Office – Kristen Laird Design

KRIS Likes…. Bookshelves

Published on March 30, 2014 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“Every book is a quotation; and every house is a quotation out of all forests, and mines, and stone quarries; and every man is a quotation from all his ancestors.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is finally starting to feel a little bit like spring here in New York and that means … time for spring cleaning. One of my favorite spring cleaning activities is re-styling my bookshelves. It is a great way to freshen things up and give new life to your old objects and accessories. When re-styling a bookshelf you should always be thinking of ways to alternate the color, sizes and orientation of your books. This will help give the shelves some visual interest and break the monotony of vertical rows. Lighting and artwork on the surface of the shelving is a great way to give your bookshelves an additional design element without adding extra items that may leave your shelves feeling cluttered. To keep a clean and tailored look always make sure to keep all the spines of your books at the same depth. Here is a little inspiration to get you started… Enjoy!

hbx-red-coffee-table-newberry-0413-de — Connie Newberry House Beautiful

Alain and Claude Fassier House and Garden

Richard Meier Architectural Digest — Richard Meier House & Garden

KRIS Likes… Things that inspire

Published on February 13, 2012February 13, 2012 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“When something is irresistible, you should buy it. Pictures, objects, and furnishings that speak to you tend to speak to each other, creating improbably wonderful harmonies.” – Mary McDonald, Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style

I just spent the weekend putting up my new inspiration board (or wall) in my office. There are few things in life that give me as much pleasure and satisfaction as creating a whole wall filled with images of things I love and admire; things that make me happy and inspire me to be creative and create beautiful things. It is the gift that keeps on giving and growing! Due to life’s many obligations, it has been awhile since my last post. There have been so many things I have been inspired to share and haven’t gotten the chance too. Therefore, it seemed fitting to post something that included all of the things I have fallen in love with since my last post… Or at least a good majority of them! This will be the first time I have shared personal photo’s but now seemed like as good a time as any! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do – although, nothing is better than creating your own…

Photos from the inspiration board currently in my office….

Bert Stern Marilyn In Black Dress 1962

Top Photograph: Bert Stern Marilyn Monroe in The Famous Black Dress for the Cover Tribute in Vogue (from The Last Sitting) 1960’s

KRIS Likes… Bookends

Published on November 23, 2010November 25, 2010 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

A Matter of Taste and Utility – Book Think: Bookends and Beginnings

Pair of Buddha Soapstone Bookends

If you are like me and are an avid reader with a sizable book collection, then you most likely also have plenty of bookcases to house them in. When properly arranged, a bookcase can be an important feature of a well-designed room, as well as, a great place to inject a little personality. In addition to adding visual interest, bookends keep your bookshelves functional and neat – and let’s be honest, there is no point decorating a bookcase you plan on keeping messy! When decorating your bookcase remember that while it is a good idea to use decorative objects, like bookends, to break the monotony of the books, you don’t want to go overboard and end up with cluttered shelves! Books are beautiful in their own right and you don’t want to take away from that. Always remember to leave a little breathing room on your shelves. Hopefully, these bookends will be the inspiration you need to start displaying those books with a little added sense of flair…. or at the very least, offer a good excuse to update them! Personally, I find arranging bookcases fun and rewarding so I hope you enjoy!

Soa Paulo Quartz Bookends

Onyx & Metal “Salta” Bookends from Horchow

Or for the slightly less expensive version…..

Crystal Ball Bookends

Agate Bookend from Jayson Home and Garden

Malchite Green Italian Alabaster Egg Bookends

Vintage Foo Dog Bookends in Brass

Can never go wrong with a Foo Dog and I love the Greek Key detail on the bases!

Vintage Japanese Symbol Brass Bookends with Greek Key Boarder

Red Resin Fu Dog Bookends from CB2

Agate and Silver Bookends

David Cafiero

Cow Horn on Onyx Base “Cubo” Bookends from Horchow

Miles Redd

KRIS Likes… Campo Marzio Design

Published on October 27, 2010October 27, 2010 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

If you obsess over office accessories like I do you won’t want to miss this post… Campo Marzio Design, an Italian fashion accessory company, has finally made its début in the United States with a store-in-store boutique at Kate’s Paperie in Soho (72 Spring Street, Between Crosby and Lafayette). The esteemed stationer’s Midtown and Upper East Side locations will soon follow suit.

Campo Marzio began in the 1930’s in Rome as a little bottega that specialized in manufacturing unique and extraordinary fashion pens. It wasn’t until 1990 that the company expanded to include vibrantly colored accessories for your home, office and travel. Bright, lush colors, high quality genuine leather – the photos speak for themselves! Fashionable office supply freaks better prepare for heaven! Campo Marzio is by far my new favorite discovery and I am guessing it will be yours as well…. Enjoy!

The leather portfolio’s and document holders (below) are my personal favorites…..

If you can’t make it to the Soho shop do not fret! Below are just a few of the Campo Marzio Designs that Kate’s Paperie recently added to their online shop at www.katespaperie.com.

16″ x 11″ Marzio Laptop Cases $27. Made from a lightweight rugged nylon material these two-toned laptop cases provides for long life and extra protection for you computer. Choose from 5 colors. Also available in a 13″ and size for your ipad.