Love Polaroids? Discover The Impossible Project

Some of us would like to see a resurgence of instant analog film. And the heroes of this movement might be the team behind The Impossible Project. Instead of seeking out lost and found collections of it, they're using the company's old equipment to produce new film with the old essence. They've started off with black and white and we can olny guess that color is coming next. Their limited-edition "First Flush" series introduces a silver-based monochrome film, currently available in two formats, 600 and SX-70. To enjoy more shots see the gallery.

Exclusively available for in-store purchase at the Photographer's Gallery Bookshop in London, the film also sells for $21 via The Impossible Project's online shop.

Inspiration from Leslie Williamson

I'm sharing some of photographer, Leslie Williamson's interiors shots today. I love the display in these rooms. There's great use of space and color.

Q&A with Grace Bonney

We're very excited to have Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge participate in our Q&A today. Bonney is in an elite class of phenomenal business women working in design. Her blog, Design*Sponge is one of the most popular and beloved by fans and is a daily must-read for thousands.As her bio reads, Bonney has worked as a contributing editor at Domino Magazine and CRAFT magazine, and as a freelancer with top publications like House and Garden, New York Home, Food and Wine, In Style, Better Homes and Gardens, New York Magazine, CITY Magazine, Time Out New York Kids, Architect, The New York Post, Everyday with Rachael Ray and others. In addition, she wrote a weekly design column for the Philadelphia Inquirer for two years and has worked as Style Editor of HGTV’s Ideas Magazine.

One of the things I admire most about Grace is that she wants to share her knowledge and works to bridge the communication between experienced talent in the biz with those just starting off. Check out her D*S Biz Lady Series. It's a national series of meet-ups for women running design-based businesses. Bonney hosts and speaks at these events designed to connect local designers and provide free advice on the subjects of PR/marketing, legal concerns, business/financial decisions and wholesaling. As her blog notes, Design*Sponge also hosts an annual D*S Scholarship to support up-and-coming art and design students. So far over $16,000 in prize money has been awarded to students across the country. Yay, Grace! Keep up the great work!

1. Name: Grace Bonney
2. Occupation: Founder and editor of Design*Sponge, a daily blog dedicated to all things home design.
3. Last purchase you made that is hanging on your wall? Last year when I was in Savannah, GA for our wedding I splurged on a hand-drawn "Shag Queen" (a southern beauty queen) portrait at shop SCAD by Stephanie Howard.
4. What's the item you've had the longest hanging on your wall? A painting of two bears on a black background by Marci Washington.
5. Favorite place to buy art? Etsy and small design shops (they always have good eyes/buyers). I like flea markets as well, but I tend to buy tiny pieces there (pocket-sized silhouettes, etc), rather than full-sized artwork.
6. Do you collect anything? I'm more of a hoarder-of fabrics. I don't have them organized, but if I could surround myself with fabric swatches I would.
7. Any advice for those exhibiting art in their homes? The thing I try to focus on is keeping art in proportion with walls. It always bums me out to come into a home and see a single tiny picture or painting on a huge open wall. I love groupings, or working with large-scale prints for larger walls. It makes a huge difference.

Photo: Anna Wolf

White is Right

Clean white pieces, alone or mixed in, always look great.

Photos: Dos Family, Style Files, My Scandanavian Retreat, Magnus Nusslelander, Daniella Lomma

Get Ready for the Derby

The Kentucky Derby is coming up so I've collected some equestrian delights from Etsy.

Photo: Country Living

Le Petit Garage

Vintage Horseshoes Livingston Porter

Petite Polieller

Kellya

Horse Racing Signs from J Herrmann

Studio Lyon

Marble Book Ends from Uncommon Eye

Kellya

Green and Pretty

Serena & The General Store

Artist Serena Mitnik-Miller has a lot to celebrate. The latest issue of Arktip features her light and airy watercolors as well as her bonus San Francisco map. She has also opened The General Store with Mason St. Peter which features carefully curated items from both new and vintage sources. Local Artisans and Craftspeople contribute to the mix of furniture, clothing, tools, plants, household items, books, jewelry, cards and small electronics. There's even a greenhouse out back. Together with artists Charlie Callahan, Jeff Canham, Jeff Manson and David Muller, Serena will be exhibiting at the show, "Habitat" at the Park Life Gallery.

The General Store 4035 Judah Street San Francisco, CA 94122 415-682-0600

Tilework to Talk About

Here are some great examples of making a statement with colored tile. Adding contrasting tile can create a focus point or frame another strong feature in the room. Another plus, it can go anywhere.

Photos: Coastal Living, House Beautiful, John Morgan, James Carriere, Nathan Schroder, Jackie Terrell, Gena Sigala, Elle Decor, Reed Davis

Artist, Martin Machado

Artist Martin Machado has his first solo exhibit at Heart right now. It's overdue. This previous merchant marine, sailor and commercial fisherman has seen enough in his travels to inspire wonderful large paintings that are frequently compiled of oils and watercolors.

Coup d'Etat Antiques and Design

Arguably one of the best showrooms and sources for one of-a-kind pieces in San Francisco is Coup d'Etat. Darin Geise, the Owner, and Bob Wilms, Sales Director, will be contributing to this year's much anticipated Decorator's Showcase. They've been tasked with outfitting the library of a San Francisco mansion as other top firms are designated to the other areas. I'm sure Coup d'Etat's display will blow us away. The event is from May 1 through May 31, 2010 and proceeds benefit University High scholarship programs. If you can't make that, check out their showroom. It will leave you drooling. Here are just a few of their pieces that fit the HallReady concept of artful display.

Photographic study on birds nests.

Natural History Sea Creature Skeleton

Coral Branch Chandeliers

British Victorian 17th Regiment Uniform Jacket

Taiho Rock painting, wall size, by Topher Delaney

Light sculpture by artist Nathan Cabreana

Collection of Sphere Chandeliers

Coup d'Etat - 111 Rhode Island Street, Suite 1, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: 415-241-9300