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 am a big fan of Canadian landscape architect Claude Cormier and when I saw the photographs of his Les Boules Roses installation in Montreal, I almost immediately booked a ticket East. Created for the Aires Libres summer celebration which turns Sainte-Catherine Street East into an art-loving pedestrian zone, the piece features 200,000 resin balls in three sizes and five tones of pink. Using bracing wire, the rows of balls are laced through the trees in nine different suspension patterns and at varying heights. The final product is a magical canopy stretching over 1km between St. Hubert and Papineau streets. The different tones of pink and levels of suspension bring dimension-rich, joyful texture to the streetscape. You can see this gorgeous temporary rooftop from now until September 16th. The world needs more colourful street canopies methinks…

(photographs via claude cormier, archdaily and arthitectural)

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)

My love for modern, typography-focused neon grows daily it seems. This once-of-a-kind neon sign by Adam Garcia is a perfect example of why. Oy, how I would love to put this wise and handsome gem on a studio wall…

(spotted on colossal)

I can’t imagine not living next to the ocean. An endless source of inspiration and natural beauty, oceans provide stunning colour palettes from dreamy persimmon sunsets to streaks of foggy lavender to layers of neon sailboats. I love this shot of Venezuela by photographer Sergio J. Padrón A because it highlights the many dimensions of water hues and how just a bit of colour pops against a textured blue canvas…

(photograph by sergio j. padrón a)

I just spotted prototype shots of a simply beautiful weather app called ‘Brisk‘ and it has put a stop to all my complaining about the sad weather icons that dominate technology. Designed by Eddie Lobanovskiy of Two Solid, the app works like a regular thermometer with temperatures moving up and down bars. It looks like there will be local forecast and detailed weather info too. Of course, I am most smitten with the gorgeous colour coded bars depicting heat levels. Instinctual and clever. I can’t wait to see how Brisk will develop. Colour coded weather is just better…

(sign up here if you want to know when Brisk makes its way to the App store)

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)