Curves and Color-Blocking Collide in One Far-Out Floating Shelf Display

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

The new Gearbox studio in Montreal, Canada, designed by Patriarche, showcases an innovative approach to office design within challenging architectural parameters. The primary challenge was the building's distinctively long and rectangular floor plan. Patriarche, an agency that practices "augmented architecture" by integrating technical, sociological, and scientific knowledge into its design process, tackled this by employing high color contrasts across walls, ceilings, and furnishings. This strategy serves a dual purpose: it injects energy into the various spaces and aids in wayfinding throughout the office, making it easier for employees and visitors to navigate the expansive layout. The collaboration between Gearbox and Patriarche was a continuation of a successful previous project that had received an award from the Grand Prix du Design, ensuring a high standard of both functionality and aesthetic appeal for the new workplace. The office provides a diverse range of workspaces designed to support different modes of work, accommodating the varied needs of a video game development team. It includes 208 open-space workstations for collaborative or individual tasks, 11 enclosed offices for more private work, 12 dedicated meeting rooms for team discussions and presentations, and 11 lounge areas for relaxation and informal interactions. This variety offers team members the flexibility to choose an environment best suited to their current tasks, promoting productivity and comfort throughout the day. The intentional division of space through color blocking not only creates visually stimulating zones but also subtly guides occupants, ensuring that despite the large and linear floor plan, different functions are clearly delineated and accessible. Beyond functionality, the design draws inspiration from Montreal's Old Port neighborhood, known for its urban and industrial character. Patriarche integrated elements of street art and 90s pop culture into the office environment, moving away from conventional neutral office aesthetics. This creative direction is evident in unexpected details such as stools shaped like tree trunks, a transparent yellow curtain repurposed from a welding workshop, and colored glass doors. These unconventional design choices deliberately reject the notion that office spaces must be bland or understated to foster creativity. Instead, they aim to create an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere that reflects the vibrant and innovative nature of the video game industry, encouraging a more playful and imaginative work environment. The comprehensive design ensures that the Montreal studio is not just a place to work, but a stimulating hub that supports collaboration, focused effort, and creative thinking. #CommercialDesign #OfficeDesign #ColorBlocking #Patriarche #GearboxMontreal #InteriorDesign #WorkplaceInnovation #MontrealArchitecture

This article discusses the utility and aesthetic appeal of trellis panels and garden screening for outdoor spaces. These products serve both functional and decorative purposes, offering support for climbing plants and enhancing garden privacy. The article outlines various types of trellis panels available, including slatted and expanding options, and highlights the potential for customization through painting with fence paint. Additionally, it suggests integrating outdoor lighting to further brighten and accent garden areas. The article provides detailed filtering options for customers looking to purchase trellis panels and screening, categorized by various attributes. These categories include material, treatment, height, and width. Material options cover galvanised steel, mixed materials, plastic, plastic & willow, rattan, reed, softwood, timber, and wood, allowing for diverse aesthetic preferences and durability requirements. Treatment options, such as dip treated, fumigated, powder coated, pressure treated, stained, tanalith e, and UV resistant, indicate different levels of protection and finish available for the products. Height and width specifications are listed in various measurements, offering a wide range of sizes to fit different garden dimensions and design needs. Several product examples are featured, including the Wickes Exterior Screening Slatted Batten, Forest Garden Square Lattice Trellis, Forest Garden Slatted Trellis Panel, and Wickes Diamond Trellis Panel. Other options like Forest Garden Hidcote Diamond Lattice Trellis and Forest Garden Smooth Planed Trellis Panel are also presented. For natural screening, Wickes Willow Garden Screening and Wickes Reed Garden Screening are mentioned. Specialized products like Apollo Gardening Apple Leaf Expanding Trellis with Solar LEDs and Smart Garden Lemon Leaf Trellis offer unique features combining plant support with integrated lighting or artificial foliage. Key considerations for customers are addressed in a frequently asked questions section. It clarifies the primary uses of trellis panels, emphasizing their role in creating visually appealing garden structures and providing support for climbing plants, as well as acting as privacy screens. Common materials for trellis panels, such as wood (cedar or pressure-treated pine), are discussed for their durability and natural look. The article also provides a straightforward guide on how to install trellis panels, covering steps like determining placement, digging holes for fence posts or using brackets for existing structures, and securing the panels. It advises on adding climbing plants to enhance both the appearance and functionality of the installed trellis panels, transforming gardens into captivating retreats. The content effectively guides potential buyers through the selection and installation process, ensuring they can choose and utilize the best trellis and screening solutions for their garden. #GardenLandscaping #TrellisPanels #GardenScreening #OutdoorDecor #ClimbingPlants #PrivacySolutions #DIYGarden #HomeImprovement #ExteriorDesign

This guide details the process of applying colour blocking techniques to interior walls, offering a step-by-step approach to transform a room with painted designs. It emphasizes careful planning and preparation to ensure a successful outcome. The article begins by advising readers to sketch their desired colour blocking design beforehand, considering how different colours will interact. It suggests painting on a neutral base colour to avoid complications with new paint shades and encourages creativity in the size, shape, and colour choices of the blocks. Safety considerations are also highlighted, particularly the importance of using a stepladder on flat ground when working on higher areas. The preparation phase for painting is thoroughly outlined, starting with the smoothing of the wall surface using sandpaper. This is followed by wiping the wall with a damp sponge to remove any dust. Skirting boards should be brushed clean of dust and then protected with masking tape to prevent accidental paint drips or splashes. Before marking the design, the article instructs users to measure the wall area designated for painting. Once the measurements are taken, the chosen blocking design is marked onto the wall using a spirit level and pencil. The guide recommends selecting blocks that are not directly connected for the initial painting phase. These marked lines are then covered with masking tape. The next section focuses on painting the first set of blocks. It advises covering the floor with a dust sheet to protect it from paint. For blocks touching the ceiling, precision is key, with a paintbrush used to carefully cut in along the top edge. The edges of the blocks are painted first, and the middle areas are then filled in with a roller. After the first coat dries, a second coat is applied. Once the second coat is dry, any masking tape that is no longer needed is removed. For subsequent blocks, masking tape is reapplied to the edges of the already-painted blocks, ensuring a slight overhang of the new colour. This overhang helps the colours to meet seamlessly, fully covering the base coat and creating crisp lines. The process of cutting in by hand around the edges and then filling with a roller is repeated for these blocks. After drying, the masking tape is carefully removed, leaving any tape necessary for the final block in place. The final block is marked and painted using the same method, with an emphasis on preventing drips if painting above previously completed blocks. Once dry, all remaining masking tape is removed. The guide concludes by encouraging readers to use the provided method as a foundation for their creativity, allowing them to personalize their spaces with colour blocking. It suggests using vibrant colours for playrooms and lounges or soothing tones for bedrooms, demonstrating the versatility of the technique. Complementary resources, such as guides on paint finishes, trends, and expanding space with paint, are also referenced to assist with colour selection and application. #ColourBlocking #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #PaintingGuide #DIYHomeImprovement #WallDecor #PaintTrends #RoomTransformation

The article highlights a growing trend among interior designers and clients to move away from plain, flat-painted walls towards more textured finishes. Sondra Ganz of Studio Ganz notes that many clients are requesting walls with more visual interest, finding traditional painted walls to be boring. Textured walls offer a more transportive and bespoke feel, though they typically involve a longer-term commitment and may influence decor choices more significantly than a simple paint color. Several creative and daring designers shared their approaches to incorporating texture into wall designs. Becky Shea, an interior designer, advocates for bringing the outdoors in by using reeded wood paneling. In one bedroom, she installed reeded walnut paneling that extends behind the bed and onto the ceiling, creating a warm, enveloping effect. This method adds depth and visual interest without relying on traditional wallcoverings, resulting in an elevated and timeless space. Rachael Gowdridge introduced a unique method for uniform tiled walls, moving beyond typical high-gloss drama. She designed bespoke tiles inspired by a 19th-century yew tree sprig, using a repeat pattern to add whimsy. The bright white base of the tiles keeps the room feeling fresh, and extending the tiling to a monolithic basin shelf simplifies finishes and adds playfulness, especially effective in small spaces. Grasscloth is presented as a middle ground between paint and wallpaper, offering the solidity of paint with the dimension of wallpaper. Gowdridge utilized a rich green grasscloth to create a lived-in, layered feel in a room. She explained that grasscloth's natural variations in tone and weave instantly make walls more sophisticated, adding a tactile quality that softens the space and provides warmth without overwhelming the eye. Fabric folding screens, or room dividers, are suggested as a cost-effective way to add texture and define spaces. Marty Dykas used a fabric-covered custom screen to separate a dressing area from a bedroom and serve as a headboard, enhancing the visual appeal of a highly visible flat. The silky-smooth fabric of the screen contributes significant texture. Andy Barlow, head of interior design at Thesis Architecture, embraced original wood paneling in a family home built in 1914. This preserved architectural element served as a key design feature, influencing the decision to keep the kitchen light and bright to balance the darker, cozy wood tones on the main floor, ensuring the original character of the house was maintained. Exposed painted brick is another textural element discussed. Anshu Bangia, co-founder of Bangia Agostinho Architecture DPC, uncovered existing brick walls in a historic Brooklyn kitchen during renovation. Repaired and incorporated into the new design, the painted brick added texture and depth, acting as a light, airy backdrop in the open kitchen and along the stair hall, connecting all levels vertically. Patterned wallpaper remains a classic choice for adding personality and depth to walls. Miranda Cullen, a Colorado-based designer, frequently uses wallpaper in her projects. She noted that patterned wallpaper can highlight architectural features, add personality, or enhance a color palette. For example, in a breakfast nook, a subtle blue patterned wallpaper softened sharp architectural lines and created a cheerful backdrop, proving wallpaper's ability to add refined character without being overwhelming. #InteriorDesign #WallDecor #TexturedWalls #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #Wallpaper #WoodPaneling #TileDesign #Grasscloth

Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler, the husband-and-wife founders of the design firm Workstead, have curated their living room with a collection of "unexpected heirlooms." Mr. Highsmith, 43, is described by Ms. Brechbuehler as the couple's lead collector, whose passion has filled their home with objects reflecting his thoughts, loves, and curiosities. Ms. Brechbuehler, 47, finds inspiration in being surrounded by these meaningful pieces, which range from ancient urns to midcentury modern furniture. The couple relocated from a farmhouse in Salisbury, Conn., to Charleston, S.C., and strategically displayed their favorite finds in their living room for daily enjoyment. The article highlights three key items that contribute to the unique ambiance of their living room. The first is an "Easy Upgrade" item: a weeping fig tree priced at $395 from Hyams Garden and Accent Store. The couple emphasizes the technique of using a large-scale plant or branches that touch the ceiling to create a lively and enveloping atmosphere. This “scale trick” is consistently applied in their designs, providing an unexpected visual element that pulls a room together. They purchased a nine-foot-tall weeping fig tree shortly after moving to Charleston, illustrating their commitment to this design principle. The second featured item is a "Splurge": a 19th-century boat bench priced at $2,800 from Obsolete. Mr. Highsmith has admired Obsolete in Los Angeles since his student days, finding inspiration in its curated vignettes. After establishing Workstead, he acquired this storage bench, salvaged from a boat and made of chestnut. Its wave and scroll forms, along with its practical utility—featuring doors to contain clutter—appealed to him. The bench currently serves as storage for family board games and a seating area with a view of a park, demonstrating its multifaceted functionality and whimsical quality. The third unique item is an "One of a Kind" antique weather vane from Eldred’s auction house. Mr. Highsmith’s collection includes objects chosen for their essential geometric shapes, which have influenced his light fixture designs at Workstead. Among these pieces are a rusted metal cone, a spherical iron form for casting glass floats, and a marble cylinder used as a pedestal. The timeworn weather vane from Nantucket, crafted from cedar shakes with a galvanized steel nose cone, is a particular favorite. Mr. Highsmith appreciates its beauty as a sculpture and its past functionality, noting how its new context in his living room brings delight to both the couple and their guests. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Workstead #CollectingArt #AntiqueFurniture #HomeStyling #RealEstate #CharlestonLiving

This article highlights two innovative wall panel collections that redefine traditional wall surfaces through geometric patterns and material experimentation. The first collection, Sfera, by New York-based designer Alison Rose in collaboration with Artistic Tile, offers a modern take on stone mosaics. Sfera features circular, waterjet-cut quartz layered with disks of Carrara, Calacatta, and Nero marble. The seemingly random arrangement of these stone elements actually forms repeating triplets, a design approach reminiscent of Rose’s previous Bauhaus-inspired mosaics. The inspiration for this geometric pattern play, available in Grafite, Lilac, and Verde colorways, stems from biological cell movement, imbuing the orbs with a dynamic, almost bouncing visual effect across the surface. These mosaics are versatile and can be specified for various applications, including walls, floors, and wet zones like showers, offering a refreshing update to conventional stone mosaic designs. The second collection introduces new mosaic-style wood panels from The Wood Veneer Hub, a family-owned U.S. manufacturer. These Hex Wood Mosaic wall panels infuse traditional wood paneling with geometric vitality. Measuring approximately 12.5 by 11 inches, these tile-like units are made from hemlock and Douglas fir. A key feature of these wood panels is their thermal modification process: they are treated at super-high kiln temperatures instead of being chemically treated to enhance resistance to insects, moisture, and rot. This environmentally conscious manufacturing process also includes the recycling of sawdust and wood scraps, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. These innovative wood panels are designed to add visual interest to both exterior and interior walls, providing a unique blend of natural material and modern geometric design. Both collections showcase a creative approach to surface design, moving beyond conventional materials and applications to offer unique aesthetic and functional solutions for architectural and interior spaces. #WallPanels #StoneMosaics #WoodVeneer #GeometricDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials #AlisonRose #ArtisticTile #TheWoodVeneerHub

Tekla Evelina Severin, a renowned color and design expert, recently unveiled her "Colour Vibes" installation at the FORMEX interior fair. The project, spanning 250 square meters (nearly 2,700 square feet), transformed an empty space into a vibrant, multi-room experience. Severin's approach involved exhibition design, curation, and styling a series of distinct rooms, each resembling a meticulously staged set for a magazine photo shoot or a perfectly executed home interior. The design draws inspiration from concepts like labyrinths, hide-and-seek games, and the geometric complexity of a Rubik's cube. The installation, titled "Dimensions of Colour," features multiple spaces arranged in a zigzag formation. This deliberate layout is designed to offer dynamic changes in perspective from every vantage point. As visitors navigate the space, new framed vignettes continuously emerge, showcasing evolving color palettes that create a unique interplay between realism and surrealism. The immersive environment showcases a carefully selected collection of 200 products from 400 exhibitors, ensuring a diverse yet cohesive mix of objects that seamlessly integrate into the colorful settings. A defining characteristic of each space within "Dimensions of Colour" is the consistent use of black and white checkered floors, which serve as a striking contrast to the rich, saturated wall colors. These bold color-blocked walls provide a backdrop for a variety of furnishings. Some pieces are chosen to match the existing color schemes, while others are intentionally selected to create a vibrant contrast. This thoughtful curation assigns a specific purpose to each room, clearly delineating areas such as a living room, kitchen, bedroom, kid's space, or atrium. Despite the extensive use of various colors throughout the installation, Severin's expert eye ensures that no hue feels out of place. Each color harmonizes with its immediate surroundings, with adjacent colors, and with the colors observed in the subsequent spaces, contributing to a cohesive and visually engaging experience. #TeklaEvelinaSeverin #ColorBlocking #FORMEX #InteriorDesign #ExhibitionDesign #ColourVibes #HomeDecor #DesignExhibition

Japanese designer Yasutoshi Mifune has developed an innovative modular paper screen called Kakine, which translates to "hedge" in Japanese. This screen allows for variable shapes and sizes through the assembly of its individual paper components. Each unit of the Kakine screen is uniquely formed like a branch, yet all units share the same size and shape, designed to interlock seamlessly like puzzle pieces. This modularity is a core aspect of its design, enabling users to customize the screen's configuration to suit different spatial requirements and aesthetic preferences. The Kakine screen's apparent complexity belies its simple construction, as it is composed solely of a single, replicated paper piece that fits together repeatedly. This approach highlights an elegant simplicity in design, demonstrating how a singular, well-conceived element can be multiplied to create intricate and adaptable structures. The design emphasizes sustainability and resourcefulness by relying on a single material and a repetitive manufacturing process. Mifune's work with the Kakine screen exemplifies a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetic principles, such as modularity and natural forms, with contemporary design methodologies. The concept of a "hedge" not only informs the product's name but also its function, providing a delicate yet distinct partition within a space. The use of paper as the primary material contributes to the screen's lightweight nature and allows for a certain translucency, which can enhance the ambient light rather than blocking it entirely. The adaptability of Kakine means it can be used in various settings, from private homes requiring subtle room divisions to larger commercial spaces seeking flexible and artistic partitions. Its reconfigurable nature provides a practical solution for dynamic environments where spatial arrangements may need to change periodically. The screen’s artistic quality also positions it as a decorative element, capable of adding a unique textural and sculptural dimension to interiors. In essence, the Kakine paper divider screen represents a thoughtful design solution that marries aesthetic appeal with functional versatility. It showcases how simple materials and intelligent modular design can result in a product that is both visually striking and highly practical, allowing for personal expression in the configuration of living or working spaces. #PaperDivider #ModularDesign #JapaneseDesign #YasutoshiMifune #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #CustomizableDecor

This article explores the rising popularity and versatile application of the blue-green color combination in home decor. While not a novel pairing, its current resurgence is marked by specific tonal variations: a moody sage green and a blue with a subtle periwinkle hint. This distinct interpretation creates an alluring dynamic that is both complementary and subtly contrasting, appealing to both seasoned decorators and those new to design. The piece highlights various ways to integrate this classic yet reinvented duo into different areas of a home, offering practical inspiration for readers. The article demonstrates the application of the blue-green combination on walls, citing photographer Annabel Mehran’s LA home as an example, where blue details accent the walls and a moody sage is introduced through a sculptural coffee table in the living room. For furnishings, the suggestion is to rethink kitchen table arrangements, proposing a green table with blue chairs, or vice versa, and noting how Bar Botanique effectively utilizes this concept with an unexpected yellow accent. The material suggestions include green marble for tabletops and velvet for seating to create visual and tactile contrast. Another low-commitment approach involves incorporating the color pairing through dinnerware. The article encourages mixing and matching patterns, showcasing an intricately decorated set complemented by lighter-colored options with pink and red accents. For more permanent fixtures, the use of blue-green in geometric tiles is presented, drawing inspiration from an LA home where a vivid pairing appears in the flooring of a modern bathroom, set against a sleek vanity and warm wood paneling. This subtly integrated trend demonstrates an understated yet impactful design choice. Finally, the article suggests using art as a high-impact, low-effort method to introduce the blue-green trend. It recommends an oversized piece of wall art in a room devoid of superfluous decor, especially when placed against a colorful backdrop. Specific paint recommendations, Farrow & Ball's Pitch Blue and Calke Green, are provided for those looking to paint their walls in these hues. The overall message emphasizes the timeless appeal and modern versatility of the blue-green color combination, offering numerous ways for individuals to incorporate it into their living spaces. #ColorCombo #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BlueGreen #DesignInspiration #ColorTrends #HomeStyling #DecoratingTips

The article explores the significance of gallery walls in home decor, positioning them as a crucial element for cohesive interior design, transcending maximalist aesthetics. It addresses the common challenge of abstractly visualizing design elements, offering practical advice and trending layouts for creating impactful gallery walls in 2021, while also identifying one style to avoid. One key recommendation is to feature diverse subject matter, encouraging individuals to tell a personal story through their art. Brittany Peltz of SENA Lifestyle Studio emphasizes the importance of intention in curation, advocating for Modern Eclecticism. Anthony Barzilay Freund of 1stDibs suggests mixing various sizes and qualities of works, from well-known prints and framed textiles to family photos and children's fingerpaintings, allowing for a personalized and authentic display that reflects different aspects of one's life. Maintaining consistent colors is another essential guideline. While self-expression is paramount, a unified color palette ensures harmony. Amy Wax of Color911 advises selecting a centerpiece to inspire the entire collection's color scheme. For instance, a light palette could incorporate off-white, butter yellow, light neutrals, and neutral-colored frames to integrate colorful abstract art seamlessly. Another designer recommends consistency in either subject matter colors or frames. The article suggests limiting the color palette to a maximum of three colors to prevent an overwhelming appearance and effectively highlight chosen interests. The inclusion of unexpected objects is highlighted as a contemporary approach, moving away from conventional, matchy-matchy decor. Designer Kate Lester encourages creativity by incorporating items like vintage skateboards, framed wallpaper, pencil sketches, downloadable art, and local photography in ready-made frames. This approach creates a dynamic, curated, and impactful display that is more engaging than single, expensive store-bought art pieces. Kirsten Krason of House of Jade Interiors also suggests differentiating product types, such as using wall baskets of varying sizes, textures, and colors, to add interest and character, with options for colorful or monochromatic arrangements. Unconventional arrangements are encouraged for a modern, eclectic look. Design blogger Emily Henderson advises starting with the largest pieces and building around them, then placing the second largest piece diagonally to fill in empty spaces. For those who find large, abstract walls too cluttered, the article suggests using smaller artworks and framed photos with ample white space or building a collection around a single piece from the same artist or series to achieve a sophisticated, art-gallery ambiance. It notes that decorating rules can be broken, using structured grids in casual rooms or asymmetrical compositions in minimalist spaces to add character. Finally, layered frames are presented as a sophisticated technique, particularly suitable for minimalist aesthetics and the Japandi design trend of 2021. Shaolin Low emphasizes layering frames of various sizes and shapes to create dimension and texture within a monochromatic color palette. Anthony Barzilay Freund underscores the value of investing in quality frames, suggesting high-gloss, brass, or real wooden frames to elevate even less favored pieces. He advises against frames in unattractive colors, faux-antique finishes, or shiny metallics that imitate real gilding. The article concludes by advising against choosing matching objects, as individuality and personality are key to modern home design, promoting artwork as a powerful means of self-expression rather than generic, mass-produced decor. #GalleryWallLayouts #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #ArtDisplay #EclecticDecor #ColorPalette #PersonalizedArt #ModernEclecticism #LayeredFrames

The Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is a TV backlighting system designed to enhance the viewing experience by reacting to on-screen content. The product is available in two sizes: one for 55- to 65-inch TVs priced at $179.99, and another for 77- to 85-inch TVs priced at $209.99. It can be purchased on Amazon or through Govee's official online store. The setup process for the Backlight 3 Pro is straightforward. Users are instructed to place the TV face down on a protected surface, attach the LED strips to the back, plug in the components, and then complete the setup using the Govee app. A crucial step involves using an orange calibration foam to precisely align the camera with the TV screen, which is essential for accurate color detection and replication. After calibration, the camera scans a light grey screen to finalize the setup, ensuring the strip orientation matches the on-screen colors. The Govee app offers extensive customization options, including four main settings for color replication: Solid, Vivid, Smooth, and Delicate. The Solid setting identifies the predominant color on the screen and applies it to the backlight. Delicate, conversely, aims to replicate as many color 'zones' as possible for highly accurate color matching. The reviewer found Solid to be adequate but felt it didn't fully utilize the backlight's features, while Delicate was deemed almost too granular due to constant color changes. Vivid was preferred for dynamic content like video games with frequent screen changes, and Smooth was ideal for other types of viewing. Additional features include a setting to ignore black bars during letterboxed movies and a sound-reactive mode, which the reviewer disabled due to ambient noise interference and quiet media playback habits. The system also includes a toggle for distinguishing between movie and game modes, though the reviewer noted no significant difference in performance. The performance of the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is described as highly responsive and immersive, with smooth color transitions that avoid being distracting. Whether viewing static YouTube videos or playing fast-paced games, the backlight accurately replicated colors without flashing or jarring changes. An intelligent feature of the Backlight 3 Pro is its ability to adjust brightness based on ambient room lighting. In dark environments, the LEDs dim to prevent eye strain, while in well-lit rooms, they brighten to ensure colors remain visible. This adaptive brightness control means the backlight enhances the viewing experience subtly, often making users forget it's even active. An unexpected benefit discovered during testing was the backlight's ability to alleviate eye strain. The presence of the backlight made bright screens less harsh, providing a more comfortable viewing experience. This observation aligns with general advice for reducing eye strain, which often includes using proper lighting to mitigate screen glare. The reviewer concluded that the Backlight 3 Pro significantly contributed to eye comfort, prompting consideration of similar low-brightness white LED strips for computer monitors. Overall, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is highly recommended for anyone seeking a TV backlighting solution, despite minor issues with the Govee app and some features performing better than others. Its effectiveness in enhancing immersion and reducing eye strain positions it as a top choice in its category. #GoveeTVBacklight3Pro #TVBacklighting #SmartHomeLighting #LEDStrips #HomeEntertainment #EyeStrainReduction #GoveeApp #ColorCalibration #GamingSetup

The Melange Tile Collection, by Spanish brand WOW Design, introduces a line of ceramic tiles designed to create artistic ombré effects. This collection represents a shift in tile design, moving beyond traditional high-gloss finishes to embrace more subtle and nuanced aesthetics, drawing inspiration from textiles. The designers aimed to replicate the essence of tapestries, with their varied yarns and dyes that blend hues in gentle progressions, transferring this concept to interior surfaces. Employing a fusion of art and technology, Melange tiles are crafted from white body ceramic, a material choice that enhances the vibrancy of lighter glazes. This durability also makes them suitable for commercial interiors, offering resistance to stains and UV light. The collection addresses the growing demand from specifiers for versatile tiling options that allow for diverse applications and sequences. Melange features rectangular wall tiles measuring 4.2 by 21.3 inches, presented with a matte finish. This size is intentionally chosen to minimize the number of pieces required for tiling a standard room, which contributes to reduced waste and potentially lower project costs. The unique color transitions offered by the tiles can visually alter spaces, making rooms appear taller, narrower, or wider depending on their arrangement. The vertical orientation of these tiles mirrors the natural flow of drapery or wall hangings, providing a dynamic visual interest that contrasts with conventional horizontal layouts. This approach, combined with a palette of powdery tints, offers a refined update to ceramic tiling. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tonal Melange tiles are practical for defining architectural features such as window frames or doorways. In retail environments, they can be utilized to highlight specific niches without overwhelming displays with overly complex patterns. The subtle depth achieved through light layers of color in each tile eliminates the need for busy motifs that might otherwise conflict with merchandise. WOW Design is recognized for its seasonal introduction of sophisticated hues, and the Melange collection continues this tradition by offering coordinating color groupings instead of isolated trendy shades. The curated colors are designed to evoke emotion and memory, akin to the impact of a scent or taste. The collection comprises 15 distinct tiles, organized into three sets of five. These include solid colors like Earth, Lake, and Cream, which can form clean, monochromatic backdrops. Additionally, two-tone combinations such as Talc-Rose or Sea-Cloud provide pastel chalk shadings, allowing clients to personalize their spaces and achieve unique interior designs. The Melange tile collection is set to become available in the United States in the upcoming fall season. #TileCollection #OmbreEffects #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #WOWDesign #TextileInspired #CommercialInteriors #ArchitecturalFeatures

Styling shelves is a nuanced art that transcends simple organization, transforming ordinary storage into visually captivating displays that reflect personal style and enhance a space's ambiance. This guide, featuring insights from design specialists like Kit Kemp and Ottalie Stride, outlines five key principles to master the impressive art of shelf styling. Firstly, it is essential to incorporate a diverse range of items beyond just books. Shelves offer an opportunity to showcase personal trinkets, mementoes, art, and character. Kit Kemp suggests experimenting with book positioning, angling some for visual interest, stacking others for stability, and letting some stand upright. She also encourages unconventional approaches, such as hanging art along the edges or placing a table in front of the shelves, to create intrigue and ignite creativity. Ottalie Stride emphasizes adding layers of curated items, like antique marble sculptures as bookends or trailing houseplants, to break up the linear appearance of joinery and prevent a heavy, one-dimensional look. Secondly, achieving balance and symmetry is crucial for a cohesive and appealing display. This involves distributing visual weight by grouping similar items or using pairs of objects for uniformity. While symmetry offers a sense of order, incorporating asymmetry can create a more dynamic look. Repeating objects on different shelves also contributes to a balanced aesthetic. When arranging items, taller and larger pieces are generally best placed at the ends of shelves to avoid overwhelming the center. Thirdly, selecting a limited color palette can instantly elevate the styled appearance of shelves. Ideally, sticking to no more than three colors ensures variety while maintaining cohesion. Drawing inspiration from the room's existing color scheme, designers can mix in neutrals like white, grey, or cream, and strategically add one or two contrasting colors to enliven the display. Spreading the chosen colors across different shelves, rather than clustering them, prevents monotony. For those with extensive book collections, organizing books by the color of their spines can create a striking visual effect. Fourthly, mixing textures and materials adds depth and dimension to shelves. Combining smooth surfaces with coarser finishes and incorporating diverse materials such as wood, metal, glass, and ceramics creates visual contrast and prevents the display from appearing flat. Interior designer Noor Charchafchi highlights that texture experimentation can extend to the shelves themselves, with options like liquid metal, paint finishes, leather detailing, and veneers offering a broad material design playground beyond traditional timber. Finally, introducing greenery and utilizing negative space are vital for a fresh and uncluttered look. Plants and flowers bring an element of nature, softening the overall aesthetic. Simultaneously, leaving intentional negative space between objects allows each item to stand out and prevents overcrowding. Kasia Kronberger of Studio Bosko advises against over-editing, suggesting that while a single item on a shelf might look forlorn, leaving a compartment empty can be effective, allowing homeowners to add meaningful pieces over time and fostering creativity in the display. #shelfStyling #homeDecor #interiorDesign #decorativeAccessories #designTips #visualBalance #colorPalette #textureMixing #greeneryInDecor

Room dividers offer a versatile solution for creating distinct spaces within a room, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Beyond strategic furniture placement or clever rug use, these screens provide a more substantial separation, akin to a temporary wall. They are particularly useful for concealing items that are not intended for public view, such as exercise equipment, printers, or storage bins, thereby reducing clutter in living areas. Room dividers come in various styles, broadly categorized by their material and design. "Earthy Delights" include options crafted from natural materials like grasscloth, wicker, or bamboo. These types introduce a natural, grounding element to a space and are known for their versatility in complementing various decor styles. An example is VidaXL’s bamboo divider, which is designed to roll up for easy storage when not in use. Another category, "Customizable Cuties," refers to dividers that can be personalized with fabric. This allows homeowners to select patterns, colors, and textures that align with their personal style, offering a wide range of choices from stripes and florals to animal prints and solid colors. These dividers provide an opportunity for creative expression and seamless integration into existing decor. "Sheer Beauties" are room dividers that offer separation without full concealment, maintaining an open and airy feel. These are ideal for defining areas while still allowing light to pass through. A notable example mentioned is a folding screen from CB2's collaboration with Gianfranco Frattini, inspired by a 1960s design and made from blackened ash wood, offering a blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics. When selecting a room divider, several factors are crucial. Functionality is key; dividers visually segment spaces and can guide movement within a room. Designer Grace Lee-Lim highlights their ability to introduce texture or art, such as fretwork, caning, painted screens, or chinoiserie, offering a less permanent alternative to a wall for creating separation and privacy. Dimensions and panels are also important; dividers typically range from 3 to 7 feet in height, with widths varying based on the number of panels, usually three to five, which can be adjusted for desired coverage. The material choice dictates the level of privacy, ranging from opaque options like solid woven rattan to semitransparent materials like bamboo strips or paper. Design and shape contribute significantly to the aesthetic impact, with some dividers featuring wainscoting or hand-painted details, and others adopting rounded or asymmetrical forms to add a modern touch to a traditional element. For those interested in DIY customization, room dividers can be wallpapered using PVA glue for traditional wallpaper, or peel-and-stick wallpaper for ultra-flat surfaces. Sally Smallwood's project of decoupaging an IKEA Risor screen with Art Deco-inspired wallpaper exemplifies this. Painting is another customization option, particularly suitable for canvas dividers, allowing for abstract designs or crisp geometric patterns using painter's tape. Beyond folding screens, other methods for dividing spaces include ceiling-hung curtains and tall bookcases, which are particularly beneficial in small or open-plan living areas to enhance functionality and create a human-scaled environment. Ultimately, the best room divider not only saves space and organizes open layouts but also adds texture, pattern, and artistic flair to any interior. #RoomDividers #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #Furniture #DIYHome #HomeOrganization #StyleShopping

Ron Gilad, an Israeli designer, has expanded his TT furniture collection with a modular shelving system and an oval table. The TT series, which debuted earlier this year from Italian brand Adele-C, is characterized by thin metal frames that encase wooden surfaces, giving the impression that the surfaces are hovering without support. The initial collection consisted of low tables where the wooden surfaces were attached using magnets, allowing for easy removal and repositioning. Gilad described the original concept as a hybrid between a tray and a coffee table, emphasizing functionality and aesthetic lightness. The newly introduced TT3 shelving system is a direct evolution of the original table design, extending the concept vertically. It comprises tall single columns and a corner unit, designed to be combined in various configurations. Shelves can bridge the gaps between these structural elements, offering flexible storage solutions. The walnut shelves integrate magnets, enabling users to place and reposition them anywhere along the painted steel frames. This magnetic system enhances the modularity and adaptability of the shelving unit, allowing for customized arrangements to suit diverse needs and spaces. The frames are available in black or pearl grey, providing aesthetic versatility. Each shelf in the TT3 system is engineered to support a weight of up to 15 kilograms. A subtle but significant design detail is the chamfered edge on each shelf, reminiscent of a typical serving tray. This chamfering serves a dual purpose: it visually lightens the profile of the shelf, contributing to the overall illusion of weightlessness, and it also makes the shelves easier to lift and manipulate. This thoughtful design element underscores Gilad's commitment to both form and function within the TT collection. In addition to the shelving system, the expansion includes an oval table. Its surface is crafted from Italian walnut, aligning with the material palette of the existing TT series. This new table can be integrated seamlessly with other tables from the original collection, allowing for cohesive and expanded furniture arrangements. The design language of the entire TT collection maintains a consistent theme of apparent lightness and sophisticated simplicity, making the pieces adaptable to various interior contexts. The designer's information highlights the core principles of the Tray Table Project, emphasizing its status as an iconic collection. The TT3 bookcase, or TT cubed, elevates the accent table concept while preserving its airy quality. The system's construction, based on two fundamental elements—a single column and a corner unit—enables endless combination possibilities, maximizing usable space through its clean and uncluttered composition. The magnetic system for shelf placement underscores the design's user-friendly nature. The shelving system's rectangular shelves/trays, made from Italian walnut, are securely held within painted steel structures, available in two sizes and specified colors. This modularity is a key feature, allowing for flexible arrangements and expansions. While each tray can support a substantial weight, wall attachment is recommended for enhanced stability, especially with larger configurations. The small tables, available in painted steel and three colors, feature either one round tray or up to three rectangular trays. The name TT, an abbreviation for Tray Table, encapsulates the essence of the design: a functional tray that transforms into a table, presenting a horizontal surface seemingly suspended within a metal cage. This latest expansion reinforces the collection's innovative approach to modular furniture design, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical adaptability. Overall, the TT collection and its recent additions demonstrate Ron Gilad's consistent design philosophy, which blends minimalist aesthetics with practical, user-centric features. The use of high-quality materials like Italian walnut and painted steel, combined with intelligent magnetic mechanisms, allows for furniture pieces that are both visually striking and highly functional. The modularity of the TT3 shelving system, in particular, offers significant flexibility for users to customize their storage and display solutions, reflecting a contemporary demand for adaptable home furnishings. The visual lightness achieved through thin frames and chamfered edges creates an elegant and modern look, suitable for diverse interior styles. The collection's evolution from simple coffee tables to comprehensive shelving systems showcases a cohesive design language focused on perception, balance, and practical innovation in furniture design. #RonGilad #FurnitureDesign #ModularShelving #TableDesign #InteriorDesign #AdeleC #ContemporaryFurniture #MagneticSystem #WalnutFurniture

The Brac Bookstore + Café in Florence, Italy, a contemporary literary café located near the Piazza della Signoria, underwent a renovation led by the Florence-based architecture and interior design firm DEFERRARI+MODESTI. The 807-square-foot space was transformed into a relaxed environment for contemporary art, vegetarian and vegan cuisine, books, and various events. The renovation aimed to create a fresh, modern respite from the city's bustling square. The space is functionally divided into three distinct areas. The first is a wooden-paneled bookstore and café, providing a classic yet updated ambiance. The second is a more informal section dedicated to hosting events such as art exhibits and literary readings. These two indoor sections are separated by an outdoor courtyard, which serves as a transitional zone and a key feature of the design. Central to the café's design is the 700-square-foot semi-outdoor space. This area was conceived as a calming and creative walkway, ingeniously designed to also mitigate noise for neighboring establishments. This dual purpose was achieved through a striking textile installation comprising over 5,000 colorful fabric strips. These strips, presented in nine distinct hues, are suspended overhead from a modular structure constructed with steel cables, creating a visually impactful vertical alignment within the space. The fabric installation creates an immersive experience for visitors as they navigate the walkway, enveloping them in a dynamic interplay of color and light. The strategic placement of the textile feature ensures its visibility from various points throughout the café, allowing it to become a continuous element of the interior landscape. The vibrant colors of the fabric strips are contrasted with and complemented by the more subdued, neutral tones of off-white and wood surfaces used in other parts of the café, highlighting the textiles as a focal point. DEFERRARI+MODESTI's design successfully integrates aesthetics with functionality, providing a visually stimulating and acoustically considered environment. The use of fabric as a primary design element not only adds warmth and character but also serves a practical purpose in managing the acoustic properties of the semi-outdoor space. The project demonstrates an innovative application of textiles in interior design to enhance both the sensory experience and the practical utility of a commercial space, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Florence. #FlorenceDesign #CaféInterior #TextileInstallation #ArchitecturalRenovation #ColorAndLight #FabricDesign #DEFERRARIandMODESTI #InteriorArchitecture #AcousticDesign