Thursday, March 31, 2011

It's Almost Here! High Point Market!


The mother of all furniture markets is going into full swing starting this Saturday and I couldn't be more stoked! Not even a 13 hour drive (probably including a stop at Micky D's) can keep me from being SUPER EXCITED about being totally overwhelmed for 4 days straight! There will be parties, drinks, food, music, and best of all, so much fabulous design to look at! I'm really hoping to make some connections in the design world and hopefully meet some new designers! Now I just need to decide what shoes to wear.... there's going to be a lot of walking!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Green Design Will Save the World!


I don't know if any of you have heard of Inhabitat, but it is a wonderful site that highlights "green" and progressive design from around the world. From architecture to interiors, transportation, art and technology. I read it every day for inspiration and to keep up with the ever changing world of green design! Some of their most fascinating articles address architecture and art/architecture installations that are meant to awe and bring design awareness to ordinary citizens who aren't always aware of their surroundings.


My new obsession is the Metropol Parasol built by J. Mayer H. Architects, the largest wooden structure in the world! Located in Seville, Spain at Plaza de la Encarnacion, this installation covers about an entire city block and holds a museum, farmers market, plaza, and restaurant! Such an amazing use of bonded timber!


Check out the article to read more about this fascinating project!

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Power of the Print

I have reallllly been missing making artwork since I moved to Boston. I usually work with woodblock prints, but I have been unable to find a free press here. So to satiate my art needs I have been browsing Etsy and finding some great artists to envy! There is some fantastic talent on Etsy and I am always amazed at what I can find!













Click prints for link.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

From Monastery to Luxury Hotel: The Augustine


Ohhh how I would love it visit this hotel! Someday when I finally finish school, I would love to work in hospitality and boutique hotel design. Hotels like this one get me all excited about it! The Augustine in is Prague, Czech Republic and used to be an old Augustinian monastery (hence the name). Now it is a luxury destination hotel that brightly shines over the city of Prague and the interiors are fabulous! Contemporary, but with a classic edge that complements the bones of the structure. And all of the greens play off the natural stone vaulted ceilings so nicely!




Sourced from Tablet Talk, a daily update from Tablet Hotels, the best resource for finding the best kept secrets in luxury boutique hotels. Shhhh, you didn't hear it from me! :)

Monday, March 21, 2011

AD Home Design Show: Photos!

Here come the photos! Sorry about the picture quality, I took them all on my phone because I forgot my camera...


This was a very cool table that incorporated streams of water running down the sides so it looked like it was raining! The umbrella chandelier was the perfect finishing touch.


This exhibit showcased shearling walls and cool vases that look like they were flying though space!


The Coca-Cola table was very cute and modern. Notice the one red chair?


Loving these chairs!


I really like the idea of having lamps on the table as well as candles. Great mood lighting.




This was the coolest thing ever. It was a bar. And a trailer. On the other side was a flat screen TV!


The inside was all fur and leather! Very Ralph Lauren.


A lovely kitchen with state of the art cabinets and amazing marble counter tops. I love the tile backsplash!



Sorry random people! This was the Lilian August area and it was beautiful. The sofa was a fabulous soft grey and the gold etageres were to die for!


This painting was fantastic. It was the seven dwarfs having dinner!


Fendi outdoor furniture. Go figure.



The Dorothy Draper prints on the chair and pillows were just fun enough to be a lovely floral.


A very cool lacquer black four-poster bed.


A beautiful (and comfy!) fuchsia pink chair. I must have one!



Thank you New Traditionalists for my free tickets! It was an amazing experience!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Prayers for Japan


I realize that I am a little late in the game, and I am usually not one to comment on politics or disasters, but Japan holds a special place in my heart and I hope that they can recover quickly from this devastation.

To donate visit The American Red Cross.

Photo

Architectual Digest Home Design Show


Sorry I haven't been writing lately, but I was out doing design research! I had the opportunity though The New Traditionalists to attend the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94 in New York. After being at the NYIGF, this show was smaller and more manageable (aka my feet did not die), not to mention that all of the vendors and designers were more than happy to talk to me and a fellow student even though we were not active designers. This was a huge benefit to going to a more intimate show.

This show was also excellent because it showcased two other "mini shows" in one. Firstly, DIFFA, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, presented Dining by Design where numerous designers partnered with companies like Coca-Cola and Neiman Marcus to exhibit wild and beautiful dining table setting installations to benefit the program.

Secondly, upstairs at Pier 92 was The Artist Project New York, a new way for independent artists to show their work in NY. Now to be perfectly honest, I think that this was my favorite part of the entire show. Being from a liberal arts school and majoring in visual arts, I have had the opportunity to be an active member in the art world and I think that it is an extremely important part of design. Sometimes I think that designers can forget where the product is coming from, and events like these allow both designers and artist to connect and chat about design. I met some very talented artists and I am always delighted by their eccentricities and passion that I think can get lost at swanky high-end galleries. Events like these allow designers to see numerous kinds of artwork at once and give a more relaxed and casual setting where you can really learn about the art without all of the expectations of being "with the in-crowd".

Overall, We saw A LOT of very inspiring booths and I will post many pictures tomorrow once I find my phone charger...

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Wonderful World of Tory Burch


Oh how I love Tory Burch. She has impeccable taste, a beatuiful home, and still manages to be a mom to three boys! She's created an entire lifestyle brand from one little logo and become a fashion icon. I am lucky enough to own one of her handbags, but I think the real gems are her flats. It all started with the Reva, but now there is the Eddie and let me tell you they are comfortable!! Last night I became the owner of the classic black Eddie and I am in love. Supple leather, squishy foot-bed, and discrete Tory medallion stamped in the back. Perfect.



Now lets take a look at her boutiques. OMG they are beyond fabulous. Located in Palm Beach, London, Tokyo, Seol, and soon there will be a new flagship store in New York! Rejoice!





Via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Office Space

It feels good to be a gangsta' (In your sweet office!). But really, nothing is more fantastic than a great office. The perfect organization, the books, the desk... it's just makes you want to be productive. Maybe I'm lusting after a beautiful office because I have so much to accomplish this next week...








This is my fave!



1&2, 3&4, 5, 6, 7, 8