Sculptural Furniture

Artist Jeff Muhs’ long-standing interest in sculpture has taken him down a new path, furniture, and his first love shows through in the new designs.

Muhs will be exhibiting his new Emirate furniture collection at this years Architectural Digest Home Design how, in New York City, March 26-29, 2009, with McNeill Art Group.

From Man Caves to Mudrooms: How to Make Every Square Foot Count

Remodelers help homeowner create bonus room space!

Upsizing to a bigger home might be out of reach for a majority of homeowners in this housing market, so many are opting to stay put and maximize their existing spaces through remodels, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

A recent American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey showed that homeowners are rethinking how they use the square footage they have. They are converting previously unused areas, such as basements and attics, and incorporating outdoor areas into their design plans in an effort to boost their home’s livability and value. Some are also using additions to create better flow between existing rooms and make living areas more practical.

“It’s all about maximizing space and making a home feel larger,” said Sonny Nazemian, president and CEO of Michael Nash Custom Kitchens & Homes, Inc. in Fairfax, Va. He and his design team recently won a 2009 CotY Award for a two-story, 1,250-square-foot addition they built on a 2,300-square foot house.

“Before the project, the house felt extremely small,” Nazemian said. “The first floor was cramped and they had a small dining room and narrow family room. By adding 12 feet on the back of the house, the living spaces became much larger.”

The remodeled home now boasts a gourmet kitchen with a bigger and brighter breakfast area. The small dining room became a laundry room, and Nazemian made space for a new dining room. Upstairs, hallways and a bedroom were expanded, and a bathroom was added.

Reworking the home’s footprint also created a spot for a “man cave,” or lounging area for the husband. Outfitted with a couple of lounge chairs, a television, custom shelving and sound system, the man of the house now uses the 10 x 20-foot bonus room to watch games with family and friends.

“When you add 10 or 12 feet to a home, it can change the entire configuration,” Nazemian said. “In just three to four months, we really transformed and opened up this space.”

NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.To locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, click here!

-- allie

Tags: kneeling chair, Peter Opsvik, contemporary office furniture, modern office chair, Variable Balons

New desk for Mac users

A new desk built for Mac users is out!

READ MORE!

-- allie

Tags: modern desk, Mac computer, desk for Mac computer, modern computer desk

Koolhaas Masterpiece Destroyed by Flames Before it Opens

Fire ripped through an unfinished, multi-million dollar architectural masterpiece in Beijing today, wasting almost 7 years of work by two world-renowned architects.

Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of The Office for Metropolitan Architecture won the contract for Central Chinese Television Headquarters in December 2002, and from that moment were beset by the usual quarrels regarding design choices and exorbitant spending.  They were used to that. Koolhaas was less prepared for the moral question of whether he should be working for a Communist agenda government news channel. It was noticed at the groundbreaking, with its red decor and selective reporting, that the building would always have an unsavory provenance.

Today that prediction was borne out in the worst way. Because the building was yet to be finished, although in the final stages, no one is thought to have been hurt in the fire, which started when sparks from fireworks set off to celebrate the Lunar New Year Holiday landed on the structure.

A video of the burning masterpiece is avaliable on the BBC.

A story on the short history of the building is available in Behind the Curtains.

"Designer Days" at Vegas Market

Roger Thomas, Paige Rein, Celerie Kemble, Barclay Butera, Joe Nye, Amy Lau and many more set to share trends and inspiration

(LAS VEGAS)—January 27, 2009—Featuring some of the design industry’s brightest stars, “Designer Days” during the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market Feb. 9 – 13 offers fresh programming catered to the diverse needs of design professionals.

Margaret Casey, Director of Programming for World Market Center Las Vegas, said design-oriented programs and special events include returning favorites like First Friday and the Design Icon. “Designers get inspired and delighted by hearing about career highlights and learning where other successful designers draw their inspiration and how they identify trends,” Casey said. “Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas is evolving into a mecca for all things inspirational and educational about design.”

The rise in design-inspired programs is a result of the fact that interior design businesses represent one of the fastest growing buying sectors at Las Vegas Market; designer attendance increased 80% last year. Market officials say these style-seeking attendees will be stimulated this February with both educational offerings and new design showrooms, many of which can be found at the Las Vegas Design Center located in the lower floors of Buildings A and C.

Design Management Company’s Lloyd Princeton, author of Marketing for Interior Designers—slated for release this summer—said, “Now is a great time for introspection. Designers should come out, see the different seminars and programs and get their batteries charged.”

Special attractions for designers during the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market include:

“2009: The Year in Anticipation,” moderated by Lloyd Princeton of Design Management Company.  Panelists include Katherine Stout, Williams Sonoma; Sims Bray, Jr., Veranda magazine; Mark Cutler, Mark Cutler Designs, Los Angeles and Jena Hall, of aspenhome.

Tuesday, February 10 at 1 p.m.

Building B, 16^th Floor, World Forum

The design world as we know it has evolved in many ways, some over time and some because of the economy.  Join this panel discussion with industry leaders and hear their perspectives on what it will take to prosper in 2009 and beyond.

“Designers and Green Design” with Dann Foley

Tuesday February 10  at 2 p.m.

Building B, 2^nd Floor, Living Green Pavilion

Learn techniques, tips, tricks and valuable new ideas for marketing and increasing sales and profits from “the trend that is here to stay.” Dann Foley, Principal of Dann Foley Design will share with designers and manufacturers new products and resources and along with how to make more money selling green  

“Ahead of the Curve: A live and online look at upcoming home design,” with Today show personality Susanna Salk and panel including Joe Nye, Barclay Butera and Amy Lau

Wednesday, February 11 at 8:30 a.m.

Building C, C-188

Design expert Susanna Salk will review with the panel their favorite picks hot off the Las Vegas Market show floor.  This event will give design professionals and media direct access to fresh style directions and home trends during a real time on-line webcast.    RSVP to [email protected]. 

“Ab Fab Nursery,” presented by Paige Rien, designer from the top-rated HGTV show, “Hidden Potential”

Wednesday, February 11 at 3pm

Building B, 16^th Floor, World Forum

Paige shares tips on how to make green choices for the nursery and kids’ rooms that can stand up to little feet, paws and claws and the test of time.  Attendees will learn how to help their clients make both earth and pocket-book friendly choices for the home. 

“Monitoring of Long-Term Trends and Research Methods,” with Ute Shumacher

Wednesday, February 11 at 2 p.m.

Building C, 3^rd Floor, LVDC Seminar Room 316 (Reception to follow in the Robert Allen | Beacon Hill showroom in Building C, Suite 101)

Director of Trend and Design for CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, the loose crystal elements brand of Swarovski. Shumacher will discuss the company’s methodology and criteria for exploring the emergence and potential longevity of design trends, along with how to interpret the results.  

IDS: Interior Design Society Lecture with Cameron Cook, DMC

Thursday, February 12 at 10 a.m.

Building B, 16^th floor, World Forum

This seminar is designed to help designers get media attention and get published.  Whether you are a seasoned design professional or a student still in school, this lecture will outline the basic steps needed for a successful PR practice.  Attendees will learn what tools they need to establish contacts with press, as well as proper protocol for media follow-up.   

“Design Icon featuring Roger Thomas,” Exec. VP Design, Wynn Design and Development

Thursday, February 12 at 4 p.m.

Building B, 16^th floor, World Forum

The third installment of World Market Center’s Design Icon Series will honor Roger Thomas, the creative genius behind the world-famous Bellagio, Wynn and Encore hotels in Las Vegas.  Roger will discuss highlights of his life as a designer, his sources of inspiration and the business of design.  A cocktail reception in the One Six Club will follow.  RSVP to [email protected].

-more- 

A Tour You Can’t Refuse.  Sponsored by WMCLV, Las Vegas Design Center, ASID-   

California Central/Nevada Chapter 

Thursday, February 12 at 5 p.m.

Meet at WMCLV Transportation Hub

Experience the dark side of Sin City with the Vegas Mob Tour.  Interested in the history of the Mob in Las Vegas?  Got questions about Bugsy Siegel, car bombings, murder, suicide,    celebrity deaths and unsolved mysteries and the architectural significance of where these events took place?  If so, this is a tour you can’t refuse.

RSVP to Margaret.Casey@lasvegasmarket.com 

“First Friday,” featuring Celerie Kemble and sponsored by LVDC

Friday, February 13 at 10 a.m.

Building C, 3^rd Floor, LVDC Seminar Room 316

An uber-successful interior designer, Kemble’s New York firm has been profiled in a variety of top-tier publications, such as Elle Décor, House and Garden, House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home and others.  Kemble will speak about her work as a major player in the interior design industry and introduce her brand new book, “To Your Taste: Creating Rooms with a Modern Twist.”  RSVP to [email protected]. 

To find out more about scheduled events, check out the complete schedule at www.lasvegasmarket.com/events. 

The Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for February 9 through February 13, 2009 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Complimentary M-Line Shuttles will run continuously all day from host hotels to World Market Center Las Vegas.  For more information, please visit

www.LasVegasMarket.com

. 

Alno introduces Starline

New from Alno.

-- allie

Tags: modern kitchen, Alno, modern kitchen systems, contemporary kitchen, kitchen cabinets

New outdoor furniture series!

Nini Andrade Silva's first outdoor furniture series, “Garota do Calhau” (Girl of the Pebbles), is comprised of a double sun lounger, single sun lounger, a day bed, and a chaise lounge.

-- allie

Tags: modern outdoor furniture, modern patio furniture, modern outdoor chaise

Good Luck...

Macassar Chaise Lounge

Designer Andrew Muggleton has a new addition to his Macassar Collection. He has added a high-gloss finish to his popular Chaise Lounge, and the results are breathtaking display of modern glitz.

Upholstered leather supports are secured to stainless steel curved rails to create the dramatic effect. The base is curved and tapered in Macassar Ebony, which is considered one of the most lustrous and beautiful of the ebony wood family and is notoriously difficult to bend. The seat can be positioned at an infinite number of angles for reading or simply relaxing. Retails for $9600 (sorry if you already got attached).

-- allie

Tags: modern design, Andrew Muggleston, high-end design, luxury furniture

EARTH-FRIENDLY KITCHEN HONORED WITH GREEN DOT AWARD

The Green Dot Awards™ recognized Bazzèo LLC for having exceptionally high environmental standards, as well as meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.

“Recognizing that human activity is causing dramatic environmental change, we must ensure that we act today to protect tomorrow’s environment,” commented Hossein Farmani, Founder of the Green Dot Awards. “Businesses, like Bazzèo have become especially aware of the impact that their practices have on the well-being of the planet and they have chosen to adopt a more sustainable attitude. The purpose of Green Dot is to reward those who practice excellence in environmental responsibility.”

The Green Dot was awarded to Bazzèo in recognition for their Paperstone based kitchen. The GAIA kitchen was produced using a composite material made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, which is bound together with a non-toxic, petroleum-free, phenolic-resin made from the crushed shells of cashew nuts.

-- allie

Tags: modern design, Bazzeo, kitchen trends, modern kitchen, green design