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Summer Market 2012
All about Mid Century Moderne!

Well, the 2012 summer home and gift expo wrapped up last week and we found some fabulous things and ideas! As we suspected, that mid century wave train has yet to pull into the station! We are finding that the retro classic design styles are as hot as they were in 1958! Some classics will never stop trending, as it should be! Take a glance at just a couple of finds!

This chair was fabulous, just look at the upholstery up close!

Norwalk Furniture

Loved these! The shades are suspended from the ceiling and float over the table set candle holders!

Lots of dimension and movement!

Lazy Susan

Some Classics...

Coaster

Old Hollywood… New, alive and affordable!!

Old glam does not have to be expensive to look tasteful and classic!

Norwalk Furniture

Sculpture by Hebi Arts

The Asian influence was huge in the mid century furniture style!

Mid Century Asian Infused!

Thanks for reading!
Larry

Hospitality Design Expo + Conference 2012

05/23/2012

Well, the 2012 Hospitality Design Expo and Conference just wrapped up last week here in Las Vegas. This year brought more serious Designers and Developers, which are actually working on new jobs, than we had in the past couple of years. The show is always more amazing when you are in the midst of projects, hoping to find that next best market introduction to include in your “designs in process”!

This year for our firm, it appeared to be about lighting and the latest plumbing and bath fixtures!

Here are some of our finds and you will hopefully see these in some of our up and coming designs!

Rohl – Jorger Bath and Fixtures

24 carat gold or platinum with Swarovski amber, amethyst or black crystal …

Stunning and for that very special project!

See them online at rohljorger.com

Not your standard Grab Bars anymore!

These bars by greatgrabz.com were featured at the show noting that the term ADA is passé!

The concept of Universal Living Design has taken its place.

These are beautiful in any setting!

Old is new! Finishes coming back again!

Symmons Faucets

We are seeing that Bright Polished Chrome is becoming the new Brushed Stainless and Brass is coming back as the new Nickel!

Lighting the way!

We loved the massiveness of this fixture and the simplicity as well!

By La Murrina

SkLO Studios

Don’t you love the shade?

By SkLO Studios

The "Enigma"

This was just this most interesting chandelier!

The “Enigma”

By decorativestyleinc.com

Thanks for reading!

-Larry

Just What is Our Value to the World?

04/12/2012

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We get asked all the time “Why is an interior designer necessary?” While it is true that there are many people around that have an inherent eye for design, a trained professional interior designer goes much deeper into economic cultivation through psychology and branding…

I want to present to you a short and informative Interior Design Video that explains what Interior Designers really do – unlike some of what the "TV" programs imply, which only confuses the public.

Here is an amazing video that Radford University students have created as a competition for IDEC (Interior Design Educators Council), which was awarded first place at the IDEC Conference. NCIDQ sponsored this competition. It is an interesting and entertaining approach to explain our benefits to the public.

Thanks for reading!

Larry

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Keeping up with the… Latest 2012 Hotel Room Interior Design Trends - Part 2

03/29/2012

Guest Rooms

Minimal, Clean and Timeless…

The current trend in room design is just that!

Design demands for today’s hotel need to be durable, maintenance friendly and appealing to all demographics. They need to be trendy and hip enough for a younger crowd, and have a comfortable and cozy appeal for older, more seasoned clientele. Hotel operators and developers require more longevity for their inventory in todays economy than ever before.

Eureka Mesquite Patio Room - By WHL Design Group - Warm and Minimal

Creating a space that is technologically and environmentally savvy is also a key element in design. Today’s travelers with iPads, laptops and smart phones require ease and convenience of connecting and charging.

Eureka Mesquite Spa Suite; Comfortable and Functional while Spa like

Finding the design balance between function and aesthetics is the trick. Here we see easy to maintain finishes with neutral to warm color palettes and textural finishes.

Thanks for reading!

Larry

Keeping up with the… Latest 2012 Hotel Room Interior Design Trends

03/16/2012

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Bathrooms

Increased competition, market saturation and rising expectations of visitors mean that hotels must not only widen their choices and raise their standards of service, but also invest in interior design. Currently, guests expect a hotel to not only meet the basic requirements for accommodation, but guarantee comfort, relaxation and a pleasurable stay. Sophisticated, well-equipped bathrooms, tasteful and prestigious decor, and the use of sumptuous materials raise the standards of a facility and provide fond memories of that hotel.

Eureka Mesquite Resort Suite Bathroom By WHL Design Group

Bathroom areas in hotels are usually small. Accumulated clutter and the “necessaries” in such a space can cause the decorative elements to be lost, overwhelmed, and obscured. Therefore, a minimalist style is ideal for hotel bathrooms – with a strong, clear accent. Small bathrooms prove themselves with friendly materials and larger scales; large mirrors filling an entire wall or placed on two walls, polished and shiny materials, and decorative lighting highlight the nuances of space.

Spa Suite Bath at Eureka Mesquite

Watch for part two on Hotel Rooms!

-Larry

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Recycling for Interiors

03/09/2012

We have all seen the old-dresser-made-to-look-new by re-painting it. But what about some more creative and innovative ways to furnish and decorate your home, while recycling materials that otherwise would end up in a land fill? Some of these pieces can be accomplished by the do-it yourself crowd, and some might need more shop skills that the ordinary person has.

Take a look at some of these pieces:

Here we have a modern chair whose seat and back is made from old CDs (probably might need some shop skills for this one).

Old ball point pens used to create a chandelier.

Old leather belts used to create flooring, but could also be applied to walls.

Wind chime created using glass rings cut from bottles.

Old entertainment center (for the giant TVs no one uses anymore) repurposed into a play kitchen for the kids.

And to reuse the giant TV, turn it into a fish tank.

Here is another chair, but this one is made from plastic water bottles.

Another chair requiring shop skills, but a great reuse for old shopping carts.

A chair made from old hard sided luggage.

A tiered movie/TV room made from wooden pallets.

Teacups turned into pendant lights.

As you can see, there are plenty of ideas out there to help you get those creative juices flowing. Have fun creating!

-Carol

The Latest 2012 Design Trends!

02/24/2012

Hello Everyone!

World Market Center in Las Vegas, NV

Having just completed the previews of the winter 2012 Interior Design and Accessory Market here in Las Vegas, we thought we would share what are the latest and greatest interior design trends coming for this year and next year! As we dust off 2011 and the winter months, here are the newest ideas and trends!

Bold Color Accents! –
Reds, Greens, Oranges, Yellows

Bold colors around the home, whether it’s a pillow, decorative accent, or simply a wall color with bright hues, are this year’s boost to up our moods and mix it up!

1920′s Inspired Looks

Play around with a retro feel to your home by buying retro 1920′s inspired pieces or actual vintage pieces from that era. Couches, chairs and artwork all help to create a retro vibe.

Large Mirrors

Mirrors are growing larger this year and they’re perfect for opening up a room and helping it to appear larger than it is.

White Furniture and White Accents

Just like in fashion, white furniture and white wooden accents are growing in popularity. White items are being used around the home to create a lighter, more open space.

Rooms Inspired By Nature

Create a room that reminds you of earthy elements, such as blue walls equal blue skies, or green walls reminding you of grass and trees.

Oval and Round Mirrors

Update your home by simply adding oval and round mirrors instead of the traditional squares.

Hope you are inspired!
-Larry

Reap the Savings… With Reproductions!

02/17/2012

Hello Everyone!

Often when purchasing for a design project we have a tight budget we have to work with. In order to meet those budgets, I will often help the designers find a more affordable version of a product they have picked out. Below you will find some popular items for the home along with a more affordable alternative. You’d be amazed at the savings you will find when you take the time to research. Google Product Search is one of my favorite methods for price comparisons.

The Eileen Gray Side Table

Eileen Gray Adjustable Side Table by ClassicCon at Design Within Reach

ALTERNATIVE: Eileen Adjustable Table by Zuo from Lamps Plus

Eileen Gray was a pioneer of the Modern Movement in Architecture. Her Eileen Gray Adjustable Side Table by ClassicCon at Design Within Reach costs $1,150.00

At Lamps Plus you can get a similar version produced by Zuo for only $238.91. A savings of 80%!

The Barcelona Chair by Knoll

Barcelona Chair by Knoll

ALTERNATIVE: Hercules Chair by Flash Furniture

The Barcelona Chair by Knoll has been around since 1929 at Design Within Reach it costs $5,063.00.

A more affordable alternative with the same look is the Hercules Chair by Flash Furniture – Bizchair.com $299.00.

If you purchase the alternative you’ll save 95%!

The Tolix H70 Stool

ALTERNATIVE: Tabouret Metal Stool from Overstock

The Tolix H70 Stool has been around since 1950 at Sundance it costs $250.00 ea.

A more affordable version can be found on Overstock! The Tabouret 30” Metal Barstool costs $93.59 for a set of 2!

A Savings of 81%

The Beat Light by Tom Dixon

ALTERNATIVE: Pendant By Patriot Lighting

The Beat Light by Tom Dixon on Lumens.com costs $490.00.

Patriot Lighting produces a similar pendant that’s more affordable at Menards it costs only $29.99!

Wow, that's a savings of 94%!

Cardiff Tufted Armchair from Pottery Barn

ALTERNATIVE: Tafton Club Chair from Overstock

The Cardiff Tufted Armchair from Pottery Barn costs $799.00.

You can go for this similar alternative available at Overstock – The Tafton Club Chair costs only $376.99

You’ll save 53% if you purchase the alternative instead!

Crate & Barrel Spool Accent Table

Spool Accent Table from Crate & Barrel

ALTERNATIVE: Bailey Accent table from Overstock

Instead of wood, the Crate & Barrel Spool Accent Table is made from steel and aluminum, it costs $229.00.

The Bailey Accent Table looks very similar, is made of steel and costs only $93.99 at Overstock.com!

Best of all, you’ll save 59% by going with the alternative!

The Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Herman Miller

ALTERNATIVE: Hercules Presidio Series Lounge Chair & Ottoman available on Amazon

The Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Herman Miller is a classic, it's also very pricey, at Hivemodern.com it costs $4,499.00.

The Hercules Presidio Series Lounge Chair and Ottoman on Amazon is very similiar to the original except for the price! It costs only $699.00!

You’ll save 85% by choosing the alternative version!

-Cassandra

Do It Yourself Painting Tips

02/03/2012

Last time Larry talked about paint, but now comes the best part, the painting! It doesn’t have to be hard, and anyone can do it. Here are some of my tips for getting a great paint job – by doing it yourself!

There are plenty of sites that offer how-to’s on painting, but here are some of the basic ideas with my tips that I have used on my many painting projects.

Prep Work

Most of the difficult and tedious part of painting is the prep work, and about 75 percent of your time will be spent doing this.

Patch holes and cracks with a filler product, sand lightly when dry; home centers or paint stores have knowledgeable personnel to guide you to the best products for the job

I like to use my finger to apply, especially if it is a small patch – that way you have very little sanding to do
I also like the colored fillers that dry white – no more guessing if it is dry

Remove light switch and outlet covers and any hardware or light fixtures that you can, replace the screws in the outlet if you have a tendency to lose things, then tape over what is left on the wall

If new switch plates are not in the budget and the existing ones look sad,they can be painted separately and then re-attached – just don’t paint them in place or you won’t be able to remove them very easily

If you can’t remove something, cover it with plastic bags or plastic wrap and tape edges

Use plastic grocery bags for this (tape a few together if you need a larger size), don’t buy anything special

Sand or clean areas to be painted; any old dirt, grime, flaking paint, dust or debris left on the wall could cause your new paint to peel

Use a flat sanding block to make quick work of large areas

Tape all door and window trims and baseboards; this keeps goofs from getting on the trim

Tedious, I know, but it really should be done

Cover the floor with a plastic or canvas drop cloth

I like to use cardboard for this (flatten out a box and tape flaps together); it’s easy to move along with you as you paint, and you don’t have to cover the entire room at once – not to mention, the plastic drop cloths stick to your feet!

Now For The FUN Part - Painting!

Paint the wall edges and trim areas first, using a brush

I like a decent quality angled brush, 2” to 2 ½” wide – I use one with a long handle and one with a short rubber handle, good for tight spaces

Roll paint onto the walls with the correct roller cover; using a long handle extension keeps your ladder usage to a minimum

I tend to roll slowly to prevent the tiny paint splatters, and you can see how good the coverage is – don’t try to “stretch” the paint too far – make sure an area is completely covered before moving on
I like to work an area no bigger than 4’ x 4’ at a time, blending into the next area so the edges don’t dry
If your roller cover is new, use masking tape to help get loose fibers off before painting

If you need more than one day for your project, cover your paint tray, can, roller, brushes, etc. with plastic, making sure to get as much air out as possible to keep tools from drying out – that way you only have to clean up at the end of the job

In our dry desert climate, I do this even when taking a break

No matter how careful you are, there will be some goofs; I like to keep a bucket of water and a cloth rag nearby to clean up anything before it dries

Remove tape from trim and baseboards, don’t let the tape stay on for longer than a day or two

For a really clean line, cut the dry paint with an Xacto knife along the tape edge, otherwise you may pull your new paint off the wall

Paint the door and window trims and baseboards using a paint brush – never a roller

Put a strong rubber band across the top of the paint can to use for scraping your brush off; this keeps the can’s lip clean

If you have a fairly steady hand, you can skip some of the taping and paint your trim freehand or use a painter’s edge – just wipe the edge off each time you move it to keep from smearing on the newly painted wall

Some Tips For Getting YOU Ready To Paint

Remove all jewelry
Wear old, but comfortable clothes
Wear slip on shoes
Protect your hair with a scarf, shower cap, or baseball hat
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splatters
Wear gloves to protect your hands and nails – paint is difficult to remove if you are wearing nail polish
If you can’t wear gloves, try applying hand lotion to keep the paint from sticking to your hands
If you must have your phone nearby, keep it inside a plastic bag to protect it
Play some music to get you going
And don’t be shy about asking your friends to help – some people really do like to paint!

-Carol