MM Design Associates

TANDUS & TREATS

2011-12-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

Our fabulous Tandus carpet rep Robert not only provides us with great carpets but also hand delivers freshly baked delicious holiday cupcakes!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2012

2011-12-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT MM DESIGN ASSOCIATES!

Our office will be closed from Dec. 24th through Jan. 2nd.

Have a wonderful 2012!

BABY BLISS

2011-11-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

In honor of our dear design associate Virginia who is due to deliver a baby boy this week, we have gathered our favorite nursery designs and inspirations. We love a modern, fresh take on a classic nursery, with contemporary finishes and soft materials for that bundle of joy!

Castor & Chouca crib

Rustic, natural materials and soft, muted colors create a soothing space for the baby.

Wood rolling storage crates with bright orange casters add a great vintage feel. Serena & Lily

The bamboo crib from Kalon Studio features a unique modern design. Sferra bed linens.

Melissa & Doug plush giraffe

Serena & Lily leather bookends

A ceiling-mounted floral bouquet to catch the baby's gaze.

Offi Nest Bassinet in walnut

Spot on Square Roh crib: walnut and clear acrylic

A Scandinavian nursery (From Scandinavia with Love)

Lucas Studio design

Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play by Susanna Falk

Baby Cot Pod in an array of fun color options.

Best wishes to Virginia and her baby boy!

SHAGREEN

2011-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Shagreen is the skin of a stingray and can add beautiful texture to accessories and furniture.
The skin of the stingray is covered in tiny enamel "beads". Towards the center of the back, the beads get larger and form a sort of "eye". It is this extraordinary part of the hide that is used for decorative purposes.

Shagreen is very durable which makes it great for furniture. In the 17th and 18th centuries the skins were mainly dyed green, polished with black lacquer and used as a veneer. This is when it came to be known as "shagreen". First popularised in Europe by Jean-Claude Galluchat, a master leatherworker in the court of Louis XV of France, it quickly became a fashion amongst the French aristocracy, and migrated throughout Europe by the mid-18th century.

Whether you incorporate genuine or faux shagreen into your decor, it will add a sense of luxury and exoticism and is both striking in look and touch.

Shagreen Console, 1st Dibs

Shagreen side table

Biomorphic shagreen side tables, 1st Dibs

Shagreen cuff, Karen Bizer

Shagreen bag, Celestina

Shagreen clutch, Celestina

Shagreen dresser, 1st Dibs

Shagreen

Gray shagreen desk with bronze base, Galart

Detail: Gray shagreen desk with bronze base, Galart

Harlow nesting table, Clayton Gray

Detail: Harlow nesting table, Clayton Gray

Shagreen chair, Jean Michel Frank

Shagreen Regency chair, Karl Springer

Shagreen accent wall

Decorative shagreen boxes

Occasional table, Lyle and Umbach

Shagreen side table, Galart

Faux shagreen table, Om Home

Pair of French Art Deco shagreen torch sconces

Natural white shagreen chair, Aisthesis

Chair and ottoman covered in Creations Metaphores faux shagreen

Detail: Chair and ottoman covered in Creations Metaphores faux shagreen

Shagreen clutch, Oly Studio

Shagreen table lamp,Clayton Gray

Faux shagreen tissue box, Oka

Shagreen chest, Stanley

SEMI-PRECIOUS STONE DESIGN

2011-02-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

To follow up on our last blog posting (see below) featuring gemstone design, we are still gushing over unique and beautiful creations for the home using semi-precious stones. Eduardo Garza's pieces are truly magnificent - below are a few of his napkin rings and cabinet pulls, all handcrafted from gemstones and 24 K gilt metal.

Amethyst Napkin Ring, Eduardo Garza. Also available in nickel.

Turquenite Napkin Ring, Eduardo Garza. Also available in nickel.

Malachite Napkin Ring, Eduardo Garza. Also available in nickel.

Malachite Pull, Eduardo Garza. Also available in nickel.

Amethyst Point Pull, Eduardo Garza. Also available in white gold gilt or dipped in 24K or nickel.

Smokey Quartz Pull, Eduardo Garza. Also available in white gold gilt or dipped in 24K or nickel.

Place Card Holder, Eduardo Garza. Also available in white gold gilt.

Our latest obsession is using semi-precious stones in interior design. Whether it be manufacturing a back-lit gemstone counter top, designing custom doors or windows with geodes or accenting a room with stone accessories, gemstones will make a room sparkle!

Caesarstone Concetto

Backlit onyx accent wall

Backlit onyx entry door

Agate napkin rings. RabLabs.

Willy Daro Etched Bronze Coffee Table with Petrified Wood Detail. Craig van den Brulle.

detail

Agate Bookends. Roost.

Caesarstone Concetto

Agate Plate. RabLabs.

Willy Daro Bronze and Malachite Lamp. Craig van den Brulle.

Bedroom with geode table lamps.

Caesarstone Concetto

Willy Daro Bronze and Amethyst Lamp. Craig van den Brulle.

Sconce. Philip Nimmo Ironworks.

Exterior Light Fixture. Philip Nimmo Ironworks

Fireplace screen with geodes (Pietra Santa Fire Screen). Philip Nimmo Ironworks.

Pen box with agate. RabLabs.

GEMSTONE DESIGN

2011-01-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Our latest obsession is using semi-precious stones in interior design. Whether it be manufacturing a back-lit gemstone countertop, designing custom doors or windows with geodes or accenting a room with stone accessories, gemstones will make a room sparkle!

Caesarstone Concetto

Backlit onyx accent wall

Backlit onyx entry door

GPI Design

Agate napkin rings. RabLabs.

Willy Daro Etched Bronze Coffee Table with Petrified Wood Detail. Craig van den Brulle.

detail

Agate Bookends. Roost.

Caesarstone Concetto

Agate Plate. RabLabs.

Willy Daro Bronze and Malachite Lamp. Craig van den Brulle.

Bedroom with geode table lamps.

Caesarstone Concetto

Willy Daro Bronze and Amethyst Lamp. Craig van den Brulle.

Sconce. Philip Nimmo Ironworks.

Exterior Light Fixture. Philip Nimmo Ironworks

Fireplace screen with geodes (Pietra Santa Fire Screen). Philip Nimmo Ironworks.

Pen box with agate. RabLabs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our friends a very Merry Christmas!

via Moggit

PANTONE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR 2011

2010-12-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2011: Honeysuckle, calling it "a brave new color, for a brave new world."

"Energizing Honeysuckle lifts spirits and imparts confidence to meet life’s ongoing challenges.

A Color for All Seasons. Courageous. Confident. Vital." "Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day — with nothing everyday about it" according to Pantone.

“The reddish pink shade lights a fire to your senses and revs you up,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Tricia Guild

Roche Bobois

Urban Outfitters

Suzani, Donghia

Madeline Weinrib

Madeline Weinrib Pink and Silver Silk Westley Rug

Quadra Table Lamp, Weego Home

Fabricadabra Ikat pillow

HIGH BACK CHIC

2010-12-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Modern wing-back, dome-back or simply clean-lined high back chairs offer comfort and warmth as well as adding an interesting sculptural expression to a room. These types of chairs, with boldly exaggerated height, have a lot of character and personality. Demanding attention, they can be placed in large entry halls, living rooms, offices or bedrooms to anchor a room.

Contemporary dome-back chairs are a modern interpretation of the French Regency period dramatic dome and deep wing-back chairs which were intended to fend off drafts in the grand chateaux of 18th-century France. The porters in these grand chateaux (and previously in medieval England) would be stationed by the entrance to admit visitors would sit in these types of chairs (usually in high-grade leather or red velvet), therefore the name "porter's chair". Since there were often cold breezes near a front door, the chair was designed to envelop and keep the porter relatively warm in his task of remaining at the door for long periods.

With the holiday season here and chillier evenings ahead, what a great way to cozy up!

Kelly Wearstler design, Doheny Estate

Chamberlain, a modern take on the Porter's chair, by Brian Patrick Flynn

McCartney Chair by American Leather

Design Modern Iconic Egg Chair

Bonnet Chair

High backrest armchair from Driade by Phillipe Starck

Lounge of the cafe at Bergdorf Goodman

Kelly Wearstler design

Porter Chair, Ecco Trading

Slice Chair, Ecco Trading

Slide Day Bed, Ecco Trading

Slice 2 Seater, Ecco Trading

The Tides, South Beach

Wingback Chair by Tom Dixon by George Smith

Thom Felicia design

DESIGN MIAMI 2010

2010-12-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

Design Miami, which runs through December 5th, kick started Art Basel Miami Beach week last night with a display of modern and contemporary furniture, lighting, jewelry, and design objects from dealers from around the world. The fair, which is known as “the global forum for design” showcases exceptional design objects from the advent of Modernism to the present day, as well as fine antiques.

Below is a selection of interesting and unusual furniture by a few galleries that are exhibiting at the show.

Erosion Low Table by Joseph Walsh at Todd Merrill

Broken Cubes II By Maria Pergay at Demisch Danant

Concrete Chandelier By Drift Design at Carpenters Workshop Gallery

Shelf By Sebastian Errazuriz at Cristina Grajales

Tephra Formations By Robert Stadler at Carpenters Workshop Gallery

Steam 11 By Se Hwa Bae at Gallery Seomi

Long Chair KARBON by Konstantin Grcic for Galerie Kreo

Jack Rodgers Hopkins, Custom Lounge Chair, Mahogany Wood

Images from the show (Miami New Times):

Perimeter Art & Design

Is Furniture Art?

Click on the link below to view Plum TV's Mark Ellwood at Design Miami 2010 posing the question:

Is furniture really art?

http://www.plumtv.com/videos/design-miami-2010-art-vs-design

LIVE-EDGE WOOD

2010-11-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

We are currently designing a custom 15 ft. long live-edge Acacia wood slab and bronze base dining table for one of our clients and came across this inspirational image. The newly renovated kitchen of Dwell founder Lara Hedberg Deam and her husband, SF architect Christopher Deam features a 14-ft. long live-edge Walnut slab slab below a trio of hammered brass Beat Lights from Tom Dixon.
What a novel way to combine dining area with countertop; and very interesting juxtaposition of marble and wood set against black-stained wood cabinets and walls!

LUXURY HOME

2010-11-30T21:14:00.000-08:00

Please see the feature on our clients, "culinary specialists" Larry and Lynn Neuberg, and our design for their kitchen, in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Luxury Home!

Luxury Home Nov/Dec 2010

Feature on the Neubergs and their kitchen designed by MM Design Associates (p. 157)

COOL ACRYLIC

2010-11-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Incorporating acrylic furniture and accessories into a room is great way of creating the illusion of more space .
Acrylic furniture looks weightless and creates a clean, modern feel. Beautiful when contrasted with rich and varied textures such as fabric, leathers or wood, acrylic accents are a wonderful way to keep a room feeling light and playful.

Plexi Tate Bench, Hudson Furniture Inc.

Karen Adams Table, Amy Howard.

Lazy Chair, Spectrum West Collection.

Chris Cross bar stools, Designlush.

Acrylic seats on counter stools with chrome-finish legs, Christina Murphy Interiors.

The Milo, a leather and glass bathtub by Alessandro Lenarda, Gruppo Treesse, Italy.

Kelly Hoppen.

Lucite trunk, Mecox.

Mounted selenite on acrylic, Brena Houston.

Tuileries walnut and acrylic coffee table, Spectrum West Collection.

Teak Root Coffee Table, plexiglass top, Hudson Furniture Inc.

Dining table, solid slab with plexi base, Hudson Furniture Inc.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2010-10-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

"Burniture": Hongtao Zhou is a Wisconsin-based sculptor who created a set of burning chairs out of wax. Over time the chair will burn, melt, and collapse.

Black Spider Candle, L'Object

Jeweled Weevil Cuff, NAGA Jewelry

Piet Boon

Hot Kroon Molten Wall Light, Piet Boon

Black Dinner Plate, Aletha Soule

Large Orange Glass Pumpkin, Cohn-Stone Studios

Quartz Golden Spider Pendant, Uzca

Mother of pearl tray, Douglas Little, DL & Co.

Skull Chocolates, Douglas Little

REMODEL MAGAZINE

2010-10-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to be featured in Remodel Magazine's January 2011 issue.

The article "Transformed by Tile", by Kathie Kull, features our transformation of a dated master bathroom into a sea-inspired sophisticated retreat!

SPECTACULAR LIGHTING

2010-10-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

We are currently in the process of designing a dining room lighting installation for a client that loves entertaining friends and family in their beautiful Los Angeles home. Mounted above a one-of-a-kind custom dining table, this large cluster of lights suspended at irregular heights will dazzle the diner and create a wonderful play of light in the room, setting the stage for spectacular dinner and holiday parties.

The Mira, having a reputation as Hong Kong's "hottest" hotel, is beautifully designed, featuring modern and sometimes whimsical designs that are stylish and impressive. Their breathtaking lighting installations, seen below, set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Here is a sneak-peek of our design concept for our client's dining room: a sculptural expression through glass and light.

Bocci

JEWELRY FOR YOUR HOME

2010-10-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

Originally a jewelry designer for Yves Saint Laurent and Lacroix as well as a perfume bottle designer for Christian Dior, Parisian Hervé van der Straeten is now also renowned for his modern furniture and lighting designs.

Whatever his creations - consoles, mirrors, cabinets, lighting, perfume bottles or jewelry – "Van der Straeten constantly explores a graphic purity and makes radical choices in terms of movement, elegance and unconventional, unexpected expression".

His instantly recognizable designs are known for their often contrasting materials, bold form and elegant lines. "He's a renaissance man of design, lending his talents to interiors and furniture, handcrafted in his workshop just outside Paris" writes Booth Moore for the Los Angeles Times.

We are inspired by his contemporary, often provocative style. His finely crafted designs are sculptural, artistic expressions that will surely stand the test of time.

Console available through Ralph Pucci.

Hervé Van der Straeten

Hervé Van der Straeten console - hairstylist Frederic Fekkai's home. Elle Decor.

Hervé Van der Straeten chandelier - hairstylist Frederic Fekkai's home. Elle Decor.

Contemporary bronze lantern
by Herve van der Straeten. Paris, 2004.

Contemporary patinated bronze sconces
by Herve van der Straeten. Paris, 2004.

For more on Hervé van der Straeten, read The New York Times article "On the Seine, Haut Baroque": http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/12/garden/12herve.html

FRESH FROM THE FARM

2010-09-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Whether it be a leather stuffed animal, a horse-shaped lamp or a bed shaped like a bird, animal-style accessories can liven up a room and inject some comedy into a space!

Francois--Xavier Lalanne bed

Canopy bed sculpture by François Lalanne in an early Paris apartment living room of Jacques Grange. From the book French Style by Suzanne Slesin & Stafford Cliff.

Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne worked and exhibited together for decades and hold a particular place in the world of contemporary art. As well known for their monumental sculptures as their day-to-day objects, they took their inspiration from nature and animals, always trying to ensure that their work was beautiful as well as practical.

If you lift up the sides of the giant brass rhinoceros by François-Xavier Lalanne, it turns into a secretaire with a writing table and storage boxes.

Horse lamp by Front for Moooi

Pig Table by Front for Moooi

Jonathan Adler stuffed leather rhinoceros.

Rabbit Lamp by Front for Moooi

WINE CELLARS

2010-09-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

We are currently designing a climate controlled wine closet for one of our clients who is an avid wine collector. Displaying a wonderful collection of wines in a wine closet, wine cellar or tasting room is an excellent way to add character and luxury to your home. We love wine cellars with a contemporary touch, incorporating modern elements into an old tradition.

This suspension system created by Sand Studios is a beautiful, contemporary way of displaying a treasured collection of bottles.

For those with limited space, creating wine storage below ground in a custom spiral staircase can be a convenient and interesting solution.

A highly unusual wine glass. Petit Coeur, design: Etienne Meneau

Wine Decanters. Design: Etienne Meneau

PURPLE RAIN

2010-08-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

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

Buffalo Horns, Z Gallerie

David Collins

Necklace by Nina Ricci.

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

Christian Louboutin.

Sally Hershberger's residence, NYC.

Sophia Loren

Chanel tray table.

PRICKLY PEARS!

2010-08-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

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.

LUXURY SAFARI CHIC

2010-08-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

Diallo Design

FEATHER YOUR NEST

2010-07-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Feathers can add an interesting textural element to your decor. A feather chandelier can be the statement conversation piece in your dining room, or for the less daring, a bouquet of peacock feathers in a metallic vase can add glamour to your tabletop. Peacock feathers are beautiful when paired with rich emeralds, deep teals and velvety blacks. Crisp white feathers are ethereal and can give a room a light, floaty feel.

A collection of feathers in glass bubbles becomes an interesting art installation.

Dror: Peacock chair for Capellini

Acid green ostrich feather pillow.

Fiela Feather Arc Light by Haldane Martin.

Fiela Feather Chandelier by Haldane Martin.

Visual confusion: this table seems very contradictory. Henny Penny breakfast tray by Deger Cengiz.

Schumacher's new collection of feather wallcoverings: Nest Wallcoverings, are crafted entirely by hand from natural feathers. A feathered wall will create a highly luxurious and opulent backdrop for your furnishings. Above: Cascadia.

London-based artist Kate MccGwire creates unconventional art pieces from molted feathers of pigeons. Her work demands an immediate response, perhaps often a combination of repulsion and awe. "She is intrigued by the possibility of envisaging beauty as something more complex than merely what delights the senses: beauty can be about a problem; it can be something that repels you or makes you question the status quo."

http://www.katemccgwire.com/

Urge, 2009.

Sluice, 2009.

Heave, 2008.

Rebecca Horn, Large Feather Wheel, 1997.

Rebecca Horn, Cockatoo Mask, 1973. Tate Collection.

FALLING GARDEN

2010-07-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

This magical art installation, titled Falling Garden was created for the 50th Venice Biennial in 2003. Housed in the Church of San Stae on the Grand Canal, it was conceived and executed by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger.

Steiner and Lenzlinger create site-specific fantasias and interactive wonderlands which are an adaptation of nature. The interplay of the natural with the synthetic creates an interesting allegory. The fusion of discarded objects, plant materials and plastics take on a magical and playful character when combined in what could be described as an interactive web. Almost like a living organism, modern-day objects (such as nylon blossoms from the dollar store) come alive, resembling living, breathing organisms! Housed in a church, we think the juxtaposition of modern-day consumer waste and tradition, religion and ritual is beautiful; a marriage of old and new that is accessible.

Falling Garden consists of these components: Plastic berries (India), cow pads (Jura), waste paper (Venice), baobab seeds (Australia), beech, elder and magnolia branches (Uster), thorns (Almeria), nylon blossoms (one-dollar-shop), pigs’ teeth (Indonesia), seaweed (Seoul), orange peel (Migros shop), fertilizer crystals (home grown), pigeons’ bones (San Staë), silk buds (Stockholm), cattail (Ettiswil), cats’ tails (China), celery roots (Montreal), virility rind (Caribbean), wild bore quills (zoo), banana leaves (Murten) and rubber snakes (Cincinnati).

The following is a description of the work by the artists themselves (http://www.steinerlenzlinger.ch/index.html):

"The Doge (Mocenigo) needed a church so as to be able to have a monumental tomb built for himself, the church (San Staë) needed a saint so as to be able to be built, the saint (San Eustachio) needed a miracle so as to be pronounced a saint, the miracle needed a stag in order to be seen, and we built the garden for the reindeer. The visitors lie on the bed above the doge’s gravestone, and the garden thinks for them."

THE AROMA OF SUMMER

2010-07-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Summer is the season of color when everything comes to life. We think of balmy evenings on ocean-front terraces, sun kissed skin, fruity cocktails, getaways to exotic locations and of course the vibrant hues and fragrant perfume of flowers in full bloom.
Color is a very important factor in our environments, affecting our mood, general well-being and daily life. Color can energize, calm, agitate or stimulate our senses. There is great diversity in the use of colors and their associations between cultures and even within the same culture in different time periods. For example, in Western culture the color red signifies danger,excitement, love and passion, while in India it symbolizes purity and in South Africa it is the color of mourning.

Color evokes an emotional response and creates a mood and energy in a room. We have selected brilliant interiors and inspirations that are sure to enliven and energize: Summer has a sweet aroma of candy apple greens, lemon yellows, cotton candy pinks, lavender violets and tangerine oranges!

A home library with books sorted by color gives the room order in a surprising way.

Roche Bobois Mah Jong sectional.

Andy Warhol

Frida Kahlo's style and work: rich in vibrant color.

Frida Kahlo's Viva La Vida.

Tricia Guild

Marc Chagall

Manuel Canovas Collection.

Manuel Canovas Misia.

Scalamandre's Zanzibar Gold.

Stray Dog Designs Artichoke Lamps

Kelly Wearstler

Designer's Guild.

The Festival of Colors in India, a welcoming of Spring and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit, is celebrated by people throwing colored powder and colored water at each other.

Tricia Guild is known for her use of bold, intense color.

http://www.amazon.com/Tricia-Guild-Pattern-Sophisticated-Show-stopping/dp/0847828921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278856542&sr=1-1

INDEPENDENCE DAY

2010-07-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

4th of July - Happy Independence Day!

Wishing you a day of fun-filled celebration!

Ralph Lauren: American style icon.

Ralph Lauren's designs for the USA Olympic team, 2010.

Tommy Hilfiger's home in Greenwich, CT.

Centennial Celebration Flag with 10-pointed Stars, 1876. Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques.

GREEN

2010-06-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

We recently revamped our design studio and website as well as our logo, using a fabulous shade of green mixed with a charcoal gray.
We love the color green, which comes in an infinite number of shades - from lime and grassy green to deep moss tones. Designing either a room filled with green or just adding accents of green such as pillows or accessories, soft green is a soothing color that is the most restful color for the human eye, adding calm to any environment. A kelly green, however, can give a room a fresh punch!

Plants add color interest to an otherwise neutral palette.

Opuzen Amalik fabric.

Quadrille Aga Green pillow, Oomph

Trina Turk Shanghai pillow

Softer, muted greens or pea greens are beautiful paired with gold accents.

Firmdale Hotel, London, UK

An accent wall in green creates a peaceful backdrop. MM Design Associates.

An updated vintage/retro feel is created by pairing green with funky patterns and textures. Jonathan Adler design.

A powerful design statement: green is fabulous when juxtaposed with black and white. Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler design, Viceroy Hotel.

Kelly Wearstler Treillage wallpaper.

Ligne Roset

Georgia O'Keeffe

A ceiling painted in a soft green adds interest to a small space. MM Design Associates.

Painted green doors give character to an exterior. MM Design Associates.

ORANGE ZEST

2010-06-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

There are many shades of orange: mandarin, pumpkin, terracotta, tangerine and not to forget the famous Hermès orange. This fabulous, radiant color evokes a feeling of energy, fun and warmth. Orange stimulates the appetite and the emotions and is a great color for social gatherings as it increases energy and social activity.

Inspired by the Hermès orange we have selected inspiring images portraying the use orange in interior design. Adding a splash of orange is sure to enhance other colors in your decor, as well as add warmth and vibrance!

Hermès scarf

Carnelian stone slab

Orange is beautiful paired with shades of blue.

Bob Brown design.

Create a Moroccan-style pavilion using North African shades of burnt orange.

Kundalini Hara chair.

Hermès scarf.

Ghost stool, Philippe Starck design.

Janus et Cie.

Add a subtle splash of orange through the use of decorative objects like this lamp (Jonathan Adler's home).

Kelly Hoppen design.

Ligne Roset

Powell & Donnell Durham bench

Powell & Donnell Alto stool

Kendall Wilkinson design.

Left: Maya Romanoff wall covering. Right: Osborne & Little fabric.

Planum orange wall or ceiling light (Ylighting)

Hermès scarf

SWING INTO SUMMER

2010-06-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Just in time for summer we wanted to follow up on our previous outdoor furniture blog post with a selection of outdoor swings and hammocks. A beautiful swing can act as a sculptural piece in your garden as well as be your relaxation destination for reading, napping or soaking up the sun.

A modern take on the traditional hammock: The Wave outdoor swing by Royal Botania. Part hammock, part sun chair, part parasol and part functional art.

Swing outdoor bed by Stern-Mobel.

The Pumpkin Swing is made of recycled copper. Myburgh Designs.

The Romantic Ostara Swing is big enough to fit two! Mybergh Designs.

Copper Mypod Swing. Mybergh Designs.

Outdoor swing, Opulent Items.

Fiberglass resin Inhale Swing. Mybergh Designs.

Leather Swing, Egg Designs.

The stainless steel Bubble Swing is like a floating bubble in your garden, Myburgh Designs.

The Moon Swing is made of beaten copper, Myburgh Designs.

Cocoon Hammock, Henry Hall Design.

Floating Bed.

Jasmin Swing, made of curled wrought iron adds a whimsical touch to your outdoor space. Myburgh Designs.

Amazonas Globo swing seat.

The feminine Lily Swing by Myburgh Designs is both sculptural and functional.