Meet Inner Child, the Home Decor Brand Handcrafting Maximalist Magic

Artist Stephanie Dillon and her husband, Reilly, were captivated by a model home in Eden Prairie, which boasted a blend of whitewashed shiplap and shakes on its exterior, creating a timeless and airy aesthetic. The interior featured light-filled communal spaces, each with a distinct character, moving away from conventional floorplans. The color scheme ranged from calming charcoals and pale neutrals to deep greens and rich terra-cotta, evoking a European atmosphere. Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, owner of West Bay Homes and the designer behind the model, drew inspiration from her travels to Paris, characterizing the style as French contemporary farmhouse. She envisioned the kitchen as a French pastry shop, integrating multiple layers of meticulously detailed materials throughout the 5,000-square-foot residence. The kitchen's design incorporates three types of glazed tiles for the backsplashes, with a small hexagonal tile chosen for its light-reflecting properties, contributing to an elevated visual experience. Dillon, an acrylic and mixed-media artist known for painting her emotions, found a kindred spirit in Vogelgesang, whose design philosophy also prioritized passion and feeling. Dillon retained Vogelgesang to complete the interior design of their new home. The designer expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Dillon's extensive rug collection. Elements like shiplap and painted charcoal, seen on the exterior, were repeated inside on the basement's fireplace wall and the vaulted ceiling of a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen, along with charcoal-colored square tiles extending from counter to ceiling in the kitchen backsplash. This repetition of color ensures cohesiveness and a holistic progression throughout the home, where all environmental elements relate to one another. Vogelgesang skillfully managed the abundance of materials, preventing a busy or cluttered appearance, much like Dillon blends colors on her canvases. Some design choices stand out, others recede, and some shimmer, collectively defining the mood of each space. The materials coalesce into a balanced and proportionate composition, resulting in a home tailored for an artist. Vogelgesang aims to create spaces that are timeless and elegant without being overly delicate or cost-prohibitive. The lower-level bar area features charcoal shiplap around the fireplace, painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Dorian Gray, and steps down into a sunken media room, showcasing the designer’s preferred brass and gray combination. Brass hardware also adorns the front entry doors. Light fixtures, including those from Mitzi on the library ladder, were strategically chosen. The unexpected entry leads to a "dining hall" that functions as a grand foyer, as described by Vogelgesang. This space features nine-inch-wide-plank white oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with ceiling beams bisecting its soaring height, allowing ample natural light. The built-in bar features a backsplash of alternating light and dark neutral tiles, custom cabinetry with dental molding, and a marble sink skirt. Open shelving in the kitchen displays two sizes of backsplash tiles from The Tile Shop, with custom alder wood cabinetry finished with a clear whitewashed stain and brass hardware for an enhanced shimmer. The kitchen, inspired by Parisian pastry shops, includes two islands for ease of navigation, with only one housing a sink to allow for uninterrupted dining on the other. The mudroom boasts large-format heated tiles combined with white oak cabinetry, finished in a whitewash stain, offering an industrial concrete look harmonized with French country cabinetry. A basement guest bath incorporates vibrant color through whimsical floral tiles from The Tile Shop on one wall and Sherwin-Williams’s Perfect Periwinkle on the adjacent wall. The library features a bold mix of Sherwin-Williams paints: Canyon Clay on the walls and Gauntlet Gray in a high-gloss enamel finish on the moldings and doors, complemented by chartreuse chairs. A wide-plank whitewashed cedar wall on the rear deck provides privacy. The prep kitchen off the mudroom embraces color with Waverly Classics wallpaper by York, cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Green Onyx, and a hammered copper sink, showcasing how personal touches can enhance practical areas. The powder room dazzles with an antiqued mirrored glass tile wall from The Tile Shop, a custom white oak vanity with a marble shelf, and Savoy House sconces. The floors throughout the home incorporate patterned ceramic tiles from The Tile Shop. The home's floor plan, while a traditional rambler, diverges into an unconventional layout where the front entry opens into a vaulted foyer and dining room, serving as a pass-through to the kitchen and great room. #HomeStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #FrenchContemporaryFarmhouse #CustomCabinetry #TileDesign #ArtisticHome #ArchitecturalDetails #EuropeanInfluence

The High Point Market Fall 2024 showcased numerous new collections and collaborations from prominent designers and brands in the home furnishings industry. This event served as a platform for unveiling innovative designs and product lines across various categories, including furniture, textiles, lighting, and rugs. The market attracted a significant number of design professionals, all seeking to discover the latest trends and offerings. Bernhardt's Designer in Residence showcase, led by Nicole Fuller, presented an installation inspired by the Moroccan desert. This collection featured exotic elements such as pierced brass lanterns, an art deco-style faceted credenza, bullion fringe-trimmed settees, and pillows with beaded "evil eye" accents. The showcase aimed to create an immersive and unique design experience for visitors. Four Hands introduced the second installment of its collaboration with designer Amber Lewis. This launch comprised over 160 artisan-made SKUs, reflecting Lewis's signature coastal-cool aesthetic. Notable items included the shearling-covered Bennett chair, the paper cord-accented Salvador coffee table, and the hammered-bronze Corinne stool, catering to a blend of comfort and style. Tara Shaw's collaboration with Century Furniture drew inspiration from French flea market finds. The collection highlighted antique-driven designs such as the midcentury Italian-style Saint Laurent lounge chair and ottoman, the Rococo-esque Sainte Rome accent table, and the Trocadero desk, which featured ebonized detailing and hand-carved animal paw feet. This partnership aimed to merge historical elegance with contemporary craftsmanship. Thibaut's Anna French room displayed the Camelot collection, characterized by vibrant, jewel-toned fabrics. The collection included chairs upholstered in Linden Velvet, a sofa in moire-esque Regia, and drapes made from flame-stitched Kamut Embroidery, providing a luxurious and colorful aesthetic. Hickory Chair presented new collaborations with Kim Scodro and Suzanne Kasler. Scodro's contributions included soft-hued designs like the pale pink Harrison lounge chair, while Kasler's Bruges collection featured pieces such as the bone-inlaid Luc cocktail table and the tufted, art moderne-style Annabelle sofa, combining traditional and modern influences. Abner Henry's launches featured Sasha Bikoff's second collection, inspired by Memphis Milano, and the sinuous Aero console. These pieces emphasized unique shapes and artistic expressions, attracting attention from industry figures like Thom Filicia. Kravet's collaboration with fashion label Altuzarra at 200 Steele showcased a couture-fueled line. The collection included the ombre, sunset sky-inspired Colorscape mural, the Moth Weave, and the finely feathered Caspia, available as both fabric and wallcovering, reflecting a blend of fashion and home decor. Hubbardton Forge introduced the Snaps collection, an interactive lighting system composed of leather straps, LED modules, and alabaster diffusers. This modular design allowed for various configurations, offering customizable lighting solutions. Interlude Home presented petite versions of its Lucie and Theo sheep and a line of designer-selected chairs upholstered in Kravet fabrics, adding playful yet sophisticated options. Eliko Rugs by David Ariel collaborated with Anne-Marie Barton for a 27-piece collection of artisan-crafted rugs. This collection, which included the ultrashaggy Adorne and geometric Terra Luna styles, blended European design influences with contemporary aesthetics. Universal Furniture's Dwell collection featured architectural designs like a latticework-like bed frame, a cast concrete-shelved bar cart, a multifunctional cocktail table with an attached ottoman, and the Basalt credenza with pine lap-siding. Harbour showcased its new Palm Beach collection at the 313 Space, alongside other outdoor retailers and sustainability-minded brands such as Loose Parts, Nanimarquina, and Soil to Studio. Barbara Barry expanded her line with Baker and McGuire, introducing pieces like the rattan-framed Encircle sofa, the oak veneer-topped Cinch dining table, the plaster Dias Cylinder lamp, and the L-shaped Lao cocktail table made of honed Honey Onyx. Jaipur Living collaborated with House Sprucing on a collection of six artisan-crafted rugs, including the distressed Tesorino and hand-tufted Amata styles, made from 100 percent PET yarn. This collection emphasized European design and sustainable materials. Cordless lights were a notable trend, with introductions from Surya, Visual Comfort, Currey & Company, and Pooky, offering portable and flexible lighting solutions. Verellen celebrated its silver anniversary with a line of colorful upholstered furniture, including the polychromatic Otis club chair, the rainbow-speckled Roger swivel stool, and a bold color-blocked iteration of the modular Diego sectional sofa. Loloi featured Chris Loves Julia’s Scottie collection, a line of hand-tufted rugs with scalloped edges and striped double borders, available in various sizes and colorways. Burton James presented plush designs like the slope-armed Ally swivel chair, the sinuous Grayson sectional sofa, and the tightly upholstered Roy ottoman. Brown Jordan’s bestselling Luca collection, designed by Ann Marie Vering, offered a range of outdoor furniture with gently curved teak frames and weather-safe cushions. American Leather updated its Menlo Park series by Rick Lee, introducing a curvaceous bed and serpentine sofa upholstered in Ultrasuede fabric with channeled backs and welt detailing. Regina Andrew Detroit unveiled new lighting designs, including the mobile-inspired Artemis chandelier, the asymmetrical Happy Outdoor sconce, and the leather-wrapped Denver table lamp. BDI’s Elements collection by Matthew Weatherly provided acoustic-savvy storage solutions with laser-carved wood door fronts and metal mesh panels, designed to conceal audio equipment without compromising sound quality. #HighPointMarket #ProductLaunch #InteriorDesign #HomeFurnishings #DesignerCollaborations #FurnitureTrends #LightingDesign #TextileCollections #RugDesign

The article highlights Heather Chontos's collaboration with Layered, focusing on a new rug collection that translates her abstract paintings into hand-tufted rugs. The collection aims to capture the depth, color, and shape of Chontos's artwork, making her vibrant and expressive pieces accessible as functional home decor. These rugs are presented as a unique way to bring art into interior spaces, offering both visual appeal and tactile quality through their hand-tufted construction. Following this, the article introduces Clé's refreshed Architect's Palette tile collection. Clé has updated this classic collection by introducing a silkier matte glaze and expanding the available color palette. This refresh aims to provide designers and homeowners with more sophisticated and versatile options for tiling projects, emphasizing an earthy touch that enhances the collection's aesthetic and functional appeal for various architectural and interior applications. The ORA Lamp Series by Dana Harel, from White Dirt Studio, is also featured, showcasing sculptural lighting crafted from gypsum cement, muslin, and brass. These lamps are noted for their unique forms and the way they play with light and shadow, adding an artistic element to any room. The design combines diverse materials to create visually compelling and structurally interesting lighting fixtures. Fireclay Tile's new customizable bath fittings collection marks the company's expansion beyond surface materials. This new venture allows for personalized bath designs, giving customers more control over the aesthetics of their bathrooms. The collection emphasizes customization, enabling a cohesive and unique look when paired with Fireclay's extensive tile offerings. Molteni&C's Milan showroom and its top products are explored, conceived as the home of an astute collector. The showroom acts as a curated space displaying a range of high-end furniture and decor that reflects a sophisticated and eclectic taste. This segment offers a glimpse into the brand's design philosophy and product highlights. Visionnaire's new Italian-luxe showroom in London's Design District is also presented, inviting readers to explore its opulent offerings. The showroom is designed to exhibit Visionnaire's luxurious furniture and home accessories, providing a destination for high-end interior design inspiration and purchases. Lawson-Fenning's NoHo shop in New York, designed by Josh Grene, is highlighted for its glowing terra-cotta hues. The shop's design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, showcasing the brand's furniture and decor in a distinctive setting that emphasizes natural tones and materials. Ege and Snøhetta's collaboration on a carpet collection, Matter, is introduced, which reimagines flooring with generative flatweaves. This partnership combines innovative design with functional materiality, offering floor coverings that are both aesthetically engaging and practical for various commercial and residential applications. Finally, the article mentions several other product highlights, including an array of seating designs for a fall refresh, Carole Baijing’s understated furniture collection for Geiger, Slalom’s sustainable acoustic panels made with FSC-certified wood and recycled materials, Rop van Mierlo’s bold and shaggy rug series for CC-Tapis, Hem and Kusheda Mensah’s playful ottoman collaboration, Jiang Qiong Er’s poetic bamboo collection for Roche Bobois, Kevin Walz’s colorful collaboration with Ralph Pucci, Kriskadecor and Rafa Ortega’s nature-inspired Khronos collection with acoustic properties, and Jill Malek’s pastel glass mural panels inspired by natural phenomena. #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunch #HomeDecor #TileDesign #LightingDesign #FurnitureCollection #Showroom #TextileArt #AcousticPanels

Interior designer Bria Hammel is preparing to launch her own home furnishings line, Brooke & Lou, in August, named after her two children. Hammel's business, which she started with a single assistant six years ago, has grown significantly, now employing a team of 12 and handling projects across multiple states. The new collection is designed to be "life-friendly," catering to the common client request for durable pieces that can withstand daily wear and tear from children and common household incidents like spilled wine. The product line will encompass upholstered furniture, case goods, accessories, wallpapers, and pillows. Hammel describes the aesthetic of Brooke & Lou as a "fresh take on traditional preppy style," drawing inspiration from her Texan roots and an affinity for Southern design. This influence is intended to create a welcoming, bright, and cheerful home environment. The article highlights some of Hammel's previous design projects, showcasing her personal style, which she characterizes as a blend of coastal, preppy, and cottage elements. An example of this is a powder room featured in the article. Another project, a black-and-white entry, is noted as being particularly popular among her extensive Instagram following, which exceeds 45,000. The emphasis on practicality is further illustrated by a kitchen design where the fabric on the bar stools is described as "life-friendly," capable of easy cleaning even after spills like spaghetti. The collection aims to make stylish yet robust home furnishings more accessible to a broader audience. #BriaHammel #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #BrookeAndLou #KidFriendlyDesign #LifeFriendlyProducts #SouthernStyle #PreppyDesign

This article highlights the growing trend of integrating aesthetically pleasing and imaginative toys into children's bedrooms and playrooms, moving beyond traditional, brightly colored plastic toys. It emphasizes a shift towards toys that serve both as play items and decorative elements, often crafted from natural materials and featuring sophisticated color palettes. The article contrasts two types of toy shops: large retailers with an abundance of conventional toys that primarily excite children, and independent toy stores that offer more curated selections appealing to both children's imaginations and adult aesthetic preferences. These independent stores typically stock items like wooden shepherd’s huts and stacking animals, which are designed to complement stylish interiors. Lucy Estherby, founder of the children’s lifestyle store Acorn & Pip, notes that well-designed toys are increasingly being displayed on shelves, mantelpieces, and furniture, creating charming decorative vignettes. Her recommendations for stylish displays include a stacking puzzle from Little Dutch, a Miffy lamp, a wooden ferris wheel from Trixie, and nostalgic Sun Jellies bags. A popular item is a mini decorated piano from Moulin Roty, described as beautiful enough for a film set. A significant focus is placed on Maileg mouse houses, which are presented as the ultimate blend of attractive design and child appeal. These elaborate dollhouses feature soft, charming mice, complete with miniature furniture and accessories like rolltop baths and working lamps. The influence of social media on the popularity of such items is evident, with a surge in Maileg searches on Acorn & Pip's website following a viral video by YouTuber Zoë Sugg. Kathryn Watson, who creates miniature dollhouse accessories for Maileg lovers through her brand Oh Sew Rosie, observes a rising interest in modern dollhouses among both children and adults. This interest stems from a desire to create miniature versions of ideal interior styles, especially for those who may lack the space or resources to implement them in their full-sized homes. Watson also points out that these miniature accessories are used to decorate dollhouses for various seasons and special occasions, such as birthdays, with her selling over 1,700 tiny sparkly party hats. She suggests that these small scenes can be created anywhere, not just in dollhouses, and can act as an invitation to play while also enhancing a room's aesthetic. The article concludes by showcasing a selection of decorative toys and their prices, encouraging readers to transform children’s spaces with these stylish and imaginative items, referred to as 'shelf candy.' These items include a dollhouse from H&M, a bear basket from Meri Meri, a birthday train from Ando, a Maileg bundle from Folk Interiors, a night light from Moulin Roty, a wooden windmill from Tender Leaf, various accessories from Oh Sew Rosie, a rattan ark from Ferm Living, wooden eggs from Grapat, a wooden ferris wheel from Trixie, and mythical creature plushies from Olli Ella. #KidsBedrooms #DecorativeToys #PlayroomDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorStyle #Maileg #ChildrensToys #AestheticSensibility #ShelfCandy

This article highlights 19 distinct and eye-catching design pieces showcased at the High Point Market, offering a curated selection of furniture, lighting, and decorative accessories that can elevate any interior design project. The featured items encompass a range of styles, from contemporary and playful to classic and artisan-crafted, demonstrating the diverse offerings available to design professionals. Each piece is presented with its manufacturer, name, and a brief description of its unique characteristics and design inspiration. The selection begins with Universal Furniture's 'Strata bench,' characterized by its chunky, upholstered channels that create a cloud-like aesthetic. Vertuu Design's 'Andorra coffee table' follows, noted for its smooth top contrasting with a ribbed base, offering a subtle textural interplay. Wildwood introduces the 'Laguna vase,' an artisan-made Italian piece with a shimmery iridescent finish achieved through a reactive glaze, adding an artistic touch to any space. Arteriors presents the 'Melt sconce,' a collaboration with Workshop/APD, featuring overlapping drops of textured smoke glass that create a fluid and sculptural lighting effect. For seating, Taylor King showcases a sinuous iteration of their 'Hayworth swivel chair,' upholstered in a shapely Collage fabric by Susan Hable for Valdese Weavers, providing both comfort and visual interest with its curved lines. Visual Comfort's 'Bellamy two-light chandelier' by Marie Flanigan is highlighted as a statement lighting fixture designed to command attention. Accent Decor offers the 'Meander bud vase,' a whimsical, squiggly-armed vase perfect for creating an Instagram-worthy display. Co.House Designs presents the 'Lenny swivel chair' by Button Atelier, an homage to old-world European design, featuring faux mohair upholstery and a fanciful fringe trim. Practical yet stylish options include Worlds Away's 'Collins LB game table,' which combines inset grasscloth with sky-blue edging and discreet pullout drawers for storage. Intertwined: Handmade for Good features a 'framed handwoven Mayan textile,' a fragment of a vintage huipil from the Guatemalan highlands, serving as a conversation-starting art piece. Decorative Crafts' 'Argento coffee table' is characterized by its hand-finished antiqued silver leaf and a dazzling diamond-patterned frame. Barrett Bergmann Home's 'Shangri-La vanity' exemplifies understated elegance with its storage-savvy design. Curved forms are further explored with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’s 'Regatta sofa,' which transforms curved lines into an art form, and American Leather's 'Pira chair,' a tribute to Brazilian modernism with its gently rounded silhouette. Surya introduces the 'Herat rug,' a hand-knotted pure wool piece with a gradient hue designed to add warmth. Madheke’s 'Fanza' side table is a sculptural brass cast item with wabi-sabi appeal, featuring an asymmetrical base and a brushed finish. Taamaa’s 'Bau table' offers a modern interpretation of 1920s Bauhaus designs with its orb accents. Finally, Piegatto’s 'Palm coffee tables' are presented as highly configurable options, while Adriana Hoyos’s 'Origen daybed,' upholstered in quilted leather, is highlighted as an inviting piece for relaxation. #HighPointMarket #InteriorDesign #HomeFurnishings #StatementPieces #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #HomeDecor #ArtisanCrafted #DesignTrends

Dezeen Showroom has unveiled 14 new products this week, featuring a diverse range of furniture, lighting, and finishes for both commercial and residential projects. Among the highlights is the "Technicolour" textile collection by graphic designer Peter Saville for Danish brand Kvadrat. This collection draws inspiration from the colorful sprays used by farmers to mark sheep, translating this rustic aesthetic into a series of vibrant handwoven and robot-tufted rugs with color spots, iridescent curtains, and upholstery made from British sheep's wool. Saville describes the collection as bringing "the industry of the land, in raw form, into the living environment," likening it to "rural graffiti." Other notable product additions include the "Mouro" lamp, designed by Patricia Perez for Case Furniture. This portable and rechargeable table lamp, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, features a disc-shaped LED light that rotates 360 degrees, enclosed within a rectangular frame that doubles as a handle. Rainlight's "Phlox" collection for Okamura offers a comprehensive range of seating and tables, including conference chairs, lounge chairs, high stools, and five table shapes. The collection, characterized by its gently undulating silhouettes, is inspired by the petals of the night-blooming phlox flower. For storage solutions, Bruno Rainaldi's "Ptolomeo" bookshelf for Opinion Ciatti is designed to emulate the appearance of books stacked in high piles while providing structural stability. Named after the founder of the Library of Alexandria, this stainless steel shelf is available in black, white, or Corten effect lacquered finishes. Dedar introduces two new textile collections: "The Art of Jacquard" and a "Textile wall covering collection." The Jacquard collection features ultra-thin yarns woven directly into the fabric to create rich patterns, including tropical bird motifs, nature-inspired designs, bold graphics, and abstract floral landscapes. The wall covering collection, inspired by grand tapestries, includes four patterns, such as screen-printed illustrations on linen and classic weaves of jute and linen, aimed at creating a cozy atmosphere. The "Hymn" lamp by Hiroto Yoshizoe for Ambientec is another portable and durable lighting option for indoor and outdoor settings. It employs two magnets to create constant oscillations, producing a flickering effect reminiscent of a candle flame. GamFratesi's "Beetle Chair," available through Suite NY, has been re-released with four new upholstery options in neutral shades, alongside black or brass leg finishes. John Pawson's "Frame" dining table for Nikari, originally designed for his own farmhouse, is a minimalist piece made from responsibly sourced ash or oak wood with a natural oil finish, boasting a lifespan of over 100 years. Alegre Design's "Talent" desk for Actiu is a versatile, mobile, and height-adjustable workstation designed for educational and training environments, featuring a dry-erase worktop that functions as a whiteboard when folded. Finishes also see new additions with CDUK's expanded "Corian Solid Surface" range, now available in a broader spectrum of neutral and warm colors. This material is lauded for its hygienic, durable, abrasion-resistant, and fade-proof qualities, making it suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Forbo Flooring Systems introduces "Marmoleum Linear," a carbon-neutral, plant-based linoleum flooring made from linseed oil, waste wood flour, and jute, designed to mimic wood with irregular grey and neutral stripes. ADEX presents the "Habitat" tile collection, a sustainable ceramic option for interior walls made with 55 percent white-body ceramics for enhanced durability. Lastly, Decocer's "Crag" tiles offer a family of porcelain tiles that replicate the look of stone and weathered steel, suitable for indoor and outdoor walls and floors, characterized by an industrial aesthetic and textured matte finish. #ProductLaunch #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #LightingDesign #SustainableMaterials #DesignInnovation #HomeDecor #WorkplaceSolutions

This article presents a diverse array of innovative products spanning home decor, personal accessories, and lifestyle items, each chosen for its unique design, functionality, or social impact. In the realm of home decoration, the Studio Cubbe Mini Floating Shelf from Lyon offers whimsical storage solutions with customizable colors and grout options, despite its miniature size. Similarly, Ugly Rugly's Amoeba Coaster Set brings playful, water-resistant designs to dining spaces, while &KLevering;'s Coupe Twirl Mint Set reimagines classic champagne glasses with colorful, retro forms. Lighting solutions include Zanwen Li's Heng Balance Lamp, a minimalist and interactive piece that illuminates through magnetic connection, and Siup Studio's handmade Minty Bubble Lamp, known for its experimental, bulbous ceramic form. For larger home accents, HAY's Flat Works Rug, designed by Ethan Cook, provides a blend of bold and subdued colors inspired by woven wall art, suitable for various decor styles. Storage and organization are addressed with DOIY's 'Mystic' ceramic boxes, which offer playful, magic-inspired vessels for trinkets and jewelry. Beyond home decor, the collection features personal accessories and apparel. The article showcases Piatnik's Takenobu Igarashi Playing Cards, originally commissioned by MoMA, which stand out for their timeless graphic design and use of negative space. For footwear, the FEIT + Oliver Jeffers Indoor Slippers, crafted from single-piece vegetable-tanned calfskin, feature illustrations from Jeffers' art book. Apparel items include the MAAP + The Arrivals Alt_Road Haelo Packable Jacket, a stylish and functional cycling jacket made from water-repellant and recycled materials, and The Fillmore Hoodie in Sunflower Embroidery by Taylor Stitch + Ron Finley, an organic cotton hoodie that supports the Ron Finley Project's guerrilla gardening initiatives. Accessories also include American Trench's Retro Stripes Socks, offering a nostalgic nod to the 1950s with durable, colorful designs, and the Q Timex 1972 Reissue watch, celebrating Timex’s iconic collection with a retro gold-tone stainless steel case and red face. The curated selection also highlights items with social or artistic significance. Heart n Soul Greeting Cards, featuring artwork by co-designers with learning disabilities, contribute 100% of profits to the Heart n Soul non-profit, promoting talent and inclusivity. The Galison “The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles” Puzzle transforms Faith Ringgold's powerful artwork, celebrating iconic Black American women, into an interactive piece. For pet owners, Dog Ear's Frankenball offers unique, handmade pet toys made from 100% recycled fabrics, emphasizing sustainability and outdoor enjoyment. Unique food and drink items include the Zojirushi PAC-MAN Stainless Mug, a limited-edition collaboration that combines classic gaming nostalgia with functional insulation, and Asha's Hello Kitty Cup Noodles, providing vegan noodles in playful, low-sodium packaging. Fine jewelry is represented by Lightbox Lab-Grown Diamond Cushion Cut Studs, showcasing technologically replicated diamonds in various colors and settings. Finally, the Rock Plan ChungKing Mansion Keychain pays homage to Hong Kong's ChungKing Mansion and Wong Kar-wai's film 'ChungKing Express', blending cultural reference with functional design. This collection emphasizes craftsmanship, unique aesthetics, and sometimes, a commitment to social responsibility or environmental consciousness, providing a comprehensive overview of products that aim to enhance daily life through design and thoughtful creation. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LifestyleProducts #HandmadeCrafts #SustainableDesign #ArtisticCollaboration #GiftIdeas #UniqueDesigns

The article provides an intimate look into the Sunfish Lake home of antiques dealer Robert Riesberg and his wife, Christine Hartman, which doubles as both their residence and a by-appointment-only gallery for Riesberg's business. Their Federal-style house, built in 1925, is characterized by a blend of traditional design and warm hospitality, furnished with museum-quality 17th, 18th, and early 19th-century antiques, art, objects, and rugs. Riesberg, with over 50 years of experience, emphasizes buying pieces he would personally want to keep, noting that this passion drives his successful career. The home features a series of formal rooms, including a front parlor with a mahogany drum table, sideboard, and a 1760 cherry New England flip-top secretary desk, with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Apple. A light-filled formal dining room and gallery, added by Riesberg, is used for parties and family gatherings, showcasing French Louis XV rococo console tables with rare brèche d’alep marble from approximately 1760. The exterior of the home maintains its Federal-style architecture, while the kitchen, though the least formal space, is adorned with 18th-century Windsor chairs and Delft tiles depicting manganese figures from the same period. Creative design solutions are evident throughout, such as a small closet ingeniously converted into a walk-in bar with a Dutch door. The sunporch, featuring terrazzo floors and shelves filled with Delftware, opens to a grape arbor, offering a serene space. The fireplace mantel and paneling were custom-designed based on Connecticut fireplace patterns, symmetrically decorated with blue-and-white 18th-century Delftware. The central hallway boasts ash and walnut flooring modeled after traditional French parquetry, complemented by 19th-century oil landscapes, a late 18th-century portrait, and a Regency commode from around 1710. Riesberg’s study, designed with Connecticut inspiration, features millwork painted in a custom green and houses a substantial collection of books and catalogs on antiques, art, landscaping, and architecture. The article also includes five tips from Robert Riesberg and Christine Hartman for incorporating antiques into one's home. These tips encourage individuals to discover their personal taste by visiting various sources like museums and antique shops, and building a file of preferred items. They suggest taking inventory of existing belongings to identify pieces that don't align with one's aesthetic or function, thereby creating space for new acquisitions. The couple advocates for broadening one's scope beyond furnishing a room strictly by a singular period, encouraging the mixing of contemporary furnishings with antique gems to create a space that reflects individual taste and personality. Riesberg advises understanding the craftsmanship of antiques, particularly those made before the machine age (pre-1840), to appreciate their design details and value. Finally, they recommend taking a slow approach to building a collection, emphasizing that a few beautiful, well-chosen pieces are more valuable than a multitude of mediocre ones, and that truly beautiful homes evolve in stages. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Antiques #FederalStyleHome #VintageDecor #HomeTours #LuxuryInteriors #CollectingAntiques

This monthly series, "In Our Carts," highlights a curated selection of new product launches and collaborations in the home and lifestyle sphere. The June 2024 edition features a range of items, from bedding and rugs to furniture, lighting, and kitchenware, all chosen for their design and functionality. One of the notable collaborations is between Danish home brand Tekla and Artek, which resulted in a new line of bedding. This collection includes duvets and shams in three colors, adorned with Finnish architect Aino Aalto’s Kirsikankukka pattern, inspired by a Japanese scarf. The collaboration also marks Tekla's first venture into kids' bedding. Cold Picnic, known for its printed rugs, has expanded its offerings with a new collection of richly hued, solid-color rugs. These nature-inspired designs, such as Grass Green, Roasted Tomato, Sky Blue, and Pear, are crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, providing a luxurious feel underfoot. Dusen Dusen has introduced three new vibrant and graphic throw pillow designs: Daisy, Hourglass, and Ricrac. These pillows come in bold colors like sunflower yellow, denim blue, and Kelly green, adding a playful touch to home decor. CB2 has launched new alabaster sconces designed by Australian studio VUUE. These hand-carved alabaster globes are available in two sizes, 6 and 10 inches, and offer a blend of old-world glamour with a modern sensibility, suitable for various interior and exterior settings. Fashion designer Carly Cushnie has collaborated with Lulu and Georgia on her first furniture collection. This 11-piece line showcases a mix of materials, including cane, wood, bouclé, fringe, and velvet. Standout pieces include the warm-toned Yucca sofa and the burl-wood Sabal console table, offering extensive mix-and-match possibilities. Opinel has released a cleverly designed grilling set that emphasizes simplicity and utility. The stainless steel tongs are extra-long with notched tips and a curved edge for effective gripping. A unique feature is the folding knife that ingeniously transforms into a spatula handle, complete with a Virobloc locking ring. The knife handle also integrates a bottle opener, enhancing its functionality for outdoor cooking. R+D Lab has partnered with Mexican chef Elena Reygadas and Fenn Apartamento to create the Rosetta collection of glassware. This collection features three new glass shapes—Acqua, Sour, and Martini—inspired by ancient vessels discovered in Pompeii. While named for specific drinks, these versatile glasses are suggested for various beverages, such as white wine in the water cups and cordials in the stemmed glasses. Finally, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen continues to expand his collection with Zara Home. The latest additions emphasize natural materials like wood, concrete, and solid brass, featuring pieces such as a daybed, a library system, and organically shaped concrete side tables. Dark brown is a prominent color throughout this new iteration of the collection, reflecting a sophisticated aesthetic. Baggu has also collaborated with Collina Strada on a line of limited-edition prints for its reusable bags, picnic blankets, and towels. A new highlight from this collaboration is the Horse Bag, a mini zippered pony-shaped bag, and the Boxer Plaid print on the Small Cloud carry-on, combining playful design with practical application. #ProductLaunches #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #Furniture #Lighting #Kitchenware #DesignCollaborations #NewArrivals

The article highlights a growing trend away from mass-produced items towards unique, handcrafted furniture and home decor pieces that emphasize creativity, craft, and time-honored techniques. It showcases 15 such items from various global makers, positioning them as collectible interiors pieces that are worth investing in now for their potential to become future design classics. The featured items begin with a modern take on a classic: the Canopy Armchair from Marchmont Workshop, a handcrafted stickback chair inspired by woodlands and priced at £3,600. This piece reflects a return to traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. Following this, the article introduces hand-painted lampshades by Spanish artist-designer Alvaro Picardo, which can be custom-matched to interior paintwork and wallpaper using Farrow & Ball paints, starting from £110. These lampshades are presented as artistic finishing touches for living spaces. Another innovative item is the Vine Vase by Wobbly Digital, a Glasgow-based artist who creates eccentric 3D-printed objects from recycled and bioplastics, priced at £350. This vase is noted for its viral potential, akin to the popular Gluggle Jug, and is recommended for dried flowers only. Scarlett Farrer, a rising star in hand weaving, is featured for her rustic textiles, specifically wall hangings made from undyed British wool. Her work, ranging from £250 to £1,800, gained recognition after she won the 2024 Young Weaver of the Year award. The article then presents a statement chair designed by Esto Estudio in Madrid, which combines a tubular steel frame with vibrant orange fabric, blurring the lines between furniture and sculpture, starting from approximately £800. Rich Miller, a ceramic artist and judge on 'The Great Pottery Throw Down,' offers unique cone-shaped pendant lights inspired by antique sugar cones, each priced at £2,425. These lights explore the history of the sugar trade and Miller's cultural ancestry. Sustainability is a key theme, exemplified by Jacob Marks' resin lamps, made from pine resin, with the Red RF Lamp I priced at £730. These lamps were a highlight at the London Design Festival for their use of unusual sustainable materials. Xanthe Somers, a Zimbabwean ceramic artist, contributes surrealist stoneware from her 'Sisters Toil' series, which explores women's work and crafts, with pieces ranging from £6,500 to £9,000. Loney Abrams and Johnny Stanish of Wretched Flowers create mesh murals and chain mail lamps, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as museum archives and medieval armor. These shimmering wall hangings are available on application. James Shaw's sustainable seat, priced at £2,000, is crafted from recycled plastic waste like milk cartons and shampoo bottles, transforming discarded materials into unique, organic forms. The master plasterers Ffion and Steven Blench, known as Chalk Plaster, produce marbled, fluted sidetables using scagliola, a 16th-century technique imitating marble, priced at £7,800. Freya Bramble-Carter, a ceramicist, offers wheel-thrown pots in earthy shades, blending traditional techniques with an expressive approach, starting from £900. Maria Sigma, a textile designer and weaver, focuses on zero-waste wares using natural, often undyed, fibers for her throws and cushions, with her 'Apricity' throw priced at £890, though it has an eight to ten-week waiting period. Joe Sweeney's terracotta stoneware butter dish, priced at £300, is described as a charming and functional addition to the breakfast table. Emsie Sharp, a glassblower, presents candy-colored drinking glasses made in her Dorset studio, priced at £38 each, as a modern alternative for smart dinner tables. Finally, the article highlights Matthew Raw's tiled bedside table from his 'Welcome' collection, inspired by tiled facades of train stations and buildings. These pieces, featuring handcrafted and glazed tiles, are priced at £5,180 for a sidetable with a drawer, indicating a growing presence in contemporary home design. #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #HandcraftedItems #SustainableDesign #CollectibleArt #InteriorDesignTrends #Craftsmanship #ArtisanalProducts #LuxuryInteriors

This article explores the innovative design of a secret jungle-themed playroom, created by Becky Asleson of Maple & White Design for a family in Indiana. The project focused on utilizing an under-stair bonus space that was initially considered for storage. The space, which features a ceiling dropping from nine to four feet, was transformed into a child-friendly hideaway connected to a larger playroom via a hidden crawlspace accessible through a custom media console. The design process began after the space was drywalled, at which point the potential for a playful and unique area was realized. Asleson envisioned a cheerful, colorful, and inviting environment for children and grandchildren. Local artist Hannah Kirkwood designed a vibrant jungle mural for the small room, depicting tigers, cranes, and leafy palms, enhancing the magical atmosphere. The concept was to create a Narnia-like passageway that would delight children as they crawled through the custom console to discover the hidden room. Collaboration with Martin Brothers Contracting and Ayr Custom Cabinetry was crucial in executing the complex design. The team precisely carved out the drywall and integrated a custom-designed media console made of stained white oak. The console measures 132 inches wide and 35 inches tall, with a 33-inch wide cabinet door serving as the entrance to the crawlspace. Careful planning ensured the opening was perfectly sized to be concealed by the cabinet door, maintaining both the secret aspect and the home's insulation. Safety and functionality were paramount in the design. The cabinet facing the main playroom was constructed with a slight elevation for easy access, while the interior finishes were extended to floor height to prevent rough spots. The entire media console was securely anchored to the wall, similar to kitchen cabinetry, to ensure stability. Ayr Custom Cabinetry designed the console without a back panel and added extension jambs and casing for a smooth transition into the hidden room. The console was also fitted with "back-to-back" knob hardware, allowing the door to be opened from either side, and soft-close hinges to prevent finger pinching. The interior of the secret playroom features white walls and ceiling to maximize brightness, complemented by recessed lighting to illuminate the pathway from the console. The mural was installed as the final touch to protect the hand-painted artwork. The article highlights a growing trend among clients requesting flexible playrooms that can adapt as families grow, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that foster lasting joy and a sense of home. #PlayroomDesign #HiddenSpaces #KidsRooms #InteriorDesign #CustomCabinetry #JungleTheme #HomeRenovation #CreativeSolutions #MultigenerationalHome

Anne-Sophie Rosseel, an interior and furniture designer, established House of RoRo after identifying a gap in the children's furniture market. Her motivation stemmed from a personal need for functional, ethically produced, and aesthetically pleasing children's furniture for her son that would integrate seamlessly into a home environment, rather than being confined to a playroom. Rosseel found existing options to be predominantly plastic, disposable, and overly cutesy, lacking the longevity and timeless design she sought. The initial prototypes of her furniture were developed for her own home and garnered significant positive attention from visitors, encouraging her to pursue the venture further. The process of creating her own collection offered a refreshing creative freedom, unburdened by client specific demands. The decision to officially launch House of RoRo was solidified when T Magazine expressed interest in featuring the upcoming line, providing an unexpected platform for her fledgling business. House of RoRo operates as a design studio specializing in children's furniture and objects, aiming to balance practicality with artistic expression. A core principle of the brand is the creation of high-quality, sustainable furniture that does not compromise on beauty. The brand's "Interlockables" collection exemplifies this philosophy, featuring flat-pack furniture designed like "puzzle pieces" that children can assemble themselves, with some parental assistance. This design choice addresses the common issue of children's furniture being short-lived and discarded, as House of RoRo's pieces are intended to grow with the child and endure over time. Rosseel emphasizes the importance of ergonomic design over mere cuteness, believing that children appreciate furniture that is comfortable and interactive. The Interlockables pieces are designed to be versatile and timeless, allowing them to fit into various home settings, including living rooms, without needing to be hidden away. Furthermore, recognizing that children's toys often accumulate, the furniture incorporates storage solutions to combine functionality with aesthetics. The brand prides itself on its ethical production practices, manufacturing locally with skilled artisans who receive fair wages. Production occurs in small batches to minimize waste, and even leftover material scraps are repurposed for samples or puzzles, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to sustainability and conscious design. Her son, Iggy, is credited as a primary inspiration and motivator for the business, serving as the initial recipient and tester of the furniture. The endeavor, while demanding, was also seen as an opportunity to instill in her son the value of hard work in achieving one's aspirations. #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ChildrensFurniture #SustainableDesign #EthicalProduction #HouseOfRoRo #AnneSophieRosseel #Entrepreneurship #ProductInnovation

Fashion designer Brandon Maxwell, known for his New York City-based label, undertook an unexpected venture into interior design while visiting his pregnant sister, Kady, in Austin. What began as a plan to recharge and design his new collection evolved into a full-blown nursery makeover after he discovered Kady hadn't yet prepared the room. Maxwell's initial inspiration for the nursery came from a visit to Joann Fabrics, where he envisioned a luxurious, uptown aesthetic featuring dramatic floor-sweeping curtains and fabric-covered walls and furniture, fueled by his love for textiles. The execution of this ambitious vision presented challenges, leading Maxwell to seek assistance. He found an invaluable partner in Erin Driscoll Thornton, his Airbnb host, who happened to be a designer and creative. Together, they embarked on transforming Kady's nursery in just nine days. Maxwell’s primary motivations for the fabric-wrapped design were to create a soft, plush environment and to provide soundproofing, muffling noise from both inside and outside the room. Thornton and a handyman implemented Maxwell’s vision by first stapling Dacron, a polyester batting, directly to the walls to create a padded base. Following this, panels of cream tweed fabric were layered over the Dacron, secured by staples along the edges. To conceal these staples and add a refined touch, Thornton used a self-adhesive velvet piping in British racing green, which was applied to wood trim and then nailed to the walls. For the ceiling, a modified approach was taken: sheet wood panels were padded with Dacron and then covered with burlap, a choice made to prevent potential sagging that tweed might experience over time. The project extended beyond walls and ceilings to include furniture customization. Kady had already purchased two IKEA Pax wardrobes for the nursery. Thornton elevated these off-the-shelf items by lining the interior shelves with Scalamandré peel-and-stick wallpaper, sourced from Amazon, and replacing the original drawer pulls with new ones to complement the overall design. Similarly, for lighting, inexpensive Amazon lamps were customized with the same Scalamandré wallpaper and topped with Anthropologie pom-pom shades. The Pax wardrobe's knobs were also swapped for new toggles, contributing to the bespoke feel of the room. The finishing touches included rodeo-themed art from Etsy, adding a playful and personal element to the space. Maxwell expressed a deep interest in interiors, suggesting that home design could be his next professional endeavor, as much of his fashion inspiration originates from interior aesthetics. He also hinted at future collaborations with Thornton, recognizing her as a valuable design partner. The project successfully delivered a sophisticated and serene nursery, reflecting a blend of high fashion sensibilities with practical, creative DIY solutions. #NurseryDesign #InteriorDesign #BrandonMaxwell #FabricWalls #IKEAHack #DIYDesign #HomeRenovation #TextileDecor #CustomLighting

This blog post, part of the monthly series “In Our Carts,” highlights a curated selection of new product launches in home design and decor. The featured items span various categories, from lighting and textiles to furniture, tiles, ceramics, kitchenware, and rugs, all chosen for their design appeal and functional innovation. The selections aim to provide readers with inspiration and direct access to notable products that have recently caught the attention of design experts. One of the highlighted launches is Augusta Hoffman's debut lighting collection with Hudson Valley Lighting. This collection draws inspiration from renowned artists, featuring minimalist, vintage-inspired designs. Key pieces include the Louise pendant and Elaine sconce, characterized by elements like hand-shirred silk, braided cording, whip-stitch details, rice paper shades, and tactile iron. The Ellsworth's glass-diffused light and the curved arms of the Elaine sconce are specifically noted for their aesthetic appeal. Another significant collaboration is between The Company Store and Heather Taylor Home, resulting in a textile line rooted in cottagecore aesthetics. This collection combines The Company Store’s classic craftsmanship with Heather Taylor Home’s vibrant, cheerful prints. The extensive 50-product assortment includes 100% cotton quilts, plaid duvet covers, floral bedding, flannel pajamas, and holiday-themed table linens, with prices beginning at $12, making it accessible for various budgets. Susan Clark has also introduced a furniture capsule collection with Design Within Reach, showcasing pieces inspired by Nordic rooflines and organic forms. The Contra Sofa system offers modular arrangements, a lounge chair, and an ottoman, featuring a sculptural wood spine paired with curved, upholstered seating. The Pinna Table, designed with negative space in mind, boasts an organically-shaped wooden base topped with a marble round, available in different shades. The collaboration between Moniomi and Concrete Collaborative has yielded a gelato-inspired tile collection. This line includes four colors—Cello (lemon), Tacchio (pistachio), Frago (strawberry), and Stracci (minimalist)—each featuring oversized fragments and monochromatic schemes. These tiles are envisioned for various applications, including powder rooms, entryways, and statement backsplashes. Il Buco Vita and Commune Design have teamed up to create a limited-edition ceramic collection. Crafted by Assisi artisans in Umbria, these pieces, made from black clay, include tea accessories and a trio of canisters. The collection is presented in an autumnal palette of eggplant, turmeric, rhubarb, mushroom, olive, and earth tones. In kitchenware, multihyphenate creative Eric Wareheim has designed a set of steak knives for Made In. These non-serrated knives, forged in France, feature mother-of-pearl handles, adding a touch of enduring chicness to the dining experience. Additionally, Mill, known for its Food Recycler, has expanded its offerings with new colorways—sleek all-black and stainless steel—for its appliance, which converts food scraps into nutrient-rich grounds. Sixpenny has unveiled new seating and sculptural table styles, including the low-profile Yogi sofas and chair, which feature a chunky, boxy form. The Terra tables blend Art Deco sensibilities with organic shapes, while the Tango chair offers whimsical proportions. The Rho table and pedestal maintain a classic form. The collection also introduces new wood finishes and velvet upholstery. Finally, Backdrop has reimagined archival Schumacher wallpapers, offering four 20th-century designs, including architectural panels, a Surrealist trellis pattern, and two horse-inspired motifs, starting at $36 per yard. Boll & Branch has also launched cozy cashmere sheets made from organic Turkish cotton, available in queen and king sizes, known for their softness and featuring options like a tonal merrowed edge or a minimalist plaid. Ernesta has introduced “The Persian Edit,” a collection of Persian rugs made in Turkey, featuring hand-dyed, 100% wool rugs that undergo a multi-step process to achieve an antique character and color, coupled with modern custom sizing and quick delivery. #HomeDecor #ProductLaunches #InteriorDesign #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #Textiles #Ceramics #Tiles #Kitchenware #Rugs