Editors' Inspiration Boards

Long before “pin” was a verb, the editors of Martha Stewart Living have been creating inspiration boards. There’s a new board for every story, and for some editors, making these collages has become a form of creative expression. “I love doing inspiration boards,” says style director Ayesha Patel. “They’re freeing, in a way, because you really can put up what you want, no strings attached, to create a mood or a vibe, a sketch.”

Ayesha says her inspiration boards are always a work in progress. “They’re very spontaneous. I don’t put a lot of thought into it, and that’s the part that I really like. Things naturally fall into a place that looks good, feels good.”

We were intrigued, so we asked Ayesha and other Living editors to create boards showing us what is inspiring them right now.

Ayesha Patel, Style Director
Painting and Ceramics

The seascape postcard is a painting by my good friend Ran Ortner. The actual painting is awe-inspiring for its sheer size and mastery. Ran won the ArtPrize in 2009 and continues to create masterful paintings. His energy is unbelievable.

The ceramics are from a recent show at The Future Perfect in New York’s Nolita neighborhood. These ceramic bowls by Japanese artist Ryoto Aoki have beautiful forms and gorgeous unusual glazes.
The Milkmaid by Jan Vermeer

I love going to museums first thing in the morning during the week. It's a great way to start the day. I just saw the Balthus show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was so inspired by his color, tone, and composition. I can’t wait to see the Vermeer show at The Frick this season.

Lindsey Adelman Lighting and Candlesticks

Lindsey Adelman was one of our 2013 American Made honorees in the design category. When she started making them, her lamps felt very unique; organic, yet modern at the same time. They’re beautifully designed.
Image from Living’s November issue

This image is from our Thanksgiving issue. Even though we shot it in the summer, Marcus Nilsson's light really captures the fall vibe.
Creel and Gow Necklace

Creel and Gow is a wonderful place on the Upper East Side. They specialize in anything and everything from the natural world. It’s one of my favorite places in the city.

The necklace is a recent purchase from New York jewelry designer named Iwona Ludyga. I love her spring line, which is inspired by Native American designs. She edited the colors down to just black, white, and red with a bit of gold. The line is really exquisite.

Ayesha Patel, Style Director
Lindsey Adelman Lighting and Candlesticks

Lindsey Adelman was one of our 2013 American Made honorees in the design category. When she started making them, her lamps felt very unique; organic, yet modern at the same time. They’re beautifully designed.
Painting and Ceramics

The seascape postcard is a painting by my good friend Ran Ortner. The actual painting is awe-inspiring for its sheer size and mastery. Ran won the ArtPrize in 2009 and continues to create masterful paintings. His energy is unbelievable.

The ceramics are from a recent show at The Future Perfect in New York’s Nolita neighborhood. These ceramic bowls by Japanese artist Ryoto Aoki have beautiful forms and gorgeous unusual glazes.
Image from Living’s November issue

This image is from our Thanksgiving issue. Even though we shot it in the summer, Marcus Nilsson's light really captures the fall vibe.
The Milkmaid by Jan Vermeer

I love going to museums first thing in the morning during the week. It's a great way to start the day. I just saw the Balthus show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was so inspired by his color, tone, and composition. I can’t wait to see the Vermeer show at The Frick this season.
Creel and Gow Necklace

Creel and Gow is a wonderful place on the Upper East Side. They specialize in anything and everything from the natural world. It’s one of my favorite places in the city.

The necklace is a recent purchase from New York jewelry designer named Iwona Ludyga. I love her spring line, which is inspired by Native American designs. She edited the colors down to just black, white, and red with a bit of gold. The line is really exquisite.

Beauty

Melissa Goldstein, Beauty & Lifestyle Director
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Psychedelic Sister

I love this eyeliner -- I even wrote a blog post about it. I tried this shade one day, and literally by 10 o’clock that morning three random strangers stopped me on the street to tell me they loved my eyeliner. I can genuinely say that has never happened to me before in my life.
Apivita Refreshing Body Milk

I discovered Apivita when I went to Greece this summer for the first time; it was one of the amenities in my hotel room. I knew the line, but there’s something about the scent -- fig and aloe -- that I just love. It’s so pretty but delicate.

Ciate Denim Manicure

I actually brought the Ciate Denim Manicure kit home to do with my daughter. What I love about this is it's not necessarily about drawing pictures on your nails -- it’s about great textures and great colors and being able to re-create an effect with little energy on my part.
Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream

The Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream is basically a cream version of her amazing Moroccan argan oil. Aside from the fact that I love Josie Maran's products, everyone in this office whom I've given them to has fallen in love with them.
Tory Burch Beauty

What I love about it, aside from the incredibly chic packaging, is that it’s simple. These are universal shades.

Melissa Goldstein, Beauty & Lifestyle Director
Ciate Denim Manicure

I actually brought the Ciate Denim Manicure kit home to do with my daughter. What I love about this is it's not necessarily about drawing pictures on your nails -- it’s about great textures and great colors and being able to re-create an effect with little energy on my part.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Psychedelic Sister

I love this eyeliner -- I even wrote a blog post about it. I tried this shade one day, and literally by 10 o’clock that morning three random strangers stopped me on the street to tell me they loved my eyeliner. I can genuinely say that has never happened to me before in my life.
Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream

The Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream is basically a cream version of her amazing Moroccan argan oil. Aside from the fact that I love Josie Maran's products, everyone in this office whom I've given them to has fallen in love with them.
Apivita Refreshing Body Milk

I discovered Apivita when I went to Greece this summer for the first time; it was one of the amenities in my hotel room. I knew the line, but there’s something about the scent -- fig and aloe -- that I just love. It’s so pretty but delicate.
Tory Burch Beauty

What I love about it, aside from the incredibly chic packaging, is that it’s simple. These are universal shades.

Food

Sarah Carey, Everyday Food Editor
Capers

Capers make almost everything better. They're an instant flavor creator, adding salty, briny depth to any dish.
Chickpeas

I always keep a few cans of chickpeas in my pantry since they're incredibly versatile and packed with protein. This season, I love using them in the sweet and tangy chickpea and cauliflower salad recipe from Everyday Food's October issue.

Apple Corer

I never tire of baking pies, which is why I always keep this tiny tool on hand during the fall apple season -- it makes prep work a cinch.
Enamel Cast Iron

Nothing says comfort food like a warm and hearty stew. These heavy-bottomed Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's enameled cast-iron pots can simmer for hours without burning, making them perfect for slow-cooking soups and braises.
Braiser

Heavy-bottomed skillets and sturdy braisers are the real workhorses in my kitchen. I use them for everything from quick sautes to slow braises.

Sarah Carey, Everyday Food Editor
Apple Corer

I never tire of baking pies, which is why I always keep this tiny tool on hand during the fall apple season -- it makes prep work a cinch.
Capers

Capers make almost everything better. They're an instant flavor creator, adding salty, briny depth to any dish.
Enamel Cast Iron

Nothing says comfort food like a warm and hearty stew. These heavy-bottomed Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's enameled cast-iron pots can simmer for hours without burning, making them perfect for slow-cooking soups and braises.
Chickpeas

I always keep a few cans of chickpeas in my pantry since they're incredibly versatile and packed with protein. This season, I love using them in the sweet and tangy chickpea and cauliflower salad recipe from Everyday Food's October issue.
Braiser

Heavy-bottomed skillets and sturdy braisers are the real workhorses in my kitchen. I use them for everything from quick sautes to slow braises.

Comments (1)

jemurphy530 11 Sep, 2014
Pin has always been a verb, just ask a tailor or seamstress. :-) Love the all the inspiration! I always enjoy seeing what others find beautiful and inspiring.

Keep In Touch With MarthaStewart.com

Ayesha Patel, Style Director

Painting and Ceramics

The Milkmaid by Jan Vermeer

Lindsey Adelman Lighting and Candlesticks

Image from Living’s November issue

Creel and Gow Necklace

Ayesha Patel, Style Director

Lindsey Adelman Lighting and Candlesticks

Painting and Ceramics

Image from Living’s November issue

The Milkmaid by Jan Vermeer

Creel and Gow Necklace

Beauty

Melissa Goldstein, Beauty & Lifestyle Director

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Psychedelic Sister

Apivita Refreshing Body Milk

Ciate Denim Manicure

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream

Tory Burch Beauty

Melissa Goldstein, Beauty & Lifestyle Director

Ciate Denim Manicure

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Psychedelic Sister

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream

Apivita Refreshing Body Milk

Tory Burch Beauty

Food

Sarah Carey, Everyday Food Editor

Capers

Chickpeas

Apple Corer

Enamel Cast Iron

Braiser