DESIGN AROUND THE WORLD

Today, I’m excited to share a unique “Design Around the World” experience at my youngest sister’s Indian wedding. This celebration took place at the historic Hayes Mansion in San Jose, California. From colorful decor to intricate details, it was a designer’s dream—and an endless source of inspiration!

Scroll to the bottom to watch the entire youtube video on this event! (www.youtube.com/carinagardner)

A Family Gathering at Hayes Mansion

Our journey began as we traveled to San Jose, California. Hayes Mansion, an incredible estate dating back to 1905, was the perfect setting for this memorable event. With its Mediterranean Revival architecture, intricate woodwork, and grand furnishings, the mansion brought a sense of elegance to every corner.

As we explored, the mansion’s unique details stood out. From exquisite wallpapers to the antique wood finishes, each space sparked design inspiration. The vibrant colors and classic architecture set the stage for the wedding, blending historic beauty with the lively energy of the celebration.

The Sangeet: A Night of Colors, Music, and Dance

The wedding festivities began with the Sangeet, held on Saturday night. We had just arrived in town, rushing to wrap ourselves in sarees—a first for some of us! My sister Caitlin, a fashion and graphic designer, designed the event’s graphics, including posters, signage, and henna stations. Her unique style added a personal, artistic touch to every element.

The energy at the Sangeet was unforgettable. Guests arrived from across the country, and the night was filled with music, dancing, and laughter. Family and friends enjoyed the henna, delicious food, and beautifully crafted decorations. Every detail was vibrant, reflecting the joy and excitement of the evening.

The Wedding Ceremony: Tradition and Celebration

Sunday brought the main wedding ceremony. We started early to prepare, with Caitlin looking stunning in an outfit accented by fresh flowers woven into her hair. The ceremony took place outdoors under a bright California sun, casting a glow over everyone’s colorful attire. Surrounded by ornate decor and blooming flowers, the setting was picture-perfect.

The ceremony was filled with tradition and family involvement. A live saxophone and drum accompanied the event, filling the air with music. My mom, sisters, and I had the honor of participating in several ceremonies, which felt both beautiful and meaningful. Each moment celebrated not only Caitlin and her husband but also the joining of two families and two cultures.

The Final Touches: Memories and Inspiration

Looking back, this “Design Around the World” journey was a feast for the senses. From the wedding attire to the stunning event decor, every detail was inspiring. This vibrant celebration reminded me of the beauty of blending tradition with creativity.

If you’re as inspired by colors, patterns, and rich decor as I am, don’t miss my other “Design Around the World” episodes. Subscribe to my channel for more design adventures, and tell me in the comments if you’ve ever attended a wedding like this. I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Exploring Kauai’s Unique Island Design and Vibe

When my family and I arrived in Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” we were ready for an adventure filled with design inspiration and natural beauty. Known for its lush rainforests, serene beaches, and towering cliffs, Kauai is unlike anywhere else. The island has a unique vibe—quieter than Maui or Oahu—making it the perfect escape. Each corner of Kauai seemed to offer Kauai design inspiration, blending laid-back design and functional beauty that reflects the island’s heart and personality.

Our journey started right at the airport, where a colorful sign with a bold serif font for “Kauai” greeted us. The choice of cursive for the rest of the text and the warm colors instantly set a welcoming, island feel. These subtle design touches hinted at the artistry and Kauai design inspiration we would see across the island.

Relaxing at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Hotel

For our stay, we chose the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Hotel, which offered all we needed for both relaxation and fun. With its easy beach access, inviting pools, and delightful dining spots, it was ideal. Traveling in September meant fewer tourists, making our beach days quiet and peaceful. The hotel even had torches and bonfires in the evenings, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. In every detail, the hotel’s design seemed perfectly in tune with Kauai design inspiration, blending effortlessly with the island’s natural beauty.

Taking in Kauai’s Beach and Wildlife Design

One of our favorite spots was Poipu Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and local wildlife. We were lucky enough to see two turtles resting on the sand and even a monk seal. To protect these beautiful creatures, Kauai’s wildlife team placed signs around them, designed with bright yellow backgrounds and seal silhouettes that instantly communicated caution. These signs were both functional and visually appealing, keeping visitors informed and respectful, and adding another layer of Kauai design inspiration.

Even the beach safety signs had a unique touch, with bold fonts and weathered shapes giving them character. The “Warning” sign, in particular, stood out with a distinct wave silhouette, making it easy to spot and understand. Every detail seemed to be considered, reflecting the island’s balance of beauty and safety, and adding to the Kauai design inspiration that guided the way.

Exploring Kauai’s Local Shops and Eclectic Signage

Kauai’s shops and markets added more charm to our trip. One memorable spot was a small, family-owned fruit stand, decked out with handmade signs and a storefront shaped like a pineapple. Despite the mismatched “Coconut Corner” signs, the overall effect was welcoming and playful. The hand-painted letters added a touch of vintage flair, while the thick, puffy letters made everything feel inviting and added to our Kauai design inspiration.

We also spotted creative designs at various eateries, like the playful logos at Island Taco and Monico’s restaurant. Each sign seemed to reflect the unique flavor of Kauai’s local businesses, from the hand-drawn details to vibrant color choices that blended beautifully with the tropical surroundings, offering fresh Kauai design inspiration in every detail.

The Majestic Views of Waimea Canyon

Our Kauai adventure would not have been complete without a visit to Waimea Canyon. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this awe-inspiring sight offered breathtaking views of red and green layers of volcanic rock. Even on a rainy day, the views were unforgettable. Though we opted to admire the scenery from lookouts rather than hike, the canyon’s natural design provided endless Kauai design inspiration. Every twist and turn of the landscape seemed to tell a story of Kauai’s powerful and peaceful beauty.

Reflecting on Kauai’s Functional, Island-Infused Design

Throughout our trip, I was impressed by how Kauai design inspiration seamlessly fit the island lifestyle. At our resort, we received keycard bracelets, making it easy to enjoy the beach without worrying about losing room keys. The simplicity of these small design details made our experience feel easy and worry-free. Even at the beach, the minimalist pool chairs and uncluttered surroundings highlighted Kauai’s emphasis on simple, functional beauty.

This trip showed me that Kauai’s charm is about so much more than its scenery. The island’s thoughtful design details, from handcrafted signs to seamless functionality, created an atmosphere where nature and creativity coexisted beautifully, inspiring Kauai design inspiration for travelers, artists, and nature lovers alike.

Have you been to Kauai, or do you have a favorite spot on any of the Hawaiian islands? Let me know in the comments below! And if you enjoy exploring design from around the world, be sure to subscribe for more insights!

Watch the full video on youtube here: https://youtu.be/mDYypdNSmBg or watch below!