These have to be among the most artful sticky notes I have ever come across. Available at Madewell, the collage-style Pansydaisy® for Top Hat sticky note two-packs come in eight different designs and are sure to bring sophisticated chaos to your next jotted note…

I am a huge fan of the gorgeous thread installations created by Mexican artist Gabriel Dawe. The ornate layering and depth of colour created using just regular sewing thread is astounding. I love the many rainbow pieces in Gabriel’s “Plexus” series but find myself particularly drawn to the installations of three or five colours and especially the very high ones and those that wrap around staircases. What beautiful magic can be created with simple sewing supplies and a little insane dedication…

(photographs via gabriel dawe)

In my latest post for Rena Tom, I explored two subtle trends that have caught my eye lately: Constellations and Honeycomb. From sequin pants to abstract mobiles, there appears to be no shortage of unique applications possible. They may currently bask in the spotlight but classic hexagonal patterns and the long-held love affair with the night sky ensure a timeless quality for both honeycomb and constellations designs. If it tickles your fancy, read my post here…

(photographs via 100 layer cake, riches for rags, lauren haupt, matsys design, viasnella, bec brittain, mochi things & julie nolan)

Paper sampler books are always full of lovely swatches of colour but rarely gorgeous items of design themselves. I love this GF Smith’s sample book created by MadeThought to showcase the brand’s “iconic range of premium coloured papers and boards”. The tab cutting style reveals all 50 colours along the book’s edge and highlights the endless hue combinations possible. Oh and don’t even get me started on that sublime binding with multicolour stitches…

(photographs via september industry)

I really do love every colour (except maybe beige) but I have always avoided traditional, yellow-toned pastels. But, the new love affair with sorbet hues has turned pastels in a more clear, modern direction. Sorbet hues are bright pastels and I just love the whole colour family (see my gushing article about them here). I also love these beautiful images by stylist Charlotte Lovey and photographer Jonathan Gooch as they showcase the brightness of sorbets and the way they work beautifully with dashes of white, neon and wood…

(photographs via charlotte lovey)

Photographer Joanna McClure has several series devoted to the dynamic structure of paper but her ‘Synesthesia’ collection has caught my eye for its abstract beauty and gorgeous use of colour. Are those strips of translucent paper interacting in a bed of water? I can’t completely tell but I am smitten with the juicy, gel-like textures and intersecting palettes created regardless…

(photographs via joanna mcclure)

I love the mid-century colour palette featured in this photograph of vintage zippers by Suzanna Scott. Tiffany blue, tomato red and avocado look lovely together…

(photograph via suzanna scott)

Louisa Parris scarves are a luxurious, modern mix of vibrant colour and pattern. I particularly love the palette of her new ‘Collection Two’ and the simple but beautiful styling featured throughout her lookbook…

(photographs via louisa parris)

Yep, more proof I am obsessed with modern neon. I love these personalized neon signs by Penny Farthing Design House. The Australian studio handcrafts each sign in whatever word or colour you can think of. What an unexpected pop of happy created amid rustic or chic interiors…

(photographs via penny farthing design house and poppytalk)

Ecole Maternelle Pajol is a four-classroom kindergarten in Paris’s 18th arrondissement that joyfully showcases how colour and education are a true dream team. I love how Parisian architects Palatre & Leclère restored the 1940′s building. The front retains its vintage brick beauty while the back explodes with vibrant patterns and colourful activities. The interiors are equally joyful with bold hallways, bright furniture/building materials and a dotted ceiling I just love. Even the washroom features fabulous streamlined colour and animal details (love those dividers!) This kindergarten must be one magical place to learn and play…

(spotted on the cool hunter)

Logo-shaped paper clips, branded bubble wrap or pylons, innovative cake decorating – there are so many ways the little things create fabulous design and memorable retail. In my latest post for Rena Tom, I rounded up some inspiring images devoted to one of my favourite topics: “retail details”. I strongly believe it is mindful, creative details that turn good stores or brands into great ones. If you fancy, take a look at my post here.

(photographs via kledzik, i am baker, design you trust, jay mug, september industry and veronique)

I love photographs of workspaces particularly when they are covered in piles of creativity and yes, colour swatches. This behind-the-scenes shot of the Old Navy offices showcases the creative process of colour selection and forms a fun, punchy palette of Pantone chips…

(photograph via old navy behind-the-scenes pinterest board)

Check out this extraordinary piece by shadow artist Kumi Yamashita created for the American Express office lobby in Tribeca, New York. Kumi asked American Express employees to take a photo of their profile and selected 22 images for the wall installation. Using carefully creased origami paper and a single light source, she effectively sculpted shadow to reveal the profiles on the wall. The power of light, colour and paper never ceases to astound me…

(spotted on my modern met)

We have all heard of “pop-UP” retail but will “pop-OUT” retail become the next begin thing? I am in love with the ingenious design of The Gourmet Tea in a São Paulo, Brazil shopping centre. Created by architect Alan Chu and inspired by the brand’s 35 brightly hued tea tins, the space is a wall of artful squares when closed and a lively, angled store when open. The flat panels of the plywood box “slide, swing and roll” into a vibrant space within minutes. I love how the shop sign is a hinged flap. A brilliant, colourful design that proves small spaces are often the most magical. Perhaps we can turn all malls into art installations when closed?

(photography by djan chu via dezeen)
(pop over to my other the gourmet tea post here)

So technically, this is last week’s ‘palette of the week’. Whoops. Expect two featured colour combinations this week! I love the way brands and identities can be transformed to fit vastly different applications. This photograph by Heather David captures the bold pattern and colour of a Disneyland shopping bag from the 1960′s. How great is the abstract use of Mickey Mouse ears? Proof that great branding doesn’t need to shout to be wildly effective…

(photograph by heather david, spotted on present & correct’s pinterest)

Cash desks, sales counters or receptions desks are sometimes overlooked as retail elements bursting with magnificent design potential. I think this area is the soul of a store or studio. It’s where guests are welcomed, a customer turns that sought-after item into their cherished possession and where lasting impressions are formed. In my latest post for Rena Tom’s site, I focused on the design possibilities of cash desks and the functionality considerations that should be kept in mind. It was a hunt but I think I tracked down some inspiring images for your next retail or reception desk creation! To read my post, please take a look here.

(photographs via made by girl, brent comber, arch daily, reception desk world, xnet and decor hacks)