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Historic Home Holiday Tour Inspires Festive Decor Ideas

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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Cool Christmas Tree Ideas and Gingerbread House Designs

written by Karen LeBlanc

The annual Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art is now open for a week-long showcase of designer Christmas trees and gingerbread houses just in time to inspire your holiday decor ideas. I went on opening day to check out this year’s collection of holiday decorations presented by Council of 101 as a fundraiser.

Designer Christmas Tree at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

This year’s theme is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” featuring holiday vignettes, Christmas trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses all available for purchase.

Designer Christmas Tree at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Each year, Council 101 reaches out to area businesses and designers to donate a decorated Christmas tree to be sold at the event. The high profile philanthropy project is a great way for participants to show off their creative talents.

Designer Christmas Tree at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

I attend every year to get fresh ideas to decorate my own tree and check out the latest holiday decorating trends.

Designer Gingerbread House at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

For holiday baking and gingerbread house making, the event brings together pastry chefs to showcase original gingerbread house creations, also on sale.

Designer Gingerbread Art at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Designer Gingerbread Tree House at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Participants elevate gingerbread to a sculptural artform, constructing different interpretations of the traditional holiday edible house.

Designer Gingerbread Tree House at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Designer Gingerbread Art at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Designer Gingerbread Camper at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Designer Gingerbread Art at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

The Council of 101 was founded in 1965 to further the cultural development and appreciation of the visual arts in Central Florida.

Designer Gingerbread Art at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

Designer Gingerbread House at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

A group of more than 300 volunteers holds fundraisers to support the Orlando Museum of Art. The Festival of Trees is now in its 32nd year is a much-anticipated event on the holiday social calendar.

Designer Gingerbread House at Orlando Museum of Art event, Festival of Trees.

If you enjoy holiday baking and cake making like me, I invite you to check out an episode of my show, The Design Tourist, where I interview celebrity chef Buddy Valastro, star of the TV show Cake Boss and hear from other celebrity pastry chefs as they share tips, tricks and ideas for couture cakes.

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

November 11, 2018 0 comment

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Design Solutions for Single Use Plastics

written by Karen LeBlanc

My guilty conscious over single-use plastics started with the cases of bottled water, I used to stock in my household. After seeing horrific images of “plastic debris islands” floating in oceans, I switched to filtered refrigerator water that I carry around in my Yeti. In our throw-away culture, the plastics problem is hard to ignore and scary to think about its future ramifications for our planet.

photo credit: Humanscale and Bureo

According to Earth Day 2018, 32% of the 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced annually is left to flow into our oceans. By 2050, this could mean there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans.

Reducing plastics production and consumption is only part of the solution to the plastics problem. The other half of the solution deals with the question: What to do with all of this existing plastic refuse? A growing design movement is using single-use plastic as a material for art and craft. At the forefront is a group of designers creating objects from recycled plastics as a longterm solution to the single-use plastic issue.

“Plastic, Beyond the Chipper” exhibit at London Design Fair, 2018

Their work was showcased at London Design Fair, in an exhibit entitled “Plastic, Beyond the Chipper.” Designers: Dirk vander Kooij, Charlotte Kidger, Kodai Iwamoto and Weez & Merl treat gathered plastic waste as a virgin material, imbuing it with new worth and meaning. Charlotte Kidger uses a zero-waste process in the making of durable sculptural objects.

Charlotte Kidger's Industrial Craft Collection is a material based project focused around utilizing plastic waste streams associated with CNC fabrication. Photo Credit: London Design Fair

Charlotte Kidger’s Industrial Craft Collection is a material based project focused around utilising plastic waste streams associated with CNC fabrication. Photo Credit: London Design Fair

Charlotte uses lightweight polyurethane foam dust, a by-product after the milling process left in abundant volumes. “Given that this material is still regarded as a niche plastic, it’s only means of disposal is through incineration or landfill. With a clear design opportunity I set out to find ways of utilizing and repurposing this undervalued and problematic material,” Charlotte says.

Kodai Iwamoto creates flower vases from PVC pipes

Kodai Iwamoto creates flower vases from PVC pipe by applying air pressure into a closed PVC pipe, slowly warmed by a heater to make it soft so he can mold it. Kodai says his PVC Handblowing Project gives what was a mass produced and cheap material, a new value
by transforming it into a well-made object.

PVC Handblowing Project by Kodai Iwamoto

Weez & Merl works with LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) found in carrier bags, bubble wrap and film packaging. The designers say LDPE is easy to work with by hand and can be endlessly remelted and repurposed to create truly sustainable products.

Weez & Merl creates the plastic ‘dough’ that has been marbled and quickly compression moulded using a hydraulic press – the plastic flows easily into detail on moulds. It is then left to cool to retain its new shape

Dirk Vander Kooij uses reclaimed synthetics ranging from CDs to rooftop windows to make his objects. Dirk uses 3D printing to create his buitenhuis chandelier.

Dirk Vander Kooij Studio

Each year, London Design Fair places the spotlight on a material currently holding precedence in the design world. With plastic as the focus for 2018, participating designers were selected who demonstrate how plastic is being repurposed in imaginative and valuable ways as a new virgin material in their creations.

Bureo works with fisherman to salvage and repurpose discarded fishing nets

At the forefront of recycling ocean plastics into useful objects are is a group of designers and companies known as the NextWave initiative who are leveraging supply chains as a means of keeping plastics out of the ocean.

Costa Sunglasses by Bureo made of recycled plastic fishing nets

Bureo joined forces with Costa Sunglasses to create The Untangled Collection. The sunglass frames are constructed from 100% recycled fishing nets and are fit with mineral glass lenses, avoiding the use of any new plastic materials and providing superior lens clarity and durability. The new line of responsible sunglasses features Costa’s patented 580 polarized lens technology in four new styles.

Warehouse of salvaged plastic fishing nets from the ocean to be turned into pellets to create recycled plastic objects. photo credit: Humanscale and Bureo

Humanscale, another founding member of NextWave Initiative worked with Bureo to produce the Smart Ocean chair that incorporates almost 2 lbs. of recycled fishing net material (NetPlus).

The Smart Ocean Chair made of recycled plastic fishing nets by Humanscale in partnership with Bureo

The nets are then transformed into plastic pellets and used to manufacture quality products such as skateboards, sunglasses, and now — for the first time ever — an ergonomic task chair.

Humanscale was the first company in the world to receive the Living Product Challenge certification in September 2016. The certification recognizes like-minded companies sharing the mission to achieve a net positive impact with their products and production methods.

Brands such as American Express are offering solutions to single-use plastics with innovative packing and products. Amex is creating the world’s first credit card made from upcycled marine plastic pollution. The global credit card company is partnering with Parley AIR to introduce the first credit card made primarily using Ocean Plastic. American Express’s first ocean plastic card is currently at prototype stage, but is expected to be available within 12 months.

Photo credit: Earth Day 2018

The aim of the collaboration is to raise awareness and offer a solution to the growing marine plastic problem. Amex says it’s waging war on single-use plastics, committing to a number of waste-reduction strategies as well as reduced carbon emissions, switching to renewable energy, and aiming for zero-waste certification for its headquarters by 2025.

As its answer to combating ocean plastic debris, cosmetics company Lush launched a ‘naked’ line of products free from packaging, as part of a new campaign launched on World Oceans Day (June 8). Lush says more than 40 percent of its products is completely packaging-free. The company’s ‘naked’ products aim to raise awareness of the effect of single-use plastic on ocean life and start a discussion on how consumers can tackle this global issue.

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November 8, 2018 1 comment

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The 11th Annual Holiday House NYC Stretches the Imagination of Living Space

written by Karen LeBlanc

The 11^th edition of Holiday House NYC is open to the public from October 24^th through December 2^nd, 2018, featuring the work of twenty individuals/firms tapped to transform the eight-bedroom, 13,000-square-foot townhouse on the Upper East Side at 118 East 76^th Street, New York, NY into “shoppable” rooms with items on sale on One Kings Lane. Founded by interior designer and breast cancer survivor Iris Danker in 2008, the showhouse is a benefit for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BFRF).

Sky Lounge in the 11th Annual Holiday House NYC by Interior designer Vanessa Deleon

Interior designer Vanessa Deleon returns to Holiday House NYC this year to transform a bi-level sky lounge and pool room into a dreamlike oasis of serenity. The theme of the room, “Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil, See No Evil” applies the proverbial principle towards cancer—if we can do away with the disease, we will never have to speak of it, hear of it, or see anyone suffer from it ever again.

Sky Lounge in the 11th Annual Holiday House NYC by Interior designer Vanessa Deleon

Deleon’s Holiday House creation reflects a cohesive, retreat-like space reminiscent of a seaside escape. The designer used a palette of blues on blues from the floor-to-ceiling Sicis mosaic already dominating the pool room as a jumping off point for the bi-level, loft-like space overlooking a pool on the top floor.

Sky Lounge in the 11th Annual Holiday House NYC by Interior designer Vanessa Deleon

As a means to enhance the seaside feel, Deleon created an art installation featuring photographer Laurie Fishman’s “Swimmers” series, depicting small-scaled swimmers gliding through open water. The circular grouping was designed to echo the circular chandelier overhead, while in the pool, round white LED-lit balls provide an ambient glow that illuminates the tiles. Undertones of silver add an element of tranquility, subconsciously reminding the visitor to relax while still referencing the spirit of the holidays.

Sky Lounge in the 11th Annual Holiday House NYC by Interior designer Vanessa Deleon

In the Sky Lounge, monochromatic furniture from Room & Board outfitted in waterproof Sunbrella fabric encourages relaxation and elevates preconceived notions of outdoor furniture. Accent pillows and a Room & Board Cardiff rug in ivory/gunmetal sits underfoot a Phillips collection pebbled rock, kidney-shaped coffee table. Against the wall, a Phillips Collection Crown Console in silver leaf sits beneath avant-garde accents such as an artfully arranged wall grouping of pearl white and polished aluminum Ball on the Wall art pieces. Various artful accents such as wire lounging art pieces in male and female silhouettes and elongated sculptures depicting the Three Wise Monkey’s age-old directive (See No Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil) add interest and depth.

November 1, 2018 0 comment

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Japonism’s Influence in Fashion & Art

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.

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

August 20, 2018 0 comment

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Holiday Decorating Trends for 2019

written by Karen LeBlanc

Mother Nature Meets Santa Claus in Holiday Looks For 2019

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Peter Litvai

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Gift Company

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Designimdorf

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Rui Camilo

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Krebs + Sohn

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

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

Warm Holiday Lighting:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

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

Natural Ornaments:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Rudolph Keramik

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

Folklore Influences:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Peter Litvai

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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

Minimalist Motif:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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

Eclectic Gathering:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Rui Camilo

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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

Vintage Opulence:

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Shishi

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera

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

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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

July 20, 2018 0 comment

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The New Face of the Workplace

written by Karen LeBlanc

The Latest Design Trends from NeoCon 2018 Create a Home Away from Home

As the office looks and feels more like home, architects and designers are ramping up the wellness factor. This growing concern for employee well-being brings into focus biophilic design concepts and sustainability all aimed at creating healthier commercial spaces.

At NeoCon 2018, held in June at The Mart in Chicago, the buzz was all about biophilic design, the practice of incorporating natural materials, natural light, vegetation, nature views and other experiences of the natural world into the workplace.

ESI Ergonomic Solutions LotusDX Lifestyle workstation

From adaptive furnishings to living walls and privacy pods, today’s office employs design elements that foster community and company culture, collaboration and physical activity with just the right dose of me-time.

Several standout exhibitors exemplify this new face of the workplace with innovative products that embody the direction commercial design is headed. Let’s break it down to five major design trends creating this new face of the workplace.

Biophilic Design:

Climate Office Hedge Elements are plant walls of philodendron that can be equipped with acoustically-effective filling for sound absorption that is made of recycling material.

Biophilic design counterbalances all of the time we spend indoors by strengthening our connection to the outside. Research shows that contact with nature stimulates the human parasympathetic system. The idea is rooted in Japan where the popularity of forest bathing prevails— taking walks outside among trees and nature to lower stress levels.

I discovered an interesting study from the environmental consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green. “The Economics of Design” found that incorporating nature into the built environment is not just a luxury, but a sound economic investment in health and productivity, based on well researched neurological and physiological evidence.

Privacy Pods:

Open-concept office spaces meant to spark collaboration and imagination come with a downside— the lack of privacy. To compensate for all that social space, there is a growing demand for products that provide privacy on demand. From agile partitions to mobile pods, manufacturers are offering new solutions to create quiet time away from other co-workers.

Framery Q provides a stylish solution with a quiet and comfortable space designed for two users to have meetings, work sessions and important conversations.

JabbrrX, cutting-edge IoT workspace solutions designed for use in open and semi-public spaces, the on-demand consumer amenity offers the perfect environment for on-the-go work, well-being, and privacy.

Healthy Products:

Healthy products and materials in the workplace that minimize or eliminate off-gassing and are crafted of recycled materials also factor into employee well-being at work.

Room One is a privacy solution for open-plan offices designed to create a moment of peace in the open-plan office made with recycled plastic bottles. Engineered to reduce noise in the office, helping support employees’ work preferences as well as mental health and well-being, the system’s human-centric design is easy to customize.

One standout sustainable product caught my attention with signage bearing the quote: “20,000 bottles are bought every second, by 2050 the ocean will contain more plastic by weight than fish. Source: Ellen Macarthur foundation. It makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? What about all those ubiquitous plastic water bottles and soda bottles.

We know China has tamped down on recycling our plastic refuse as a consequence of escalating trade tensions. Sustainable manufacturers are vital to our earth’s health more than ever in the marketplace, innovating ways to reuse our refuse. For that, I give props to Shaw Contract for launching its new product category, PET Resilient flooring made from 40 percent post-consumer recycled content. The Palette collection is made of 16 recycled plastic bottles per square foot, 64 recycled bottles per plank, and no plasticizers, chlorine, or PVC. Starting with a minimum of 40 percent post-consumer recycled content, its trajectory aims to dramatically increase the use of PCC plastics to minimize our carbon footprint.

Designed in collaboration with Jason McLennan of McLennan Design, Lichen is the first flooring product to achieve the International Living Future Institute Living Product Challenge Petal certification.

Another sustainable product standout is the Lichen Collection by Mohawk Group, a new modular plank carpet system, inspired by the idea of “Nature’s Carpet. ” Mohawk Group says the creation and specifying of Lichen has a net positive impact for people and the environment, through innovations in materials, manufacturing and community involvement.

Get Up and Move:

As architects and designers seek ways to get employees up from their desks and moving more, adaptive furnishings are gaining popularity as one solution. Reconfigurable and highly adjustable furnishings promote physical activity on at work. There is a growing product category of active workspaces with new sit-to-stand capabilities such as the Accel Active Desktop that provides ample space for a variety of work tasks and repositions at the touch of a button – no lifting effort required.

The Sound of Silence:

Floating Panel Workspace CoArt Acoustics

All this open space in the workplace makes means sound mitigation can be challenging. Acoustical solutions that minimize unwanted noise at work are essential to loft-like commercial spaces and NeoCon offered a wide range of products promoting the sound of silence.

Lina Mosaic sound absorbing panels

Polarmoss Flex Element, made of reindeer moss, panels for interior walls.

This year NeoCon celebrated its 50th anniversary, with a nod towards its beginnings as a commercial design industry trade show in 1969.

Studio TK, a NeoCon exhibitor, succinctly captured the gist of the collective conversation on a sign that read: “Social spaces, that create connections, prioritize well-being and express a point of view, have a work culture that empowers people to do the same.”

Studio TK

This blurring of the lines between home and office challenges designers to create productive, comfortable workspaces that emulate the comforts of home but with the on-the-job structure.

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

July 9, 2018 0 comment

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My Design Chat Takeaways on the Podcast Wives Winedown Wednesday

written by Karen LeBlanc

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

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

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

Here are the top takeaways from my Podcast design chat:

Making It Personal is the Predominant Style in Living Spaces:

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

Stylish-ISH is the Design Mantra:

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

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

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

My Decorating Formula:

The family room in my personal home embodies my design formula

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

Deep Thoughts on Design:

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

2018 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

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June 22, 2018 0 comment

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The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse

written by Karen LeBlanc

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse opens its doors through June 30. The showhouse pairs leading designers with distinguished national and global home furnishings brands including Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Design Within Reach, Pera Design, Williams Sonoma, Lazzoni, and The Italian Design Center at Michelangelo, features 12,000 square feet of waterfront on-trend living spaces. The home showcases the work of interior designer Vanessa Deleon known for her glamorous yet minimal approach to interiors and a fashion-forward sensibility.

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse in Edgewater, NJ

One of five designers participating in the event, Deleon was tasked with reimagining the largest residence—a two-bedroom, three-bath townhouse with two 391-square-foot patios/balconies and two floors each spanning 1895 square feet. Deleon selected furnishings from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams to create a timeless, modern classic design that is in line with her signature style.

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse in Edgewater, NJ

For this particular townhome, the designer opted for a relaxed, neutral palette in shades of grey to create cohesion. Furnishings and accessories from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams outfit the master bedroom, dining room, den, office, and living area where the Hunter sofa in a stunning Peridot shade adds a rich, vibrant appeal. Above the sofa, Deleon added an avant-garde artwork by multidisciplinary artist Porkchop. Free-flowing curtains from Evelin’s Creations add a soft, sensuous vibe in the living, dining, and master bedroom.

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse in Edgewater, NJ

In the family/library room, Deleon added touches of beige and taupe to complement the greys and blend in with the ultra-comfortable yet modern Elroy chair. A Gibson reading table forms the perfect perch for a coffee or a cocktail while taking in the views. A strategically placed Filmore bookcase completes the look.

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse in Edgewater, NJ

To add a bit of modern flair and formality in the dining room, Deleon installed the Perla Oval Chandelier in vintage brass and champagne crystal over the sculptural Addie round glass dining table. In the kitchen, Mackenzie-Childs’ Courtly Check Tea Kettle adds a fairy tale touch while marble accessories highlight the quartz countertops seen throughout. Most of the other eye-catching kitchen accessories are courtesy of Williams Sonoma.

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse in Edgewater, NJ

Deleon took a more Hollywood glam approach to the bedrooms. Elegant Solange nightstands and a faux shagreen dresser play well with a dramatic tufted and winged headboard. Across the way, the office features dark blue hues and a rich walnut desk that can double as a vanity. A Thompson Ferrier candle adds the finishing touch.

The Glass House: 2018 Metro Designer Showhouse in Edgewater, NJ

The townhome will be available to view through June 30. The Glass House is located at 3 Somerset Lane in Edgewater New Jersey.

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

June 2, 2018 0 comment

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Brooklyn’s Contemporary Design Scene

written by Karen LeBlanc

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

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

The Platonic Lounge Chair by Francis Assadi Design Studio

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

The Warren Lounge and Q Table by Token

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

Caterpollar bench and layered oval coffee table by Shuya Design

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

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

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

Torsion table by Foundrywood

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

Array lamp by Fitchwork

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

Marfa Shower Curtains by Quiet Town

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

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

May 22, 2018 0 comment

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2018 Kitchen & Bath Design Finds & Trends

written by Karen LeBlanc

Trendspotting at KBIS 2018

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

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

One of my Amazon Echo devices that operates my smart home

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

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

The Verdera Lighted Mirrors by Kohler with Amazon Alexa

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

Rose Gold Finishes:

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

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

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

Basket Lighting:

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

Picture Sinks:

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

picture sink by Kohler

Patterned Sinks:

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

etched patterned sinks by Kohler

Appliance Art:

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

Dolce & Gabbana Appliances by SMEG

Glass Panels with Texture, Fabrics, and Patterns :

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

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

Steampunk Kitchen:

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

The Litze collection by Brizo

Knurled faucet heads from the Litze collection by Brizo

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

The Litze Collection By Brizo

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

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

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

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

January 11, 2018 0 comment

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The Sweet Spot of Design—Cake as the Canvas

written by Karen LeBlanc

Good Design Takes Many Forms. Check out How Cake Becomes the Canvas

In just a few days, I’ll be sampling the sweet spot of design at The Americas Cake Fair (Cake Fair) in the company of celebrity cake decorators and mind-blowing baked confections. As a fan girl of “Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro airing on TLC, with a curious mind for design of all kinds, I’m excited to interview him for an upcoming episode of The Design Tourist.

Buddy Valastro, Star of TLC’s Cake Boss, the cake decorating genius. Photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek at the largest trade and consumer show in North and South America dedicated to cake, chocolate, sugar arts and more.

Cake decorating contests and some of the world’s best cake designs are on display at the Cake Fair. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center on October 13-15, 2017, more than 10,000 baking professionals, pastry chefs, cake artists, retail bakers, hobbyists and everyday foodies from around the world will attend the three-day celebration.

Pastry chefs and cake decorators put finishing touches on scene-stealing confections at The Americas Cake Fair. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Cake and pastry star sightings happen throughout the event at the live theater (main stage) will appearances by Buddy, Mich Turner, whose clientele includes The Queen of England, Madonna and David Beckham; pastry genius Ron Ben-Israel, named “the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes” by The New York Times;

Celebrity Cake Decorator Ron Ben-Israel, named “the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes” by The New York Times

Other foodie TV personalities include Nancy Fuller, host of Food Network’s Farmhouse Rules; and Natalie and Dave Sideserf, the husband-wife hosts of Food Network’s Texas Cake House. An exclusive VIP Meet & Greet on Saturday, October 14th invites guests to meet and mingle with their favorite television personalities, headliners and cake artists

Wedding cake designs on display at The Americas Cake Fair. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Presentations, live challenges and cake competitions provide drama and entertainment that rival any baking reality show. More than 100 hands-on classes, demonstrations and business seminars taught by the world’s most skilled cake decorators and industry professionals are open to the attendees. All classes are three hours in duration and must be booked in advance online.

Designer wedding cakes by some of the world’s most celebrated pastry chefs provide plenty of photo ops for design aficiondaos and foodies. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

One of the event’s highlights is The Sugar Art Fashion Show on Friday evening, October 13, with models strutting the runway adorned by cake costumes and edible ensembles, co-hosted by Ellyn and Fashion Stylist / On-Air Style Expert Melanie Pace, and benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Models wear outfits designed of sugar, chocolate and other sweet ingredients for the Sugar Art Fashion Show. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Models struts the catwalk wearing an outfit crafted of candied flowers for the Sugar Art Fashion Show. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Sweet shoes made of sugary ingredients on the catwalk at the Sugar Art Fashion Show. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Model wearing a Steampunk outfit crafted of chocolate struts the catwalk for The Sugar Art Fashion Show. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Check out the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals will battle for top honors.

Attendees can learn cake decorating techniques and draw inspiration from some of the world’s finest designer cakes on display at The Americas Cake Fair. photo credit: The Americas Cake Fair

Call forth your cake-baking muse as a spectator or participant in traditional cake competitions offering cash prizes for contestants across all skill levels.

If you are interested in participating in hands-on classes, demonstrations and Retail Bakers Association seminars, advance registration is recommended.

An exhibit hall overflowing with products and services, including some items for cash and carry.

Prices start from $30 for regular, single-day adult admission with advance online purchase Stay up to date on Cake Fair event updates, special offers and exclusive contests by following the show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@cakefair). For more information, visit www.cakefair.com. Subscribe to The Design Tourist Channel for new episodes featuring sweet designs and celebrity cake decorator interviews.

October 4, 2017 0 comment

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Man Glam Design Finds at ICFF

written by Karen LeBlanc

Man Glam Design Finds with just the right dose of testosterone discovered at ICFF, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, the highlight of NYCxDesign. Click on the link to read the full article.

Man Glam Design Finds at ICFF

August 18, 2017 0 comment

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Inside the Design Mind of Todd Bracher

written by Karen LeBlanc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 24, 2017 0 comment

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

written by Karen LeBlanc

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

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

In this blog post, we delve inside the imagination of architect turned designer David Rozek, founder of Pandemic Design Studio, LLC.

What is the muse that drives your creativity?

I like to design my work with action verbs incorporated in their appearance which reflect natural forces and phenomenon or regulatory patterns found in nature. As a whole, I am drawn to concept of pieces being assembled to create something much larger while still visually maintaining the individuality of each piece.

Recently, the projects that I have been working on the most, The Node Collection and the Industrial Evolution Collection, have taken on action verbs that are more associated with organisms or plants and my vision of each collection only gets stronger better with more quantity. The Industrial Evolution Collection is an invasive species, The Node Collection is a colony.

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

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

I envision my work as the focal point of a space. It is the “wow” factor that one would notice first and arguably would dictate the aesthetic of the rest of the space. I see my lighting (The Tree of Souls) waiting near the door in the entryway to greet the guests of a hip, industrial bar, coffee shop, restaurant, or hotel.

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

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

I see the desk lamps at the table where the guests eat or at the bar to keep the lonely guests company. I imagine a dining and drinking establishment flickering with all of my creatures when the guests are encouraged to touch them and they cycle through low, medium, and high settings. There is something to be said for interaction with the decor. I wouldn’t mind seeing The Mantis on top of a piano that a famous pianist is playing.

I imagine The Node Wall behind the reception desk in a corporate headquarters or in the dining area of a swanky restaurant or hotel. I see an outdoor wall at private residences or just a few Nodes on the wall in a well lit bathroom or kitchen. I see an indoor herb garden in the kitchen.

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

With either of these products, there is a strength in numbers but they can all stand alone. That is really the beauty of the design of each collection.

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

You can have a few or a lot and you can be happy anywhere in between. It is all so versatile that it is hard to find a situation where it would not add aesthetic value to the space.

Share the brief back story of Pandemic Design Studio and how it came to be?

I conceived the name of my studio about a decade ago when I was in my last year of college finishing up my architecture degree. I don’t really remember how or why it came to me but I wanted something edgy and a little dark. If you replace disease with design in the definition of pandemic, we aim to spread our design worldwide in a way that it unavoidable. Many years later, I was in a place to start this company, I relocated to the Philadelphia area from Raleigh, NC three years ago and its been non stop ever since. The last two years have brought two new categories into our arsenal and those are lighting and ceramics.

What’s new and next for you?

Whats next? If I’m going to be true to our name, produce, produce, produce and get it into people’s hands. We have done a lot of shows this year so far with a few more coming up, notably The PMA Show in Philly in November and there is some chatter about doing Index Dubai. This is our year to get out there and so far we have had all of our ideas and products validated.

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

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

June 20, 2017 0 comment

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ICFF Luxury Design Finds & Trends

written by Karen LeBlanc

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

Automotive Inspired Furniture:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table made of reclaimed automotive steel by Kiel Arto Design.

Knitted Up:

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

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

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

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

Memphis Group Tributes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

On The Fringe:

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

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

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

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

The Right Angles:

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

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

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

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

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

Unusual Woodwork:

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

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

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

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

January 27, 2017 0 comment

Design Finds Events Homepage

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

written by Karen LeBlanc

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

January 25, 2017 0 comment

Destinations Events Homepage

Holiday Tour of Historic Stetson Mansion

written by Karen LeBlanc

January 7, 2017 0 comment

Events

Kitchen Trends at KBIS

written by Karen LeBlanc

In this episode of The Design Tourist, host Karen LeBlanc shows us what’s new and next in kitchen style at the 2016 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) Learn why kitchens are showing their true colors as more personality peeks through with restrained styles that opt for function over flash and a nod to the past.

December 5, 2016 0 comment

Events

Surface Pattern Trends Spotted at Surtex

written by Karen LeBlanc

The Design Tourist, Karen LeBlanc, brings you an insider’s look at the latest Surface Pattern Design Trends from Surtex, the largest trade source for sourcing original art and design. Learn why Imperfect is the New Perfect, many patterns have the blues and Animalia is all the rage. Watch interviews with artists and designers who are ahead of the trend curve designing consumer products that define the latest looks in today’s marketplace.

December 5, 2016 0 comment

Events

ICFF On Location

written by Karen LeBlanc

Learn why Maximalism is the Next Big Thing in Design as you join The Design Tourist, Karen LeBlanc and Bill Indursky, Founder of Design Life Network as they go trend scouting at ICFF (The International Contemporary Furniture Fair) held annually in NYC.

December 5, 2016 0 comment