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Pink soothes the savage beast. At least that is the theory behind “Drunk Tank Pink”, a remarkable experiment with color as mood influencer. The first application was in 1979 when Alexander Schauss convinced the Seattle Naval correctional institute to slather a particular shade of bubblegum pink (aka Baker-Miller Pink, aka P-618) on the bars, walls, floor, and ceiling of several prison cells in the belief that it would pacify violent inmates. The Navy reported reduced aggressive behavior after only 15 minutes of exposure. This shade of pink has since been used in a Swiss prison and some US “drunk tanks”, as well as by one diabolical Iowa football coach who had the opposing team’s locker room painted pink to put them in a passive mood.

FURTHER STUDIES IN PINK

But does pink really calm the mind? Although Kendall Jenner claims her Baker-Miller Pink room relaxes her brain AND suppresses her appetite, the scientific evidence is weak. The original study and the others since then contained flaws such as uncontrolled variables, unspecific methods of analysis, and questionable data recording. A more recent study by Gilliam & Unruh titled, The Effects of Baker-Miller Pink on Biological, Physical and Congitive Behavior, concluded that “The results of research on the effects of Baker-Miller pink are conflicting and further research is indicated. However, in search of techniques and materials to utilize in the management of disruptive, disturbing, and violent behaviour, professionals should exercise caution in the adoption of methods and materials based upon the earlier reported positive effects of exposure to the Baker-Miller pink colour.”  

There have been several other attempts to test the theory and all have come back with contradictory conclusions. Schauss himself repeated his test a few years later at another location with no success. In fact, he noted that some inmates became more violent.

GENDER ISN’T A COLOR

One possible explanation for inmates’ reactions to pink could be found in interviews of the Swiss prisoners who claimed they were humiliated by the little girl color of their cell. The emasculating power of pink was also brought up when former Arizona Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, was accused of forcing inmates to wear pink underwear as a form of punishment. The court noted that the color of the underwear was a sign of the prisoners’ loss of masculinity.

But the idea of pink as feminine is cultural, not biological. The current fashion of pink for girls is a late 20^th Century concept. In 1918 The Ladies Home Journal wrote, “the generally accepted rule is pink for the boy and blue for the girl. The reason is that pink being a more decided and stronger color is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl.”   It was in the 1950s that the roles switched. There is some speculation the change occurred because the Nazi’s forced gay prisoners to wear pink triangles thus associating the hue with all things feminine and weak.

TIME CHANGES COLOR

The last 100 years upended our view of pink. It became synonymous with femininity and was shoved to the back of the room and buried under patriarchal stereotypes. Human physiology doesn’t change, but our culture evolves: from women’s rights to civil rights, air travel to the Internet. Evolution is why pink is seeing a return to the spotlight. From the iPhone’s rose gold (which accounted for 30-40% of sales), to Pantone naming Rose Quartz it’s 2016 co-color of the year, to the design world’s infatuation with “Millennial Pink”, shades of pink are popping up all around us. Perhaps this trend can be attributed globalization mixing cultures in brand new ways or the legalization of gay marriage opening us to more honest discussions of gender identity and sexuality. Pink may not be able to change our mood…but it can reflect it. 

This blog post is written by Luise Stromberg.

Valentine's Day is coming up and this year I think we can all agree that it's about spreading all kinds of love. We're excited to introduce a few new products and add a slew of new patterns and colors to some of our most popular gifts. We think you'll agree they make the perfect Valentine's (or Galentine's) Day gift. 

Need some help finding the perfect gift?

We've got suggestions for all the lovers on your list. 

For the Valentine's Day Lovers
For the person on your list who absolutely loves this holiday, go straight to the hearts, reds and pinks. Our love accessory pouch makes a festive gift on its own, or the perfect vessel for hiding another gift like a gift card to a favorite restaurant or a jewelry box.

For the Travel Lover
Travel lovers can be hard to shop for, because they usually claim they want to travel instead of get a gift. Their weak spot though is travel gear. Our weekender bags are roomy and great for a road trip, but also plenty of activities close to home.

For the Coffee Lover
Our new tumblers are a unique way to take your style on the road. They are vacuum-insulated and perfect for hot or cold beverages. The see-thru plastic lid makes it easy to bring on a commute or a road trip. 

For the Tech Lover
Our T-bottom pouches are a stylish solution for keeping cords, chargers and accessories all in one place. Throw this pouch inside a larger bag and all the small pieces stay organized.

For the Book Lover
Those books get heavy! Make those trips back and forth from the library or book store easier with a stylish tote bag. Available in three different sizes, these bags come in a wide range of patterns and colors. Whether someone likes fish, dogs or flowers, there is surely a design that's perfect.

For the Art Lover
Our IIllustrated Flowers pattern was inspired by botanical drawings of the 19th century. This popular pattern comes on a variety of products such as mugs, pouches, pillows, tote bags, and tumblers.

Still stumped?

Reach out to us over social media and we'll help you pick the best pattern for your special someone.

This blog post was written by Kristin Crane.

As we enter a new year, many of us are feeling the urge to clear out the old and make space for the new. It’s a time for reflection. A time to ask what in your life and home is working for you and what isn’t. Feng Shui techniques can be powerful tools for creating an environment that encourages and promotes balance in your life. And so much of that balance begins in the bedroom, with rest. Without a good night’s sleep, it’s difficult to function in your personal or professional life.

Can Feng Shui help us get a good night’s sleep? We reached out to Lisa Law, a certified Feng Shui practitioner and author, for insight on improving the energy in your bedroom to get a good night’s sleep.

Lisa offered 5 tips on using Feng Shui to get a good night’s sleep.

1. Start by decluttering.
   As humans, we’re always aware of our surroundings, even when we’re sleeping. A peaceful environment for sleeping needs to be free of unnecessary clutter. To get started, spend time going through your bedroom and paring down. Donate items you no longer need and create a storage solution for the items you do need. Ask yourself if all the items you keep need to reside in your bedroom. If not, find a new spot for them in your home. Be prepared, this process is slow going, but important. When you’re done, develop good habits for tidying up so it stays decluttered. 
   
   
2. Consider the power position, even in the bedroom.
   In any room, Feng Shui keeps the power position in mind. The power position is when your back is against a wall and you can see the doorway. This position helps you to feel in control, and is important in your bedroom. Start by placing something solid behind your head, such as a wall or a headboard, to create stability and comfort. Next, position the bed so you can see the door. If your space doesn’t offer much flexibility, place a mirror to help you see the door from your bed. Also, while you want to see the door, you don’t want your bed positioned directly in front of it. A lot of energy moves through your doorway, and you don’t want to be directly in line with that energy while sleeping. If you have no other bed arranging options, you can sleep with the door closed.
   
   
3. Choose colors you find soothing.
   When choosing colors for walls and artwork, try to choose soft, peaceful and gentle ones. Color is very personal. These colors don’t have to be what you think are supposed to be soothing. Rather, pay attention to which colors speak to you personally and use those as a starting point. Ask yourself, which colors make you feel calm and peaceful? Which colors make you happy? While super bright and energetic colors might not be great for walls in a bedroom, if you love them, consider using them in smaller doses such as throw pillows and accessories.
   
   When it comes to artwork, pay attention to what you see as you start and end your day. Artwork that you see from your bed can set a tone for your sleep and how you approach your day. Place artwork or items in those places that bring you peace. Many people find pictures, plants, crystals, and salt lamps soothing. They also affirm your connection with nature. If you are working toward a goal, put an inspirational quote or intention within view to remind yourself what you are working towards. 
    
4. Invest in your bed.
   If you are going to splurge anywhere in your home, your bed is the place to do it. You will never have the energy and mental clarity in your life if you are not well rested. An investment in your sleep is an investment in the rest of your day. First, buy yourself a high quality mattress that is comfortable and fits your body. From there, choose high quality bedding. Think about having natural fibers for your sheets. For bedding, choose fabrics and textures you love. You want your bed to be a place you absolutely want to be in.
   
   
5. Power down those electronics.
   Our electronics are designed to distract us and constantly tempt us. We’ve all been there. Just one last scroll, one more peek at email. It’s all within arm’s reach. Remove the temptation by keeping your electronics out of the bedroom. Develop a routine where you power down for the night. Pick a place you park your phone each night and if possible keep TVs out of bedrooms.
   
   If your bedroom has become your home office recently, try to find ways to separate your rest energy from your work energy. Get into a routine of putting your work away and turning off the computer when you’re done for the day. Try to separate the rest and work space with a folding screen or just by changing the lighting when you’re done working. Think about what you want to allow into your environment through your electronics and for how long. You may enjoy watching the news and staying abreast of current events, but that doesn’t mean you need the TV humming in the background all day or you need to check Twitter right before sleep.

At its core, Feng Shui is about mindfulness.

It’s about becoming aware of what is in your environment and thinking about how it impacts you and your wellbeing. Lisa believes strongly that everyone deserves an oasis, a place to feel comfortable and cocooned. She says to think of your home and your bedroom as “your personal recharging station.” When your home environment encourages and promotes balance, it supports your entire life. And when you’re well rested, you have the energy for everything else in your day.

If you’d like to learn more about Feng Shui, please visit Lisa’s website where you can subscribe to her monthly newsletter or follow her on social media. 

This blog post was written by Kristin Crane.

Every January, many of us sit down and reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. For those of us who make resolutions, it's a time to look at our habits and environment and see if everything is still working for us.

There are always the predictable New Year's resolutions of eating better, exercising more and saving more money. This year, instead of making resolutions that feel like a punishment (I’m looking at you, weight loss), we're trying to make resolutions we feel excited about accomplishing. 

We're thinking about what habits we can cultivate in the new year. Also, how can our home environment work better for us? Are you also looking to improve your habits and environment?

Here are 5 ideas for resolutions you'll want to keep:  

1. Develop a sleep routine.
   Stress takes a toll on your sleep patterns and can leave you waking up feeling unrested. A good night’s sleep helps you function well in all areas of your life. Set up a sleep routine to develop good habits that respect your need for sleep. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, keep electronics outside the bedroom and avoid hitting that snooze button. Also, invest in your sleep with a good mattress and bedding you want to be in. 
    
2. Value your time. 
   No one else is going to value your time, if you don’t. There are a lot of messages out making us feel that "busy" equals productive. Yet, people are more creative, more productive, and better at their jobs, when they take time off. This year, vow to use all your vacation days, plan random days off and allow yourself unscheduled time. Enjoy that quiet cup of tea or finish reading that book.
   
   
3. Experience more nature.
   Spending time in nature has many benefits for your physical and mental health. Getting outdoors in public spaces such a park can also help you feel connected to your community. Make it a priority to spend at least 15 minutes a day outdoors.
   
   
4. Keep learning.
   Continuing to learn keeps your brain sharp as you age and is also fun. Let’s face it, work can feel like a treadmill and outside of work we feel often compelled to learn more skills for our jobs. While those skills are valuable, they don’t replace the joy of learning something new, just for the fun of it.
   
   
5. Power off.
   Our phones are designed to be distracting and we all spend too much time staring at screens. Make this the year you consume less of what everyone else is doing and instead learn more, get outside, or work on a new hobby. Think about setting limits on apps through your phone or even deleting apps entirely to force the break. (Go ahead, delete your work email app for a weekend, you won’t regret it!) Make your phone slightly less accessible by storing it in a pouch instead of your pocket.

Whatever resolutions you decide to make for yourself, we hope they are ones that make you feel good and bring you joy. 

This blog post was written by Kristin Crane. 

When it comes to picking color of the year, everyone excitedly waits to hear from Pantone. This year, their pick acknowledged the parallel worlds we've been living in throughout 2020 and chose two colors for 2021: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating. These two colors together are both optimistic and grounding and according to Pantone were chosen to inspire "resilience and hope." Two things we could all use a bit more of in 2021.

But Pantone isn’t the only one who picks a color of the year.

Many of the paint companies also do. Their picks for 2021 color of the year also took 2020 into account. Specifically, the fact that many of us have been spending much more time at home. A lot of us have switched to working from home and most of our entertainment is now done virtually … from our couch. Paint companies noted this and chose colors to hopefully inspire a sense of calm in your home.

Sherwin Williams’ pick was Urbane Bronze, a simple and sophisticated color. Inspired by nature, it helps people feel rooted in their homes. Benjamin Moore chose Aegean Teal, a color that radiates wellbeing and inspires a comfortable and calm feeling. PPG chose color Transcend, a midtone neutral that is warm and cozy, with hints of nostalgia. Behr created a palette of 21 colors grounded with three warm neutrals: Smoky White, Almond Wisp and Seaside Villa.

There is color beyond paint.

Paint colors may be grounded in warm neutrals and natural-feeling colors, but home décor brings the optimistic pops of color we’re all craving. Yellows are definitely showing up, along with a lot of deep, saturated colors such as bold reds, pinks and primary blues. There is also still a lot of deep, jade greens and bold aquas.

It’s not all rich and bold. There are also softer, more toned-down shades. Though softer, they definitely aren’t boring. The pastels are all very rich and still saturated. Sometimes they can do the job of a neutral and work beautifully with richer jewel tone accents.

Freshening up a room doesn’t have to mean a total renovation.

A full paint job might be unrealistic, but you can breathe fresh air into a room by picking up a few new items such as throw pillows, duvets, or comfy throws.

What colors are you excited about for 2021?

This blog post was written by Kristin Crane.

Winter is here and this year we are going all in on the hibernating. We’ve got plenty of books, crafts and shows lined up to make staying in and staying cozy a bit more fun. And all of these activities pair well with hot drinks in our favorite mug. For us, mornings are made for fueling up on tea or coffee. Evenings, however, we reach for a little more flavor, spice and maybe even a little something extra to warm us up. Need a bit of inspiration to spice up your winter?  

Here are 5 cozy drinks to warm you up:

Mulled Apple Cider
The cravings for cider definitely start when fall hits but warming it up and adding dark spices keep this festive all through the winter too. Mulling cider also has the added benefit of making your whole home smell amazing while it’s simmering on the stove or even in your slow cooker. Recipe >

Spanish Hot Chocolate
Anyone who has spent time in Spain know how much the Spanish love their chocolate and specifically hot chocolate. The hot chocolate there is very thick, rich and intense. It’s popular for breakfast with churros for dipping. It’s also delicious as a dessert. Recipe >

Mulled Wine
Have you ever bought a bottle of wine and after a few sips decided that you didn’t like it? We all have and it’s always a drag. Rather than suffer through it or pouring it down the drain, use it for mulled wine and give it a second chance at making you happy. Recipe >

Hot Toddy
If you’re a fan of an old-fashioned, you’ll probably love its warm cousin the hot toddy. Made with a base of whiskey, sugar and hot water, there are a lot of ways to add other layers of flavor with garnishes of spices or citrus. Recipe >

Warm Tea & Cider Punch
Not as popular, but tea and cider should be on your radar. This warm drink gets its sweetness from apple cider, with a base of bourbon. Simmered together with tea and lemon helps to balance it out with acidity. Recipe >

Whether you need to warm up after a walk in the snow or just want to binge watch your favorite show in front of the fire, any one of these cozy drinks will be sure to warm you up. And of course, they all taste even better from your favorite mug.

This blog post was written by Kristin Crane. 

We love decorating out bodies, our clothes, and our spaces. Making that easier to do has driven innovations in design technology since prehistory. Early textile designs were hand painted or sewn, a laborious process that limited producing anything in quantity. The introduction of block printing was a leap forward that enabled mass production of multicolor printed textiles. Compared to modern technology, it may be slow and simple, but it’s still being done today because the process produces unique effects and qualities unachievable with modern machines. 

Ancient History of Block Printing

The exact origins of block printing are lost in time, but they probably were born alongside early text stamping and printing. Just as scribes in Mesopotamia were embossing symbols into clay with cylinder seals, artists were probably also pressing designs into fabric. But clay far outlasts textiles, so while embossed Sumerian clay tablets dating from before 3,000 BC have been discovered, the earliest sample of printed textiles only dates back to 220 AD.

Block Printing Around the Globe

Some form of block printing has arisen in many cultures. In China and Japan it was most commonly used for images or manuscripts on paper. The adinkra cloth prints of Ghana carved calabash gourds to create patterns of small repeating symbols. In the Middle Ages, Germans used block printing to copy the luxurious Byzantine and Italian silks and brocades, sometimes even including gold or silver foil into the inks.  

But it was in India that block printing really flourished. During the Mughal Empire (1500-1850), coins were in short supply, so elaborate textiles were used as a barter alternative to money. This economic incentive spurred artisans to refine and perfect their techniques while they expanded their motif vocabulary to appeal to the diverse indigenous population. They became experts in producing interlocking collections of woodblocks that included an outline, solid shapes, and accent marks. 

How Indian Wood Blocks are Made

Indian wood blocks themselves are pieces of art. They are created by hand, carving away the negative space so that only the figure is left. One challenge in carving them is that they must be carved in reverse of the desired final image. For example, if you want the leaf to curl left on the fabric, then on the woodblock it has to face right. (This is especially tricky if you want to print words!)   

Few of the final carved blocks are left as squares. The excess around the print area is removed to create a unique shape that fits like a puzzle piece into the pattern’s design. This is one of the techniques that guides the placement of the motif. Along with an order for which colors to print first to last, the shape of the block is a vital tool in the production of India’s amazing polychromatic prints.  While most designs don’t use more than 20 blocks, some of them may use 200 or more! (Saffron Marigold has wonderful detailed videos and explanations about their production process in India.)

Innovation Never Stops

The British invention of engraved roller printing in the 1780s initiated the beginning of the end of India’s dominance of the multicolor prints market. The British flooded the Indian markets with cheap roller printed goods, nearly extinguishing their wood block traditions. But enough of it survived that we can still enjoy the nuances and artistry of this 500 year old artform. Ironically, digital printing today is doing to engraved rollers what it did to the wood block print.

This blog post was written by Luise Stromberg.

If you’ve been watching home renovation shows on HGTV, you’re probably familiar with decorative, unglazed cement tiles specified for durability and installed for either flooring or kitchen backsplash. But did you know this art-form has been popular since the 13^th century when the Moors brought Islamic mosaic tile art to Spain? Moorish patterns include interlocking curvilinear forms, geometric shapes and floral motifs. 

In Portugal, these tiles are called azulejo. 

In the 15^th century, azulejo was introduced to Portugal by King Manuel I. He had visited the Alhambra in Granada, Spain and was so awe struck by its Moorish decorative majesty, he was inspired to decorate his Palace in Sintra with this tile display.

As Italy decorated blank walls with frescoes, Portugal filled both interior and exterior walls with azulejos depicting religious scenes in churches or historical victories in palaces. These depictions not only told a story, they had a huge visual impact! In Europe, Portugal became the center and hub of this craftsmanship. Flemish and Italian artisans moved to Portugal to perfect their handiwork and designs. From blue and white to poly-chrome, this unique ornamental art form and technique was embraced.  

Through the centuries, azulejo decoration continued to dominate.

The nobility ensured the craft flourished by having the interior walls of their homes decorated with customized depictions of hunting, mythological scenes, or family heritage portraits. A big earthquake hit Lisbon in 1755 and the use of azulejo revetment (panel style) for reconstruction proved to be effective and low cost.

By the 19^th century when the industrial revolution began, new designs emerged as cities and urban areas grew in population with more individualistic sensibilities.  Facades in azulejo became a status symbol for merchants commissioning designs related to their trade.  

Today, azulejo decorate almost everything.

Walking through Portuguese cities and towns, you see it on public artwork, churches, restaurants, train and subway stations, homes and street signs. Designs range from traditional motifs to bold modern art.

Although azulejo is not a Portuguese invention, they have been used imaginatively and consistently in Portugal. The visual art of azulejo is so ingrained in its history and culture, it has become a national point of pride to its people and the world.

Designers and artists continue to be inspired by these beautiful tiles in their own work. See our interpretation in our Azulejo and Porto pillows. 

This blog post was written by Rosemarie De Asis.

America in the 1950’s was recovering from the Second World War and was a time of celebration. Teenage girls in poodle skirts were dancing the jitterbug and Elvis Presley was playing from the jukebox. Going to a drive-in movie was the choice for date nights. The Barbie doll and hula hoop were all the rage. With the onset of the middle class, Americans were moving to the newly created suburbs in large numbers. The American dream was suddenly defined by owning a car and a house. Families furnished their homes with the latest electrical appliance and decorated in a mid-century modern style. 

Palm Springs, California was the hotbed of mid-century modern design. A two hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs was the perfect oasis and getaway to unwind and escape from the movie business. A favorite destination of Hollywood stars such as Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor and Walt Disney, many celebrities built homes in the desert and hosted pool parties with martinis in hand. The dry desert air and wide expanse of land made Palm Springs the A-list’s second home of choice.

But mid-century modern was about more than Hollywood glamour.

Mid-century modern design became synonymous with a lifestyle centered around the family and home. “Open-ness” was the buzzword. Floor plans were drawn with unobstructed sightlines. Larger windows, glass walls and glass sliding doors emphasized the need for natural light and bringing the outside, in.  Design was sleek, incorporating mixed materials such as glass and steel in geometric and organic forms. Vinyl was introduced as a performance fabric and used as an indoor-outdoor alternative.

Textile pattern designs ranged from plain weave or sumptuous wool boucle textures to mid-scale geometric graphics and plaids. Most often, sofas and chairs were upholstered with a luxurious plain, texture fabric and geometrics were used as accents or for wallpaper.

Mid-century modern continues to influence interior design. 

To this day, sought after homes are following this trend of an open floor plan with the addition of a kitchen island for family and friends to gather around. Mid-century modern design has withstood time and continues to be in fashion for residential homes today.

Taking inspiration from the classic plaids, geometric and organic shapes popular at that time, we’ve created our own collection. Bring a mid-century modern vibe into your home on a pillow or duvet and pour yourself a martini!

This blog post was written by Rosemarie De Asis.