The Gate Armoire from DwellStudio is a very stylish storage solution, with finishes and patterns which can transition from traditional to modern rooms.  The doors are designed around DwellStudio’s Gate geometric textile motif. It includes adjustable shelves made of veneer on engineered wood with solid hardwood base, available in french oak finish with ivory interior and vintage brass hardware or belgian grey finish with silver leaf interior and nickel hardware options.

Contact us or DwellStudio for more information.

There is much to love about the Royal Fortune Montepsan Bed from Fabulous & Baroque. Exclusive to Fabulous & Baroque, this platform bed has intricate hand carved details, with baroque motifs including scrolls, flowers, and leaves. Each bed is crafted in mahogany with high quality construction standards. Available in silver leaf, gold leaf, black lacquer, and custom colors and finishes. The Royal Fortune Montepsan Bed is approved for residential and commercial use. This bed was also featured in the movie “Pirates of the Carribean” with the headboard upholstered. Custom details (such as headboard upholstery ) are available, contact Fabulous & Baroque for more information!

*All images provided courtesy of Fabulous & Baroque. All images are protected by copyright and are the property of Fabulous & Baroque.

This year we can expect to see a surge in vintage  inspired decor, with handmade and antique furnishings, fabrics and accessories. Anthropologie is known for unique items within the vintage/ antique tone. I am drawn to the Quirky Heirloom Throw, especially in the neutral finish. Cotton is handknit into dozens of mismatched pinwheels. This cozy, a-bit-eccentric afghan feels homespun.

A couple tips to integrate vintage-inspired pieces without creating a prominent shabby-chic theme:

• Unsure about color matching? Look for neutral finishes and colors. Neutrals like cream, taupe, and beige are sometimes easier to transition into your current decor.
• Mix and mingle! For example, try using an ornate antique frame with contemporary artwork. Add a modern shade to a vintage lamp.
• Still unsure if the piece fits? Consult a designer! I am happy to help answer any questions or give advice.

The Signature Four Post Bed by Distant Origin speaks the same language as the Empire State Building. Capturing the industrial movement of New York City, this stainless steel and aluminum frame has stylized posts with art deco-esque tiers, adding the perfect amount of drama and glamour to any bedroom.

Contact us or Distant Origin for more information.

I also really love the ad for ghd hair products, featuring Katy Perry as the Evil Queen in a lavish deco setting featuring the Novella wallpaper as a backdrop.

Contact Graham & Brown or contact us for more information.

I will begin with the Esmeraldas Rug. I find the floral graphics very interesting, and although it is considered contemporary it would fit nicely in a traditional setting. The black and white colors can compliment many schemes.

The array of colors of the Liuwa rug are fantastic and funky, and the trademark chevron pattern would highlight any space.

I love the texture that the Leedstown rug creates. The colors are interspersed so that they create a soft mosaic underneath your feet.

Lastly, the Kaizen rug adds color in a contemporary palate, with gray and white background options. The pattern is influenced by nature.

These are just a sampling of the rugs Missoni Home offers. Visit Missoni Home or contact us for more information.

I really love the classic-meets-modern vocabulary of the Nixon Table collection by Jonathan Adler. The round base is made from perforated metal, available in polished nickel or brushed brass finishes. The dining table comfortably seats six people. The dining table and cocktail table are available with white stained ash or an oiled walnut top. The end table top is reversible- available in white and navy or walnut and orange lacquer top options, so you can change the look of your space with a simple flip of the top.

Contact Jonathan Adler for more information.

The “Nub” collection, designed by Patricia Urquiola was awarded  the 2011 Best of NeoCon: People’s Choice.  As described on Andreu World’s site, the Nub collection is composed of an attractive line of sofas and chairs with natural wood structures that offer multiple color combinations for their structures and upholstery. Nub is the result of a sophisticated cabinet-making process, updated with great care in a contemporary manner. The project’s essential element is not so much the cylindrical bars, but rather the pleasant widening of the bars in the backrest at the height of the lumbar region, an alternating rhythm that grants recognition to the project, offering materiality and a three-dimensional quality to the chair.

I also love that the chair is available with many leg and base options.

Visit Andreu World for more information.

The allure from waves of  iridescent color of the mother-of-pearl tiles mixes beautifully with the Thassos white marble in the Lumina tiles. Contrary to it’s delicate mirror-like appearance, mother-of-pearl is highly resilient and very strong. This new addition is added to other thoughtful and tasteful collections of stone and tile mosaics by Studium in NYC.

Visit Studium for more information.

The Opera Chandelier (Art. 180115.49) by Metal Lux is a contemporary 15-light fixture with polished chrome structure. The shades are Pirex glass available in clear, amber, red, or black finishes. The crystal drops are attached by magnets.

Visit Metal Lux for more information.

I am currently inspired by vintage and industrial style furniture pieces, such as the Four Hands Element Collection . The Crank End Table, Element Coffee Table, and Element Cabinet are crafted of iron and steel that features a raw black finish or an antique nickel finish. These unique pieces add character and interest to any space.

Visit Four Hands for more information.

Designer Heather Pando of Little World Design (formerly Krislyn) fuses the beauty of objects found in nature with art, creating thoughtful and inspirational decor. She creates custom items using botanical elements, incorporating objects such as crystals, feathers, fabrics and shells. The possibilities are endless.

Contact Little World Design for more information and inspiration.

Summer is in full swing, and it is prime time to get outside and enjoy some sun. The stylish Summer Cloud Chaise Lounge from Dedon by Janus Et Cie has a adjustable textile canopy which can be rotated around the top of the chaise to provide shade without losing any desired seating direction. It is available in environmentally friendly, handwoven Dedon synthetic fiber in Chalk finish.

You can customize the chaise to suit your own personal style to the design by selecting your desired color of the upholstery and canopy to any solution-dyed acrylic fabric.

Contact Janus Et Cie for more information.

This gorgeous handcrafted Swirl Rattan Headboard by David Francis Furniture is made from mahogany solids (plantation-grown hardwoods, meaning no wood species are utilized from endangered rainforests) with sustainable pencil rattan laminate in artfully placed in a swirl pattern. It is available in all sizes, in many finishes including custom finish matching capabilities, and is suitable for contract use.

Contact David Francis Furniture for more information.

Jewelry is used to complement assembles and properly finish an outfit in fashion. Many could easily agree that decor is the jewelry of interior design, adding to and accentuating the beauty of a space. Many could also agree that interior design and decor is as prominent in culture as the fashion industry.

CR Currin, known as “Jewelry For The Home”, which is a the perfect definition for the furniture and accessories you can expect from this high style/ quality company. The Mirrored Fabric Buffet (available in any wood, leaf, or glass combination) has four doors and three adjustable shelves. The look is very transitional-contemporary, and extremely unique.

Please contact me for more information.

The Popova Desk by Sylvan Fiss of SylvanSF was inspired by the facets and unique geometric makeup of a gemstone. It is made of mahogany and brass, and is a highly desirable limited edition collection. Due to the artisanal process of construction, lead times can run from three to eight months to complete.

I think it is very sexy, and is interestingly captivating.

Contact SylvanSF for more information.

The Opal Chair from a contemporary collection from Lexington called Black Ice is so sophisticated and beautiful. This stylish chair features a transitional carved look, round seat back, tight seat cushion and nail head trim (optional) with a high gloss finish (other finish options are available). Available in leather or fabric upholstery.

Contact me for pricing and information.

There’s a lot to love about the Hampton Poster Bed from GREENCulture, Inc., starting with the ornate turning in the posts and antiqued Shell and Midnight finishes, to its production using sustainably harvested wood. Available in original and low poster styles, in Queen and King sizes. It would be amazing in all decorative settings.

Please contact me for pricing and information.

The Ebb Tide Console is eloquently described by designer- Michael Coffey, ”The curving line is beautiful because it has grace, motion and power. It abstracts the essence of a classical ballet or a moving musical composition. It soothes like the ebb and flow of waves or the rush of water in a stream. It captures the universal magic of femininity.” I couldnt agree more.

A cabinet/sculpture with 4″ thick carved doors and sides with four internal adjustable shelves, resting on a 4″ Plexiglas base. Made of White Ash for the doors and sides and Ash on the interior of images shown, and is available in a selection of other wood finishes. Standard dimensions: 34″H x 84″W x 20″D, custom sizes available.

Contact Todd Merrill Studio Contemporary for more information.

These fixtures are so unique and beautiful in real life! The Shell Pendant Light measures 20.5″ Diameter x 31″ H with 3′ long wire. It is available in black or white, made from sliced seashells handcrafted to resemble clusters of flowers. It is also UL and TUVus approved, meaning it has been rigorously tested and evaluated and is found to be safe (as per definition of the relevant standard).

Visit Neiman Marcus or Horchow for more information.

“Dress Form”

“Cigarette Pants”

“Hourglass”

“Pencil Skirt”

Each holder is made of iron wire in Carbon color, bent into intriguing and shapely forms. Dress Form: 8.5″ H x 5″ Diameter, Cigarette Pants: 14.5″ H x 5.5″ Diameter, Hourglass: 12.25″ H x 5.5″ Diameter, and Pencil Skirt: 13.75″ H x 7″ Diameter. Holds slim tapers.

Visit Anthropologie for more information.

We can expect to see a trend in 2010 using peacock in design schemes as their vibrant colors, texture, and motifs do as nature intended- attract. The Peacock Mirror from Horchow, while subtle in color, has very appealing texture and detail. The frame is urethane with a hand-applied, antiqued silvery finish. 38″ Square x 2″D with clear mirror.

Visit Horchow for more information.

I am loving the Woodland Sanctuary bathroom concept by Nikki Blustin and Oliver Heath of Blustin Heath Design for Kohler. It is a great example of utilizing indirect lighting and color to create mood and set design tone. I also respect the designer’s use of natural and sustainable resources.

Sounds good to me, please pass the bubble bath!

Visit Kohler for more information.

Feathers from birds such as Peacock, Blue Heron, Pheasant, Quail, and Dove are humanely gathered and arranged by hand on non-woven paper backed panels. They are positioned and mixed to create amazing layered patterns and colors. Be sure to contact the manufacturer to verify if this wallcovering is suitable for your intended application, and it would also be a good idea to obtain a sample to insure the scale meets your design requirements as color and size will vary in each type of feather.

Contact F. Schumacher & Co. for more information and options.

Hand carved by chisel and hammer into Han Bai Yu (Chinese White Marble) & Qing Shi (Chinese Black Marble), the Hua tiles by Robert Kuo for Anne Sacks are intricate and beautiful. The traditional Chinese motif is visually stunning with tons of light and shadow play, with added interest of natural veins and lines within the marble. The tiles are low relief, which make them suitable for floor applications, and are appropriate for all indoor vertical applications. The complete Robert Kuo collection is admirable, but the Hua pattern motif is just devine.

Visit Anne Sacks for more information.

Giusti Portos is a company who takes pride in craftsmanship, developing and handcrafting all pieces of furniture and accessories in their line of products. One particularly striking item is the Perlage bed. It is in solid forged iron sheet (available in 29 unique finishes), with exquisite details of twisting, sweeping and curling vine. It is very similar to highly stylized Art Nouveau artwork and furniture, which I admire.

Contact Giusti Portos for more information.

The Crochet Rug designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto for Paola Lenti is completely handmade and custom, available in rope yarn for outdoor use and wool for indoor use. The leaves and flowers are crocheted by hand, then sewed to a synthetic net backing. You can choose from 16 different color options to use to create a solid hue, or mix several for a custom and more colorful arrangement to match any color scheme.

The Spin and Crochet rugs would look amazing applied on walls and ceilings as well (may need to be flame/stain treated for Commercial applications), and would be a great acoustic solution. Custom items such as these always leave plenty of room for creativity-  I would play with overall layout and orientation, such as adjusting standard shape from rectangular to wave, diamond, and circular shapes. There are too many possibilities to list!

Visit Paola Lenti for more interesting options and information.

A mirror with curves in all the right places. The Modern Uma Mirror from Opulent Items is clear mirror with a hand-crafted graceful frame, carved from a single piece of cherry or walnut wood. The smooth waves, curves and folds highlight the natural wood grain details, articulating fluid movement. It is smaller in scale (15″H x 12″W x 2″D), perfect for clustering, stacking, or grouping. I also think it would be interesting to see the clear mirror replaced with antique mirror.

Visit Opulent Items for more information.

Now this is what I’m talking about- a most alluringly vamp sofa worthy of admiration. The Rebecca Sofa, or also referred as Art. 694 from the Maison Bizzotto collection by Bizzotto Mobili is a modern Italian sofa, upholstered in white leather with gorgeous embossed details on the arms and frame, mixed with button tufting on the seats and back, as well as the inside of the arms. The contrast of the embossed leather against the smooth leather is so exquisite, creating shadow and light play and texture. In a sea of button-tufted leather sofas, there is no denying the overpowering beauty of this decor gem. I, for one, could stare at it all day long.

Visit Bizzotto Mobili Srl for more information.

Sometimes you have to stop, and SIT ON the roses. The Rose Chair by Masanori Umeda is very whimsical and unique, perfect for those seeking originality in design. Each petal is hand made, layered to provide a comfortably padded seat and back. The frame is in moulded metal with small parts in shaped wood. The filling is in polyurethane foam and Dacron and the legs are in turned and brushed aluminium with a kiln-dried transparent finish coating, available in aluminum or painted finishes.

Upholstery is offered in a selection of velvets, however, I could imagine mixing several colors (and textiles other than velvet) such as red and orange, or fushia and purple, or levels of turquoise to greens instead of just using one single color. Or upholstering using COM, selecting fabrics with stripes of bright colors, running the pattern on the petals vertically, and upholstering the body in a single coordinating color or pattern- which will achieve a more modern (and less feminine) look and feel. Remember, customization is your friend.

Contact Edra for more information.

The Mirror Ball Pendant Light by Tom Dixon is a very modern fixture made of plastic with a metallic film placed inside, creating a mirror-like finish. Light is centralized downward, servicing as great task and focused lighting. The lamp is UL listed, which is appropriate for Commercial and Residential use.

Interesting enough, the Mirror Ball Pendant Light is also featured in a current AT&T commercial featuring Luke Wilson. It can be seen at :06 and again at :20 of the following:

Ah, the joys of being a Interior Design & decor voyeur… watching something as simple as a commercial for an unrelated product, and ignoring the purposes of the commercial, admiring the decor.

Visit Tom Dixon for more information & inspiration.

The Anson Sofa from H.Studio is a harmonious mix of modern styling and materials with a retro shape. The clear acrylic legs make it look like its just floating in the air. It is available in different fabric selections (as well as COM), including leathers and suedes from bold and bright colors to calm and classic neutrals. This sofa has such potential to just go crazy with design, such as choosing contrasting colored buttons and welting, and mixing pillow fabric(s) to achieve a very custom look.

Contact H.Studio for more information.

Poltrona Corona

Filippo-2

Finlandia Cavallino Zebrato

Finlandia 2

Finlandia 3

Finlandia 4

Furniture and textile designer Noel Duigan creates inspired modern seating using very ornate, Baroque-style framing with high-quality/unique fabrics and leathers with graphic prints. The designs are some of the most elaborate sofa chairs (such as Finlandia, Filippo, and Poltrona Corona),  accent chairs, dining chairs, and throne chairs with frames in modern finishes, such as lacquered black, white, and red; as well as golds and silver.

Contact Noel Duigan for more options and information.

A contemporary take on the traditional mirror, The Wallpaper Mirror by designer Opera Work in Progress for Anima Domus is inspired by Baroque style motifs, employed in a modern fashion. It has design potential alone, or you could add a frame in any finish for added interest.

Contact Anima Domus for more information.

The Tubes series of vases by Eva Milinkovic and Kriston Gene from Tsunami Glassworks are not only accessories, but works of art. Made of  glass in vibrant color combinations, in frosty or shiny finish, and available in three sizes: Small: 20″ x 3″, Medium: 24″ x 3″, and Large: 28″ x 3″- which when clustered create an interesting “study of scale through multiples”. Each tube is unique, through the process of mouth-blown production, and can be placed individually or in groups- with many creative options available by mixing with other colors and sizes.

Visit Tsunami Glassworks for more options and information.

The Rune Bed by Hivemindesign is so different- like a private personality trying to be simple/normal on the outside, but revealing its beautiful details when shown inside. It is such a simple yet unique idea, straight modern lines on the exterior of the frame, with carved details on the inside of the posts. It is a custom canopy bed made from solid poplar, and is elegant in its natural finish, or may be painted to match any decor.

Contact 2Modern or Hivemindesign for more information & options.

The Honeycomb Facade by Swarovski is a very unique and fascinating modular architectural element which uses lightweight cell cores made of polycarbonate (offered in black or transparent), and Swarovski crystals available in Crystal, Blue AB, Silver Shade, Golden Teak, or Jet; and randomly placed LED lights an/or fibre-optic lighting systems- which create an animated shimmering effect. Mixing colors of light with the colors of crystals can create changing moods from subtle iridescent color to vibrant hues of red, with the added glimmer from the crystals reflecting the light.

Pictures do not do justice, so I am adding some video which has a few clips (at :15 and :51) which help visually describe the effect.

Contact Swarovski for more information and inspiration.

The Ripple Armchair from Zuo Modern has such personality. The undulating ripples on the seat and back are upholstered in three tones of green and white leatherette, with white leatherette arms. Double chrome legs on each side, and contemporary in design, this chair is unique and funky- yet inviting.

Visit Zuo Modern for more information.

Whats not to love- good looks and good for the earth? Re_Collection ceramic tiles from Mirage are fabricated to look and feel like natural wood, without the concerns (such as warping, aging, scratching, etc.) of natural wood. These tiles can be used in applications where wood is not appropriate, such as wet and high-traffic areas. Inspired by burnt wood, the use of heat during production creates the cracks on the surface simulating a weathered wood plank. It is also through the heat process in which the tile becomes very more solid and strong. Rich colors and aged effects add to the character which is so apparent in natural wood, making the tiles look and feel very authentic.

Re_Collection tiles are available in several finishes and colors, resistant to most common acids, are non combustible, heat resistant, stain resistant, frost resistant, stable chromatically (colors do not change when exposed to sun, weathering, or smog), and are environmentally friendly. Although the tiles are ceramic made from natural materials, they are more sustainable than using wood, with low environmental impact.

Contact Mirage for more information and finish options.

How awesome is this glow in the dark ‘Phospho Wall’ wallpaper by designers Ich & Kars with both daytime and nighttime decorative elements? Interesting patterns and classic stripes translate into the darkness as well as the light, using phosphorous (according to DIN EN 71-3). Exhibited at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in 2008, Phospho Wall was elected as the unanimous winner of the “Wallpaperlab 2008″. I am entertained by the idea of decor which is as admirable in the dark as it is in the light, and this type of innovation is what draws many (including myself) into the ever-changing and evolving world of Interior Design and Decor.

Visit Rasch for more information.

Eerie, lucid, and graceful, the unique Ghost Collection by Ralph Nauta & Lonneke Gordijn for Drift Plexiglass has furniture which displays its inner soul. The concept of the plasma-like effect, applying 3-D technology to achieve the delicate vortexes and folds of tiny air bubbles. Even though the ‘ghost’ effect is amazing, this technology can be used to create any shape inside infinite possibilities of Plexiglass furniture styles. So fascinating, I cant wait to see what they do next!

Visit Drift for more information.

Customization and originality, what can be better then tiles in which you chose the design- using your chosen images and materials? Elira Design & Ceramics can produce tiles in all sizes with any image using mother of pearl, ceramic, metals, glass, and leather allowing full creative options. The result- your very own piece of tile artwork.

You can take many images and/or mix with various colors and materials to create texture and mosaic patterns. Just be sure to verify which types of materials are appropriate for different applications (damp, wet or dry areas), including tile thickness and coefficient of friction test results if using on the floor, to make sure it is not too slippery for safety.

Visit Elira Design & Ceramics for more information & design ideas.

Very innovative, indeed. Acrila designs contemporary style furniture and lighting using acrylic- adding laser cut details and embedding images creating very appealing and amusing designs. The finishes are deceiving, appearing to be upholstered but its just an illusion of the image in the acrylic. They employ vibrant and modern colors, which can be mixed and matched to comply with any scheme. The effect of the blending clear with colored acrylic (in some pieces) is visually attractive.

Visit Acrila for more information and options.

The Butterflies Gourd Vase from Global Views is the type of accessory which is alluring by its simplicity and shape. It is glazed white ceramic, with clusters of delicate butterflies. It stands beautifully alone, no flowers are needed. It is large in scale, Length 12″ Width 9.5″ Height 24.75″.

Butterflies often symbolize change, transition, celebration, good luck, love, and the soul. I guarantee that the Butterflies Gourd Vase would be a great conversation piece, starting with guests asking, “Where did you get it, where can I get it?”

Please contact me for pricing and information.

I am one who loves when traditional furniture styles are mixed with modern design trends, such as painting the frame a fresh new color and upholstering using a bold or graphic fabric. “The Canes” Ice Blue Hand Carved Chair from Room Service is a perfect example.  The Victorian-style frame is painted in a high gloss ice blue lacquer with chrome nail head details on medium-scaled Moroccan printed upholstery fabric.

Interesting as is pictured, frame paint color and upholstery fabrics are customizable. Also, never be afraid to check if the manufacturer can upholster using COM (Customers Own Material). COM means you can purchase fabric from another source and the manufacturer may be able to upholster the furniture using your chosen material, or you can take the furniture to a custom upholstery business and they can do it. Just ask the furniture manufacturer for the COM quantity, and they will tell you exactly how much is needed so you can order from the other source. Just be sure to verify that the material you are selecting is appropriate for upholstery. The cost of the chair would not include COM material- the chair and COM fabric are two separate purchased items. Be prepared for a longer lead time (usually a few more weeks than normal delivery time) when making custom orders, but the end result is always worth it.

Contact Room Service for more information and options.

I went to the Hospitality Design Show in Las Vegas a few years ago, and found myself literally staring into the ceiling of an incredible lighting booth for at least fifteen minutes-jaw dropped, eyes unblinking, trying to figure out how this amazing fixture was working. I was at the Studio Italia Design booth, staring incredulously at the Nuvola SO2 Pendant Light, by Denis Santachiara. The word ‘nuvola’ means cloud in Italian… which was exactly how the fixture looked and was mimicking. It is suspended, made of special fireproof fabric which looks soft like a cloud, internally lit. The best feature- an internal motor and two mechanical arms, smoothly undulating giving a life-like movement to the cloud. I cannot begin to describe what it  feels like watching this in real life. I searched and searched for video of this exact fixture, and the closest I came was a video from a show by Denis Santachiara showing a much larger installation called The Grande Nuvola. The cloud on the left side of the screen moves most like the Nuvola SO2 Pendant Light.

Contact Studio Italia Design or YLighting for more information.

Kabloom wallcovering in “Fruit Punch” by Flavor Paper is so vibrant and funky! Embellished with a unique floral pattern, suitable for walls in all environments- from homes to restaurants, as a focal wall- or as a coordinate. In any place, or any case, the reaction is sure to be “WOW!” The pattern has a retro feel, but the available colors and layout also feel contemporary.

Visit Flavor Paper for more information.

Detailed view of Glow Planet field tile installed.

The Glow Series porcelain collection from Pental Granite & Marble has a unique metallic finish which reflects light. Appropriate and ideal for almost every surface application, such as walls and floors.

Tiles are available in six contemporary colors: Cosmos, Galaxy, Moon, Planet, Star, and Sun. Each color has a coordinating “Damask” tile, and solid colors are available in 12″ x 12″ mosaic sheets. Glow Series tiles sizes vary by color/availability, and can be mixed and matched to create stunning compositions.

Visit Pental Granite & Marble for more information and ideas.

The Alcina Rug from Designers Guild is visually stunning with two depths of 10mm and 15mm, creating a graphic/stylish pattern with leaf elements. Made from 100% New Zealand hand-tufted wool, is available in a subtle cream color in two sizes: 160cm x 260cm & 200cm x 300cm. It is soft, but strong.

Contact Designers Guild for more information.

Classic, flirty, fresh… fit for a Queen, King, or Twin- bed that is. The Ribbon Quilt makes any bed look soft, comfortable, and welcoming. It is 100% cotton, machine washable, and available in crisp white.

Visit Brocade Home for more information.