Vanity

This piece was emailed to me this morning by our friends over at Devon & Devon. Personally I adore it, but I'm kind of a sucker for all things laquered! What do you think?

Burst!

I am so excited to be able to share the "Burst" chandelier, designed and fabricated by The Lindsey AdelmanStudio.  This piece is beautiful down to the last detail. Gold leafing, hand blown glass spikes and brass stamens, this fixture will not be ignored.

The Burst sets the bar extremely high, because it's both a functional chandelier and a bold sculptural fixture. Pieces like this keep you on your toes as a designer. Thanks Lindsey! 

Diary of a Designer

Yesterday, I attended the Architectural Digest Homeshow and it was freaking fantastic! If you're near or in the NYC area, I would strongly recommend going. The show is open to the public this weekend, but for those that can't make it, watch the video below for a whirlwind sneak peak.

 One of the first areas I visited was the outdoor furniture section; I was more than pleasantly surprised to see the new FendiCasa outdoor line. This new series is the epitome of luxury. The large scale sleek sofas, chaises and the intricately weaved rattan pieces are to die for.

I then ventured into the accessories/flatware/bedding section and rediscovered an old favorite. DVF has created a line of place setting, flatware, glasses and cutlery that I'm kind of obsessed with. The patterns are taken directly from her iconic designs, the shapes are asymmetrical and dynamic, and the colors are so vivid and youthful. This collection has something for everyone. You can mix and match the infinite array of patterns together to create a retro pop art statement; or you can keep in traditional and match them up with simple solids pieces that you may already have.

As if that wasn't enough the geniuses at Diane von Furstenberg have also created a line of affordable duvet covers, that will add dimension and style to a set of white sheets in a way that only DVF can. Both the duvets and place settings are now available at Bloomingdales and at DVF online.

My next stop was in the MADE section of the show. This section was where all of the one of kind, up and coming designer products were located. Can you say Amazing! I had quite a few favorites but I would have to say my top 3 are:

3. Jeff Soderbergh;Custom furniture/sculpture/design-

"X" Base Dining table

His dining table was featured in House Beautiful magazine's 2010 "Kitchen of the year" This table truly does bring "soul" to the contemporary space. The Chrome "X" base supports the 4" thick table top constructed from southern yellow pine rafters reclaimed from the Vanderbilt family stables circa early 1800. This table has a bit of everything, history and eco- conscience style. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he creates next.

2. Studio Roeper- Facets dining table.
The snowy polished elm table top and polished bronzed legs are delicate and beautiful. This table was very conventional with slight twists that take it to another level of sophistication. The butterfly stitch-style joinery on the table top seemed mend a split in the wood that had been cause by a natural knot, the smooth sloped edges of the table were a pleasant surprise and the multifaceted bronze legs, gave this table a subtle but very intriguing mystique.

1. Lindsey Adelman Studio- Bubble light series, the Burst to be specific.

I saw this magnificent chandelier from a across the room and I had to stop myself from running over to it and making a complete fool of myself! Simply put this fixture just cool. The sexy, semi dangerous looking piece kicks ass and makes no apologies. The hand-blown glass globes coated in gold leaf, the brass stamen and glass spikes protruding from the structure is breathtaking. In my opinion this piece is what this show was all about.

This is just a treaser, the professional photos will be posted Monday! Stay tuned kids, it's so worth it.

The third section of the show was "Dining by Design". DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) was able to showcase two causes that I am equally passionate about; amazing design and AID's research and prevention. "Fundraising efforts bolstered by strategic partnerships and unique events showcasing innovation and creativity, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities and granted over $38 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide"(DIFFA.org).

"Dining by Design" is an event in which DIFFA selects a handful of heavy hitting designers, students and other design professionals to create vignette displaying their own interpretations of a unique dining experience. I was very lucky to preview each dinning vignette before the event is open to the public, and let me just say that even if you can’t make it to tradeshow portion of the venue "Dinning by Design" is an event that should not be missed, it will not disappoint. There are so many unexpected elements within each vignette. My hat is off to all of the participants.

EcoChic:The baby addition



This rocker is made from completely sustainable
wood and recycled seatbelts



It has recently come to my attention that, yes I am indeed of age to have a legitimate family of my own. As scary as that is, seeing my close friends becoming parents has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience. However having these cute little additions to your family can wreck havoc on your interior. So you ask.....how do you mix Eames tables with bassinets? Does my entire house need to look like Chucky cheese? My answer: Absolutely not.

A few years ago I designed a chic and ecofriendly nursery, for a young could that didn't want to sacrifice their own personal design styles. Being ecofriendly was equally important to the couple because; not only did they want to lessen their own personal carbon footprints but protect their new born from as many outside toxin's as possible.
Companies like DucDuc, Design Republic and Green & More, made this a fairly easy and fun process.
It took a bit of work to pull it all together, but I was able to find quite a few pieces for both Mommy and baby that they feel in love with, and I hope you do as well.

Each crib is 100% hardwood, made with non-toxic, water based lacquers 



100% wool area rugs, which makes them hypoallergenic and recyclable



The adorable Vitra elephant is made from dyed poly propylene and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the interior of these zid zid poof stools are 100% recycled cotton, the cute ilgooplay rocker is sourced North American hardwood veneers w/ hardwood maple or walnut faces



Eco--chic wouldn't be complete with out a vintage toy! Properly cleaning and reusing an antique is the perfect way to add charm to a nursery.

If you have any questions about these items (pricing or lead times) feel free to contact me! Happy shopping.

Two heads are better than One

This amazing table was emailed to me the other day, and I had to share.... I've never seen anything like it.
It's very inspiring to me hopefully you will feel the same!

This vintage 70's polished brass Ram's head dinning table is not only beautiful but the heads can be configured in several different directions; which I feel makes it even more dynamic. Talk about a statement piece; I'm in love. 

Fire Starter

One of the easiest and most literal ways to add warmth to a space is to introduce a little fire. Fireplaces are an amazing and interesting feature that can be used in most spaces. Here are a few beautiful fireplaces I'm looking forward to using!

  

 

 

If your current space wont accommodate such a large new element. Try these sensational  Luminesse Sculpture by DayNa Decker. After experiencing one of these statuesque, sleek pieces you will never use a scented candle again!

Wall 2 Wall

I'm always looking for new ways to update and reinvent spaces, and recently I've rediscovered wallpaper. For a long time wall paper was considered passé, old fashion or just a pain to deal with; however it has come a long way within the past few years. There are so many updated modern and fresh new patterns and textures out there.

Companies like Wolf Gordon and Graham &Brown are at the forefront of this paper revolution.  

Because of these companies and those like them wall paper has become wall art.

Wolf Gordon specializes in chic retro patterns with bold splashes of color that are perfect for statement walls, powder rooms and lobby areas.

Graham & Brown has mastered the art of the paintable wall covering. Their "Superfresco Paintable" line is wonderful. Paintable wall paper gives you the freedom of color selection. Their amazing patterns can be custom fit to any palette.

Fantastic Plastics

The  thought of designing custom furniture has always been a fascination of mine. Recently I've been obsessed with the idea of manipulating plastic and resin moulds. Here are two pieces that I've found really inspiring. The clean lines and the smart usage and placement of color is perfection.

The DF-2000  is a Wood and laminate cabinet
with black and brown molded plastic
doors on a white enameled metal frame.



The Mi chair is fabricated from 100% recyclable, thermoplastic polymer.

                      

Haute Moderne

One of the best ways to add depth and character to your space is to add a few modern classic pieces. ModeModerne is the perfect place to find those pieces. Behind the orange doors of this chic Old City furniture boutique lay the amazing works of Saarinen, Knoll, Herman Miller and  Curtis Jere', just to name a few.

The owners of the boutique, Michael Glatfelter and Michael Wilson have created an alluring environment that is reminiscent of sleek smoking lounges and martini's bars from the 50-60's. The pieces that this fabulous pair of Michael's have collected over the years each tell a story. Together they have formed an enticing environment made up of artwork, furniture and accessories. The store owners gather only the best pieces that were created by artist and craftsmen; who's designs have transcended time.

At ModeMorderne they  appreciate the ability to transform a room using  one of a kind treasures. Each piece is hand picked and refinished by the store owners.  They have an uncanny ability to restore these pieces that they find in estate sales, down sized homes and auctions.

When I walked in the other day they were having a 60"Saarinen Tulip Table top refinished. The beautiful carrera marble top  was being restored to it's former glory and will make an amazing addition to any space. Whether it's a dinning table in a city loft or a multi purpose desk/dining/meeting table within a chic studio, it will add a charm that nothing else possibly could.

Along with the furniture they also have amazing accessories and art work spread all though out the store. If you are ever in Old City Philadelphia I insist that you add ModeModerne to your itinerary. If you weren't planning a trip into Philly anytime soon, ModeModerne  items are also available on 1st Dibs.

Color Code

If you're contemplating  designing a space using 2 contrasting colors; be sure that they are within the same hue. (Warm with warm, cool with cool). However they should vary in shade and saturation. You don't want the area to look like your favorite fast food pit stop!
Please remember there are many different variation of one color, don't be afraid to mix and match shades. Lastly don't forget to add a beautiful rich neutral to ground the entire space.





Page Turner

I first spotted this amazing series of  Fashion and lifestyle books during the holidays. I was going to buy a set online for a friend, but due to my inability to purchase Christmas gifts until to week before the actual day (Yes, I have a tendency to procrastinate.....) they never would have made it in time for the big day.
I saw them again for the second time the other day and I had to share.
ASSOULINE has created the ultimate lifestyle "survival kits". Each series is grouped into the four major style food groups: Fashion, Lifestyle, Art and Design (what more do you need!)

This set of four books are perfect accessories that will dress up any coffee table and are guaranteed to make for great conversation. Each book is filled with fabulous bits of info, recipes, fun facts and so much more.
If you don't have the need for an entire set ASSOULINE also has a number of other specialty books that are sure to impress.

Pillow Talk

One of the most fun, but at times challanging people to design for are young Bachelors. They want a home that is warm and inviting but not frilly or too soft. Usually when I interview a bachelor their main requests are:
1. HUGE TV
2. A comfortable place to sit
3. No frilly,  girlie pillows
(Oh and did I mention a Huge TV?)

The TV and seating areas are no brainers, but for  the past few years I have been on the look out for fun decorative pillows with a masculine tone.  I have used everything from wool to burlap trying to accomplish this task.  Very luckily a designer based out of  San Fransisco has cut out the leg-work and created these silk screened cotton blend pillows with a ton of personality.                                                                                                                                                                   

These pillow range in size and they also come in a array of wonderful colors. They are made to order, which is great because it gives you a ton of flexibility when designing. They can stand on their own as a singular piece on a bed or chair or in groupings on a sofa. However you chose to use them, they are sure to look amazing.

To see more of these designs visit: The Utilitarian Franchise on Esty

http://www.etsy.com/shop/utilitarianfranchise

Stick a Fork in it

This isn't your mother flatware! I recently came across this amazing company Gourmet Settings that offers flatware and cutlery that will wow even the most discerning dinner guest. (Even Oprah approves.... Just sayin...).
Gourmet Settings specializes in everything from award winning unique flatware (sold individually and in sets),to serving dishes and everything in between. Their pieces make wonderful gifts for house warming, weddings or as a great addition to your own collection.

This handmade, heat forged stainless steel "twist and shout" series is particularly interesting. This edgy yet elegant set is like nothing I have ever seen before. 


http://www.gourmetsettings.com/



Everyone needs a fork, why not make it a fabulous one?!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!
Form The Apt.30 Design Family to yours. We wish you health, prosperity and beautiful surroundings in the New Year.

What's your Flavor

Hi Kids, I apologize for the brief hiatus; but I'm back now! ;)

I tonight I'm going to take a trip back to kindergarten and ask the basics question: What's you favorite color?
This maybe a simple question, but I really am curious to know so I hope you have some fun with it.

Personally I have always loved navy. A lot of people see it as an accent, but I like using it as the primary color within a palette and build from there. Navy walls in powder room are always sophisticated and modern when paired with polished stainless fixtures.

So, now I'll true it over to you..... what's your flavor??