Interior Design
This article was written by Amandine Dowle. 

Feedback from the Milan Design Week 2014

The 2014 edition of Milan Design Week ended two weeks ago bringing designers, photographers, architects, art lovers and journalists from all over the world. From the Salone Internazionale del mobile at Milan’s Fiera to museums, galleries, and other important location in Milan, the all city was full of interior design products to discover.

-Ventura/Lambrate: This area of Milan was presenting different artists most of them European. I have particularly liked the exhibition “Clique: Smart Matters”. The inaugural collection featured six furniture and accessory designs made of marble, valchromat, and solid wood, both original and practical, each with their own “electric heart” as ECHO, a bookcase with Bluetooth speakers and Heatty a fan heater both designed by Claudio Larcher.

 

- Museo Bagatti Valsecchi: The iconic Rossana Orlandi showcased a beautiful exhibition called “Untold” in the museum Bagatti Valsecchi, located via Gesù.

Lusters are one of my favorite pieces of the museum. Called “Brilli Mod” and design by the Italian Jacopo Foggini, they are made with extruded polycarbonate, which have the appearance of glass.

The Peacock chair by Eiri Ota and Irene Gardpoit Chan  presented at the entrance of the museum.

Spazio Rossana Orlanda:

Rossana Orlanda opened few years ago her own art space to give the possibility to worldwide artists to expose their work: one restaurant, three floors and a nice garden. I liked The Seed Cloud Installation designed by Joanna Bibby, Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Solenne de la Fourchardière. The lighting concept balances beauty with functionality. It's a mass of organic cast bronze buds house solid glass drop, illuminated by LED. Technically advanced, marrying both modern and ancient processes.

 

Then different events were organizing as Romeo & Juliet 2.0, sponsored by Fontanot spiral staircase, where Marco Goffi recreated the Juliet’s Home;

 

Or even Wallpaper magazine organized their Handmade exhibition initiated and coordinated by L’ECLETTICO where you could find young artist as Alexander Mulligan and his audio System "EDSM". Comprised of individual, curved units that stack upon each other, the sculptural audio totem delivers sounds in 360 degrees, in addition to cutting a strong figure.

 

To conclude the Milan Design Week 2014 was about technology, simplicity of lines and shapes, and smart design. With thousands of new products launched, this year was another great success gathering international brands and designers.

High Point Market Trends

Sorry for the MIA last week!  It has been one of the busiest Springs I can remember.  The weather here has been absolutely wonderful, and it's been super hard to focus.  But I have lots to share.  Kicking off the week - I wanted to show you some trends I've been seeing on Pinterest from High Point Market.   A few are a continuation of previous trends while others are brand new.  

First up, brass is not going anywhere!  This trend has been big for the past several years, and now it seems to be on steroids.  I'm not sure how much farther it can be taken.  Most of you know I love a good trend as much as the next decorator, but I like it in small doses (i.e., a lamp, or accessory).  This allows your home to feel current without being saddled with a large something something once the trend fades away.  So, a word of caution before diving into this pool!  

Brass Casement Furnishings

Bernhardt Interiors

This fantastic console table for E.J. Victor.  This seems to be a bit easier to switch out when the trend fades.  We are only talking a console table here and not a bed!

Another by Bernhardt

Use of Non-Traditional Materials

While we are on the subject of furniture pieces, I'm seeing lots of unique materials being used for large furniture pieces.  

Loving this table made from cut velum.

Look at this stunning example - mahogany with faux bone accents.  Again, just mixing up the tones and textures will create a more interesting space.  Love the based on this table - it could rock an entry way.

Loving the shape of this cocktail table in shagreen.  Talk about adding some amazing texture.  Shagreen has been on my radar for awhile now.  I've seen it on smaller side tables, boxes and lamps, but now it's on larger pieces.  Really love this trend and think it will continue.

Love the contrast of the black tones and the shell shape.   The modern shape of these tables is super fun, but mixing it with a traditional wood tone makes it the perfect piece for adding some modern style to a traditional home. 

Completely love this one!  Again, a new material which adds tonal contrast and a completely different texture.  This is always a goal when developing a design plan for a space. 

Creative Shapes On Basic Pieces

This is an interesting trend I've just noticed coming on the scene.  I think we are truly on the front edge of this trend.  The idea of making a space more interesting by mixing up the actual design of the upholstered pieces.  Love the look of this three legged chair.

This is another great example of a unique design adding to the overall feel of a space.  The colors are neutral, but the design is anything but.  It's a total wow. 

I am loving this piece.  It reminds me of the Flintstones, but in a very chic, sophisticated way.  I also think of the tooth fairy when I see this piece.   I think the high end feel of the cut velvet fabric puts this little ottoman over the top for me.  I would love a pair of these in my living room - it's the perfect way to inject some fun, less serious style into a formal space. 

Notice the simple curved arms on this modern example of a winged back chair.  Again, subtle unique lines to a tried and true piece.  

Lastly, I'm loving the soft curves of the sides on this backless chaise.  Just enough to make this piece feel fresh without being too trendy.  Simply gorgeous.

Fresh Materials for Lighting

This is my favorite of all the trends I'm noticing - the use of unique materials on wall sconces and other lighting.  As I always say, lighting is like the jewelry of a room.  

These are calling out to me - daily.  I will not confess how many times I've already visited this image on Pinterest.  A little obsessed -  leather and nail heads (like cinnamon and sugar, the perfect combination).  

And these - again - lucite (with hints of brass just to draw you in).

Another by Ro Sham Beaux Lighting.  It's hard to see in the image, but it's metallic.  This entire line of lighting makes me swoon.  It's to the moon and back - like this gorgeous thing.

The wave sconce by Dune and Duchess in ceramic and comes a lots of color options.

Last but not least, most if you know my disdain for bunk beds.  Mainly because they gobble up all the visual space in a room, and they are not an attractive focal point.  Well, that is until now.  Feast your eyes on this beauty.  (No, I never thought I would use the words bunk beds and beauty together).

I was not able to find any source information on this piece.  So, if you know, please share!  I'm more than happy to give credit where credit is due.  It feels completely custom. 

Hope you have a great start to your week. M.

Spring Entertaining

We had such a beautiful Easter weekend here in Birmingham.  It was sunny but not too hot.  Just lovely.  I wanted to show you my Easter lunch table.  I hosted my sister-in-laws family for Sunday lunch, and we had such a fun time!  Some of the tricks I used for my flowers can really be used for any Spring entertaining.  This is the time of year to really make a plan and host a party.  

Let's start at the front door.  I placed a pair of moss covered crosses on my french doors and added some tulle and satin ribbon for a very simple pop of color.  Then on my entry table I used my orchid bowl (this bowl has been in every single room of my house at one time or another). 

 It's a wonderful container, but it's big (aka expensive to fill with orchids).  So, if you have a large bowl and want to inexpensively fill it for an event, consider adding something non-floral to the center to reduce the number of plants you need to fill the container.  I used a cross for Easter, but you could add anything for Spring/Summer.  For example, a blown glass vintage fishing buoy or a large conch shell for Summer.

 Then, I selected several varieties of annuals to complete the look.  I chose sun loving plants like begonias, verbena and ornamental sweet potato vines with the plan to actually plant these in the containers on our back patio later this week.  The planters get full sun, so I selected accordingly.  The result, a beautiful entryway for the luncheon, and plants for my containers on the patio we will enjoy all summer long.

Then for my dining room.  I finally got to use the dogwood pattern china my Mother in law gave me for Christmas.  We were walking through a consignment/antique place near Auburn together and I spotted this china.  It was $50.00 for the entire set, and my sweet Mother in law notice how much I loved it.  So, she gave it to me for Christmas!  

It was not a complete set, and I have no idea of the name of the pattern or it's origin (thinking it's not an expensive pattern).  But I knew I could pair it with my china to make it work.  Here is one place setting using the dinner size plate of the pattern.

Since I did not have enough of these for all my place settings, I did this for a few to fill in the table.  The trick is to not be afraid to mix and match what you already have to complete the table.

Then for my flowers/centerpieces.  If you recall, I made the malachite runner for my table for Christmas for a totally different look.  For this luncheon, I paired it with napkins and a smaller runner I made from this branch fabric.  The branches tied in the dogwood branches and pulled in the peachy/pinks for my arrangements.  

I did the arrangements in the new large mouth green Ball jars that have just come out!  I love this and it tied in the malachite runner in a wonderful way.  If you recall last year, I posted about the blue Ball jars.  This year, Ball contacted me and asked if I would be interested in the new green larger ones!  I just love these.  

In addition to using them for flower arrangements, they would be wonderful for taking dinner to a friend.  You could fill them with soup or pasta salad for a nicer container that your friend could use later for flowers of her own.  I could also see taking them on a picnic filled with snacks like goldfish or even a trail mix.  Just love them!  

Here are a few other inspirational ideas for this very inexpensive container.  I plan to organize my sewing closest with a few of them for storing buttons and other sewing notions.  That spot needs some major help but that's for another day. 

For lunch, here's what was on the menu.  It was quite heavy and could easily be used for a dinner party this time of year. 

The Menu

Appetizer

Shrimp/Scallop Ceviche (adapted recipe one and recipe two to create mine)

Champagne flutes of Prosecco

Lunch

New Orleans Style Stuffed Boneless Leg of Lamb - recipe here

Traditional Mashed Potatoes (with butter and cream)

Chilled Asparagus Salad (from Magic Jr. League Cookbook)

Sour Cream Biscuits (from Ashley Mac's - the best biscuit I've ever eaten, hands down)

Dessert

Pie Bar 

Chocolate Chess Pie (homemade by my sister in law)

Key Lime Pie (Miss Myra's)

Lemon IceBox Pie (Miss Myra's) 

Just a couple of additional pictures.  Here is the game table in my family room.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.  We had a wonderful Easter!

Enjoy your week!  M.

This post contains a product review; however, all reiews/comments of this product are my own and not that of the sponsor.

"How To" Series: Selecting A Sofa

Let's get this week started, shall we?!  Wow.  Spring is zooming along.  I have a lot on my to do list this week with design plans, sourcing various furniture pieces, finishing up our front yard project (pictures will be forthcoming very soon, I promise), and getting ready for my Easter lunch.  I say all this to let you know posting on the blog will be very light this week!  But today's topic has been on my blog bucket list for over a year.  When the same comment or question continues to pop up in design consults, it goes on my bucket list of things to talk about on the blog.  This one has come up so many times I've lost count.   The conversation goes like this.

Me:  OK, so what do you like about the room?  

Client: Well, definitely NOT that sofa.  That thing cost me a fortune, and we all hate it.  

Me: What don't you like about it? 

Client: Well, I don't really know.  I loved it in the showroom, and it's comfortable to sit on.  I even made my entire family go into the store to sit on it before we bought it.  But the minute they delivered it, I hated it.  It was all wrong for the room.  The last thing my husband said to me as he was leaving today was tell her to find us another sofa.  So, we want you to source us a different one.  

While selecting a sofa may seem easy enough, there are quite a few elements to think about during the process.  So, here are the factors I consider when sourcing a sofa for a client.  I'm also including some eye candy of incredible sofas in amazing rooms to enjoy along the way.

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Think Scale 

A showroom is so much larger than you think it is when you're there.  A sofa that seems perfect in size, will grow when you put it in a smaller room!  If you like the layout of your current room, I always recommend measuring your current sofa.  This will give you a idea on the proper scale.  If you do not love the layout, then it's super important to figure this out before purchasing a sofa.  By creating a plan for your layout, you will be able to get a better idea of the size sofa the space will accommodate.  

Comfort Matters

You must sit on it before buying it (and make your hubby sit on it too)!  Think about your lounging habits when you are selecting a sofa.

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Does your husband like to take a nap on the sofa on the weekends?  If so, how tall is he?  If you have the overall scale the sofa needs to be for the room and your husband's height, then make sure the sofa checks both boxes.  There are a number of arm styles than give you more square footage of seating on the sofa than others.  Ask questions about this to make sure you are getting the most seating for your overall scale!

Arm Style Can Take You There

If you love the style of the other pieces in the room, then use those as your direction when selecting the style of the sofa.  If the room is traditional, then go with a traditional arm style.  If the room is formal think about a more formal arm style.  For example and english rolled arm looks great in a traditional more formal space.

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But what if you don't love the style of your current room?  Many clients I work with are craving a more modern feel in their traditional styled room.  If I select a very modern arm (like a track arm), the other pieces in the room will feel very out of place.  

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The trick is to select an arm style that works with both modern and traditional pieces.  So, as the client's budget allows, the other pieces in the space can be replaced with more modern examples.

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To Skirt or Not to Skirt

Dorothy Draper once said a room full of leggy chairs is a nervous room!  When determining whether to select a sofa with a skirt, I like to consider the other pieces in the space.  Are any of them skirted?  If not, then skirting the sofa will add some nice contrast to the other pieces.   I also opt for a skirt when there is no rug as this will add softness and fabric to the space.

Barbara Barry

Count the Cushions

Lots of people have a very strong opinion about the number of seat cushions on a sofa.  I get asked a lot what is the right number of cushions and what is the current style.  The true is, anything goes.

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 I've seen beautiful rooms with one, two and even three seat cushions on the sofa.  I recommend focusing on the other factors and let this one be dictated by the other elements the sofa truly needs to work in the space.   

Fabric Selection
Once you decided on the perfect sofa, then you have to select the perfect fabric.  Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to durability, hiding dirt and feeling good to the touch.

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Think about what is truly the most important for how you live and focus on that when selecting a fabric.  If you have small children and you know they are going to be eating in your family room, consider a tight slipcover that can be removed and washed.  You have two large white dogs that tend to shed, do not select a dark navy velvet!  Take your lifestyle into consideration when picking the fabric.

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I like to select a neutral as it will take you much farther than a wild pattern and since this is a piece of furniture most clients plan on keeping for awhile, it does not need to be trendy.

Have a great week.  M.