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Lake Nona’s Neo Urban Lifestyle Redefines Orlando

by Karen LeBlanc May 16, 2019

written by Karen LeBlanc

A Wellness “City Within a City”

In this Neo Urban Community, Keeping Up with the Joneses Means Staying Fit, Healthy & Happy

Lake Nona residents practicing community yoga during the launch of the JIYO wellness app created by Dr. Deepak Chopra

Once upon a time, housing developments in Orlando morphed into suburban sprawl spawned by affordable land far outside of the city core developed into master planned communities. Lured by amenities such as golf courses, swimming pools, parks and backyards, people ventured towards all points of the compass, miles away from major transportation arteries. Orlando euphemistically became “metro-Orlando” code for suburbia that co-opted its namesake. As a resident of Central Florida, I jokingly say that daily life requires no less than a 30-minute drive to anywhere for anything.

With massive I-4 construction underway and no discernible end in sight, you can up that drive time 45 minutes to an hour as confused commuters try to navigate the ever-changing on and off ramps and reconfigured lanes. As someone who regularly commutes to Tampa/St. Pete, I’m a jaded, battle-hardened road warrior who welcomes a new mindset in building communities known as Neo-Urbanism.

Karen LeBlanc, aka The Design Tourist, a metro Orlando resident, visiting Lake Nona on a press tour to learn about the latest innovations in this progressive healthy community.

I recently spent a day in Lake Nona as part of a press tour to see how it’s done. This hyper-local community with its blend of urban and suburban amenities is the best of all worlds: located within the city limits of Orlando, and close to the airport yet far enough away to enjoy parks, trails, green spaces, front porches and backyards. I witnessed how a homeowner can have it all including a healthy lifestyle fostered by wellness and urban amenities, cutting-edge healthcare delivered by its neighboring Medical City, even autonomous shuttles to drive you around the community.

Bird’s eye view of Lake Nona overlooking the Beacon Tower and Code Wall Parking garage taken from the rooftop of one of the newest multi-family housing developments, Pixon located in Lake Nona Town Center.

So, let me outline what a typical Saturday would look like as a resident of Lake Nona. I’d start my day by checking my JIYO app designed by Dr. Deepak Chopra that connects me with community wellness events and information.

In 2018, Dr. Deepak Chopra visited Lake Nona to launch his customized JIYO wellness app designed for residents.

I decide on a free yoga class, one of more than a thousand community events held throughout the year.

Launched by the company Beep, headquartered in Lake Nona, and manufactured by Navya, a French company, these autonomous shuttles are marked with decals that read “go-beep.com” and “MOVE NONA.”

I use another app to call up a free ride on the self-driving shuttle over to the Farmer’s Market to shop for locally sourced, organic, fresh produce and baked goods. I lunch across the street at Boxi Park, an outdoor district made of 14 repurposed shipping containers containing a mix of restaurants, bars, shops.

Boxi Park is a 30,000 square-foot, family-friendly and dog-friendly outdoor district with a mix of restaurants, bars, shops, beach volleyball courts, dog park, and playground.

These colorful repurposed shipping containers hold a variety of fast-casual restaurants.

Boxi park’s brightly painted, repurposed shipping containers host a variety of restaurants.

While eating lunch, I take in one of the many free performances on Boxi Park’s outdoor stage.

Boxi Park regularly hosts free public performances on its outdoor stage.

After lunch, I spend the afternoon shopping at Lake Nona Town Center ending with dinner at the new Park Pizza & Brewing Co., a funky garage inspired venue with large windows to view the brewing and urban-style murals on the walls.

Park Pizza & Brewing Company

If I’m was in the mood for something more upscale, I’d head over to Canvas Restaurant & Market, or Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, all three created by Tavistock Restaurant Collection.

I cap off the evening taking in the light show on the surface of the Beacon and Code Wall overlooking the town center.

The Beacon Tower by artist Jefre Manuel in Lake Nona Town Center

This regular light show dances on the six-story The Beacon tower anchoring the garage while The Code Wall’s dramatic patterns of 1’s and 0’s is binary code spell out Tavistock’s corporate values.

The Code Wall on the parking garage of Lake Nona Town Center by artist Jefre Manuel.

Meanwhile, a mirrored Labrador sculpture glows underneath, all works by Lake Nona artist Jefre Manuel.

Large dog sculpture by artist Jefre Manuel that overlooks Lake Nona Town Center.

I invite you to check out my interview with Jefre when he debuted his Beacon and Code Wall in Lake Nona Town Center.

Now that I’ve captured your imagination, let’s take a deep dive into what makes this community a harbinger of wellness living.

As an early adopter of the wellness real estate movement, The Tavistock Group, an international private investment organization, designed and built Lake Nona. Envisioned as a neo-urban community devoted to human performance, business innovation, sustainability, education, wellbeing and health, Lake Nona spans 17 square miles— all of it prioritizing and promoting longevity, quality of life and human connection.

The community took root in 1996 when Tavistock purchased Lake Nona Golf and Country Club and began building out its master plan, along the way curating an impressive collection of public art. Today, Lake Nona is home to approximately 15 thousand residents and growing. In 2018, Lake Nona sold 750 homes with 550 families moving in. Most of the community’s 12 neighborhoods are sold out except for The Crossings and Laureate Park, the only two neighborhoods with new homes for sale. A Medical Center began evolving with its seed planted in 1991 when the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Center opened near the golf and country club.

Today, Medical City encompasses more than 2.6 million square feet of clinical, institutional and laboratory buildings. The University of Central Florida has a strong presence in Medical City with the UCF Health Sciences Campus that includes the College of Medicine, the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Lake Nona Cancer Center, which recently moved into a 175,000-square-foot facility vacated by the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. Other residents of Medical City include University of Florida (UF) Academic Research Center, which houses the UF College of Pharmacy’s doctoral program, Nemours Children’s Hospital, one of only two in the nation, Orlando Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and GuideWell Innovation Center, an incubator of wellness companies.

Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute recently relocated into a larger, new 35,000-square-foot facility double the size of its previous Lake Nona building. In 2020, UCF Lake Nona Medical Center is set to open as a UCF/HCA Healthcare teaching hospital.

Lake Nona also is a living lab for human performance with a Sports & Performance District, anchored by the USTA National Center, the largest tennis campus in the world with 100 courts in a 270,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility on 64 acres.

The USTA National Center in Lake Nona

Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute along with Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Drive Shack Golf Experience, two new additions in 2019, Nona Adventure Park and XL Soccer all work together synergistically to advance sports science and human performance. The Human Performance Institute is conducting a multi-million-dollar longitudinal study on wellness known as the Lake Nona Life Project.

Sprinkled throughout the community are retail venues including Lake Nona Village, Lake Nona Plaza, Vickrey Place, Laureate Park Village Center and Lake Nona Creekside which opened in 2019. Soon, residents will be able to use an app to summon a self-driving shuttle to the many nearby amenities.

The 15-passenger, the battery-powered vehicle has no driver, no steering wheel, no gas pedal, and no brake pedal. Once in operation, they will be the first-ever autonomous public transit vehicles in Central Florida. Launched by the company Beep, headquartered in Lake Nona, and manufactured by Navya, a French company, these autonomous shuttles are marked with decals that read “go-beep.com” and “MOVE NONA.”

Public art by Jefre Manuel on display in Lake Nona Town Center

Public art is essential to Tavistock’s “place-making” mandate to create experiences that engage people with places and spaces in the community. Tavistock sees a connection between art and wellness that enhances residents’ quality of life. Major art installations include Jefre Manuel’s large chrome dog sculpture and the Glass House by Tom Fruin.

Karen LeBlanc aka The Design Tourist checks out the Glass House by Tom Fruin, one of Lake Nona’s many public art installations.

The ultimate success of this neo-urban community will be the creation of a lifestyle that allows its 15 thousand plus residents to park their cars and walk to nearby urban amenities such as restaurants, retail and entertainment venues are concentrated in Lake Nona Town Center: At buildout, Lake Nona Town Center will have 4 million square feet of shops, restaurants, hotels, office and entertainment opportunities. In 2020, the movie theater Cinépolis Lake Nona opens with nine theaters creating an immersive experience with stadium-style, fully-reclining leather seats paired with the industry’s latest sound and high-definition projection technologies.

The lobby of Pixon apartments in Lake Nona Town Center

The future growth of Lake Nona promises more residential, retail and wellness offerings. Pixon, a modern apartment community with 200 units, opens in June in Lake Nona Town Center.

Pixon apartment complex in Lake Nona Town Center

Ceiling mural painted by LaDania in the lobby of Pixon

The modern apartment community is painted with geometric designs on the exterior and decorated inside with artwork by Columbian street artist, LeDania including the ceiling of the lobby. The artist spray painted the mural in free form over 10 days, inspired by the waters of Lake Nona. Pixon has co-working spaces for residents, a virtual gaming arcade and regular craft beer tastings, among its many amenities.

Wall mural painted by Colombian street artist LaDania in the lounge area of Pixon

Pixon also has Orlando’s first micro-units that span 350 square feet.

KPMG Learning, Development and Innovation Campus

In 2020, the KPMG Learning, Development and Innovation Campus opens bringing 800 people a week to train in the 450-million-dollar facility located on 55 acres. The training center will also have hotel accommodations. A new hotel, Lake Nona resort will open next to the KPMG training facility anchored by a crystal lagoon. The swimming pool lagoon will span 15 acres, as one of the largest in the country and is cleaned by magnets.

Tavistock Development Company says Lake Nona is a legacy project leveraging synergies between technology, wellness, healthcare, art and community. Lake Nona not only an innovation epicenter for a destination attracting residents through Central Florida to come out and enjoy its many retail and entertainment amenities.

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May 16, 2019 0 comment

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Home Healthy Home: Why Wellness is a Way of Life in Lake Nona

by Karen LeBlanc May 7, 2019

written by Karen LeBlanc

The WHIT House in Lake Nona Welcomes The Future of Wellness

How this “city within a city” focuses on ROW (Return on Wellness) rather than ROI

In our current cultural moment of wellness obsession and self-care, we expect all areas of our lives to enhance our sense of well being from the clothes we wear to the homes we live in. Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida is built on this emerging concept of wellness communities. I recently attended a press tour of Lake Nona which led me to the WHIT House.

Created by The Lake Nona Institute along with its collaborative partners, WHIT offers a new lens of home design that prioritizes wellness both physically and mentally. WHIT is a test lab for the future of healthy homes with amenities, design features and technologies the Lake Nona Institute is researching to measurably improve health and well-being. It’s a concept whose time has arrived with a sense of urgency.

The Global Wellness Institute in its recent landmark research report, “Build Well to Live Well” found that, “The way our homes have been built in the last century is reinforcing lifestyles that make us sick, stressed, alienated and unhappy.”

WHIT aims to set the bar for best practices creating a home that serves as a personal care center capable of monitoring the health of its inhabitants and connecting with health professionals via telemedicine.

Serenity Cove in WHIT is a place for relaxation and meditation featuring technologies to clear your mind and refocus your brain. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

WHIT also is an incubator for strategic partners to create new sustainable products. The home’s healthy features include fresh air with a six-stage air filtration system, low voc paints and cork flooring, all aimed at enhancing air quality and eliminating gas offloading.

A water filtration system reduces impurities and consumption tracking devices work together to promote optimal hydration. Living spaces are designed and outfitted with technology and design features including aromatherapy and biophilic sounds that promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve wellbeing

Wellness Kitchen in Whit features a GE Innovative Cooktop embedded in the kitchen island that lets you cook and connect in one intelligent surface. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

The kitchen, designed by Vera Iconica Wellness Kitchen, is the wellness hub of the home. It features toxin free cookware of ceramic and cast iron and non-toxic cabinets that are free from dangerous chemicals including formaldehyde.

The Wellness Kitchen in WHIT uses UV germicidal lighting technology to deactivate the DNA of bacteria, virus and other pathogens on an object’s surface. Photo credit: The Design Tourist

Wood doors and drawer fronts are from renewable resources with non-toxic sealers. Food items are on full display to encourage creativity with cooking and healthy behaviors.

Natufia Hydroponic Kitchen Garden is a fully automated plant nursery that uses LED lighting and plays music emitting vibrations that help the plants grow. It delivers water and nutrients to grow organic edible plants. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

A courtyard garden provides fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables as hyper-local sustainable and organic foods.

The courtyard garden in WHIT provides a source of organic edible plants for cooking. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Window garden next to the Wellness Kitchen in WHIT grows herbs and fresh vegetables. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

In the bedrooms, circadian lighting, long wave night lighting and blackout shades promote restful sleep. Sleep tracking and coaching apps and technologies such as mattress pads that monitor sleeping habits improve rest, assisted by ambient sound devices with soothing sounds.

Sleep Sanctuary in the WHIT House is a partnership with SleepScore Labs and features products exclusively curated and validated by the sleep science team at SleepScore Labs. Photo Credit: The Design Tourist

Lake Nona has differentiated itself as a neo-urban environment focused on wellbeing, sports and performance, education and technology. The community functions as a “city within a city” spanning 17 square miles and 11 thousand acres within the city limits of Orlando in Orange County. It offers a geographic concentration of cutting-edge medical industry companies and research organizations, hospitals, clinics and health services near neighborhoods of wellness infused homes.

Anchoring Lake Nona is a mammoth Medical City that catalyzes medical industry clusters and health services. Medical City spans 650 acres with 2 million square feet of space and includes the UCF Cancer Research Center, previously known as the Sanford Burham Institute, the University of Central Florida Medical School, Nemours Children’s Hospital with a pediatric residency program, The University of Florida Research and Academic Center and College of Pharmacy, the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute, and the Orlando VA Medical Center, one of the largest VA hospitals in the system, with 134 beds, 60 bedrooms and serves as the training epicenter for the entire VA system. A new UCF Lake Nona Medical Center opens 2020 with 100 beds as a teaching hospital. Medical City campus also includes The Guidewell Innovation Center, an incubator for the wellness industry. To learn more, go to Meetwhit.com

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May 7, 2019 0 comment

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100 Years of Bauhaus Endures in Florida Modernism

by Karen LeBlanc April 19, 2019

written by Karen LeBlanc

2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus movement that became a way of life and thinking still resonating today. Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus school in Germany in 1919 with interdisciplinary ideals merging art and technology, collectively called modernism. Bauhaus means “School of Building,” in German and it attracted students who wanted to build “cathedrals to the future” using new materials and technologies born of a new era of mass production.

Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus school in Germany in 1919

The Bauhaus school thrived as an incubator for ideas based on the ethos “form follows function,” until 1933 when the Fascist regime forced it to close. Many Bauhaus teachers and students dispersed to the United States, during World War II and took positions at architecture and design schools including founder Walter Gropius, who joined the faculty of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design in 1938. Gropius replaced the Bauhaus’s first Director of Architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who left to become head of the Illinois Institute of Technology.

The Bauhaus School in Weimar, Germany

This influx of Bauhaus-trained creatives fostered a new modernist approach over traditional methods taught in architecture and design schools. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, the first generation of American-trained modernists began to work in commercial practice and Florida was fertile ground for experimentation.

Bauhaus ideals spread across the US, morphing into geographical interpretations and regional iterations of modernism that adapted to landscape, climate and culture. Florida, my home state, has a rich architectural legacy of modernism, expressed in many building types and structures erected in the state during the post-World War II era (1945-1975).

The Harkavy Residence in Sarasota, Florida

Florida Modernism is a genre that springboards straight off of the philosophy of Bauhaus. If you want to take a deep dive into Florida’s modernist architecture, I highly recommend the document, “Florida’s Mid-Century Modern Architecture 1945-1975.” This survey of the modern structures, architects and design trends of the sunshine state catalogs 50 Flagship Structures that should be further researched, documented, and considered for landmark designation. The study was undertaken by the University of Florida’s Historic Preservation Program, College of Design Construction and Planning. To download the report click here:

In Sarasota, Florida, a group of forward-thinking Bauhaus proteges formed the Sarasota School. Together they brought us iconic modernist homes including the emblematic Umbrella House, designed by architect Paul Rudolph.

The iconic Umbrella House in Sarasota, Florida designed by Paul Rudolph

In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss commissioned Rudolph to create one of the 20th century’s most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named “umbrella,” was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960s. The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects.

The “Other” Round House designed and built by electrical engineer Frank Williams. Photo credit: Sarasota Architectural Foundation

The recently restored “Other” Round House is yet another architectural jewel from the Sarasota School. Electrical engineer Frank Williams designed and built the Round House in 1971 as a one-story concrete cylinder with period breeze-blocks. The home stands out amongst typical rectilinear suburban houses of its time.

Interior of the “Other” Round House designed and built by electrical engineer Frank Williams. Photo credit: Sarasota Architectural Foundation

Rudolph working with architect Ralph Twitchell also designed The Revere Quality House in 1948. The home’s restoration was made financially feasible with the construction of a detached companion house with a dynamic relationship between the two structures to justify the cost of the land.

Karen LeBlanc, aka The Design Tourist, filming at The Revere Quality House in Sarasota, Florida, designed by architects Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell.

The new house emerges both east and west of the existing house with walls of glass that take advantage of interior site views as well as views to the bayou and Gulf of Mexico beyond. The floor-to-ceiling heights were kept to a minimum to remain consistent with the language of the existing Rudolph + Twitchell house. The home’s original colors include Peacock Blue on the ceiling, Burnt Red on the lally columns and Buttercup Yellow in the kitchen and are each used once on site walls in the new composition.

The Healy Guest House designed by architects Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell in Sarasota, Florida.

Rudolph and Twitchell also teamed up to design the Healy Guest House, also known as Cocoon House. Built in 1950 and located on Bayou Louise Lane on Siesta Key, Cocoon House is a two-bedroom, one-bath, 760-square-foot cottage built as a guesthouse for Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Healy. The house gets its name from the technology used to build its roof: a polymer spray that Paul Rudolph saw being used at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on warships returning after WWII in order to “cocoon” or moth-ball them. Rudolph’s creativity made him realize that this material could also be used in the construction industry.

For architecture tourists interested in Sarasota School, I highly recommend attending the annual SarasotaMOD Weekend, this year held November 8 – 10, 2019 and presented by The Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) I invite you to check out my episodes of The Design Tourist featuring some of the Modernist homes on tour:

In Central Florida, the modernist movement expressed itself through the works of Taliesin-trained, Frank Lloyd Wright proteges such as Nils M. Schweizer. One of Schweizer’s most prominent and best-preserved residential designs is the Goldman House, recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Goldman House in Maitland, Florida designed by architect Nils M. Schweizer is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Goldman House is a significant representation of modern design during the mid-twentieth century in Central Florida and is a rare example of the residential work of prominent architect Nils M. Schweizer. The home is located in the Maitland neighborhood of Dommerich Woods.

Schweizer practiced in the Orlando area and supervised many of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Many call him the “Dean of Orlando architecture,” for his many notable residential and commercial structures including EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion and the Orlando Public Library Addition.

The Goldman House in 1965, the year it was designed and built. Nils M. Schweizer designed the home and the Goldmans acting as their own general contractor, supervised construction.

In 1965 Siegmund and Marilyn Goldman commissioned Schweizer to design a family home for the couple and their two children in a residential suburb north of Orlando. Schwizer designed the home and the Goldmans, who operated S.I. Goldman, Co., one of the largest heating and cooling contractors in the region, acted as their own general contractor. They build the 3385-square foot modernist home at a cost of $35,000. Constructed of walls of concrete block set on a poured concrete slab, the white stucco exterior contrasts with the lush greenery growing from concrete planters framing the primary facade.

The Goldman Home retains its distinctive geometrical design, concrete block and wood construction, fixed glass fenestration, flat, layered roof, cantilevered roof overhangs.

Signature features include horizontal planes, geometrically-defined spaces, and enormous windows with “transparent” corners created by butt-edge glazing, redwood columns on the rear façade. Although modernist homes are typically unadorned, Schweizer incorporated his trademark notched dentil pattern on the home’s wooden cornice line, bathroom cabinet pulls, and a fireplace concrete mantel.

Schweizer incorporated his trademark notched dentil pattern on the wooden cornice line of the Goldman Home in Maitland, Florida.

The sunken living room features a fireplace hearth and floating mantel shelf are cast concrete. The mantel has a notched dentil edge matching the pattern of the cornice line around the house. Above the mantel, the copper wall covering is hand-hammered, created Marilyn Goldman at the request of Schweizer.

Florida also claims a residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The Lewis Spring House in Tallahassee built in 1954. Wright created an unconventional pod-shaped wedge to mold to a five-acre lot. He also tasked Schweizer to supervise the construction of the two-bath, three-bedroom house.

The Lewis Spring House in Tallahassee, Florida is the only residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the state. There is a preservation effort underway to restore the home.

Spring House was built at the same time as Wright and Schweizer were finishing buildings at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The two-story home is designed as a hemicycle, a rare example of Wright’s work in this style. The open interior plan of the house is characterized by concentric and intersecting circles. A circular utility tower on the west side houses the kitchen, baths, heating, plumbing, and ventilation.

The east side, arced facade of the Spring House is a curtain wall of wood-framed, fixed, plate glass mirrored on the interior by the arc of a cantilevered balcony overlooking the open living area.

The first story and the tower are constructed of unpainted Ocala block with deeply raked horizontal joints set on a polished concrete slab tinted with red pigment. Red cypress weather-board is used on the interior and exterior to distinguish the second floor. Transom windows at the bedroom level provide light and air with small, semi-circular windows in the masonry wall beneath. Spring House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on-going preservation efforts by The Spring House Institute, Inc., intend to fully restore the building.

Florida’s Mid-Century Modern Resources, 1945-1975, a historic structures survey and analysis through the University of Florida, makes a case for the preservation of Florida’s midcentury modern architectural legacy. The report notes, “The state’s mid-century modern architecture is now reaching an age when many of these resources should be assessed and their significance evaluated for meeting the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and/or designation as local landmarks.”

For more on Central Florida’ s rich modernist legacy, I invite you to read my article profiling the Maitland Art Center, a rare example of Mayan Revival modernism and a National Historic Landmark.

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

April 19, 2019 0 comment

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Design Is Your Ticket to the Nomadic Life

by ContributedPost March 21, 2019

written by ContributedPost

This post is authored by: Anthony Wood, Global Managing Director of Shillington Education,

Is it possible to have it all? That’s the question on everyone’s mind today, spurred by the rise of social media (and as a result, the fear of missing out). Thanks to Facebook, Instagram, and a whole slew of apps, we’re exposed to the carefully curated lives of others: picture-perfect vacations on beaches with impossibly clear water, glitzy neon parties on rooftop hotels, or hikes through stunning, primordial forests blanketed by fog.

Each tantalizing glimpse into the carefully curated lives of others, however, brings with it a fresh round of anxiety. Am I wasting my life? Should I be traveling now? Should I quit my job and see the world?

Unfortunately, you can’t have it all–but you can come pretty close. Thanks to the digital revolution, it’s now possible to work on the move, blurring the boundaries between work and play. Imagine kicking up your feet at a coworking space overlooking acres of lush farmland, putting in several hours of work, and leaving to explore the surrounding countryside by bike.

Yet when it comes to remote work, not all that glitters is gold. Some careers are better suited for globetrotting lifestyles than others. One such role is design.

Designers can work from anywhere

Let’s get this out of the way: I am the Global Managing Director of Shillington Education, which offers intensive three- and nine-month design courses; I’ve also worked as a designer myself. All this is to say that, yes, I have my biases. But don’t we all?

With that being said, design does offer some unique advantages for aspiring digital nomads. First and foremost, design is truly a location independent career. Unlike other professions, which require workers to be physically present at their place of employment, a skilled designer can work from nearly anywhere–and draw a salary equivalent to that of their home nation.

As this interview shows, it is possible to live in a nation where the cost of living is lower and the exchange rate more favorable. In designer Nataly Lee’s experience, living in Cambodia but freelancing for Western companies allows her to survive on a fraction of what she would spend back home. Better yet, it also allows Nataly the time and space to work on her own projects, such as her lifestyle and design studio.

To succeed as a graphic designer overseas, you simply need the right design software and a strong internet connection. Given that high-speed internet is readily available (even in so-called “developing nations”), the latter is not a huge concern.

However, you may be worried about finding a laptop that can run graphics-intensive design programs. For a digital nomad, your computer is your lifeline, but no one wants to carry around a heavy laptop. Yet using public computers, either at coworking spaces or hostels, presents serious security and performance concerns.

There’s a simple solution: just use Macbooks. Designers are almost uniformly Mac users anyway, and even the lightest Apple laptop can run a full suite of design software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud.

But even if you are a diehard Microsoft (or Linux!) fan, mobile computing continues to improve, with lighter, faster, and ever-more capable laptops. Whatever the case may be, don’t use technology as an excuse for shelving your nomadic dreams.

Design cuts across cultures

Everyone needs good design. After all, bad design has serious business costs, something that international organizations understand.

As a result, designers may more easily pick up paying gigs (or even full-time jobs) in whichever country they arrive in. True, visas are always a consideration; yet in terms of actually finding to local work, designers have it easier than writers. After all, a remote writer has to speak the language of the destination. But as a designer, it’s far easier to adjust to a new design style than it is for a writer to learn a new language–at least to the level required to write fluently and capably.

Further, good design is universal–whatever their cultural trappings may be. By this I mean that the language of the visual reaches across national borders. Obviously, cultures have various visual traditions: an elaborate kanga, resplendent with freewheeling geometric shapes and bright colors, is very different than predictably plaid flannel. But even if an ad or a layout uses elements from different cultures, it can still be an effective and striking piece.

For instance, take this cover for the Hong Kong edition of Milk Magazine. Featuring local celebrity Chris Lee, the design is bold, splashy, and unmistakably Chinese. Chinese characters (and Lee’s name in English) are boldly drawn in white ink against a black background, an interesting subversion of traditional calligraphy, which takes the form of black ink on white paper. At the same time, Lee is steeped in the trappings of modernity: she wears black eyeliner, has dyed hair, and sports a stylish leather jacket that wouldn’t be out of place on a biker. Yet there’s a twist: the back of Lee’s jacket features beautiful embroidery, reminiscent of the peacocks, flowers, and fantastical creatures that once adorned the luxurious clothes of bygone dynasties.

Like Hong Kong itself, Milk Magazine’s cover blends traditional Chinese culture with a modern, fearless aesthetic. As a designer writes, this ad is “design vernacular” at its finest: “spontaneous, expressive, and holistic”–and highly accessible. It is a universal language; even viewers who may not have been raised in the Chinese visual tradition can identify and appreciate the distinctly local elements, and understand the unique feel of the ad–at once foreign and familiar.

Living abroad will only help you improve as a designer

By plunging into an entirely new environment, you’ll only strengthen your design skills. Not only will you be exposed to unique aesthetics, but you may find that your wanderings will supercharge your own creativity. On an individual level, researchers have found that being open to new experiences makes creative achievement in the arts and sciences much more likely. More so than pure technical intelligence (measured by scores like IQ), the drive to explore was closely linked to achievement in the arts. Essentially, traveling generates dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives you a high–and is linked to unorthodox, lateral thinking.

This goes beyond just brain chemicals, however. In a new environment, your brain is forced to perceive things differently, rewiring itself as it adapts to this dynamic, unfamiliar place. In a 2012 study, researchers found that foreign language learners scored higher on tests of creative thinking, and overall demonstrated stronger fluency, elaboration, originality, and flexibility– closely linked to creative problem solving. In the years since, other studies have agreed, concluding that language learning can physically alter brains, growing the mass of certain regions and improving overall cognitive abilities.

In more ways than one, design is the ultimate career for the disaffected globetrotter. It offers a unique blend of autonomy and independence, along with immeasurable potential for improvement. If you’ve ever had an artistic eye and a slow, lingering fear of missing out (FOMO), it may well be time to consider design as your path into a nomadic life.

******

After working as a senior designer at leading ad agencies like Havas Worldwide, Anthony Wood transitioned into teaching design. Today, he is the Global Managing Director of Shillington Education, a comprehensive, immersive design school that transforms career changers and recent grads into fully-fledged designers within the span of 3-9 months. Shillington has campuses in New York, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

March 21, 2019 0 comment

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Food Trends for 2019

by Karen LeBlanc March 19, 2019

written by Karen LeBlanc

Eating for Beauty and Brains Drives Culinary Choices

At the 2019 Research Chefs Association (RCA) annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky while filming for Trending Today, I met with Newly Weds Foods, a company that originated with the first ice cream cake roll, invented in 1932 by the company’s founder before frozen food was a thing. It got me thinking about the evolution of ready-made and frozen foods.

Karen LeBlanc, host of Trending Today, interviewing Newly Weds Foods

I grew up on TV dinners, the Swanson brand of frozen turkey slabs paired with mashed potatoes first introduced in the 1950s to much fanfare.

1950s commercial for Swanson TV dinner

Since Swanson’s first TV dinners hit grocery stores in 1953, frozen and prepackaged foods have come a long way, today commanding culinary respect.

In my lifetime, the palettes and plates of consumers have evolved dramatically from the fried bologna sandwiches mom packed in my 1970s lunchbox to the fat-free mania of the 80s, the frozen yogurt craze of the 90s, the health food conscious 2000s and the organic food obsession of the 2010s.

Bourbon infused foods that honor Louisville’s legacy as expert bourbon distillers

Behind the scenes is an industry of food scientists and Culinologists responsible for this evolution, researching, experimenting and inventing new flavors, cooking methods and recipes that reflect our changing tastes and lifestyles.

Unicorn Crumbs by Newly Weds Foods, vibrantly colored predusts that utilize natural colors and flavors, introduced as the 2019 RCA conference

RCA invented and trademarked the concept of Culinology as a blending of culinary arts and the science of food. You can learn more about this in the latest episode of Trending Today airing soon on Fox Business.

Thoroughbred head sculpture made of soybean shortening by food artist Paul Joachim at the Qualisoy booth during the 2019 RCA conference.

At the RCA conference, I got a look at the future of food: the proclivities of the palette, pop culture and consumer lifestyles that drive what ends up on store shelves, our plates and on restaurant menus.

Here’s an insider’s look at the food trends for 2019:

Cuisine as a Cultural Experience:

The rise of the Foodie culture fused with authentic travel is stimulating appetites for regional cuisine. Today’s consumer wants food to deliver a cultural experience. Food is a form of self-expression and the source of social media bragging rights. Meals that are Instagrammable and socially shareable and convey a backstory are capturing the palettes and imaginations of many who seek adventure in their travel and food.

Plant-Based Foods:

At the 2019 RCA conference, Health Food Ingredients presented Suntava Purple Corn considered a “superfood” full of health-promoting anthocyanins, polyphenols and other antioxidants.

As humans, our omnivore tendencies are trending more towards plants than animals. Plant-based food and drinks, once the domain of vegans and vegetarians, has gone mainstream with consumer tastebuds as people seek more health benefits from their foods and have concerns about how their food is sourced. The plant protein movement is tied to a larger concept of sustainability and upcycled products as more companies turn to root-to-stem ingredients to combat food waste. One of the food stars of this plant-based movement is Casava, also known as yuca, a starchy tuberous root native to South America that is grain and gluten-free and high in carbohydrates.

Cannabis Infused Products:

In 2019, expect to see more Cannabis infused products and snacks in the consumer market as Cannabis continues its forward march into our lifestyles. Although many states have legalized the sales of hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) products, Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level creating a kind of limbo for food product developers. Expect to see more Cannabis infused products such as cooking oils, coffees, teas chocolates baked goods and snacks as consumer awareness grows of its therapeutic potential.

Functional Foods:

In this cultural moment of wellness and self-care, consumers are eating for the mind and for digestion. The concept of Functional Foods is next-level healthy eating that goes beyond opting for fat-free and organic labels. Functional foods provide nutrients, proteins and potential health benefits. Examples of these functional foods include avocado oil, maca which is Peruvian ginseng, cold pressed juices, and activated charcoal.

Edible Insects:

Edible insects sampling at the Entosense booth during the 2019 RCA conference.

Today insects are a culinary delicacy rich in protein and texturally pleasing to the palette. At the RCA conference, Entosense offered samples of its edible insects including scorpions, worms and black ants. The company says many edible insects have more protein than beef or salmon and include all of the essential amino acids making them a great meat alternative.

Entosense edible insects included worms, scorpions, crickets, and black ants.

“Many insects have more iron than spinach and more calcium than milk and include substantial quantities of B12 and Omega 3. They are a prebiotic which are nutrients for probiotics,” says Bill Broadbent of Entosense. I tried black ants and found them to be crunchy and tangy. I get the appeal if you can get past the visuals.

Edible Beauty:

Food is becoming more personalized for health and beauty with ingredients including collagen, argan and almond oils and vitamin E. These beauty-boosting ingredients are infused into beverages and snacks to help hydrate skin, restore elasticity and reduce the visibility of wrinkles. For more, tune into a new episode of Trending Today airing on Fox Business on Saturdays at noon EST.

March 19, 2019 0 comment

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David Bowie’s Collection of Memphis Group Art

by Karen LeBlanc March 4, 2019

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.

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March 4, 2019 0 comment

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Adirondack Folk School

by Karen LeBlanc February 21, 2019

written by Karen LeBlanc

As a Design Tourist, I actively seek out attractions and destinations that preserve and promote the craft and heritage of artisans around the world. While flying out of the Albany International Airport, I discovered a small exhibit promoting The Adirondack Folk School.

The installation was commissioned by the Albany International Airport Art & Culture Program and it caught my attention for its handcrafted works and mission statement which read: “Our cultural memory is fragile so the school seeks to be a place of where artistic discovery meets history, sustainability and self-reliance.”

The iconic Adirondack chair often comes to mind when we think of craft from this region but the Adirondack’s artistic heritage encompasses an entire style that includes home furnishings, boats, and decor still found in cabins, lodges, and homes today throughout the region.

The Adirondack Folk School promotes and sustains Adirondack crafts by offering classes in the arts, crafts, and cultural heritage of the Adirondack region. The non-profit school resides in the former Town of Lake Luzerne town hall building and is located in Adirondack Park, a six-million-acre state park of protected land, on “the last free-flowing part” of the Hudson River just above Rockwell Falls in New York.

Local artisans, craftspeople, and volunteers teach more than 200 classes a year in subjects such as Adirondack chair building, twig and rustic furniture, caning, paddle making, birch bark basketry, fly tying, weaving, organic gardening, fiber arts, soap making, boat building, ceramic arts, and blacksmithing.

The Adirondack Folk School is on my must-see list of authentic experiences that connect travelers with local culture, cuisine, art and craft.

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February 21, 2019 0 comment

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Memphis Group Design Objects: Must-See Museum Exhibit

by Karen LeBlanc February 12, 2019

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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

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

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.

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.

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February 12, 2019 0 comment

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Ski in Style with Glamping in the Italian Alps

by Karen LeBlanc December 12, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

Nestled in the Palu Alps in Italy lies a ski resort that invites guests to go glamping among the snow-covered mountains. The Valmalenco Ski Resort caught my attention for its guest suites perched on top of the Palu Alps and only accessible by snowmobile along a snowcat track.

The 2Cuori in Pista, The Valmalenco Ski Resort

The 2Cuori in Pista is a minimalist suite with a double bed and a private bathroom with a white and Ferrari red bathtub that drinks in panoramic views over the unadulterated landscape.

The 2Cuori in Pista suite in the Palu Alps at The Valmalenco Ski Resort

The bathtub is situated in the most scenic corner of the suite

The bathtub is known as the MINI by Glass Design Italy with its white and red external surface finished in semi-gloss thanks to a process of hand-brushing which enables it to be finished in a variety of chromatic shades.

Scenic view atop the Palu Alps at The Valmalenco Ski Resort

Chiesa Valmalenco is the main center of Valmalenco, a valley in the immediate vicinity of Sondriohe and is home to hotels, restaurants and guesthouses. The Valmalenco Ski Resort is nearby and features 8 lifts including one of largest cable cars in the world with 160-person cabins.

The MINI bathtub in Ferrari Red by Glass Design Italy

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December 12, 2018 0 comment

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Winter Wonderland in Orlando

by Karen LeBlanc December 2, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

ICE! at Gaylord Palms is a Must-See Holiday Experience

During the holiday season, Orlando offers a different kind of Winter Wonderland that transports visitors to a frozen world cocooned inside the Gaylord Palms hotel, in Kississimme, Florida. The annual ICE! exhibit brings ice carvers from the city of Harbin in Northeast China to sculpt more than 2 million pounds of ice into whimsical designs, each year set to a different theme.

Each year, the final scene at ICE! depicts a glowing nativity scene.

Our yearly visit to ICE! is a family tradition in my household that began more than ten years ago when the exhibit first came to the Gaylord Palms. My children were ages 4 and 7 during our first visit.

My family appearing in a 2012 commercial for ICE! Gaylord Palms. (Over the years we’ve often worked doing TV and print commercials for Orlando area resorts and attractions.) Although this particular visit was “work,” we’ve attended every ICE! exhibit since it began more than 10 years ago.

We were mesmerized by this frozen world where the temperature is a constant 9 degrees, while just outside, temperatures hovered in the 70s, a typical Florida Fall. ICE! was a foreign land, an exotic place and my children were spellbound.

Ralphie dressed in his pink bunny pjs in the scene “Aunt Clara’s pink nightmare” from the movie, A Christmas Story

In 2018 ICE! is back at Gaylord Palms featuring vignettes from the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story. Before you head in, the event provides each visitor with a warm blue parka that you return upon exiting.

The ultimate triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole scene from the movie, A Christmas Story at ICE!

The holiday movie has an almost cult following thanks to nearly three generations who have grown up watching it, including the 24-hour Christmas day marathon showing.

My family can recite almost every scene of this beloved holiday film, many which come to life through iconic scenes.

The Old Man’s Major Award scene in the movie, A Christmas Story at ICE!

Each time we visit ICE! and I watch the ice carvers at work, I wonder how they can take the 9-degree temperatures, working for hours in those conditions.

I learned from Gaylord Palms that the ice carvers are right at home in this frozen world because temperatures in Harbin, which is next to Siberia, stay below freezing for half the year, averaging only two degrees and sometimes plummeting to -36 degrees.

Each year, the ice carvers construct an ice slide in its own room for visitors to enjoy. This ice slide recreates the scene in A Christmas Story where Santa pushes Ralphie down the slide with his foot as the laughing elf looks on.

For more colorful ice sculptures, here’s a look at 2017 theme of ICE! Christmas Around the World:

[metaslider id=”4753″]

ICE! runs through January 6, 2019

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December 2, 2018 0 comment

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Historic Home Holiday Tour Inspires Festive Decor Ideas

by Karen LeBlanc November 20, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

The Historic Stetson Mansion Opens Its Doors Showcasing Fresh Ideas for Holiday Decor

Built for Florida’s first snowbird, famed hat maker John B Stetson the opulent 3 story Victorian mansion was rescued from obscurity 10 years ago to become the top-rated landmark tourist attraction in all of Florida.

As a member of the press, I recently attended a private guided tour of the Stetson hat maker’s opulent 1886 mansion to preview the new luxurious designer displays created for the 8th annual Stetson Mansion “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tour.

Owners Michael Solari and JT Thompson open their doors year-round to the privately owned/occupied historical landmark. JT is the sole event designer for all the Christmas decorations you will see. He begins decorating in mid-September in a free-form process. “For eight seasons I have conjured my childhood memories to remind me what made this time of year so special. Christmas carols are a huge part of the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. This year, 10 themes around the mansion are inspired by 10 well-known carols,” JT explains. We begin our tour at the grand staircase.

Guests enter the foyer opening to the grand staircase set in front of three large stained glass windows, original to the home. This is where the breathtaking scenery begins to unfold. The grand staircase is as a nod to the Christmas carol, Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly. “It’s my version of the traditional theme with a throwback to Christmas past and a strong evergreen and holly feel,” JT says.

Guests next enter the reception parlor, an homage to Angels We Have Heard on High where custom angel wings crafted by a local artist hang over the sofa and angels with lyres and other musical instruments congregate as an orchestra welcoming the Christ child.

In the piano alcove, a closer look reveals two electrical plugs that JT believes were installed by Thomas Edison and illuminated first Christmas tree with lights. “One of Mr. Edison’s assistants invented Christmas lights so we believe this is the first home in Florida that had Christmas lights.” The home also has several original Edison light fixtures and the original circuit box, complete with handwritten tags on each lever. “This was one of the first homes in the entire world to be designed and built with Edison electricity.”

The Christmas tree in the parlor is illuminated by electrical outlets installed by Thomas Edison. The current owners who live in this home still continue the old holiday tradition started by Stetson and Edison: lighting up the Christmas tree in the parlor with the same electric outlet Edison installed for that very first string of tree lights

Built in 1886 for Florida’s first snowbird, iconic hatmaker John B. Stetson, the ornate landmark on the National Historic Register has beautiful intricate wood carvings, 16 parquet floor patterns, and 10,000 panes of antique glass – all competing with this year’s elaborate designer decorations for the visitor’s attention.

Leaving the reception parlor, guests enter the mansion music room and library, where the Stetsons would gather with guests after dinner to socialize. The room is inspired by the carol, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem with nativities from around the world and a commissioned painting.

Guests can also marvel at the 16 different intricate original parquet floor patterns and 10,000 panes of antique window glass in the music room.

Peacocks use to roam the estate and JT used this fact to inspire his dining room decor theme, Pretty as a Peacock. “Mr. Stetson had peacocks roaming the property when he lived here and they would act as his guard birds, squawking to alert that visitors were on the property.”

The dining room draws focus to an antique birdcage and a peacock tail JT handmade that cascades onto the floor.

Another peacock perches on a tree limb on the dining room table with its tail sweeping down around and underneath the table. JT crafted each custom plate in the peacock tail from antique paper. A garland filled with peacock and crimson feathers lines the mantel.

Every holiday season, JT pays tribute to the military in one room decorated to honor our servicemen and women.

“The military tribute for the first time ever will be in the kitchen inspired by the carol Let There Be Peace on Earth with three Christmas trees,” JT says.

Guests leave the kitchen, heading to the second floor through the servants’ staircase stopping to admire a tribute to the Stetson Hat Company. JT designed a cowboy themed Christmas tree and decorated stair risers with icons of the American West.

As guests arrive at the top of the stair landing, a view inside a bathroom reveals grandma “had a run in with a reindeer” according to JT that was inspired by a well-known, humorous Christmas song.

Down the hallway, the room designated as The Elizabeth Suite reveals a winter wonderland inspired by the movie Edward Scissorhands. “It’s one of my favorite movies and the message is about acceptance. I decorated the room to feel like the inside of a winter snow globe.”

JT filled the room with winter woodland animals, a handcrafted willow tree covered in icicles and decorated the mantel with white pine cones.

The tour proceeds to The Gillen Suite that celebrates the three wise men, a nod to the Christmas carol, We Three Kings, with three handmade wise men crafted by an artist and former guest who bequeathed the decorations to the mansion.

The last stop on the tour is the Stetson Suite, decorated to the tune of I heard the Bells on Christmas Day, featuring Victorian Christmas bells including antique sleigh bells gifted to the mansion, church bells, school bells, and jingle bells.

Stetson Mansion is nominated as a contender for Best Holiday Historic Home Tour by USA TODAY for its 2018 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards. USA TODAY is giving voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-historic-home-tour/

Voting ends Monday, December 10th and the winners will be announced on December 21st.

The mansion attracts more than 10,000 visitors from around the world during the holiday season. Guided tours are offered at 10:30, 1:30 and 5 pm daily for $25 and reservations are required.

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November 20, 2018 0 comment

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Must-See Christmas Markets for Design Tourists

by Karen LeBlanc October 26, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

Starting the last week of November, European city centers come alive with Christmas Markets, an old tradition that turns the town square into a festive gathering of local artists, crafts makers and cooks selling traditional treasures and treats. There are entire tours devoted to European Christmas markets but you can also explore on your own. Our top Christmas cities include Brussels, Prague, Dresden, Nuremberg, and the hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi. Here’s a closer look at our favorite real-life winter wonderlands.

Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt | Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

We start with the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany is populated with approximately 180 wood and cloth stalls with red-and-white-striped canvas roofs. A written record of the Christmas market dates back to 1628.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – Christmas Market – Opening Ceremony © Ralf Schedlbauer

The Nuremberg Christ Child, who is elected by the Nuremberg citizens every two years, always opens the market with a ceremonial prologue on the Friday before the first Advent. This golden angel with her white dress and a jeweled crown appears on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady.

Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg © Uwe Niklas

The Christkindlesmarkt takes place in the historic backdrop of the Nuremberg main market square with the Church of our Lady, the Beautiful Fountain and the view of the Old Town Gothic Church of St. Sebaldus.

Gingerbread at the Christkindlesmarkt © Steffen Oliver Riese

Here you can shop for traditional crafts, hand-made holiday treasures and regional treats including Gluhwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (a gingerbread-like cookie) and bratwurst. A stroll through the market of the sister cities is also interesting, where handcrafted articles and specialties from countries like Nicaragua, China, Scotland or the Ukraine are found.

Striezelmarkt Dresden Photo credit: Dresden Tourism www.dresden.de/tourism

Next, we head to Dresden, the oldest continuous Christmas market in Germany now celebrating its 584th year. The Dresden “Striezelmarkt” is named after the “Striezel” (“Stollen”), a traditional German Christmas cake. The market takes place on the Altmarkt with more than 230 festively decorated booths filling the air with scents of roasted almonds, mulled wine and Dresden Christmas cookies.

Striezelmarkt Dresden Photo credit: Dresden Tourism www.dresden.de/tourism

Here you can shop for handmade Christmas decorations and goods by craftspeople from the Ore mountains (Erzgebirge) and Lusatia (Lausitz). The market runs daily from November 28th, 2018 to December 24th, 2018 from 10 am until 9 pm.

Striezelmarkt Dresden © Sylvio Dittrich

On December 8, 2018, a special event is help with a group of people will carrying a big “Stollen” that weighs four tons along the Dresden Zwinger, the Semper Opera House, the Hofkirche and the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) to the “Striezelmarkt” where it will be cut in pieces and offered to the visitors.

Striezelmarkt Dresden Photo credit: Dresden Tourism www.dresden.de/tourism

The Dresden “Striezelmarkt” is surrounded by 10 more themed Christmas markets within the city including the Medieval Christmas Market at the stable yard of the Royal Palace populated with craftsmen, minstrels and jugglers.

Dresden Medieval Christmas Market © 2013 Sven Döring / Agentur Focus

A walk through the baroque quarter of the Hauptstraße within the baroque quarter offers unique Christmas charm in this Wilhelminian style part of the city.

Striezelmarkt Dresden Photo credit: Dresden Tourism www.dresden.de/tourism

Other markets to check out include the Frauenkirche Christmas Market, known for its pottery, glass art and lace from the Vogtland, and the après-ski charm of the Hüttenzauber Market and booths are along the Prager Straße starting from the Main Station along to the other side of the Elbe River to the “Neustädter Advent” Those who want to get even deeper into local atmosphere should visit the Christmas markets in the towns, villages and castles of the surrounding Elbland.

Winter Wonders at the Grand-Place © visit.brussels – Eric Danhier – 2017

Next, we head to Brussels for its festival of lights, Winter Wonders, illuminating the facades of Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Winter Wonders at the Grand-Place © visit.brussels – Eric Danhier – 2017

This year’s theme is “Brussels’ Christmas with Sia” showcasing the Grand-Place’s architectural lighting synchronized with Christmas tree lights and music by Australian singer-songwriter Sia.

Winter Wonders at the Grand-Place © visit.brussels – Eric Danhier – 2017

Brussels Christmas Markets © visit.brussels

Winter Wonders coincides with Christmas markets throughout Brussels including around the Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons. There, you’ll find snow-capped wooden chalets resembling gingerbread houses selling local crafts, handmade goods and regional treats.

©Prague City Tourism

Prague, the largest city in the Czech Republic, known for its Christmas card scenery of lantern-lit cobblestone streets and decorated baroque town squares that host several Christmas markets.

©Prague City Tourism

The largest is in the Old Town Square with a towering Christmas tree cut from the forests of Central Bohemia and lit up each evening at 4:30 pm, accompanied by classical music. Other must-see holiday markets include those in Wenceslas Square, Republic Square, Peace Square and Tyl’s Square where you can browse festive wooden huts stocked with traditional folk crafts while sipping hot honey wine known as Medovina and sampling traditional Czech Christmas cookies.

©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

The ultimate Christmas City is Rovaniemi, situated on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, the official home of Santa Claus.

©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

Consistently ranked as the world’s best holiday destination, Rovaniemi offers a winter wonderland of activities including skiing, snowmobiling, reindeer farms, dog sledding tours and scenic vistas of the Northern Lights.

©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

In Rovaniemi, Santa welcomes visitors year-round at the Santa Claus Village, the Lapland’s best-known attraction.

©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

The resort features an igloo hotel, ice bar and restaurant, shops, dog sledding tours, reindeer rides, snowmobile tours, and Santa Claus’ main post office, run by elves.

Snowland Rovaniemi ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

Rovaniemi during the holidays is an ideal place to view the Northern Lights on clear nights as shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet dance across the skyline of the city.

©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

Ranua Wildlife Safari, ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)

European Christmas markets typically run November 28 through Christmas Eve. Many tour companies offer river cruises and organized tours to the markets. As you plan your trip, check out these ultimate travel hacks and tips for finding the best deals on airfare, accommodations and more. For more design and travel news, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter.

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October 26, 2018 0 comment

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The Dali Museum, An Architecture & Art Tourism Must-See

by Karen LeBlanc October 15, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

In downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, lies a futuristic glass and concrete structure that looms large over the waterfront dotted with docked sailboats. This architectural oddity is an attraction inspired by its the contents, the surrealist works of Salvador Dali.

The Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Dali museum is designed by architect Yann Weymouth of HOK, combining “the rational with the fantastical.” Oozing out of a hulking concrete box with 18-inch thick hurricane-proof walls is a large free-form geodesic glass bubble known as the “enigma”.

The Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Enigma is made up of 1,062 triangular pieces of glass, stands 75 feet at its tallest point, a twenty-first-century homage to the dome that adorns Dali’s museum in Spain.

Design Blogger Karen LeBlanc aka The Design Tourist visiting The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg Florida. A selfie at the spiral staircase.

I recently visited The Dali Museum and my advice to anyone wanting to enter Dali’s headspace is to begin at the winding helical staircase, a nod to Dali’s obsession with spirals and the double helical shape of the DNA molecule during his Nuclear Mysticism period of art, and gaze through the geodesic skylight.

The winding helical staircase inside The Dali Museum

It’s how I found myself teleported into the magical mind of Dali before I began to peruse the largest collection of his works outside of Dali’s native Spain.

First floor view of the winding helical staircase in The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Dali Museum permanent collection is home to art spanning Dali’s career from his student pieces through works of Anti-Art, Surrealism, Nuclear Mysticism. I came to see how his native landscapes inspired his most memorable works in a special exhibit, Clyde Butcher: Visions of Dali’s Spain on view through November 25, 2018.

Clyde Butcher is known as “the Ansel Adams of Florida” for his large format black and white photos capturing the beauty of the Everglades. The Dali museum commissioned Butcher to photograph Dali’s dreamlike world, “to bring to light the geological delirium that Dali embraces in his work.”

Photographer Clyde Butcher’s image of Dali’s home in Port Lligat, where visitors are greeted by a surreal icon of a cypress tree growing out of a fishing boat.

In 2016, Butcher traveled to Dali’s homeland, Catalonia’s Mediterranean region, in Spain to photograph the landscape including Cadaques where Dali spent summers growing up and Port Lligat and the region of Cap De Creus, all area featured in Dali’s work.

American photographer Clyde Butcher captures the curiosities that filled Dali’s home in Port Lligat Spain.

In Port Lligat, where Dali and his wife Gala lived in a grand surreal home that began as a simple fishing shack, Butcher captures the curiosities the filled the living spaces. Dali and Gala eventually purchased adjacent shacks to create a meandering structure of rooms that has now become a museum.

One of several egg motifs, a Dali favorite, on view at his home in Port Lligat. Clyde Butcher took the photograph as part of the exhibit Visions of Dali’s Spain on view at The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

Butcher typically photographs with a large format camera but for The Dali Museum commission, he used a smaller format digital camera. “I shoot digital like I shoot film. I wait for the composition and light. Some days I only took two pictures. I don’t shotgun shoot,” Butcher says of his process.

Landscape photo taken by Clyde Butcher of Port Lligat, where Dali lived and worked. Dali drew inspiration for his art from the natural vistas that surrounded his home.

The Clyde Butcher exhibit pairs the photographer’s photos of Dali’s native landscapes with Dali paintings that drew inspiration from them. It’s a unique window into Dali’s mind and soul where the physical landscapes in his life are reimagined in dreamlike renderings.

“When people see the exhibit I would like them to see what inspired his paintings,” Butcher says. In the exhibit, Dali’s paintings are paired with Butcher’s landscape photography to reveal the inspiration behind many of Dali’s surrealist paintings.

Dali said of his work that people discern only a tenth of what’s visible in his paintings and that the meanings and themes run much deeper.

Clyde Butcher’s photography gives us a new lens to interpret Dali’s work providing a context to many of his paintings.

The Dali Museum holds the finest collection of his work outside of Spain chronicling Dali’s artistic evolution starting in the 1920s when Dali discovered surrealism after reading Sigmund Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams while attending art school.

For the next 10 years, Dali’s work was the irrational subject matter with symbolic imagery and complex dreamlike stories. By the 1930s Surrealism grew from its literary origins to become a broad cultural movement encompassing art, design, film, animation and fashion. Dali became a central figure. The defining icon of the movement became Dali’s melting clock.

The painting: “Oeufs sur le Plat sans le Plat. In this painting, Dali said he had this vision of fried eggs in his mother’s womb so he painted the hanging egg to represent an embryo.

By 1940 Dali was no longer a surrealist. After he and Gala escaped from war-torn Europe living as refugees in America from 1940 to 1948. He branded himself as a classical artist reacting against modern art’s emphasis on abstraction.

Dali’s Nuclear Mysticism works include the painting, Galacidalacidesoxiribunucleicacid on view at The Dali Museum

In 1950 he created the term Nuclear Mysticism to describe this new phase of work. imaging moved from surrealism’s personal imaginings to the shared worlds of science and religion.

One of Dali’s optical illusion paintings on view at The Dali Museum. This one is called “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln-Homage to Rothko

Dali also produced a series of monumental canvases known as Masterworks integrating epic history stories often relating to his Catalan homeland or containing intricate optical illusions.

The Lobster Telephone by Salvador Dali, 1938 made of plastic and painted plaster.

The museum features several of Dali’s quirkier works including this lobster phone. Dali says the idea came to him while dining on lobster as he saw someone toss a lobster shell landing on a telephone.

Visions of Dali’s Spain, a photography exhibit by Clyde Butcher at The Dail Museum runs through November 25, 2018. I highly recommend a visit to admire and experience sublime art, photography and architecture.

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October 15, 2018 0 comment

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Florida Southern College’s Collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture

by Karen LeBlanc October 9, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

An Architecture Tourism Must-See Site

On land that was once an orange grove in Central Florida, sits the world’s largest single-site collection of structures designed by famed modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright. I recently toured Florida Southern College, a steward of Wright’s architectural legacy, where 13 buildings he designed comprise the majority of campus.

80 years later, Wright’s presence is omnipresent: The street aptly named Frank Lloyd Wright Way leads to the visitor’s center where organized tours depart and gift and books are available for sale.

The story of how this small private Methodist liberal arts college became an internationally famous destination for architecture tourism begins with an unlikely alliance between Wright and Florida Southern College’s President, Dr. Ludd Spivey.

Dr. Ludd Spivey, President of Florida Southern College welcoming architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife, Olgivanna, to the campus

During the Great Depression, Dr. Spivey was looking to make a name for the college, attracting new students and establishing a reputation as a forward-thinking institution. In 1938, with no money to build but a grand vision, Dr. Spivey traveled to Wright’s architectural school at Taliesin in rural Wisconsin to convince the famous architect, now squarely in the second act of his career at 70 years old, that Wright should design the campus. Wright accepted the commission in spite of his dislike for higher education.

Florida Southern College is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the World Monument Fund’s 2008 World Watch List.

“This is the only college campus Wright designed. He wasn’t in favor of higher education and thought it took away from the free thought process. He felt one of the best ways of a student to learn was by doing,” says Mark Tlachac, retired Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Program at Florida Southern College. Mark is my tour guide and together we walked the campus for three hours, stopping to take in every architectural detail.

The north end of the administration buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wright, famous for his organic architecture philosophy, designed 18 structures for the college of which 13 were built. He saw the buildings growing out of the ground into the light like a “Child of the Sun.”

Side view of the William H. Danforth Chapel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright showing the triangular leaded glass clerestory windows.

“This is a perfect Frank Lloyd Wright setting with its gently sloping hillside that was a citrus grove. Wright wanted the buildings to blend with the landscape they were on. He wanted to build out of materials native to the site. The land was very sandy so Wright built the buildings out of concrete blocks mixing sand and pulverized seashells in the concrete,” says Mark.

Tapestry blocks Wright designed that form the structural basis of all 13 of his buildings on the campus of Florida Southern College. The block had large matching notches for stacking instead of staggering. The blocks were together with small steel bars and mortar.

Wright designed a building system using tapestry blocks made of concrete mixing in native sands and crushed shells. The concrete blocks had colored pieces of glass embedded that sparkled like jewels in the sunlight. Florida’s harsh climate would later necessitate the restoration of the blocks because of cracking and expansion.

After WWII the blocks became more simple construction without the glass inserts.

“Wright used geometry to design the campus. We have squares, triangles, rectangles. He laid out all the land in six-foot squares with grid lines that run north and south and east and west. He did the same thing vertically so he built six-foot cubes of space throughout the entire campus. Every building lines up perfectly with one of his gridlines geometrically to perfection,” Mark says.

Several years ago, the Water Dome, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, became the first structure here to be fully restored back to Wright’s vision. The water dome is line elevation zero with every other elevation either below or above that on his master plan

At the heart of campus is the iconic Water Dome, the largest water feature Wright ever designed. Symbolizing the fountain of knowledge, the Water Dome shoots arched water 60 feet high and spans 160 feet in diameter.

Geometric cutouts resembling butterfly wings on the Emile E. Watson Administration Building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wright used geometric thematic elements that echo throughout the campus such as these cutouts in the roof of the esplanades that resemble butterfly wings.

The Esplanade, a system of covered walkways designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to connect campus buildings.

Wright designed a system of covered walkways connecting his buildings known as The Esplanade that winds one and a half miles through campus.

Design details in The Esplanade designed by Frank Lloyd Wright include stamped copper detailing and poured concrete columns in an abstract citrus tree design .

The Esplanade is decorated with copper trim in stamped sheets along the edges. The columns resemble abstract citrus trees stamped in poured concrete.

The Esplanade columns resemble abstract citrus trees.

Also at the center of campus is the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the first Wright-designed structure built and the tallest on campus.

The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel is Wright’s signature building at Florida Southern College.

The cantilevered wings form interior balconies. The main level has no side windows with rays of colored light piercing the concrete walls through sparkling cut glass inserts. The chapel’s tower has cutouts in the figurative shape of a bowtie echoed in the college logo.

The skylight in the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel provides a view of the tower superstructure.

Wright did not design windows on the lower level of his chapels because he didn’t want them to distract. Instead, he designed skylights to fill with the chapel with light from above, like God shining down on his people. In the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, all of the seats face towards each other to foster togetherness.

Interior view of The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel

The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel consists of the main level and cantilevered balconies. Notice the rays of colored light that pierce through the concrete blocks, a signature design element of the campus.

The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel

Wright designed a second campus chapel, the William H. Danforth Chapel as a place of meditation with a large leaded stained glass window in a slanted parallelogram design at the pulpit.

Leaded, stained glass window at the pulpit of the William H. Danforth Chapel

The floor-to-ceiling stained glass juts out at an angle visible from the southwest facade. Framed in native Florida tidewater red-cypress, the chapel still contains the original pews and cushions Wright designed and students built.

The round reading room in The E.T. Roux Library.

The E.T. Roux Library was the fifth Wright-designed structure constructed on campus distinguished for its round reading room interrupted by an irregular oblong section. Clerestory windows encircle the reading room evoking a spaceship silhouette. The library is now used for meetings and office space and the original clerestory windows have been glazed over to block out sunlight.

The round reading room in The E.T. Roux Library.

In the meeting room, several original pieces of furniture Wright designed for the campus are on view including three-legged chairs and roundtables, all crafted of plywood, Wright’s material of choice for furniture. “He experimented with building materials and he loved plywood because it was inexpensive and you could cut it and mold it and make all sorts of shapes.”

Wright designed these pieces for the library. The low chairs had three legs and purportedly, students would topple over when they sat in them but Wirhgt said all students need to learn to sit up straight with good posture.

Wright developed an affinity for plywood as a material for furniture because it was inexpensive and could be cut and molded to make all sorts of shapes.

Furniture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built by students at Florida Southern College for the library.

The original floors were Cherokee red concrete, a deep dark red that was Wright’s favorite color. Today the floors are covered in red carpet.

The Lucius Pond Ordway Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Florida Southern College once housed the industrial arts program.

Clerestory windows in the Lucius Pond Ordway Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Florida Southern College.

The Ordway Arts Building constructed in 1952 has retained its original courtyard that connects two parallel arms and a theater-in-the-round.

The Fletcher Theater in the Ordway building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to serve as a theater-in-the-round

The Fletcher Theater is located at the north end of the west section with its rounded ceiling designed for perfect acoustics and illuminated by Wright’s signature clerestory windows.

The Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 as faculty housing for Florida Southern College. It wasn’t built until 2013

We end our tour at The Usonian house designed by Wright in 1939 as faculty housing. Originally Wright designed 20 such houses for the campus that were never built. In 2013, the college built a prototype of The Usonian House open for public tours.

The 1,200-square-foot home is illuminated by a flood of natural light coming through the floor to ceiling glass windows.

Constructed of approximately 2000 interlocking concrete blocks, the home has two bedrooms and a single bathroom but feels and functions as a larger living space. “Some people think Mr. Wright designed giant mansions but the vast majority of his work was two bedroom houses. He wanted to be the architect for the common man,” Mark says.

Concrete blocks with colored glass inserts and corner shelving in the Usonian House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wright developed his Usonian design style during the Great Depression as an affordable structure for the average American.

The kitchen in the Usonian House opens up to the main living spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright was the first architect to open up a kitchen to the living room.

The floorplan features a small kitchen with high ceilings lined with windows above that open for air circulation.

The living room of the Usonian House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is open for public tours at Florida Southern College.

The kitchen opens to the main living spaces, a living room with large fireplace and dining room, surfaced in Wright’s signature Cherokee Red concrete floors. Mark tells me that Usonian houses are built with screws instead of nails because Wright believed screws are stronger. “Every architectural element of the home lines up with precision accuracy in a gridlike design.”

Florida Southern College campus view of the Water Dome and Esplanade designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Today, Wright’s “Child of the Sun” has matured into an architectural legacy with lessons about our relationship to the landscape and the built environment in the halls of higher learning.

A heartfelt thanks to my fascinating tour guide, Mark Tlachac, retired Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Program at Florida Southern Colle

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October 9, 2018 1 comment

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Japonism’s Influence in Fashion & Art

by Karen LeBlanc August 20, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

The American tour Kimono Refashioned: 1870s-Now! opens October 13, 2018 at the Newark Art Museum showcasing the impact of Japanese garments, textiles, design and aesthetics on global fashions created by internationally recognized designers such as John Galliano, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Iris van Herpen and Issey Miyake.

The Kyoto Costume Institute photo by Takashi Hatakeyam

The exhibition, co-organized by the Kyoto Costume Institute and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, features more than 40 garments by more than 30 Japanese, European and American designers, underscoring the kimono’s influence in contemporary fashion.

The Kyoto Costume Institute photo by Takashi Hatakeyam

Kimono has influenced global fashion since Japan opened to the world in the late 19th century. Motifs used to decorate kimono, its form and silhouette, and its two-dimensional structure and linear cut have all been refashioned into a wide array of garments.

The Kyoto Costume Institute photo by Takashi Hatakeyam

“Kimono Refashioned will present dynamic and visually stunning manifestations of inter-cultural conversations between Japan and the West from the late 18th century through the lens of fashion,” said Interim Co-Director Ulysses Dietz.

The first section of Kimono Refashioned displays oil paintings by William Merritt Chase and Jacques-Joseph James Tissot from the late 1800s as early examples of the influence of kimono.

Kimono Refashioned displays oil paintings by William Merritt Chase and Jacques-Joseph James Tissot from the late 1800s as early examples of the influence of kimono.

The next section accents Japonism in fashion from the late 19th century to the 1920s, when new garments were inspired by the motifs, shapes and cuts of kimono.

John Galliano Ensemble / Autumn/Winter 1994 Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

The third and largest portion of the exhibition explores contemporary fashion and its use of kimono’s flatness and silhouette, along with cutting-edge Japanese technologies–contemporary and historic–that were employed for weaving, dyeing and decorating textiles. The final section demonstrates how Japan continues to inspire the world of fashion through popular design, including manga and anime.

Raf Simmons Jacket, T-shirt, Trousers/ Autumn/Winter HC 2016 Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute. Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

Iris van Herpen Dress / Autumn/Winter HC 2016 Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute. Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

The Kyoto Costume Institute (KCI) pioneered Japonism’s research in fashion focusing on innovative Japanese designers since the late 20th century. KCI systematically collects and preserves authentic samples of western clothing from each era, together with the underpinnings that shape the clothing, and pertinent documents that explicate the background.

Yohji Yamamoto Dress / Spring/Summer 1995 Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

The collection currently ranges from the 17th century to the present day, with holdings of 12,000 items of clothing and 16,000 documents.

The institute has received donations from some of today’s top designers and fashion houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and was presented with a gift of approximately 1,000 sets of clothing from Comme des Garçons.

Christian Louboutin Boots. Photo credit: The Kyoto Costume Institute

The Newark Museum is the exclusive East Coast venue for this exhibition, where it will remain on view until January 6, 2019.

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August 20, 2018 0 comment

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My Favorite Parisian Quirks & Charms

by Karen LeBlanc August 8, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

This summer, I visited Paris, not as a Design Tourist, but as a parent to show my children the city’s must-see landmarks, monuments, and museums. Beyond the City of Lights’ obvious attractions, Paris has many quirks and charms that make it, well Paris. Here are my favorite idiosyncracies in the city.

Architectural Lighting on Public buildings:

For the past sixty years, Paris has made decorative and architectural lighting a priority illuminating and highlighting important sites and monuments. City administration is currently updating many of these older lighting schemes to more energy-efficient LEDs.

To date, 313 Parisian sites are illuminated including municipal buildings, the bridges of the Seine, emblematic public monuments belonging to the State: Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon, the July Column, and cultural monuments including Notre Dame, churches and many other noteworthy sites and constructions.

Spontaneous Street Performances:

On a Sunday night, as we were strolling the grounds of Notre Dame, a street performance began drawing quite the crowd. Juggler Alexandre Ledit, winner of France’s Incredible Talent Search Show, Season 3, and his troupe of fire jugglers held a free show that began with Alexandre’s mesmerizing crystal ball juggling and dance choreography followed by nail-biting flame throwing and fire juggling. This talented group of performers is one of those unexpected discoveries when you just take time to roam Paris, sit awhile and take it all in.

Instagram Worthy Bridges:

Thirty-seven bridges connect the left and right banks of Paris over the Seine River, each with its own backstory and unique architectural character. The Pont Neuf is considered to be the oldest stone bridge in Paris. Henri IV ordered it to be constructed in 1578 with its 12 arches, 384 mascarons (grotesque faces) decorating the cornices and the equestrian statue of Henri IV. A portion of the Seine riverbanks is UNESCO world heritage site and it runs from Pont de Sully to Pont de Bir-Hakeim via Pont Alexandre III

Religious Architecture:

As an architecture aficionado, the churches of Paris are some of the finest examples of Romanesque and Gothic vernacular.

Beyond the headliners, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, there is a church in just about every neighborhood in Paris as chroniclers of history set in stone.

Food Art:

For foodies, even the ordinary becomes art in the hands of skilled and creative servers, chefs, baristas, and bakers. Check out this gelato in the form of a flower bloom topped with a meringue cookie. It’s the little things that impress me most.

Architectural Mashups:

Modern architecture melds with historic architecture throughout Paris. The most obvious example is the Louvre where its sleek glass triangle pavilion, an addition in 1983 designed by I.M. Pei, FAIA sits alongside the historic quadrangle of the Louvre buildings.

The 71-foot-tall glass-and-metal pyramid caps an underground welcoming reception area, as well as a system of public spaces and circulation for visitors to access the collections. After initially suffering much criticism an architectural joke and eyesore, Pei’s glass pyramid is now respected and celebrated as a defining landmark of the Parisian landscape.

Cell Phone Pics Of The Mona Lisa:

The fact that you can actually take cell phone pics of the Mona Lisa baffles me. If you can elbow your way through the throngs of tourists, you have to snap a selfie with the smiling lady. I made my cell phone snap of Mona Lisa my new screen saver. The Louvre does allow still and video photography for private, non-commercial use only in the galleries housing the permanent collection. The use of flash or other means of artificial lighting is prohibited. Photography and filming are not permitted in the temporary exhibition galleries. The same restrictions apply to the photographing or filming of technical installations and equipment.

Maximalism Decor of The French Court:

When it comes to over-the-top decor, the French court excelled at what we now call Maximalism style, that 17th-century Baroque style and 18th-century Rococo aesthetic where every inch of a room is gilded, carved, painted, or plastered in decorative arts that scream wealth and excess.

The eccentric styles gave us ornate wood paneling, fine tapestries, furniture, decorative bronze work, marble items, gold, silverware, and porcelain, like no other era in design.

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August 8, 2018 0 comment

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Foodie Destinations Top Millennial Travelers’ Vacation Choices

by Karen LeBlanc June 19, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

Top Foodie Destinations Tempting the Tastebuds of Travelers

Hotels.com in its Tasty Travels research picked several cities as “Top of the Chops” for foodie travelers. Paris, Tokyo and Rome are the top three foodie destinations according to Hotels.com which commissioned edible renderings of the top three foodie destinations by renowned food artist Carl Warner.

Food artist Carl Warner created this city scene of Paris featuring Parisian markets and the Eiffel Tower out of chocolate and blue cheese. Photo credit: Hotels.com

Each city scene, captured in HD photography, is constructed with famous foods from each location. “When Hotels.com approached me with the idea, I instantly knew this project was right up my bean-cobbled, blue cheese street! It was a great opportunity for me to bring images and scenes of these hugely popular foodie destinations to life in an exciting and contemporary way. I hope that these images will not only blow people away, but inspire them to get online, get booking and not just ‘sight-see’ but ‘sight-taste’,” says Carl, a food artist and photographer.

Food artist Carl Warner created this city scene of Rome featuring the Pantheon and a cobbled back street out of pasta, Parma ham and Parmesan cheese. Photo credit: Hotels.com

Food artist Carl Warner created this city scene of Tokyo featuring a zen garden and tea ceremony overlooking Mount Fuji out of Maki rolls, ginger and shiitake mushrooms. Photo credit: Hotels.com

Hotels.com research also offers insight into millennial travelers, where nearly two thirds (60%) in the U.S. choose their holiday destination based on what they’ll eat – not what they’ll see or do. “American millennial travelers (64%) say foodie vacation experiences are the most memorable. The younger generation in the U.S. is now even more focused on munching delicious local delicacies on vacation (65%) than visiting landmarks (49%) and exploring the outdoors (34%),” says Hotels.com

Millennial travelers also prefer “food over friends” with 78% of millennial U.S. travelers admitting that they prefer to snap their food instead of their friends’ faces (36%) for Instagram. The research also pinpoints a rise in food photography on social media, revealing that during a week-long vacation, U.S. millennial travelers snap on average 128 photos, of which 15% are of food.

The Tasty Travels research also revealed that millennials are opting for street food (20%) over Michelin star restaurants (19%) and say foodie experiences stand out the most in their vacation memories. This topped spending time with their travel buddy (22%), and even an exciting adrenaline activity (11%).

Johan Svanstrom, president of Hotels.com comments: “The love amongst millennial travelers for what we at Hotels.com have dubbed #TastyTravels, stems from food being one of the most connective and rewarding currencies there is. Experiences are the new wealth and food provides one of life’s most pleasurable experiences, where there’s always something new to try when you travel. So, it’s understandable that younger generations of travelers are defining their holiday by what they can eat, how they eat it, and how good the ‘Grams’ will be while they’re away.”

Other foodie cities making the list include London, Barcelona, New York and Madrid.

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June 19, 2018 0 comment

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Design Hotel Debuts in Fort Lauderdale Capturing the Culture & Style of Boating Life

by Karen LeBlanc May 30, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

Tryp Maritime hotel in Fort Lauderdale Offers Authentic Accomodations for Design Tourists

When a hotel captures the essence of the local culture and community through fixtures, furnishings, materials, art, amenities, and experiences, I call it a Design Hotel— authentic accommodations with a sense of place.

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

Wyndham recently opened the Tryp Maritime hotel in Fort Lauderdale catering to the city’s boating community. Fort Lauderdale, a south Florida city known as “the Venice of the United States” because of all its canals, hosts a sophisticated genre of traveler seeking stylish accommodations and luxury and/or sporting boating experiences.

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

Tryp Maritime hotel fills a niche, a void, I should say, by incorporating the community’s identity into the design of the hotel while going green. Edenburg Hospitality designed the 150-room hotel and manufactured many of its furnishings. CEO Ignacio Edenburg, an interior and furniture designer and manufacturer, has captured the character of Fort Lauderdale and tells its story through color, material, art, furniture and fixtures.

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

It’s the perfect place to stay for Design Tourists, those intrepid travelers looking to ignite their inner muses by exploring the world’s creative cities, cultures, and creators. Design travel is a growing trend in the hospitality industry catering to travelers seeking authentic accommodations. It’s also inspiring designers to convey a community’s identity through the hotel’s decor. What excites me most about this new design hotel is its eco-friendly furnishings that leave a minimal carbon footprint. This is a big driver in design— this push for a net positive future by designing and making products that give back more than they take from the earth.

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

“Hotel owners and developers are increasingly looking at creative designs to help differentiate their hotels from their competitors,” says Edenburg, who designed and manufactured many of the furniture pieces and fixtures in the company’s factory in Spain using green technology.

“Hotels are choosing to go green to attract guests who are more environmentally aware. Today, many travelers expect hotels to be eco-friendly and sustainable. TRYP at Wyndham Maritime is a great example of how to meet those preferences.”

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

Edenburg Hospitality’s self-sustained manufacturing plant has all of the EU green certifications and operates with clean recycling and combustion of the industrial remains. The company uses formaldehyde-free wood panels and glue and works with natural veneers and lacquers. The factory provides an environmentally friendly process of varnishing, liquid effluents minimization, and purification in an air-conditioned and acoustically isolated work environment.

The hotel’s design elements nod to the city’s top-notch marine industry and boating and yachting communities.

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

Exotic fish tanks and wave-like blue sofas adorn the hotel lobby while fixtures and artwork embrace Fort Lauderdale’s maritime identity. Underwater photographs by noted marine ecologist and photographer Richard Murphy hang in every guestroom. Other design elements include circular light sconces resembling portholes on a ship and the ceiling above the tapas bar simulates ripples of water.

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime

The TRYP by Wyndham Maritime, located at 2161 Maritime Boulevard, anchors the 168-slip Marina Bay Resort, one of the few marinas in the Southeast coast of Florida that can accommodate mega yachts and offer charter boat rentals and waterfront dining. Hotel amenities include an outdoor spa, mini basketball court, a sports movie theatre, business conference rooms and a business center, the Zen Tea garden and koi pond, a European-style tapas bar and coming soon, a rooftop flight deck bar with sweeping views of the airport runway, downtown Fort Lauderdale’s skyline, cruise ships and marina view.

A minority business owner who has worked with more than 300 hotels around the world, Ignacio Edenburg helps each become eco-friendly by manufacturing furniture with almost no carbon footprint and has an impressive roster of design hotels including recent projects, the Hyatt Regency in Seattle and MGM National Harbor.

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May 30, 2018 0 comment

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How To Ignite Your Creative Muse with Design Travel

by SponsoredPost May 2, 2018

written by SponsoredPost

This is a Contributed Post with affiliate links

Photo by Felix Russell-Saw on Unsplash

Inspiration is important, but the creative muse doesn’t necessarily come calling when you summon it. Creativity can’t be forced. If you find yourself in a rut with your design ideas, perhaps it’s time to take a trip for a change of scenery to reboot the senses.

Encountering new sights and places can fire up the imagination. Here’s how you can plan for design-inspired travel that ignites originality in work projects and personal experiences:

Choose Destinations With a Creative Culture:

When choosing the travel destinations consider those with a vibrant artisan, artist and maker community and rich architectural legacy. When you explore the creative soul of a destination, you learn about different methods, materials and techniques to make things. Your perspective on what’s possible in design broadens and new ideas emerge.

Stay In Authentic Accommodations:

Look for authentic accommodations that connect with the local culture. Check out https://www.rumah.com/panduan-dan-referensi/membeli-rumah/100-perumahan-populer-di-indonesia for exotic ideas. Break out of your comfort zone and opt for boutique hotels that will open your eyes up to different design styles rather than large hotel chains.

Research Design-Centric Spots & Notable Landmarks:

Make a list of top landmarks to visit and learn about the destination’s architectural and cultural legacy. These must-see sites typically are listed in travel guidebooks and websites and offer insider knowledge of the notable people, history, parks, public spaces and buildings that create a sense of place.

Photo by Ruben Gutierrez on Unsplash

Also, research the region’s best-designed spaces including restaurants and bars including, https://www.boredpanda.com/best-restaurant-bar-cafe-interior-design/ Oftentimes, the most inspiring attractions are those under-the-radar locations not listed in travel guides.

Speak To Locals:

Don’t be afraid to chat with the locals and ask for their recommendations on where to visit and what to see. Insider knowledge often comes from mixing in with the local community while on vacation.

Document Ideas & Inspiration:

Create a journal of your travels with photos and written thoughts on what inspired you. Make notes on what you learned about the history, architecture, culture and artistic output of a place and record moods and feelings that your travel experiences evoked.

Venture Outside Your Comfort Zone:

Challenge yourself with experiences outside of your comfort zone. When it comes to making the most of your trip, look for opportunities that expand your design vocabulary and worldview. Travel can infuse fresh ideas into your decor or design projects by summoning your creative muse within.

May 2, 2018 0 comment

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Design Hotel: Relais Le Chevalier

by Karen LeBlanc April 26, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

A Historic Hotel in Riga, Latvia Restyles its 18th-Century Origins

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

Italian interior designer Elisabetta de Strobel marries French elegance and contemporary trends to reimagine the interior styling of Relais Le Chevalier, a hotel in Riga, Latvia.

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

Each floor pulsates with vibrant hues starting with the ground floor decorated in blue with pale gold tints, the signature colors of the hotel. A striking combination of beige and black blanket the second floor; the third floor radiates fuchsia and orange; the fourth floor is an intense blue and the top floor glows with yellow and green.

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

Originally built as a palace in the mid 18th century, Relais Le Chevalier hosts 23 rooms in the old town of Riga in an area, known as “Paris along the Baltic.” The interior design work preserves the building’s architectural integrity while updating the ambiance with a contemporary edge.

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

Materials such as glass and metal amplify the daylighting and open up the common areas.

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

The hotel is furnished with luxury brands including Bizzotto, Bertelè and Brunello 1974 including pieces designed by Elisabetta de Strobel.

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

“The project I devised and carried out for Relais Le Chevalier seeks to express a perfect blend of the age-old charm of Riga and the concept of hospitality in a cutting-edge designer setting, able to engage visitors with the continual references to history evident throughout the hotel and to impress them with visually striking details,” says Art Director and Interior Designer Elisabetta de Strobel. Since 2010 she has been an honorary member of the Italian Association of Interior Designers (AIPi) and in 2015 was named as the Italian delegate of the AIPi on the executive board of the European Council of Interior Architects, E.C.I.A.

Design Hotel Relais le Chevalier in Riga, Latvia

On the top floor, the Breakfast Area looks out over the rooftops of the city. For design travelers seeking authentic accommodations that connect with the city’s cultural and creative soul, Relais Le Chevalier is an ideal choice.

April 26, 2018 0 comment

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Atlanta: Destination Design

by Karen LeBlanc March 1, 2018

written by Karen LeBlanc

In the chaos of a big city with its sensory overload and bustling daily life, I often find myself looking without really seeing what’s right in front of me. That pause that puts you squarely in the moment and lets you take in your surroundings gets lost in the machinations of maneuvering from point A to B. Not in Atlanta.

This city of 4.1 million encourages such creative pauses that pull you back into the present as you stop, behold, appreciate things of artistic beauty in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a tiny decorated door tucked into a cement wall, a graffiti blanketed tunnel or sculpture, Atlanta is full of visual surprises.

As a design destination, the city has a thriving community of makers, a world-class collection of fine art, and architecture by such luminaries as Philip Johnson, I. M. Pei, and Marcel Breuer.

Ignite your creative muse with these must-see experiences.

Do: A Graffiti Art Walk

Atlanta is home to several world-famous street artists including Amir “Totem” Alighanbari known for his pioneering 3D style and robotic armored letters. To check out Totem’s work and that of other graffiti artists, I started with a visit to Krog Street Tunnel that connects the Cabbagetown and Inman Park neighborhoods of Atlanta. The tunnel entrance is unassuming and easily overlooked for what lies inside, every inch is covered in graffiti art and the concrete panels that bookend the tunnel are large-scale canvases for graffiti murals.

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Krog Street Tunnel is located in the Five Points neighborhood, a pocket of urban renewal populated with refurbished houses and alive with outdoor activity— people jogging, biking, pushing baby strollers, and walking dogs through and around the tunnel.

In 1995, Totem began painting the walls of this continually evolving canvas where every inch is covered in art. After snapping pics of the tunnel graffiti, I walked down the street to Krog Street Market for a morning coffee. The market comes alive at mid-day with food vendors and nearby restaurants.

Shop: the Maker Community at Ponce City Market

Atlanta has a prolific community of makers and artisans who organize in markets to sell their wares. I recommend a visit to Ponce City Market, housed in the renovated Sears, Roebuck & Company building in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. The 1926 brick building is re-imagined with industrial interiors that showcase exposed bricks and infrastructure as design elements.

Throughout the 3-story building, mechanics and systems that powered the original structure are preserved and on display including an electrical power grid. Here, offices including that of Pinterest share space with a food hall and maker booths and shops selling handcrafted and small batch production items.

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I found Citizen Supply to be a treasure trove of local brands, handmade goods, and sustainable products. The flea market setup houses several independent makers and craftspeople selling their wares in booths including leather maker Kim & Co Accessories and Bradley Mountain canvas bags.

See: SCAD Fashion & Film Guo Pei Couture Beyond

I was blown away by the couture dresses of Chinese designer Guo Pei on exhibit at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, located within the SCAD Atlanta campus.

Pei’s creations are architectural wonders, each a visual feast of mind-blowing engineering and intricate embroidery, detailing, sumptuous fabrics and materials. Fashion designer Guo Pei is the first Chinese national designer invited to join the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. The exhibit showcases more than 40 of her grandest, most dramatic couture designs from the past decade alongside a selection of custom dresses and jackets and footwear including the iconic imperial yellow cape worn by Rihanna to The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala.

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For the fashionista, the museum is a must-see that will fill your head with new possibilities of what can be done with fabric and intelligent design. Pei ’s fantastical creations reference her Chinese heritage and mythology, each piece tells a story through color, material, and construction.

Visit: High Museum of Art

For world-class fine art, sculpture and art objects The High Museum of Art is the next stop on your design tour. I’ve been following the evolution of 3D printing in design and the influences of biomimicry in art, which drew me to the works of experimental Dutch designer Joris Laarman. The museum has the largest public holding of Laarman works outside of his home country, the Netherlands. In addition, a visiting exhibit, “Joris Laarman Lab: Design in the Digital Age,” organized by the Groninger Museum, the Netherlands took me further inside the design mind of Laarman with furniture designs, applied projects and experiments from every phase of his career presented alongside related videos, sketches, and renderings that illustrate the Joris Laarman Lab creative and production processes.

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One of the highlights is the Makerchairs series by Joris Laarman, a new concept for the digital fabrication revolution crafted of “Bits & Parts” printed using small 3D printers and CNC milling machines to fabricate full-size affordable furniture available to all. The curved chairs’ silhouettes reference Danish designer Verner Panton’s iconic plastic chair created in the 1960s. Some versions of the Makerschairs blueprint can be downloaded from the Internet under the creative commons license at bitsandparts.org

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In his Bone Furniture series, Laarman draws inspiration from organic shapes using nature’s logic— a design ethos that Laarman calls a transformation from the industrial era of geometric, machine-dictated forms to the digital era of smart, complex organic forms. Based on scientific research on the structural growth patterns of bones and trees by German Professor Dr. Clark Mattheck, Laarman designed his Bone Furniture using computer software from the European automotive industry and cast each chair in a 3D mold.

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In digital technology and arts, the groundbreaking works of artist Amy Elkins will challenge notions of photorealism. Elkins documents the lives of prisoners sentenced to solitary confinement in digitally manipulated portraits that blur facial details by layering images through an algorithm that chronicles each life. Elkins starts each portrait with a found photo of her subject (often the last one taken before his sentencing). Elkins then uses an algorithm to distort the image in proportion to the man’s age relative to the number of years that he has been in prison. The resulting images render their subjects anonymous. Elkins says the process of distortion acts as a metaphor the “inevitable drift of personality and profound alterations to identity that occur in extreme isolation.”

In addition to these two exhibits that caught my attention, The High Museum of Art has more than 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection, an extensive anthology of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk and self-taught art, and African art.

Experience: 10 Artists 10 Bottles at World of Coca-Cola

As a design traveler, we tend to overlook the stereotypical tourist attractions but oftentimes, they too contain creative treasures. Case in point—The World of Coca-Cola. (Atlanta is the birthplace of the soft drink that has become a part of Americana) On surface value, it’s a kitschy attraction that chronicles more than 100 years of the soft drink brand history however the museum also commissions original art and design from local artists.

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Check out the “10 Artists 10 Bottles” exhibit that commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place. The museum invited 10 Atlanta artists to express their creative vision using a sculpted Coca-Cola bottle as the canvas.

There is also an album cover designed by Andy Warhol for Velvet Underground Featuring Nico Album Art Cover 1971 on display.

March 1, 2018 0 comment

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Destination Design: Helsinki, Finland

by Karen LeBlanc October 12, 2017

written by Karen LeBlanc

Helsinki, Finland is a World Design Capital and UNESCO Creative City, a must-see design destination for the creative traveler.

Helsinki’s siren call to creatives around the world has distinguished the city as a UNESCO 2012 World Design Capital and a UNESCO Creative City.

Lux Helsinki Lights up buildings through the city. The festival is free and open to the public.

Design runs deep in Helsinki’s DNA perhaps emboldened by Finland’s sauna culture which serves as a defacto coffeehouse tete-a-tete or perhaps it’s the majesty of mother nature that endows the city inspiring vistas of green spaces, forests and the Baltic sea.

Sibelius Park is one of the many green spaces that blanket Helsinki

Modernist master Alvar Aalto, Finland’s most famous architect, helped shape Helsinki’s cityscape with 14 iconic buildings all while building the design brand Artek.

Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, designed by Alvar Aalto. For Alvar Aalto fans Finlandia Hall is modernist must-see. The concert and events hall captures the essence of Aalto’s humanistic approach to modernism—a mixture of organic resources, self-expression and fresh progression.

Aalto’s prolific fifty-year career in Helsinki produced many pieces of furniture and decorative items emblematic of midcentury modernism.

Marimekko textiles and Artek kitchen furniture.

The city is also the cradle of beloved Finnish design brands Artek, Marimekko and Iittala, whose products are commonplace in Helsinki homes.

Iittala Lounge at the Design Center in Helsinki Shows some of the iconic tableware.

Established by the King of Sweden as a trading town with Russia in 1550, Helsinki for 700 years belonged to Sweden until the Russian Republic claimed it. Finland gained its independence 100 years ago from Russia and has spent most of 2017 celebrating the centenary of Finnish independence. Helsinki’s population numbers more than half a million and most locals don’t see themselves as Scandinavian (grouped in with natives of Sweden, Norway or Denmark). The Finns speak their own language that defies categorization.

Isoisänsilta (“Grandpa’s”) Bridge in the evening light is an architectural sight to behold in Helsinki.

As a Design Tourist, Helsinki is a must-see for its architecture, design and creative culture. Whether you choose to travel during the city’s long summer days or longer winter nights, there is much to discover and experience for curious, creative minds.

Stay:

The K Klaus Hotel is one of Helsinki’s finest design hotels with authentic accommodations that draw from local folklore.

Stay in style at the Klaus K Hotel, located in the city center in an old Art Nouveau building with interiors inspired by Finnish folklore. Each hotel room is uniquely created in collaboration with some of Finland’s most famous contemporary artists.

Stylish room in the K Klaus Hotel, one of Helsinki’s notable design hotels. Each designer room is unique and created in collaboration with some of the most famous Finnish contemporary artists.

I particularly like the massive custom headboards that command entire walls in each of the rooms and the playful references to Kalevala lore.

Shop:

Helsinki Design District. While at the Design District, pop into the Design Museum and tour the permanent collection of Finnish design from the late 19th century to today. The 140-year-old museum also presents special exhibitions on the latest trends in Finnish, Scandinavian and international design.

The Helsinki Design District is a deep dive into Finnish design and shopping. Located in the center of Helsinki, this cluster of more than 200 creative businesses spans 25 streets and includes design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. The district is divided into themed walkable routes for design enthusiasts.

One of the many maker and artisan shops in Helsinki’s Design District.

Next, walk over to the Museum of Finnish Architecture in the middle of the Design District, Finland’s only architecture museum. Founded in 1956 and housed in a neo-Renaissance edifice, the museum features Finnish and international touring exhibitions, a permanent exhibition on 19th century Finnish Architecture and architecture walking tours of the city.

The Esplanade, Helsinki’s main grand boulevard connecting much of the central part of the city, offers upscale stores and flagship stores of Finland’s most beloved brands including Artek, Marimekko and Iittala.

Esplanade Avenue in Helsinki is lined with brand name and Finnish brand flagship stores. For more design destinations, subscribe to the channel youtube.com/TheDesignTourist

The promenade runs through the central part of the city ending at the harbor area.

Esplanade Avenue in Helsinki.

The Arabia district is another haven for design lovers that centers around the Arabia ceramics factory dating back to 1873.

The Iittala & Arabia Design Center

While there, visit The Iittala & Arabia Design Center and tour the Design Museum Arabia and the Design Lab housing studios of working artists.

Design Museum Arabia at the Iittala & Arabia Design Center

Another design hot spot is the Tori Quarters, between the Market Square and Senate Square, populated with neoclassical buildings that house artisanal shops showcasing a variety of handmade products.

Tour:

To experience the design legacy of famed Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, I recommend a visit to the Alvar Aalto Museum.

The Alvar Aalto Museum in Helsinki.

Modernist Architect and Designer Alvar Aalto’s iconic three-legged stools are on view at the Aalto Museum in Helsinki.

Tour his personal home, the Aalto House, also open to the public. Designed 1936 using simple uncluttered materials, the home doubled as a work studio until 1955, when he designed Studio Aalto to house his expanding practice, a short walk from his home. The studio is opened for public tours as well.

Finnish Architect and Designer Alvar Aalto’s personal home in Helsinki is open for public tours.

Interior of Modernist Architect Alvar Aalto’s personal home in Helsinki open for public tours.

Experience:

During the winter months, Helsinki sees about six to eight hours of daylight with the sun rising at 9 a.m.-ish and setting at 3 p.m.-ish. Taking advantage of longer nights, the city shines the light on art and culture with special events during those months.

The Lux Helsinki Light Festival held in January illuminates the cityscape.

The Lux Helsinki light festival takes place in Jan. 6-10th in the city center featuring public installations of light art along the main route between the Market Square and the Kruununhaka district at the darkest time of the year.

The Lux Helsinki Light Festival is a free, family-friendly festival that showcases the works of most exciting artists from Finland and all-around the world.

During the Christmas season, public spaces come alive with Helsinki’s many Christmas markets including one in Senate Square and a Christmas Festival at the Cable Factory.

Food yard at the Christmas Market in Senate Square

The holiday season kicks off at the end of November with the opening of the Christmas Street along Aleksanterinkatu.

Helsinki Christmas Markets are a great way to discover artisan and handcrafted design items and experience the beautiful holiday lights.

Warm Up:

Sweat it out and appreciate the modernist architecture of the Löyly sauna, open to the public in the Hernesaari district on the southern tip of Helsinki. The eco-friendly, seaside complex includes a traditional Finnish smoke sauna, two other wood-heated saunas, a year-round terrace and a restaurant.

The Löyly sauna on the Helsinki waterfront is open to the public and showcases organic, modern architecture.

The word Löyly means the steam that rises from water thrown on hot stones in a sauna. After a sauna, visitors can dip into the Baltic Sea for a chilly cool off

The Finns love to sweat and socialize in public and private saunas which explains why the country has more than 3 million saunas and 20 public saunas in Helsinki. An annual Sauna Day in Helsinki invites privately owned saunas to open their doors to the public held in March.

Helsinki Sauna Day is an event that opens the doors to the city’s saunas for everyone to enjoy. Next Helsinki Sauna Day will be held on March 10, 2018.

No matter the season, Helsinki delivers; whether you time a visit during Helsinki Design Week held in September, take advantage of the long summer days or celebrate the holiday season. For more on design destinations, subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel

October 12, 2017 0 comment

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Make Your Dream Trip a Reality— With the Help of Airbnb

by Karen LeBlanc October 9, 2017

written by Karen LeBlanc

Treehouse available for rent on Airbnb in Centre, France. A great choice for Design Travelers looking for authentic accommodations in unique locales. If you have a quirky place, consider listing it with Airbnb to earn extra income. Photo credit: Airbnb

The Treehouse available on Airbnb in Centre, France. A great choice for Design Travelers looking for authentic accommodations in unique locales. If you have a quirky place, consider listing it with Airbnb to earn extra income. Photo credit: Airbnb

You’ve no doubt seen the blissful treehouses, fairy-tale castles, and chic apartments available on Airbnb, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably bookmarked a few as travel inspiration. The home-sharing website is famous for inspiring fantasy vacations, but did you know it can also help you save for that dream trip?

The Gingerbread House available on Airbnb located in Geyersville, Ca. A great choice for Design Travelers looking for authentic accommodations in unique locales. If you have a quirky place, consider listing it with Airbnb to earn extra income. Photo credit: Airbnb

Getting started

Airbnb makes it simple to earn extra money by putting your extra space to work for you. You can share a spare room in your apartment, host your whole home the next time you’re out of town, or create a listing for a vacation house, if you have one. However you choose to host, Airbnb offers support that makes jumping into entrepreneurship unintimidating. The online process to create a listing is pretty quick and easy—you write descriptions of your space, upload photos, and mark dates your space is available to travelers. And it’s always free to create a listing.

The Tile House in Twentynine Palms CA hosts guests looking for unique accommodations on Airbnb. Full of quirky design inspiration, the home is an artist’s haven. Photo credit: Airbnb

Your earnings

So just how much could you make hosting on Airbnb? Find out what hosts in your area are making, and start imagining the possibilities. Besides saving for travel, Airbnb hosts use their extra income to pay off student loans, upgrade their home (kitchen remodel, anyone?), and pursue their passions. Airbnb makes the payment process simple, too. Guests are charged when a reservation is made, and funds are typically released to hosts 24 hours after check-in. How you’re paid is up to you: You can set up direct deposit, PayPal, or a number of other options.

The Mirror House in Pittsburgh, PA is designed by an artist who coaxes the reflectivity of glass into sculpture and decor throughout the home available on Airbnb. Photo credit: Airbnb

Host support

Once you’re a host, Airbnb has all kinds of cool tools to help you feel comfortable and confident welcoming guests. You can find hosting tips on the Airbnb blog and get your questions answered by experienced, successful hosts in the Community Center. Nervous about the safety of your home and belongings when you’re away? Airbnb’s got your back: In the rare event an accident happens, your property is covered up to a million dollars when you host—it’s peace of mind for you at no extra charge.

The living room of a celebrity home available on Airbnb owned by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, located in Kansas City. Photo credit: Airbnb

Outdoor living space of a celebrity home available on Airbnb owned by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, located in Kansas City. Photo credit: Airbnb

And as for the folks staying at your place, everyone who travels on Airbnb needs to submit a profile photo and confirmed phone number and email address. For extra assurance, you can also require your guests to submit a government-issued ID.

The Mirror House has quirky curb appeal making it an authentic choice for accommodations in Pittsburgh, PA. Available on Airbnb Photo credit: Airbnb

Hometown pride

Hosting can also help you show off what makes your city great. Nothing’s more frustrating than meeting a visitor on the last day of their trip and hearing that they only saw the tourist haunts. When you welcome travelers from around the world as a host on Airbnb, you get to introduce them to all that makes your neighborhood great—and drive more business to your favorite local mom-and-pop shops.

Cog Bark Inn located in Cottonwood, ID calls attention to this town with its attention-getting facade in the shape of a dog and its canine-inspired decor, available on Airbnb. Photo credit: Airbnb

Start hosting now, and you can start earning extra money toward your own adventure! Get started hosting on Airbnb

October 9, 2017 0 comment

Palm Springs Modernism Week Article in La Palme Magazine by Karen LeBlanc

Design Articles Destinations

Destination Design: Palm Springs Modernism Week

by Karen LeBlanc May 6, 2017

written by Karen LeBlanc

click to read the article below by Karen LeBlanc appearing in La Palme Magazine:

Palm Springs Modernism Week

May 6, 2017 0 comment

Destinations Events Homepage

Holiday Tour of Historic Stetson Mansion

by Karen LeBlanc January 7, 2017

written by Karen LeBlanc

January 7, 2017 0 comment

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Destination Design: Miami Beach Art Basel

by Karen LeBlanc January 3, 2017

written by Karen LeBlanc

In this episode, The Design Tourist Karen LeBlanc travels to Miami Beach, Florida for Art Basel, a weeklong global arts gathering of artists, collectors, celebrities, models, moguls and more. Explore art and design at some of the best events on the packed arts calendar and learn why Miami is a must- see design destination. Among the celebrity sightings— actor Wilmer Valderrama and Supermodel Tyson Beckford.

January 3, 2017 0 comment

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Stay in Style at Langham Hotel NYC

by Karen LeBlanc December 4, 2016

written by Karen LeBlanc

The Design Tourist, Karen LeBlanc, Stays in Style at the Langham Place Hotel, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, a boutique design hotel with a rich legacy.

December 4, 2016 0 comment