Artful Stitches by Textile Designer {Richard Saja}

Images from Elle Decor 

For 10 years, New York City-based textile designer Richard Saja has been rewriting the toile de Joy narratives, traditional French patterns that chronicle the fascinating lives of the French bourgeoisie. What's so fun, witty and unique about Saja's designs is that he spices up the narratives by adding brightly coloured embroidery (not to mention an absolutely wicked sense of humor to boot!) For example, Saja crowned the head of a toddler with a multicolored Mohawk, turned lovers into a pair of clowns and dancing men into moss-green monsters! His work has been translated to home accessories and fashion statements (like the throw pillows and shoes featured above). Not only are they beautiful, but Saja's designs combines history, design, and pure unadulterated fun. They're cheeky conversation starters that will excite any history buff and fascinate the design fanatic. What do you think about his designs and the way Saja "reinterprets" the French bourgeoisie?

A City Chic Colour Palette

How do you know if you're "city chic"? For one thing, the city lives in your -- wherever you go. Regardless of whether your live downtown or in the suburbs, the city is never far from your heart. Your style of decor favors crisp lines and sleek accessories. You're crazy about fashion magazines, design blogs, and maybe you've slept with the latest issue of Vogue once or twice. You're not afraid of colour but prefer tones like black, white and grey (which are always in style and never lose their appeal). You're not afraid of animal prints or eccentric art. Tip: Throw in a bold colour, like Benjamin Moore's Margarita, in with your staple hues. Other bright and bold colour suggestions include magenta, teal, Pantone's Tangerine Tango -- anything with an extra twist. What do you think of this colour palette?

Inspirational Homes: Diane Von Furstenberg

I've often been fascinated by designer Diane Von Furstenberg. Maybe it's due to her exotic flare or the fact that she talks with a rich and luscious accent. Words seem to roll off her tongue. Not only does she a successful designer - noted for her wrap dress among other designs - she's also the president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Drenched in fashion and design inspiration, creativity (...OK, the works!) don't you often wonder how these people live? What their homes look like or what inspires them? Here's a peak into Diane's living space in NYC's Meat Packing District.

(Below) Diane's office and living area is versatile with the table doing overtime working as a desk and a dining table. I adore these Franz West chairs that add a pop of colour and show off a funky pattern. Also, a big thumbs up to the Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann table which is fit for a Queen.

(Below) Ah, such is the life. Sitting at your cozy breakfast table, looking outside a the spectacular NYC view and admiring the original Andy Warhol painting -- of your own face!

 (Above) How gorgeous is this bed? I love the East-meets-West flare to this space. There's an open quality to this space that is almost set like but still maintains a cozy and personalized element to it.

 Images via Architectural Digest. March 2012 issue.