Designers Call Blog

Weekly Wrap Up: The Acapulco Chair, and Black & White Bathrooms

Michele — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:30:26 +0000

Monday’s History Lesson: The Acapulco Chair
Friday’s Destination: The Black & White Bathroom

Destination: The Black & White Bathroom

Michele — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:11:32 +0000

It’s the start of spring and I know I’m supposed to be in spring color mode, but black and white bathrooms have been jumping out at me lately. They can be completely neutral and full of life, and at the same time cozy and gorgeous. Black and white is an elegant and timeless combination, so don’t be afraid of the contrast- and if your existing fixtures are white, you’re already on your way. Sparking your interest? Contact us to help you design a black and white bathroom for your home!

(Images via expensive life, digsdigs, home adore)

History lesson: Acapulco Chair

Michele — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:47:19 +0000

The classic Acapulco Chair was designed in Mexico in the 1950s from steel and plastic. Rumor has is that the chair is based on Mayan hammock weaving techniques, but the design and designer continue to remain anonymous to this day. Whatever the actual story is, there is no denying their vibrant plastic splendor reminiscent of Mexican resort towns. The design is simple, and from what I hear is quite comfortable to sit in. The chair is commonly used as outdoor lounge seating, and variations include leather straps and a rounder seat. In any iteration, the Acapulco Chair is a mid-century classic that shines with tropical Hollywood glamor.

(Images via Finnish Design Shop, Costello Kennedy Landscape Architecture, pinterest)

Weekly Wrap Up: Tivaevae & Marz Designs

Michele — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:30:29 +0000

Monday’s History Lesson: Tivaevae
Friday’s Destination: Marz Designs, Sydney, Australia

Destination: Marz Designs, Sydney, Australia

Michele — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:00:14 +0000

Marz Designs was established by Coco Reynolds in 2010. Coco is a graduate of the University of Canberra, Australia, and since has been inspired to push the boundaries of different mediums and her own aesthetic. Marz’s goal is to promote craft practice in collaboration with industry, and has a very cool inventory of lighting and furniture. I love these pendants!

(Images via Marz Designs)

History Lesson: Tivaevae

Michele — Mon, 06 May 2013 23:08:54 +0000

The applique, embroidery and crochet skills introduced into the Cook Islands by members of the London Missionary Society are the origins of the hand-stitched Tivaevae- a form of applique and embroidery art specific to Polynesia. The name “Tivaevae” refers to the items produced, and literally means to stitch or sew. The Tivaevae are either made by one woman or a group of women under direction of a design leader. The value of a Tivaevae is not measured by production cost, rather by the love and patience that were put into making the piece. Tivaevae are often given as gifts on special occasions or displayed during important events and ceremonies.

The Cook Islands women have developed these skills into a unique art that is quite modern and bold. Isn’t it beautiful?

(Images via pauanesia, decor8, pinterest)

Weekly Wrap Up: Chambray, Tropical Colors, & Heath Ceramics Open Studios

Michele — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:30:50 +0000

Monday’s History Lesson: Chambray
Wednesday’s Design Meets Fashion: Tropical Colors
Friday’s Destination: Heath Ceramics Open Studios

Destination: Heath Ceramics Open Studios

Michele — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:00:17 +0000

Heath Ceramics, the iconic mid-century pottery design studio, is having their annual open studio event in the Sausalito, San Francisco & Los Angeles showrooms May 10-12. The schedule will include factory tours, flower bouquets, food trucks, tile glazing and more. While you’re there, check out the gorgeous new Camellia setting by Alabama Chanin. For more information, go here.

(Images via Heath Ceramics)

Design Meets Fashion: Tropical Colors

Sara — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:30:03 +0000

Now that April showers are behind us, it’s time to really break out some color! Though I tend to a minimalist palette, it’s tropical spaces such as this that inspire me to add some brights to my décor and closet, adding a fun and cheerful vibe.

(Images via The Berry & French Frosting.)

History Lesson: Chambray

Michele — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:26:20 +0000

Chambray always seems to hide out in the shadows of denim, except for the few months out of the year when we’re into beachy and nautical-inspired fashions. But we love it- for its softness, color, and high thread count. Legend has it that French weaver Jean-Baptiste Cambray first created chambray sometime in the early 14th century. It differs from denim in that it is not a twill weave; when chambray is woven, the warp and the weft cross equally giving it a 1 x 1 structure, known as a chambray structure (twill is woven over and under with 2 or more warp yarns, producing its characteristic diagonal pattern). The result is a lighter appearance because the weft, unbleached thread, is visible on the surface. Also, both sides of chambray are identical, meaning there is no right or wrong side. Do you have any chambray in your home?

(Images via design*sponge, houzz, la vie l’amour le rire)