(This is the third of Aaron's posts and was a "free choice" post out of the three. We left the pics large down below for good measure, though we now think we could have taken the time to crop them a bit.)
Inspired by The Gap?!? Roaming around Manhattan on foot is the best way to make new discoveries. This past weekend I snapped some pictures of colors, textures and shapes that made me look twice.
I'm a sucker for good typography and I love how someone has made a
wooden "o" to replace the original metal one that went missing. It's
seen better days but has a unique charm.
This wall was obviously a fake topical treatment, but I found the
pattern and texture intriguing and very graphic.
This window display combines great color with dynamic texture.
Sometimes a little neon can pull it all together. I love the way the
reflections of the buildings across the street play off the monsters.
Wonderfully bright peppers that I'm not sure will last long in their
box at street level.
This midnight-blue color really took me by surprise at The Gap. It's
richness was very relaxing. Other parts of the store were painted a
jewel-tone purple and a soft grey. With the freakish chill in the July
air, it made me instantly ready for fall. I'd love to see the colors
with warm walnut furniture. UPDATE: I was right-on-track with the
walnut. I've been back since my initial visit and the light floor is
slowing being replaced by a medium-brown walnut floor!
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
Umm -- I like, but what does this have to do with AT?
There are posts like this all the time on AT-- pure visual inspiration.
The sorbet between "meals" of serious decluttering, rent surveys, and Open Thread arguments.
I like posts like this, especially since I think inspiration for interior decor comes from EVERYWHERE.
I like the monsters a lot.
Side note: I think I might just give up on fighting the battle of the "its/it's." It's :) driven me crazy for years, and I've fought valiantly, but maybe it's time to accept that I'm not going to win. Its/it's is so commonly used incorrectly (including elsewhere in official AT posts - not naming names or anything...) that it's gotten so that when I see it used correctly, it looks wrong for a second or two.
Yeah, it's just a longer "inspiration" post than many because Aaron's showing what he can do. Use of pastels to make monsters is rather a hit with me.
Since the Gap is like Starbucks in trying to wrap the buyer in a complete lifestyle (why haven't the two merged yet?), I'm not utterly shocked at using it for design inspiration.
I was embarassed with the first "it's". I am dumbfounded that I made the mistake twice! I think this will haunt me forever...
yea, like patrick said, i think this post is supposed to just generally inspire you. i find that it helps me to observe the stuff around me to get inspired for my design work.
lilybethdc, it's definately much easier if you can ignore the its/it's in other ppls writing. (and ignore my poorly written grammar/spelling/punctuation/capitalization, hehe). just make sure you write it correctly yourself and teach you kids the same. haha. i remember as a kid, my teachers always getting on us for writing "alot" andi still can't get the lie/lay thing down.
Aaron,
Life is too short for grammar ghosts! Instead, enjoy your accolades for your recent great posts!
Good job!
I love this post. I smiled when I read it.
This post has EVERYTHING to do with AT and design.
I think I love this post because walking all over the city and noticing all of the interesting details on the streets is one of my favorite things to do. I also like to take pictures when I discover something that inspires me, is interesting, or just beautiful.
Very cool typography - love the 'GREEN...And this is definitely inspirational eye candy. Design is everywhere.
Lori2 (hi!),
when I said the same thing to my friends yesterday, that walking around the city with a camera and taking pics of people and objects relaxes me and gives me inspiration in my design, I was told - oh, that's a sign of a lonely person.
May be they're right (it never occured to me before) - but what a delight to be lonely, then!
How absurd! I must be the lonliest person on the planet if that's true. I never leave the house without a trusty camera at my side. Photos capture a moment you can never get back. Has nothing to do with lonliness. Keep taking your pix...
Thank you, *victoria. Frankly, I was a bit taken aback...my friend is an architect and she often drws doodles and little sketches "to rest her mind", as she says. Apparently, drawing doesn't carry any negative connotation.
Hi Tat! And Victoria,
Glad to know others agree! Actually, I have been thinking that I want to get a very small, lightweight camera so I never have to decide *if* I should bring my camera. Any suggestions?
Hey, we should get together and take walks and bring our cameras too!
Walking around Manhattan and making new discoveries is a favorite past time of mine. There is always a new design element to gaze at - lots of changing combo's of color and texture. I heart NY. Thanks for the post.
Lori 2 - I recently got a Sony Cybershot 6.0 megapixels for $229 and its been awesome. It's light weight, large LCD screen and it was only $229 at Staples (do y'all have Staples on the East coast? I'm in San Francisco.). They also threw in a HP color printer for $130 (but FREE with rebate). I think alot of places nowadays we'll throw in either an additional memory card, or a printer. Never hurts to ask.
Thanks victoria,
Funny, a friend also just suggested the same model! I think that is a good sign.