Thursday, June 14, 2012

{ Just Wanna Have Fun! }

FUNDESIGNPatternBOLDexcitingmixARTSYmakeastatement
uniquecreativecolorwhimsicaldreamfantasy

Here it is, the middle of June and I missed writing in May, my favorite month! The truth is, I have been busy! I just got back from NEOCON at The Merchandise Mart here in Chicago. So much to see, so little time! I gathered fun facts, photos, new product info and all things new, green, fun and spectacular! Along with my newfound NEOCON treasures, I've been compiling a list of companies who did not show at NEOCON but are included in this blog post as they're adventurous, creative and fun! They don't want their products to just blend in with the rest, and they're having fun in the process of presenting them to us~



                                                                {Cyan Design}
Cyan Design is a fabulous company with unique and whimsical products. If you're looking to make a statement with that one special accent piece, look
here  http://www.cyandesign.biz/ Aren't the chandeliers great? The merchandiser suspended them from the tree branches so that they're
 hanging over the children's suspended bed.


{Cyan Design}
Entertaining dogs showcasing whimsical occasional tables~ Cyan Design quotes on it's website that they create products "with daring feats of design". How true!
Who wants a square, plain end table when they can have a creative one like these anyway?

And then...there's Missoni. If any company is BOLD, fun and colorful, it's them!

Missoni has a following and those following tend to want to make a statement. Some of their products are now available through Target. This plethora of products is NOT for the shy or intimidated, that's for sure.

{Missoni Home}
 
{The Betsy Chair}
I just have to find the right home for this settee. All it takes is a fresh coat of white paint and a good artist to hand paint the white fabric. I have just the right artists too! Let me know if you'd like their names. This whimsical piece was spotted on Benjamin Moore's site "Color Chats" and would look great intermixed with even a traditional decor. Have some fun!

And now, to segue right into my fabulous, fun NEOCON finds...Manufacturers are trying to stand out in the crowd. They want the big WOW! factor. Gone are the days of boring contract furnishings such as gray offices and drab brown and gray carpeting. The crazier and more fun, the better!

In collaboration, Robert Allen Contract and designer Kirk Nix have introduced a collection of upholstery and draperies featuring rich jewel tones and metallic accents, setting a new standard for the hospitality industry. I love the fuchsia paired with the neutral taupe ottoman here. The button tufting adds a timely classic look while the color and patterned pillows add excitement.



 
When I walked into the Chicago Bisazza showroom, I was the only one there. Even without any other people, food or drinks, I still felt like I had entered a party! What exuberance filled the room! Creativity exuded the entire space.
The Bisazza computer processing system enables a drawing or photograph to be converted into a mosaic consisting of tiles. See more at www.bisazzausa.com

Buzzi Space is a very cool company. I like it because it's eco-friendly, colorful and has so many uses. Being green has always been an integral part of their concept; they believe their products should last as long as possible, thus adopting the cradle to cradle philosophy. This philosophy means that they stand for recycling and environmentally responsible processing of materials as well as the conscious use of raw materials and energy. You can see all of their products at http://www.buzzispace.com/
{Buzzi Space}

 {via Seating} An osteopath has developed this product called the "Swopper" chair for via Seating. It has multidimensional movement made with German engineering and was made for people with low back pain. It can be used as a task chair or stool. My son would love this! Or, anyone who doesn't like to sit still would for that matter! 





What fascinates me is the psychology of color. Some colors evoke excitement and energy in a space. For example, the color RED is the color where the eye looks first. People surrounded by RED find their heart beating faster and report feeling a bit out of breath.

The color YELLOW represents happiness and good times.

And ORANGE is the color tied most with fun times, happiness, energy and ambition!
{Kohler}

"The bold look of Kohler" is their tag line and they do make a statement with their new, limited edition collection of sinks designed by designer Jonathan Adler. He combines a serious design philosophy with a colorful sense of optimism. The colors are extremely fun and can add that final touch,  punctuating a neutral kitchen or bathroom with pizazz.

{Tandus Carpet}

Tandus Carpet is "more than just a square". This exciting modular tile is available in vibrant colors. What I really like about this company is that they "create floorcovering solutions that enhance spaces for learning, working, healing and living through inspired design, leading edge-technology and unprecedented achievement toward sustainability." Sustainable and fun? I'll take it!

I had a lot of fun writing this blog, hope you enjoyed it. Until next month, have a FESTIVE SUMMER!

Best,
              Stephanie


Monday, April 16, 2012

In Honor Of Earth Day; My favorite Eco Products and Companies


{C.R. Laine's High Point, NC newest intros}

Whether a product is made of eco friendly materials or the company that produces it practices environmentally conscious efforts, this is all about being green and respecting our environment. This blog is dedicated to honor Earth Day, but for all practical purposes, to honor  Each Day. The photo above features C. R. Laine's hand-crafted upholstery, made in Hickory, North Carolina. The company uses sustainable practices under SBD (sustainable by Design AHFA verification) I love the high back sofa punctuated with nail heads. The sisal rug adds to the greenness.

{sisal rug; photo courtesy Import Flooring} 
Natural fiber rugs are a great way to warm up a space; sisal, jute and bamboo are some of my favorites~

The bamboo rug below can be ordered in sizes 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 8 or 8 x 10, which are pretty standard sizes.

I love having rugs uniquely fabricated by using leather or tapestry fabrics as borders.
{Bamboo rug by Anji Bamboo Rugs}

a}
All My Musings has creatively come up with these amazing tassel styles: a} "Haywire", made of waxed hemp b} "ET", copper and jute c} "Hercules" jute and d} "IT" for Industrial Tassel, a looped muslin; pretty cool, aren't they? I'd hang them on draperies, on an armoire or even use it as a pull for a window treatment. Also available through SN Design.
c}





b}
d}

Wall coverings are huge in making a green impact in the design arena. Some are made of hemp, some are paper and others incorporate capiz shells or sand on paper. I adore Phillip Jeffries and Maya Romanoff for their green initiatives and materials. This Juicy Jute, in my opinion, is just what it's called; JUICY! (grasscloth colors)
{Phillip Jeffries Juicy Jute}


{Four Hands Marlow Drum Stool}

{Four Hands Josephine Dome Chair}                 
{Four Hands Lucinda chair}
Four Hands is an amazing company that I have recently become obsessed with. I keep going back to their products of which I could feature all of in this blog. Their Josephine Dome Chair is a must-have. The drum stool above is called "Marlow", and the occasional chair is their "Lucinda", upholstered in 100% natural hemp fabric.. A lot of their furnishings are hand crafted and made from 100% FSC certified reclaimed wood.
{photo courtesy Art and Artifact}


My blog would not be complete without mentioning real live plants. My husband's new obsession is with succulents and plants. He's propagating and growing plants all over our house. I have to admit, they're growing on me. I am loving succulents and the look of these bell jars with plants, driftwood and shells inside is just great!
{photo by Stephanie Nickolson}

The plants above are an example of his efforts to propagate succulents, which will eventually be spread out all over our house. They do look nice on occasional tables or in groupings on cocktail tables.



{Hooker Furniture}

I must include Hooker Furniture in this blog post as well. Their Environmental Mission Statement is as follows: "On behalf of future generations, Hooker Furniture commits to be a good steward of the environment through sustainable business practices that help preserve the earth's beauty and resources" Nice. Here's a sneak peek at a new introduction, hot-off-the-press from High Point's market: their new Fleur de Lis chest.


{Hooker Furniture}

I could include so many more products and companies in this blog but I'll have to save it for another day...I'll end with Fireclay Tile's gorgeous recycled "Debris" collection; tile they've created and installed at a Whole Food's store. Their ceramicists hand make these tiles and create patterns and designs that are just stunning. Take a look:
{Fireclay Tile}

So, however you spend Earth Day, ENJOY! BE OUTDOORS! CELEBRATE ALL THAT"S NATURAL AND GREEN!

Until next post,

My Best,

~Stephanie


Thursday, March 1, 2012

It's ALL about green


{Christopher Guy showroom in Winnetka, IL}
Tasteful, classy, GREEN accents incorporated into an amazing showroom with THE most unique furnishings.

It's all about green, spring is in the air, and I want to share some of my favorite green and eco-friendly interiors and products~

        First, to spotlight some fabulously designed rooms which incorporate green into their interiors:

{Kelly Wearstler's Trelliage/Ivory Imperial Trellis fabric and wallpaper}
{Cole & Son Malachite wallpaper; room designed by Summer Thornton}
This room by Summer Thornton is amazing; I love it. And more...

{Photo courtesy of Clarke & Clarke's website}

The room above is subtle and understated, but nonetheless inspirational.

 More about green products, here are some of my favs:



 An exciting, BOLD, innovative, eco-friendly wall covering company, EDGE Wall coverings (wow, what more can you ask for??) offers these inspiring products and has the capability of custom scaling the designs to fit your wall size requirements. They can also print these kaleidoscope looking designs onto glass, aluminum and textiles among other materials. (On a green note: The wall coverings are also cadmium-free) You can view their entire line at www.EDGEwallcoverings.com


                  Take a look:
{Emerald Flowers, right, Leafy Way, left}
{ Fireclay Tile}



     Fireclay Tile is one of my favorite tile companies. This tile is from their Debris Series and is offered in over 112 lead-free glaze color options. It contains over 60% recycled materials.                                                                          
{Soft Spoken Aloe FLOR tile}


FLOR is a modular or tile carpet company that offers the versatility of creating your own size and patterned carpet tile options and they have beautiful tiles that can be intermixed. What I love about this company is their "Return and Recycle" program whereas their tiles never end up in our landfills. See more at www.FLOR.com

 Smith + Noble offer natural bamboo and matchstick shades that are renewable and sustainable and woven by artisans on hand-fed looms. They are a great compliment to almost any style room. They range from casual to more formal options. Their site is www.smithandnoble.com

See the full color spectrum at  www.sherwinwilliams.comSherwin Williams paint "200 zero VOC's" just came out last year and barely has a smell to it. The coverage is good, safer for us to breathe and for the environment! Shown here are some very springy colors ranging form the lightest color and very calming Camomile SW 6399 and graduating to the deepest tone Fervent Brass SW 6405. I love each and every one of these hues. (But then again, I'm partial to anything green)


~ Please check back next month for a special blog celebrating EARTH day.
            Until then, HAPPY ST. PAT'S DAY and anything else that you are celebrating this month! 
                                           ~Stephanie

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Stephanie's (mostly green) Design: Bohemian Design

Stephanie's (mostly green) Design: Bohemian Design

Bohemian Design

Bohemian   boho hippies  artsy  drifters  spiritual  nonconforming  vibrant colors pattern patchwork
{ photo courtesy of http://www.bohemiantwilight.blogspot.com/ }
  I've always loved the mix-matched, vibrant colors and patterns of Bohemian design. It's so non-conformist, carefree and exciting!!
{ Photo courtesy of Home Decoration }
{ Pillows from India, photo courtesy alibaba }
But what exactly is this style and where did it originate? It originated in France in the early 19th century when artists and creators began to concentrate in lower rent, lower class gyspy neighborhoods. It's actually the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, those who move from place to place, may not care about materialistic things, may be involved in music, arts or literary pursuits. They may be wanderers, adventurers, vagabonds. In the United States, it can be seen in the 1960's hippie counterculture. {I've always loved peace symbols and rainbows; I truly am a hippie at heart}



This beautiful rug is one that my clients picked up while on a recent trip to Turkey. Honestly, my photography does not do these rich, beautiful colors justice! Laying area rugs or a rug over carpeting invites a warm, cozy feel. I love layering an area rug over sisal.
Robert Kaufman's Bohemian Rhapsody line of fabrics shown below are eclectic, and filled with beautiful, rich, jewel toned colors. It definitely has this Boho vibe.


{ Robert Kaufman's Bohemian Rhapsody line of fabrics }
Moroccan furnishings, when jux-tapositioned with Bohemian style interiors are a great combination. These light fixtures' intricate designs throw shadows on the walls, creating pattern and interest, especially when it's dark outside or all other lights are out.

~  I hope that 2012 brings you all much happiness and inspiration!! Whatever you endeavor, try adding a little bit of fun and boldness to your life! 

         Looking forward,
                        ~ Stephanie
     















Tuesday, December 6, 2011

One Of A Kind Show At The Chicago Merchandise Mart

earth; without art, life is just "eh"... I'm not sure where I got this quote from, but I love it.

Last week, I had the priviledge of attending Chicago's One Of A Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart. Although pressed for time, I got to see some of the best crafters that I have ever seen. I'm spotlighting some of them here. I only wish that I could have spent a few days there to see all 600 exhibitor's creations. I'll link to each website for more info on each artist. Kudos to etsy, an unbelievable online marketplace showcasing artists from all over the world. On their site, you can read their blog, see thousands of artists work, sell your own stuff, buy from others, or just get inspired! As they say, there is something unique for everyone.
me at the etsy booth

I can't say enough about etsy, so please check them out at www.etsy.com They had a make-your-own paper ornament table that was so creative and fun.



Goods are made from recycled bottle glass

Bentbottle's owner, Bryan Northup, is based out of Oak Park, IL. His company fabricates beautiful home furnishings such as lighting and bowls made of colored recycled glass bottles. www.bentbottle.etsy.com

Michael Szabo's beautiful metal vases
Michael Szabo, based out of San francisco, is an incredibly creative sculptor. The medium he works with inludes stainless steel and bronze metals. His work ranges from these beautiful vases to large commissioned works, such as a large fountain design at the California Avenue Caltrain Station in Palo Alto, CA.
http://www.szaboworks.com/
waterfall metal sculpture by Michael Szabo
Kristen Kruchowski's tree stump furniture
Kristen Kruchowski creates tree stump furniture that she sands down giving the stumps a smooth finish and coats the tops with a metallic silver paint. I love the eco-glam combo! (She's also based in Chicago, another fact that I love; local) Her products can be seen and purchased at www.TheElizabethElement.etsy.com
Tom Sourlis is the creator of beautiful glass pieces that are one-of-a-kind with an organic vibe. He designs a plethora of products; from lamps to architectural tiles to jewelry bits. Very stunning pieces! To view more, go to www.sourlisglassstudio.com
Sourlis Glass Studio

 You just can't get any greener than this! Great gifts for the holidays or any other time, just because.          
May the holidays bring you close to your family and friends. Wishing you all peace and happiness. Until next time,  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!                                                                
                                                                                     ~ Stephanie