Dec-a-Porter: Imagination @ Home: June 2011

Jun 30, 2011

1-2-3: Trend Alert: Owls, Owls, Everywhere

West Elm: Ceramic Owls

I'm not sure that I completely understand the fascination with owls, but the truth is there isn't a day that goes by where I don't come across this curious creature staring back at me
in all shapes and sizes...
in every color...
as high-end design statement pieces or as children's decoration...

whatever the case may be, OWL Decor has entered into our mainstream!

SWEET OWLS

LET THERE BE LIGHT

KID FRIENDLY OWLS

OWLS - STYLIZED

OWLS WITH A HINT OF TRADITION

In more contemporary design schemes, it can be challenging trying to incorporate your client's collections into the overall design scheme.

Whether you collect owls, photographs of the family, or ceramic plates - this is definitely the case of more is MORE, and size does matter.

Grouping collections together, rather than dispersing them throughout the house, is a much more powerful statement.

On walls,shelves, or purchasing a specific bookcase in order to house the collection..

I say, "if you've got them - Flaunt them"!

To shop any of these items:

Etsy - By Deborah Shop

Etsy - Bellamina Shop

Etsy - 2 Chicks & a Fancy Owl

Jun 6, 2011

DAP 360: Derek McLane

A few weeks ago,

I had the rare treat of going to see Robin Williams on Broadway in

The Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.

Let me just say that I was definitely not disappointed.

Robin Williams was amazing and filled the stage with his presence, as did the entire cast...

The play itself, was moving...chilling ...enticingly disturbing...

but for me there was another star that emerged from the night.

That was Derek McLane...the Scenic Designer who is the focus of this week's Dec-a-Porter 360*, who created this dark & magical middle eastern wonderland.

Completely contemporary in design as well as respectful of the play, the culture and it's message.

Not too beautiful, suficiently bold and layered

as each scene surprised you with some small new detail.

Simply put - OUTSTANDING!

All Images via Derek McLane.org

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

After reading carefully through the Playbill booklet, I realized that Derek McLane was also responsible for another great play I had recently seen with Jane Fonda - 33 Variations.

The sheets of music flittering

The repeat of pattern

The symmetery

are all great design elements

33 Variations with Jane Fonda

After leaving the play, this was another one of those moments where the imagery of the scenic design stayed with me - even to today.

Of course the importance of Lighting Design is crucial, and this is absoltuely true in interior design as well, as they would not live or breathe without the other.

The attention to detail and pattern that are included in his sets are courageous as most scenic designers would be wary or underestimate their importance as they can become lost for those members of the audience in the back...

More recent work: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

However, for a designer and design enthusiast like myself, his work is inspiring and exciting.

Jun 4, 2011

DAP 360: Attention Animal Lovers

Last sunday, I watched in awe as CBS Morning covered some outrageous Designer Homes..not another well designed home for a starlet or the very rich & famous,

but instead for their animals!

It is official, our animals have truly become members of the family with their own designer homes...

Some fabulous ideas - where architects, industrial designers and simply creative minds have been hard at work to bring our pets new "BARK-tubulous" homes...

Image via CBS NEWS Online
Trent Tesch, of Kohn Pedersen Fox, in New York Design

this round, snail like shape, mimicks the circular motion of the dogs...with a little touch of grass on the top! Hopefully, it doesn't need any watering.

and for the cat lovers out there...

Images via Modern Cat

I just couldn't resist adding this one..The pink pod is too delicious!

this is a birds eye view of Manhattan with a difference...

Designer "Green" Chicken Coop

and for those of you that want a little "retro" look...

Camping anyone?

Jun 3, 2011

DAP 360: Hotel Bel Air's Iconic Makeover

Growing up in Beverly Hills, there was one iconic hotel that absolutely stood out as a symbol of our little town and that was the Bel Air Hotel which is the focus of this week's

Dec-a-Porter 360*.

Not too far from where I lived

but their guest list was definitely a little different...

Image via We Heart It - Marilyn Monroe poolside, the image used for the Pool menu

After 2 years, the doors are about to swing open to a fresh new design led by New York design firm Champalimaud.

I was so excited to see what was going to be in store for us and I can tell you - we are not going to be disappointed!

Look at these images, released today, are some of the great details from the Guestrooms and Lobby.

Images via Champalimaud

I love all the great details that they have been able to introduce into each area - allowing each guest feel at home.

Couldn't you just curl up in front of that fireplace?

I was part of a conversation today with some fellow bloggers about "timeless design".

What it meant to each of us, and how it can play a role in our work, as designers, today.

This is a great example of how we should incorporate a fresh quality to our ever classical look. Allowing for the beauty in each piece, and the high quality of all the elements (in this case, not only the furniture and accessories, but the service, the comfort, the experience) to provide a "timeless and unforgettable" experience.

Just beautiful!