Black Interior Designer Showcase (STUDENT FORUM)
For BIDS Professional & Student Members. Where interior designers, architects and industry professionals network for career growth and business collaborations. Member only access to BIDS opportunities.
BIDS Future Designers
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Featured Members
Bill Cosby & Kids: "Come On People"
BIDS Invited to join Planning Committee for the 2008 NOMA Conference
InteriorDesign.net
HDMAG BLOG
Down by the Sea
Natural materials reign supreme at Regent Bal Harbour
Hotel California
New York City style for Thompson Hotels' newest opening in Beverly Hills
Sporty Design
A Michigan sports complex takes design cues from the hospitality industry
Hollywood Debut
Davis Ink restores a landmark building for an ambitious nightlife project
Floridian Facelift
An ocean-inspired design transforms the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club
Juicy Fruit
MAKE's new yogurt store prototype is a peachy project
Fashion Forward
Christian Lacroix dresses a Parisian hotel with fantastical imagery
Croatian Cool
Modern design sets up shop on the Adriatic Coast
HI Tech
A boutique hotel recharges Waikiki
Videos
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Design Collections
Added by Lise Richards
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Keeping Collection
Added by Lise Richards
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hiton animation
Added by Alan
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Building Green in Harlem - Pt. 3 Added by Alicia Valair
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Building Green in Harlem- Pt. 2 Added by Alicia Valair
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Building Green in Harlem-Pt 1 Added by Alicia Valair
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Alternative Energy on Dwell Added by Alicia Valair
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Dwell on Green Architecture Added by Alicia Valair
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Africa Travel Channel Added by Alicia Valair
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Light from Africa: Ceramic Art Added by Alicia Valair
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Green Architecture Added by Alicia Valair
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African American Inventors Added by Alicia Valair
BIDS PARTNER: LOW IMPACT LIVING
What Is Sustainable Cuisine?
Written by Stuart Stein, courtesy of Eat.Drink.Better.
What Has Food Become?
“Food in America is cheap and abundant, yet the vast majority of it is diminished in terms of flavor and nutrition, anonymous and mysterious after being shipped thousands of miles and passing through inscrutable supply chains, and controlled by multinational corporations. In our system of globalized [...]
Green Condos in the West
A couple of weeks back we did a feature on the great trend of green condo developments taking off all over the country– and we covered many developments in the East and South. Click here to learn about Green Condos in the Eastern U.S.
A green condo can be a wonderful alternative for (the vast majority of) [...]
Al Gore Says Energy Crisis Threatens U.S. Survival
Courtesy of CNN.com
The United States should be making all of its electricity with renewable and carbon-free energy in 10 years, former Vice President Al Gore said Thursday.
“The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk,” Gore said.
In a speech at Washington’s Constitution Hall, Gore touched on an array of [...]
Toyota Prius to Get Solar Power
Written by Nick Chambers, courtesy of gas2.0
Toyota’s next generation Prius, due out as early as next spring, will be outfitted with solar panels to help run the on-board electronics, according to a report from the Nikkei newspaper.
Smaller start-up car companies, such as Th!nk, have plans for solar power augmented cars on the books too, but [...]
Green Apartment Living Class
Our good friend Siel, also known as the world-famous Green LA Girl, is hosting a class tomorrow night that anyone in LA should check out. It’s on Green Apartment Living. Siel will be joined by fellow teachers Summer Bowen and Traci Reitz. The class will be held on Wednesday July 16 at the Santa Monica [...]
Are Geothermal Heat Pumps For You?
Over the past few months we’ve noticed quite a bit of interest in geothermal heating and cooling amongst our site visitors, and in particular in geothermal heat pumps. We’ve also had many questions from people about exactly what they are and how/if they should consider them as an eco-friendly heating/cooling option. If this describes you, [...]
Dyeing to Boost Solar Efficiency by 50%
Written by Michelle Bennett, courtesy of CleanTechnica.com
MIT has perfected a dye technology that could change the solar world as we know it.
The most efficient form of solar technology today is (arguably) extreme concentrated photovoltaics, essentially solar panels placed under a magnifying glass, but the problem with these systems is heat. Concentrated sunlight can melt silicon [...]
Green Fashion Summer Sales
Need some new eco-friendly duds but felling a certain cramp in your wallet these days? Look no further– two of our favorite green clothing retailers are having major summer sales!
First is Greenloop, which is offering 20-70% off between July 11-20. Greenloop has wonderful designs from folks like Loomstate, Linda Loudermilk, Anna Cohen and many more. [...]
New, Cost Effective Solar Energy Devices from MIT
Written by Max Lindberg, courtesy of Planetsave.com
No more solar cells covering a roof, but around the edges of a flat glass panel, as shown in the artist’s representation by NSF.
MIT engineers say they’ve created a new approach to harnessing the sun’s energy that provide windows with a clear view and illuminate rooms at the same [...]
How to Freshen and Deodorize Your Rugs Naturally
Written by Jennifer Lance, courtesy of Eco Child’s Play
If you have pets in your house or an older carpet (such as in a dorm or apartment), your flooring may need freshening and deodorizing. Although there are many natural carpet fresheners available in health food stores, it is much simpler and cheaper to make your own. You probably already [...]
THE CHAIR BLOG
Luxist
McGuire Kitchen McGuire Kitchen Chairs McGuire Furniture Jul 16th 2008 8:40PM Luxist
Dominic Wilcox: Bed
1999 100×150 cm 'This was one of the first objects I made while at college, up until then I'd just worked on flat two dimensional work. The theme of 'the body' seemed to evolve naturally. Not just my body, but also the body of objects. This theme [...]
MoCo Loco: MoCo Submissions
+ Cenk Derrell’s Abu stool attachment turns any stool into a more ergonomic proposition. This polypropylene attachment will locks to most standard stools, and stacks for storage. MoCo Loco: MoCo Submissions
MoCo Loco: MoCo Submissions
+ The Bicho armchair by Stone Designs is inspired by ski goggles, and indeed there is an air of the helmet as well. The front of the chair was left open to provide a handy storage space for items such as magazines and throws. MoCo Loco: MoCo Submissions
MoCo Loco: MoCo Submissions
+ Lee Broom is getting set to launch the new Rough Diamond collection at 100% Design London in September, including this Bright on Bistro chair. MoCo Loco: MoCo Submissions
Dezeen » Blog Archive » Furniture by Tierney Haines
Here’s a selection of furniture designed by Dublin-based architects Tierney Haines. Dezeen » Blog Archive » Furniture by Tierney Haines
Vermelha� chair | Campana Brothers Select: Works from the Permanent Collection | Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
Designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana (Brazilian, b. 1961, b. 1953 ) Manufactured by Edra Designed in Brazil, 1993, Manufactured in Italy, 2007 Steel structure, hand-woven and dyed cotton rope
Chair courtesy of Edra
Photo: Andrew Garn
Vermelha chair | Campana Brothers Select: Works from the Permanent Collection | Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
campana brothers select exhibition
campana brothers select exhibition
Dezeen » Blog Archive » Santos chair by Joel Escalona
Dezeen >> Blog Archive >> Santos chair by Joel Escalona
DANIEL LORCH / GRAPHIC AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Marsh Mellow Chair
Klammer Zu Chair
DANIEL LORCH / GRAPHIC AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Diva Sofa - Artifort - Karel Boonzaaijer & Dick Spierenburg - Sessel & Sofas - Sitzmöbel - Wohnzimmer - Wohnen & Einrichten
Diva Sofa - Artifort - Karel Boonzaaijer & Dick Spierenburg - Sessel; Sofas - Sitzmoebel - Wohnzimmer - Wohnen; Einrichten
Dezeen » Blog Archive » Bifurcations by Robert Stadler
Work by Austrian designer Robert Stadler is on show at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in London in an exhibition entitled Bifurcations.
Exhibition highlights:
Pools & Pouf!
2004, five leather elements, dimensions variable, edition of 8
The three-dimensional Pools & Pouf! consists of several different sized leather elements positioned on the floor and fixed to the wall. Resembling pools of [...]
The Thinking Machine Chair
Eduardo Baroni of Brazil has a good eye for unique furniture that is great looking and in the case of these two rocking chairs, quite functional as well. The Thinking Machine Chair" designed for Sintesi has a very informal look and invites us to relax in a rather kicked back version of the age old [...]
Modern & Contemporary Design Magazine / Steel Tongue/ Products / DESIGNSPOTTER.COM
aluminum weave chair. Selected by the Cooper Hewitt Museum in NY for their permanent collection Designer: Bannavis Andrew Sribyatta (Thailand) Manufacturer: PIE (Project Import Export) USA
Modern & Contemporary Design Magazine / Steel Tongue/ Products / DESIGNSPOTTER.COM
Diverse Design Sofas and Armchairs by La Cividina
Take a look at the diverse collection of residential and commercial seating by La Cividina of Italy. Many of their modular seating systems, sofas, and armchair offerings are used extensively in hotels and office environments, but just may find a home in your living room.
Diverse Design Sofas and Armchairs by La Cividina
Robert Wilson: Freud Hanging Chair
Robert Wilson made this wired mesh chair in a series of 6. One is in the National Gallery of Australia
Some more research reveals Robert Wilson is a Chair Collector. Here is an excerpt from an interview in the UK Independent:
I am a collector at heart,” declares theatre and opera director Robert Wilson, 60, and there [...]
Simon Ancher Designs
SCW (Stool, Crate, Wood) is a collaborative project between Simon Ancher Design and Bruce Nye from the Australian School of Fine Furniture UTAS. SCW is a hand-made plywood seating shell that melts over the top of a milk crate. It adds comfort and style to a universal seating solution, dressed up or dressed down SCW [...]
Modern & Contemporary Design Magazine / ’six’ - architectural honeycomb seating/ Products / DESIGNSPOTTER.COM
'six' - architectural honeycomb seating 'six' is an architecturally inspired side chair that is manufactured from a specially produced honeycomb composite and 27 meters of 4mm steel wire. Shown here in chrome with clear panels, a wide variety of colour options for the frame and a selection of standard and metallic tints for the [...]
Modern & Contemporary Design Magazine / calla/ Products / DESIGNSPOTTER.COM
Calla is an armchair in polyurethane foam covered with leather. The project comes from the desire to find a new chair that exalt, increase and underline the potential, the visual and tactile sensations of a material such as leather. This is an important feature of the goods by Martini's, which is a synonymous of elegance [...]
Chair Blog | Tumblr
Actually this post is more about Christopher Boots, an Australian Industrial designer who made a special installation for the
“Design Made Trade Show” of the presently ongoing Victoria’s State of Design Festival. The Design Made Trade Show is supposed to bring designers together with manufacturers, retail and export buyers.
I am in the process of switching from [...]
PAD STYLE
Blu Dot Chicago Desk
SIMPLISTIC WORKSPACES JUST A CLICK AWAY! Are you looking for something simple, yet sophisticated for your modern office space? Be it at home or away in the office, the Blu Dot Chicago Desk offers space saving solutions to most all workspace needs. Featuring three different finishes (maple, granite on oak, or cherry) with chrome tube [...]
Ultra Modern, Dual Colored, Leather Sofa and Loveseat Set
RIBBON CANDY CURVES CREATE COMFORT. When it comes to comfort and style, this furniture set delivers in spades. Not only are these pieces functional, they are beautiful. Because these pieces are constructed from high quality leather and chrome detailing, they are as sturdy as they are stunning. Add in some storage sections, the ability to [...]
Gus Modern - Lightbox
UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR YOUR PAD! Why have just a boring side table when you can have one that lights up? That’s exactly what pad-dwellers can expect from the Gus Modern Lightbox. This unique lighting option is not only a conversation piece, but it is multi-functional. Because it is constructed of sturdy plastic, it can easily [...]
Forest Glenn Counter Height Dining Room Furniture Set
EAT IN STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION. Pull together a fabulous eating area in your modern and contemporary decor through use of the Forest Glenn Counter Height Dining Room Furniture Set. This stylish set comes complete with one counter-height table and six chairs. The curio is picture is sold separately but, as you can see, completes the [...]
Modern Bedroom Shiro1
LOW PROFILE MODERN DESIGN AT ITS BEST. Imported directly from Italy in sixteen to eighteen weeks, the Modern Bedroom Shiro 1 features white oak with a brown wenge. Because these are such neutral tones, it is possible to successfully couple this bedroom set with most any color palette. For those looking for a modern and [...]
Newport Bathroom Vanity
SLEEK MODERN FINISHES FINISH THIS BATHROOM. This bathroom fixture is all about style, function, and durability. The Newport Bathroom Vanity, featuring a glass countertop and espresso colored cabinetry is plentiful with storage opportunities. Not only can consumers bask in its beauty, they can couple it with any modern design scheme they’re interested in. Constructed of [...]
Bali Bar
SPICE UP ENTERTAINMENT! When it comes to creating an entertainment zone when designing a modern room, the Bali Bar is the perfect fit. Not only will the bar add spice to your modern décor, it will also add that functional element every entertainment area needs. Constructed of dark oak veneer, the durability of this piece [...]
U Shaped Office Desk
WORK EFFICIENTLY AND BEAUTIFULLY. When it comes to working in a modern office setting, there no doubt a U Shaped Office Desk will fit right in with the décor and the office’s efficiency. Bring in colors such as black and silver, and pair them with cherry and pear wood finishes. In addition to plenty of [...]
X & Y Light Pots
SHED SOME NEW LIGHT ON THE SITUATION! Through use of the X & Y Light Pots, there is no doubt you will be creating a statement in your modern decorating. Not only do these pieces light up, but they al serve a purpose. The design features a double walled feature to keep the water separate [...]
Contemporary platform bed
SWEETEN YOUR MASTER SUITE. As the title implies, the Contemporary Platform Bed certainly lives up to its name. Not only is this furniture piece sleek and stylish, its functionality is top notch. Featuring either a light oak or black oak finish, incorporation of storage solutions is a snap through use of lifting hinges (as pictured). [...]
GREENSENSE
BIDS Members Collaborate and Network for Success!
Her latest ARTICLE in June 2008 issue of Essence Magazine:
"Turn Your Home Into a SANCTUARY"
READ more on Page 176-177:
1. Claim a Calming Space
2. Clear Out the Clutter
3. Develop Your Sanctuary Style
4. Bring Nature Inside (featuring BIDS)
5. Meditate a Moment
6. Connect to Culture
7. Showcase Memories
Blog Posts
BIDS Lifestyle...Live Well, Be Well and Shop Well. It's all about Being Black & Green
Hello All,
The latest news from BIDS:
Spread the word:
Our newest "green forum" geared towards providing African American consumers with green products and services is now open! Join and become part of the eco-friendly movement as student and professional designers. We've lots planned for the future of this networking forum!
Media News:
BIDS Partner, "Low Impact Living" was recently featured in a segment on CNN.
Here's the link to BIDS Lifestyle:
http://bidslifestyle.ning.com/forum/topic/show… Continue
Posted by Alicia Valair on June 24th, 2008 at 6:08pm —
No Comments (Add)
MONTHLY FEATURED CAREER WEBSITE: BIDS CITY CHAIR POSITIONS AVAILABLE
BIDS seeks Professional Members interested in Chairing "Membership and Programming Committees".
This is a volunteer position where each Chairperson will be active in organizing, promoting and marketing upcoming BIDS activities. 2009 will be our best year yet! Get involved and network!
If you're located in one of these cities, please contact us ASAP!
Email us at: support@blackinteriordesigners.com
1. Los Angeles
2. Atlanta
3. Houston
4. Washington/Maryland
5. Phoenix
6. Orlando
7. Charlotte
8. Pittsburgh
9. Chicago
10. Dallas/Ft. Worth
11. Raleigh/Durham
Forum
PLASTER/PAINT!
In need of some summer projects to keep me busy. Anyone know of anything in the ATL area or up North please feel free to contact me.
Started by IMIGIZ Jul 8.
Navigating the Green World as a Student 1 Reply
I'd like to begin posting some really good discussions and articles about diving into the Green World as a young, Black Interior Designer. But I want to make sure the topics are truly helpful. What...
Tagged: green, student, leed, usgbc
Started by Ava St. Claire. Last reply by Stanley Stevenson Jr. Jun 4.
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN
HGTV Blog
Ask Monica Pedersen About Your Color Dilemmas
Having a color dilemma? Monica will answer your questions in her upcoming video series.
Your 15 Minutes of Design Fame
Did you know you could appear on a show or an upcoming issue of HGTV Ideas? Find out how!
Just Beachy — Style That Is
If you haven't made it to your nearest ocean yet, check out these beachy designs for inspiration.
In the Words of Angelo Surmelis
As the host of the Rate My Space TV series, Angelo has a knack for taking low-rated spaces and transforming them into 5-star beauties.
Tired of Going Green? These Guys Aren't
Download this eco-friendly podcast featuring Carter Oosterhouse and Josh Foss of Design Star for the best green ideas.
Mid-century Charles and Ray Eames Stamps
So, U.S. postage went up again to .42 last month. While you could stick with the Liberty Bell forever stamps, I think I'll head over to the post office on June 17 to pick up the Charles and Ray Eames collection.
Fab or Drab? My New House's Paint Colors
Let our decorating editor know what you think about the color scheme for her new house.
Born Without the Style Gene
Get inspired and find your inner decorator with plenty of solutions for common design dilemmas.
Choose Your Own Decorating Adventure
If you're tackling home improvement projects this Memorial Day weekend, we've got the best ideas to get started.
Design Trend: Zebra Print
Take a walk on the wild side and discover 11 ways to add exotic, eclectic zebra print to your home, no matter your style.
Hospitality Design Blog
Local Inspirations
There are many wonderful local Vancouver artists that inspire me with their unique design in furniture, art, and accessories. Here are 3 of my favorites:
Sid Dickens
Sid Dickens, (a former student from the Emily Carr Institute), is a local artist who is well known for his decorative “Memory Block” plaster tiles. The most well known ones are cream and black, with mideavel looking designs to them (crowns, angels, thorns, etc.), although they come in many different series and styles. They are approximately 6” x 8” in size and are generally sold for around $75 each. They look best hung on the wall in groupings of course, and they even have a cult like status among loyal collectors. I recently saw a rare “retired” tile (what Sid calls the tiles no longer in production) on Ebay for $800! Sid also does prints, and I bought a set of 4 framed ones as my first purchase in my first new home in Calgary 10 years ago. I just wish I could find more to add to my collection!
http://www.siddickens.com/
Sid Dickens
Sid Dickens, (a former student from the Emily Carr Institute), is a local artist who is well known for his decorative “Memory Block” plaster tiles. The most well known ones are cream and black, with mideavel looking designs to them (crowns, angels, thorns, etc.), although they come in many different series and styles. They are approximately 6” x 8” in size and are generally sold for around $75 each. They look best hung on the wall in groupings of course, and they even have a cult like status among loyal collectors. I recently saw a rare “retired” tile (what Sid calls the tiles no longer in production) on Ebay for $800! Sid also does prints, and I bought a set of 4 framed ones as my first purchase in my first new home in Calgary 10 years ago. I just wish I could find more to add to my collection!
http://www.siddickens.com/
Martha Sturdy
Almost an icon in the Vancouver design community, Martha Sturdy is known transforming modern materials such as resin and metals into stark, modern pieces of furniture, sculpture, or accessories. The designs are bold and colourful. Truly inspirational.
Sabina Hill
I was recently introduced to this local architect and artist who can collaborate with local first nations groups to truly interpret local native “lore” and craft them into contemporary forms that are both beautiful and functional. Use of local materials such as Alder wood and Fir wood mixed with glass and aluminum gives her pieces a unique West Coast feel. I hope to specify some of her product in some upcoming projects.
New Sinks and Taps
First I'd like to apologize for not updating this blog in such a long time. I've been so busy lately at work (we are working on 7 hotel projects all at the same time!), plus I moved residences in May, so that has turned my life upsidown. But I'm back at it, and I will try my best to update weekly from now on.
Second, thanks for all the emails and comments. It seems I have an increased readership, so that is great. More motivation to make my posts more regular.
Now on to today's star...Sinks and Tapsets. There are so many designs out there that it's hard to choose a favorite. I happened to come across these new sinks and tapsets that caught my eye.
Vitraform is one of the best companies manufacturing glass sinks. These pedastal sinks would really make a great impact in a powderoom.
Keeping with this season's trend of animal prints, this new snakeskin textured vessel by Ceramica Cielo is quite interesting.
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And finally, this Ciottolo sink from Duravit isn't brand new, but I love it and have proposed it for a high end condo project in the past. It reminds me of a conversation on Absolutely Fabulous...
Second, thanks for all the emails and comments. It seems I have an increased readership, so that is great. More motivation to make my posts more regular.
Now on to today's star...Sinks and Tapsets. There are so many designs out there that it's hard to choose a favorite. I happened to come across these new sinks and tapsets that caught my eye.
Vitraform is one of the best companies manufacturing glass sinks. These pedastal sinks would really make a great impact in a powderoom.
Keeping with this season's trend of animal prints, this new snakeskin textured vessel by Ceramica Cielo is quite interesting.This new tapset from Rubineteriestella reminds me of the Angel Men by Thierry Mugler bottles
. Kohler has come out with a new kitchen faucet called "Karbon". It is very flexible and has a unique design that I think is great.
And finally, this Ciottolo sink from Duravit isn't brand new, but I love it and have proposed it for a high end condo project in the past. It reminds me of a conversation on Absolutely Fabulous...Patsy: Do you want modern?
Edina: Well, I want modern. But not what modern was, post-modern. But what it is. Just new. I just want what it will be. You know, when you're at the dentist and there's like that chair and cling-clang, the big light comes down and you just spit and spit. The thing you spit in, that bowl, that's the sort of look I want.
Patsy: A sort of ultra-modern spittoon.
HD Expo 2008
I must apologize for not posting is quite a long time. I've been so busy both at work and in my personal life (I just moved into a new condo). Anyway, last week I went to HD Expo in Las Vegas, THE event and trade show for the hospitality design industry. It was amazing as usual.
Interface Carpet Tile
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Zoffany Fabrics Booth
Panaz fabrics – Lots of cut velvets!
In carpet, wall covering, panels, fabrics, etc.
Brinton’s Carpet USA
4) Mix of wood and cream lacquer, or wood and bone in case goods
EFLM Furniture
5) Bold colours in lighting
Axo Lighting Subzero collection
6) 3D Art
Fabric and leather in resin and acrylic by UK artist Laura Thomas
Gold Leaf Design
Artsigns (laser cut screens)
7) Sculptural and unique mirrors
Other Interesting products:
Jockimo floor tile and tabletop surfaces
Sensitile – Play of sparkling light without light through ingenious use of mirror and light passage tubes embedded within the product.
Six Inch - Polyurethane coated foam furniture can be used indoors and outdoors.
Russian Doll tables by Dennis Miller & Associates
Lilyjack Bench
Shimmerscreen
Here is a quick report on several noticeable trends:
1) Animal Prints in carpets and fabrics
Interface Carpet Tile2) Shiny and luxurious Fabrics
Zoffany Fabrics Booth
Panaz fabrics – Lots of cut velvets!3) Humongous scale pattern repeats (sometimes none) and Large Texture
In carpet, wall covering, panels, fabrics, etc.
Brinton’s Carpet USA
4) Mix of wood and cream lacquer, or wood and bone in case goods
EFLM Furniture
5) Bold colours in lighting
Axo Lighting Subzero collection
6) 3D Art
Fabric and leather in resin and acrylic by UK artist Laura Thomas
Gold Leaf Design
Artsigns (laser cut screens)
7) Sculptural and unique mirrors
Other Interesting products:
Jockimo floor tile and tabletop surfaces
Sensitile – Play of sparkling light without light through ingenious use of mirror and light passage tubes embedded within the product.
Six Inch - Polyurethane coated foam furniture can be used indoors and outdoors.
Russian Doll tables by Dennis Miller & Associates
Lilyjack Bench
Shimmerscreen
Gold Rush
I've secretly been fascinated with the colour gold lately. I've been trying to Infuse projects with touches of gold wherever I can (such as my Star Wars C3PO inspired futuristic vinyl for a lobby bench), and yellow toned hues for paint colours and wall vinyls).
I recently came across photos of this Dolce and Gabbana restaurant called "GOLD" in Milan. It mezmorized me. Perhaps I love the play of light that reflection from all the gold surfaces, or maybe it's the not so subtle decadence and luxury associated with shimmery gold jewelry...or most likely my longing and waiting for a sun drenched summer day.
Lounge Bar
Main Restaurant
Ceiling Detail
Washrooms
Cafe
"Boutique Hotel" Defined?
I came across and article today trying to explain what the term "Boutique hotel" really means. I sort of touched on this in my post about Vancouver's "Boutique" hotels, but I find it interesting this over used term is still being debated. I think in time designers and hotel owners will want to think of new terms to describe their hotel. Especially if they're trying to stand out and be different than all the other "boutique hotels".
Here is the article:
http://www.i-escape.com/links/boutiquedebate.php
Here is the article:
http://www.i-escape.com/links/boutiquedebate.php
The Glamorous (the flossy, flossy too)
I’m not exactly a “Hard Rock” type personality; however I really feel that this is one branding machine that has got the themed hotel down right! I saw some photos of the recently opened Hard Rock San Diego and they really caught my eye. The Hard Rock theme isn’t cheesy like you might think. They are going for the glamorous, VIP treatment that puts the focus on the See and Be Seen clientele demographic. And it works. They even have a suite designed by the Black Eyed Peas. GLAMOROUS!
Hotel Lobby – I love the low level lighting, slick finishes, and overall club vibe. The desk backdrop is a massive LED screen that brings in live feeds from rock concerts around the globe.
A Standard Guestroom – Unique to the layouts of these rooms are the fully stocked “M-bars” for mixing your own drinks. Perfect for an evening of hard partying. I also LOVE the carpet.
Typical Suite – I love the skeleton chair.
One of the Rock Star Suites – Very chic 
Black Eyed Peas Suite
Sweetwater Saloon (shown above) is one of 4 dining establishments on site. There is also Mary Jane’s Coffee Shop, Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt, and a new location for the very popular New York based Japanese Fusion restaurant Nobu.
Unique meeting facilities.
There are more than 6 more Hard Rock Hotels in the pipelines waiting to emerge, in places like Panama and Dubai. They’re really hitting the hot jetset destinations.
Hotel Lobby – I love the low level lighting, slick finishes, and overall club vibe. The desk backdrop is a massive LED screen that brings in live feeds from rock concerts around the globe.
A Standard Guestroom – Unique to the layouts of these rooms are the fully stocked “M-bars” for mixing your own drinks. Perfect for an evening of hard partying. I also LOVE the carpet.
Typical Suite – I love the skeleton chair.
One of the Rock Star Suites – Very chic Black Eyed Peas Suite
Sweetwater Saloon (shown above) is one of 4 dining establishments on site. There is also Mary Jane’s Coffee Shop, Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt, and a new location for the very popular New York based Japanese Fusion restaurant Nobu.
Unique meeting facilities.
There are more than 6 more Hard Rock Hotels in the pipelines waiting to emerge, in places like Panama and Dubai. They’re really hitting the hot jetset destinations.
Smashing Mirrors!
One of my favorite local art "suppliers", that I happened to discover at the HD Expo in Las Vegas of all places last year, is Farmboy Fine Arts. Not only do they have an extensive range of stock photos and art, but they also are doing these amazing acrylic mirrors in cutouts of any shape and size. Because they're acrylic they're light weight and safe. You can also have any graphics printed on top of mirror as well. I think they're awsome!
Cut Velvets
I was lucky to head down to the Nordex trade show at the Seattle Design Center this past Wednesday. Looking for fabrics for a specific project, I noticed a very distinct trend...cut velvets! Almost every manufacturer was carrying them. And lots of bright, bold colours too. Here are some of my favorites that I saw:
Designer's Guild
Sahco
Schumaker
Osborne & Little
The Modern Wingback
Wingback chairs have always fascinated me. They provide such a statement in a room, and often "create rooms". Not so much anymore for traditional men's smoking lounges, I love to use wingback chairs in hotel lobbies whenever possible. Some of these ones with a modern twist are my favorite.
Sloan Chair from Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams - Love the twisted outer turned arms:
Hans Wagner chair - Classic Danish Modern:
Aspen Chair by David Edwards - Hope to use this in a hotel lobby in Whistler:
"the wingback chair is a chair, which is usually fully upholstered, with wings rising up from the arm and joining the back at a 90-degree or wider angle.the original purpose for the wings were assumed to be to prevent drafts in old houses from reaching the upper body or to protect the delicate skin of gentrified ladies from the heat of a roaring fireplace."
Sloan Chair from Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams - Love the twisted outer turned arms:
Hans Wagner chair - Classic Danish Modern:
Aspen Chair by David Edwards - Hope to use this in a hotel lobby in Whistler:Fly Chair by David Edwards - New Classic:
Rea Chair by Georgetti - My newest favorite!
Conran - sexy form:
History
From the Designboom website, this is apparently the origins and original purpose of the wingback chair..."the wingback chair is a chair, which is usually fully upholstered, with wings rising up from the arm and joining the back at a 90-degree or wider angle.the original purpose for the wings were assumed to be to prevent drafts in old houses from reaching the upper body or to protect the delicate skin of gentrified ladies from the heat of a roaring fireplace."
Viceroy Anguilla
I was lucky enough to be contacted by the Viceroy's PR team for sales and marketing (Thanks BrieAnn) and given some renderings of the new Viceroy Anguilla property. I had mislabelled the photo in the last post of the Viceroy Miami, and it is now correctly labelled as such.
These photos are amazing! Talk about va va voom sexy! I love the glamour, but I also love the understated and sophisticated palate. I suspect this was done intentionally to give focus to the phenomenal ocean views and not compete with them.
Book me a ticket!
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Alicia Valair
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