Typography Travel

Around the World with the Bodoni Family is a book by Teresa Monachino which celebrates the design of the Bodoni font. By playing with the shapes of the letters, graphic designer Monachino suggests the imagery of a destination. It's a great gift for the design lover.For example "A" is for the Alps an "I" is for Italy.

The book is available for purchase by emailing Teresa at her website or at the London Design Museum Shop. Photos: Creative Review

Hang On and Hang Out

How incredible is this playroom? Great paintings, a giant map, a climbing net and swings - inside! Forget about it.
Photo: David Allee

Get The Dish on Paloma's Nest

Paloma's Nest sells hand stamped custom plates. The round ones come in small or large sizes and there's also a dove shaped bowl available too. I can imagine them on a wall in a grouping or on display alone. Either way, what a sweet gift these would make.

Rolling Pins at Pizza Farro

Pizza Farro in Melbourne is known for it's delicious wood fired pizza. They've also created a memorable statement with rolling pins. Let's hope there's no earthquake.

Alex Hellum's Use of Cardboard

Alex Hellum is a furniture and product design studio in the UK that focuses on small production and direct sales. Here are some of their cardboard chairs that represent a fine balance between art and function.

Q&A with Joni Webb

This Q&A is with an exceptional Texan woman, Joni Webb. Joni has been a guiding force on the interior design blog scene for years. Her knack to find beautiful design has led her to collaborate with some of the most talented people in the business. Joni always strives to share original content and new ideas. She is showcasing her eye for classic style by sharing with us pieces from her own home. Thank you Joni for contributing your HallReady ideas.

1. Name: Joni Webb a.k.a. Cote de Texas
2. Occupation: Interior Designer, Blogger.
3. Last purchase you made that is hanging on your wall? I bought an 18th or 19th century barometer on 1st dibs!!! I've lusted for one for years and years but could never afford it. I found an unbelievable deal on 1st dibs and scooped it up. It's gorgeous, I think especially because it was a steal.
4. What's the item you've had the longest hanging on your wall? An antique French mirror that was once hanging in my mother's house.
5. Favorite place to buy art? I don't really buy a lot of art. I prefer mirrors and plates - and I buy those at antique stores or shows.
6. Do you collect anything? Gawd, what don't I collect? If I like something, I want a million of them. It's a real problem because I don't really like collections, yet I have so many of them. I collect antique blue opaline. I used to collect transferware but I put it away and now I collect creamware instead. I also collect white ironstone - I used to collect yellow ware, but switched to the white instead. I also collect masonware, but I'm going to put it all away too. I collect books - antique and design books. Ben and I collect shells together. He collects fossils and coins but I make him keep his collections at the office. I wish I had just a few oversized accessories instead of a lot of collections, but shopping is an illness I was born with.
7. Any advice for those exhibiting art in their homes? I love sets of framed prints - it's such an inexpensive way to get art on the walls. You can even cut up calendars and have something great looking. Same with black and white photographs - take your own pictures, or make your own botanicals. The best advice for hanging art is to hang it lower rather than higher! Aim for eye level. Put art work just a few inches above the sofa or a buffet. If art is hung too high above a piece of furniture it looks like it's moving off into space. Try to ground art work by hanging it over a solid piece of furniture, if possible. Avoid hanging just one small piece of art - it will get lost. Balance small canvases with surrounding plates or a set of prints with a small mirror above the canvas. You don't have to hang just art, consider mirrors and plates. When hanging mirrors, use chains so that the mirror is angled down - this way it reflects something other than the ceiling. Remember - mirrors should reflect something beautiful - not the ceiling vents!!!

Collecting Creamware

Named for the pale white clay used to create it, earthenware known as creamware actually comes in several colors and with various designs. The most collectible editions come from 1780 to 1820. Several companies including Wedgewood produced the once affordable pieces for the middle class. Now they're a less affordable commodity and are eagerly swept up by fans.
Collection dated 1775

Wedgewood grouping from 1765

Mottled or tortoise creamware from the 1750s

Collection of pitchers and small bowls from 1755-1770

Photos: Country Living, Rufus Foshee (4), The Canterbury Auction Galleries, Dargate Auction Galleries

Vintage Treasures at Blackman Cruz

Blackman Cruz has a sensational collection of vintage and new goods spanning several design periods in their L.A. showroom. "Adam Blackman and David Cruz founded the company in 1993 as a resource for adventurous collectors and designers who share their passion for exceptional, idiosyncratic furniture and accessories." I've assembled a selection of pieces including Victorian glass domes, antique circus animals from the 1920's, a 1957 royal Christmas card, Singer's vintage ribbonaire fan, mounted industrial lenses, a giant Malaysian clam shell and a French pocket telescope.

Ladders

I love the look of ladders or antique trellises inside. There are so many beautiful wooden ones that work well as both sculptural objects and unique storage for blankets.
Photos: William Waldron, Martyn Thompson, Cox and Cox, Ditte Isager, The Selby

Selections from the Neasdon Control Centre

What is the Neasden Control Centre? It sounds like they might launch missiles or hold multinational secrets, but in reality they're a London based design studio that sinks its teeth into illustration, art direction, installation, typography, and film. As noted on their site, founder Stephen Smith has exhibited his work internationally most recently at the Nam June Paik Center in South Korea and Calm and Punk in Tokyo. Here are a few selections of their fun, bright and playful work.

Do You Like These Paintings?

Me too, but guess what? They're rugs. Put these pretties underfoot. All are from the talented folks at Fort Street Studio.