Filed under: Btween Inspirations | Tags: Couture Dreams, Dransfield and Ross, feather lighting, Feather Trend, feathers in furniture, Grace and Blake, NYIGF, Ostrich feather, peacock feather, peacock trend, pluma, plume trend, plumes, rooster feather
Flown in straight from Europe it seems that this market’s show theme is Feather Mania. If it has not been in your daughter’s hair as an extension, it has been plucked straight from an exotic peacock, ostrich or neighborly rooster. Feathers have hit the home market this season in runway style. Whether this trend has shown up tribal, French or stark modern (did I say mad?) it is a hard one to resist. I have been a feather fan since I was a little girl and this fad has tickled me young again. Fancy these favorite home finds:
Couture Dreams: A new line at the NYIGF showcasing the Chi Chi Petal tablecloth.
Grace and Blake: Feathered Chandelier. I MUST have this for my master bedroom.
Dransfield and Ross: Ostrich pillow
Pluma Cubic: Rooster Feather Floor Lamp
and last but not least, the most original. The Solitaire Punkah. If you have never heard of a Punkah it is the Hindi word for Fan. Oliver Kessler’s interpretation of the extinct Punkah Fan now motorized and customizable for your space. You have got to check out this You Tube Video it gave me a good laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFhvTTiSSWk
Filed under: Btween Inspirations, Industry Spotlight | Tags: Bench, Benches, Couef, Jamie Schactel, Ottomans, Poufs, Stools
I have been meaning to get to my blog for months with one simple mission at hand, to rave about a new product line called “Couef” by Jamie Schactel. I first saw Jamie’s perfectly Coiffed, Couefs at the New York Gift Show. Her show space was jamming with excited buyers who all had to have one of Jamie Schactel’s multi-functional, aesthetically beautiful poufs. I love these little ottomans. Not only for their pure ingenuity and design appeal but because a designer designed these. As a designer, my first reaction I have to admit was a pang of jealously. (How did she do it? Why didn’t I think of that? Felllow designers, I am sure you can all relate). But once past the intitial envy my emotions turned to pure support. It’s one thing to develop something for namesake but another to create something that is so flawless that even another designer has to have it. Kudos to Jamie Schactel for creating the perfect Couef. Find it at www.couef.com
I have been meaning to post about my finds from High Point Market but have to say I was slightly under impressed as a whole. The Rough Luxe trend is still going strong and it seems like the British Invasion is marching along. Throw a little Belgium in the mix and that defines my High Point vantage point. So this post is not macro but micro. A snapshot of my petite finds these ottomans and stools are simply delightful:
Groovy Stuff Design Legacy
Adrianna Shamaris Grace and Blake
Filed under: Btween Inspirations | Tags: bloom wallpaper, burd design motif, butterflies, encore hotel, randy barker art, wynn hotel
As a former trends forecaster I am always looking for the next hot motif or symbol. In the past two years the home decor industry has seen every bird species emblazoned on pillows, prints, and porcelain. Plucked from our skies, the owl, peacock, dove, eagle have made their way into our homes whether you like it or not. I have never been a huge bird lover but this insidious trend has even made a nest in my heart.
Just as I was learning to accept the flock of birds that hit the home scene, I started to notice a small flutter emerge in hotels, showrooms and some design lines. Quietly, the butterfly seems to have emerged from its cocoon and is sitting on our sills waiting to replace the stale bird motif. The master of change and adaptability, mystery, exotic beauty and understated elegance – a sign of renewal in the design industry after years of a long and lifeless journey to escape the cold economic climate.
Thank you butterfly, we are ready for you.
Encore/Wynn Hotel Lobby Showroom in Atlanta Mart
Randy Barker Art Bloom Wallpaper
Sorry all, I stopped blogging for awhile so I could build my client base. Happily, I am very busy but miss the cerebral and visual thrill of posting blogs. Usually I report on Home Goods and have been scouting at least 2-3 Home Goods a week in the hopes of keeping up with my Hooked on Home Goods post but I have to say that the merchandise has been very underwhelming as a whole and standardized. Each week, I keep thinking that I will find the diamond in the rough, the designer’s secret haven but I have been utterly disappointed. Maybe it’s time to move away from my favorite respite and find a home away from home. Isn’t that what vacation houses or life changes are for? One day maybe Home Goods will be my first home again.
In the interim I am on the hunt for my next fixation. Checked out Mood Fabrics in NYC and was astounded by their unique luxury upholstery fabrics. Very strong selection of flocked damask velvets all under $40 per yard. Just love and left with:
Filed under: Btween Inspirations | Tags: Blogging Your Way, Concept Boards, Decor8 Blog, Inspiration Boards, Mood Boards
This post is actually an outpost from a class that I am taking and cherish, called “Blogging Your Way”. The assignment for the week was to create your very own, personal “Inspiration Board”. I liken the idea to a visual brand of yourself on paper or in other words, “your blog”. Before I was blogging, and even now, I kept a board like this in my office. It is about 30×50″ and sits on my work desk, leaning back like a large painting. Whenever I see my board, I smile, as it contains all of the colors, textures, pictures and patterns that make me happy.
The key question that is being asked of us as blogging students in class is whether our board matches the brand image and direction that we want our blog to reflect. Interestingly, I think that my board is consistent with the photos I post and the overall feel of my blog. I guess what it comes down to is that personal style is innate and will come through even if you are trying to lead your style to another level or direction. Sometimes I look at my board and wistfully think that I wish I could be simpler, or less dramatic, less layered or textured. Sure, it’s possible, but what is the point? What I got from this assignment more than anything is to let your authentic self sing and those who like your music will listen.
Here are a few sections of my board – I think you will see that my style is defined by color, pattern, texture and a layered mix of old and new:
Filed under: Btween Inspirations | Tags: bordello chic, lounge interiors, nightclub design, speakeasy decor, speakeasy design, speakeasy interiors, victorian gothic decor, victorian gothic design
I am so happy that the LA Times finally coined a name for the dreamy, sultry, moody interiors that I have been calling Speakeasy Style. Bordello Chic – it has been around for years, in bars, hot hotels, underground, gentleman lounges, in membership only clubs and finally it is out in the open. The LA Times says, “the rooms ooze mystery and the promise of scandalous behavior…it can create a seductively cozy atmosphere.” I view the look as the next stage of Hollywood Regency. Marrying glam w/ornate Rococco and a little bit of Victorian Gothic. For me, Bordello Chic is a welcome relief to the stark modernism of the 2000′s. I can’t wait to see how this fantasy plays out in the residential market. (Two way mirrors between bedroom and bathroom? Just kidding).
For an incredible history of the speakeasy craze that still has New Yorkers enamored a must read is William Grimes NYT article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/dining/03speak.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
Take a look at these pics and escape into your own fantasy world:
The Edison Nightclub, LA
The Voyeur Nightclub, LA
The Voyeur Nightclub, LA
The Aurum Lounge, Atlanta Ga
Home & Gardens Belgium
A touch of Bordello Chic in this Living Room?
British Kitchen
Bordello Foyer - Belgium Home & Gardens
The Backroom Speakeasy, NYC
Apoteke the Bar, NYC
St. Tropez Chair
Filed under: Btween Inspirations | Tags: devore velvet, fortuny silk, hand painted pillows, kevin o'brien, metallic linens, metallic velvets, printed velvet, unique fabrics, velvet burn-out
Thank you Kevin O’Brien for reinventing the over marketed, victorian, Devore velvet of the 1990′s. (We all did think it was pretty once). Devore velvet, also known as burn-out, is usually a silk-velvet where the nap is ironed for a shimmery effect. You may remember the wildly popular silk burn-out scarves that was a fashion must-have in the mid 90′s? I still have 3 or 4 and just can’t wear them anymore. Like a fortuny silk pattern, Kevin’s hand printed textiles have an intaglio feel w/a washed burn-out look that feels so vintage and fresh at the same time.
Filed under: Btween Inspirations, Hooked on HomeGoods | Tags: 2010 design motifs, 2010 design trends, elephant accessories, elephant bunta block, elephant decor, elephant design motif, elephant design symbol, elephant lamp, elephant lighting, elephant linens, elephant motif, elephant napkins, elephant prints, elephant scultpure, elephant symbol, elephant table lamp, elephant tabletop, elephant wall decor, elpehant tables
Moveover Buddha, monkeys, birds, peacock feathers, paisley, moroccan grillwork, baroque patterns, the butterfly and any design motif that offered a fleeting ray of false faith, hope and happiness in 2009 and make way for the Elephant. No, it’s not taboo, and if you don’t have one yet, now is the time to add this smart design motif to your home decor mix.
A timeless symbol of Buddhist strength and wisdom, the endearing elephant plans on staying for 2010 and with it the weighty promise that maybe this year will really shape up to be a wise one. The fifth of seven jewels of royal power, the prescious elephant embodies the attributes needed for a King to stay in power, (aspiration, intention, effort and analysis). In other words, what we need to possess to make 2010 count. Certainly not one of the most beautiful motifs in design history, take a look at some ideas on how you can embrace the largeness of this icon in your home.
1. Make a BIG statement: Can you imagine? HomeGoods on Rte. 22 in Springfield, NJ had this massive sculpture in their store at the highest price I have ever seen anything sell for at HomeGoods ($2000). I came back a week later and it was gone.
2. Enlighten: With Uttermost’s Abayomi elephant lamp designed by Carolyn Kinder. www.uttermost.com
3. Open Doors: With an original Rosalie Sherman pewter cast elephant cabinet pull. Located at https://www.artfulhome.com/artist/Rosalie-Sherman/8082
4. Simplify: Jonathan Adler’s Peruvian stonefired porcelain elephant is pared down to beuatiful geometric shapes. What a great way to get rid of the bags. If only Joanthan Adler can figure out how to apply his approach to the face.
5. Tsk Tusk: Not a huge elephant fan? How about a tusk table from Global Views in nickel.
6. Relax: Luxuriate by your pool house, or add this elegant elephant side table to your living room and put your feet up. By Two’s Company.
7. A Clean Start: Wipe your hands free of any mess w/these exquisitely woven linen elephant napkins by Simrin. Part of the Raj series, you can find them at www.velioctyartanddesign.com
8. Add Angst: I didn’t know it was possible to make an elephant angry but still cute! Loubylou Stiches, a fabric designer and artist on Etsy created this sweet wall hanging in mixed mediums.
9. Bunta Block Your Own Linens: I recently started a collection of my own bunta blocks although I can’t say I have mastered the art of Indian block printing . This elephant bunta block seems to be on the rarer side retailing for over $100 on www.zanzibar-trading.com.
10. Last, Say OHMage to the Elephant: With this fabulous meditation pillow.
Filed under: Btween Inspirations | Tags: cast iron fireplaces, designer fireplaces, electric fireplaces, fireplace designs, fireplace ideas, fireplace mantels, fireplace resources, gas fireplaces, modern fireplaces, porcelain fireplaces, wall insert fireplaces, wood stove fireplaces
The fireplace can make or break a room and is often the most overlooked design element. Taking your fireplace from drab to fab is not easy and requires creativity and risk raking. As a designer, I have looked high and low throughout the Internet for a compilation of fireplace ideas but to no avail. So I started a collection of what I consider to be fabulous fireplaces from specific fireplace choices to decorating around the fireplace and mantel decor. Would love to keep this post going with reader input and links to more fireplace design ideas:
Amazing vintage style porcelain wood burning stove. If you can find the manufacturer or origin of this stove, pls. post here, I can’t locate online.
Platonic Fireplace Company has one of the widest array of interesting wall and wood burning fireplaces that I’ve seen. The bad news – has to be flown in from England.
Jerusalem Limeston fireplace by Platonic:
Urbino American Walnut fireplace by Platonic. Love the symmetry of the flat screen TV on the wall and the placement of the media speakers.
My friend Heidi’s personal favorite. Piet indoor stove by Fredrik Hyltén-Cavallius
Fahrenheit 212′s Corporate Office – Who wouldn’t want to go to work?
Paledonia Assouline Culture Lounge Fireplace located in a chic building in NYC. Graphite cement heart is designed by Clodagh.
Absolutely a fan of the wood burning stove inside the hearth. Such a great look and energy efficient too. Check out charnwood’s selection at www.charnwood.co.uk
Give your traditional fireplace a facelift with a subtle but beautiful decorative tile trim as w/this sophisticated moroccan trim.
Very interesting over mantel treatment for this Victorian style fireplace. Love how the columns were carried into the mirror and create an extension of the fireplace design and exaggerate the height of the room.
This is one of my favorite transitional fireplace treatments. Inside the hearth is a La Nordica Sovrano Wood Cooker at fireplaceproducts.info. Whent he fireplace was opened, the Yorkshire stone was exposed.
Firesonline.co.uk (Notice the trend, the UK has the best selection of wood burning stoves)
Another great wood stove resource is Chesney.co.uk
Other Resources:
www.sparkfires.com
www.blomus.com
www.heatnglo.com
www.ecosmartfire.com
