Inspiration comes in many different forms. For some it takes a stroll in nature with the sound of leaves blowing and birds chirping and for others it takes a chaotic setting including sex drugs and rock’n'roll techno. For insomniac-computer dwellers with a need to disconnect from our writer’s blocks and seemingly endless list of unopened emails, inspiration often come in the form of images. An image is said to be worth a thousand words, yet with the advent of apps like Instagram and built-in cameras in our phones, most images are given a maximum of about 2 seconds of ones attention span.
April and May is a collaboration between Jantine Vaartjes and Vivian Hoebe. With “a beautiful love affair for things that are out there”, the two women studio focuses on interior design, styling and concepts. We recently discovered them through their blog, which is laden with beautiful images which have deservingly gotten way more than the standard 2 second glance, leaving us inspired and full of ides for our own interiors.
Through their blog you can find a multitude of interest points, whether it be staring at their pictures, their products, taking cues from their DIY pieces or shopping. The first thing that struck us is their sleek combination of objects; They know how to set a mood with their pictures and there is an inlaid narrative in which the viewer can dream. One of their latest highlights is the feature on Studio Oink, in which a white space is revealed and most of the furniture has been customized precisely for the apartment in Wiesbaden.
Their DIY section, ranging from from paper feathers to seasonal projects, is quite fun to gawk at and seemingly human to reproduce. Their winter inspiration showcases alternatives to christmas classics such as a (Tree shaped) Advent calendar and a decorated Christmas Ladder.
Their online shop, through which they promote their affordable jewelry and graphic work as well as a vintage section, presenting their found treasures. There are also collaborations with Dutch designer Jet van Dril, to bring their necklaces, bracelets and rings to life, such as the glass tube necklace. Their graphics are whimsical and puerile, a favorite being their green watercolor of a single ballon.
As is they profess, April and May have “a shop with things we like, use in our work and that really make us smile”. Time for us to stop writing, and for you to shimmy your way to their site.