Interior Design Sense

There’s a grittiness yet a softness to stylist Stella Nicolaisen’s work. The shots come across as so real and everyday but each room is so special and beautiful. Stella’s work was featured here almost a year ago but she has changed  rep agency and that means more lovely photos for us to “ooh” and “aah” over. I love the soft washed out feel of these images. Drowsy, blowsy, cozy and comforting.

Black and white, yin and yang, stark simplicity and stylish furnishings, Florida interior designer meets Madrid home. Nacho Polo takes a limited colour palette and creates high drama. White floors don’t have to mean Boho or Scandinavian. Here they are the base of a cool sophisticated space. (Last three images are magazine tear sheets from Nacho Polo’s press section. Just a glimpse of a glamorous kitchen and I just had to include the b&w striped powder room. Room lust!)

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I startled my husband when I let out a very unladylike “holy sh*t” when Matthew Millman’s website finished loading. Matthew specialises in architectural and interior photography in the west of the USA. His work reminds me of the vast vistas, the open spaces that come to mind with the words “the west”. These could almost be fine art photos rather than magazine shots but who says that fine art can’t appear in mass media? Shot after stunning shot awaits you in his portfolio.The buildings may be spectacular by Matthew Millman and his camera take them to another level.

P.S. As your thoughts/prayers go out to the people of Haiti perhaps Matthew’s Haiti portfolio will stand as a poignant reminder of a beautiful people.

A good photo isn’t just a frame of film. It’s a frame of mind. A photographer is a weaver of dreams, a story teller, the fairy godmother with a bag full of wishes. I’m wishing, I’m wanting, I’m hooked by these shots by photographer Anitta Behrendt.

2010 Color Trends:  Coral

Coral Pink and White Dining RoomCoral has been coming back in a big way over the last two years – first it was the actual motif – the jagged sea formation.  Now it’s the color – a soft orange tone that is finding a home in many places.  Coral has a very positive energy and is pleasing to the eye for many.  Once thought of as a coastal color, coral has found its place in today’s interiors all over.

Coral is easy to pair with other colors and is very versatile.   Brown gives it a modern feel, with a warm undertone. Purple and coral create a lively, spunky feel.  Shades of turquoise with it provides an inviting mix of warm and cool tones.  White or ivory is always an option with coral for a crisp, clean look.  Yellow or green tones give an exotic edge. 

Coral is not a new color for interiors, but rather a rejuvenated one.  It is best used in a well lit area, and can handle a large surface, such as a sofa or rug.  Coral is also a flattering color for most skin tones, and is great for a ceiling, casting a warm glow on the occupants.  Try it on one wall, or one item – you’ll be back for more. 
 

A New Meaning to Being “Three Sheets”…

You’ve got to love a company with a great name, and Three Sheets 2 the Wind is one of them.  Tagging themselves as “homemade textiles for the modern home”, their patterns are a lovely indulgence for modern motifs.  Founded in 2004 and located in Kentucky, Three Sheets takes influence from the skeletal structure of plant life and created handmade, artisan skilled textiles.  Their look takes on a Japanese aesthetic, with a simple yet elegant appeal.

Wall art, bed linens, as well as fabric by the yard are just some of the fabulous offerings of Three Sheets.  Printed on Irish Linen, the fabric has a softer weave, is hypoallergenic and antibacterial.  It is also one of the most eco-friendly fabrics as it takes five times less pesticides and fertilizers as cotton.  Most items are washable.

Three Sheets designs take on an organic feel that is uniquely beautiful and serene.  The simple lines of their florals have a humble yet friendly quality, and are perfect for modern interiors.  The color palate offers the now colors of orange, greens, and blues .  While the line is not extensive, we love it for its “speaking softly while carrying a big stick” impact.   

Dressing Your Furniture

Gervasoni Sweet Collection

Martin ChurbaSome parts of the country are already starting to get cold, and we’re pulling out the turtlenecks and coats.  Since we’re dressing warmer, it may sound logical to dress your furniture a little warmer, too.  Paola Navone has done just that with its knitted “pouf” in the Gervasoni Sweet Collection.  Designed by Martin Churba, an Argentinean fashion designer, this lovely little piece looks like it wants to settle in for a cold winter’s night. 

All the pieces in the Sweet Collection can stand alone, but are designed to work together.   From the eclectic wicker chair to the slip covered upholstery, all the pieces are inspired by the different exotic “worlds” that Paola Navone has visited.  Collaborating with designers from various countries, the collection takes note of traditional methods and adding a modern element of design to them.  Traditional materials such as wood, stone, pressed bamboo, rubber, and rattan are brought together to create an exciting mix of color and texture in contrast to their typical applications. 

The Gervasoni Sweet Collection gives nod to fashion with its play of proportions, draping, accessorizing and eclectic imagination.  It challenges the “wearer” to add their own personal touch, such as combining pieces with those they may already own in their “closet”.  Layering pillows, artwork, or lighting like you would jewelry on an outfit is encouraged.  This collection of furniture is truly a unique and enjoyable experience. 

A New Way to Live

Javier Mariscal’s Me Too Collection for Kids

When you were a kid, did you ever wish that a drawing could instantly become a real life piece?  Such is the case for Javier Mariscal, a Spanish artist and designer whose work has been an exhibit at the Design Museum in London.  Marsical’s Me Too Collection for kids, part of the Magis inspiring line of home furnishings.  A lifetime of furniture design, sculpture, illustration, and painting has made a distinct mark on his successful career. 

The Villa Julia cardboard house is one of those childhood fantasies come to life.  With its cartoony black and white outlines, this small playhouse is the envy of all kids on the block, making those old washing machine boxes look like condemned housing.  The playhouse is available on request from Magis. 

While I wait for a moment to get the new design blog up and running, I thought I would start a feature I've been planning to do for it a little early.  It's called "Ask a Green Designer", and I need you help to get it going!  

 Working on a kids room, but don't know what type of flooring works best?  Trying to decide how to minimize your impact, but have to choose between locally made conventional furniture, or eco-friendly stuff from overseas?  Which is better – soy cushions or natural latex?  If you've ever wondered the answers to these questions, or anything else about green design, you've come to the right place.  Every Monday I'll be posting a question submitted by a reader, and giving it my oh so humble opinion as an answer.  Even if I don't answer it in depth online, I'll try to get back to you with some sort of answer via email.

To submit a question, click on the "contact" link above, and send us an email titled "Green Q&A"

Thanks!

I just wanted to let everyone know I will again be teaching "Green Interior" at California State University Fullerton starting May 6th. This class is part of their extended education program and is open to anyone.  it also counts for .9 CEUs through IIDA, and I believe ASID as well.  For more information, contact CSUF Extended Education.

I will also be a guest lecturer for the upcoming Green and Sustainabe Building Certificate program at California State University Long Beach on April 29th.  The program is also on Wednesday nights, beginning next week on April 15th, and continues through June 3rd.  For more information on this course, contact CSULB.