Tuesday, August 31, 2010

PURPLE RAIN

We are very excited about our latest interior design project - the remodel of a townhouse in the beautiful hills of Pacific Palisades, CA. 
We are transforming the house into a sophisticated, modern space reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour and luxury. Pairing deep plum-violets with crisp whites, platinums and neutrals with splashes of mustard-yellow, the house will be layered with rich color and texture. Black-and-white photography, one-of-a-kind accessories, metallic accents and a custom wine closet will complete this opulent look.


Here is a sneak peek of some of our inspirations:





Combine chocolate browns and plums with shimmering fabrics or reflective metallics for a rich look.








Amethyst cluster gemstone table lamp.




Brabham Vice Box, Ralph Lauren

David Collins

David Collins

Buffalo Horns, Z Gallerie


David Collins


Necklace by Nina Ricci.

Jessica Stam's residence, design: Rafael de Cardenas.

Jessica Stam's residence, design: Rafael de Cardenas.

Jessica Stam's residence, design: Rafael de Cardenas.

Christian Louboutin.

Sally Hershberger's residence, NYC.

Sophia Loren

Chanel tray table.







Thursday, August 26, 2010

PRICKLY PEARS!

A great way to get unwanted house guests to leave quickly - seat them in a prickly cactus chair!
A very quirky mix of Mexican and European style: Prickly pear chairs designed by Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers:
"The chairs juxtapose Mexican and European aesthetic values, incorporating the formal design elements and quirks of both to create a cultural blend. They are frivolous and humorous yet simultaneously encourage reflection and acceptance. Shapes, materials, colours, textures and finishes collide in irreverent and playful harmony; the Prickly pair chairs are a statement against prejudice and preconceptions. The classical French oval chair originated in the Rococo period during the reign of Louis XV and has since been adopted throughout central Europe. Although now completely familiar, its form was radical at the time - considered over-decorated nonsense which dispensed with rectilinear styles in favour of more light-hearted asymmetric forms. Rococo's naturalistic and exuberant ornamentation mixed natural and artificial forms of all kinds, from plant motifs to representations of the grotesque. The Nopal cactus symbolizes Mexican heritage and national pride. According to legend, the Gods told the Aztecs to build Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) in the place they saw an eagle standing on a Nopal, devouring a snake. To this day, the image resides on the National Shield." Designersblock http://www.verydesignersblock.com/








The Cactus Chair by designer Deger Cengiz certainly does not look too comfortable either. The designer notes that it is an interpretation to investigate the effect of visual data to the user's experience. The cactus gives a temporary discomfort even though the user knows that the cactus is not a real threat as it is behind glass.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

LUXURY SAFARI CHIC

Tribal patterns and colors, earth tones, leather, hides and vast open spaces offer flavorful inspiration!





Tucker Robbins Bean Chair

Zambia

Cape Town-based interior designer Laurie Owen uses local materials such as fallen trees and alien vegetation species to make her Romantic Organic range.

A simple and fun way to incorporate "safari chic" into a decor is to add punches of animal prints, such as in upholstery or pillows.


Earth tones and dark, rich woods paired with white complete the African "safari" look.

Archizoom Associate Safari Sofa

Bring home the textures of Africa by draping your windows or door openings with heavy, crisp white linen fabrics and luxurious leather.

African Cup Stools, Chista

Wood trophy heads, GI Designs

Kelly Wearstler design

Kravet Color Weaves Collection. Decade: Sable



 Haldane Martin (Songololo Sofa above) has become one of South Africa's most successful contemporary furniture designers. 

Round Ikat Ottoman, Vivre


Incorporating zebra print creates a slightly adventurous feel and is very chic in a contemporary or traditional decor. Beautiful paired with black, white, metallics or bold colors.






Yvonne O'Brien Interior Design


Miles Redd

Miles Redd

Diallo Design