|
|
 The star of several settings at the AD Home Show were amazing crystal chandeliers. The rest of the room might be in a quiet, almost stoic deep grey but with an amazingly detailed chandelier. Kind of like wearing a Chanel suit with a really big diamond ring. You know, in one of my better dreams. Here are a few more.
 One question I get asked on a pretty regular basis as a designer is what furniture I would buy if money were no object. I'm someone who has the inside scoop about what's available, right? Well, for years my answer has been the same: Baker. It's elegant, it's classic and beautifully made. I'm buying a house full of it right after I win the Lotto--because all that quality and beauty ain't cheap. But for the second year, I've seen an exhibit at the AD Home Show that has made me reconsider. The New Traditionalists has some of the sexiest furniture I've seen in a long time.
 For a while there, wallpaper really fell out of fashion. The late 70's and 80's provided some truly frightening wall treatments so it is no surprise that a sea of taupe reigned throughout the 90's. But enough time has passed for our memories to clear and for wallpaper to have another turn on our walls. Unlike painted walls, which can easily be changed with a few cans of primer and paint, wallpaper is a commitment. So if you're going to go through the time and expense, you'd better pick something fabulous. And I found something fabulous at the AD Home Show.
 Last saturday, I enjoyed the beautiful weather by strolling down 5th Avenue in Manhattan, checking out all the spring windows. Hey, a girl can dream, right? I almost walked passed the new(ish) Tommy Hilfiger store when I remembered reading about the fantastic store design. I decided to stop in and it did not disappoint.
 Now if you've learned nothing else about me while reading regularly, you've probably figured out that I love a bargain. By that I don't mean something cheap just for the sake of having something; but instead a great deal on something wanted/needed. But lately I've been thinking more about investing in fewer and higher quality items. My wardrobe doesn't know it yet, but half of it is about to leave my closet for this very reason. In that vein, I wanted to feature some truly stunning textiles from Aviva Stanoff.
 Ommmm......supper time Do not adjust your screens or question your eyes. That really is some guy sitting in the lotus position, meditating. In the middle of the AD Home Show. And no, he didn't break his concentration at all. Let's focus instead on the design aspects, which only result in moderate head scratching.
 Anthropologie retail store in London This entry is not so much design as it is gardening. Considering I have the "black thumb of death" (seriously, I managed to kill a catctus), it's a little surprising for me to write about gardening type issues. But one trend that I've noticed in both retail design and backyard design is vertical gardens.
 Benjamin Moore DIFFA table This weekend I hit up Design Nerd Expo '10--better known to laypeople as the Architectural Digest Home Show--and came away with lots of great ideas and sneak peeks into what's new out there. One element I saw consistently was the use of potted succulent plants grouped en masse as centerpieces. This works out perfectly for several reasons.
 So, you've got a big wall that you'd like to hang some pictures on. You've seen wall groupings like the one here and while you find them attractive, they're also rather indimidating. I mean, who can measure all the spaces perfectly to get them to fit right? And what's the best way to arrange the pictures? May I provide the solution?
 I've got to give the folks at West Elm serious props. They rolled out some great things in their spring line in one of my favorite color ways-yellow and grey. I've got the formal version of it at the day job, but this is a great modern interpretation.
|
AuthorChristine Schwalm is an Interior Designer and Visual Merchandiser based in Los Angeles. This space will keep you updated on what's going on with CSD along with some ideas to inspire you. Go here for more information about pricing and services and here to make an appointment. Archives
January 2017
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
