Interior Decoration Tips, Articles & Videos

Harmonizing Rustic Cottage Style and Baroque Elegance in Home Design

2023-05-22T18:41:00.005-07:00

When it comes to interior design, blending different styles can create a unique and captivating ambiance. One such combination that offers a charming juxtaposition is the fusion of rustic cottage style and baroque elegance. By incorporating elements from both these design aesthetics, you can achieve a harmonious balance between rustic warmth and opulent grandeur. In this article, we will explore how to seamlessly combine rustic cottage style and baroque influences to create a visually stunning and inviting home.

Embrace Rustic Foundations: Start by establishing a rustic cottage foundation for your interior. Opt for natural and weathered materials such as exposed wooden beams, reclaimed wood flooring, or stone walls to create a warm and cozy backdrop. These rustic elements will serve as a grounding base for the overall design while adding character and texture to the space.
Baroque-Inspired Furnishings: Introduce baroque-inspired furnishings to infuse an element of elegance and grandeur into the rustic setting. Look for ornate furniture pieces with intricate carvings, graceful curves, and luxurious upholstery. Incorporate a baroque-style chandelier as a focal point in the room to create a dramatic and opulent ambiance.
Melding Color Palettes: To achieve a seamless fusion, find a common thread between the rustic and baroque color palettes. While rustic cottage style often embraces earthy tones such as warm browns, beiges, and muted greens, baroque style tends to lean towards rich jewel tones like deep blues, regal purples, and vibrant reds. Find a balance by incorporating accent colors from the baroque palette into the rustic scheme, using them in accessories, artwork, or textiles.
Mix Textures and Patterns: Combine rustic and baroque textures and patterns to create visual interest and depth in your design. Pair distressed wooden furniture with plush velvet upholstery or elaborate brocade fabrics. Mix and match patterns such as floral motifs, damask prints, or toile designs on curtains, pillows, or upholstery. This combination of textures and patterns will add richness and complexity to the overall aesthetic.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: Incorporate carefully selected accessories to bring the two styles together. Choose rustic elements like vintage wooden signs, woven baskets, or antique farmhouse pieces to enhance the cottage charm. At the same time, incorporate baroque accents such as gilded mirrors, elaborate picture frames, or crystal candle holders to introduce a touch of opulence. Strike a balance between the two styles by ensuring that the accessories complement each other and contribute to the overall cohesive design.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere: To enhance the rustic cottage feel, focus on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate soft and plush textiles such as faux fur throws, knitted blankets, or embroidered cushions. Layer rugs with rustic patterns or natural fibers to add warmth and comfort to the space. Dim lighting, such as candlelight or strategically placed lamps, can further enhance the cozy ambiance and add a touch of baroque elegance.

Blending rustic cottage style and baroque elegance in home design creates a captivating and inviting space that seamlessly combines the warmth of rustic elements with the opulence of baroque influences. By carefully selecting furnishings, melding color palettes, mixing textures and patterns, and accessorizing thoughtfully, you can achieve a harmonious fusion of these two design aesthetics. Embrace the inherent charm of a rustic cottage while infusing the grandeur of baroque elements to create a visually stunning and inviting home that truly reflects your unique style.

Fresh and Trendy Summer Home Decor Ideas for 2023

2023-05-22T17:24:00.001-07:00

As the summer season approaches, it's time to refresh your home and infuse it with vibrant colors, natural elements, and a breezy ambiance. Whether you're looking to revamp your living room, bedroom, or outdoor spaces, we've got you covered with some exciting summer home decor tips and ideas for 2023. From incorporating botanical prints to embracing coastal-inspired accents, let's explore the trends that will elevate your space and create a stylish summer retreat.

Embrace Vibrant Colors: Summer is all about embracing bright and cheerful colors that reflect the energy of the season. Consider incorporating pops of bold hues like turquoise, coral, lemon yellow, or vibrant orange through accent pillows, rugs, or artwork. These colors will instantly liven up your space and create a joyful atmosphere.
Botanical Prints and Natural Elements: Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating botanical prints and natural elements into your decor. Consider floral-patterned wallpapers, leafy prints on cushions or curtains, and real or faux plants to add a touch of freshness. Introducing natural materials like rattan, jute, or bamboo in furniture and accessories will also create an organic and summer-inspired look.
Light and Airy Fabrics: Swap out heavy fabrics for light and airy materials to create a breezy feel in your home. Opt for lightweight curtains that allow natural light to filter through, linen or cotton slipcovers for sofas and chairs, and breathable bedding in soft pastel shades. These fabrics will enhance the summer vibe and provide a sense of relaxation.
Coastal and Nautical Accents: Channel the coastal charm and embrace a nautical theme in your home decor. Incorporate elements like seashells, anchors, rope details, and blue and white color schemes to create a beach-inspired ambiance. Display coastal artwork, place woven baskets for storage, and add striped patterns to pillows or rugs to achieve a coastal look.
Outdoor Oasis: Make the most of your outdoor spaces by creating a cozy and inviting oasis. Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture, such as loungers, hammocks, or a dining set, to enjoy al fresco meals and relaxation. Enhance the ambiance with string lights, lanterns, and outdoor rugs. Consider adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for cooler summer evenings.
Playful Patterns: Inject a dose of playfulness into your decor with vibrant patterns. Mix and match prints like geometric, tropical, or bohemian designs to add visual interest. Incorporate patterned throw pillows, rugs, or curtains to create a lively and dynamic atmosphere in any room.
Refreshing Scent and Greenery: Enhance the summer atmosphere with refreshing scents and abundant greenery. Light aromatic candles with citrus or floral fragrances to fill your home with a summery aroma. Additionally, arrange fresh flowers or place potted plants strategically throughout your space to bring nature indoors and create a calming environment.

Conclusion: With these summer home decor tips and ideas for 2023, you can transform your living space into a refreshing and stylish retreat for the season. Embrace vibrant colors, botanical prints, and natural elements to capture the essence of summer. Incorporate coastal accents, playful patterns, and create an inviting outdoor oasis to make the most of the warmer months. By infusing your home with these trendy elements, you'll create a summer haven that reflects your personal style and keeps you feeling inspired all season long.

Salvador Dali Style For Home Decor

2022-12-17T17:23:00.002-08:00

If you are interested in incorporating Surrealist elements inspired by Salvador Dali into your home interior design, here are a few ideas to consider:

Use bold and vibrant colors: Dali's paintings are known for their bright and bold color palettes, often featuring strong primary colors such as red, yellow, and blue. Consider using these colors in your home decor, either as accents or as the main color scheme.
Incorporate surreal and irrational elements: Surrealism is all about creating unexpected and irrational imagery, so consider adding elements to your home that defy logic and the laws of physics. This could be something as simple as a floor lamp with a twisted, abstract shape, or a coffee table with a surrealist-inspired design.
Play with scale and proportion: Dali often played with scale and proportion in his paintings, depicting objects that were much larger or smaller than they would be in reality. Consider using furniture or decor items that play with scale, such as a giant vase or a tiny chair.
Use surrealist-inspired art and decorations: Hang surrealist-inspired artwork on your walls, or display surrealist-themed decorative items such as figurines or sculptures. You could also use surrealist-inspired patterns and designs on textiles such as curtains, pillows, and rugs.

Remember to have fun and be creative with your decorating, and don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and elements to create a unique and personal space that reflects your own interests and personality.

About Fruit Decor In The Kitchen

2022-12-16T13:38:00.002-08:00

Fruit can be a colorful and attractive addition to a kitchen decor. There are a few different ways you can incorporate fruit into your kitchen decor:

Display fruit in a fruit bowl or basket on your kitchen counter. This is an easy way to add a pop of color to your kitchen and keep healthy snacks within easy reach.
Hang fruit as wall decor. You can find prints or paintings of fruit, or create your own art by framing and hanging real fruit or fruit-themed items, such as a collection of vintage fruit crate labels.
Use fruit-themed linens, such as kitchen towels, potholders, or a tablecloth, to add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen.
Incorporate fruit into your kitchen storage solutions. For example, you could use a bowl or basket made from a fruit, such as a coconut or pineapple, to hold utensils or other small kitchen items.

Overall, the key is to use fruit in a way that adds to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and complements your personal style.

How To Take Care Of Silver Pieces

2022-12-15T20:21:00.004-08:00

To keep your silver and silver plated pieces in good condition, follow these tips:

Store silver pieces properly: Keep silver pieces separate from other metals to prevent scratching. You can also use felt or velvet-lined trays, or store them in tarnish-resistant cloth bags.
Keep silver pieces clean: Use a soft cloth to polish silver pieces regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or steel wool, as these can damage the silver.
Avoid moisture: Moisture can cause silver to tarnish, so be sure to dry silver pieces thoroughly after cleaning and storing them in a dry place.
Use a tarnish-preventative product: There are several products available that can help prevent tarnish on silver and silver plated pieces. These can be applied to the surface of the silver to form a protective barrier.
Handle silver gently: Avoid dropping or banging silver pieces, as this can cause damage. When handling silver, use clean hands and handle it by the edges or the handles, rather than the center.

By following these tips, you can help keep your silver and silver plated pieces in good condition for years to come.

Tips For Organizing You Basement Workspace

2022-12-15T20:17:00.002-08:00

Here are some tips for organizing your basement workspace:

Create a clear layout: Consider how you want to use your basement workspace and arrange the furniture and equipment accordingly. Leave enough space for movement and make sure that everything is easily accessible.
Use storage solutions: Utilize shelves, cabinets, and bins to keep your supplies organized and out of the way. Label everything clearly so that you can easily find what you need.
Invest in a comfortable chair: If you're going to be spending a lot of time in your basement workspace, make sure you have a comfortable chair to sit in.
Keep the space well-lit: Good lighting is important for any workspace, so make sure that your basement has plenty of natural light or invest in some task lighting.
Keep the space clean and clutter-free: Regularly tidy up your workspace to keep it organized and uncluttered. This will help you stay focused and productive.
Personalize the space: Add some personal touches to your basement workspace, such as artwork or plants, to make it feel more like your own. This can help you feel more comfortable and motivated when you're working.

Home Decor: Go Digital!

2022-12-15T20:11:00.004-08:00

There are several ways to add digital themes to your home decor:

Use digital art prints: You can find a wide variety of digital art prints online, such as abstract designs, landscapes, and graphic illustrations. These can be printed and framed to add a touch of digital flair to your walls.
Incorporate tech accessories: Add tech-themed accents to your home with items like computer keyboard coasters, mouse pad rugs, or gaming controller pillows.
Use digital wallpaper: There are many options for digitally printed wallpaper that can add a unique and modern touch to your home.
Display electronic devices: Instead of hiding your electronic devices, consider using them as decor by displaying them on shelves or in glass cases.
Use LED lighting: LED lighting can add a modern, digital touch to any room. Consider using LED strip lights or smart bulbs to create a high-tech ambiance.

Remember to balance the digital elements with other elements of your decor to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Restore Last Century Furniture On A Budget

2022-12-14T20:08:00.009-08:00

If you want to restore last century furniture on a budget, there are a few tips you can follow to save money while still giving your furniture a fresh, new look. Here are a few suggestions:

Start by giving the piece a thorough cleaning. This will help you get a better sense of the condition of the furniture and will remove any dirt or grime that could make it harder to restore. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean the surface, taking care not to rub too hard or use harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Next, assess the condition of the furniture and determine what repairs are needed. If the piece has any loose joints or broken parts, these will need to be fixed before you can move on to other restoration steps. You can often find instructions for simple repairs online, or you can take the piece to a professional if the repairs are more complex.
If the furniture has any scratches or other damage to the finish, you can try to fix these yourself using a furniture polish or wax. Apply the product according to the instructions on the label, and use a soft cloth to buff the finish until it looks smooth and shiny.
If the furniture has a lot of scratches or other damage to the finish, you may need to strip the old finish and apply a new one. This can be a time-consuming and messy process, but it can give your furniture a completely new look. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any harmful fumes.
Finally, consider adding new hardware or accessories to the piece to give it a fresh, updated look. This can be as simple as replacing old, outdated hardware with new knobs or pulls, or you can add decorative elements like new cushions or throw pillows to make the piece more comfortable and inviting.

Overall, restoring last century furniture on a budget is a matter of being willing to put in the time and effort to make the piece look its best. By following these tips, you can save money while still giving your furniture a fresh, new look that will last for years to come.

Decorating Your Home With Vintage Items

2022-12-14T16:59:00.005-08:00

Decorating your home with vintage and retro items can add a unique and nostalgic touch to your space. Here are some tips for incorporating these items into your decor:

Start by choosing a few key vintage or retro pieces to serve as the focal point of the room. These could be larger items like a vintage sofa or armchair, or smaller items like a retro-inspired lamp or piece of wall art.
Mix and match your vintage and retro pieces with more modern items to create a balanced and cohesive look. For example, you could pair a vintage coffee table with a modern sofa, or hang a retro-inspired piece of art above a contemporary bookshelf.
Use vintage and retro items as accents or pops of color throughout the room. For example, you could add a vintage rug to a neutral-colored living room, or place a retro-inspired vase on a modern dining table.
Don't be afraid to mix different styles and eras together. This can create a unique and eclectic look that reflects your personal style. For example, you could pair a mid-century modern sofa with a vintage industrial coffee table, or mix and match colorful retro-inspired throw pillows with a more traditional sofa.
Pay attention to the condition of the vintage and retro items you are using. While some patina and wear can add character and charm, items that are too worn or damaged can detract from the overall look of the room.

Overall, the key to successfully incorporating vintage and retro items into your decor is to have fun with it and be creative. Mix and match different pieces and styles to create a unique and personal space that reflects your own taste and style.

Irish designer Aoife Mullane's Wicklow home

2019-07-15T20:44:00.004-07:00

Welcome to IMAGE.ie’s new Look Inside series. It's all about real people's real homes – our favourite part of our home and why we like that particular space so much. Every week, we’ll catch up with Irish creatives to learn about their favourite corner of their house; this week, it’s Aoife Mullane, Irish textiles designer from Wicklow.

Aoife Mullane is an Irish textiles designer who blends beauty with practicality effortlessly. “I want to create designs that make you feel good every time you see them," she says. "I truly believe my fabrics can enhance your daily life through beauty and function.”
She combines inspiration from nature with her knowledge of textiles (which she obtained through studies at NCAD) and creates bespoke patterns for cushions and lampshades.

“Every square inch of my signature designs have been carefully considered,” Aoife adds. “Gathering inspiration, sketching in my notepad, sampling colours and testing fabrics – these are the many stages in the creative process that get lost in the world of commercial design," she explains.
With such passion and creativity, we wanted to know more about Aoife's taste in interiors. Here she opens up her bedroom which also doubles as an art studio.

Aoife Mullane at home

"This is my bedroom space – it's at the very top of the house and I have a beautiful view right out over Bray Head. I can see the sun rising every morning," she tells us.

"I have a desk space right under my skylights and this is where I would do a lot of my drawing and sketch work – it's light, bright and inspiring.

The colour scheme

"My textile designs focus on a very tonal colour palette; working with muted hues that contrast with the flecks of metallic in my handprinted fabrics. I like the combination of soft blues, powdery pinks and calming greens I have used within my space.

The importance of design

"I have always had a love for interiors," Aoife says. "I truly believe your surroundings play a huge role in how you feel on a daily basis.

"I try not to follow trends. Instead, I design my pieces with longevity in mind. The lampshade, for example, is my own design; this piece is inspired by the pebbles and stones that can be seen on the seafront. I think this piece would work in a number of interior settings."

"I want my pieces to blur the lines between functionality and art," she adds. "I want them to be both!
"When adding other elements to my space I generally keep it simple; using natural materials and adding texture through wood/rattan."

Want to know more about Aoife Mullane Design? Explore her work via her website or follow her on Instagram here.
Photos: Aoife Mullane https://www.image.ie/interiors/look-inside-aoife-mullane-home-146039

Interior Design Trends Going Away And Here To Stay In 2019

2019-07-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Amanda Lauren Contributor

2019 will be a bright year for home decor.

Tempaper

2018 was the year of many looks including marble, bold floors, rose gold, and shiplap just about everywhere it could be. While many of the styles we saw will continue to be popular in 2019, others are officially over. Whether you are renovating your home, buying a new one or simply redecorating a room, here is everything you need to know from the designers who set the trends.

Instinctual Decorating

2019 is the year of your own unique style.

Devin Campbell Photography

Dynamic duo Alexis Rodgers and Pam Mamourian of Home With Alexis look at the upcoming 2019 design trends as a positive change. Alexis stated, “I see a shift away from the omnipresent cool gray walls and dark stained hardwood floors of the past few years towards a warmer color palette and more vibrant accent colors. The former palette will still have a place in homes of a certain style, but more and more clients are embracing the latter. People are exploring a more out-of-the-box, colorful side and want their homes to be a reflection of who they are, not a page out of a catalog.”

To the same point, Pam projects that the trend for 2019 is all about individuals gaining a sense of confidence in their own voice. “I believe it's a reaction to the current political climate and a step into a post television design show period. This will take shape through a variety of ideas and forms, but be prepared to see more individuality, warmth, and personality expressed in interiors this year.”

Happiness never goes out of style and it looks like fun, whimsical art and decor isn’t going away anytime soon either. Robyn Blair Davidson, who was called “The Most In-Demand Instagram Artist of 2018,” will be keeping that title for 2019, with her line of candy art by robynblair designed to sweeten up any space. “People want to be surrounded by things that make them happy,” explained Davidson. She thinks people vibe with the style of her artwork because “These elements make people smile every time they see them. The bright fonts, colors, and textures are art within themselves.”

Green Everything

A stylish sectional.

Anthropologie

Green will be everywhere in 2019. Michael Schoeller and Joanna Darling of SCHOELLER + DARLING DESIGN are particularly touting green upholstery “From grass green to more mixed teals.”

They also suggest decorating with lots of live greenery throughout the home. “Use in clusters, mixed containers in heights and sizes. We particularly like containers with matte finishes or raw finishes like concrete. Small trees and plants give shape and texture and add life to a room. Crowd a front window with them or use them in large groups rather than in single plants dotted around.”

Ornate Walls

The zebra mural wows.

Uliana Glukhova

Aurore Martial of Domus Venus loves textured walls for 2019. “They add more contrast, and having two different materials is a lot more appealing, even if you stay in the same tones.”

Another way to make walls look more interesting is to add paint. She suggests, “If you really want to stick to paint, try different shapes, in Neo Memphis style.”

Paint is also a budget-friendly option. “You really get a wow effect at a fraction of the cost of a statement piece, and it fills the whole room, so the rest can be more neutral. The walls will make the room.”

Murals are another popular trend. “I love murals because in a minimalist room it will draw the attention and become the focus piece.”

Modern Vintage Lighting

Say hello to halo lighting.

Todd Sanchioni

Bobby Berk of Bobby Berk Interior Design says we are saying bye to Edison Bulbs and replacing them with vintage modern lighting. He explained, “Rather than the exposed bulb and exposed wiring I much prefer a vintage piece of lighting that has stylistic cues from France or Italian modern design. They are refined, well proportioned, modern and have sculptural lines and shapes. Think Stillnovo, Bauhaus or Sarfatti for wall sconces and lamps.”

Halo LED Chandeliers will also be big next year according to Michael Friedes, of Michael Friedes Design Associates. “They offer a sense of a sculptural form that produces a very functional light source at the same time—as evidenced in this dining area I designed for the penthouse apartment at The Harrison in San Francisco.”

Street Art Inspired Style

Street style.

Werner Straube Photography

Donna Mondi, who is the President of Donna Mondi Interior Design predicts that street art will be coming home. She explained, “There’s something about the grittiness that I find so appealing. In 2019, what DMID believes will stand true, is blending graffiti with something more feminine and traditional, which makes it all the more exciting and is easy to incorporate into many different design styles. This graffiti Shakespeare bust suddenly transforms into an edgy statement piece when tagged with graffiti art by London based Jimmie Martin.”

Evolved Cabinetry

Open kitchens and open cabinetry.

Sara Ianniciello

Dark and cherry wood cabinets are officially over and 2019 will be the year that kitchens evolve. Christine Stucker of Stewart-Schafer stated that painted cabinetry will be the hot contemporary look. She explained, “This is a very timeless look and there are an amazing array of colors to choose from especially with brands like Farrow and Ball.”
In terms of hardware, Highlyann Krasnow of The Design High loves pewter and gunmetal right now. “It’s not as harsh as matte black or specific as brass or gold, but it gives fixtures some texture and depth.”
But not all cabinetry will need handles and pulls. Sara Ianniciello of Whitehall Interiors says we will see upper kitchen cabinets replaced with metal, wood or glass shelving. “Inspired by hotel and retail spaces, this adds to the overall bold statements that many people want to make in their homes, forgoing the minimalism that was popular in years past.”
Matte Black In Kitchens And Bathrooms

A chic matte black fixture.

Wayfair

According to Breegan Jane, matte black fixtures will continue to trend. She elaborated, “Talking to plumbing companies, they say they are [expanding their lines]. This got me thinking matte black everything is in right now.”

Colorful Kitchen Appliances

Add some color to your kitchen.

Big Chill

Colors are big and bold this year, especially in the kitchen. Appliances are a great way to add a pop, according to Orion Creamer, Founder of Big Chill. “Bold, splashy colors tend to overwhelm, but when combined with a neutral palette in the same temperature range, they create a unique style that wows. Depending on where your home is located, you can get away with incorporating complementary colors. For example, if you live in a more southern, coastal area, a cool color such as a light blue or teal may look nice paired with a bold coral-colored appliance.”

Earth Tones

Ikea Malm Dresser.

Norse Interiors

Lotta Lundaas, who is the CEO & Founder of Norse Interiors, explained earth tones are going to dominate next year. “When it comes to colors, the gray monochrome trend is on the way out and instead we'll see all versions of sand and earthier colors like ochre, burnt gold, and terracotta.”

Color Saturation

Getting deep for 2019.

David Stark Design by Corrie Hogg

Interior Designer Lisa Gilmore says the shift away from grey tones will mean more color saturation. “For a long time people have been in this grey phase While it's very open airy and feels good, people are starting to turn to colors to pull different feelings and emotions. We are seeing people want to be energized, and kind of wrapped in color.”

Another great example of this look is using one color monochromatically. Designer David Stark explained, “Going monochromatic is in! Deep, rich monochromatic rooms can be the opposite of dark. Their luminescent hues are decidedly sexy.”

Agate Stone

Lobby, Solari NYC

Andi Pepper Interior Design

According to Andi Pepper of Andi Pepper Interior Design, 2019 will be the year of agate stone tile. “The natural symmetry of this pattern really draws in the eye, and works as an appealingly chic contrast to bold colors and simplicity in a more modern space.”

Resort Amenities In Your Own Backyard

Everyone wants a Surf Club in their backyard.,

Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design

Fernando Wong of Fernando Wong Outside Living Design says his clients are requesting luxury hotel amenities in their backyards, “They ask us to make their property look like one of the three resorts we have done for the Four Seasons in Florida or like the Starwood Luxury Collection hotel we did in Savannah. They want all the amenities and the look of a luxury hotel and even go a bit further with requests such outdoor home theaters, poolside televisions and pizza ovens from Italy.”

Another popular feature is synthetic sod because it always looks perfect. “It can be used in shady areas and does not require water and chemicals to keep it healthy. Also, people see so much today because they travel much more than they did even a couple of years ago.”

Hyperrealism In Art

By Anna Roberts.

Tappan Colllective

Chelsea Nassib, Founder of online gallery Tappan, says a lot of art is pivoting towards a hyperrealistic style. “Hyperrealism is a style of painting and drawing that resembles a high resolution photograph, such as the work of Anna Roberts.”

“We're also seeing an exploration beyond the boundaries of the canvas. New works by Luke Chiswell combine multiple canvases in an irregular shape to make one unique piece.”

Biophilia

Biophilia at 1 Willoboughby Square.

FXCollaborative

According to Angie Lee of FXCollaborative, biophilia will be a big trend this year. “Biophilia is a design driver that engages the end user by connecting them to primal instincts about the relationship between humans and nature. When done properly, we are calmed by the sight of greenery in the form of live plants and living walls, the sight, and sound of water, access to views of natural settings, and tactile organic materials such as wood and stone.”

She added, “Designing authentic biophilic settings that don’t trip our intuitive sensors with false substitutes is important especially in today’s technology-fueled world, where we increasingly crave a connection back to human-centric and natural elements.”

Velvet

This sofa from Perigold shows that velvet doesn't need to be dark.

Perigold

Velvet and other rich textiles will be more prominent than they've been in past years. This fabric creates a sense of warmth and depth, especially during the colder seasons. Krissa Wichser, interior designer and owner of the home decor store The Blue Octagon in Malvern, Pennsylvania explained, “Velvet used to be considered old-fashioned but it’s now seen as luxurious and comfortable. I also see more and more color coming back into homes—bolder, richer and dramatic.”
Pantone’s Color Of The Year

Flora and fauna.

Tempaper

Living Coral was announced as the Color Of The Year for 2019. This fun, bright hue can be used in many ways according to Jennifer Matthews, who is the Co-Founder and Creative Director at Tempaper. “I love how optimistic this color is for interiors. Beyond the accent wall, it is easy to infuse Living Coral into a space with accessories such as lampshades, wall art, pillows, and throws. You can even take this a step further by integrating a colorful area rug to give the room dimension from the ground up." Tempaper has several wall coverings infused with the color including Flora, Pom Pom, and Flamingos.

Amanda Lauren

8 Instaworthy Minimalist Homes You Need To See

2019-07-15T20:23:00.002-07:00

By Natasha Bazika

Interior designers across the globe predicted that earth tones and minimalist trends were here to stay this year. If you don’t believe them, check out these eight Instagram worthy minimalist homes we’re absolutely loving.

Brickell City Centre’s Rise Residence

Courtesy Swire Properties

Swire Properties Inc tapped award-winning interior designer Steven G. to design a collection of model units within Rise Residences at Brickell City Centre. Located in the epicenter of Miami, unit 1612 boasts a minimalist, neutral approach with modern furniture, wooden tones, and greenery to allow residents to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and unwind in an effortless, chic home. The inspiration for the three-bedroom unit was to create an insta-worthy, boho atmosphere by mixing black, white, grays and neutrals together.

Drewery Place

Photo credit: Caydon

Clean lines, modern finishes and smart home technology all come together at Drewery Place. Debuting as the first high-rise residential tower in Midtown Houston, Melbourne-based real estate and lifestyle developers, Caydon, inhouse team – Caydon Architecture + Design – curated the spaces to complement the great outdoors and breathtaking city views with neutral palettes, wooden textures, greenery and small pops of color.

Oceana Bal Harbour

Photo Credit: Finish My Condo

Oceana Bal Harbour’s oceanfront corner residence is designed with a warm contemporary minimalistic style by a luxury, Brazilian furniture company, Artefacto. Natural materials such as linens, stainless steel, and exotic woods are blended in perfect symmetry throughout the flow-through residence.

Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences

Courtesy Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences

The interiors at Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences, located on over seven acres of pristine beachfront property in Singer Island, F.L., were developed with peace and harmony in mind. Drawing upon all of the five elements, the two-tower complex is a new paradigm of mindful living for those who are pursuing an unparalleled wellness lifestyle with personalized and virtual support experiences developed in partnership with world-renowned Himalayan Institute. Natural finishes and elements converge to create the narrative of wellness and hospitality minimalism, connecting their residents with nature and wellness. Organic textures in the desk lampshades, woven furniture, and marble accents resonate with the earthy feel, and the warmth of the fiery bronze accessories links the integrity into each room.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach

Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach

Piero Lissoni-designed the Villa Collection at The Ritz- Carlton Residences, Miami Beach to seamlessly blend light and shadows with tropical modern living. Located in the heart of Mid-Beach in one of Miami Beach’s finest residential neighborhoods where lake, ocean, and city meet, the individual two-story villas capture the essence of Miami’s tropical climate and modern minimalist architecture and will have five different floorplan types. Incorporating natural materials and detailed Italian craftsmanship, the floor-to-ceiling windows frame the verdant surroundings connecting the indoors with the outdoors.

Alaia Belize

Courtesy Alaia Belize

Debuting as the FIRST Marriott International Autograph Collection property in Belize in 2020, Alaia Belize will offer oceanfront villas curated by renowned Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar (who is known for her minimalist, eco-luxury aesthetics). Located along the tranquil Caribbean Sea, the beachfront villa will feature interiors with a minimalist design, neutral colored-schemes, wave-inspired carpets, and wooden textures for a rustic, modern look with tranquil water views.

The Bolero House

Photo credit: Adriana Hoyos Design Studio

Located in Bay Point, Miami, the Bolero House is a 6,500-square-foot home that was completely redesigned and reimaged into a modern oasis. Designed by Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, the team used natural materials such as light wood and neutral tones for an instant minimalist feel. All the furniture is part of the Bolero collection by Adriana Hoyos Furnishings.

1400 West Monroe

Courtesy of 1400 W. Monroe

At 1400 West Monroe, a luxury condo coming to the West Loop, interiors by Mojo Stumer are crisp and bright with light flooding in from the oversized loft-style windows. With an abundance of storage and integrated custom cabinets, these homes are a dream for any minimalist.

Psychological Influence of Colors on the Interior Design

2019-07-15T20:19:00.005-07:00

Which color works better?

By Jennifer Grachova, Freelance content writer and social worker at Sierra Care

The colors you choose to incorporate into both the interior and exterior design of your house can affect the atmosphere of its environment. From the walls to the accessories, color sets the mood for each room. You want your home to have an overall design aesthetic such as traditional, modern, or coastal. Each room of your house can be decorated to adhere to your overall design or have a unique ambiance all its own that has reflections of the rest of your home. Choosing design colors for each room can seem like a daunting task. There are so many to choose from, and the ideas on where and how to use them are endless. Recommended colors for interior design are often based not only on what the room is used for but also what mood you want for that area.

Influence of colors on mood

When you think of a color, it often brings to mind a distinct feeling. Not everyone will experience the same emotion when looking at a color. Perception is subjective. Colors can also have different connotations in different cultures. Some colors do have universal themes such as tones in the red spectrum including red, orange, and yellow are considered warm. Those in the blue array are deemed cool. These include blue, purple, and green.
The hue of a color can be saturated and bright. Saturated colors are the intensity of the shade. The less saturated a color is, the grayer it will appear. Brightness is how light a color is. When painting a room consider the intensity of the color. A more saturated, darker tone will make a room appear smaller, cozier. The use of brighter colors can make a small room feel larger.

Recommend Colors for Rooms

Colors are traditionally used in home design in certain rooms for a reason. They depict the moods and atmosphere most suitable for the use of the area. Here are a few of our recommended colors for various rooms in your home.
The kitchen tends to be the place where people gather for conversations and connection. The room has aromatic smells, and colorful, delicious foods. One of the traditional colors for kitchens is yellow, making the space bright and happy. Red is associated with increased appetite. A vibrant color, it’s an excellent choice for backsplashes and accessories. Green is an earthy, organic color that brings in the outdoors. Soft blues and whites bring in a beachy feel, giving the space a relaxed vibe. Navy blue and bright white create a nautical atmosphere.
With open-concept homes, the dining room has become an extension of the kitchen. The dining room décor is usually cohesive with the kitchen area and in some cases right into the living room. Adding pops of color to accentuate the design can give the space its own vibe. A separate area for a dining room can have its own design elements. Blues are a traditional color, with dark blues creating a majestic ambiance, and lighter blues a more casual tone. Greens hues can be cheerful and help bring out lively conversations. Beige tones are serene. For a dramatic look and feel use rich reds in the design. Black gives a dining room a glamorous and inviting feel.
For your bedroom, you want calming tones and sleep-inducing surroundings. Soft blues and greens are tranquil colors. To add more of a cozy feel use golden hues of yellows, browns, and warm beiges. For a romantic atmosphere, blush pinks, creamy whites, and neutrals work well. Although red may be too bold a color for a bedroom, accessorizing with darker reds can help create a romantic ambiance. To add sophistication to your bedroom decor include tones of black, gray, brown, and silver. Add bright hues to accentuate the color scheme.
The living room is another communal area. Its purpose is for relaxation, comfort, and togetherness. The most popular color for living rooms is gray. It gives the space an elegant and serene feel. Blue is considered most people’s favorite color. In the living room, it has a grounding effect. Beige tones are the go-to colors for many living room designs. It has a minimalistic look that is classic and goes well with almost any accent color. Bring in a touch of nature with the color green, and embrace a sense of harmony. Black walls or flooring give boldness to the room.
Bathrooms can either be private master retreats or used by the entire family. Blue is a favorite color for bathrooms. It’s the color of water and sky and creates a sense of serenity. Other colors to consider, include white for a feeling of purity and cleanliness, lavender for a sense of calm, and pink for an ambiance of luxury, softness, and femininity.
When planning the interior design elements in your home, consider how color can create different moods to establish the atmosphere you want for each room.

Wallpaper Market Latest Trends and Future Growth Study by 2027

2019-07-15T20:16:00.003-07:00

Posted On: July 15, 2019
Posted By: John Castillo

A wallpaper is a style of material that is used to beautify, cover, and decorate inner walls of offices, entertainment building, homes, and other buildings. Wallpaper is one of the attributes of interior beautification. Owing to its wide range of characteristics that cannot be compared with other interior wall covering and decoration materials, such as color diversity, environment protection, rich patterns, appropriate price, and convenient installation, wallpaper has gained significant adoption among customers across the world.

Growth of the real estate primarily fuels the demand for wallpaper. Convenience of installation and durability in contrast to the conventional wall decoration methods, for instance, wall painting, drive the demand for wallpaper. Moreover, wallpaper can cover flaws in the wall. Lack of harmful substances, such as lead, in wallpaper also drives the market. Moreover, innovative and technological advancements across several industries, including residential and non-residential construction, are estimated to drive the global wallpaper market during the forecast period. Rising demand for green buildings and increasing investments in infrastructure development projects in developing economies are projected to create growth opportunities for the wallpaper market in these countries in the near future. Additionally, factors such as growing awareness, rising standards of living, increasing disposable income, rapid urbanization, and technological innovations in developing countries are anticipated to fuel the global wallpaper market during the forecast period.

The global wallpaper market can be classified based on product type, wall covering type, installation, room type, end-user, and distribution channel. In terms of product type, the market can be segmented into vinyl-based wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper, pure-paper-type wallpaper, fiber-type wallpaper, and others. Based on wall covering, the market can be divided into 3D wall covering, natural wall covering, and others. Based on installation, the market can be divided into paste the paper, paste the wall, and pre-pasted. In terms of room type, the global wallpaper market can be segmented into bedroom, kitchen & bathroom, living room, office area, and others. Additionally, based on end-user, the wallpaper market can be categorized into residential and commercial. The commercial segment can be sub-divided into administrative, entertainment, and others. In terms of distribution channel, the market can be segmented into online and offline.

Based on region, the global wallpaper market can be classified into North America (NA), Europe (EU), Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America (SA). North America comprises the U.S., Canada, and Rest of North America. Europe includes the U.K., Germany, France, and Rest of Europe. Similarly, Asia Pacific includes India, China, Japan, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Middle East & Africa comprises GCC, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa. The South America wallpaper market includes Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Rest of South America. The wallpaper market in Asia Pacific is projected to expand rapidly during the forecast period. With the rising population, the demand for building, construction, and infrastructure in Asia Pacific is also rising. This is leading to rising foreign investments in the Asia Pacific market, with its growing residential and non-residential construction sectors. This, in turn, is likely to drive the market in the region during the forecast period.

Some of the major players operating in the global wallpaper market Laura Ashley, SEO Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (Ultrawalls), York Wallcoverings, Marburger Tapetenfabrik, Brewster Home Fashions LLC, Osborne & Little, Romo Group, Grandeco Group, Your4walls, Arte-International, Zambaiti Parati Spa, A.S. Création Tapeten AG, Sandberg Wallpaper, Wa.Ltd., Sangetsu Corporation, Texam, CASADECO, Lewis & Wood, Walker Greenbank PLC, Dongnam Wallcoverign, Holden Décor, and Beitai Wallpaper. These players are adopting several growth strategies to expand their presence worldwide and gain a higher market share. Expansions, mergers and acquisitions, investments, partnerships, and new product launches are a few of the key strategies adopted by major players operating in the global wallpaper market.

Five influential interior trends to follow

2019-07-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Here are top five inspiring interior trends that are set to overstay the season. From a complete makeover of a space to ways to add elements to update an existing décor, here’s a complete guide on key colours, textures, stylistic details, and curtain or blind finishes.
By Nahel Selo, creative director, Sedar Global

Crave-worthy colour palettes
Colour experts Pantone are always looking ahead and selected two key colour palettes specifically for housewares and interior design for 2019. Returning to colours that engage and stimulate beyond the surface, work the “Cravings” palette into your home this Autumn, taking inspiration from the plate. Creating a space that is tempting for the eye designing a warm and memorable sensory experience. Using neutral walls and flooring work in accessories and eclectic colour block furnishings in shades of spicy reds, sweet flamingo orange, and jewel greens. Curtains do not just need to be for the window only but can work as a great way to inject colour into a space and as a wall decoration or artwork frame.

Go global
Continuing on from last season, this trend is a celebration of globally inspired patterns and textures. Taking your home on a journey, rich earthy pigments are thrown together offering a fusion of rugged textures with subtle details of woven finishes, tassels and poms infused into everything from the blind trims, to cushions and throws. To achieve the this look, work with powdered clays and mustard touches. Celebrating the beauty of imperfect finishes and effortlessly stylish this trend is an easy one to recreate with accessories alone. Offering a relaxed and homely feel.

New art deco
One of the most inspiring, opulent and glamorous periods in home décor history, hints of Art Deco are popping up in detailing on tables, chairs, lighting and the mixed metals trend which also gives a nod to this style. Work this decadent look into your home with velvet detail dusky rose Marco Polo curtains and cushions, mixed with minimalist lighting, marble and finishes and a statement one-wall wallpaper design.
Sustainable and natural materials
Hitting the mainstream across homes sustainable and natural fabrics are becoming key to conversation when considering interiors. Moving towards natural fabrics speaks to broader conversations across design right now and creates a finish that embraces a peaceful retreat away from the business of modern life. From Hamptons to Boho, French country and Scandi there are many styles and looks where use of natural and sustainable fabrics works. Wooden venetian blinds or French style shutters are a must for this look not only are they durable but also create a light and airy feel to any space.
Matt black is the new grey
Create a sense of drama with black. Expect to see bold, high-contrast designs everywhere this season as matt black moves from fashion and beauty into homewares and interiors. Lighting, seating, home decor objects and sideboards are all key pieces you can introduce to reference the trend. Or update a space keeping the room neutral with white, putty hues and matching camouflage style curtains, adding drama through black furniture, pillows, and throws. A look with staying power and will be with us for a long time due to its contemporary but classic feel.

Source

Home is where the decor is to your taste

2019-07-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

The UAE's interior and fit-out market is set to witness a steady growth in the coming years, driven by new and renovation projects across the residential sector and hospitality, experts said.
"There are multiple factors driving growth in the interiors and fit-out sector in the UAE," said Amit Yadav, head of Marketing at 2XL Furniture & Home Dcor. "New residential projects are most certainly one of the biggest reasons given the scale of construction in the country. This segment is going to gain further momentum, with many of the projects reaching completion in preparation for Dubai Expo 2020. Refurbishments also continue to be a key demand driver in the industry and is very significant in terms of soft furnishings."
According to data by Ventures Onsite, the interior fit-out market in the UAE is one of the GCC's fastest growing industries and is expected to be worth $973 million by 2022. Non-oil growth in the GCC is projected to rise from 3.3 per cent in 2019 to 3.5 per cent in 2020. Buoyant oil prices and a strong resurgence in the GCC's economic growth prospects are expected to fuel renewed growth across the region's construction industry. The GCC region's construction sector is tipped to see a 12 per cent year-on-year rise in the value of new contractor project awards in 2019.
Furthermore, the GCC building construction projects expected to be completed across all sectors are forecast to be worth $74.97 billion in 2019. The overall GCC interior contracting and fit-out spend across all sectors is expected to be worth $9.4 billion in 2019.
Raneesh Mundon, project manager at ECC Renovations, said that the interior fit-out market for the residential sector in the UAE is steadily growing, and is expected to become the largest, surpassing the hotel and commercial sectors. "Our business model has evolved to cater to this booming segment that makes up for Dh1.2 billion of the total UAE interior fit-out market, which is expected to be worth Dh3.5 billion in 2022."
Ammar Hayani, managing director of Porcelanosa Dubai, noted that the UAE, being a cosmopolitan country with residents from over 200 nationalities, boasts an interior design sector is deeply influenced by worldwide trends. "The UAE is an example of a modern pioneer country with emblematic projects being launched regularly with astonishing interior design requirements. As the population in the country is growing, more residential projects are being launched, which directly impacts the growth of the interiors and fit-out sector."
Like Yadav, he identified a rapid growth in the renovations sector. "Whatever was trendy four to five years ago might not be in line with the current design tendencies. Moreover, the attractive prices in the real estate sector in the UAE today have encouraged many expatriates to buy property. Most of the freehold projects have been built by massive developers that go for a standard contemporary design approach. Many property owners are now renovating these properties to fit their personal tastes and adapt to the current fashion interior design styles. Furthermore, the UAE has many hotels to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. In the hospitality sector, renovation is required every 10-12 years, which leads to a growth of in the renovations sector."

Experts have predicted that, in 2019, the hotels sector is likely to surpass the residential sector in interior design and fit-out spend. According to STR, the GCC is expecting an additional 58,000 keys to enter the market in 2019. With mega events such as Dubai Expo 2020 drawing near, developers and consultants are focusing on providing high-quality refurbishments to their existing hotels projects.
At 39 per cent, the UAE is spearheading the share of interiors and fit-out spend in the GCC region. State spending is expected to total $15.5 billion in 2019. Expenditure on the health, education, and housing sectors represent 33 per cent of the total 2019 budget. In terms of growth, according to Dubai Design and Fashion Council, projections for the UAE design market is expected to reach $36 billion by 2019.
When it comes to design trends, Hayani revealed that UAE nationals and residents are frequent travellers, who are exposed to international design trends. "Tendencies are moving rapidly and social media has led to a speedy propagation of the latest trends. In previous years, what was launched in Europe, took a couple of years to reflect in this region; however, when new trends are launched today, we get inquiries in a matter of weeks."
Sharing his thoughts on furniture and room decor trends, Yadav said: "Furniture being a lifestyle segment is an emotional purchase for most people because it evokes a feeling of comfort, style, status, and togetherness. Quality, design, uniqueness all are important considerations when people buy furniture, and we are witnessing a growing trend towards people refreshing their homes faster than they used to - similar to the fashion industry. More and more people are getting design conscious and like their homes to be more engaging with seasonal upgrades. Also, similar to any other consumer segment, brand appeal is an important aspect of the whole process and this is why the number of return buyers are significantly high." Source.

Brandolini Makes A Bold Choice Mixing Pattern And Color

2018-09-07T09:28:00.004-07:00

Architecture + Design

Designer Muriel Brandolini gives a classic New York apartment a colorfully modern makeover

Birds of a feather,” as the saying goes, “flock together.” But when opposites attract, the relationship can be downright electrifying. AD100 interior designer Muriel Brandolini—an ardent enthusiast of arresting colors and madcap patterns—couldn’t be more different in temperament from one of her longtime New York clients, a cerebral, business-minded woman who initially discovered Brandolini’s work in a magazine and picked up the telephone. “I’m a very analytical, linear thinker,” says the client, who asked the Manhattan-based decorator to revitalize an Upper West Side apartment she and her husband had bought a few years ago. “Muriel leads with passion and feeling. I wanted to ask questions, and she would just say, ‘It’s beautiful. I can’t tell you why it will work, but it will.’ ”

It’s beautiful. I can’t tell you why it will work, but it will.

The couple’s duplex apartment, on high floors in a handsome prewar redbrick building—boldface residents have included Harrison Ford and Georgina Bloomberg—boasted fantastic views and abundant light. Darkness, in fact, was the primary reason they vacated their previous Brandolini-designed apartment, which they had shared with their children for 15 years. But the rooms in the new place generally were small (except for the sprawling second-story master bedroom), and the coffered ceilings throughout, while classically elegant, were low. The clients considered undertaking a major renovation—to take down some walls and better reconfigure the spaces—but ultimately chose a more cosmetic approach. “The interiors were very traditional and not really our style—we prefer things more modern,” explains the wife, who, with her husband, has a strong collection of art, including works by Agnes Martin, Milton Avery, Fay Ray, and Caio Fonseca. “But we thought we could make it distinctive with Muriel.”

A fabric by Harlequin covers an office/guest bedroom. Cork bed by City Joinery; custom pillows by Brenda Colling in Holland & Sherry corduroys; rug by Fedora Design.

Bold, eclectic interiors are the calling card of the designer, the daughter of a French-Venezuelan mother and a Vietnamese father. She was raised in Saigon and then on Martinique, studied fashion in Paris, and married a debonair Italian financier, Nuno Brandolini. She didn’t train to be a decorator, so she’s not beholden to some set formula about furniture placement or how high artworks should hang on a wall. She does, however, have a prescription for rooms lacking volume: “When a ceiling is low, if you don’t create busyness, you see misery.”

One thing decorator and client do have in common is an allergy to beige, monochromatic interiors. “My husband and I like things to be interesting and energetic. We like furniture and design that make you think,” says the wife. In her office/guest bedroom, one wall is covered in red felt, another in a large leaf-pattern print, and the bedspread is a busy stripe. Matchy-matchy it is not. The husband’s office features three different corduroy wall coverings, and the moldings have three shades of paint, while a lemon-yellow quilted wall cocoons that massive master bedroom. And forget about making the dining room’s four decorative columns, installed by previous owners, disappear by, say, painting them the same bronze color as the walls. Inspired by wood candlesticks she had seen in Sri Lanka, Brandolini had each column painstakingly hand-painted in stripes—every one a different width and hue. “If I didn’t go for it enough with color, she would say, ‘Go for it more,’ ” Brandolini recalls.
For the couple’s first apartment collaboration, the designer took her client to Milan to scour the design boutiques and vintage shops. “She wanted to see every inch of the city,” Brandolini remembers. “She was always, ‘What’s next? What’s next?’ ” This time around the women dug deeper, visiting warehouses and garages in Milan and Turin that held furnishings from 1900 through the midcentury that would eventually get scooped up by dealers. They weren’t shopping for expensive pieces, just ones with good bones—such as 1960s floor lamps, a 1950s French desk—amid the broken chair legs and frayed fabrics. “They’re common things that come from the grandmother, or an uncle who has passed,” Brandolini says. “Italy is so secret. I go to these dark, out-of-the-way warehouses and I wonder if I’m not going to be murdered,” she observes with a laugh.

But it was while simply walking on a street in Milan that the two women spied through the door of an architectural firm a 1960s light fixture made of various white-glass shapes dangling at different lengths. It was exactly what they wanted for the apartment’s central stairway. So they entered the office, Brandolini negotiated with the owner, and a week later it was on its way to New York.
During the process the husband had few requests, just that the seating be comfortable and the apartment feel homey. “We wanted furniture that you could put coffee cups on—not precious or delicate—and Muriel totally embraced that,” says the wife. “I’m laughing,” she continues, “because my husband was not very involved, and the decor would have ended up 80 percent the same even if I wasn’t involved. This is how it works with Muriel. She immerses herself in a project and moves very quickly. Yet she is very deliberate. She trusts her eye, and we trusted it too.”

Where Italian Design Meets Australian Spirit

2018-08-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

White Chee Bar Stool

Black Chee Bar Stool

Blue Chee Chair

White Jeanette Chair

Salmon Jeanette Chair

Green Jeanette Chair

Introducing yourself to a new crowd tends to be awkward at times, particularly in the world of design, but Australian furniture brand SP01 has made it look easy with the launch of its minimal, hand-finished furniture that combines the best of Australian design with the tried-and-true quality of Italian craftsmanship.
Despite its relatively young years - originally founded in 2016 - SP01 Design is a fresh and contemporary influence in modern design thanks to its understated furniture that is at home in a beachside terrace as much as in a London townhouse. By focussing on rigorous design and honest materials, SPO1 Design’s furniture evokes an air of assured Scandinavian minimalism like a lot of contemporary furniture brands out there, but unlike the others, its collections can work anywhere in the house. Quite literally. source

Black Ash Clarke Dining Chair

Sphere String Pendant Light

Cone String Pendant Light

SP01 Black Chee Bar Stool

The SP01 Chee Stool, also available in the more patio-furniture-esque Chee Chair, is pretty much the epitome of how the brand’s designs successfully operate both indoors and out. That’s because, the beautiful overlapping wire frame comes together to create a striking geometric web that supports the back and forms a seat that is both beautifully graphic and supremely comfortable. A chair that can not only be used in both settings, but one that will actually look good, and at home, in both settings too. Which is a particular strength at this time of year, especially when it comes in an array of contemporary colours such as Black, Blue, Salmon, White and Green.

White Marble Michelle Floor Mirror

Black Marble Michelle Wall Mirror

SP01 Black Marble Michelle Wall Mirror

The vision of SP01 is to progressively launch new products to create a comprehensive collection of designer furniture, and for its latest capsule collection in collaboration with Tim Rundle, the brand has allowed the London-based designer free reign in creating his latest designs. Rundle himself has described the collection as ‘possessing an Antipodean design approach’, in the way it distils influences from different eras and design traditions. The Michelle Wall Mirror is a case in point. Made up of steel, smoked mirror and marble, the gracefully shaped accessory is ideal for homes with limited-space as the adjustable wall mirror can slot neatly into corners leaving a small footprint but maximum impact.

Fluted Glass / White Marble Mohana Coffee Table

SP01 Fluted Glass / White Marble Mohana Coffee Table

Coffee Tables are great on multiple fronts. For one, they can anchor any living space with its functional and detailed design, and two, they can often evolve with any living space. Especially when they look as good as this SP01 Design Mohana Coffee Table. Both functional and thoughtfully detailed, the Mohana combines marble and glass into a delicate fine gauge frame that gives each table its unique two levels with contrasting surface materials. The unique design also means it can be used in a variety of different ways including as a side, coffee or bedside table, or on their own or grouped together. Everywhere, basically.

"We want to shape culture"

2018-08-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Pranoy Sarkar

Anita and Simran Lal of Good Earth.

The toilet seat is often a place to ponder over life's big and small dilemmas, but you know that you are sitting on one at a special place when you inadvertently look up and find a slab of glass that's open to sky, allowing the thick foliage and shimmery sun to peek into this private space. We are at a farm in Delhi's Chattarpur area that luxury retail brand Good Earth calls its office space and glass silos let in ample light as young, energetic teams work hard on creating the next successful collection under the watchful eye of founder Anita Lal,, 70, Creative Director, and her daughter Simran Lal,47, who has been the brand's CEO since 2012.

The luxury home decor and lifestyle brand, which was founded in 1996 by Anita Lal has, in the last 23 years, grown to represent the changing idea of India and its historic past that makes it what it is today. In a cluttered market where you need to scream to be heard, Good Earth's way is to be slow, even languorous. While the brand has captured the high end of the market and over the years inspired a number of copycat brands, it is in no hurry to expand at breakneck speed. With revenues of about Rs 150 crore in 2017, the company is set to take things to the next level, both in terms of the influence it wields and the people it reaches out to. The brand today has ten stores across seven cities and ships to 90 countries.
While Good Earth is essentially a luxury home decor brand, over the last few years their business has grown to include apparel under the label Sustain. They also have a crockery range, linen, bedding, a children's range, and wellness oils. More recently they also launched a historic colouring book for adults and have commissioned stories for children that are rooted in India.
In fact, Sustain, their clothes brand launched in 2010 has been a big money spinner, overtaking the home decor segment soon after its launch. Many have tried replicating the success of the dynamic brand but Anita Lal had something that none of them do: first mover advantage. When she set up her then fledgling business there was no one else who had the same vision that was so deeply rooted in India (FabIndia was catering to a different demographic) and so Lal tapped into a space that the brand has come to occupy since, on the high end of the luxury home decor scale. She says, "I'm okay with people copying us; they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Our aim was to create a little movement that people will copy and appreciate and the fact that our designs are being copied and sold at cheaper prices means that there is a demand for our aesthetic by different groups."

While AL, as Anita Lal likes to be called, says Good Earth happened to her rather than the other way round, the fact remains that she had an unmatched vision and had the means to convert that into a profitable business venture, given that her husband's company Eicher put in the seed capital for the business. In the 23 years since, Good Earth's growth has been staggering and today, it is a global brand that is one of the biggest ambassadors of Make in India.

Gyasar cushions by the brand have a distinct look and celebrate local craftsmanship.

INDIA PROUD, FOR THE WORLD
The brand has had its share of ups and downs but the mother-daughter duo are unfazed, as they believe the strength of Good Earth lies in its slow, sustained growth and the daily involvement of its founder in the design process. Simran Lal says, "The best thing about Good Earth is that it is authentic. We are deeply connected to what we do, believe in it and want to do this. And thus, it is joyful with all its ups and downs. At the end of the day we believe that what we do should have a purpose so we work with a purpose of rebuilding a sense of pride and respect in India." Anita Lal adds, "Our products should reflect our roots but be equal, and at par, regarding quality, design and thought to what one gets internationally. Indians should buy dinner ware that is Indian but of international quality. I was keen to showcase Indian products in a global style so the brand was born."
The interesting thing about a brand like Good Earth that has a founder who is a design purist is that every collection delves deep into the roots of the country's history and picks people, motifs and ideas that have largely remained untouched, even gone unnoticed. For example, their Golconda collection in 2011 celebrated the spirit of the Deccan and the arts and crafts that were popular during the Golconda reign. It also paid special tribute to the iconic Tipu Sultan through its designs. Similarly, the 2014-2015 Samarqand collection drew on the Central Asian Silk Route, which also ran through India. From opulent ikat silk cushions to use of fine embroidery, velvet, brocade and metal and crystal tableware, the collection was evocative of the goods sold through the Silk Route.

The Good Earth store at Raghuvanshi Mills, Mumbai.

Unlike a lot of other brands that are purely motivated by profits, the Good Earth family has been more interested in changing the design narrative and engaging with a deeper, more meaningful dialogue with its consumers. AL says, "We strive to shape cultures in our day to day business. We got copper jars back in vogue 15 years ago and made a story around it, and now there is a profusion of copper vessels in the market. Back then, we had seeded a little movement through that jar and suddenly they were everywhere. We are all about shaping culture by seeding ideas. There is something acceptable and aspirational when they see us putting a traditional thing; they'll think it's cool. We need to accept the heritage in a normal way."
SHAPING CULTURE THROUGH DESIGN

The designs at Good Earth stand out because they have become so distinct across time that they are recognisable almost anywhere. Anita and Simran Lal are all about bringing forgotten crafts and techniques back and giving them a luxury platform without shortchanging the artisan in the process. For example, they work with craftsmen in Bhuj. Gujarat, Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh and several other craft-heavy zones as well. They also made their way to Kashmir and gave a contemporary face to the papier mache products that are popular here. Simran Lal says, "We made the designs a little bolder, brighter, and more graphic because earlier the craftsmen were losing eyesight doing such intricate work. The bottom line is that if they go blind, they will not be able to pass on their craft. Also, after working with us, they saw an increased demand and this helped them sell more products, increasing their security, respect and livelihood."
For the brand, the maximum emphasis is on quality and design but not to the level that is detrimental to the craftsman or the craft itself. Anita Lal adds, "I'm not saying that one has to achieve perfection. If you want perfection why go to a person? He is not a machine and there will be errors. When I say quality, it is in the detail and finish rather than the craft."
FROM IDEAS TO COLLECTION
So how does the design process at Good Earth unfold? While many of the designers working with the brand were among its first employees, there has been an infusion of new blood in recent years as well. While Simran Lal handles the business side of things, Anita Lal still helms the design process. She says, "every year we think of a theme which I choose; last year was Van Vaibhav that meant forest. This year the theme is Gandhara so the colours are deeper, with Greek and Persian influences, and there are layers of cultures. We pick a theme and then I do intense research before sending out a note to the girls who then start collecting ideas and begin designing." AL is deeply inspired by nature and travel and music also plays a key role in her creative journey. The entire process takes them six-eight months and then that vision is translated into the products that we see displayed in the stores and online.
NEW VISTAS, NICOBAR
Two years ago, the brand decided that it wanted to expand its design repertoire and since Raul Rai, director of Nicobar and Simran Lal's husband wanted to take the business to a new level Nicobar was born. With an aesthetic that's original but clearly from the Good Earth stable, the younger, more versatile Nicobar shares the mother brand's genes but has a different face since its designs are cleaner, more efficient, shorn of motifs, more bohemian, invoking images of languor and the sea. The travel accessories, apparel and homeware brand is obsessed with quality and the stores (the first one was set up in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai and there is a second at The Chanakya, Delhi) reflect the travel instinct of the brand and has tropical palms, large display windows and fluid lines that reflect an uncluttered aesthetic. Simran says, "We wanted lovely, simple designs but knew we couldn't include everything under a single brand. While the fundamentals are the same (to tell Indian stories) we wanted to spin the yarn differently. We use organic cotton for the core clothing and are for the mindful consumer."
THE NEXT CHAPTER
A family run business comes with its own unique set of challenges. AL says, "everyone has a clear defined space and there are lows but we all just get through it, to which Simran Lal adds, "we have had some challenges and times when I have fought with mom. But we can trust each other, and that is the best form of partnership." While store expansion is on the cards, Good Earth has also amped up its digital presence and you can buy online as they ship to 90 countries. AL began her Good Earth journey with a pottery collection and we are likely to see a return of some of that old-style pottery in their Gandhara collection to be unveiled later this year. The brand is also launching a new baby titled Paro over the next few weeks which is a luxury wellness vertical that draws on ancient philosophical thought and Indian heritage through its products. Having carved a space in the hearts and minds of all design lovers and with an international clientele that laps up its collections as soon as they launch, the Good Earth family is ready to embark on its next big adventure, intersecting design, wellness, Indian philosophy, and culture, all with an innate Indianness at its core. source

How To Transform Your Interiors With These Design Tips

2018-08-03T07:44:00.001-07:00

There’s certainly no place like home, but maybe your abode could benefit from a new look. We’re not talking about a major makeover here, but a few tips, tweaks and suggestions that will change the way you see your surroundings. Your family, friends and everyone who comes to visit will notice as well.
“Below are several design tricks that are guaranteed to turn some heads” says Melissa Hoekstra, founder and owner of James & Reid Home l Antiquities, located in Woodway and featuring a wide array of distinguished antiques and relics imported from across the world. Melissa’s fresh approach to home design reflects a style shaped over two decades of creating living spaces for her clients and friends. The showroom offers furniture, bedding, accessories, gifts, jewelry and other fine items for the home, including furniture manufactured by LEE Industries, amongst other designer lines not otherwise offered in Central Texas.

1. Have a Seat

Bistro chairs provide a great way to spice up your home. They’re sturdy and lightweight, and come in a variety of styles and colors. Even better, you’ll be able to put them to good use in just about any room in your house.

2. Blue Heaven

Blue is in this year, and many designers and collectors are taking advantage of the situation by adding the color in bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, offices and elsewhere. Hoekstra mentions “Blue works well on a wide variety of surfaces, from large porcelain urns to bedding and even wall colors”.

3. Light It Up

“Stylish lighting can transform a room,” says Hoekstra. Lighting can certainly make a difference in changing the way you and other people see your home. The options are virtually endless for every room in your house, from recessed in-ceiling lights to classic lanterns, innovative and unusual chandeliers, modern table lamps and wall sconces.

4. Pillow Talk

Pillows are more than just a comfortable place to lay your head at night; they are among the most versatile aspects of designing a home, offering a diversity of colors, textures, styles and shapes, and they can stand alone or be easily coupled with each piece of furniture in your home.
“You might choose hand-painted or brightly-colored Turkish silk pillows,” Hoekstra says. “Regardless of which pillows you decide on, they will create tremendous versatility.”

5. Picture This

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong by adorning your walls with art. Anything from landscapes to brilliantly-colored abstracts to photography will work, just as long as what you hang on your walls reflects your own personal taste. After all, it is your home.
“Your home should be very personal. You should make it yours, love it and be proud of it,” says Hoekstra, who travels to France, Belgium and England, as well to as to High Point, North Carolina, and Atlanta several times a year in search of items for her clients.

Colour & Materials Trend Predictions for 2019

2018-07-23T17:30:00.001-07:00

Stylus's content and creative director Tessa Mansfield and Colour & Materials editor Lauren Chiu highlight the key colour and materials directions for Spring/Summer 2019.

The Enduring Legacy of French Interior Designer Henri Samuel

2018-07-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

Opulence is just the beginning of this design star's legacy.

By David Netto

Mar 15, 2018

Estate of Karen Radkai

Ifirst became aware of the work of French designer Henri Samuel in the mid-1980s, in what might be called his robber baron phase. At that heady time in American social history there were a few decorators from England and Europe working in New York for very visible clients: Geoffrey Bennison had just performed miracles for Guy and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild on East 66th Street, and Henri Samuel and his project for Susan and John Gutfreund at 834 Fifth Avenue were the talk of the town.

Before then the apotheosis of Reagan-era classical style had been basically Georgian. Afterward a gap was bridged, and it was said that Samuel’s work didn’t just evoke the past, it was as good as anything in that past. Samuel delivered to the New World something that was thought to be no longer possible: the authentic opulence of another continent and another time.

The Gutfreund apartment on Fifth Avenue, currently on the market for $120 million.

Mick Hale

Later I learned the missing pieces of the Samuel story. This happened, as it often does, in the form of an auction catalog. The Christie’s Monaco sale after his death in 1996 contained many avant-garde works of contemporary “art furniture,” as well as pictures of his Paris apartment that were positively bohemian— luxurious, yes, but very artistic. You must remember that this was before that apartment was well known, and images were not just waiting for you on the internet. One had to research, save magazines, connect dots. It was a revelation how Samuel had lived at home, with contemporary art and zany furniture, and it was hard to square this with his work for the second Gilded Age.

Emily Evans Eerdmans’s new Rizzoli book, Henri Samuel: Master of the French Interior($75), is a long time coming. Samuel’s reputation has been growing steadily, and it’s amazing there has been no book until now. Which Samuel will you like best? There is one for every era. He worked in many styles, but what he stood for consistently was quality. Jacques Grange, who worked for Samuel early in his career and wrote the foreword, described to me an office environment that was very formal and hierarchical. But, he added with great respect, “that is where I learned what quality is.”

Excerpted here are passages that explore Samuel’s influence on younger designers today; his collaborations with such artists as Balthus, Philippe Hiquily, and Guy de Rougemont; and his work for American plutocrats like the Gutfreunds (on Fifth Avenue) and Jerry Perenchio (in the house made famous by the title sequence of The Beverly Hillbillies). If you like what you see (and have had a good year), both properties are, coincidentally and for the first time in decades, now for sale. But start with the book.

An excerpt from Henri Samuel: Master of the French Interior by Emily Evans Eerdmans

Henri Samuel mixed the contemporary with the classical to thrilling effect. Throughout his career the decorator proclaimed there was no “Samuel style” but that each project evolved from the client’s taste. “I remember seeing images in the 1990s, in a Christie’s auction catalog, of Henri Samuel’s iconoclastic Paris apartment,” says Delphine Krakoff of Pamplemousse Design in New York City.

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Like Samuel she often pairs a classically articulated room with experimental pieces, so that it looks as if it has been furnished over time. “It was filled with artwork and furniture by Balthus, Atlan, César, and Hiquily, combined with cutting-edge contemporary as well as neoclassical design. I was taken by his unexpected and fearless commitment to a unique vision, his understanding of history and of design and architecture, without being constrained by it. History is just a point of departure in his design process.”

Samuel filled his Paris home with a mixture of traditional and modern touches, such as an Arthur Aeschbacher carpet.

Paris/Les Arts Decoratifs/Jean-Marie del Moral

In 1970, after 25 years as head of the design firm Alavoine, Samuel began a new chapter in his career: Henri Samuel, décorateur. He opened his own firm, prompted not by ambition or a desire to have his name at the forefront but because Alavoine had finally closed its doors. At 66 the designer was internationally acclaimed as a master of French decoration, and kings of both countries and industry clamored for his time. Samuel set up shop on the ground floor of his apartment building at 83 Quai d’Orsay and maintained a small staff to oversee all projects.

In addition to Madame Chaminade, his secretary, and Jacqueline Lallemand, his accountant, there were Jacques Cayron and a Monsieur Hanché, who were his design associates. There was also a full-time draftsman. When Samuel moved to 118 Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, around 1976, the staff worked out of a small office in his apartment, where a minuscule stairway led up to a drawing studio.

“Pierre, a tiny man who drew incredibly in the style of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Empire, drafted the plans for everyone,” recalled the architect Christian Magot-Cuvrû, who began working with Samuel in the early 1980s. The work was intense, but the office was run with civility.

Every day Samuel would have lunch at Maxim’s or Le Relais at the Plaza Athénée, often dining with friends such as the Duchess of Windsor. “Tea-time at Monsieur Samuel’s was very important. Around 4:30 p.m. his majordomo would come to serve us tea, and it was during this moment of pleasant relaxation when we spoke of everything and nothing for 30 minutes,” Magot-Cuvrû remembers.

The novelist Louise de Vilmorin’s Salon Bleu, at her family’s château in Verrières-le-Buisson, France.

CONNAISSANCE DES ARTS/AKG-IMAGES

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Working with such a prominent clientele called for absolute discretion. David Linker, a master ébéniste, recalls that at the famous Cour de Varenne furniture restoration workshop—where he worked exclusively on Samuel projects—one had to be invited to purchase the important 18th-century items that passed through the workshop, and it was understood that should the buyer want to resell, he would do it through the Cour de Varenne. In this way important, often royal, pieces could be tracked and their restoration never compromised. When Linker or his colleagues helped deliver a piece to a residence, they were never told the owner’s identity.

Samuel patronized the same artisans repeatedly, so that they essentially became an extension of his team and knew his preferences intimately. He was very specific about color and was always on site to supervise the mixing of colors, which could take hours before he was satisfied. Laurence du Plessix, who worked in Samuel’s office from 1984 to ’87, remembers Samuel’s dissatisfaction with a carpet that was too bright; the decorator added dust to make it more subdued. If a molding wasn’t exactly what he wanted, Samuel would have it remade, even at his own expense.

Thanks to his having restored the Rothschilds’ famed Château de Ferrières in the 1950s, and having worked at Versailles, Samuel was firmly established as a master of the historical interior, as well as one of the most adept interpreters of le goût Rothschild, which is what drew clients including Sisley founders Hubert and Isabelle d’Ornano, Valentino Garavani, and other major Parisian magnate-collectors to hire him, even as he started to be very much in demand in the United States.

The dining room at Valentino Garavani’s Château de Wideville, outside Paris, decorated by Samuel.

Collection of Emily Evans Eerdmans

In postwar America the “Louis Louis” look became de rigueur among a certain high society set. By 1962 the fashion for French design was so pronounced that decorator Billy Baldwin dubbed it FFF (“Fine French Furniture”). This craze brought a branch of Maxim’s to Chicago in December 1963; the opening included a Dior fashion show. To faithfully reproduce the restaurant’s Belle Epoque interiors, the owners sought out Henri Samuel.

Samuel was working steadily in the U.S. by the 1960s. Jayne Wrightsman, one of New York’s most distinguished proponents of FFF, began working with Samuel following the retirement of her longtime decorator, Stéphane Boudin of Jansen. Samuel’s later collaboration on the Wrightsman Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art secured his position as one of the world’s most eminent interior designers, and his relationship with Wrightsman would lead, years later, to one of his most notable projects: the Gutfreund residence.

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The grand salon at the Palm Beach home of philanthropists and collectors Charles and Jayne Wrightsman.

Feliciano

The 1980s in New York were a heady time of maximalist extravagance stoked by the roar of Wall Street. When Salomon Brothers CEO John Gutfreund and his wife Susan moved to 834 Fifth Avenue in 1987, the residence’s Henri Samuel interiors made a splash. Women’s Wear Daily reported, “It’s the talk of New York, and one of those lucky few who have sneaked a peek at Susan and John Gutfreund’s apartment says it is the ‘most lavish and beautifully opulent’ home in the city, a place that truly has the atmosphere of a house and not just a flat.”

Susan had been introduced to Samuel by Wrightsman and soon became a cherished client and pupil of the decorator. Samuel even guided the Gutfreunds in their choice of domicile. He counseled against an Italianate townhouse in favor of the 20-room apartment on the seventh and eighth floors of 834 Fifth, which was designed in 1929 by Rosario Candela. He particularly approved of the large windows, which offered spectacular views, even to seated guests, of Central Park.

Antiques purchased during the Gutfreunds’ travels in Europe inspired the decoration of the winter garden room, which was flooded by too much natural light to be the library, as originally planned. Gilt trelliswork paneling made of resin gave the room both order and fantasy.

With the assistance of architect Thierry Despont, Samuel knocked out walls to create a 50-foot-long living room, laid the floors with parquet de Versailles, and uncovered windows in the stairway to let more light in. Susan remembered, “Henri would sit and stand in the room, observing the color from all angles, in the bright morning light as well as in the afternoon. He studied it by lamplight... He always came himself, never sending an assistant. He was like a couturier, always fine-tuning details.”

The dining room was furnished with a suite of 18th-century white and Wedgwood-blue Adam-style furniture from Jayne Wrightsman. The curtain design was also 18th-century, the pink under-curtain fabric having been a gift to Susan from Karl Lagerfeld. “Henri gave you the perfect base, like a couture dress that was sheer perfection whether you added jewels or not,” says Susan, who is now an interior designer in her own right.

After visiting the Gutfreunds’ apartment, entertainment mogul Jerry Perenchio decided Samuel was the ideal person to restore the property he had just acquired in Los Angeles. The house’s exterior was famous for its use on the 1960s television show The Beverly Hillbillies. Designed by architect Sumner Spaulding for Lynn Atkinson, who was the engineer of Boulder Dam and who loved the Louis XV style, the limestone-clad reinforced concrete residence, which featured a 150-foot-tall indoor waterfall and a pipe organ, had taken five years to build. When the house was finished in 1938, Atkinson’s wife Berenice took one look and asked, “Who would ever live in a house like this?” The house sat empty until it was sold in 1947 to Arnold Kirkeby, whose family sold the house to Perenchio in ’86. Over time Perenchio added three contiguous lots to the estate, which now amounts to 10 acres.

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Perenchio agreed to Samuel’s demand that everything, even the slope of the roof, had to be redone in order to achieve a “proper representation of an 18th-century château.” Over the next five years the house was gutted, rebuilt, and decorated. Before the south façade was rebuilt, a crew of 26 painted a full-size trompe-l’oeil version of the elevation for the Perenchios to approve. To find limestone that matched the original, Samuel and the Perenchios flew by helicopter from quarry to quarry in France and then hired a local couple to live on site to ensure that it was cut properly.

Philippe Hiquily chairs and table commissioned by Samuel for the Paris apartment of a Swiss client.

Courtesy Yves Gaston and Lux Productions

The entrance hall was transformed with a new staircase and a floor of limestone and black marble. The front and interior wooden doors were replaced with glass ones, so that what had been a dark space became a light-filled, welcoming one. The domed plaster ceiling of the Morning Room proved to be one of the most ambitious architectural features. Made in France in one piece, the ceiling was too large to fit through the eight door of a 747—so it was cut into sections for transport and reassembled on site.

In November 1991 the Perenchios finally moved in. “It was a wonderful adventure and one of the greatest learning experiences of our lives,” Jerry said, “as this extraordinary artist taught us and guided us for five years in the realization of our dream.”

Henri Samuel’s name is almost unknown to younger generations of American designers. Brian J. McCarthy, who opened his New York office after years of working for the esteemed Parish-Hadley, is one exception. “There’s an order and structure to classical French rooms, and while Henri would bring that order to them, there would be something that would shake it and break it, and make it youthful,” he says. “There’s something so smart about the way he decorated; it’s beyond timeless. If you recreated one of Henri’s rooms, it would look as fresh today as it did then. To me that speaks volumes about how great he was. He was a genius, pure and simple.”

Eight ways to nail French style at home

2018-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

There's an effortless style to the way the French do decoration so let's celebrate Bastille Day with some of their coolest contemporary looks

Best in class 1France has been flying the French decoration flag for centuries and while its classical styles are world renowned it is also home to a wealth of contemporary capabilities. One brand that manages to straddles its historic Hausmann past as well as the decorative now is Roche Bobois, a household name that was born out of two families joining forces in the 1960s and now has more than 250 stores worldwide. It has two core collections, a contemporary one that features the work of designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo Takada and Missoni Home; and Nouveaux Classiques, a more traditionally French take on furniture. Pictured is a solid oak Chambre Eqop bed with headboard, 180cm by 200cm, €5,200, ex mattress, deep buttoned bergere-style chair, €2,740, four-drawer sideboard, €3,580, and Ispahan floor lamp, €2,340, all available to order and there’s 15 per cent off all new orders until July 31st.

Roche-bobois.com

Best in class 2

Ligne Roset, from parasol fabricator in the 1860s to a global brand with 200 stores worldwide and leading collaborations with names such as Michel Ducaroy, Pierre Paulin and the Bouroullec brothers.

Its Toa armchair, launched in 2015, is designed by emerging talent Remi Bouhaniche, who took a chance and submitted the design to Michel Roset, Ligne Roset’s owner, in 2012. It has a solid ash frame, available in a dark stain or natural, pictured, and in a wide choice of colours in cotton or leather. The trapezoidal shape of foam and fabric is inspired by origami and prices start from €2,902 from Arena Kitchens & Living, Maple Avenue, Stillorgan Industrial Park, where it is available to order and where there is 15 per cent off the entire collection, during the summer sale which ends July 22nd.

Ligne-roset.com

Best in class 3

Magic Circus Editions is an experimental lighting company that was set up just two years ago by Marie-Lise Fery, an art school graduate turned antique dealer, and the appreciation of classic forms is evident throughout the collection’s dramatic designs.

The new range features soft coloured glass spheres in soft new shades of jade and rose. The soft curves of its Applique wall light, pictured in rose but also available in an equally easy on the eye jade green, €3,675, will turn an entrance hall or corridor into a destination rather than a throughway. You can buy the pieces online from Anglo-Italian interior designer Chiara Colombini who launched her Paris-based design practice in 2006.

Chiaracolombini.com/en/

Best in class 4

From its launch in 2012 La Chance, a Paris-based design company that produces furniture, lighting, accessories, rugs and wallpaper, has looked back to the art deco period, a style born in France in 1925, and put a modern riff on this now classic era. Many of its pieces have been much copied, in particular its Bolt stool and Salute side tables – imitation being the greatest form of flattery.

Sorciere wall sconces have been inspired by the ritual Ngil masks of the Fang tribe in Gabon and are more like sculptures than mere illumination. Designed by Marta Bakowski in 2016 the light diffuses through the perforations in the mask to shines upward in a graphic but gentle fashion, changing personality depending on the combination of colours, textures and perforated patterns, which vary in each version. The plain black or white options cost €395 each while the multiple-colour combinations cost €445 each to order through Dún Laoghaire-based Lost Weekend.

Lachance.paris; Lostweekend.ie

Best in class 5

Colonial-era France has played a huge part in creating the rich and textured interiors heritage of the country. The rug pictured has been inspired by one of the many Berber designs, descendants of the pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa with a strong expertise in carpet making.

The design is by fabric firm Lorena Canals whose rugs and cushions are all washable. Moroccan in origin,it is available through KSL Living, one of France’s best home etailers. The 100 per cent cotton design comes in two sizes; 160cm by 120cm, €165 and 200cm by 140cm, €245. Prices are ex delivery.

KSL-Living.fr

Best in class 6

Petit Friture, which translates as “small fry”, is a boutique design house that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Set up by Amélie du Passage in 2009 it works with established and emerging designers who already have their own studios meaning that it offers an endlessly changing range of furniture and home furnishings.

There is a Mediterranean suspension light, £1,465, by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance that is inspired by the weightlessness of laundry drying in the Mediterranean sun; and, pictured, the Dojo table, £1,865, and chairs, £378 each, by Amandine Chhor and Aissa Logerot and Jetlag wallpaper by illustrator Lisa Laubreaux, £207 per roll. All are available from Clippings.com which ships worldwide.

Petitefriture.com; Clippings.com

Best in class 7

Eno Studio in Paris is another small seller of cool finds by less well-known designers.

The Vega pouf, a simple round form within a brass-effect steel frame, is a piece that will punctuate an empty space or corner of a room. It comes in teal green or midnight blue velvet, pictured, and can be ordered through Dunville Avenue-based CA Design. Measuring 45cm by 38cm by 36cm, it costs €436. The adjustable Plus wall light is a clever marriage of form and function, and its ability to swivel up towards the ceiling or down towards the floor means you can focus the beam in either direction depending on the ambience you’re looking to create. It comes in two metal finishes; anodised aluminum or black steel. Each light measures 18cm high and 10.5 cm across and costs €217.

CAdesign.ie

Best in class 8

There’s a certain relaxed elegance about French interiors that is hard to replicate. The seasonal weather, where you can actually spend much of the summer outdoors, helps but it is part of the nation’s natural DNA to be able to put together looks that appear effortless.

One affordable brand worth investigating is Amadeus and includes these outdoor and sunroom perfect pieces, rope-knotted armchairs, €229 each, and a driftwood-inspired coffee table held in a steel frame, €449, both available to order from Sallynoggin-based M. Kelly Interiors.

MKellyInteriors.ie

Christina El Moussa's New House Looks Nothing Like The One She Shared With Tarek

2018-07-14T14:31:00.001-07:00

She's putting her own spin on things.

By Candace Braun Davison

Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling

Christina El Moussa may still film Flip Or Flop with her ex-husband, Tarek, but that's not stopping her from striking out on her own. The HGTV star recently closed on a $4.1 million house in Newport Beach, CA, taking it on as her next big project — and the subject of the first episode of her new solo series on the network, Christina On The Coast.
Though the show doesn't debut until early 2019, the Realtors behind the home — Jonathon Curci and Scott Cappelli of First Team Real Estate — shared some photos of the 4,870-square-foot space. It's too soon to tell how Christina will renovate the space (she's hinted on Instagram that she's been getting in touch with her boho side), but one thing's for sure: It'll be 100 percent her vision.
While the Yorba Linda home she once shared with Tarek had a more European, ornate look, her Newport Beach four-bedroom is sleek and transitional. "This home is certainly a clean slate for Christina El Moussa," South Carolina real estate agent Devon Jones Bisognani told Realtor.com. "It seems more relaxed."

You be the judge:

Then: Christina's Master Bedroom

Kimberly Genevieve

Months before Christina put her house on the market, she gave Elle Decor a full tour of the place. The master bedroom was mostly neutral, with sumptuous textures everywhere (silk! fur! mother-of-pearl finishes!).

Now: Christina's Bedroom

Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling

The furnishings will change completely, but it's worth noting the bones of the space. And that the look caught Christina's eye. Prairie Home Styling's Shannon Wilkins redesigned the entire home before it went on the market and the HGTV star scooped it up.

Then: The Old Playroom

Grant Babbitt/ElleDecor.com

Christina designed her kids' playroom with their favorite things in mind: a long table for coloring and doing crafts, a tent filled with their favorite toys, and row after row of books for story time. It isn't a total departure from the rest of the house; keeping in Christina's style, the walls, table, chairs, and rug are all a pale gray.

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Now: The New Playroom

Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling

That barn door may have Chip and Joanna Gaines written all over it, but it's in line with Christina's too: She describes her style as "rustic glam."

Then: Her Kitchen

Grant Babbitt/ElleDecor.com

Dark cabinets and gleaming marble gave this kitchen serious wow factor — though anyone who stopped by would probably be even more stunned by her full-size wine fridge.

Now: Christina's Kitchen

Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling

One thing both homes have in common — a massive, marble-topped island. Christina's said she likes being able to pull up bar stools and have breakfast as a family, so it's fitting this kitchen has the same setup.

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Then: Her Family Room

Grant Babbitt/ElleDecor.com

The family room — and the open kitchen right next to it — were the two places Christina spent most of her time in when she lived in Yorba Linda. It featured a gigantic, L-shaped black leather sofa, a large glass coffee table, and silver picture frames and candlesticks on the mantel. More neutrals, more glam flourishes.
Oh, and in case you were wondering: Christina's team don't-hide-your-TV.

Now: Christina's Family Room

Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling

White walls with a matte black trim feel very modern farmhouse — and similar to the style in Tarek's new bachelor pad.

Then: Her Backyard

Kimberly Genevieve

Christina said she didn't change that much after Tarek moved out — except the backyard. That got a serious overhaul, turning into an oasis, complete with a rock slide, waterfalls, and a mini putting green.

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Now: Christina's Backyard

Shannon Wilkins of Prairie Home Styling

Her new home also has a pool, but it wouldn't be surprising if the star remodeled the backyard to become even more of an epic play land for her kids to run around in. Cabana-style umbrellas are cool and all, but it's hard to compete with waterfalls and a rock slide.

5 soft furnishings and fabrics trends for 2018

2018-07-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

To kick-start our spotlight this month on fabrics and soft furnishings, here are some of the hottest trends we are seeing at the moment…

1) Imperfection blends well
It seems as if the ’70s are back this summer when it comes to colour in interior design. Bright, loud accents can really help an interior space to pop. Rubelli’s Kieffer collection, designed by Paola Navone, threads together a striking mix of strong colours that are complete with the imperfection of lightweight fabrics.

Image credit: Rubelli

2) Tactile textures
According to MADE.com’s team of top designers, 2018 is going to be the year of leather and velvet. Patterned velvet is said to be this year’s fabric of choice for many to create statement soft furnishings. Leather on the other hand is billed to be hot in the guestrooms. Upholstered headboards, armchairs and Chesterfield sofas help to create a rustic yet rich look and feel.

Image credit: Gleneagles

3) Keeping up with tradition
With many designers working within heritage buildings to create a modern hotel that gives an appropriate nod to the buildings past, getting the balance right can be a challenge. Therefore, taking a traditional stance in the soft furnishings can be the solution. Arley House has collaborated with the V&A to launch four designs from the museum’s archive, translated into new colourways and textures onto soft rich velvet or classic cotton linen.
Pagoda is from a wallpaper design by Frederick Vigers, an avant-garde designer who won awards for his wallpaper designs. A romantic view of the orient was a feature of both wallpaper and textile designs of the period.
Heraldic Birds features mythical birds and has been reinterpreted into a furnishing fabric by Arley House. The pattern was originally created in the 1880s as a wallpaper by Lewis F. Day, shortly after he had helped found the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society and become the Artistic Director of Turnbull & Stockdale, a Lancashire textile-printing firm.
Rolling Leaves is inspired by the original Athenian pattern that was designed by Lewis F. Day in the 1880s and was intended for use as a wallpaper. The motif of this range of scrolling leaves shows the characteristic Arts and Crafts preference for stylised floral forms.

Image credit: Arley House

4) Collaborating with fashion trends
Collaborations between architecture and fashion are strong in 2018 and can often lead to the creation of something totally new.This year, it seems as if interior designers will take inspiration from men’s fashion. Dedar recently launched a collection that took its creative vision from men’s shirts and ties. The long, bold stripes can replicated in curtains, upholstered chairs and have even been spotted in the canopy at newly opened The Academy, London.

Image credit: The Academy, London

5) At one with nature
As seen in Arley House’s V&A collection and the wall coverings in The Academy, London, tropical scenes of animals and nature have appeared more and more in soft furnishings and textiles this year. More specifically, birds have become a major reference in both wall coverings and textiles.