Roger Borg's Unique Neon Lamps

I was so excited when I received an e-mail from lighting designer Roger Borg. He creates the most amazing neon lamps. And I have to admit, before I saw Roger's work, I never knew neon could be so cool.



Absolute works of art, Roger's creations would make a wonderful focal point in a modern interior.



In 2003 Roger started his own company, 419 neon. This custom neon sign and lighting company manufactures wholesale and retail neon signs as well as architectural lighting. But it's his custom neon lamps that I find truly intriguing.



In many of his pieces, hand bent neon components are stacked on top of each other to create a lighting fixture that will illuminate your space without an internal bulb. How cool!



You can see more of Roger's work right here. And feel free to contact him for pricing and availability.

{Images from Rogerborg.com}

Last Day to Vote for AC!!!

vote for ac, originally uploaded by AphroChic.

As you know, AphroChic is a finalist for a Chapeau Blog Award for best Arts & Design blog, and today is the last day to submit your vote.

Please visit the Chapeau site and vote for AphroChic for best Arts & Design blog and Most Brilliant Blog of the year.

Thank you so much for your support!

Original Art: Photophilia

Resting Place

I am introducing a new series on AphroChic, Original Art. This is an opportunity to share the work of independent artists and unique modern art with AC readers. I know that many of you are on the search for original and affordable artwork to add to your home interior, and now you can check back here every Wednesday to find it.

Today, I would like to introduce photography from one of my very best friends, Chante Lasco. Her etsy shop, Photophilia, features photos taken during her world travels and near her home in Maryland.


Sunlit Lamp

Sunlit Lamp is one of my favorites. Chante captured the image just as the sun was setting behind the unlit lamp. Her eye is truly amazing.


Beach Collage

Her images really seem to invite you in, whether on a visit to the park, or on the sands of a beach town in the Netherlands. They would make a beautiful statement on a feature wall, simply placed in a black frame.


Building Collage

Visit Photophilia for more nature-inspired and architectural photography. Absolutely lovely, and reasonably priced, this might be the start of a wonderful collection of original photography.

{Images from Photophilia}

Tipitipi

Last week we had the arrival of a new little one in our family - my niece Kiera Mason. I absolutely love babies, and am always on the hunt for quality items for little ones. Portuguese boutique Tipitipi offers quality gifts for little people.



Crafted with babies in mind, the Tipitipi shop offers extra soft short sleeve and long sleeve onesies.



Their beautifully designed children's clothing, bibs and pacifier holders are made from 100% cotton, and are environmentally friendly with water-based ink, and nickel-free snaps.

Visit Tipitipi for special gifts for the new little one in your life. Items can be shipped to the U.S. and throughout the rest of the world.

Meet Kelly + Olive

It's always wonderful to discover something fresh and new. And I was so happy when I received an e-mail from interior designer Courtney Davis from Kelly + Olive. Just one part of a dynamic design duo, Courtney and her interior design partner, Lauren Paradise have started a wonderful new design firm that offers virtual packages.



Interior design that's all about you, Kelly + Olive offers personal services that focus on redesigning and helping you fall back in love with your space. Their design manifesto says it all, "a fresh and personal approach to redesign".



From color consultation, to moodboards, to in-home design services, Kelly + Olive has you covered. You can also create your own custom package depending on your needs.



If you are looking for some design direction, make a visit to Kelly + Olive. And you should also take a look at their fabulous blog full of styling tips.

Earth Week Sale!

This Earth Week, companies like Philadelphia-based design firm MIO are making it even easier to support sustainable design by offering a special Earth Day Sale. From now until April 29th, save 30% off all products in stock.



From their innovative Bendant Lamp featured above, to their Origami Side Table, MIO offers beautiful, sustainable design at an affordable price.



You will love items like Loop By The Yard. A textile-like material that can be cut, sewn and hemmed like fabric, but that's durable enough to work both indoors and out.



Or their Acoustic Weave Wallpaper. An innovative wall tile that I'm happy to say, was co-designed by one of my very good friends, Kris Daniel. Designed to diffuse sound, this 3-D wallpaper offers a cost-effective way to control sound in your living environment.

Visit MIO to check out this fantastic sale, and enter code EARTHDAY09 to receive 30% off until April 29th.

Have a fantastic and earth-friendly weekend!

Matthew Williamson for H&M

Williamson's Home Featured in Elle Decoration UK

Designer Matthew Williamson loves color. His bold take on color and pattern has always been such an inspiration. That's why I was so excited to see that Williamson is collaborating with H&M. His new line will be released today in stores around the world!


The new collection for H&M.





Williamson is bringing his exciting vision to H&M with eclectic prints, vivid colors and a global influence. The result is a complete collection with beautiful pieces for your spring wardrobe - dresses, tops and even sharply tailored jackets. You can go from day to night in Williamson's incredible designs.

Check the site to find a store near you.

Go Green In Style

2Modern & Emma Gardner Blossom Rug

Happy Earth Day! It is truly the year of "The Green Generation". A few years ago when everyone was talking about going green and sustainability, I was afraid that it was just a fad; a trend that would just fade away and we would all go back to our wasteful ways. But I have to say I feel a real change out there. Not only is green in, but everyone is becoming part of an effort to save the earth, and finding unique ways to do it.


Matt Gagnon Ceramic Lamp

As a designer, I just love how stylish green has become. With companies like Rubie Green coming to the forefront, going green is not just about being crunchy granola, it can apply to all of us, and especially those of us who are style makers.


Iannone Design Graphic Console

2Modern's new Eco section shows just how stylish going green can be. Here are some beautiful items that may cost more, but with high-end craftsmanship and design, and an earth-friendly impact, these beautiful pieces are definitely worth it.


Iglooplay Mod Rocker

How are you celebrating this Earth Day? If you would like some ideas check out this site. Have a beautiful Earth Day!

{All of these eco-friendly items can be found at 2Modern}

Sika Designs

I was recently introduced to Sika Designs on CosWeAfricanWomenAreDoin&DoinItWell, and fell in love immediately. Their new Fusion Collection is a wonderful blend of African fabrics with European-inspired designs.

Ghanaian textiles, including tie dye, batiks and wax prints are fused with London design trends to produce fabulous dresses, skirts and tops that are tres chic.











All garments are made in Ghana, and money goes to the Ghanaian community for garment production.

Fabulous style partnered with a wonderful mission to support local designers. What could be more lovely?

Shutterlounge

I was recently at a friend's new apartment, and she had some amazing art for her walls. Her collection got me thinking about art, and the way it can add a personal touch to your interior.

Whether a canvas print from Ikea or something more sophisticated like these limited edition prints from the Shutterlounge, an art collection is a wonderful way to introduce your own unique perspective.



The Shutterlounge features limited edition prints from some of the world's top photographers. With a gorgeous collection of fashion and beauty prints, these photographers are some of the best in the business, working with fashion magazines like VOGUE, ELLE, and Marie Claire to name a few.



Limited edition prints are sold at very reasonable prices, allowing you to purchase and collect beautiful and original art.



A fantastic place for interesting and diverse pieces, if you are looking for art, you'll want to start your search right here.

I would love to hear how art fits into your life? Do you have a personal collection? How did you get started? Any suggestions for readers who are looking for original art?

Sunny Days...

How is the weather in your neck of the woods? It's finally warming up here in San Francisco, and beginning to feel like Spring. With sunny days, and longer evenings ahead, now is the perfect time to be on the lookout for a patio set and outdoor accessories.



CB2's new outdoor catalogue has some beautifully designed furniture for outdoor living. From funky patio chairs in blue and yellow to their sleek blindfold dining table, this collection has it all.



If you have the space, how incredible would this weekender dining table and bench be? And I love how the white chairs break up all of that brown. A high-end look for a great price.

Explore more of CB2's outdoor catalogue for more fun finds for those sunny days.

Vote for AphroChic!

I am so honored to be an industry finalist in the Chapeau Blog Awards. AphroChic has been nominated for this year's most fabulous Art & Design Blog. How wonderful!

From now until April 30th, you can vote for AC. And don't forget to enter AC into the Most Brilliant Blog category.

Thank you so much for your support. This is so exciting!

Announcing The Winners...

Congratulations! Your new book, Domino The Book of Decorating will arrive soon.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments. It was so fun to see what your favorite posts have been over the past two years. I promise the next two will be even better.

My apologies for being M.I.A. the rest of last week. I was busy working on a very special project, and will have some fantastic news to share with you soon.

Thank you for an incredible two years!

It's My Party!

Keeping in the celebratory spirit, I thought I would come up with some party-inspired posts this week, and had to introduce you to PopMats' new Whimsy Edition. These placemats are just the cutest! Made from 100% recycled paper, they are sure to add a dash of fun to your next party.





Fit for any occasion, from baby showers to garden parties, PopMats will make a cute tablescape for your next event.



This Vespa-inspired mat is my favorite. So cool! These would definitely be on the table at my anniversary shindig.

Next time you throw a party, or if you just want to have some fun with the kids, PopMats are a simple way to add a lovely finishing touch to your table.

2 Year Anniversary!

It was two years ago that AphroChic launched. I am so happy to say that 400 posts, and 11,000 loyal fans later, AphroChic is still going strong. To celebrate two incredible years, I have two incredible gifts just for you!

It's easy. Just comment below, and let us know your favorite AphroChic post from the past two years. Include your e-mail address, and next week I will randomly select two winners. Your prize? Domino The Book of Decorating kindly donated by Simon & Schuster. Yeah!!! If you haven't already seen it, this book is the ultimate decor bible, and will be sure to help you achieve your own special blend of modern, soulful style.

Thank you so much for being with AphroChic these past two years, two months, two weeks or even two days! I love you all, and can't wait to see your comments. You have until Friday April 10th to comment to win.

Thank you so much Nina from Simon & Schuster!