Harvest Agency

Call me crazy, but I think we can all get along. I believe it to be a devastating lie to think that everyone in the design realm has to be in competition with each other. Design is collaborative. It’s a process of problem solving; thus, it is always best to have a few extra sets of eyes to point out the things you might not have thought about.

Plus, there’s a deep sense of understanding: “yeah, I keep absolutely everything too because I think I can make something out of it” type understanding.

We’re all mad here.- Cheshire Cat

Aside from being insanely good to look at, Harvest Agency understands that it is far better to be in collaboration than in competition. Trying to make it on your own is intimidating and so so so hard. It’s great to have a team cheering you on, sharing in your successes and “at least I learned a lot” moments.

I see my future in design as being part of something bigger than myself. I’m really not looking to get famous. I just want to be inspired and enriched in the creative process. I believe in surrounding myself with like-minded people. Maybe I’m crazy or maybe I’m on to something.

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The What and the How

We’re going to a memorial this afternoon. Forever frozen at 27 years old. Beyond the shock and sadness of it all, there is a deep sense of gratitude. I realize that I am beyond blessed, and I’ve been feeling it a lot lately. I am endlessly thankful for the life I have been given.

There is also inspiration and motivation to live like a thankful person. I am learning the lesson that it’s really less about what you do and so much more about how you do it. The sudden end to such a young life is a testament to that. I’m such a work in progress, but I am trying to be mindful that everything in life is an opportunity: an opportunity to be kind, to love, to learn, to inspire, to be inspired…

I’ve come to know a few of my customers in the restaurant from simply serving them food. It has turned into hugs when they come in the door, and conversations about life, even some tears. It’s a funny thing when you start to realize that even waitressing can be deeply fulfilling. That it is the how you do it that makes all the difference.

His life was short. Mine could be too, or it could be long. All I know is that I need to cultivate more gratitude. I need to focus on the how, and not always on the “once I achieve ____ I will be happy.”

 

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I Need a Chainsaw

Will raw cuts of wood ever go off trend? I can’t picture it. I am STILL on the hunt for a round olive wood cutting board. Through my past year of design school I have come to understand finishes a lot more than I used to (and I realize there is so much to learn). There is sa big world beyond cursory painted walls and wood floors: porcelain wall tiles for the bathroom that look like wood planks, a lightweight plaster that can be washed onto walls to make them look like concrete, stainless steel ceiling tiles, seagrass wall coverings….. and on and on and on. It’s this realization that there is so much more to choose from that has made this girl become rather enchanted with industrial design. There’s not much carpet and painted walls to be found. What happens is that a grouping of the simplest forms become intriguing through a gorgeous wood grain set against a fluid looking steel, set against a sleek concrete set against a rustic crumbing brick…. and you get it. The popularity of raw wood cuts (birch trunk side tables, coasters cut from tree branches etc.) plays into this understanding that things don’t have to be intricate to be interesting. Interest can be built from material and the resulting contrast of mixed finishes.

Does it sound like I’m learning something?

I am finished my semester at the end of June, and i think this is going to go on the list of “to create” once I am no longer bogged down with drafting. A cluster of three would be divine.

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If I Had the Space

I would totally be ripping this idea off immediately. I made a vinyl sign in our kitchen that reads “Recepción” as a rebellion against the small space we actually inhabit. Plus, I wiiiiiiish I could speak Spanish. When Penelope Cruz gets going with her native tongue I go bananas with envy. I think tantrums would be immeasurably more effective if I could switch over to Spanish and just have a go.

In any case, this picture is a great start to something good. One of those ideas I need to put in my back pocket for another rental (we’re lifers- we live in one of the most expensive places in the world- and I’m ok with that) sometime in our future.

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This’ll Do.

Simple. Unfussy. And those lights? Playful.

I adore the unexpected, and sometimes it can be achieved in the most effortless way- like in the off-center hanging of that vintage map (it looks right because it’s still in line with the center line of the sofa).

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Wash Basin.

Moroccan tile backsplash and an above counter sink. I’ve just started to notice wall mounted faucets. I think they’re quite fun.

 

 

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French Black

Just when you think this space couldn’t get any better, you look at the little stove reflected in the mirror.

It’s settled. I need a flat in Paris.

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Bright Lights, Dining Table

I realize that this is a show room display, but how fun is this over the top dining room vignette? I would scoop it in a heart beat.

I have a “dream list” of things I would love to collect, vintage-style marquee letters are on that list. Big love for that “rock star” sign on the wall.

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Vintage Sun

The powder blue and pastel coral give the most perfect vintage vibe. Loving this muted complimentary colour pairing.

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His & Hers.

I adore the open vanity, separate his & hers mirrors and wood panelled bathtub.

And then there’s that chair. Gush.

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