Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

A Marriage Made in Italy…

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

It can be so exciting to take a historical place, filled with opulent wood carvings and history, and fill it with simple, clean-lined furniture.  This apartment in Italy is brimming with whispers of a grand past…and at the same time, screaming of a very current present.  We love that the bones of this amazing structure have been left seemingly untouched, only updated with a gorgeous and modern  grouping of ethereal chandeliers.  The interior designer who selected the furniture for this home did a great job of keeping it simple.  In doing so, they have allowed us to really take in the beauty of marrying current furnishings to a centuries old space.

cattelan-italia-gorgeous-living-rooms-ideas-decor-3.jpg

Inspired By Nature.

Monday, May 16th, 2011

 

Palecek furniture is very distinctive.  Their entire product line seems to marry nature and interior design.  Here is what they say about their products:

“More than 35 years ago, Palecek began designing distinctive rattan and wicker items with one goal in mind –  to create unique pieces of art from natural fibers. As we traveled the world developing a network of master artisans, we drew inspiration from the indigenous peoples and their use of quickly renewable materials. Our desire to mix an international palette of natural fibers into elegant furniture, lighting and accessories has made Palecek a trendsetter and pioneer in the use of fast-growing hardwoods, seagrass and rattan weaves.   Our extensive line of award winning, handcrafted and eco-conscious designs are conceived in our domestic San Francisco Bay Area headquarters.  It is here that our master technicians upholster and finish your pieces, allowing Palecek to be your domestic design resource.”

“To the Trade”

For more, visit www.palecek.com

Traditional Inspiration…Dreamlike State.

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

 

The artwork that is Boco do Lobo’s furniture is astounding.  The designers manage take the onlooker on a visual and emotional  journey, as they take traditional forms and craft them into something more.  Sometimes when we dream, we warp things in our minds, just a little, but the forms in the dream still make sense.  This idea seems to be threaded through Boco do Lobo’s designs.  The take classic forms and present them in whimsical ways that inspire the onlooker, just as art stirs each of us differently. 

For more, visit www.bocodolobo.com 

Stephen Antonson – Sculptor of Plaster

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Stepehen Antonson is an amazing sculptor.  His material of choice?  Plaster.  Chalky, white powdered gypsum, mixed with water, “is the stuff of dreams” to the artist.  Antonson was inspired when a friend came back from Paris raving about plaster furniture and lamps made from plaster, circa 1930.  He began making creations for he and his wife, and the rest is history.  Now, Antonson is a one-man-show, working for interior designers on commissioned pieces.  We think his things are very artful and fun. 

 

For more, visit http://www.stephenantonson.com .

Maya Romanoff – Wallcovering Genius…

Monday, April 11th, 2011

 

Maya Romanoff is an icon in the world of interior design.  After studying at the University of California at Berkeley, Romanoff took time to travel the world to open his eyes to the world of design and gain real-world experience.  So much of interior design is about where you’ve been…it shapes your approach to design. 

“Along with fabrics and wood, Romanoff gives free reign to his love of natural, genuine materials. Gold leaf, mica, grass and bamboo are part of the mix, but the most captivating introduction has been Beadazzled, a collection of wall coverings made of tiny glass beads. The collection has not only has taken the interior furnishings world by storm, but has earned a permanent place in the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.”

Check out some of Maya Romanoff’s wallpapers below.  They are unique, beautiful…sophisticated. 

newsday-amy-lau

Floral artist Jo Lynn Alcorn with Maya Romanoff for the 2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Maya Romanoff

For more, visit www.mayaromanoff.com

 

 

 

In Your Space Collaborative Arts – More Than Paint

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

 

We first became acquainted with Mary Senders, owner of In Your Space Collaborative Arts, about 7 years ago and were immediately impressed with her professionalism and ability to take our schematic design and turn it into something beautiful.  If you are looking for the best in old world plaster, murals, or custom painted furniture, In Your Space is it. 

Front entry dome mural done for Colby Design

Study dome done for Colby Design

Dining room mural done for Colby Design

 Color Effects

 

Color Effects

“The In Your Space team has created award-winning custom wall finishes in both commercial and residential spaces. Combining centuries-old plaster techniques with modern materials and an artist’s flair for color composition, In Your Space helps to create spaces that are unique, timeless and inviting. 

 In Your Space works with luxury home builders, commercial contractors, interior designers, and directly with individual homeowners to make each finished product a reflection of the client’s personal taste and style.

Unlike process or technique faux finishing, our artists study architecture, design, and classical art to inspire the re-creation of authentic wall design. Each space is a blank canvas that is transformed into not merely textured walls, but a fully created atmosphere that is the backdrop for the design of
the space.”

 

 

Tromp L’oeils

Stone & Brick Effects

Scrolls

For more, visit www.inyourspaceart.com

Clearly Good Interior Design…

Friday, April 1st, 2011

 

Lucite, or acrylic, is a beautiful material that furniture makers translate into good design.  It adds glamour and sophistication to any room.  Check out some rooms below that have Lucite furniture.  There is a certain amount of class that has been added by the transparent pieces in them.  Another great thing about Lucite is that it can go with any style…

 

Beautiful Paper For The Wall…

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

 

Wallpaper can add so much drama to a house, which is what interior designers strive to do.  It is a fantastic way to add a touch of whimsy or class to a space.  It can be less expensive than having a mural painted on an accent wall, and have just as dramatic of an effect.  With so many great papers to choose from, you are sure to find something that strikes a chord with you, and there are some amazing resources, such as Stockton Hicks Laffey here in Austin, that carry amazing lines ( “To The Trade”).

York

Sophia Pebble

Beautiful Wallpaper

Inspired Ways to Add Seating…

Friday, March 18th, 2011

 

Ottomans are a great way to add some fun and additional seating to your living spaces.  They come in all shapes and sizes and can even be used in lieu of a coffee table.  They can be tucked under consoles when they are not in use or simply used to “anchor” a piece of furniture.  Check out some of our great finds below.

Laser Cut Wool Ottomans

Serving in Style…

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

 

Designer Michael Aram has some amazing home accessories and interior decor, all of which are very organically inspired.  Check out some of his designer serving bowls below.  They are elegant and artful…sure to wow your guests.  For more on his beautiful works for the home, visit www.michaelaram.com

Black Orchid Bowl Large

Lemonwood Nut Bowl

Sona Vessel 12"