Doux Nid [du ni]

Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest minds in history, left a prodigious legacy in science, architecture, sculpture, painting, engineering, music, and mathematics. During his lifetime he filled up 13,000 journal pages with designs for wings to shoes for walking on water. Let Leonardo inspire you. Turn up your creativity by keeping a visual journal. Record beautiful things, ideas, and inspirations that you see in your everyday life. Write, sketch or doodle. Glue photos from magazines. Whatever works for you.  Start with loose-leaf paper secured with a fancy clip or invest in a bound journal made of buttery leather. Discover how keeping a visual journal refines and elevates your design sensibilities making them deeper and more complex.

Instead of buying man-made accessories, I love to bring nature indoors. Think about using branches in all shapes and sizes. Place them on cocktail tables, in vases, and on shelves. Branches are great for dinner parties too mixed with other design elements on the table.

For a really remarkable look, stand branches in jardinieres and hang them on walls. It makes a bold statement that is very sculptural.

Large branches also provide opportunities to showcase collections. One of my favorite themes is beauty. When you see something beautiful in your daily travels, write the idea on a handmade-paper tag and hang it on the large branches. For unexpected sparkle, add strings of crystal beads too. Sharing ideas on branches is a great way to practice reverence and celebrate natural beauty in an ever-changing way.  Think about hanging seashells from natural jute, antique keys, or gorgeous preserved flowers as well. The possibilities are endless. Happy hanging.

There is nothing like the thrill of finding soulful treasures that add layers of patina to our homes and closets. Usually these treasures are handmade and exotic from all parts of the globe. French-market bags made of palm leaves trimmed in leather, handcrafted boots from Turkey that are individual pieces of folk art, belt buckles encrusted with seashells or precious minerals, and pear-wood fans from Spain to hold are some favorites that set my heart racing.

When adding soulful treasures to the mix, think about creating focal points. Whether dressing a room or designing an outfit, every angle, side, or wall should have a place that the eye runs to first. Unique treasures are perfect for capturing interest and drawing attention. They are natural focal points that add patina, personality, and style to living.