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5 Ways Your Home Decor Could Be Keeping You From Success
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5 Ways Your Home Decor Could Be Keeping You From Success

by ContributedPost
written by ContributedPost

This is a contributed blog post that contains affiliate links

We all, in our own way, strive for success. We may all have different parameters for success, but that doesn’t prevent us from striving for it. Some will stop short of nothing but total domination of the business world, others will simply be happy to be the very best that they can be in their job with no real ambition to ascend the career ladder. Some of us define our success by our health and fitness goals and the extent to which we’re able to push our bodies beyond what we think are the limits of their capabilities. Yet more of us consider our ability to learn and educate ourselves the true measure of success. For some, there is no greater form of success than being a great parent and raising healthy, happy, well-behaved children, while for others success means nothing short of fame and fortune.

However you define success is up to you. Success is (or at least should be) a very personal thing. However, while you may have a clear idea of what success means to you, you may not understand the part that your home decor can play in your success. Whatever your parameters for success may be and wherever you seek it, your home can help you down your chosen path… Or it can hobble your progress. Here are some ways in which your home could be keeping you from success and what you can do about it.

It’s preventing you from concentrating

In an era where more and more businesses recognize the benefits of allowing their employees to work remotely, many of us find ourselves working from home. In this instance, how we maintain our home is intrinsically linked to our productivity and wellbeing. If we don’t segregate a part of the home in which to work and dedicate our thoughts to our work, our productivity can be seriously undermined. This is why it’s so vitally important to have a dedicated space (a home office if possible but even part of a room can work just fine) in which to get your thoughts into “work mode”. This can help you to concentrate on the task at hand while also preventing your work from encroaching on your home life. Quite simply, nobody ever did their best work on the sofa in their PJs. Your decor for your home office should be markedly different for the rest of your home, as minimalistic as possible and with access to natural light (largely believed to be the world’s greatest office perk). It’s so easy to get cheap plants for your home

Your home can also impede your concentration (whether you work from home or not) when you allow clutter to take control. In an era where shopping has become our favorite pastime, the possessions that we treasure at first quickly become clutter in just a few weeks.

Clutter is the enemy of concentration and can prove anathema to your mental health when it is allowed to take over the home. This can prove problematic when working from home but it can also prove detrimental to your well being in another way…

It’s making you stressed

Clutter is one of many ways in which your home can make you stressed. It is visually distracting, prevents you from being able to concentrate in work or in leisure time and prevents you from feeling at home when you’re… at home. Studies have determined a clear link between clutter and stress, which is why the first step to success should be to find a home for all of your clutter (even if that home is eBay).  

There are also other, more subtle, ways in which your home can add to your stress and impede your success. Even little things like mismatching colors and textures, an overabundance of the synthetic over the natural or a lack of flow can all make a small but lasting impact on your stress levels that slowly builds up over time. You know something feels “off” but you never quite know what.

Identify and fix the little things which could be stressing you out and add the infrastructure necessary to fix them, whether this is maintaining a clean, tidy and clutter-free home or simply adding an essential oil diffuser to ease your stress through aromatherapy.

It’s wasting your time

Don’t you hate it when you spend 20 minutes rooting through your kitchen cabinets to find a cheese grater? Or turning your desk drawers inside out trying to track down that errant gas bill? It’s frustrating, irritating and a waste of your time. But the good news is that you’re not powerless to prevent it.

Inefficient storage solutions can lead to a lot of wasted time which in turn can impinge on your goals. How often has a lack of time prevented you from giving 100% at work, in business, in fitness or in parenting? Invest in better storage solutions that allow you quicker access to the things you need and you’ll find that not only are you able to cut down on clutter, you’ll shave a few minutes off every day resulting in more free time in which to excel.

It’s wasting your money

Your home can also keep you from financial success by eating away at your disposal income. How many times have you done a double take at your energy bill, checked your usage and asked “how could I possibly be burning through this much energy?”. It’s a position we’ve all found ourselves in but it can be avoided.

Installing energy saving CFL bulbs throughout the home, investing in better windows, checking the state of your attic insulation and installing a smart meter to track your usage are all great ways of clawing back the money that’s so often wasted on energy bills.

It’s making you depressed

We all get down in the dumps from time to time. The pressures of work, family and of course money can get the better of even the most determined of us. Nonetheless, while your home should be a haven of mental health, sometimes it can create more problems than it solves. Make sure that you always have access to plenty of natural light. Keep your home as clean and tidy as your schedule will allow. Try and limit time spent on your phone and other devices and use essential oils to make your home feel calm, serene and cosy. Sandalwood, jasmine, lavender, chamomile and rose oils are all great for helping maintain a cheery and positive atmosphere in the home.

Don’t let your decor keep you from success a day longer. Especially when the fix is usually quick, easy and affordable!

 

 

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David Bowie’s Collection of Memphis Group Art
Design ArticlesDesign FindsDestinationsEventsFeaturedHomepageThe Show

David Bowie’s Collection of Memphis Group Art

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

A rare look at pop icon David Bowie’s private collection of art and furniture by The Memphis Group on view at the Modernism Museum. Bowie was an avid collector of Memphis. After his death, his collection was auctioned off and for this exhibit, gathered together for one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of Memphis Group art and furniture. Learn about this movement in the 1980s that broke all the design rules to create its own unique, over-the-top aesthetic as The Design Tourist Karen LeBlanc takes you on a tour of works by Ettore Sottsass, the founder of the Memphis Group and his international group of artists and designers.

 For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

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Memphis Group Design Objects: Must-See Museum Exhibit
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Memphis Group Design Objects: Must-See Museum Exhibit

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Space Oddities: Bowie-Sottsass-Memphis at Modernism Museum

Must-See Museum Show:

The largest exhibition of Memphis objects ever presented in an American museum

Pictured in this vignette is the Lido Sofa designed in 1982 by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis and the Continental side table designed in 1984 by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis, crafted of laminated wood and plastic. Rug by Nathalie du Pasquier Photo Credit: The Design Tourist. Both pieces were originally owned by David Bowie.

Pictured in this vignette is the Lido Sofa designed in 1982 by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis and the Continental side table designed in 1984 by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis, crafted of laminated wood and plastic. Rug by Nathalie du Pasquier. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist. Both pieces were originally owned by David Bowie.

In the 1980s, a decade defined by big hair, loud clothes and MTV, artistic expression was just as over-the-top, attention-getting and bordering the absurd. During this time, a group of designers began making powerful postmodern statements almost cartoonish and comical in their aesthetic.

Pictured in this vignette are the Palace Chairs, 1983 by George Sowden and the Madras Table, 1986 by Nathalie Du Pasquier. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Pictured in this vignette are the Palace Chairs, 1983 by George Sowden and the Madras Table, 1986 by Nathalie Du Pasquier. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

These designers were known as The Memphis Group, brought together by Italian conceptual designer Ettore Sottsass.

Members of the Memphis Design Group including its founder Ettore Sottsass pictured with the gray mustache.

Members of the Memphis Design Group including its founder Ettore Sottsass pictured with the gray mustache.

The Memphis Group emulated the design thinking of Sottsass who ignored the opinions of critics to create art and objects that flew in the face of 70s minimalism.  

The Bel Air Chair designed in 1982 by Peter Shire and the Valentine typewriter designed in 1968 by Ettore Sottsass. This red typewriter is made of ABS plastic. Sottsass created the typewriter before his involvement in the Memphis Group. He designed it in collaboration with British designer Perry King for Olivetti it was groundbreaking for its pop sensibility and bright color. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The Bel Air Chair designed in 1982 by Peter Shire and the Valentine typewriter designed in 1968 by Ettore Sottsass. This red typewriter is made of ABS plastic. Sottsass created the typewriter before his involvement in the Memphis Group. He designed it in collaboration with British designer Perry King for Olivetti it was groundbreaking for its pop sensibility and bright color. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The late musician and pop icon David Bowie was a famous collector of Memphis works, many of which are on exhibit at the Modernism Museum in Mount Dora, Florida.

Karen LeBlanc aka The Design Tourist filming a new episode at The Modernism Museum featuring an exhibit of Memphis Design Group Art Objects, many from David Bowie's private collection.

Karen LeBlanc aka The Design Tourist filming a new episode at The Modernism Museum featuring an exhibit of Memphis Design Group Art Objects, many from David Bowie’s private collection.

The largest exhibition of Memphis works in an American Museum, the exhibit includes over 75 works.

The Carlton Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass, is one of 20 pieces on exhibit that once belonged to David Bowie and are now in the hands of private collectors. The pieces are on loan for the exhibit at the Modernism Museum. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The Carlton Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass, is one of 20 pieces on exhibit that once belonged to David Bowie and are now in the hands of private collectors. The pieces are on loan for the exhibit at the Modernism Museum. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Plaza 1981 by Michael Graves The Plaza vanity draws inspiration from Art Deco and old Hollywood. Although the vanity looks luxurious, its made of inexpensive materials—maple veneer over MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) mirrored glass and paint. The small bulbs evoke a starry night over Manhattan. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Plaza 1981 by Michael Graves The Plaza vanity draws inspiration from Art Deco and old Hollywood. Although the vanity looks luxurious, its made of inexpensive materials—maple veneer over MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) mirrored glass and paint. The small bulbs evoke a starry night over Manhattan. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Sottsass was in his 60s when he founded The Memphis Group bringing together young architects and designers with a shared interest in experimenting with unconventional materials and breaking design rules of modernism and classical forms.

Super, 1981 by Martine Bedin. This light is made of fiberglass, lacquered metal, and rubber. It is one of the most recognizable of Memphis Designs. Designer Martine Bedin envisioned it as a pet on wheels. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Super, 1981 by Martine Bedin. This light is made of fiberglass, lacquered metal, and rubber. It is one of the most recognizable of Memphis Designs. Designer Martine Bedin envisioned it as a pet on wheels. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Their works were humorous, irreverent and often blended high and low culture.  The style appropriated modern iconography, infusing it with space-age futurism, nostalgic nods and bold ornamentation.

Tawayara, 1981 by Masanori Umeda. The iconic boxing ring seating is made of lacquered wood. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Tawayara, 1981 by Masanori Umeda. The iconic boxing ring seating is made of lacquered wood. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Tartar, 1985 by Ettore Sottsass. This desk is part of the Memphis Group collection and is made of laminate wood. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Tartar, 1985 by Ettore Sottsass. This desk is part of the Memphis Group collection and is made of laminate wood. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Sottsass collaborators included Martine Bedin, Aldo Cibic, Michele De Lucchi, Matteo Thun and Marco Zanini, George Sowden and Nathalie du Pasquier.

Bertrand 1987, by Massimo losa-Ghini. This desk from the Memphis collection is made of wood and metal drawing inspiration from 1930s streamlined automotive design. The designer referred to this style as Bolidism from the Italian word Bolide a fast moving object. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Bertrand 1987, by Massimo losa-Ghini. This desk from the Memphis collection is made of wood and metal drawing inspiration from 1930s streamlined automotive design. The designer referred to this style as Bolidism from the Italian word Bolide a fast moving object. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

 Together they designed furniture, lamps and ceramics that rebuked modernist doctrine and presented their works in an exhibition in 1981 that launched the movement. 

Roma, 1986 by Marco Zanini. This seat from the Memphis Group collection is made of molded fiberglass cast as a single piece. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Roma, 1986 by Marco Zanini. This seat from the Memphis Group collection is made of molded fiberglass cast as a single piece. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The Memphis Group was both revered and reviled for its kitschy, colorful art objects that transcend the boundary between art and design.

Malabar, 1982 by Ettore Sottsass This shelf from the Memphis Group collection is made of plastic laminate wood and painted metal. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Malabar, 1982 by Ettore Sottsass This shelf from the Memphis Group collection is made of plastic laminate wood and painted metal. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The works resonated in a decade dominated by pop culture’s flamboyant icons—Madonna, Boy George, Micheal Jackson and questionable taste: think neon colored clothing, shoulder pads and purple eyeshadow. 

Palm Springs, 1984 by Ettore Sottsass. This table from the Memphis Group collection is crafted of wood and laminate with boldly contrasting colors. Also pictured are First chairs, 1983 by Michele de Lucchi made of enameled wood and metal. The First chair was introduced in the group's third collection. It is the only Memphis design mass produced. Its ergonomic back and elbow rests have the appearance of orbiting planets. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Palm Springs, 1984 by Ettore Sottsass. This table from the Memphis Group collection is crafted of wood and laminate with boldly contrasting colors. Also pictured are First chairs, 1983 by Michele de Lucchi made of enameled wood and metal. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

The First chair designed in 1983 by Michele de Lucchi was introduced in the group's third collection. It is the only Memphis design mass produced. Its ergonomic back and elbow rests have the appearance of orbiting planets. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The First chair designed in 1983 by Michele de Lucchi was introduced in the group’s third collection. It is the only Memphis design mass produced. Its ergonomic back and elbow rests have the appearance of orbiting planets. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Max, 1987 by Ettore Sottsass. This shelf from the Memphis Group is made of lacquered wood and reconstituted veneer terrazzo tiles and plexiglass. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Max, 1987 by Ettore Sottsass. This shelf from the Memphis Group is made of lacquered wood and reconstituted veneer terrazzo tiles and plexiglass. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The movement’s shortlived moment in the sun ended in 1985 when Sottsass left Memphis and the group disbanded in 1987.

Magnolia, 1985 Andrea Branzi. This ziggurat-shaped set of shelves is unusual among Memphis objects for its high tech and complex engineering. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Magnolia, 1985 Andrea Branzi. This ziggurat-shaped set of shelves is unusual among Memphis objects for its high tech and complex engineering. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

After Bowie’s death,  Sotheby’s London sold 100 lots from his art collection in November, 2016. 

David Bowie pictured sitting on his Palm Springs Table, part of his many Memphis art objects and furniture pieces he collected over this life.

David Bowie pictured sitting on his Palm Springs Table, part of his many Memphis art objects and furniture pieces he collected over this life.

Other famous collectors of the Memphis Group include fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and Nicholas Ghesquiere, artistic director of Louis Vuitton.

Architect and industrial designer Michael Graves continued to evolve many of the Memphis Group ideals through his work as  “The Father of Postmodernism Architecture.” Just days before his death in 2015, I had the privilege of visiting Michael Graves at his home in Princeton, New Jersey. Grave’s signature postmodern design language produced many iconic products over his lifetime and made Target the cool place to shop.  I invite you to watch my talk with Michael as he shares thoughts on his legacy and the future of architecture and design. 

 For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

 

 

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Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Calls for Coral
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Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Calls for Coral

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Pantone Announces the Color of the Year 2019: PANTONE® 16-1546 Living Coral

The Color of Home Interiors Energizes and Enlivens with Coral Shades

Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Home Interior Fabrics in Living Coral by Kravet Photo Credit: Kravet

Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Home Interior Fabrics in Living Coral by Kravet Photo Credit: Kravet

Pantone, the global color authority, believes our digitally-saturated, socially-isolated lives need a healthy dose of coral to comfort, connect, and soothe. Pantone announced PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral as its Color of the Year 2019, described as an animating and life-affirming shade of orange with a golden undertone. “With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Mug in Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral by Room Copenhagen

Mug in Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral by Room Copenhagen

According to Pantone, coral is an antidote to the onslaught of digital technology and social media invading daily life. “We are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. The engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity and symbolizes our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits,” says Eiseman.

Adobe stock image of models wearing workout clothes in shades of coral.

Adobe stock image of models wearing workout clothes in shades of coral.

Each year, Pantone probes our collective psyche and pop culture to find out what colors are resonating in the minds and hearts of consumers. Pantone believes Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression and represents the fusion of modern life. “Pantone Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media,” says Eiseman.

Adobe stock image of leaf in shades of coral

Adobe stock image of leaf in shades of coral

 

Expect to see Living Coral color in home interiors and consumer products ranging from makeup to stationery as designers and manufacturers interpret the 2019’s IT color.

Stationery is Pantone's Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral by Brown Trout

Stationery is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral by Brown Trout

Cosmetics in Pantone's Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral by Butter London

Cosmetics in Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral by Butter London

Pantone suggests for interior décor and furnishings to use Living Coral as a bold statement or a dramatic pop of color to any room setting whether in decorative accessories, tabletop, or on the wall. The color connotes tactility and human connection through accessories such as shag rugs, cozy blankets and lush upholsteries for a warm, comforting and nurturing feeling in the home.

Home accessories by Surya in Pantone's Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral

Home accessories by Surya in Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral

Home accessories company, Surya just announced its extensive line of coral-colored living space accents in over 100 Surya accessories across its product categories, including rugs, lighting, textiles, accent furniture, wall decor, and more.

Home accessories by Surya in Pantone's Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral

Home accessories by Surya in Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral

“Living Coral is a multifunctional color that can cater to a variety of design styles,” says Satya Tiwari, president of Surya. “We have seen coral tones emerging in our product development research. It bridges the gap between reds and oranges in a playful, lighthearted manner, making it much more commercially accessible across industries.”

For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

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Holiday Decorating Trends for 2019
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Holiday Decorating Trends for 2019

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Mother Nature Meets Santa Claus in Holiday Looks For 2019

It’s July, the pivotal month where Christmas is on the brain with countless “Christmas in July” sales, specials and events aimed at getting you focused on the holiday season ahead. So, in honor of all this “Christmas in July” hype, I’m bringing you a look ahead at the trending holiday looks for 2019. For the latest holiday styles and decorating ideas, I look to Christmasworld, a global show for holiday decorations held annually in Frankfurt, Germany.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Peter Litvai

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Gift Company

Expect the 2019 holiday season to couple Santa Claus with Mother Nature as natural materials and earthy motifs ground the tinsel, faux snow and bling, bling ornaments. Surfaces and structures lean towards nature with grainy, frosty and bark-like textures. Patterns are inspired by nature, including above all, fir trees, deer, twigs, snowflakes, stars and feathers. Wood makes a strong showing in decorative figures. Envision design elements such as wooden trays, candle holders, lanterns, twigs and coniferous wreaths, and hanging decorations in the shape of animals and fir cones.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Designimdorf

Key color stories venture far beyond the traditional red and green with this trend towards natural themes with blue and green surfacing as dominant colors on holiday decor.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Rui Camilo

 

There are many iterations of this Mother Nature-Meets Father Christmas the look mixes animal, plants, insects and sea life in colorful, whimsical scenarios: woodland scenes with deer, squirrels and owls.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Krebs + Sohn

jungles populated with peacocks, parrots, monkeys, orchid blossoms and palm leaves; meadows with blooms and butterflies and beetles and insects and underwater worlds swarming with jellyfish, corals, seashells, fish, crabs and seahorses.

Here are some of my favorite trending Christmas scenarios to get you inspired as you plan your holidays.

Warm Holiday Lighting:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

Moving lights, wirelessly controlled by an App, bring the figures and objects to life. Warm golden light is visibly taking over from cold white light.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

Transparent Christmas baubles filled with light have the potential to be favourite pieces.

Natural Ornaments:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

Christmas decorations merge with real flowers and blossoms, green plants, twigs and succulents and faux flowers and plants as tree ornaments, wreath designs and mantel swags, all enhanced with the scents of candles, room sprays and scent diffusers.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Rudolph Keramik

The color palette pulls in the colors of autumn leaves— red gold and aubergine as well as cinnamon, grey, beige and white with accents of black.

Folklore Influences:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Peter Litvai

Folkloric motifs mix with patterns in color palettes of yellow, blue and red to create a richly decorated holidayscape with unexpected, humorous touches.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

 

Design elements include differently glazed and inscribed ceramics, gift boxes with blue printed and batik patterning, and candles in intense solid colors with gentle grooved designs. In between all this, there are eye-catching elements: paper maché rams and horses painted by Ukrainian artisans, strings of lights in the shape of small lobsters, and a wild band of robbers made of glass that is destined for hanging on the tree. 

Minimalist Motif:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

This holiday decor theme is an understated style in pure white, deep black, red gold, and cool grey. It draws influences from Japanese aesthetics to create a calm, meditative atmosphere with delicate materials. Artistically pleated, plaited and folded baubles and stars made of matt white paper make an appearance as tree decorations.

 

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Design elements include minimal shapes and simple materials such as chipboard, wire and paper, light wood, matt porcelain with perforated patterns, transparent glass baubles and cones dusted with white snow, ornaments with high-gloss silver or black surfaces, and marbled Christmas tree decorations in black and white, radiate calm.

Eclectic Gathering:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Rui Camilo

 

Eclectic gathering is a quirky, vibrant look, full of energy, multifaceted, and intensely colored. The color story includes lemon, pink, mandarin, azure and rosé enriched with gold and grounded with black.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

This is a look of contrasts with figurative, fanciful and exaggerated design elements. Christmas baubles in neon colors and ombré-effect patterns, others embellished with sequins and mother-of-pearl work, iridescent bird ornaments, dragonflies dipped in gold, and glass jellyfish dusted with gold adorn the tree work together to create a visual feast.  

Vintage Opulence:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Shishi

This Christmas winter wonderland embraces color palettes inspired by the ocean, precious stones and minerals.  Dark greens, dark blue shades,  light blues, warm golds, bronze and metallic tones, combine to create a mystical, opulent holiday scape. Envision opalescent ornaments in aquamarine and aventurine shades of green with metallic effects, relief work, and patinas inspired by nature. Christmas decorations that are marbled, veined in gold, sprayed with glitter, and studded with pearls are very decorative.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

Transparent glass decorations in the shape of crystals with a shimmering look, and precious glass baubles with seemingly rusted metallic coatings, create a mysterious and sumptuous effect. Gold bowls and ceramic dishes in the shape of large palm leaves are all part of this exalted style.  

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

For even more holiday decor ideas, check out my Holiday Tour of the famed Stetson Mansion:

For even more holiday decor ideas, check out this blog post. 

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My Design Chat Takeaways on the Podcast Wives Winedown Wednesday
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My Design Chat Takeaways on the Podcast Wives Winedown Wednesday

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

I recently appeared as a guest on the podcast Wives Winedown Wednesday to share the latest home interior trends and decorating tips and tricks. To listen to the full podcast, available on SoundCloud, click below:

While sipping wine with hosts Angela Bell Deems, Mitzi Hoag, and Lauren Graham White, the ladies wanted to hear about the basic direction home style is headed.

Me, Karen LeBlanc, Design Journalist, aka The Design Tourist, with the hosts of the Wives Winedown Wednesday Podcast

Me, Karen LeBlanc, Design Journalist, aka The Design Tourist, with the hosts of the Wives Winedown Wednesday Podcast, Angela Bell Deems, Mitzi Hoag, and Lauren Graham White

Here are the top takeaways from my Podcast design chat:

Making It Personal is the Predominant Style in Living Spaces:

The latest looks are all about personality and authenticity rather than copycat styles torn from the glossy pages of shelter magazines.  The overarching trend in home decor is more of an anti-trend— it’s all about creating spaces that tell your story through thoughtfully collected and curated elements and objects rather than meaningless stuff. Fill your home with possessions that have backstories which give them beauty and value that supersede any price tag. 

Stylish-ISH is the Design Mantra:

As people seek to personalize their living spaces, there is a lot of design-hacking going on, this riff on established styles. I call this home decor movement “Stylish-ISH” adding a dose of “ishness” that customizes the standard style lexicon: Think “Modern-ISH, Industrial-ISH, Retro-ISH and Traditional-ISH and you get the idea. Modern-ISH is sleekness softened with natural materials and textures. 

Retro-ISH brings in vintage elements in a modern-day setting creating a space that hints at nostalgia without looking like a museum exhibit. 

Industrial-ISH style takes on a softer, lighter look striking a balance between machination and sophistication with knurled detailing, warm metals, especially rose gold and copper, and glass elements.

My Decorating Formula:

 

The family room in my personal home embodies my design formula

I also wanted to share with you my formula for decorating rooms: Texture + Color + Metallic+ Organic =Timeless Decor. I think every room should speak to the senses with fabrics pleasing to the touch, plants that ground us in nature, metallic accents to bounce light and brighten the space and natural materials such as wood or stone for timeless appeal.

Deep Thoughts on Design:

As we embrace the idea of our living space as an autobiographical statement rather than a style with no substance, we are drawn to products, materials and objects that tell our story through craftsmanship and traditional artisan techniques rather than mass production. This emphasis on handmade, limited edition pieces circles back to our desire to personalize our homes rather than that “keep up with the Joneses”  look so pervasive in the 90s and early 2000s. As I said in the podcast, it’s an exciting time to design and create because there are no rules.” If it speaks to you, then it has style no matter how cray-cray others may say:

2018 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

 

 

 

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Innovative Design Find: The Two Way Chaise Lounge
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Innovative Design Find: The Two Way Chaise Lounge

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

I’m always on the lookout for innovative design finds and my latest discovery is the Two Way Chaise Lounge because it offers a better way to sunbathe. Invented by interior designer Kate Clarke, the Two Way Chaise Lounge is designed to raise up or down on either end so you can follow the sun’s rays without having to constantly get up and flip the chair around.

The Two Way Chaise Lounge, a better way to sunbathe. Invented by interior designer Kate Clarke. Each end of the lounge chair flips up or down so you can follow the sun's rays. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The Two Way Chaise Lounge, a better way to sunbathe. Invented by interior designer Kate Clarke. Each end of the lounge chair flips up or down so you can follow the sun’s rays. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

I’m sure many of you can relate to the aggravation of having to move your lounge chair to follow the constantly changing direction of the sun.  The shade inevitably creeps over your perfect poolside spot forcing you to shift positions to stay in the sun.  Kate had an ah-ha moment while lounging at a resort’s crowded pool that became the inspiration for her Two Way Chaise Lounge. 

The Two Way Chaise Lounge pictured here in the faux wicker frame with optional cushions in navy blue. Photo credit: The Design Tourist.

The Two Way Chaise Lounge pictured here in the faux wicker frame with optional cushions in navy blue. Photo credit: The Design Tourist.

“One guy lifted his chaise lounge around and hit me with it and I thought to myself— Wow if the lounge chair could go up or down on both sides, that wouldn’t be an issue,” says Kate, who engineered the Two Way Chaise Lounge with several practical features. 

The Two Way Chaise Lounge, a better way to sunbathe. Invented by interior designer Kate Clarke. Each end of the lounge chair flips up or down so you can follow the sun's rays. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The Two Way Chaise Lounge, a better way to sunbathe. Invented by interior designer Kate Clarke. Each end of the lounge chair flips up or down so you can follow the sun’s rays. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Each chair comes with a pull out drawer underneath the seat that contains a solar charger for electronic devices so you don’t need to be tethered to an outlet poolside. The pull out drawer doubles as a drink stand eliminating the need for a side table. This game-changing invention also provides a stylish, space-saving solution for busy resorts and high volume cruise ships where poolside spots are at a premium.

Each Two Way Chaise Lounge was a built-in drawer that contains a solar charger to charge electronic devices poolside.

Each Two Way Chaise Lounge was a built-in drawer that contains a solar charger to charge electronic devices poolside.

I tried out the Two Way Chaise Lounge recently to even out my ridiculous tennis tanlines and found it super easy to use. The chair is lightweight and easy to lift up or down on either side. I really enjoyed the convenience of the solar charger which kept my cell phone battery charged up so I could text and check emails poolside.  The drawer comes with an optional lock so I can lock up my belongings and take a dip in the pool, knowing they are safe.

The Design Tourist aka Karen LeBlanc sunbathing with the Two Way Chaise Lounge.

The Design Tourist aka Karen LeBlanc sunbathing with the Two Way Chaise Lounge.

 

I also appreciate the lounge chair’s sense of style; it comes in a faux wicker frame, aluminum frame and poly wood frame with optional cushions made of Sunbrella fabric and outdoor rated foam in a wide variety of colors. For the resort and hospitality industries, the Two Way Lounge Chair is available in a sling fabric that can be customized with a logo. 

The Two Way Chaise Lounge in sling fabric that can be customized with a resort or cruise line's logo.

The Two Way Chaise Lounge in sling fabric that can be customized with a resort or cruise line’s logo.

Kate has a direct relationship with the factory that produces her Two Way Chaise Lounge and can fulfill a large custom order in only eight to ten weeks.

“I envision the Two Way Chaise Lounge in resorts and cruise ships where space is tight. This solves the problem because it eliminates the need for a side table so the pool area can accommodate more chaise lounges in tighter spaces. It also allows sunbathers to either follow the sun’s rays or stay in the shade by flipping the ends up or down.”

The Two Way Chaise Lounge in sling fabric that can be customized with a resort or cruise line's logo.

The Two Way Chaise Lounge in sling fabric that can be customized with a resort or cruise line’s logo.

The Two Way Chaise Lounge is a clever design find that offers a stylish space saving solution for the hospitality industry and goes great with any poolscape at home. 

Check out the Two Way Chaise Lounge in action in this video:

 

For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

 

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Brooklyn’s Contemporary Design Scene
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Brooklyn’s Contemporary Design Scene

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Brooklyn has a thriving and prolific community of artists, artisans, craftspeople, and designers that puts it on par with other hubs of craftsmanship around the world. Products bearing the Brooklyn-Made certification are coveted by collectors and design aesthetes interested in authenticity and the backstory of pieces they acquire. Once a year, the borough showcases its maker community in an event known as Brooklyn Designs, now in its 15th year presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and co-produced with Novità Communications.

The borough’s rich design heritage, iconic style, and bustling creative community are rooted in time-honored techniques and contemporary style, a mix of old and new in small batch and limited run production. In an age of mass-produced, disposable consumer goods, Brooklyn makers return us to the value of something well-built, by hand with heart. Here’s a look at some of my favorite design finds from emerging designers and established brands.

The Platonic Lounge Chair by Francis Assadi Design Studio

The Platonic Lounge Chair by Francis Assadi Design Studio

Francis Assadi draws inspiration from his background in film, photography and design and his work with Lebanese craftsmen. His latest collection fuses a love for the modern with the aesthetic sensibilities of various cultures.

The Warren Lounge and Q Table by Token

The Warren Lounge and Q Table by Token

 Token draws on the European Arts and Crafts movement, Chinese landscape painting and Abstract Expressionism to produce unique, atelier-style furniture.

Caterpollar bench and layered oval coffee table by Shuya Design

Caterpollar bench and layered oval coffee table by Shuya Design

Emerging brand Shuya Design creates custom furniture that combines wood, marble and other materials in unconventional ways.

Handcrafted furniture designed and built by Ottra. Photographed by John Muggenborg.

Handcrafted furniture designed and built by Ottra. Photographed by John Muggenborg.

Brooklyn is also known for its concentration of architect-turned-product designers including Ot/tra that creates hand-crafted furniture complementing its architecture practice.

Torsion table by Foundrywood

Torsion table by Foundrywood

Fitchwork is another Brooklyn contemporary maker standout for its ornamental pendants sintered from powdered nylon. 

Array lamp by Fitchwork

Array lamp by Fitchwork

Quiet Town, Inc. creates stylish shower curtains using ethical, quality materials including 100 percent, 10-ounce cotton milled in the USA. The co-founders created the company because “they were tired of buying pieces they needed but didn’t love.”

Marfa Shower Curtains by Quiet Town

Marfa Shower Curtains by Quiet Town

The 2018 edition took place at the Brooklyn Museum, kicking off the first weekend of NYCxDESIGN from May 12-13. 

For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

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Trendspotting at The 2018 New American Home:
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Trendspotting at The 2018 New American Home:

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

I recently toured The 2018 New American Home, the official show home of the NAHB International Builders’ Show known as IBS held in Orlando, Florida. I was joined by interior designer Kate Clarke, President of Homes Reimagined, who decorated the home and specified many of its architectural features. 

The New American Home in Bella Collina, Monteverde, Florida photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

Located in Bella Collina in town of Monteverde, about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, the 6,662 square-foot home sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Apopka with sweeping vistas of rolling terrain that melt into the horizon. The 3.975-million-dollar show home was built by Legacy Custom Built Homes and introduces an updated, streamlined interpretation of Tuscan architecture to this country club community. Here are the top trend takeaways for a look at what’s new and next in home decor and spatial design.

Garages that Double As Saferooms:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

The garage has always been a multitasking space in the home often serving as a dumping ground for household excess, a game room, hobby shop, or man cave. Now the place we park our cars provides a safe haven in the home. Luxury garages outfitted with air conditioned storage space are designed to double as a safe room with reinforced walls. High-end garages also pay attention to design details such as hidden and drywalled motorized tracks for garage doors.

Stackable Washer & Dryers:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

Large capacity washers and dryers now come in stackable models offering a space saving option to those side by side models. This is new innovation in laundry room design takes cues from urban spaces such as small apartments where space is limited. Until now, stackable washers and dryers only came in small capacity units but this latest design trend gives you the power of large capacity with more space efficiency.

Modern Barn Door Hardware:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

Barn doors remain popular design elements in the home from master closets to laundry room and office doors, popular for their space saving slide, side-to-side hardware rather than doors that require a wide berth to swing out.  

As style trends more towards modern and contemporary looks, the rustic barn doors are falling out favor for sleeker barn doors with modern hardware.

A great example is this clean barn door track without the typical wheels by Hafele that updates the look of the sliding door.

Space within a Space:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

There was a lot of buzz at the 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show about this concept of a space within a space in kitchen design. The layout is gaining traction as an alternative to the ubiquitous open plan kitchens dominating today’s floorplans. Envision a cut-out wall that overlooks the dining and family room and that is your “space within a space.”  It’s open yet separate. Interior Designer Kate Clarke designed this kitchen and calls it a “pass-through,” where the cook can hand over the dishes through to the dining room.

Pendant Clusters:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

This is a huge design trend in lighting that groups together pendants or light fixtures at various heights and often in various sizes and shapes. The pendant cluster is an updated alternative to the single light fixture such as the chandelier. Progress Lighting provided all of the light fixtures in The New American Home with several installations as pendant clusters such as the foyer and stairway. In the foyer, Clarke notes that the pendants are sold individually and purchased nine and attached them to an anchoring plate to create the cluster lights. Also worth noting is the popularity of hanging pendants everywhere from the bathroom to the bedside.

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

 

Bathroom Divider Walls:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

As Clarke notes, “No one likes to see a toilet when they enter a space.” As a design solution, in each bathroom of The New American Home, Clarke designed divider walls to hide the toilet, keeps it separate from the sink, and provide storage and shelving.

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

In this powder room, the separation wall provides storage for towels on one side and toiletries on the other side. Expect to see a lot more of these feature walls in the powder bath as it gains priority in the overall aesthetics of the home.

Free Hanging Closets:

Closet design is evolving to become more flexible acknowledge that people’s storage needs change over a lifetime. Free hanging closets with adjustable shelving are a great design solution allowing you to switch up the configuration to suit your changing wardrobe needs.

Wine Room Under Stairs:

photo credit: Jeff Davis Photography

In The New American Home, a wine bar resides just off the entry, tucked under the floating, glass panel staircase. The wine tasting space is outfitted with a tasting table, Thermador wine refrigerators and refrigerator and freezer drawers. This creative use of space takes the wine room out of hiding in the basement or bar area puts it in the main living area of the home as a design element.

Read the full article that I wrote about my tour of The 2018 New American Home published in the magazine Interior Appeal by clicking here: 

For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

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The Design King of Knurling, Massimo Buster Minale Inspires This Year’s Biggest Trend
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The Design King of Knurling, Massimo Buster Minale Inspires This Year’s Biggest Trend

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Buster + Punch’s Trifecta of Muses: Motorcycles, Metalwork & Music

Architect and industrial designer Massimo Buster Minale calls himself the Black Sheep of the Design World creating products from lighting to custom motorcycles that blend knurled detailing with rock star chic.

I first met Massimo in 2013, at The London Design Festival where he was launching the Buster + Punch label born of his passion for motorcycles, metalwork and music. Check out our interview where he promises to “Kick Minimalism in the teeth.”

Since then, I credit Massimo’s precision cut metal work, inspired by the knurled detailing of his custom-made motorcycle handles, with popularizing the design trend of knurled detailing evident in kitchen and bath fittings, fixtures, furniture and home decor accessories.

“We have become famed for our diamond-cut knurling technique, which we first used on motorbike handlebars and footpegs back in the day. The reason why we use this across our interior product ranges is for two reasons – firstly it shows that we use solid metal in all our products (you can only successfully knurl solid metal) and secondly it captures our DNA – so no matter how ‘ordinary’ a light pendant or cabinet pull might seem, ours have a special story and feel that is hard to put your finger on,” says Minale.

Today, Buster + Punch is a global brand of interior products including lighting, furniture, and fittings crafted with signature design elements of solid knurled brass, quilted leather, and bronze gunmetal.  “Our work is inspired by London’s fashion, music and subculture scenes, where we collaborate with street artists, bike builders, musicians and fashion designers to inject attitude into our crafted products.”

 

Minale began his creative career as an architect working in for a large firm before starting his own firm, Minale + Mann.  “My first love has always been architecture. During the day, I worked for some of the largest architecture firms in London and at night found the time to build custom motorbikes. I became increasingly frustrated with architecture because it is a very slow profession. As an antidote, I threw myself into my bikes, both riding and building,” Massimo says.

Minale’s irreverent approach to design comes from the gut, an outlier attitude that bucks trends and takes risks. His work defies conventions in the interior products industry drawing from a creative symbiosis between custom bikes and home decor.

“Each custom motorcycle reflects the personality and style of its owner. “We will always start by finding out what bikes or cars hold an emotional connection with that customer, then we will check out their homes and wardrobes and then we do the rest behind ‘closed doors’ i.e. we will not let a customer see the bike until it is finished……this is very risky, but gives each design a purity that is rarely found these days. We do the same with our products – we rarely use data or general opinion/trends, but go by our guts and hearts and more often than not this serves us well.”

For a cinematic look inside the design mind of Buster + Punch, check out this new short film, Switch Up, starring supermodel Cajsa Wessenberg with music by British Rapper Ms Banks, playing the role of Buster and Punch’s as Artificial Intelligence.

Expect these three design stories to continue evolving as we create spaces that reflect our personalities and promote healthier lifestyles. For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

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EnLightening Trends For Hip Home Style
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EnLightening Trends For Hip Home Style

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Expert Insight on The Latest Lighting Trends from Jeff Dross, Kichler Lighting

photo credit: Kichler Lighting

For the latest looks in lighting, I recently spoke with Lighting Trends Expert, Jeffrey R Dross, Kichler Corporate Director, Education and Industry Trends. Here is his take on light styles in 2018 and beyond. 

What are the latest lighting styles/designs/materials resonating with consumers in the home?

“Consumers today are still gravitating toward Vintage Industrial styles, but the style is taking on a softer, less industrial look. Some of the unkempt finishes and roughhewn edges are being polished away. This lighter industrial feel works nicely in the more relaxed residence consumers are now creating.”

Running parallel to Vintage Industrial in our “red-state / blue-state” world is Contemporary. More and more consumers, typically younger Millennials or Baby Boomers setting up a new home are seeking out this alternative. Chrome, Polished Nickel and White finishes are king here. Designs are simpler and the look is crisp and new.

photo credit: Kichler Lighting

In the bathroom, clear glass still dominates, but there is some desire to shift from the preponderance of Chrome. Black is emerging as a strong alternative, Natural Brass is showing signs of adoption and the addition of wood (real or faux) has become immediately popular.

Photo credit: Kichler Lighting

What are the latest lighting techniques gaining traction in interior design?

Expect to see more and more lighting effects in the home of the future. Light will be used, but you may not always see the source of the light. Lighting over cabinets, under toe kicks, under counters and behind room objects will deliver comfortable indirect light from an invisible source.

Photo credit: Kichler Lighting

The decorative lighting used will also serve as an aesthetic element in the space. Chandeliers, pendants and ceiling lighting will be more curated, less utilitarian. This will then become an opportunity to feature some magnificent lighting fixtures that magnify the design of the space.

Pendant Cluster by Progress Lighting in the foyer of The 2018 New American Home.

Pendant Cluster by Progress Lighting in the foyer of The 2018 New American Home.

Any unique, fresh ideas for lighting installation and configuration?

We are now in an era where outdoor lighting is coming indoors and indoor lighting is shifting locations, up to and including the exterior. Any preconceived notion of propriety has been set aside and the new norm is no norm at all!

Photo credit: Kichler Lighting

Progress Lighting pendant lights in the master bathroom of The 2018 New American Home

Progress Lighting pendant lights in the master bathroom of The 2018 New American Home

Bath sconces are being replaced with mini-pendants. Mini-pendants in the kitchen have grown in height and width to better blend with the tall ceilings and expanded square footage of the room.

Pendant kitchen lights in the ReNewable Energy Home

Pendant kitchen lights in the ReNewable Energy Home

The dining room chandelier has shifted to an over-scale pendant and if that is not enough, two chandeliers and two or three pendants are the alternatives.

Chandeliers in the dining room of the 2018 Remodeled Home built by Farina & Sons.

Chandeliers in the dining room of the 2018 Remodeled Home built by Farina & Sons.

 

Progress Lighting fixtures in a linear configuration over the dining table in The 2018 New American Home

Progress Lighting fixtures in a linear configuration over the dining table in The 2018 New American Home

Rather than bed lamps in a bedroom, pendants are used at each side of the bed, or why not mini-chandeliers!

Hanging light pendants by Progress Lighting bookend the bedside in the master bedroom in The 2018 New American Home

Hanging light pendants by Progress Lighting bookend the bedside in the master bedroom in The 2018 New American Home

Chandeliers have found their way into the bedroom and Master Bath suite and even outside! The disappearance of multi-story foyers means exaggerated semi-flush lighting is used, or a chandelier hung with no chain or stems nicely fills this space. Finally, aesthetic excess is now on display in Powder Rooms.

2018 NKBA Award Winning Powder Bath

2018 NKBA Award Winning Powder Bath

Their small size allows for the use of extravagant products that will wow family and friends, the primary users of these rooms.

2018 NKBA Award Winning Powder Bath

2018 NKBA Award Winning Powder Bath

Once these unconventional pieces have found their way into an unfamiliar place, additional creativity can be employed in placement. We are in the midst of a topsy-turvy time for lighting employment!

Any thoughts that you would like to share about emerging trends in lighting?

For the near future, I would keep my eye on Art Deco styling. While this may never be totally mainstream, it will have a sizable impact for a handful of years; much like the Mid-Century trend we now see winding-down. In addition, the Matte Black finish is perhaps the hottest color in lighting right now.

Photo credit: Kichler Lighting

As Oil Rubbed Bronze declines in importance, this, along with the already popular Natural Brass (a lighter, brushed version of brass) will begin to dominate. In that same vein, expect the return of Polished Brass, albeit in a denser, deeper coloration then we used for Williamsburg-style lighting twenty-five years ago.

Unrelated to aesthetics is the growing understanding of how our bodies respond and react to lighting. Science is quickly gaining knowledge about this interaction. Expect to hear more about what our bodies need and how good lighting can help us lead healthier lives. Commensurate products are certain to right behind.

Any other thoughts that you would like to share about lighting for today’s lifestyle?

Photo credit: Kichler Lighting

In the past, most homes and rooms were simply lit with a single luminaire in the center of the room. It was light, but not very good light. Our understanding of what we need has matured and our expectation of design has never been higher. One lighting product does not complete the task. A good lighting solution addresses the “Task” needs of the space, includes overall general or “Ambient” light, then add “Accent” or decorative lighting to add sparkle. The concept of Light Layering will ultimately drive lighting design to new heights.

Expect these three design stories to continue evolving as we create spaces that reflect our personalities and promote healthier lifestyles. For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

 

 

 

 

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3 Design Trends You Need to Know
Design ArticlesDesign FindsFeaturedHomepageUncategorized

3 Design Trends You Need to Know

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Hygge:

photo credit: Duravit

The most talked about lifestyle trend of 2017, Hygge is a way of being and decorating comes from the Danes and is firmly anchored in their culture. Hygge ( pronounced “hoo’gah” —who knew?) The style philosophy stands for coziness and peace of mind. The soothing color scheme is typically Scandinavian hues of soft beiges and greys fostering a rest, don’t race; relax, don’t stress ethos.

photo credit: Duravit

Simplicity defines this Nordic interior style.  Hygge incorporates lots of ambient light including candlelight and small lamps and sumptuous textures. There is no right or wrong way to create Hygge, the style is more of a feeling that makes you want to curl up with a cup of warm coffee or hot chocolate in front of a fire with a fluffy blanket.

photo credit: Heimtextil

Envision soft, lived-in fabrics; warm, glowing light; simple, classic lines. Surround yourself with objects, furnishings and fabrics that make you feel content and you’ve got Hygge.

Wellness by Design:

photo credit: Humanscale

Health is the new wealth and design that promotes wellness and self-care are shaping today’s living spaces. Changing attitudes and priorities about the way we live and inhabit space is driving a wellness revolution in design at home, at work and at play. Today’s consumer demands toxin-free materials, fresh air, and good lighting at home and at work.

Vessel Light by Todd Bracher for Humanscale

Humanscale, designer and manufacturer of products that improve wellness, calls on the science of biological lighting to create lights that follow the circadian rhythms, to enhance mental and physical well-being. Interior plant walls or vertical gardens purify the air bringing nature indoors. Chairs and furnishings that mimic the biomechanics of humans enhance comfort.  

Style-ISH: 

2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City.

The ishness of design is taking an established style and adding a dash of “ish” to make it your own. Think: Modern-ish, Farmhouse-ish, Retro-ish, Organic-ish, Traditional-ish. It’s a riff on stereotypical aesthetics.

Modern-ish softens sleekness with natural materials, textures and curves taking away the style’s harsher, cold edges and injecting color into the typical monochromatic colorscape.

2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City photo credit: 2018 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

 

2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City photo credit: Drake+Anderson

 

Farmhouse-ish takes country style and gives it an urban or industrial edge.

Contemporary Farmhouse, a Millennial-targeted concept home built by Pardee Homes

Contemporary Farmhouse, a Millennial-targeted concept home built by Pardee Homes

Farmhouse chic kitchen in the Contemporary Farmhouse, a Millennial-targeted concept home built by Pardee Homes

Farmhouse chic kitchen in the Contemporary Farmhouse, a Millennial-targeted concept home built by Pardee Homes

Farmhouse kitchen with an industrial edge by Kohler

Farmhouse kitchen with an industrial edge by Kohler

The look is a chic upgrade from the old world charm of a Tuscan kitchen with creative use of design elements such as woven basket pendant lights clustered in a modern configuration. 

Retro-ish brings in vintage elements in a modern-day setting creating a space that hints at nostalgia without looking like a museum exhibit.

Retro-Modern kitchen by Wellborn Cabinet Inc at KBIS 2018

Retro-Modern kitchen by Wellborn Cabinet Inc at KBIS 2018

Wellborn Cabinet Inc., did a great job of pulling this look together at the 2018 KBIS show. 

Retro-Modern bathroom by Wellborn Cabinet Inc at KBIS 2018

Retro-Modern bathroom by Wellborn Cabinet Inc at KBIS 2018

 Organic-ish infuses mother nature into decor with lots of wood and stone but without being too rustic, keeping the look sophisticated and refined. 

NKBA Best Bath Design Winner 2018

NKBA Best Bath Design Winner 2018

2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City

Traditional-ish is what we like to call Transitional, not wanting to leave your comfort zone and abandon what’s familiar and timeless yet wanting to update the look for today. 

2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City. Photo credit: 2018 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City . Photo credit: 2018 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

 

Expect these three design stories to continue evolving as we create spaces that reflect our personalities and promote healthier lifestyles. For more on what’s new and next in design, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel and sign up for the blog email.

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Design Delights Buyers Love To See
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Design Delights Buyers Love To See

by SponsoredPost
written by SponsoredPost

This is a Contributed Post with affiliate links

Are you redesigning your home for yourself or with the future potential sale in mind? If you’re thinking about a sale, you need to look at what buyers love to see when they view an interior of a home on the market. There are various features and design ideas that buyers are interested in. By knowing these, you can make sure that you get a lot of interest for your home on the market and the offers with the right number of zeroes. Let’s look at a few these features and design ideas.

Hardwood Floors:

There are no prizes for guessing why buyers love hardwood floors. First, they fit in with a minimalistic design and unlike carpet, they don’t intrude or draw attention away from the overall decor of the room. Second, they are easy to maintain and clean, providing the perfect option for couples or single homeowners. On top of this, they look extravagant, stylish and stunning, providing a luxurious feel to any area of your home.

Separate Laundry Room:

Laundry and utility rooms have certainly become more popular with buyers again lately. We are moving away from the concept of an all-inclusive kitchen towards homes that have laundry rooms with washers and dryers built in. If you’re intrigued by this possibility in your property Think Tank Home, have a guide on how to create your own laundry room and design it to fit in your property. At the very least, this will add a substantial amount of money onto the offers that buyers put forward.

Ceiling Fans:

Another feature that buyers are hoping to see when they view your home is a ceiling fan. This is particularly important for the bedroom. This isn’t just about keeping the room a comfortable, cool temperature through the summer months. A lot of buyers love the aesthetics of these fans and think that they add a fresh level of decor to any room. It’s a more elegant option compared to your typical aircon system.

Eat-In Kitchen:

If you’re looking for ways to renovate your kitchen, you should think about focusing on the eat-in options. Families, in particular, are eager to own a kitchen with a breakfast bar or island. While expensive, designing a breakfast bar in your home is a great way or creating this eat-in kitchen style.

Open Floor Plan:

Lastly, if you can afford it, you should think about redesigning a house with closed off rooms into something that is a more open plan. You can do this by tearing down the walls separating the dining area from the lounge. Or, the kitchen from the living room. You do need to make sure that you hire an expert or professional when you complete this type of change though. Otherwise, you could accidentally remove a load bearing wall. An expert can also help provide advice on the best ways to make sure that this type of design looks stunning.

These are just some of the features that buyers would love to see when checking out your home.

 

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Wallpaper Goes Big For Wow Walls
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Wallpaper Goes Big For Wow Walls

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Wallpaper Goes Big with Maxi Motifs & Large Scale Patterns for Trending Home Style

William Morris made wallpaper fashionable in the 19th century with his nature motifs taken from British wildlife. Since the mid-1800s, wallpaper has fallen in and out of style. Today, patterned walls are back in a big way with maxi-motifs often inspired by Morris’ progress patterns from the Victorian period.

Salgari wallpaper design from Skinwall

Salgari wallpaper design from Skinwall

William Morris’ patterns endure today through a variety of licensees manufacturing homeware, bedding and wallpaper and are often emulated by other designers. Victoria & Albert Museum in London holds a large archive of William Morris designs available for license in different product categories.

Gardening set featuring a William Morris botanical print from Victoria & Albert Museum available for sale in the gift shop

Gardening set featuring a William Morris botanical print from Victoria & Albert Museum available for sale in the gift shop

The museum recently licensed a series of William Morris patterns to Moda Fabrics to create a line of quilting fabrics.

Taking cues from William Morris’ oeuvre, wallpaper houses around the world reinterpret his radical naturalism born of the British the Arts and Crafts movement to create contemporary wallpaper and textiles. Italian wallpaper house Skinwall is fusing the concepts of pattern and mural to create massive wallscapes in sweeping scenes for feature walls or entire rooms.   Here’s a look at some of their latest designs in the Palingenesi collection wallpapers by artists/designers Fabio Iemmi, Michelangelo Bonfiglioli and Gloria Zanotti.

Exotic Gardens:

The garden goes indoors with exotic settings evoking wild forests, jungles, lush foliage and exotic birds. 

Peace wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Peace wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Tropicalia wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Tropicalia wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Welcome to the Jungle wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Welcome to the Jungle wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Salgari wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Salgari wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

 

Maxi Motifs:

Large stylized florals and foliage update a traditional motif with a pop art edge. 

Pure White wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Pure White wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Blue Valentine Pure wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Blue Valentine Pure wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Deco wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Deco wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Blossom wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Blossom wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

The Magic of Colors wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

The Magic of Colors wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

 

Dreamscapes:

Wallscapes that infuse an ethereal, fantastical ambiance to a living space stir emotions. These dreamlike designs feature various muses to create striking, theatrical atmospheres.

Persephone wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Persephone wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Precious wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Precious wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Bubble wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Bubble wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

 

Chinoiserie Amplified:

Large Asian inspired motifs create a contemporary take on Chinoiserie style in the home in bold colors. 

Maya wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Maya wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Moon wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Moon wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Korean Drama wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Korean Drama wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

 

Harmony wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Harmony wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Indie wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

Indie wallpaper design from the Palingenes Collection, Skinwall

For more design ideas, subscribe to my youtube channel for regular episodes of The Design Tourist for what’s new and next in design.

 

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Interior Design Ideas From Around The World
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Interior Design Ideas From Around The World

by SponsoredPost
written by SponsoredPost

This is a Contributed Post with affiliate links

There is nothing worse than running out of inspiration when it comes to your home’s interior design. If you think that one of your rooms is looking slightly drab or no longer on-trend, then you will no doubt want to update it as soon as possible. However, if you don’t have any ideas of what you want to do with your new design, then you might end up quite frustrated. There is one way around a creative block such as this, though. You might just need to look elsewhere for your inspiration!

Each country around the world has their own interior design trends and fashions. Why not check out some of these great decor inspirations from around the globe and see if anything fills you with some fantastic inspiration?

Japan: Go Minimal

Japanese Style: Minimalism

The Japanese are renowned for their minimalist style, and this interior design has started to creep up in popularity over here in the western world as well. It’s actually quite easy to achieve a minimalistic look in a room. You just need to restrict the number of items of furniture and decorative features that you put in the room so that it doesn’t look too busy. You should also use a neutral color palette, such as pastels, so that the walls don’t feel too overbearing.

India: Use Warm Colors

Indian Style: Warm Colors

If you are ever in an Indian-inspired home, you will notice that it is very warm and welcoming. This is because of the use of dark colors. All those warm reds, browns, and greens add a lot of comfort to the room. All of the warmth and comfort is often backed up by scent machines that diffuse relaxing fragrances, such as cinnamon and musk, around the rooms. Indians also add intricate decorative features, such as gems and jewels to ensure their rooms look as regal as possible.

France: Add Some Decadent Touches

The French are known for their fantastic sense of style in fashion, but this sophistication also pours into their interior design as well. French homeowners will pay for the finest furnishings and works of arts in their rooms to ensure that it looks like it has been decorated with the highest quality. This may be one of the most expensive trends to follow on this list, but it will certainly be the biggest showstopper.

Sweden: Keep It Light And Airy

Scandinavian Style: Light and Airy

Have you heard of Nordic style already? This is the main interior design trend that is currently big in the Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden. If you ever go to Sweden, you will notice that all of the homes appear extremely light, airy, and very spacious. And that is all because of their use of light pastel colors in their designs. Plus, they use a lot of natural materials in their rooms, such as sheep-skin rugs and driftwood.

Hopefully, one of the above international design trends has filled you with some great inspiration. Let me know which one you are tempted to use in your own home!

 

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Home Fragrance Ideas From The Experts
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Home Fragrance Ideas From The Experts

by SponsoredPost
written by SponsoredPost

This is a Contributed Post with affiliate links 

Photo credit: Kaboompics.com

We do so much to ensure that our homes look great, but there is often one aspect that many homeowners regularly overlook. And that is how their rooms smell. This is often forgotten about because the only time we really notice any room odors is when they aren’t too pleasant. For instance, you’ll instantly pick up on bad pet smells and burning cooking, but you won’t notice it when your room’s scent is neutral.

It’s such a great idea to bring in some nice fragrances to your rooms as they can really help set the atmosphere and ambiance. Not sure how to leave your rooms smelling as good as possible? Here are some fab tips from fragrance experts.

Know When To Use Diffusers And Scented Candles

Fragrant candles and scent machines are both great for bringing in very nice smells into your rooms. What’s more, you can often buy a wide range of different fragrances, so you should easily be able to find a diffuser or candle that suits your tastes. Just remember that these serve different purposes. For instance, scented candles are great if you have friends over and want to create a cozy ambiance. However, diffusers are a lot better if you want around-the-clock pleasant smells as you don’t have to watch them all the time, unlike candles.

Add Fans To Problem Areas

Do you find that it is often difficult to shift cooking odors from your kitchen? Or perhaps your bathroom always smells really stuffy because of all the use it gets from your family? We all have problem areas in our homes that can often smell quite bad. Thankfully, there is something you can do about them – you just need to add some extractor fans. These will remove any bad odors from the air and will quickly freshen up the room.

Bring In Lots Of Plants

If you don’t want to buy any diffusers or scented candles, you can always bring some more houseplants and flowers into your rooms. These will help keep your rooms smelling fresh and fragrant around the clock. Not only that, though, but some plants can even take some common toxins out of the air. That means you can be safe in the knowledge that your whole family is breathing the freshest of air at home. Some of the best houseplants that can improve your home’s air include peace lilies and bamboo palms.

 

Use Natural Scents

Plants aren’t the only natural scents that you can use in your home. You can also utilize the powers of lemons and limes. All you need to do is slice some citrus fruit and leave it in a bowl in the room that you want to freshen up. Their zesty fragrance will eventually fill the whole room! Herbs can also help, especially in the kitchen. A small indoor herb garden will fill your kitchen with lots of fresh fragrances! Plus, they’ll taste excellent in your cooking!
Once you use these tips, your home will never have smelt so great!

 

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On Location with Wellborn Cabinet Inc at KBIS 2018
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On Location with Wellborn Cabinet Inc at KBIS 2018

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

The Design Tourist explores the latest looks & trends in kitchen and bath design from Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. Check out new design ideas and product launches revealed at KBIS from Wellborn Cabinet Inc. including coplanar doors, three-toned wood cabinets, glass face cabinets, frameless cabinets, the retro-mod look and much more.

 

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2018 Kitchen & Bath Design Finds & Trends
Design ArticlesDesign FindsEventsFeaturedHomepageUncategorized

2018 Kitchen & Bath Design Finds & Trends

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Trendspotting at KBIS 2018

The 2018 NKBA Kitchen and Bath Industry Show offers a first look at the latest design trends and product innovations for the home. App-driven appliances and smart home connectivity continue to blur the boundaries between the real and virtual world as all-knowing Alexa sits in the cloud overseeing our devices via Amazon’s Echo and Google Home. As smart products and appliances get smarter, what was once a “trend” has now settled into a new state of being.

I just recently built a new home where I can boss around all its inner-workings with the command of my voice and the omnipresent Alexa. My smart home assistant controls my thermostats, lights, refrigerator, oven, doorbell, security cameras, smart TVs, and knows my favorite playlists and podcasts. Sleek, tubular Echo devices sit in each room at attention and in perfect sync with my home’s modern decor.

One of my Amazon Echo devices that operates my smart home

What I can say about this synergistic relationship between design and technology is that it’s creating a fresh, exciting aesthetic in the home where sleek digital touch screens replace knobs and buttons, color changing LEDs illuminate in lieu of incandescent bulbs and new silhouettes recalibrate rooms. Case in point, this Real Rain overhead shower panel from Kohler powered by its DTV+ technology with pre-programmed spa-like experiences that can be customized and controlled by a digital touchscreen and voice.

 

Voice controlled lighted mirrors are yet another example. The Verdera mirror is embedded with Amazon Alexa to respond to voice commands that adjust the mirror’s lighting levels and play music. 

The Verdera Lighted Mirrors by Kohler with Amazon Alexa

The Verdera Lighted Mirrors by Kohler with Amazon Alexa

The Verdera Lighted Mirrors by Kohler with Amazon Alexa

The Verdera Lighted Mirrors by Kohler with Amazon Alexa

Without belaboring the marvels of smart home technology baked into almost every household item, here’s what’s pinging my design radar at KBIS/IBS 2018:

Rose Gold Finishes:

Maybe all that Millennial pink from 2017 fabrics and accessories is seeping into metallics or perhaps we desire a warmer alternative to the ubiquitous chrome and steel. Whatever the root cause, Rose Gold is having a moment in home decor, especially in fittings and fixtures. At KBIS/IBS, I saw a lot of Rose Gold and I have to say that it plays perfectly with one of the latest trends, mixed metals.

Rose Gold Faucet sits in the mix of brushed Gold, chrome and other finishes at the Kohler booth

Rose Gold Faucet sits in the mix of brushed Gold, chrome and other finishes at the Kohler booth

Rose Gold, Brushed Gold, Brushed Brass and Oil-Rubbed Bronze are among the trending mixed metals dictating the latest designs. These faucets are from Kohler.

Rose Gold, Brushed Gold, Brushed Brass and Oil-Rubbed Bronze are among the trending mixed metals dictating the latest designs. These faucets are from Kohler.

Basket Lighting:

A tisket a tasket, the basket is now lighting de jour. Basket light fixtures configured in clusters with random shapes and styles were everywhere as statement-making focal points casting interesting visual grids from LED bulbs within.  These woven shades crossover just about all style genres from modern to farmhouse chic, and industrial to transitional when paired with supporting accessories and furnishings.

Picture Sinks:

Picture this: a sink with a scenic vignette, a Kodak moment captured on a porcelain bowl. This is one of my fav design finds at KBIS/IBS for its attempt at making the sink centerstage in bathroom design. Feast your eyes on this colorful butterfly-floralscape from Kohler #ArtInOddPlaces.

picture sink by Kohler

picture sink by Kohler

Patterned Sinks:

I like the etching in this line of patterned sinks— the subtle artistry at work creates a visual surprise upon closer inspection. What I’m seeing is an appreciation of the sink as a canvas for art, something that is happening on a larger scale in the design world as furniture manufacturers commission or license artworks to imprint on credenzas, coffee tables, chairs and more, liberating art from wall space.

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

Appliance Art:

SMEG is on board with this whole idea of the appliance as canvas, debuting its Dolce & Gabbana designed line. Art in unusual spaces is a direction I suspect more designers will take their work in 2018 since authentic spaces dictate many of the trends.

Dolce & Gabbana Appliances by SMEG

Dolce & Gabbana Appliances by SMEG

Dolce & Gabbana Appliances by SMEG

Dolce & Gabbana Appliances by SMEG

Glass Panels with Texture, Fabrics, and Patterns :

I’m also seeing a lot of large format glass panels with unique patterning, fabric or textures underneath clad vanities, walls, and furniture that emote the look of shiny but preserved patinas and antique mirrored surfaces.

Vetrite glass panel surfaces with textural, fabric and patina layers underneath

Vetrite glass panel surfaces with textural, fabric and patina layers underneath

IMG_5926

Steampunk Kitchen:

The latest trend report from NKBA says contemporary, transitional and farmhouse style kitchens are the top three popular styles. Industrial aesthetics are waning, according to that same report,  but at the show, I saw an interesting twist on the farmhouse-industrial style that nods to Steampunk influences.  The Litze collection by Brizo marries mechanic motifs with knurled faucet heads to create an aesthetic in its own category.

The Litze collection by Brizo

The Litze collection by Brizo

Knurled faucet heads fromtThe Litze collection by Brizo

Knurled faucet heads from the Litze collection by Brizo

Vise grips as bookends add a Steampunk element to this kitchen design by Brizo

Vise grips as bookends add a Steampunk element to this kitchen design by Brizo

The Litze Collection By Brizo

Now, on to my unique design finds including this Fontanina faucet by NASONI with a built-in spout on the head that serves as a drinking water fountain. This was definitely a show stopper for its innovative design that promotes health and wellness (big buzzwords in kitchen and bath products at the moment) NASONI says “Now you can remove the possibility of sickness and ill-health, throw away your rinsing cup and the bacteria that it houses, and enjoy the health rewards of a water fountain solution in the bathroom.”

I’ll share more design finds and trend takeaways from 2018 KBIS/IBS that center around storage solutions in my next blog post.

For more kitchen trends and design ideas, check out 15 Kitchen Design Ideas to Make Your Kitchen Pop for Cheap on the blog Jen Reviews.

Also, subscribe to my youtube channel for regular episodes of The Design Tourist for what’s new and next in design.

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Inside the Design Mind of Todd Bracher
Design FindsEvents

Inside the Design Mind of Todd Bracher

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

At the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York, I met up with design guru Todd Bracher to talk about his collaboration with Humanscale and his installation for DIFFA Dining by Design.  Bracher is an industrial designer and product designer. Humanscale designs and manufactures ergonomic products that improve health and comfort at work.

The Design Tourist host Karen LeBlanc and Industrial and Product Designer Todd Bracher check out his Vessel Lamp on view at The Architectural Digest Design Show as part of DIFFA's Dining by Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Design Tourist host Karen LeBlanc and Industrial and Product Designer Todd Bracher check out his Vessel Lamp on view at The Architectural Digest Design Show as part of DIFFA’s Dining by Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Bracher often lends his skills to create various design show installations. At the Architectural Digest Design Show, he created a dining vignette for DIFFA’s Dining by Design, an event that raises money to fight HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness.

Dining installation designed by Todd Bracher for Humanscale as part of DIFFA's Dining by Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Dining installation designed by Todd Bracher for Humanscale as part of DIFFA’s Dining by Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

“This is a project for Humanscale, a design studio that is all about the transparency, honesty and sustainability in their products. We wanted to create a greenhouse installation that implies what the architecture of a greenhouse structure looks like but calls on the imagination to complete the scenario. This idea of having a warm table to sit at and enjoy conversation and a meal. We have chairs that I designed for Humanscale ergonomics that allow you to sit for a long time enjoy yourself. I designed the lighting above, called the Vessel fixture, also by Humanscale.  We are using the physics of light to control and manage light from an LED that produces a magical illusion effect that looks like an empty glass of water with light appearing on the surface of the table,” explains Bracher. 

The Vessel Lamp for Humanscale designed by Todd Bracher is lit by LED technology hidden within an optic crystal for a beautiful and even throw of light.

The Vessel Lamp for Humanscale designed by Todd Bracher is lit by LED technology hidden within an optic crystal for a beautiful and even throw of light.

Bracher designed the vessel lamp with an LED embedded into an optical crystal that produces a beautiful even dispersion of light. The light engine is hidden, which is quite an engineering feat to do. “The real reason behind it, is that it provides an incredibly even throw of light on the surface and no glare to the eye,” explains Bracher.

The Vessel Lamp designed by Todd Bracher for Humanscale. Todd demonstrates how the LED light source is concealed above a high-quality quartz cylinder. Light is refracted downward through a finely tuned, solid body and appears as though it is emanating from an unseen origin. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

The Vessel Lamp designed by Todd Bracher for Humanscale. Todd demonstrates how the LED light source is concealed above a high-quality quartz cylinder. Light is refracted downward through a finely tuned, solid body and appears as though it is emanating from an unseen origin. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

The LED light source is concealed above a high-quality quartz cylinder. Light is refracted downward through a finely tuned, solid body and appears as though it is emanating from an unseen origin. This effect, called total internal reflection, provides balanced, high-performance surface illumination.

The Design Tourist host, Karen LeBlanc and Industrial and Product Designer Todd Bracher, check out his Trea multipurpose chair, which mimics the instinctive recline of the human body without resorting to manual controls. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Design Tourist host, Karen LeBlanc and Industrial and Product Designer Todd Bracher, check out his Trea multipurpose chair, which mimics the instinctive recline of the human body without resorting to manual controls. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Bracher teamed up with Humanscale to create the Trea multipurpose chair, which mimics the instinctive recline of the human body without resorting to manual controls.

Designer Todd Bracher demonstrates how the Trea chair back reclines when you sit in it and adjusts to any size person seated in it. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Designer Todd Bracher demonstrates how the Trea chair back reclines when you sit in it and adjusts to any size person seated in it. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

“I designed the Trea chair so that the chair back actually reclines when you sit in it and adjusts to any size person seated in it.  Most chairs you sit in are either beautiful or comfortable but we wanted to make a beautifully comfortable chair,” says Bracher. 

For the latest design finds and trends, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel so you don’t miss a single episode of my design travels and as always, subscribe to the blog for interviews with tastemakers and trendsetters in art, architecture and design.

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Kitchen Surface Style Ideas with Natural Stone
Design ArticlesDesign FindsHomepage

Kitchen Surface Style Ideas with Natural Stone

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Design Ideas to Update Kitchen Style with Natural Stone

My new contemporary kitchen gets its surface style from natural stone. As a decorator, stone is my go-to material for its one-of-a-kind design— its unique colorations, patterns, timeless appeal and durability. My kitchen color palette is gray and white, so I naturally gravitate towards marble; however, the countertops, in particular the island top, are both workhorses and showpieces so I needed to select a stone that can stand up to food prep and daily dining.

Madreperola quartzite from Brazil is a creamy and gray slab. Photo credit: MS International Inc. Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. Consider quartzite countertops for their strength, beauty, and overall durability.

Madreperola quartzite from Brazil is a creamy and gray slab. Photo credit: MS International Inc. Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. Consider quartzite countertops for their strength, beauty, and overall durability.

I  was able to render the look of marble with the durability of granite by choosing quartzite.  Quartzite is generally harder and denser with the classic marble veining.  My kitchen floors are marble tile in a classic white with gray veining conveying a crisp, airy, contemporary style that compliments the rest of my interior design choices.   My signature decor style tends to mix different types of stone in living spaces from flooring to fireplace surrounds and wall inserts. 

Natural stone works well with any kitchen—traditional, modern, rustic, transitional, industrial, and all the stylistic iterations in between, making it an ideal choice for a kitchen makeover. Here’s how I use natural stone as my creative muse in home decor and design for surface style in the kitchen. 

Range Niche:

I like to create a focal point in the kitchen with a stone clad wall and niche that frames the range hood as a functional and sculptural element. In this kitchen by Artistic Tile, the niche wall framing a stainless steel range hood is crafted of Calacatta Gold marble subway tile that complements the Calacatta Gold marble slab of the island top. The flooring is Ash limestone.

Luxury kitchen rendered in Calacatta Gold marble and Ash limestone floors from Artistic Tile. The mix of natural stone creates textural and visual dimension for a one-of-a-kind design.

Luxury kitchen rendered in Calacatta Gold marble and Ash limestone floors from Artistic Tile. The mix of natural stone creates textural and visual dimension for a one-of-a-kind design. Photo credit: Artistic Tile

Sink:

Natural stone such as soapstone is a sanitary choice for kitchen sinks because it’s non-porous so it doesn’t trap bacteria and it never stains. This Soapstone sink crafted by Vermont Soapstone, seamlessly blends with the adjacent countertops for a monolithic look. This deep sink’s apron front showcases the veining and colorations.

Traditional High Backsplash Soapstone Sink custom crafted by Vermont Soapstone from 1.25″ thick soapstone slabs.

Traditional High Backsplash Soapstone Sink custom crafted by Vermont Soapstone from 1.25″ thick soapstone slabs. Photo credit: Vermont Soapstone

Pocket Office:

A built-in niche to charge cellphones, accommodate a laptop or other smart device is on the must-have list of today’s kitchen renovations and new construction. Now more than ever, the cook is connected to technology, consulting smart devices for recipes and in need of a place to organize household paraphernalia. Ripano Stoneworks designed a pocket office in this kitchen with a granite desk top that matches the perimeter counters for style and function.

Natural stone works well as built-ins and furniture features in a kitchen. This pocket office in the kitchen has a quartzite desk top from Ripano Stoneworks. Photo credit: Ripano Stoneworks

Natural stone works well as built-ins and furniture features in a kitchen. This pocket office in the kitchen has a quartzite desk top from Ripano Stoneworks. Photo credit: Ripano Stoneworks

Wine Storage:

A wine rack designed to match kitchen counters and cabinets adds a custom touch with natural stone. This one from Ripano Stoneworks showcases a quartzite top and wood storage rack that looks as if it’s an extension of the adjacent countertop and base cabinets.

This wine storage rack showcases a quartzite top that matches the kitchen counters. Natural stone has many uses as design features including fireplace surrounds, bar tops, desk tops, fireplace surrounds. Photo credit: Ripano Stoneworks.

This wine storage rack showcases a quartzite top that matches the kitchen counters. Natural stone has many uses as design features including fireplace surrounds, bar tops, desk tops, fireplace surrounds. Photo credit: Ripano Stoneworks.

 Backsplash:

Natural stone is easy to clean and decorative as a kitchen backsplash with a wide variety of creative choices from semiprecious stones to travertine, marble, limestone, granite and quartzite. This stunning backsplash by ROCKin’teriors is backlit to bring out the translucent beauty of agate, a semi precious stone

Backlit agate backsplash by ROCKin'teriors in this kitchen makes a dramatic focal point. I love to use semiprecious stone slabs in decorative applications that are backlit to tease out their translucent beauty. Photo credit: ROCKin'teriors

Backlit agate backsplash by ROCKin’teriors in this kitchen makes a dramatic focal point. I love to use semiprecious stone slabs in decorative applications that are backlit to tease out their translucent beauty. Photo credit: ROCKin’teriors

Kitchen backsplash crafted of Danby Imperial marble with matching counters cues a crisp, clean, elegant look. Photo credit: Artistic Tile.

Kitchen backsplash crafted of Danby Imperial marble with matching counters cues a crisp, clean, elegant look. Photo credit: Artistic Tile.

Kitchen Island:

Natural stone is a popular choice for the island countertop tying together the look as a focal point and command central for the cook. The latest kitchen island designs incorporate a countertop with an overhang for seating, a sink, dishwasher and/or a cooktop. The island countertop can either match or contrast with the perimeter counters.

Calacatta marble from ROCKin'teriors defines the transitional look of this luxury kitchen with its rich gray veining that plays off the white cabinets. Photo credit: ROCKin'teriors

Calacatta marble from ROCKin’teriors defines the transitional look of this luxury kitchen with its rich gray veining that plays off the white cabinets. Photo credit: ROCKin’teriors

Island countertop crafted of soapstone from Dorado Soapstone.

Island countertop crafted of soapstone from Dorado Soapstone. This natural stone is siliceous – nonporous so it is unaffected and unharmed by acids contained in everyday substances like wine, lemon, and vinegar making it an ideal choice for food prep areas. Photo credit: Dorado Soapstone.

 

Calacatta Gold marble creates a wraparound kitchen island top and oversized backsplash in this contemporary kitchen. Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Stone.

Calacatta Gold marble creates a wraparound kitchen island top and oversized backsplash in this contemporary kitchen. Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Stone.

Flooring:

Natural stone is a timeless, trend-proof choice for flooring and provides the durability to endure high traffic areas. To preserve its look and luster, natural stone, unlike porcelain and ceramic tile floors, can be polished, resurfaced and resealed extending its life.  There are many different finishes for stone flooring to choose from. Polished is a smooth, glossy, highly reflective surface. Honed is a smooth, satin-like matte finish. Brushed is a slightly rough surface with an aged or antique look. Tumbled is a smooth surface that looks weathered and scuffed. Bush-hammered is a fairly smooth, non-slippery surface ideal for outdoor applications. Leathered is a suede-like appearance and feel with a soft non-reflective shine. Flamed is a rough texture and relief with a non-slippery surface ideal for outdoor applications. Sandblasted is a textured surface with a matte gloss so the stone looks weathered. 

Travertine floors add a warm counterbalance to the Marron Cohiba granite counters. Photo credit: Arizona Tile

Travertine floors add a warm counterbalance to the Marron Cohiba granite counters. Photo credit: Arizona Tile

Calacatta Gold marble floor tile with decorative inserts create an elegant floor medallion in this kitchen. Photo Credit: Artistic Tile

Calacatta Gold marble floor tile with decorative inserts create an elegant floor medallion in this kitchen. Photo Credit: Artistic Tile

Perimeter Counters:

The latest kitchen styles mix stone materials, colors and patterns in counters and island tops. This kitchen by Stoneshop pairs Silver Pearl leathered granite on the perimeter counters with Mont Blanc honed quartzite on the island top.

The latest kitchen styles mix natural stone colors and patterns for surface style. This kitchen by the Stoneshop pairs Pearl leathered granite on the perimeter counters and Mont Blanc honed quartzite on the Island top. Photo credit: Stoneshop

The latest kitchen styles mix natural stone colors and patterns for surface style. This kitchen by the Stoneshop pairs Pearl leathered granite on the perimeter counters and Mont Blanc honed quartzite on the Island top. Photo credit: Stoneshop

Matching granite perimeter counters and island top in this kitchen plays well with its traditional style. Photo credit: Granite America

Matching granite perimeter counters and island top in this kitchen plays well with its traditional style. Photo credit: Granite America

Matching island top and perimeter counters in granite cue a transitional look in this kitchen. Photo credit: Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply.

Matching island top and perimeter counters cue a transitional look in this kitchen. Photo credit: Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply.

For more design ideas with natural stone, check out www.usenaturalstone.com

Thanks in part to MIA+BSI: TheNatural Stone Institute for sponsoring this post.

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Inside the Design Mind of David A. Rozek, Pandemic Design Studio
Design ArticlesDesign FindsEventsHomepage

Inside the Design Mind of David A. Rozek, Pandemic Design Studio

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc
 During the entire month of May, New York City is the global stage for international design on view in a multitude of shows and events collectively known as NYCxDesign. The marquee event is ICFF, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, a compilation of what’s best and next in contemporary design and luxury interiors. Every year, I scout the show for the emerging talents rethinking the way we design and adorn our living spaces. From more than 800 exhibitors, I bring you inside the design minds of several standouts starting with David Rozek, founder of Pandemic Design Studio.
Light by Pandemic Design Studio from the Industrial Evolution Collection on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

Light by Pandemic Design Studio from the Industrial Evolution Collection on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

In this blog post, we delve inside the imagination of  architect turned designer  David Rozek, founder of Pandemic Design Studio, LLC.
What is the muse that drives your creativity?
I like to design my work with action verbs incorporated in their appearance which reflect natural forces and phenomenon or regulatory patterns found in nature.  As a whole, I am drawn to concept of pieces being assembled to create something much larger while still visually maintaining the individuality of each piece.
Recently, the projects that I have been working on the most, The Node Collection and the Industrial Evolution Collection, have taken on action verbs that are more associated with organisms or plants and my vision of each collection only gets stronger better with more quantity.  The Industrial Evolution Collection is an invasive species, The Node Collection is a colony.
Forbidden Fruit light fixture by Pandemic Design Studio from the Industrial Evolution Collection on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

Forbidden Fruit light fixture by Pandemic Design Studio from the Industrial Evolution Collection on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

How do you envision your pieces used in a living space?
I envision my work as the focal point of a space.  It is the “wow” factor that one would notice first and arguably would dictate the aesthetic of the rest of the space.  I see my lighting (The Tree of Souls) waiting near the door in the entryway to greet the guests of a hip, industrial bar, coffee shop, restaurant, or hotel.
Tree of Souls light fixture by Pandemic Design Studio from the Industrial Evolution Collection on exhibit at ICFF.

Tree of Souls light fixture by Pandemic Design Studio from the Industrial Evolution Collection on exhibit at ICFF.

Fire Fly Desk Lamp by Pandemic Design Studios on exhibit at ICFF

Fire Fly Desk Lamp by Pandemic Design Studios on exhibit at ICFF.

I see the desk lamps at the table where the guests eat or at the bar to keep the lonely guests company.  I imagine a dining and drinking establishment flickering with all of my creatures when the guests are encouraged to touch them and they cycle through low, medium, and high settings.  There is something to be said for interaction with the decor.   I wouldn’t mind seeing The Mantis on top of a piano that a famous pianist is playing.
I imagine The Node Wall behind the reception desk in a corporate headquarters or in the dining area of a swanky restaurant or hotel.  I see an outdoor wall at private residences or just a few Nodes on the wall in a well lit bathroom or kitchen.  I see an indoor herb garden in the kitchen.
The Node Wall from The Node Collection by Pandemic Design Studio on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

The Node Wall from The Node Collection by Pandemic Design Studio on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

With either of these products, there is a strength in numbers but they can all stand alone.  That is really the beauty of the design of each collection.
Individual ceramic node from The Node Collection by Pandemic Design Studio on exhibit at ICFF.

Individual ceramic node from The Node Collection by Pandemic Design Studio on exhibit at ICFF.

You can have a few or a lot and you can be happy anywhere in between.  It is all so versatile that it is hard to find a situation where it would not add aesthetic value to the space.
 Share the brief back story of Pandemic Design Studio and how it came to be?
 I conceived the name of my studio about a decade ago when I was in my last year of college finishing up my architecture degree.  I don’t really remember how or why it came to me but I wanted something edgy and a little dark.  If you replace disease with design in the definition of pandemic, we aim to spread our design worldwide in a way that it unavoidable.  Many years later, I was in a place to start this company, I relocated to the Philadelphia area from Raleigh, NC three years ago and its been non stop ever since. The last two years have brought two new categories into our arsenal and those are lighting and ceramics.
What’s new and next for you?
Whats next? If I’m going to be true to our name, produce, produce, produce and get it into people’s hands.  We have done a lot of shows this year so far with a few more coming up, notably The PMA Show in Philly in November and there is some chatter about doing Index Dubai.  This is our year to get out there and so far we have had all of our ideas and products validated.
The Node Collection by Pandemic Design Studio on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

The Node Collection by Pandemic Design Studio on exhibit at ICFF. Photo by: The Design Tourist

I plan to see The Node Collection start to make its way to retail locations nationwide this summer and there are a number of products in all of our collections that have yet to be built.

For the latest design finds and trends, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel so you don’t miss a single episode of my design travels and as always, subscribe to the blog for interviews with tastemakers and trendsetters in art, architecture and design.

 

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Inside the Design Mind of Annie Kantor, AJK Design Studio
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Inside the Design Mind of Annie Kantor, AJK Design Studio

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Textile designer turned metalsmith, Annie Kantor, owner of AJK Design Studio, elevates unsightly air ducts and metal vents to the level of artistic elements with her collections of laser-cut metal grilles, panels and ceiling squares. I discovered Kantor’s work at ICFF, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, a compilation of what’s best and next in contemporary design and luxury interiors. Annie Kantor is one of several designers that I singled out to explore the depths of her creativity in my series Inside Design Minds. Let’s meet Annie and her muse. 

Metal laser cut panel by AJK Design Studio

Metal laser cut panel by AJK Design Studio

What inspired you to focus your work from textile design to metal?  
Well, I was in the middle of a personal remodel project here in California.  We have a very old house, and I could not find any beautiful or period metal work which fit into our aesthetic.  We had a huge duct opening right in our entrance way, and I wanted something beautiful and fitting with the house.  Nothing more beautiful than the original metal vents so I scoured flea markets, and antique stores but could not find anything suitable for our size.  Something made me remember a woven I designed for Maharam (I was head of custom studio there, designing upholstery fabrics) which was inspired by the elevator shaft in a Louis Sullivan building in Chicago.  From memory, I started drawing and adapting the pattern on carbon paper and sent my design across the country to see who could laser cut this in metal.  Two years later, I refined and developed a product I felt comfortable putting my name on.  I felt this was a new and needed niche in the industry.
AJK Design Studio booth displays Annie Kantor's latest metal grille and panel designs on view at ICFF. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

AJK Design Studio booth displays Annie Kantor’s latest metal grille and panel designs on view at ICFF. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

As soon as I started working with the laser cutters, I felt challenged and excited to see if I could adapt my repeating pattern sensibilities in such a non-forgiving material such as steel.  I purchased a textile design program, Pointcarre, with money my grandmother left me (she was a prolific artist and I knew she’d be happy with me using the money in this way), and started designing.   It is tricky because I am used to dealing with layers of yarn, and not solid steel.  The designs need to be graphically strong, and take into account balancing opening areas with closed. I designed many at the beginning which would simply fall apart because I forgot it all has to connect and be stabilized.
AJK Design Studio booth displays Annie Kantor's latest metal grille and panel designs on view at ICFF. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

AJK Design Studio booth displays Annie Kantor’s latest metal grille and panel designs on view at ICFF. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

 I love the technical challenge of creating strong design, in metal.  I like to push the limits.  My designs are not conventional.  Similarly, I enjoyed designing wovens for panel fabrics, the challenge of creating something visually appealing in 100% polyester.
Did you see an opportunity for a design niche?
Metal laser cut panel with lotus flower design by AJK Design Studio

Metal laser cut panel with lotus flower design by AJK Design Studio

 I noticed in many high-end hospitality and residential venues, almost every detail was attended to, but then there would be a very utilitarian, plastic not so attractive vent begging to be changed.   I feel that this attention to detail is one that is easy and affordable to change, and has the potential to make huge difference in the space, one in which every detail matters.  Also, so much fun for designers and architects to customize their space with a distinctive design in an unexpected place!
How do you envision panels being used in a living space?  
Metal laser cut panels by AJK Design Studio

Metal laser cut panels by AJK Design Studio

  Decorative wall coverings…the texture and solidity of metal is interesting and even surprising against a wall.  We can make these in thin gauges as well, so they are not too heavy.  The negative spaces in the designs can be played with by changing the background on the wall with paint, felt, glass, light, colors and textures.
Metal laser cut panels by AJK Design Studio

Metal laser cut panels by AJK Design Studio

Another use is screen dividers, or doors.  Clients want to use these on staircases, fire places, table tops, and accent pieces.
What’s next for you?
Metal laser cut panels by AJK Design Studio

Metal laser cut panels by AJK Design Studio

I will be introducing new collections of patterns twice a year. I am having so much fun designing these, and love turning my inspiration into finished designs.  Kamakura, my most recent collection, was particularly exciting for me because I wanted to create an organic feel in metal, to capture the fluidity of the water lilies as they moved through the water. Movement in metal!

For the latest design finds and trends, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel so you don’t miss a single episode of my design travels and as always, subscribe to the blog for interviews with tastemakers and trendsetters in art, architecture and design.

 

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Inside the Design Mind of Kiel Arto
Design FindsHomepageUncategorized

Inside the Design Mind of Kiel Arto

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Kiel Arto Design is a new company repurposing automotive steel into designer, one-of-a-kind tables. I’m intrigued by the artistic process that uncovers a rich patina by removing layers of paint and coating. Let’s go inside the design mind of Kiel Arto and meet their muse and makers.

Kiel Arto Coffee Table

Kiel Arto Coffee Table

What inspired you to focus your craft on creating designer tables from reclaimed steel?

One of our partners, Peter Kalnins, wanted to try something different. Everyone knows that old cars get scrapped, crushed and re-melted. This uses a lot of energy. Having always admired clever ways of reusing materials, Peter realized that painted auto body steel had a hidden beauty and potential. Automobile roof panels, which are rusting away in scrap yards, have numerous layers of color that can be exposed to reveal something beautiful. The layers consist of bare steel, rust protective coating, primer, paint, clear coat. By gradually exposing these layers a painting can be made on the steel, and this then becomes a functional, practical piece of art – a table (or a wall tile, counter top, a decorative panel).

Kiel Arto Dining Table on view at ICFF, photo credit: The Design Tourist

Kiel Arto Dining Table on view at ICFF, photo credit: The Design Tourist

Introduce us to your muse?

The car roof really gives the artist his inspiration. Once the roof is removed, he looks for dents and scratches as a starting point. This urban patina is part of the history and story of the car. He gradually removes the layers of paint, follows the color patterns and combinations to create the design that eventually appears.

How do you envision your pieces used in a living space?

We envision our tables being used by people who appreciate functional art and are sensitive to the environment. There is much art that is viewed from a distance, our tables are art that should be used, touched, and be part of your daily routine. The three different lines and varied functions of our tables (coffee, end, bar-height) offer a broad range of use in homes in offices. Our wall tiles, wall panels and counter-tops take the idea a step further in the interior environment. Art comes in many forms but these are truly functional in nature.

Kiel Arto Coffee Table

Kiel Arto Coffee Table

 

Share the brief back story of your design studio and how it came to be?

Peter Kalnins, one of the partners, had three beliefs that were the basis for making the tables and establishing the company: 1) Materials must be honest and have integrity. Automotive body panels are not plastic pretending to be wood – this is factory painted steel that deserves a second life.

Kiel Arto Table collection

Kiel Arto Table collection

Saving this material from the crusher is good for the environment. Working to protect the environment is what responsible humans should be doing. 2) Tables need to be sturdy and truly functional. Everyone knows a coffee table that has a “shimmy and shake” problem. You can’t put a coffee mug on it, because 2-year-old Johnny will bump the table and the coffee will spill. Tables must be rock solid and should not dictate how you use them. 3) Art can be not only something you look at, but also something you can use, touch and enjoy in everyday life.  As his background is engineering and architecture, Peter approached his friend and artist Kristaps Gulbis about creating art from reclaimed automotive steel to set into tables. Together they designed the tables and worked out the technical aspects of these table lines.

Kiel Arto Dining Table on view at ICFF. Photo Credit, The Design Tourist

Kiel Arto Dining Table on view at ICFF. Photo Credit, The Design Tourist

What’s new and next for you?

Within the last 12 months, we have launched the company and designed three lines of tables. We are going to Dwell on Design in LA at the end of June and ICFF in Miami in October. We have our tables in 3 galleries already two in Chicago and one in Riga. We hope to find more like-minded galleries interested in carrying our products. We hope to find our way into homes, offices and hotels in the US.

For the latest design finds and trends, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel so you don’t miss a single episode of my design travels and as always, subscribe to the blog for interviews with tastemakers and trendsetters in art, architecture and design. For more luxury design finds, read the related blog post below:

ICFF Luxury Design Finds & Trends

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ICFF Luxury Design Finds & Trends
Design FindsEventsHomepage

ICFF Luxury Design Finds & Trends

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

 

What’s new and next in luxury interiors. Cool products and design finds from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City.

Automotive Inspired Furniture:

Sleek, sexy yet masculine, the coveted Lamborghini sports car becomes the muse for a furniture collection by the lifestyle company Tonino Lamborghini. Arm chair drivers can immerse themselves in Lamborghini’s signature red and gray quilted leather patterned sofas and chairs.

Sofa and coffee tables by Tonino Lamborghini, inspired by the sleek styling of the Lamborghini sports car. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Sofa and coffee tables by Tonino Lamborghini, inspired by the sleek styling of the Lamborghini sports car. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Founded in Italy in 1981 by Tonino Lamborghini, heir of the Lamborghini family,  the collection draws inspiration from his family heritage and experience in mechanical and automotive engineering that manifests in a range of luxury design products.

Chair by Tonino Lamborghini, inspired by the sleek styling of the Lamborghini sports car. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Chair by Tonino Lamborghini, inspired by the sleek styling of the Lamborghini sports car. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Kiel Arto Design transforms old autobody steel into alluring patinas that adorn the tabletops of its debut collection.  Opened less than a year ago, the company envisions its tables being used by people who appreciate functional art and are sensitive to the environment. “There is much art that is viewed from a distance, our tables are art that should be used, touched, and be part of your daily routine,” says artist Kristaps Gulbis, who teases out the hidden beauty of painted auto body steel in a collection of tables, wall tiles, wall panels and counter-tops.

Reclaimed autobody steel creates alluring patinas on the tabletops of pieces by Kiel Arto Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Reclaimed autobody steel creates alluring patinas on the tabletops of pieces by Kiel Arto Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Using automobile rooftops and embracing the dents and scratches, he creates an urban patina by gradually removing the layers of paint, following the color patterns and combinations to create “a painting that becomes a functional, practical piece of art.”

Reclaimed autobody steel creates alluring patinas on the tabletops of pieces by Kiel Arto Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Reclaimed autobody steel creates alluring patinas on the tabletops of pieces by Kiel Arto Design. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

“Automotive body panels are not plastic pretending to be wood – this is factory painted steel that deserves a second life. Saving this material from the crusher is good for the environment,” says Kalnins.

Table made of reclaimed automotive steel by Kiel Arto Design.

Table made of reclaimed automotive steel by Kiel Arto Design.

Table made of reclaimed automotive steel by Kiel Arto Design.

Table made of reclaimed automotive steel by Kiel Arto Design.

Knitted Up:

Knitted, knotted and crocheted patterns nod to handmade craft rendered in contemporary silhouettes. The Cabaret collection of sofas and chairs reminds me of an oversized knit sweater with its knotted and weaving technique. Designed by Kenneth Cobonpue, the Philippines based, award-winning designer brings a new face to modern design  using natural fibers and materials.

The Cabaret High Back Sofa and High Back Lounge Chair by Designer Kenneth Cobonpue. One of my favorite design finds at ICFF. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

The Cabaret High Back Sofa and High Back Lounge Chair by Designer Kenneth Cobonpue. One of my favorite design finds at ICFF.

The Kabuki Floor Lamp by Kartell creates its lace patterning via an injection moulded process that produces a perforated surface dispersing light in a gorgeous grid.

Pod Chair crafted of woven sisal and other fibers on exhibit at ICFF. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Pod Chair crafted of woven sisal and other fibers on exhibit at ICFF. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Memphis Group Tributes:

Several collections caught my eye for their playful nod to the no rules approach to The Memphis Group design movement.  Le Point D, a french furniture company, debuted the Couchino sofa by Margaux Keller, who “plays with everyday rules to surprise people.”

The Couchino sofa by Margaux Keller from Le Point D on exhibit at ICFF. One of my favorite design finds for its playful nod to The Memphis Group. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

The Couchino sofa by Margaux Keller from Le Point D on exhibit at ICFF. One of my favorite design finds for its playful nod to The Memphis Group. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

Furniture designer Annie Evelyn appeals to my material fixation with a collection of chairs that invent new tactile experiences. At first glance, the orbs appear to be sculptures but upon closer inspection, they are soft seating that resemble bean bags. Evelyn crafted the Oshibana Chair out of  handmade paper flowers, silk flowers, foam and wood.

The Oshibana Chair by Annie Evelyn plays with our concept of the chair and the typical materials used in construction of seating. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Oshibana Chair by Annie Evelyn plays with our concept of the chair and the typical materials used in construction of seating. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Scale Lounge, also by Annie Evelyn, takes shape from foam, fabric and nickel scales.

The Scale Lounge by Annie Evelyn is both sculpture and seating. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Scale Lounge by Annie Evelyn is both sculpture and seating. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

On The Fringe:

Design na Pele (DNP) champions Brazilian leather internationally and brought to ICFF a swing chair made of leather fringe by designer Marta Manente who says , “With these projects, we aim to amaze by the audacity of updating traditional techniques and applications of leather in furniture.”

Leather fringe swing chair by Brazilian designer Marta Manente on exhibit with Design na Pele. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Leather fringe swing chair by Brazilian designer Marta Manente on exhibit with Design na Pele. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Thing Stools from Konekt Furniture add a dash of fringe with horsehair and material mix of brass banding and velvet upholstered tops. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Thing Stools from Konekt Furniture add a dash of fringe with horsehair and material mix of brass banding and velvet upholstered tops. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Warp Lounge by Walker Nosworthy renders a high-tech take on fringe with its dangling cables. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

 

The Right Angles:

Luxury design has all the right angles on beauty with  current looks celebrating the sharp, angular forms of triangles, diamonds, trapezoids and more. StickBulb’s  X Collection of lighting fixtures create graphic and structurally closed shapes inspired by hexagonal and tetrahedral forms in nature.

Reclaimed wood light fixtures by StickBulb illuminate in triangular formations. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Reclaimed wood light fixtures by StickBulb illuminate in triangular formations. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Bolognese Stool or Table by Tino Valentinitsch for Spolia skillfully combines marquetry with modern angular shapes. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The Bolognese Stool or Table by Tino Valentinitsch for Spolia skillfully combines marquetry with modern angular shapes. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Ginger Brown is a French company that debuted a desk and table that was all angles. The table mimics the form of a gemstone and the asymmetrical desk defies the typical rectangular top.

Asymmetrical furniture that draws beauty from its angles by French furniture company, Ginger Brown. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Asymmetrical furniture that draws beauty from its angles by French furniture company, Ginger Brown. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Unusual Woodwork:

Wood takes on surprising forms such as bathtubs, bikes and light fixtures in some of the latest luxury products.

Wooden Bicycle and bathtub at the M Brace Interiors booth. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Wooden Bicycle and bathtub at the M Brace Interiors booth. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

London based designer Donald Baugh, debuted his collection of wooden light pendants with each interior painted in a dense acrylic pigment for a visual surprise.  Using a variety of wood species including walnut, oak and sapele, Baugh sculpts soft organic forms that glow within.

Omar Pendants made of wood by Donald Baugh. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Omar Pendants made of wood by Donald Baugh. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Eclipse and Omar Light Pendants made of wood by Donald Baugh. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

Eclipse and Omar Light Pendants made of wood by Donald Baugh. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist.

For the latest design finds and trends, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel so you don’t miss a single episode of my design travels and as always, subscribe to the blog for interviews with tastemakers and trendsetters in art, architecture and design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Simpson Door Company Custom Doors in The New American Home
Design FindsEventsHomepage

Simpson Door Company Debuts New Designs for Curb Appeal & Interior Style

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Simpson Door Company debuts several new interior and exterior doors that elevate the curb appeal and interior style of any home including on-trend pivot doors, weather-resistant designer doors in fashion forward colors and updated flush doors. Join The Design Tourist Karen LeBlanc as she takes you inside The New American Home, the official show home of the International Builders Show to experience the design potential of custom Simpson Doors and check out the company’s latest launches for making a grand entrance.

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Armstrong Flooring Debuts Diamond Particle Collection
Design FindsEventsHomepage

Armstrong Flooring Debuts Diamond Particle Collection

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Armstrong Flooring launches its new Vivero Collection of Flooring made of cultured diamond particles in 33 True-to-Life Colors. Vivero with Diamond 10 Technology is 100 percent waterproof so no swelling or buckling with planks are exposed to water. Watch as The Design Tourist Karen LeBlanc puts Vivero with Diamond 10 technology to the test against other competitor products. Check out some of the latest looks in flooring from rustic vintage timbers to exotic wood species.

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New Eternal Quartz Collection by Cosentino with NBoost Technology for more luster, color and durability
Design FindsEventsHomepage

Silestone by Cosentino Reveals New Technology for Superior Quartz Surfaces

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

The Design Tourist, Karen LeBlanc brings you a first look at Silestone by Cosentino’s N-Boost Technology that creates quartz surfaces with more luster, saturated color and stain resistance. Check out some of the latest marble and stone looks the new Eternal Collection of quartz with N-­Boost that modifies the surface of the material at a molecular level and discover the hottest trend in surface finishes. For more, check out www.cosentino.com

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ITALdoors Makes a Modern Entrance with HGTV Featured Doors
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ITALdoors Makes a Modern Entrance with HGTV Featured Doors

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

ITALdoors debuts new Italian-made modern doors for the interior and exterior including several that appear on HGTV shows and on the pages of interior design magazines. The Design Tourist, Karen LeBlanc explores these design potential of these Italian designed doors to elevate the look of any living space. For more go to http://www.italdoors.it

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Wilsonart shares surface design trends for the latest looks in the kitchen and bath
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Wilsonart Shares Surface Design Trends in Kitchens & Baths

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Learn the art of Material Mixology from Wilsonart, a trendsetter in surface style for the kitchen and bath. Check out design ideas and the latest looks for countertops, cabinets and cladding. Join The Design Tourist, Karen LeBlanc, on location at The National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, KBIS, for an insider’s look and what’s new and what’s next in home style.

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Rising Design Star Bobby Berk’s Big Reveal at Coastal Shower Doors
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Rising Design Star Bobby Berk’s Big Reveal at Coastal Shower Doors

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

 

Rising Design Star & HGTV Personality Bobby Berk reveals his new collection of fashion-forward shower doors for Coastal Shower Doors. Berk talks with The Design Tourist Karen LeBlanc about his inspiration for these functional works of art that turn the shower door into the focal point in the bath. Coastal Shower Doors is a trendsetter in crafting design elements for the bath. The Insider Collection is a collaboration with Bobby Berk and the first in a series of future collaborations with designers for Coastal Shower Doors. Learn more at http://coastalshowerdoors.com

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Greenery, Pantone 2017 Color of The Year
Design ArticlesDesign Finds

2017 Color of The Year Has Home Interiors Going Green

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Pantone’s 2017 Color of The Year Greenery Celebrates Color’s Curative Powers:

Greenery, Pantone 2017 Color of The Year, image credit: Pantone

Greenery, Pantone 2017 Color of The Year, image credit: Pantone

The word “green” as it relates to the home, typically signifies environmentally-friendly features as opposed to its literal meaning as a color. In 2017, green returns to its literal roots in home interiors as Pantone’s Color of the Year—Greenery 15-0343 to be precise.

To commemorate “Greenery,” the PANTONE® Color of the Year 2017, fabric furniture manufacturer Taylor King presents a selection of upholstery that proudly features the lively shade. From modern takes on traditional prints to geometric embroideries, they offer a bright green accent to suit any taste and any space.

Fabric furniture manufacturer Taylor King presents a selection of upholstery to commemorate “Greenery,” the PANTONE® Color of the Year 2017, image credit: Taylor King

 

It seems that we all want a little greenery in our lives to calm our minds and soothe our physical surroundings. In a recent Pantone webinar announcing the 2017 Color of the Year, Laurie Pressman, Vice-President Pantone Color Institute, observed that yellow-green captures the current consumer’s mood to revive, restore and renew. “Greenery conveys a message of health and represents consumer desire to express unique identity and connect with others and a larger purpose,” says Pressman, who calls green “nature’s neutral.”

Pantone's 2017 Color of the Year, Greenery in home interiors, image credit: Pantone

Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year, Greenery in home interiors, image credit: Pantone

Pantone describes “Greenery” as a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring, the flourishing foliage and the lushness of the outdoors with fortifying attributes that signal consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.

screen-shot-2016-12-08-at-12-28-33-pm

This hippy vibe and holistic, new age sounding rhetoric surrounding Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year as “symbolic of new beginnings” and “a life-affirming shade,” (Pantone’s own words) is enough to make more mainstream tastes shy away from the shade.

Yellow-green goes in and out of fashion throughout the 60s and 70s, image credit: Pantone

Yellow-green goes in and out of fashion throughout the 60s and 70s, image credit: Pantone

Day glo interpretations of yellow green in the 60s and 70s. image credit: Pantone

Day glo interpretations of yellow green in the 60s and 70s. image credit: Pantone

Since the 1920s, yellowish green has cycled in and out of style in fashion and home interiors. In the 1960s, consumers embraced psychedelic yellows and bright greens inspired by pop art. The 70s popularized yellow greens in day glo colors. The recent Spring 2017 fashion runways debuted plenty of bright yellow-green couture.

Bemz cover for Klippan 2 seater sofa, fabric: Brera Lino Leaf, designer: Designers Guild

Bemz cover for Klippan 2 seater sofa, fabric: Brera Lino Leaf, designer: Designers Guild image credit: Bemz

We can reminisce and wax poetic about the color green, but in reality does it translate to walls, furniture, fabrics and decorative accents in today’s home? The answer is yes, but not in ways you would expect.

Moss wall accented with square and rectangular tiles image credit: Mosa Tile

Moss wall accented with square and rectangular tiles image credit: Mosa Tile

Instead of green painted walls, homes are integrating living walls and moss walls as design elements. People also are getting their green fix from consumer products in shades of green ranging from coffee makers to luxury cars.

consumer products in yellow green, image credit: Pantone

consumer products in yellow green, image credit: Pantone

luxury cars in yellow green, image credit: Pantone

luxury cars in yellow green, image credit: Pantone

“Green is emblematic of its time, crossing all areas of design to express the mood and attitude of consumers. It gives us the confidence to take bold steps to find purpose and passion and redefine success and what makes us happy,” says Pressman.

Fresh off the heels of Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year announcement, upholstery and occasional furniture manufacturer Hancock & Moore unveils their array of sofas and accent seating in Greenery. Dubbed as fresh and revitalizing, the zesty green color is shown in different fabrics and leathers for an eclectic look.

Fresh off the heels of Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year announcement, upholstery and occasional furniture manufacturer Hancock & Moore unveils their array of sofas and accent seating in Greenery. Dubbed as fresh and revitalizing, the zesty green color is shown in different fabrics and leathers for an eclectic look.

 

Bemz cover for Klippan 2 seater sofa, fabric: Brera Lino Leaf, designer: Designers Guild

Bemz cover for Klippan 2 seater sofa, fabric: Brera Lino Leaf, designer: Designers Guild image credit: Bemz

2017 brings high expectations for the color green and its transformative powers aesthetically, physically and spiritually. I, for one, intend to add a dose of green hues for good jou-jou and a home interior refresh. For the latest design news and design travel, subscribe to The Design Tourist Magazine 

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Design Finds

Lady Gaga’s Furniture Muse

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

Meet Lady Gaga’s furniture maker muse, globally recognized artist and TEDx Speaker Benjamin Rollins Caldwell repurposes items from our throwaway culture into sculptural furniture. I met Caldwell during Art Basel where he was showcasing his Binary Collection of sculptural ‪furniture made from pallets of obsolete computers. His BinaryChair is featured on a Lady Gaga’s album cover.

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Design Finds

Twist Modern Customizable Furniture

by Karen LeBlanc
written by Karen LeBlanc

The Design Tourist Karen LeBlanc goes on location at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) scouting unique design finds and discovers a new company Twist Modern offering the design freedom to customize your furniture without the custom price tag or long wait time. The concept is revolutionary and completely relevant since the latest looks in home decor are all about personalizing your living space. Check out the endless style options of Twist Modern’s Mix and Match Collections.

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