interior design

vertical garden wall by patrick blanc 6 June, 2010

As I’m working on my Thesis project, I’ve been awfully drawn to all sorts of inspirations from nature. Here’s another one, which have influenced me a LOT. Patrick Blanc, a French landscape architect, is a  developer of the concept of the vertical garden. Quoting his website,  vertical gardens “rely on the new way of growing plants without any soil. … The vertical garden can be implemented  outdoor or indoor, in any climatic environment. For indoor location, an artificially lighting is usually required. Watering and fertilization are automated. The Vertical Garden acts as a  phonic and thermal isolation system. It is also an air purification device”.

And it’s GORGEOUS. A much-needed oasis in our hectic lives.

<images via www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com>

nature by aviva stanoff 4 June, 2010

Nature truly has already created all the beauty out there, we just need to look closer to discover that,  as did a New-York based artist and designer Aviva Stanoff. At her Design Studio each product is unique as it is created by hand through silk screening or dying. Whether its her signature velvets or silk organza, charmeuse or glass, her home collection is astounding in its simple beauty.

<images via www.avivastanoff.com>

concetto by ceasar stone 3 June, 2010

From a movie jewel to the real jewels. Concetto is a new awe-inspiring collection of extraordinary surfaces hand-made from individually cut and bound semi-precious stones by CeasarStone. The incredible natural patterns and hues are combined with heat, stain and scratch resistance qualities. With 19 varieties and an option for back-lighting, you are in for a real treat.

<images via www.concettous.com>

i’ve been cheating on fashion with furniture 28 May, 2010

This is exactly how I’m feeling for the past several years and now that someone has said it out loud, it makes it even more real than ever.  Although there’s one thing that brings me back to fashion like no other. It’s Sex and the City. Buying a ticket 2 weeks in advance secured a spot for the yesterday’s opening night. And to be honest, I’ve never seen that many Louboutins in a movie theater: girls did dress up.  As for the movie, I’m not a movie spoiler and won’t open any secrets, just say despite the elevated controversy with the story line, the visuals didn’t fail to amaze and indulge both fashion and interior addicts.

The razzle-dazzle color pallets are just what doctor prescribed for the summer: golds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and did I say GOLD? Lavish Middle East in all its beauty.

Thanks to Jeremy Conway, the production designer for the TV series and both films, along with set decorator Lydia Marks of Marks & Frantz we have a new interiors word to be smitten by. I loved to trace the interplay of feminine and masculine in the Carry and Big’s new apartment.

A blown-glass chandelier by Lindsey Adelman Studio is a showstopper in Carrie and Big’s hallway.

Carrie and Big’s living room includes a sofa by Montauk Sofa upholstered in blue wool-mohair from Donghia and a pair of beige midcentury side chairs. The bright floral Birdie Blossom Cushion by Paul Smith for the Rug Company adds a classic “Carrie” touch.

In the dining room, an oxidized-metal chandelier by Property hangs above a French 1940s mahogany table from Alan Moss. The custom-made chairs were upholstered in a Lee Jofa print fabric.

Recognizing that Carrie wouldn’t cook, Conway designed the kitchen and dining area of the couple’s home with Mr. Big in mind by including such modern touches as aqua-blue tiles from Ann Sacks installed on the kitchen walls.

Carrie and Big’s bedroom is a striking blend of pattern and texture. The custom-headboard is covered in fabric by Kravet and pops against the neutral Rococo Stripe wallpaper by by Cole & Son from Lee Jofa.

And of course, the closet. Although more subdued than the flashy mega boutique of the first movie, it’s very functional and grown up.

<Images via www.marksandfrantz.com and www.sexandthecitymovie.com

images and source references via www.elledecor.com >

old never dies 20 May, 2010

In proof my “perpetual historicity of the design” theory, I came across this article in NY Mag. NeoVictorian, NeoVersailles, NeoCountry…everything old is new again. It’s just a circle of life, which means that quality vintage will never go out of style. Transformed, reinvented, repurposed, reupholstered but it WILL go on. Make it a new investment.

Babel chair by Dutch design phenom Marcel Wanders ($530 at xo-design.com; available in late 2010).

Vintage chair with painted linen seat by Caitlin Conlow ($375 at Funkiture).

Baroque-style frames in translucent plastic ($12.95 at Site)

Sawhorse-leg table made of oak and powder-coated steel by South African design team Egg ($5,800 at Amaridian).

Bollywood mirror with digitally printed designs by Paola Navone ($2,690 at Property)

Customizable brass hanging candelabra by Lindsey Adelman ($4,800 at Matter).
Glass table with turned-column legs ($7,995 at ABC Carpet & Home).
Louisa settee with ragged cotton-and-linen upholstery ($2,498 at Anthropologie).
Acrylic Julius Caesar mini-bust by Jeffrey Harris ($30 at Hadley Antiques)
White lacquered-wood table by Romani Saccani ($4,200 at Property)
<images via www.nymag.com>