It was a summer episode of the Spanish radio program A vivir que son dos días, featuring artist Ximena Maier and art historian Alfonso Pleguezuelo, that sent me down a fascinating rabbit hole, into the history, function, and cultural poetry of tiles. Delft-inspired tiles by Ximena Maier A Spanish Beginning: From Al-Andalus to Talavera The […] Read more…
As the season shifts, I find myself drawn to pieces that feel rich in detail and brimming with personality. Whimsical silhouettes, intricate embroidery, bold colour and handcrafted charm, this roundup is all about design that delights the eye and sparks a little joy. Commune Design’s originality shines here: a mix of painterly florals, jewel-toned pillows, […] Read more…
Long before Instagram feeds and instant snapshots, summer memories arrived home in tangible form: a ship painting in a gilt frame, a seashell necklace from a boardwalk shop, a pressed flower between the pages of a book. In the 18th and 19th centuries, sailors brought back shell-encrusted “valentines” from Caribbean ports, whalers sketched or stamped […] Read more…