Art | Design Happens

ALL POSTS IN [Art]

The Nursery Files: Hanging a Gallery Wall

by Marianne Canada May 17, 2013 2 Comments

Now that we’re closing in on my due date, I’m ready to finish this nursery. The last big project I’m tackling is hanging the eclectic assortment of art I’ve been collecting (and in the case of this monogrammed string art, making) with this space in mind. Hanging a gallery art wall can look overwhelming, but it’s really a snap. Sherry and John over at Young House Love have some great tips for using newspaper templates when hanging a lot of art in a space. In the end, I laid out the artwork on the floor first and then eyeballed it on the wall. I think it turned out pretty great.

How to Hang a Gallery Style Art Wall

I was able to check one more project off my list this week, recovering the glider cushions. If you remember from this post, this glider had great lines but the dingy white cushions had to go. I knew that as soon as I spotted this modern fish-printed fabric that I had found the perfect pattern. My friend Emily’s mom (thank you Teresa!) made slipcovers for the existing cushions and boom! The glider looks brand new for just $30 in fabric costs.

Recovered Nursery Glider

Only a few more last-minute details and then I’m ready to unveil the finished room, not to mention ready to have a baby.

Catch up on The Nursery Files from the beginning:

Freebie Fridays: Win Original Art From The Tappan Collective

by Liz Gray April 5, 2013 59 Comments

Update: Congratulations to this month’s random winner, Van. Check back on May 3 for another great giveaway.

Now that spring has finally arrived, the time is right to shake up your decor. Along with new paint colors and spring cleaning to-dos, why not update your home by starting an original art collection? It’s easier than you think — and this month’s giveaway with affordable original art retailer The Tappan Collective can help.

The Tappan Collective founders Jordan Klein and Chelsea Neman started their company to make it easy for art lovers (and art newbies!) to easily find and buy original artwork from emerging artists. One lucky Design Happens reader will win their choice from the three original pieces featured in this post. Read on to enter for a chance to win.

Tappan Collective - Win Free Original Artwork

Chefchaouen 2 by Shay Spaniola

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ORIGINAL ART

Featured

Daily Delight: The Neon Museum of Las Vegas

by Grant Dudley April 4, 2013 4 Comments

Last month, I had my very first Las Vegas experience — and, I think I did pretty good for a first-timer. I gambled a little (came home $75 richer), saw Celine Dion at Caesars Palace and I visited The Neon Museum. The slot machines and Ms. Dion had been on the agenda, but The Neon Museum was something my buddy and I decided to take in on a whim. And truthfully, it was one of the trip’s highlights (right up there with Celine!).

Photo From The Neon Museum

If you’re a history buff, this place is for you. The Neon Museum is home to Las Vegas’ old neon signs that once kept the city famously lit. Pieces in their collection include signage from the Moulin Rouge Hotel, the Stardust and Desert Inn. You can go on a guided tour through their “boneyard” and hear tales of the city’s fascinating past.

Photo From The Neon Museum

Apparently, many newlyweds go to the museum’s boneyard and have offbeat wedding pictures made there. Whatever your relationship status, I highly recommend you visit this place on your next Vegas adventure — you won’t regret it.

More Neon Talk From Design Happens:
June 2012′s Color of the Month
DIY Crafts: Neon Animal Garland
Neon Decor Scores

Daily Delight: DIY Photo Frame Wall Clock

by Jessica Yonker March 11, 2013 6 Comments

Yawn. We’re still a little tired this morning from yesterday’s spring forward. Maybe if we had this cool DIY picture frame wall clock, coping with daylight savings time would be easier.

Get instructions for making your own >>

Featured

Daily Delight: Famous TV Show Floor Plans

by Grant Dudley March 6, 2013 10 Comments

Spanish designer and artist Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has made blueprints a kind of art by producing detailed floor plans of our favorite TV show apartments and houses. Take a peek — so fun!

Famous TV Show Floor Plan

Featured

Daily Delight: Porcelain Popcorn With Gold Glaze

by Grant Dudley January 9, 2013 3 Comments

Porcelain popcorn, with a gold glaze? Say what? Say amazing! These sculptures are by LA-based artist Pae White.

Porcelain Popcorn

I would enjoy seeing what Pae could do with other tasty snacks as inspiration!

Featured

Daily Delight: Japan’s Tunnel of Lights

by Grant Dudley November 12, 2012 10 Comments

Through March of next year, Japan’s Winter Illuminations light show is in full swing. If you’re near the island of Nagashima in Kuwana, the installation is a must-see for tourists (I mean, just look at the photos — this is spectacular!).

Tunnel of Lights

Featured

Daily Delight: Paris Trampoline Bridge

by Grant Dudley November 7, 2012 6 Comments

ArchTriumph is a competition in Paris that asks entrants to submit creative ways to cross the Seine River. Design firm Atelier Zündel Cristea came up with the idea of a fun, bouncy bridge. Though they only placed third in the competition, the idea takes top prize in my book.

Trampoline Bridge

Some naysayers think the bridge is a terrible idea (even dangerous). It probably is, but I can’t get bogged down in those details. I just want to bounce!

Featured

Daily Delight: Food Can Art

by Grant Dudley October 26, 2012 9 Comments

Canstruction® is an annual design competition and food charity in New York City. Over 25 teams of architects, engineers and contractors compete to build enormous structures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. They are then on view to the public until dismantled and donated to City Harvest. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a can of high quality food.

If you’re in the NYC area, check out the exhibit November 2 – 14 at the World Financial Center Complex.