Welcome Smriti Tuladhar, Sales Intern at AphroChic!

We are so excited to have three wonderful interns working with us this summer.  Smriti Tuladhar, a student at Drexel University, has joined us a sales intern this summer.  She has a wonderful eye for design and a talent identifying potential retail partnerships.  Here is an introduction to Smriti in her own words:

Hello, I am Smriti Tuladhar, and I am in my third year of study at Drexel University majoring in Business Administration. I am interested in pursuing a career in Accounting and Entrepreneurship. This summer, I am very excited to start my internship as a Sales Intern for AphroChic. I also have a love of interior design, and am inspired by AphroChic’s bold and beautiful textiles that are not only high in style but also in quality. Joining the AphroChic team gives me an opportunity to learn and experience how entrepreneurship works.

Welcome Smriti!

Original Art: Njideka Akunyili

Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili creates arresting works of art using a number of tools and materials.  Layered in Akunyili's pieces you can find a blend of acrylic, pastels, colored pencil, collage and image transfers.



Just as impressive of the work, Akunyili's resume should not go unnoticed.  The artist was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and has participated in Artist-in-Residence programs at the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Bronx Museum.



It is always wonderful to discover an artist who communicates through a unique style, and Akunyili truly achieves that with the collage of images that form the structure of each piece.



Visit Akunyili's site to explore a full catalog of work, and to find out about upcoming exhibitions >

The Perfect Summer Accessory at Waterstone Succulents

Michelle Weddle is the woman behind the popular etsy shop, Waterstone Succulents.  She creates molds of real succulents using cement, and develops succulent sculptures that are so beautiful, it feels as if they are alive.  What makes these pieces truly beautiful are the various colorways that Michelle uses in each design.  Stone white, hot pink, bright orange, gold and silver are all among the vivid hues that these cement succulents come in.  The colors make them perfect for a bright summer table.




Whether you admire them for their sculptural quality, or just want a plant that can live forever, these cement succulents are absolute must-haves.  I am already thinking of getting a few to place around the house this summer.  I love the idea of a succulent that will live forever.

Waterstone Succulents >

The Week In Review: 6.14.13

Congratulations to Incurablequeen, the winner of our Pretty In Monaco contest with Kaboodle!  I had the challenge of picking the best board (there were so many great ones to choose from), but the winning board, "Lights, Camera, Action!" caught my attention.  It not only embraced the Monaco blue color, but the spirit and culture of Monaco itself. I would be ready to slip on that blue and gold dress and attend an incredible screening!

For your weekend:

- Get inspired by more pretty Monaco blue mood boards over at Kaboodle.  Pretty In Monaco >

- Discover a new blog this weekend.  I am currently loving Coffee Klatch.  It features interviews with interesting creative minds.  Coffee Klatch >

- Solange Knowles is the queen of prints.  She looks gorgeous wearing Mary Katrantzou.  Solange >

- For all of the music lovers out there, be sure to check out Chrisette Michele's new album, Better.  It is R&B at its best!  Better >

Have a happy weekend!

Design Trend: Boucherouite Rugs

Vivid colors, exotic patterns, hand-woven design – all of these can be found in Morocco’s boucherouite rugs. The “rag rugs”, created using scraps of various materials, are perfect for these Spring and Summer months. Whether hung on the wall or laid on the floor, the boucherouite rug is a bright and colorful home accessory.

 

While many rugs from Morocco and the Middle East have histories that are centuries old, the boucherouite rug was developed in the 20th Century. The time period is likely responsible for the funky patterns, and wild colors that you can see in each design.

 

Truly upcycled pieces, the word “boucherouite” comes from the Arabic phrase meaning torn and reused clothing. Weavers in the Berber culture used a mix of materials to design these fascinating multi-colored creations that are almost too beautiful to walk upon.

 

Now, in the 21st Century these patchwork pieces of art are making a comeback. The fun and eclectic designs add color and whimsy to modern white spaces, and are a complement to colorful interiors. Though intended for the floor, these intricately created rugs are fun and fashionable works of art. If you don’t feel like walking on it, mount your boucherouite rug on the wall for a cool artistic feature. You can even layer one behind the bed and create a one-of-a-kind headboard.

{Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4}

House Tour: A Classic and Colorful London Apartment

This colorful London apartment captured my attention over at Shootfactory this week.  While the space is dedicated to mid-century modern design, with a beautiful collection of Knoll and Herman Miller pieces, color has been infused throughout to add a pop of fun to an otherwise classic space.  Pieces like the tufted baby blue sofa and red leather side chairs take a space dedicated to design in the 50s, and transport it right into the 21st Century where color is embraced in modern interiors.



Eames chairs surround the dining room table, another nod to mid-century modern design.  A colorful tapestry sets off the dining area with a backdrop of vibrant hues.



In the office, a minimal color palette prevails, with bright shades present in the tchotchkes on the bookshelf.



The brown bedroom is so warm and cozy, and I love the pop of red on the woodgrain side table.  It's beautiful and unexpected.



A womb chair in bright orange brightens a corner in the bedroom.  In this single piece, classic design and modern colors come together beautifully.

Explore more images of this London abode at Shootfactory >

Jewel Tone Sofas at Room & Board

{Murphy Sofa}

Emerald, teal, golden yellow - sofas in all three shades can be discovered at modern home decor store, Room & Board.  Their collection of jewel tone sofas invites you to add some bright colors to your interior this summer.



Pieces like this teal Hutton Sofa can be used as the basis for a room's entire color palette.  The bright shade is repeated again on the chaise and blue and white rug.



The Clarke Sofa in a warm gold is the perfect statement piece in a classic black and white living room.



And the Murray Sofa in bright blue puts a fun twist on a traditional design.  View the colorful sofa collection at Room & Board >

Original Art: Judith Geher

Romantic, vivid, textured, soulful - those are the words that come to mind when looking at oil paintings by Toronto artist Judith Geher.  Her original paintings are gorgeous, and there are at least three or four that are must-haves for my own art collection.



Women come to life in her beautiful oil paintings that are painted on wood instead of canvas.  Pieces like Lion Hearted (above) are absolutely arresting.



Florals are present in many of her paintings, adding that romantic vibe.  I love the crown of colorful blooms in this piece.



Each woman is modern, elegant, and strong.  I invite you to visit Judith's website to view more beautiful work from her portfolio.  Judith Geher >

Planning A Daddy's Day Barbecue

Father's Day is just around this corner.  This Sunday it's time to celebrate dad, and what better way to do that than to host a barbecue to show him how special he is.  As you're getting ready for your Father's Day celebrations, here are some tips for hosting the perfect barbecue for dad:



Invite dad to his barbecue with a special card that has all of the details inside.  I love this Kraft card from Sugar Paper.  It has a clean letterpress design that is very cool and masculine.  Dad will love it.



Teach dad a new way to grill over a chic fire pit.  Grill up hot dogs and fresh veggies.  You can even set up a station to make smores over the fire.



While you may want dad to rest on Father's Day, we all know he'll want to be apart of the action.  Make sure he has the right tools.  This grill set from West Elm is one of my favorites.  It has the coolest wood details.



Be sure to add some fun decor to the event.  Be on the lookout for whimsical plates and glassware.  These mustache glasses from Paper Source are sure to be a hit.



And a day for dad would not be complete without music.  Throw on some of his favorite jazz records and set the mood for a perfect daddy's day.

See more of my Father's Day Barbecue ideas at Keep >

{Image 1 via Black, Lesbian, Womanist}

Keeping Up Appearances

In my line of work it pays to stand out. As a blogger, I spend much of my time at editorial events and parties, writing about inspiring design. Wherever I go, I love to wear bright and colorful statement pieces.

 

Whether it’s attending a Pinterest event at the White House or checking out the latest fashion at New York Fashion Week, I have to keep my clothes looking their best. Here are some of my favorite tips for keeping clothes, bright, fresh and always in style:

 

For vibrant pieces, the delicate cycle is my best friend. I recommend washing colorful items in cold water to keep them from fading. And if you have bright jeans wash them separately so that the colors don’t run together.



I am a huge fan of pretreating stains the moment that they occur. Dab a stain with cold water when you’re at an event, and once you get home pour your favorite detergent over the stain, letting it sit for a few minutes. Then stick it straight in the wash. I promise, many of your favorite pieces will be saved that way.

 

To dry or not to dry? For me that is always the question. When it’s a favorite piece, like a cute cocktail dress, or a vintage tee I prefer hanging my clothing outside. There is nothing better than air drying for a fresh scent, and it keeps clothing from going through wear and tear in the dryer.

 

My final tip, hang your clothes immediately when they’re dry. When the dryer buzzes, that’s my signal to get the clothes out immediately and hang them in the closet so that they won’t wrinkle. I hang my pieces by color so that I can easily mix and match my favorite shades.

Doing laundry may be a chore, but remember these tips and you will be sure to put your best foot forward at your next event.

This is a collaboration between Tide Original Liquid HE and the AOL Lifestyle Curator Network. Compensation was provided by Tide Original Liquid HE via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Tide Original Liquid HE.