Category Archives: summer

Third time’s a charm

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We’re happy to report that this year’s Third Annual Art in the Parc event was truly one for the books. Expanding the party space from the patio onto the driveway, we invited even more of our talented artist friends to share their work.  In addition to wearables, paintings and prints, this year we included two skilled culinary artisans selling cupcakes, fresh juices and jams. Yum!

At Chartreuse we love to throw a good party, so this year’s special design details included trendy neon paper chains framing the street, trees and patio and fun chalk art on the sidewalk. Our friends at PopoWags entertained and fed our guests with their live kettle corn popping, which was then served in hand-screened popcorn bags, designed by our lovely intern Ali.

The shiniest star of this year’s event was our friend Amelia the Airstream. Greeting guests majestically in the driveway, Amelia showcased the interior design skills of Chartreuse and enchanted with her extreme makeover story.

Huge thanks go to our artists, friends and guests for sharing a charming summer evening with us in Lakewood. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Welcome Intern Ali!

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We at Chartreuse are especially jazzed about our trio becoming a quartet for the summer months with the addition of Ali Forbes, a recent graduate of Ohio University. Ali’s passion for pattern and design quickly clicked with our team, and we’re thrilled to have her on board until August.

Swing by Art in the Parc next Friday, July 20th to say hello to Ali and check out this year’s showcase of local artists!

Chartreuse Goes Mobile

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What better way to get up from our desks, be active and celebrate summer than a group bike ride around town? A technical difficulty first led us to Century Cycles in Rocky River for a quick bike fix.

The staff was wonderfully helpful as always (thanks Ray!), and we continued on for a much needed caffeine break at our favorite summer coffee shop, Erie Island. The breezy open air setup makes this spot a warm weather win, and it couldn’t be more convenient for anyone traveling on two wheels.

Our ride was short and sweet, but the ideal afternoon break for a perfect summer day. Just like one of our favorite Underground cards says, “Everything is Better on a Bicycle.” Get on your bikes and ride!

trend spotting @ the NYIGF

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A few weekends ago I was lucky enough to attend the New York International Gift Fair at the Javits Convention Center in the big apple. Vendors of gifts, home decor, accessories, treats for babies, pets and home were assembled to show and share their newest and greatest designs and product lines.

As a design firm we don’t necessarily attend the show to shop for our holiday gift line, but to research emerging trends in colors and patterns, to see what will be hot in the upcoming months with regards to themes for interiors, for events and for retail.

After walking the monstrous show my creative brain was on fire. So much inspiration, so many amazing references, so many things to show and share with our team and our clients back in Cleveland.

Top of the list trends? Hands down, anything and everything nautical. If you know me, you know I LOVE nautical anything, but I am so thrilled to know more and more whales, lobsters, seashells and all things beachy will be hitting our local boutiques come spring!

Other trends that are strong front runners would be anything organic in feel from soft linen pillows to wooden lamps and jewelry. A touch of nature is a nice way to off set the highly techy world we live in.

Bold colors for home interiors products are popping up everywhere. Where stores used to sell more neutral mix and match products, now patterns and bold colors are being paired together for a more eclectic feel. A bright orange pillow, a yellow ikat print and a blue chevron, they all work together.

Anyhow, if you are ever looking for a little creative reference infusion, check out the New york Gift Show, it happens twice a year and it seriously is a wonderful way to charge up your design passion!

(booths top to bottom. Jonathan Adler. Thomas Paul. Dwell Studio)

down on the farm

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This year one of our studio goals was to plant a small herb garden, watch seeds grown and use the harvest in our day to day summer cooking creations. It was a learning adventure all around. From starting little seeds in the chilly months, to moving our little sprouts out into the big outdoors, it was a little labor of love. Along with the obvious basil and chartreuse zinnia flowers we also planted a handful of beet and french radish seeds.  Continue reading →