Posts in Design Inspiration
Design Inspiration | La Ventana

I visited San Miguel de Allende, Mexico last month so I could tell you more about it and add new photos to the current San Miguel Collection. On my first trip to San Miguel last year, I was developing the idea for Karina Mora Prints, so I wanted to return now that I had a clear vision for the photos I wanted to offer.

I have a few pictures hanging at Sip Coffee House for the month of March, and I thought I'd do a feature on one of the prints as a preview to a new collection coming later this summer.

I worked with Kandy from Meandering Design to create a mood board for this print called "La Ventana," which means 'the window' in Spanish. 

 
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The Adventurer

"The adventurer is a little quiet and a slight romantic. You’ll usually find her taking walks along the beach, picking up sand and stones or hiking up a mountain. She is often up in the early morning going for a walk and bringing home a bit of nature with her."

-Kandy

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I feel like this photograph really speaks to the person who has an adventurous spirit. Saving up for an adventure is what keeps her going. As I wandered San Miguel de Allende last month, I watched people slowly walk through the town wearing beach-like hats and exploring the small shops and their various wares. The shops throughout the town have hand-made clothing, jewelry, pottery, and home decor. Each shop owner has such a deep passion for their craft, which is evident by the items on display. Finding a little piece from each trip keeps the memories from each adventure alive, and collecting pieces that speak to your soul keep you excited for your next trip. A beautiful piece of art is something to look forward to when you come home each day. Who knows what ideas of travel it may spark.

 
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"La Ventana" was taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The homes are colorful and bright, making you feel welcome before you even step inside. Most windows are adorned with little plants that are more for the people that pass by to enjoy. The two colors of this home along with the vibrant green of the plants really caught my attention. The simple design stirred a peaceful feeling in me, making this my favorite window from my trip. 


If you'd like to order this print, send me a message. This is not available in the shop, but this month only I'll take private orders and offer free framing just for being a blog reader. Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below if you're interested in ordering.


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Design Inspiration | Guanajuato Print

I'm doing a series on my San Miguel Collection prints and am collaborating with interior stylist Mylene Raspado. I'm hoping to make it easier for you to picture these fine art photographs in your home by giving you two mood boards and color palettes. 

The week I'm featuring: Guanajuato Street. Guanajuato City is the capital of Guanajuato in Mexico. It's known for its silver mining history and colonial architecture. It's definitely a place to visit. 

 
 

This week's mood boards are so exciting for me. I must admit that I'm not one to be drawn to men's fashion or even think about designing for a man's space. However, since having a son, I've been trying so hard to plan out some great birthday themes, find "cool" outfits for him to wear, and this year I'm even planning to re design his bedroom. 

This first mood board was designed with a teen boy in mind. I love the muted colors that give off a playful, yet mature vibe. 

Continuing with the male design theme, this next mood board was designed with more sophistication in mind. This print would go well in a guy's dorm room, or a man's living room. (I mean I'd even design MY living room like this) Essentially this print will follow my son as he grows because I love both of these mood boards. 


This week only (until Sunday), I'm offering free framing on all orders of this Guanajuato Street print. Let me know if you have any questions about this design mood board, or this specific print. Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below. 


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Design Inspiration | Floral Window Print Moodboard

I'm doing a series on my San Miguel Collection prints and am collaborating with interior stylist Mylene Raspado. I'm hoping to make it easier for you to picture these fine art photographs in your home by giving you two mood boards and color palettes. 

The week I'm featuring: FLORAL WINDOW. In the residential areas it felt like the vines and trees were part of the architecture of each house. The different varieties of flowers add to the color and vibrancy of Mexican decor.

 
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If you're in the midwest and experiencing the winter weather, you know we're probably only half way through. As you spend more time at home enjoying warm cups of coffee or hot chocolate, you might be inspired to update a few rooms. Updating the art on your walls can be a quick and simple way to change the mood of your space. This floral print would look beautiful in a bedroom or a guest room. You can see and almost feel the sunshine coming through.

I love the earthly tones in this mood board. This color palette is very versatile feeling fresh, relaxing, and comforting. 

Drawing from the greens in the vines you can use that color in the accents like a rug, or other decor. You could use the hint of pink in the flowers for accents in pillows, or other wall decor.

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Where to find this style:

Rug : WEST ELM Palmette Chenille Wool Kilim Rug

Throw : TARGET Chucky Knit Throw Blanket Threshold

Light Fixture : URBAN OUTFITTERS Anna Pendant Light 

BedFrame : URBAN OUTFITTERS Eva Wooden Canopy Bed

Curtain: URBAN OUTFITTERS Ruffle Guaze Curtain 

Mirrors : URBAN OUTFITTERS Averly Circle Mirror

Pillows: URBAN OUTFITTERS Round Pintuck Pillow

Chair: URBAN OUTFITTERS Cooper Lounge Chair 

Dresser: URBAN OUTFITTERS Industrial Storage Dresser


This photo adds a brightness to a room, so you can also pair it with a more neutral palette. I can also see this print hanging in your living room. You can add accents of gold, wood, or white to make the space light and airy. 

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Where to find this style:

Pillows: WEST ELM Woven Silk Pillow Cover + Velvet Appliqué Pillow Cover

Lamp : WAYFAIR Langley Street Baristo Tripod Floor Lamp

Throws: WEST ELM Faux Fur Brushed Tip Throw

Vases: WEST ELM A Question of Eagles Bud Vase

Ottoman: WEST ELM Fontanne Ottoman

Side Table: WEST ELM Katie Gong Stump Side Table

Rug: WEST ELM Oasis Rug

Sofa: WEST ELM Urban Leather 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

Curtains: WEST ELM Mid-Century Cotton Canvas Etched Grid Curtains


This week only (until Sunday Jan 28), I'm offering free framing on all orders of this FLORAL WINDOW print. Let me know if you have any questions about this design mood board, or this specific print. Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below. 


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Design Inspiration | Vine Print Moodboard

I'm doing a series on my San Miguel Collection prints and am collaborating with interior stylist Mylene Raspado. I'm hoping to make it easier for you to picture these fine art photographs in your home. 

The first feature is the VINE taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Mexico is a biologically diverse country. San Miguel is on a plateau near the Lerma River giving it beautiful vegetation that grows freely along many of the town's buildings.

 
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A new year means putting your holiday decor away and bringing a fresh look to your home. I like to start with one space at a time. This print would be perfect in a living room.

A living room is a space where you spend time with company enjoying a glass of wine after a good meal, or where you can curl up on the couch with a good book. A print like this can add fresh fresh pop of color to your room, allowing you to feel energized and inspired. Especially during these winter months, the promise of spring and new growth is always welcome.

I love how you can use the pink in this print as the base color and work to add lighter tones or even darker tones to pull a room together.

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Where to find this style:

Rug : WEST ELM Rani Rug - Multi

Throws : WEST ELM Belgian Flax Linen Twill Throw

Planter : WEST ELM Mid-Century Turned Wood Leg Planter

Light Fixture : WEST ELM West Elm + Rejuvenation Cylinder Sconce

Couch : WEST ELM Axel Leather Sofa

Pouf: WEST ELM Moroccan Pouf

Chair : WAYFAIR Adrian Armchair

Ottoman: WAYFAIR Henson Round Ottoman

 


If you're looking to start in a smaller space, another place this print could add a sense of invitation, is the entryway. I'm planning to re-do our entryway this year and I'm looking for ways to add a warmth to the environment as I invite people in. 

If you have more neutral subtle decor already, this print can be used as the main pop of color in your space. This will easily invite attention to the art piece adding happiness and warmth to your space.

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Where to find this style:

Pillows: WEST ELM Colorblock Woven Overlay Pillow Covers

Table Lamp : WEST ELM Lens Table Lamp + USB

Chair : WEST ELM Mid Century Show Wood Chair

Throws: WEST ELM Solid Metallic Knit Throw

Planters: Spun Metal Standing Planter

Side Table: WEST ELM Gem Cut Side Tables

Ottoman: WEST ELM Storage Ottoman

Coffee Table: WEST ELM Copper Clad Coffee Tables

Rug: WEST ELM Dynasty Rug Dusty Blue

Sofa: WEST ELM Leon Wood Frame LoveSeat

 


Let me know if you have any questions about this design mood board, or this specific print. Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below. 


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Behind the Scenes | Production
 
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Have you been staring at that blank wall for far too long in your home? Maybe it's that wall in your entryway, but you've been waiting for the perfect piece to greet your visitors. Or what about that little corner of your office that you just haven't gotten around to filling.

Well I want to help.

I pour my heart and soul into every framed print I send out. Not only do I travel to Mexico to take the pictures in each collection, but I then come back and frame each one myself.

Here is how I put them all together.

First of all, I work with a local printer to bring you a high quality photo print. There's a lot of vibrancy in my photos and I want to make sure the paper and the ink are just right to make the images look their best; as if you're looking right at the moment I captured through a window.

Then I get to work framing it. 

There are several steps to putting it all together. I use a drill to make all the holes I'll need. Then I lay down the acrylic, place the mat in, insert the print exactly centered, cover all layers with a white board, and finally, put the spacers in to secure it all. We want the print to be snug. 

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To finish the frame, I cover the whole thing with dust cover Kraft paper.

I then install the hardware you'll need to hang your piece. I choose to use a wire hanger because it's easier for you to make sure your frame is straight when you hang it.

I'm a one-woman show, but I'm really loving being able to be part of each piece of the production. It makes my perfectionist heart happy. 

Have you checked out the first collection from San Miguel Mexico? You might just find that piece you've been waiting for. And I assure you that it will be put together and sent to you with gratitude and love.


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