposing @ it's best! Plus, these homes have instant character that only hand hewn beams and years of experience can create.

This barn was actually disassembled in Canada and moved to Connecticut! As you can see, it was WELL WORTH the move!

via

love ya'll!

DGF

Swedish Rustindustriamodern

2011-05-29T01:00:00.003-04:00

The EPITOME of eclectic, this apartment in Stockholm strikes a perfect balance of rustic, industrial, vintage, and modern.

All white everything with pops of color, texture, artwork, industrial lighting, and found objects.... I couldn't feel more at home in this space!

via

love y'all!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

DGF

old train depot revived and repurposed

2011-05-26T07:32:00.005-04:00

"For almost 100 years, electric generators buzzed in this building on the outskirts of Gstaad, Switzerland." For the past few years it had been vacant and inoperable. That is, until architect Antonie Bertherat-Kioes decided it would be the perfect chalet for her family of six.

Here is the basic layout she decided on for the space. You will see, that instead of trashing the generators that gave this building it's original purpose, she worked them into her design in a very clever way!

The MASSIVE generators would have seemed an eyesore and a waste of space for most. However, by repurposing them, the architect preserved much the character and the history of the building. Now, instead of "looking old and in the way", they seem like they're part of the decor and function of the new home.

via

love y'all!

DGF

Dalton Ghetti's amazing pencil art

2011-05-23T11:15:00.006-04:00

Proof that inspiration can be found ANYWHERE. Creativity knows no limitations. Even the smallest and simplest everyday items can be seen in a new light if you have the right perspective!

Photos via.

I hope this gets your Monday creative juices flowing enough to last you all week long!

Love y'all!

DGF

Jack Leroy Tueller- the power of music

2011-05-16T23:33:00.004-04:00

Jack Leroy Tueller, a 90 year old genuine man, who used his talent in the toughest of times. A leader, a role model, and an inspiration.

This definitely made my week. I hope it inspires your's!

Love y'all!

DGF

have a unique week

2011-05-16T07:12:00.003-04:00

Even if you already have your entire week lined up, my hope is that each day will be uniquely inspiring.

via

love y'all!

DGF

Artist retreat on the French countryside

2011-05-14T11:00:00.007-04:00

THIS HOME IS INCREDIBLE! It is seriously one the most organic and beautiful rustic spaces I've ever seen. Every room seems comfortably lived in. And, the two separate outdoor spaces are ridiculously beautiful!

What a charming rustic retreat for a very lucky artist. I'm inspired and just a little bit jealous.

via

Love y'all!

DGF

Italian Barn Renovation

2011-05-13T19:54:00.005-04:00

I'm not crazy about the furniture selection, but everything else about this space is incredible. I love how the home is isolated in the middle of a hay field. The old barn has so much character that was well preserved and the finishes they used in the restoration are dead-on. I especially love the repetition in the arched walkways and windows in the main living space.

So, I was a bit confused about why they decided to do these glass panel walls to isolate the bedroom and bath, but after looking a bit closer, I realized that the glass is "tent-able"... meaning if you flip a switch, you have instant privacy! BUT, if you want that open airy feel, like you see in the picture, you can have that too! Pretty great design element for such a wide-open space like this with tons of natural light!

via

Love y'all! Have a GR8 WEEKEND!

DGF

Dana Tanamachi

2011-05-09T09:03:00.004-04:00

It's no secret that I am a HUGE FAN OF CHALKBOARD WALLS. So, of course, chalkboard artwork holds a VERY SPECIAL place in my heart. Meet one of the best artists I've found in New York, Dana Tanamachi.

Here's Dana in ACTION! Pretty inspiring.

To see more of Dana's work, visit her website by clicking here.

Heaven on Earth

2011-05-07T11:40:00.013-04:00

I'm pretty sure I just found HEAVEN ON EARTH!!! ... Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado.

To find out and see more BEAUTIFUL, RUSTIC AMAZINGNESS click here.

Love ya'll!

DGF

bathroom blues

2011-05-01T09:15:00.002-04:00

I wouldn't mind soaking in this tub every night.

Photo source here

roadtrip- following a dream

2011-04-27T23:35:00.007-04:00

Herman and Candelaria Zapp had a "dream" of driving around the world. Silly, right? Well, like you and I, everyone else thought they were crazy and would never "REALLY" attempt try to drive around the world.

To make matters worse, they wanted to do it in Herman's grandpa's original 1928, Detroit-made Graham Paige (Model 610). Needless to say, most of their family and friends thought that the Zapps would only make it a week or two, AT BEST!

ELEVEN YEARS and 145,ooo miles later, the Zapps are still burning up the road and following their dream together. The model 610 they set out in is still running like a top, although they have to avoid highways because it maxes out at 40 mph!

Here are a few photos of their amazing adventures together.

Here is a timeline and map of their first adventure starting in Argentina and ending in Alaska from 2000 to 2003.

But they didn't stop there, they've continued to Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Eleven years ago, the couple ALSO had another dream, to build a family together. So, they did.... ON THE ROAD!

Each of their four children was born in a different country:

Pampa, 8, in the United States.

Tehue, 5, in Argentina

Paloma, 3, in Canada

and little Wallaby, 1, in Australia

Pretty incredible.

....enjoy the journey.

.......follow your dreams.

......don't forget to laugh along the way!

....it's a big world, but ANYTHING is possible.

.....be inspired.

The Zapp family continues to travel the world in their car and encourage everyone they meet to "follow their dreams".

You can read more about the Zapp's and their travels by visiting their website-

http://www.sparkyourdream.net/

The Cast - NY

2011-04-27T06:55:00.004-04:00

Inspiring photos of "The Cast" on Ludlow Street before they recently moved over to Orchard.

Find the new store and more info about the cast here.

rustic relaxation retreat

2011-04-25T20:01:00.004-04:00

Welcome to my summer home, I mean HEAVEN ON EARTH!

Perfectly manicured gardens, private lake (or awesome pool that looks like one), rustic and charming farmhouse with a dock and a floating deck that has a monster grill/stove.

Count me in! I'll bring the burgers, you bring the party!

love y'all!

DGF

Images from here.

office space

2011-04-20T21:18:00.005-04:00

Comfy, no? You think you could work from here?

Make sure your home office tells a story about YOU! What do you do, what do you love, what inspires you, who are your favorite people, what sort of lighting do you prefer, where would you go if you had a million dollars? ha

The only thing missing for me in this space is some greenery. A dainty maidenhair fern in an old tiny vintage terra cotta pot would snuggle into that back corner perfect and love the light coming in through the window! Just sayin'.

Photo source here.

love y'all.

DGF

Mast Brothers Chocolate

2011-04-18T22:19:00.011-04:00

If you haven't already heard of them, you will soon!

About five years ago, Rick and Michael Mast started making chocolate from scratch in their Brooklyn apartment to serve at their big dinner parties. Their friends gushed so over the treats that the brothers—two Iowa boys who moved to New York a decade ago to attend cooking school and film school, respectively—decided to turn the hobby into a day job.

They set up shop in a tiny Greenpoint space in 2007 and began scouring the world for the best cacao beans. Two years ago, they moved their operation to a 2,000-square-foot Williamsburg factory.

Now, you can visit their headquarters in Brooklyn for a tour and a taste of the magic that the Mast Brothers are making!

Mast Brothers Chocolate Factory
105A North 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Mast Brothers Chocolate sells to 120 stores and restaurants, mostly in the New York area, and has a waiting list of more than 1,500 worldwide. The business, launched with $35,000 in savings, just became profitable, and the Masts are expanding their factory in order to triple production.

Congrats to the Mast Brothers; for having a vision, pursuing their passion, taking a risk, and becoming VERY SUCCESSFUL with very little money in a dog-eat-dog world!

Click here to link to the Mast Brothers website.

love y'all!

DGF

Lonesome Whistler

2011-04-15T13:22:00.012-04:00

Hey y'all. Welcome to my new home goods store, Lonesome Whistler. It's a combination of handmade objects, vintage items, and designer goods. The goal is pretty simple: to make unique, affordable home goods accessible to EVERYONE!

Find these items and more at www.lonesomewhistler.com

Feel free to leave comments/suggestions here on the blog or e-mail us. After all, it was designed to inspire YOU!

Love y'all

DGF

Secrets From a Stylist - Behind the scenes!

2011-04-14T10:29:00.011-04:00

So, I had the recent privilege of being a "special guest" on Episode 7 of Emily Henderson's new show SECRETS FROM A STYLIST. Emily, as you all remember, whipped my tail on Design Star Season 5, so it was very gracious of her to have me on, and OF COURSE I was willing to offer up my services! haha

Though I've known Emily for just over a year, she is most definitely one of those people you meet, instantly connect with, and feel like you've known them your whole life. The cute, quirky, snarky, a lil crazy, but "fun as all get out" girl you see on the TV screen IS THE REAL EMILY. That's one of the many things I love and respect about her, she's not an actress, she's herself, cameras or no cameras.

Now, Emily knows my style and my passion for building custom furniture out of reclaimed wood (i.e. Capsule Furniture). She needed a custom, large, rustic coffee table for her 2nd look for the Gaines family, so she beckoned me to California to come help out! I cut some beams, shipped them, and a few weeks later I hopped on a plane to L.A. Ahhh... sunny weather and the welcome opened arms of my old friend Em! We got to work and soon I had my wood-shop (a blue tarp in the backyard) set up to make the coffee table!

Upon arrival to the house, I knew I would be ECSTATIC to see Emily again. What I didn't know is HOW AWESOME THE REST OF THE CREW WOULD BE! We seriously had a blast; they were so welcoming and fun to work with!

Here are some "rough shots" that I took with my point and shoot when I wasn't working! Speaking of WORK, Emily is A WORK-A-HOLIC. I was so impressed with her constant energy in spite of having to BUST HER HUMP all day for 6 days straight, non-stop. She puts her heart and soul into every piece of this show and it's obvious when the day is done. It was eye-opening for me to see how the production was run, how many hours of work it requires (seriously crazy), and what a difference it makes when you work with people that support your vision and success.

At the end of the day, the Gaines' living room looked stunning! What a transformation. And, although there were parts of the first look that I loved, Emily gave the Gaines' the space that WORKED PERFECT FOR THEM.

Here are the photos of the space, taken by Laure Joliet, an AMAZING INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHER. I literally stole these from Emily's blog. If you aren't following Emily's blog, do yourself a favor and add it to your list. On top of her WORK-A-HOLICISM, she finds time (probably in the wee hrs of the morning) to have a beautiful blog that's full of excitement and inspiration.

I added this photo of the chess table and ghost chairs behind the sofa b/c she didn't have one on her blog and I loved the way it looked in front of this old, leaded-glass window. Sorry, the quality is poor, but you get the picture!

The Gaines's were thrilled with the finished outcome, and I was happy to leave them with a piece of Capsule Furniture and a little piece of New York City to top off Emily's wonderful design.

Oh, they received another miracle (besides E's transformation) the week I was there. A stray dog decided that the Gaines's back-yard would be a perfect nesting spot to have her puppies! It was a fun distraction for the whole crew to enjoy!

All in all, it was a fun week, full of sunny weather and good times with the whole SFAS crew. I even had some down-time to hang with some other friends and old Design Star pals. (Sorry Casey, I know you didn't get much work done that week b/c of me).

love y'all!

DGF

"La Classe" hotel

2011-04-13T10:03:00.010-04:00

I can barely breathe right now I'm trying to get these pics up so quick to share! This amazing hotel was once a village school in a beautiful region of Belgium. The owners wanted to "break away from the norm" to create a rustic, but elegant retreat that easily accommodates larger groups of people. I'd say they hit the NAIL ON THE HEAD with La Classe. I want to go there, NOW!

One of the CLASSIEST RUSTIC designs I have ever seen, both inside and out. There are remnants of the old schoolhouse throughout, which I love. The design also strikes the PERFECT BALANCE between rustic, industrial, and modern which is MY STYLE IN 3 WORDS. Everything is tastefully done (not overdone) and properly shot. Incredible. Enjoy ... I know I did!

love y'all!

DGF

Refresh yourself

2011-04-11T15:29:00.003-04:00

A refreshing design to clear up that dreaded case of "the Monday's".

Have a blessed week!

love y'all

DGF

photo link here

The new Capsule Furniture Meatpacking Collection

2011-04-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

The launch is official. Visit capsulefurniture.com and check out the goods, y'all.

What's your story?

2011-04-08T08:10:00.002-04:00

We all know pictures are worth a 1,000 words. Each one of these images tells a different, but equally captivating story.

If I were to take a "snap-shot" of your life? What would it look like? What sort of story would it tell? How has it changed in the past 2, 5, 10, 20 yrs?

LIVE your story, everyday.

Love y'all! Happy Friday.

DGF

Photos from Life

Spring is sprung.

2011-04-05T22:54:00.005-04:00

HAPPY SPRING Y'ALL!

We all know FRESH flowers can add that "final layer" of character and warmth to every space. I emphasize the word "fresh" because I ABSOLUTELY DETEST FAKE FLOWERS. I'm sorry, but they go against my morals. In fact, if you have some, send me a picture of you burning them or throwing them away and I'll send you $20 in the mail right now! haha

Anywho, I'm a HUGE fan of this spring bouquet of dogwood flowers, spirea, and wild cherry blossoms. They remind me of my childhood in Arkansas because these flowers are some of the VERY FIRST to bloom in the springtime, quickly followed by forsythia, buttercups, tulips and many more!

Honestly, dogwoods are one of my favorite trees. They stay relatively small, love shady woodland areas and are often tucked away near quiet streams, which make them a JOY to discover in the springtime! When most trees are just beginning to bud-out, the dogwood has beautiful white (and sometimes pink) flowers that blossom from the tips of every branch. The flowers don't last long, and before you know it, these dainty trees quickly blend in with the rest of the forest. But, their short lived beauty is a sight to behold in early spring when the air is still crisp. And, they symbolize the coming of a refreshing new season of warmth, energy, reproduction, and progression in the months to follow.

Check out this SUPER SIMPLE, but amazing bouquet that ANYONE can make with fresh cuttings from your local FOREST! haha Seriously though, a lot of this stuff is offered locally in New York at markets, flower shops and boutique garden centers, but for those of you in more rural areas, it is TOTALLY ACCESSIBLE for free (and a few snippets from any tree is not going to limit their growth later in the year or damage them in any way).

Simplicity is KING throughout this design:

1. A rustic natural wood basket or container

2. Liners, bowls, vases (or tupperware containers) to put water in

3. Chicken wire (to help secure and support each branch used in the bouquet)

4. Moss as a beautiful covering for the top of the basket and to hide your water containers

Once the base is set up, it's as simple as adding as many flowering branches as you want and arranging them the way you want them!

It's obvious that this large bouquet can add interest, style, charm, and a pop of life and color to any space. But, smaller flower arrangements work just as well; especially when grouped together or placed near a major focal point in the room (i.e. fireplace, coffee table, shelving unit, etc.)

Enjoy your spring in the great outdoors, but look for ways to enjoy the subtle beauties and symbolism INSIDE OF YOUR HOME as well!

Love y'all!

DGF

Photo link here.

Pick your PAPER!

2011-04-04T07:35:00.003-04:00

Welcome to a few samples of the new line of wallpapers being launched on lonesomewhistler.com soon.

Lonesome whistler will be an online retail store with trendy, quirky, fun and affordable home goods. My wife, Dasha, and I are working together on it (in our free time), but are hoping to launch in the next few weeks! Keep your eyes peeled, we hope you're as excited as we are!

Feel free to leave comments on your fave's/not so fave's because we're still designing a few other prints and would love to know what you REALLY think!

"ringers"

"rhinos"

"gazelles"

"vintage horse lighter"

Have a great week!

Love y'all!

DGF

The Nestrest

2011-03-31T08:28:00.003-04:00

Hammocks and rope swings step aside! What an incredible design and concept by Daniel Pouzet & Fred Frety. I love the teardrop shape and the giant woven pieces of dedon fiber (an environmentally friendly, totally weatherproof form of plastic).

Photos via

Love y'all!

DGF