Designers Talk ’tops

The TEDNYC Design Lab hosted a night of talks at TED HQ in New York City, featuring six speakers who delved into the intricacies of design. The event, curated by Chee Pearlman with content producer Cloe Shasha, explored the hard work and creative process behind exceptional design across various disciplines. Topics ranged from urban architecture and the impact of cityscapes to the power of images, accessible design, and the use of data in a humanistic approach. Pulitzer-winning music and architecture critic Justin Davidson initiated the discussions by addressing the monotony of modern cities. He highlighted the prevalence of steel and glass buildings, which, despite their aesthetic appeal and practicality, have led to a simplification of urban architecture. Davidson argued that the rejection of traditional materials like wood, sandstone, and marble diminishes the sensory experience of a city. He emphasized that buildings define public spaces, citing examples like Plaza Mayor in Salamanca and Place des Vosges in Paris, which draw people in, contrasting them with glass towers that tend to alienate. Davidson advocated for an urban architecture that embraces the full spectrum of human experience, rather than defaulting to glass, which can create a cold and disquieting environment. Françoise Mouly, art editor for The New Yorker, then discussed the power of an image to capture historical moments. She traced the magazine's iconic "Eustace Tilley" cover, originally a playful jab at Jazz Age aristocrats, and how it has evolved to reflect contemporary events. Mouly underscored the importance of a free press and the role of artists in contributing to cultural dialogue through their work, demonstrating how simple ink and watercolor can encapsulate significant social and political narratives. Educator and fashion blogger Sinéad Burke brought attention to the often-overlooked aspects of accessible design. As someone with achondroplasia, Burke shared her firsthand experiences with designs that hinder independence, such as the height of bathroom stall locks or limited shoe sizes. She challenged the conventional understanding of accessible spaces, arguing that many are inadequately designed and can even inflict vulnerability. Burke's talk urged a reevaluation of design principles to be more inclusive and considerate of diverse user needs. The event also featured a musical performance by Sofi Tukker, who captivated the audience with their hits “Hey Lion” and “Awoo.” The duo showcased their unique “Book Tree,” an instrument crafted from actual books that produces percussive beats, highlighting the intersection of design and musical innovation. Giorgia Lupi, co-founder of the data firm Accurat, explored the challenges of data representation. Reflecting on past political events where data failed to predict outcomes accurately, Lupi stressed that limited or skewed information can distort reality. She introduced the concept of "data humanism," advocating for the inclusion of empathy, imperfection, and human qualities in how data is collected, processed, and displayed. Lupi argued that data alone cannot represent reality and that human stories are essential to transform abstract numbers into something relatable and meaningful. Architect Siamak Hariri discussed the design of sacred spaces, focusing on his work on the Bahá’í Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile. Hariri elaborated on his endeavor to create a structure that evokes a sense of the ineffable through its interaction with light throughout the day. He described the meticulous process of sourcing materials, such as stone from Portuguese quarries, to achieve a profound architectural experience, culminating in the temple's splendid opening. Finally, designer Michael Bierut shared a story about the unintended consequences of design. He recounted his work on rebranding libraries in New York City public schools for the Robin Hood Foundation, where his initial task of creating a logo evolved into a broader initiative. By collaborating with architects, photographers, and artists, Bierut helped transform library spaces with murals and art installations. He discovered that his involvement went beyond a mere logo, contributing significantly to bringing energy, art, and a renewed sense of learning to school libraries, inspiring both librarians and students. #TEDNYCDesignLab #ArchitectureCritique #UrbanPlanning #AccessibleDesign #DataHumanism #SacredArchitecture #DesignThinking #NewYorkerCovers #SofiTukker

This article features an interview with Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, co-founders of the interior design firm Salvesen Graham, renowned for their classic-meets-contemporary aesthetic. The discussion centers around the launch of their debut book, ‘A New English Style: Timeless Interiors by Salvesen Graham,’ offering insights into their design philosophy, sources of inspiration, and fundamental style principles. The designers reflect on the book's creation process, noting that it prompted a deeper consideration of their client work, their evolution as a practice, and their aspirations for growth. They emphasize that English style is inherently dynamic, characterized by ongoing change and the layering of new elements onto existing structures. The process also allowed them to revisit earlier projects, confirming the enduring quality of their initial designs even after a decade. Addressing the balance between English style's rich legacy and contemporary relevance, Salvesen and Graham explain that they always begin by examining the building itself. This approach helps identify traditional elements to be preserved, restored, and celebrated, guiding the overall design direction. They stress that homes should be vibrant and lived-in, not static museums. To inject modernity, particularly in traditional settings, they prioritize personal belongings such as artwork, books, and object collections. They highlight the impact of combining a formal drawing room with a striking piece of contemporary art as a central feature. Regarding the influence of location and setting, the designers assert that the essence of English style is not geographically confined. It can be successfully applied globally, adapting its unique character to each new environment. They liken this adaptability to how each project differs based on individual client preferences. The core of their approach lies in the 'spirit of decorating,' which encompasses layering, incorporating antiques, and prioritizing comfort, rather than being dictated by a specific setting. Layering is a fundamental aspect of their style, and they advise confidence in its execution, suggesting that more layering often leads to better results. They advocate for a mix of patterns and plains, alongside a variety of textures, to achieve depth in a room. For instance, the light-absorbing quality of thick cotton velvet can effectively contrast with a light-reflecting chintz. They clarify that layering extends beyond fabrics to include all elements of a room: flooring, lighting, art, books, and the tones and finishes of paintwork. The aim is a considered, not necessarily fussy, aesthetic. The designers emphasize the critical role of antiques in grounding a room and imparting authenticity, advocating for pieces with clean lines and excellent proportions, whether a 1970s glass lamp or a Georgian center table paired with a modern pendant light. They advise a gradual approach to incorporating antiques, adding pieces over time until a personal balance is achieved. Their approach to color involves strategic splashes in unexpected places within traditional spaces, such as inside a larder cupboard or at the end of a corridor. They acknowledge a contemporary conservatism regarding color in homes, contrasting it with historical periods that embraced more vibrant palettes. Often, they derive color inspiration from a favorite patterned fabric, extracting various hues and applying them with differing intensities to establish a room's identity. The designers confess to occasionally bending conventional design rules in their own homes, particularly regarding pragmatic considerations like heating requirements, prioritizing aesthetics over strict guidelines. They also take a relaxed stance on rules concerning wall light height or furniture spacing, believing that comfort and intuition are paramount. Living with their own interiors has reinforced the importance of quality design and craftsmanship. They note that well-made, classic pieces provide a stable foundation around which styles can evolve, allowing accessories, artwork, and furniture coverings to change while the room's essential structure remains. This concept of 'getting the bones right' applies to architectural details, room layouts, and investment pieces. They draw a parallel to fashion, where a timeless core allows for subsequent embellishment. The concept of 'Future Heritage' means creating interiors that honor and draw inspiration from the past while integrating modern aesthetics, technologies, and lifestyles. Their designs aim to bridge historical elements with contemporary innovations, yielding interiors that are both timeless and forward-looking. Ultimately, they hope their book offers readers a versatile, approachable, and accessible guide, encouraging them to celebrate heritage without being constrained by tradition, and to confidently infuse their homes with personal expression. #InteriorDesign #SalvesenGraham #EnglishStyle #FutureHeritage #TimelessInteriors #DesignInspiration #HomeDecor #Layering #Antiques

Momina Watton, the visionary founder of Atelier278, shares insights into her creative journey and the philosophy behind her furniture designs, which emphasize modern aesthetics, natural materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. Watton's design philosophy is characterized by a "classic with a twist" approach, evident in her personal style and the interiors of her apartment, which combine luxurious materials like marble, linens, and velvets with contemporary chrome and stainless-steel accents, creating unexpected yet harmonious pairings. This consistent aesthetic has been a part of her life since childhood, with her interiors brand, Atelier278, solidifying these long-held inspirations. Her creativity, though not formally studied in art or design, manifested in everyday activities from a young age, such as elaborately setting tables for Saturday morning breakfasts. This innate creative drive eventually led to her career in furniture design. A significant source of inspiration for Watton is Roman architecture, particularly its enduring use of natural stone. The timeless appeal of marble columns and travertine buildings serves as a constant reminder that classic design and natural materials possess lasting relevance. This appreciation for the historical use of stone informs her contemporary pieces, ensuring they feel both ancient and modern. Watton's transition into furniture design was unexpected. Formerly working in beauty PR, the pandemic provided her with an opportunity to explore her passion for interiors. She began by sharing her interior finds on Instagram, which led to sourcing vintage marble furniture for notable figures like Bettina Looney and Suki Waterhouse. This experience eventually spurred her to design and create her own pieces. A memorable acquisition was a vintage marble coffee table, discovered in a reclamation yard, which now resides in the home of Vogue Commerce Director, Naomi Smart. This find underscores Watton's ability to see potential in overlooked objects and her talent for transforming them. Her mother's strong, independent sense of style significantly influenced Watton, teaching her the importance of authenticity in personal expression. When it comes to color, Watton expresses a deep affection for green, from vibrant matcha to earthy olive tones, valuing its versatility and pleasing aesthetic in interiors. Green onyx, in particular, is a favored material for her accessories due to its natural texture and rich color. Travel, especially to Copenhagen, also provides rich inspiration. She admires brands like FRAMA and Yonobi Studio for their immersive experiences that extend beyond mere shopping, fostering a sense of community. Collecting glassware is another passion, as Watton believes the vessel can enhance the drinking experience. Her collection spans diverse origins, from Marrakech mint tea glasses to Parisian wine glasses and cut crystal tumblers for negronis, necessitating a dedicated cabinet in her kitchen. In terms of media, she is drawn to films with exceptional art direction and escapist qualities, citing "Call Me By Your Name," "The Talented Mr Ripley," and "A Single Man" for their incredible interiors and settings. Music also plays a crucial role in her creative process, with playlists featuring artists like Arooj Aftab, Sufjan Stevens, The Cure, Mazzy Star, and The Cranberries. Cooking is another creative outlet, with her signature dish being a sea bass recipe inspired by a restaurant in the south of France. Watton holds admiration for fellow designers, particularly the team at Banda, whose interior designs she finds consistently beautiful. The work of the Bille Brahe family, including Frederik's restaurants and Sophie's jewelry, also serves as inspiration. Among her own creations at Atelier278, the Ellipse Dining Table in Unfilled Romano Travertine, designed for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, stands out for its organic finish and statement presence. The Octavia Console is also highly popular, largely due to the demand for custom-sized console tables that are often difficult to find. Her accessories, such as coasters, are celebrated for their blend of functionality and style. #FurnitureDesign #InteriorStyle #NaturalStone #Atelier278 #DesignInspiration #MominaWatton #ClassicWithATwist #RomanArchitecture #HomeDecor

Pantone's selection of 'Cloud Dancer' white as the Colour of the Year 2026 has sparked considerable debate within the design community, following previous choices like Mocha Mousse and Peach Fuzz. Described by Pantone as 'a lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world,' this off-white shade has elicited strong reactions from designers and curators, who offer varied perspectives on its significance. Design curator Priya Khanchandani, formerly of the Design Museum, critically analyzed the choice, particularly on social media. She argues that 'Cloud Dancer' is an inappropriate selection given current global socio-political contexts. Drawing on David Batchelor’s 'Chromaphobia,' Khanchandani posits that Western society exhibits an inherent resistance to color, often dismissing it as childish, feminine, or kitsch. She concludes that the rejection of color is not merely an aesthetic preference but an ideological stance, interpreting the choice of white as a resistance to plurality. Khanchandani suggests that at a time when white nationalism is rising and efforts toward broader representation are being challenged, selecting white feels insensitive and misses an opportunity to celebrate diverse colors and identities. Conversely, textile and color designer Margrethe Odgaard finds the choice captivating, viewing 'Cloud Dancer' as an invitation for awareness rather than a conservative decision. She emphasizes that it is not a stark, industrial white but a hue that prompts deeper consideration. Odgaard describes it as 'a scaffolding for the colour spectrum,' suggesting it functions as a neutral backdrop that allows other colors to shine. Its warm, creamy tone, she explains, evokes the soft glow of lime whites, ensuring that shadows remain vibrant in spatial contexts. For Odgaard, the selection encourages a shift away from pure, calibrated whites towards more natural, earthy hues that engage the senses over intellectual thought. She also interprets 'Cloud Dancer' as a subtle symbol of hope amid global conflicts. Julien Sebban of Uchronia, known for his multi-layered palettes in interior and product design, expressed surprise at Pantone's choice. Having previously collaborated with Pantone on a celadon green suite, Sebban perceives white as a neutral starting point rather than a color in itself—a background rather than a bold statement. He suggests that choosing black or white as Colour of the Year might reflect a deeper global mindset leaning towards neutrality, uniformity, and a reluctance to take risks. He notes the increasing prevalence of an international beige aesthetic, which he finds somewhat melancholic and underwhelming, especially when creativity, diversity, and boldness are critically needed. Giulio Ridolfo, a designer renowned for his textile and chromatic palettes, also offers an insightful perspective on white. He highlights its diverse symbolic uses across cultures, from signifying widowhood in India to representing peace and light. Ridolfo acknowledges white's omnipresence, stating, 'White has always accompanied me throughout my life, there are moments when you can't be without white, like you can't live without black.' He prefers to call it 'biancore' (whiteness) and, as a color designer, often draws inspiration from nature rather than adhering strictly to Pantone's predefined colors. He particularly favors the white of Greek islands and natural pigments found in KT paint catalogues. These varied interpretations underscore the complex and often contradictory meanings embedded in Pantone's 2026 Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer. #PantoneColorOfTheYear #CloudDancer #ColorTheory #DesignCommunity #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #CulturalSymbolism #DesignCritique #AestheticDebate

The Interior Design's re:Source event in Arizona, held from September 15-17 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, brought together nearly 80 innovative manufacturers and designers to foster lasting and impactful relationships within the design community. The event commenced with Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content development at ThinkLab, presenting crucial insights into the factors influencing client decision-making in design. Waayenberg highlighted that decisions surrounding the built environment are taking longer, attributing this trend to a shift in benchmarks and the involvement of stakeholders with often conflicting priorities. Her data-driven presentation illuminated common pain points in the design process, prompting an interactive discussion among attendees. Participants contributed various solutions, including the need for greater transparency in pricing data and strategies to streamline the overall decision-making process for clients. Throughout the re:Source event, designers and manufacturers engaged in numerous informative, brief meetings, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the discovery of novel products. These professional interactions were complemented by a variety of engaging recreational activities designed to enhance networking and well-being. Attendees participated in sessions such as desk yoga, mala bead-making, and an apothecary workshop, offering creative outlets and opportunities for informal connection. Evenings featured cocktails on the lawn, complete with a powerful telescope for a unique stargazing experience, further fostering a relaxed and convivial atmosphere for networking. This year's re:Source also marked the launch of Metropolis Connect by Metropolis, an initiative that expanded the event's reach by inviting architects and architectural product manufacturers into the mix. This addition created a more diverse and comprehensive platform for creative professionals. Metropolis Connect, which aims to forge meaningful connections between brands and leading architects, is scheduled to co-locate with re:Source again in Fall 2025. John Bergstrom, Director of Business Development for Accurate Lock & Hardware, lauded the quality of the architect attendees, noting their exceptional engagement and keen interest in learning about new products. This sentiment was echoed by many industry attendees who gathered for three days dedicated to strengthening professional ties and advancing their craft. The event successfully facilitated hundreds of meetings between designers and manufacturers, allowing for direct engagement and product exploration under the Arizona sun. The blend of structured professional meetings with mindful and social activities, such as the apothecary workshop and stargazing, created a holistic experience that promoted both business development and personal well-being. The involvement of Metropolis Connect further enriched the event, bringing a broader spectrum of design professionals together. The overall atmosphere was conducive to learning, collaboration, and relationship building, reinforcing the value of such gatherings for the architecture and design community. A significant aspect of the event was its commitment to sustainability, with Material Bank generously offsetting the carbon footprint. The success of the re:Source event was also made possible by the support of numerous partners, including Accurate Lock & Hardware, Andreu World, Arktura, B+N Industries, Chemetal, Craftmade, Davis Furniture, Expormim, FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions, Four Hands, Fyrn, Garden on the Wall, Haworth, Infinity Drain, Kaswell Flooring Systems, Lutron, Mak Studio, Matter Surfaces, Mizetto, Moroso USA, MPS Acoustics, Nichiha Fiber Cement, Oyster Wellness, Parla Design, Perennials and Sutherland, Pure + FreeForm, Regupol, Rockfon, Sancal, Sloan Valve, Turf, Tuuci, Versteel, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Business to Business, and Yellow Goat Design. These partnerships underscored the collaborative spirit of the event and its dedication to advancing the design industry. #DesignEvent #ClientRelationships #InteriorDesign #ArizonaReSource #DesignManufacturers #ArchitecturalProducts #Networking #IndustryCollaboration #DesignDecisions

The article showcases the Ramsey Hill Victorian home of Sarah and Zach Olson, built in 1885, located in St. Paul. The Olsons, with their two children Runa (7) and Hans (5), sought to imbue their historically rich residence with a distinct and playful personality, moving away from a conventionally tasteful aesthetic. Sarah Olson emphasized filling their home with objects they genuinely love, fostering an environment that encourages strong reactions from visitors, whether positive or negative. Upon moving in, the Victorian house presented a blank canvas, characterized by white walls, natural oak woodwork, and leaded-glass windows. Recognizing her inclination towards maximalist design, Sarah enlisted the expertise of interior designer Julia Miller of Yond Interiors. Miller's task was to temper Sarah's enthusiastic vision, integrate Zach's specific request for a large, felt-topped game table, and create a cohesive and interesting flow throughout the spaces. The design philosophy adopted by Miller was to harmoniously blend the home's turn-of-the-century heritage with mid-century elements, aiming for a vibe that pays homage to both eras. The vibrant pink wallpaper in the staircase served as a pivotal design element, inspiring a color palette of smoky pastels, browns, blues, and greens. Miller curated an eclectic mix of furnishings and lighting fixtures, which collectively brightened the formal architectural lines of the house. The living room was ingeniously divided into two distinct zones: one dedicated to Zach's strategy gaming and the other designed for Sarah's book club gatherings. The book club area features curvilinear, comfortable sofas and chairs alongside various tables, offering a flexible setting for social interactions. In contrast, the gaming area is anchored by clean cabinetry and elegantly shaped Gubi chairs, which provide a counterpoint to the substantial presence of Zach's game table. Miller highlights the importance of designing spaces that are actively utilized by the residents, underscoring her commitment to incorporating personal passions into the design. She notes that while Zach's game table presented unique design challenges, fulfilling his "heart's desire" was a central and rewarding aspect of the project. This collaboration resulted in a home that not only respects its historical context but also reflects the vibrant personalities and contemporary needs of its inhabitants, demonstrating how heritage and modern living can coalesce into a truly unique and conversation-starting environment. The article also details specific design choices, such as the dusty lavender chosen by Julia Miller for the vestibule, which exhibits shifting hues throughout the day, creating an engaging visual experience. A 1970s travertine table and a Blu Dot leather ottoman provide grounding elements in this narrow entry space. The front door is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Brown Teepee, adding a subtle pink flush that complements the Victorian architecture without overshadowing its intricate details. In the foyer, an exuberant patterned wallpaper, “Proteas’ Dream” by 17 Patterns, was strategically limited to the stairway to prevent an overwhelming effect, while hemp grass cloth from Gregorius Pineo, in a green tone extracted from the wallpaper, adds sophisticated drama. A 1950s-reproduction cone chandelier from 1stDibs maintains a light mood. The custom cabinetry for game storage and an integrated grate concealing the air-conditioning split demonstrate thoughtful functionality. The living room further exemplifies the blend of styles with a curvy sofa from Crate and Barrel, re-covered in a Christopher Farr Cactus Flower fabric, and a marble table with interlocking legs, creating a convivial setting for gatherings. #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #VictorianHome #EclecticStyle #RamseyHill #StPaulHomes #YondInteriors #HistoricRenovation

This article details the process of two "Next Wave" interior designers, Hilary Matt and Lilse McKenna, as they select materials for two distinct family room projects. The designers virtually shop through the Kravet and Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils showrooms, demonstrating how they choose upholstery fabric, wallpapers, trim, and carpets to create specific aesthetics and functionalities for their clients' homes. Hilary Matt's project focuses on designing a family room for a young family, prioritizing durability and stain resistance. She opts for Kravet's performance chenille for a Jazz Sectional and durable gray woven-backed Bilbao armchairs. The chair legs are chosen in blond wood, offering a customizable element. To unify the space, Matt selects a neutral textured rug. For the walls, she introduces a soothing backdrop with Baturi wallpaper, featuring a slate blue watercolor pattern suitable for various family activities. The Adams Cocktail Table, a custom sculptural piece, provides ample surface area for drinks and enhances the room's aesthetic. Lilse McKenna's project centers on incorporating a treasured family-heirloom red paisley fabric into her living room design. She pairs this existing fabric with a printed Arley cotton-linen textile for a Brunschwig & Fils Jacob sofa, an English roll-arm, tight-back design. This choice emphasizes a European feel with a traditional botanical pattern in complementary blue and gray shades. For the table skirt, McKenna seeks a subtly bold finish and samples various contrasting colors of Brunschwig & Fils bullion fringe. Her selection for the rug is a cream Moroccan-style Tarsus with a graphic mossy green print, chosen for its playful texture that contrasts with the more traditional English and French fabrics. McKenna completes her design with a French-inspired Rayure Fleurette medallion and floral stripe by Brunschwig & Fils for side chairs, further enhancing the pattern-mixing theme around the fireplace. The article provides a glimpse into the designers' thought processes and material selections, allowing readers to understand and potentially replicate the looks in their own homes. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #MaterialSelection #Kravet #LeeJofa #BrunschwigFils #NextWaveDesigners #FamilyRoomDesign

The article explores the evolving landscape of mattress ticking, highlighting key trends and innovations showcased by suppliers at ISPA EXPO. A prominent theme is the influence of boxed bedding on product design, leading to a demand for clean, contemporary aesthetics in fabrics suitable for online sales. Suppliers are focused on creating inexpensive, wrinkle-free ticking for borders that can withstand compression and roll packing, often utilizing stretchy knits or wovens with elastic yarns. While knits are popular for mattress panels, woven collections are also being updated with minimalist designs and traditional motifs, appealing to the higher end of the market. The article notes that the design of three-dimensional knits has shifted from super puffy styles to intricate patterns like dots, dimples, and complex geometric shapes, often accented with vibrant colors. The rapid dissemination of information through social media is accelerating trend cycles, exposing consumers to a broader range of design inspirations. Despite this, white mattress panels remain dominant, but there is a growing acceptance of accent colors, particularly blues and grays. Some suppliers report increased interest in brilliant hues for panels, tapes, and trim, with examples such as soft silver, gray heather tones, chambray, indigo, mustard yellow, and bright red gaining traction. BekaertDeslee USA, for instance, featured bronze as its 2018 Color of the Year. Manufacturers and consumers are becoming more receptive to bolder accent colors when used sparingly. The shift in consumer taste extends to a desire for mattresses to appear more like furniture that integrates seamlessly into home environments, leading to an increased interest in high-end wovens, especially those incorporating heather yarns. This trend also encourages producers to extend ticking designs to matching upholstered headboards and bases. Some suppliers are offering flat knits that emulate the smooth appearance of wovens at a more competitive price point, suitable for a wider range of retail prices. For boxed beds, online brands favor clean, crisp, modern, and contemporary looks that photograph well and feature visual interest through texture and pattern rather than bold colors, often adhering to a palette of whites and quiet neutrals. Wrinkle-resistant wovens with stretch and good recovery are crucial for these products. The market for boxed beds also shows a preference for contemporary and transitional geometric patterns over traditional ones. The article also delves into innovations in mattress borders, with suppliers offering diverse options in structure, design, and color, combining various fabric types like knits, wovens, 3D spacer fabric, and prints. Engineered border fabrics, like CT Nassau's Fascia line, are designed to mimic cut-and-sewn textiles while coming off the loom as a single piece. The concept of “technical fabrics” is gaining prominence, encompassing a wide array of finishes, treatments, yarns, and fiber contents that offer performance benefits beyond aesthetics and comfort. These include anti-microbial and stain-resistant finishes, as well as features like cooling, wicking, breathability, and temperature regulation, often achieved through phase-change materials or specialized yarns like Celliant. The article concludes by emphasizing that modern beds are expected to fulfill multiple functions beyond just sleep, including relaxation, regeneration, protection, and aesthetic appeal, driven by continuous innovation in raw materials and construction solutions. #MattressTicking #BeddingIndustry #ISPAEXPO #FabricDesign #BoxedBedding #TextileInnovation #ColorTrends #TechnicalFabrics #SleepProducts

Laura Kirar, an internationally acclaimed American-born, Mexico-based interior and product designer, shares insights into her unique style, diverse inspirations, and creative process. Her design philosophy emphasizes the combination of raw materials with her deep understanding of art, architecture, fashion, and music. Kirar’s early influences stem from her upbringing in Chicago, where she was exposed to significant art and architectural collections, including works by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Brancusi, Georgia O’Keeffe, René Magritte, and Salvador Dalí. These foundational experiences shaped her perspective, leading her to view furniture as sculptural objects and spaces as canvases for human experience. Kirar's passion for both art and architecture guided her career choice. She describes her approach as abstract, knowing when to adhere to design principles and when to innovate. The ability to create environments where lives unfold is a powerful motivator for her. Her current inspirations include contemporary artists, fashion designers, and musicians such as Peter Zumthor, David Wiseman, Milena Muzquiz, Monica Rezman, and Marcela Diaz. She expresses a particular fondness for coral pink in all its hues, describing it as luminous and soothing, suitable for various applications from walls to textiles. Travel plays a significant role in Kirar's inspiration, leading her to discover unique shops worldwide. In Mexico City, she frequents Trouve for vintage items. New York offers Les Atelier Courbet, The Future Perfect, and Artemest. In London, she highlights The Carpenters Workshop Gallery at Ladbroke Hall, and in Paris, Pierre Frey for textiles, along with various antique and vintage markets like Marche Biron. Mexico itself is a profound source of inspiration, influencing her sense of color, scale, and textures, and fostering her appreciation for traditional crafts found in its mountains, valleys, and cities like Oaxaca and the Yucatan. Kirar is also a passionate collector, believing that artists benefit from surrounding themselves with inspiring objects. Her collections include vintage chairs, ceramics, pottery, art books, hand-woven textiles, vintage cowboy boots, and silver Navajo accessories, all chosen for their stories. She recently acquired her fourth art piece by Cisco Jimenez, suggesting a new collection in the making. Her personal art collection includes a Cindy Sherman photograph, which has inspired the palette for an entire room. Beyond visual arts, Kirar finds inspiration in film, particularly through MUBI, enjoying classic films, film noir, thrillers, and sci-fi. She also has eclectic musical tastes, ranging from The Cure to opera, classical, rock, punk, and jazz, appreciating the intimacy of live performances. Among her extensive product designs, which number over a thousand, she favors the Mar floor lamp and Vargueno chair from her collection with Arteriors. Her Vir Stil and Paletta bath collections for Kallista have been bestsellers for two decades, and her Caviar chandelier for Arteriors has consistently topped its bestseller list since 2010. Kirar also enjoys cooking, drawing on her Italian heritage to create dishes like pici al limone with sautéed radicchio. She also puts a contemporary spin on traditional Mexican chiles rellenos. Her philosophy is that cooking can be spontaneous and creative, often improvising with available ingredients. This reflects her broader approach to design and life – a blend of diverse influences, personal passion, and creative adaptation. #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #LauraKirar #CreativeProcess #ArchitecturalInfluence #ArtInspiration #MexicanCrafts #DesignPhilosophy #GlobalTravel

The interior design landscape is currently undergoing a significant shift from the previously dominant minimalist aesthetic of bright white walls, beige accents, and sparse decor. A new trend, dubbed "Dark Glamour" by Benjamin Moore, is emerging, characterized by deep, moody hues, rich jewel tones, dusky neutrals, and metallic accents, often with a gothic undertone. This shift emphasizes creating spaces with more color and emotional depth, moving away from a strictly neutral palette. Local interior designers are embracing this change, offering insights into successfully integrating these richer palettes into home environments. Tammie Ladd, owner of Tammie Ladd Design, highlights the importance of incorporating living elements like plants to prevent dark spaces from feeling too heavy. She also stresses the significance of contrast, drawing parallels to black-and-white photography, where a balance between light and dark elements—such as a dark floor with white walls or dark cabinetry with lighter hardware—creates visual interest and energy. Ladd illustrates this by describing a home study she designed with midnight blue walls contrasted by an untouched warm-toned wood ceiling, noting the complementary energy between blue and orange tones. Kasey Dobbins of Foxwood Design Co. shares a similar perspective, suggesting that for those hesitant to paint entire walls dark, painting the ceiling can be an effective alternative. She advises against an all-black-and-white scheme, preferring rooms within a mid-tone range for a more inviting feel. Dobbins encourages homeowners to select colors they are inherently drawn to, suggesting that personal comfort and preference should guide color choices, allowing homes to reflect individual personalities. Lighting plays a crucial role in these richly colored spaces. Ladd acknowledges the contribution of lighting specialists, emphasizing that strategic lighting can transform a dark room. Dobbins advocates for a layered lighting approach, combining various sources such as can lights, ambient sconces, and table lamps to create depth and warmth. She also provides practical advice for naturally low-light areas like basements, recommending medium-tone colors over very dark or stark white options, as white can make such spaces feel institutional. Beyond color and light, texture is another essential element for enhancing moody interiors. Ladd favors velvet for its calming properties and visual interest, while Dobbins is drawn to nubby bouclé fabric. Other textural elements like woven shades, sisal rugs, and waffle weave blankets can also enrich dark spaces. The article notes that even sheepskin throws, when used judiciously, can contribute to this textural complexity. Grasscloth wall coverings, reinvented with contemporary colors, are also recommended for adding a sophisticated textural layer. For luminous touches, natural stone, mirrored materials, and metals are suggested, particularly to complement candlelight. This trend towards rich colors and textures is seen as a corrective response to the previous monochromatic design extreme, aiming to reintroduce warmth and energy into living spaces, offering numerous options for homeowners to create refreshingly moody and personalized interiors. #InteriorDesign #DarkGlamour #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #TexturalElements #LightingDesign #MoodPalette #DesignTips #SpokaneDesigners

Rebecca Constable, an interior designer known for creating timeless and inviting homes that also accommodate daily life, recently launched Room by Room Interiors. This new venture offers ready-to-go design schemes, providing an accessible and affordable alternative for individuals seeking design assistance without the commitment of hiring a full-time designer. These schemes include comprehensive guidance, from key design principles to specific recommendations for paint colors, furniture, and accessories. Constable's design journey began after transitioning from a career in management consulting and project management at John Lewis. Following the birth of her children, she sought a more flexible profession, initially redesigning her own home and then assisting friends and family, which organically led to the growth of her interior design practice. She notes the significant overlap between project management and interior design, highlighting the organizational aspects crucial to both fields. Her personal home is characterized by a vibrant and layered approach, incorporating color, pattern, and various textures. Each room is distinct, and Constable frequently uses different fabrics to achieve this variety. She also emphasizes the use of natural materials such as oak floorboards, marble tiles, and quartzite counters, embracing the natural wear and tear these materials exhibit over time. Her favorite room is her and her husband's bathroom, which she describes as a calm and luxurious space for relaxation. Constable's design philosophy is deeply influenced by her Swiss grandmother, whose home featured a rich collection of antiques, self-painted oil paintings, and hand-decorated furniture. This eclectic mix of old and new, combined with a love for color and pattern, defines Constable's style. Her own home reflects this sensibility, blending antique pieces with more modern elements. Regarding her latest endeavor, Room by Room Interiors, Constable explains that the platform addresses the challenge many people face in finding the right design elements for their homes. By curating complete design schemes, the service aims to simplify the decorating process for those who lack the time or inclination to research extensively. This initiative makes professional interior design principles and product selections available to a wider audience. Constable also shared a wish list of ten items that align with her design aesthetic and current preferences. These items include a versatile sofa bed from The House Upstairs, a Folia Scalloped Natural Linen Wall Light from Lights & Lamps for architectural detailing, and a Wilmington Reeded Bedside Table from Alfred Newall, valued for its curves and the timeless quality of limed oak. Other items comprise a Frill Pouffe from Six The Residence for bedrooms or dressing rooms, a Dunes Rug from Pelican House x Lucy Williams, praised for its brown and blue color combination, and an Exton Mirror from Vaughan, considered a timeless piece suitable for various spaces. The list also features Marton Side Tables from The White Company for their utility in small spaces, a Ma Ma Lay Rattan Tray from Kalinko for desk or bedside organization, Brass Wiggle Handles from Bias Editions for a fun and luxurious touch, and a Rosemary Willow Diffuser from Bamford, appreciated for its fresh scent and aesthetic appeal. These selections collectively showcase Constable's commitment to functionality, natural materials, and a balanced blend of classic and contemporary elements. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RoomByRoomInteriors #RebeccaConstable #DesignInspiration #Furniture #HomeAccessories #TimelessDesign #NaturalMaterials

This article highlights 15 emerging talents in product design who are making significant contributions to the industry. These designers and studios showcase innovation across various materials, techniques, and product categories, ranging from home furnishings to decorative objects. Lucie Roy, a member of the Kaléidosco collective in France, specializes in float-glass wall tiles. Her Blue Lands tiles manipulate translucency and opacity with aqueous hues, achieved through multiple enamels and three firing processes, and finished with subtle gold details. Bond Hardware, founded by Dana Hurwitz and Mariah Pershadsingh, originally known for jewelry made from scrap metal, has expanded its offerings to include home furniture. Ben Erickson's Erickson Aesthetics presents the "Halo Drippp," a product that integrates a rainbow spectrum into a fundamental form. Soft Geometry, led by Palaash Chaudhary and Utharaa Zacharias, focuses on shapes and references dessert in their new collection. Asa Pingree, drawing inspiration from his boat-building apprenticeship, explores fiberglass in his Brooklyn workshop, evident in his experimental stool designs. Jude Heslin Di Leo, inspired by feng shui principles, created "Amplifier," a 15-inch-high table crafted from pure quartz crystal, intended to enhance natural energy. Sasha Burchuk, founder of New Age Design Studio, reinterprets the ancient terrazzo technique for cement tiles and candleholders, utilizing ethically sourced precious and semiprecious stones in her "Gemstone Terrazzo" and "Ziv" lines. Marie Schumann, a Swiss designer, creates vibrant tapestries called "Softspace #5" and "Softspace #6." These textiles feature haptic fringing and draped threads, woven from materials like Lurex, Trevira CS, or cotton on an industrial jacquard loom and distributed through OKRO. Henri Judin’s "Liquorice" shelves, available vertically or horizontally, are crafted from black rods of bent and powder-coated steel by Lankapaja metalsmith, evoking the candy they are named after and sold through Young Finnish Design. Felicia Arvid, a former fashion designer, introduces "Addéra," a reconfigurable daybed. Its wool-covered cushions, armrests, backrests, and painted-birch tablet can be rearranged to slot into a tubular-steel base. Emiliana Gonzalez and Jessie Young, founders of Estudio Persona, launched "Flecha," an angled side table made of mahogany-veneered plywood, coinciding with the opening of their Los Angeles showroom. Virginia Valentini and Francesco Breganze of LatoxLato designed "Aracne," a coffee table with a 40-inch-diameter glass top supported by eight legs in light oak or dark walnut, noted for its innovative structure. Brecht Wright Gander of Birnam Wood Studio collaborated with jeweler Suna Bonometti on "Brutiful U&I," a cocktail table inspired by Carlo Scarpa’s Brion Cemetery, made from Valchromat wood-fiber visible through an acrylic top. Kyle Comeaux, founder of Komolab, offers "Walden," a dog bed featuring a walnut or white oak base topped with a removable wool-upholstered cushion and a waterproof liner. Finally, Daria Belyakova designed "Paspartu," an armchair described as an "inhabitable sculpture." It is made from chromed, molded fiberglass with wool upholstery and is supported by a nearly invisible glass stand, available through Palisander Gallery. These designers represent a diverse range of styles, materials, and functional applications within contemporary product design. #ProductDesign #RisingStars #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #TextileDesign #GlassArt #ContemporaryDesign

The importance of a well-conceived lighting plan in home design is often underestimated, frequently being an afterthought rather than an integral part of the initial concept. Good lighting significantly contributes to an inhabitant's well-being, optimizes functionality, and elevates the overall aesthetic of a room, transforming an ordinary space into something remarkable through strategic fixture selection and placement. This principle was vividly demonstrated at the recent WOW!house design exhibit held at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London, England. The exhibition featured 22 unique rooms, each crafted by leading interior designers, where lighting often took center stage. The WOW!house exhibition, open to the public for a month in June to support the United in Design charity, was not a traditional house but an innovative installation. It comprised a series of exterior and interior spaces within the atrium of the Design Centre. These spaces were diverse, ranging from entries, kitchens, dens, bars, and dining areas to libraries, bathrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor courtyards, all brimming with originality and creative design solutions. Across most of these spectacular settings, lighting played a prominent role in defining the ambiance and functionality. One of the most striking examples was the grand entry of the installation, which featured an dramatic leaf chandelier by Cox London. Victoria Davar, founder of Maison Artefact, specifically requested a five-meter ceiling height to ensure the fixture was not only accommodated but also given pride of place, asserting its visual dominance upon entry. Davar emphasized that this height aligns with classical design principles. Her design philosophy for the entry embraced a blend of classical and modern elements, where the chandelier was framed against a traditional-surround fireplace. This approach allowed each element to balance the other, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. Davar intentionally utilized negative space, leaving the wall above the fireplace blank, to allow the chandelier to stand out as a sculptural piece without visual interruption, fostering a sense of airiness. Another innovative approach was seen in the courtyard room designed by Emma Sims-Hilditch. This multi-functional space, envisioned to support various aspects of country living such as a boot room, dog wash station, and gardening area, integrated classical elements of heritage country homes with modern touches. Sims-Hilditch positioned an oversized Charles Edwards lantern as a focal point above an island, drawing inspiration from classical English country house lanterns. The lantern received a contemporary update through its coloration, painted in Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue. Wall lights, inspired by carriage lanterns, and pendant lights with fabric shades in corner spaces were strategically placed to layer the lighting, ensuring both functionality and comfort. Sims-Hilditch underscored the importance of soft lighting and avoiding bare bulbs, opting for a layered system that included John Cullen Lighting for downlights and Soane Britain for wall lights. The bathroom designed by 1508 London exemplified how lighting can transform a functional space into a luxurious retreat. The design studio incorporated an advanced lighting system by John Cullen Lighting and Lutron, offering three distinct illumination programs: Ritual, Revitalizing, and Revery. Paris Albert, an associate at 1508 London, explained that “Ritual” supports daily cleansing routines, “Revitalizing” enhances vanities and showers for rejuvenation, and “Revery” creates a dreamlike state for relaxation. These options, accessible at the touch of a button, elevated the bathroom experience from mere utility to a restorative escape. Interior decorator and antiques dealer Daniel Slowik presented his morning room design, emphasizing subtle, layered lighting rather than bright, centralized fixtures or intrusive task lighting. He advocated for side lights, often converting decorative vases or antique items like Arts & Crafts candlesticks into lamps, to create ambient illumination. Slowik aimed for a subdued, not overlit, atmosphere, focusing on objects that also serve as beautiful design elements. While generally disliking overt task lighting, he integrated a brass floor lamp discreetly next to a reading chair, chosen for its distressed appearance that conveyed a sense of history and permanence. The unifying theme across all these designs is the necessity for lighting to be an intrinsic component of the overall design strategy. A thoughtful approach to illumination enhances comfort and functionality, highlights the aesthetic, and can dramatically transform a room into a unique and spectacular environment. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LightingSolutions #WOWHouse #DesignExhibition #ArchitecturalLighting #DecorativeLighting #SmartLighting

Cortney and Bob Novogratz, a design duo with seven children, have spent 25 years transforming the American interior design landscape. Their approach is characterized by a colorful, contemporary, and uplifting style, applied to over 70 residential and commercial projects. The couple's success stems from their ability to understand what makes a space inviting and livable. Their journey began two decades ago when they invested in and renovated a dilapidated townhouse in Chelsea, New York City. This initial project, which they found both enjoyable and successful, led them to acquire and develop two more properties in SoHo. This positive experience prompted Bob to leave his real estate career to pursue design full-time. A notable project, Centre Market, involved reworking an entire street. They successfully predicted the area's potential for growth, transforming old, rundown gun stores into desirable properties. They emphasize that the worse the initial condition, the better, as it deters most people, and extensive renovations are often necessary regardless of the starting state. The Novogratz's distinctive aesthetic, known as "the Novogratz look," is an eclectic blend of modern, clean lines, vintage elements, vibrant color accents, and prominent art pieces. They advocate for using color freely, particularly in bedrooms, which are separate spaces where bolder choices can be made. Feature walls behind beds, with a strong pop of color, are a common technique. They also sometimes opt for white walls, allowing furniture and art to introduce color. When it comes to brand partnerships, they frequently collaborate with CB2 (Crate&Barrel; 2), for whom they design. Other preferred brands include Kartell, The Rug Company, and ABC Carpet & Home, all chosen for their modern aesthetic and innovative designs. For those embarking on a renovation, their advice is to start with a fresh, neutral canvas, such as white walls. They suggest finding one standout piece, whether vintage or new, to serve as a focal point. They encourage an iterative design process, emphasizing that the space doesn't need to be perfect immediately and will evolve over time. They also recommend prioritizing investments in essential areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Their creativity is fueled by their children, who keep them connected to contemporary culture, and by seeking inspiration from diverse sources in major cities worldwide. Their design process prioritizes uniqueness, aiming to create distinct, interesting, and creative spaces for every hotel or home project. They believe in avoiding a standardized look. The most rewarding aspect of their work is the tangible outcome, starting with a vision and culminating in a completed project. They acknowledge that outcomes vary but strive for genius, achieving good results most of the time. They are known for frequently refreshing their own homes, with Cortney reportedly revamping elements every 90 days, especially during spring, to keep their spaces updated and vibrant. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ColorTheory #EclecticStyle #DesignProcess #Novogratz #ModernDesign

Designers are increasingly moving away from traditional, subdued tiling options, embracing bold colors, unique patterns, and varied textures to create distinctive interior spaces. This shift challenges the conventional use of standard subway tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, encouraging homeowners to infuse their personal style and vibrant hues into their living environments, even on floors. Katie Deedy of Grow House Grow, known for her narrative-inspired wallpapers, has successfully transitioned into designing cement tiles. Her Cuban heritage influenced her desire to create tiles reminiscent of those seen in family photos, but with a contemporary twist. While initially aiming for wallpaper-matching tiles, she adapted her designs to the tile format, exemplified by her cephalopod-inspired Captain Smith tile, which mirrors her best-selling wallpaper. The brand continues to prioritize nature-inspired themes, as seen in their three new tiles and the popular Otomi collection, featuring animal and floral folk art. These tiles are predominantly used on floors but are also gaining traction for backsplashes and walls, creating cohesive, patterned nooks in bathrooms. Artistic Tile, in collaboration with Michael Aram, also presents nature-inspired designs. Their Orchid Dimensional collection, a 2017 Interior Design magazine award winner for Best Wall Covering, combines innovation with natural stone. This collection showcases crystalline white Thassos marble flowers emerging from polished Bianco Carrara marble, offering a sophisticated and seductive aesthetic. Color is a significant trend, with Artistic Tile embracing vibrant palettes and mixed materials in their designs. Rachel Adler, a representative for the brand, highlights their new Fan Club mosaic glass design, which features a captivating blue ombre colorway. This design is suggested for adding a touch of elegance to wet bars or as a striking feature wall. Popham Design’s ceramic tile collection also emphasizes rich colors and playful patterns. Design editors, including Tori Mellott of Traditional Home Magazine, recommend these graphic tiles for entryways, noting their ability to set the mood and convey the homeowner's personality—whether formal, playful, artsy, or busy. Encaustic tiles, in particular, are praised for their individuality in entryways. Elle Decor editor-in-chief Whitney Robinson is particularly fond of India Mahdavi’s pink-driven collection for Bisazza, suggesting it for creating a personalized and cheerful washroom. Robinson argues that while bathrooms are utilitarian, they are also frequently visited spaces that should evoke happiness. Pink tiles, she notes, also have the added benefit of making skin appear radiant. Customization is another growing trend, allowing homeowners to create truly unique tile designs. Sarah Watson, founder of Balineum in England, specializes in small-batch custom orders. Her Hanley collection offers ceramic tiles in a dozen hand-mixed solid-color glazes, and clients can request custom glaze colors to match specific Pantone references, fabrics, or wallpapers. Watson highlights the passion customers have for finding the perfect hue, citing an instance where two brothers requested slightly different shades of blue for their shared bathroom. She suggests arranging custom tiles in graphic patterns like chevron to enhance their uniqueness. For those seeking texture and dimension, Granada Tile’s new Relief collection, launched after extensive development, masterfully combines color with unexpected tactile elements. Melanie Stephens, director of design and marketing, explains that these tiles achieve a tone-on-tone effect by contrasting a highly polished top surface with the matte finish of indented areas. Each pattern is available in four colors from Granada’s 40-color palette, with certain designs, like Tangalle, lending themselves to specific earth and rock tones. Textured tiles are also used to create futuristic and dynamic wall statements. The Tile Shop’s Yara Metal hex ceramic wall tile series, available in metallic black, silver, or white with a 3D geometric pattern, adds a reflective and conversational element. Pittsburgh designer Lauren Levant champions sculptural wavy tiles from Porcelanosa, emphasizing how textured tiles, made from materials like natural stone, porcelain, wood, metal, and glass, can introduce depth and allow light to interact beautifully with the surface. Even the classic subway tile receives a modern update. San Francisco designer Jon de la Cruz, known for the 2017 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, recommends Fireclay Tile’s handmade glazed thin brick. These recycled brick tiles offer texture and rich, saturated colors that suit both traditional and modern aesthetics, making them ideal for kitchen backsplashes and fireplace surrounds, adding a subtle patina while maintaining a clean and fresh look. The abundance of colorful and textural tile options makes decorating exciting, with the primary challenge being deciding where to begin. #TileDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #CementTiles #NatureInspiredDesign #ColorPalette #CustomTiles #TexturedTiles #ModernTiling

Athena Calderone, a well-regarded visual storyteller and designer, shares insights into how her personal aesthetic influences both her fashion choices and home decor. Her overall style is characterized by a clean, modernist approach combined with a deep respect for classic and timeless details. In terms of interior design, Calderone advocates for an eclectic mix of vintage and found objects, emphasizing that these items, collected over time, tell stories and reflect personal journeys. She values the legacy of antique pieces, giving them new life and incorporating them into her spaces to add narrative, history, and personality. She believes that, much like one's home, fashion is a deeply personal expression of vision, style, and dynamic self, allowing individuals to convey their most authentic selves. Her husband, Victor, a techno DJ, maintains a minimalist aesthetic, primarily wearing black and favoring narrow silhouettes, slim-cut blazers, and pronounced lapels. His focus is on fit and luxurious, tactile materials, with subtle accessories like a gold watch providing a touch of distinction. In contrast, Athena describes her own fashion sense as more adventurous, playing with romanticism, sophistication, and a touch of edge. This contrast in their personal styles highlights how individual preferences manifest differently. Calderone's personal style directly translates into the design of her Greek Revival townhouse in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. She intentionally curated the home with 99 percent vintage and antique pieces from the 1930s–1970s, predominantly Italian and French. This approach allowed her to blend classic elements that have endured through time with items she could personalize through reupholstery, such as her 1970s Italian Mario Bellini sofa. The sofa's low, loungy profile and plush nude velvet upholstery contribute to a balanced retro yet elevated ambiance. For the architectural aspect of her home, she made the unconventional choice to open up the parlor floor, contrasting with the typical compartmentalized layout of townhouses. Simultaneously, she preserved traditional elements like Greek Revival crown molding, wall paneling, a grand gilt mirror, and a striking black and gold marble fireplace within an otherwise all-white space. Personal touches, such as an elegant green marble head from her childhood, infuse the space with family history and personality. Calderone also uses layering of materials and varying sizes to create visual dynamism within her home. An example is the arrangement of a rustic wood column and an ancient marble fluted pillar in her living room, demonstrating how playing with scale, shape, and placement in decor mirrors accessorizing in fashion. She views both design and fashion as forms of self-expression, where individuals interpret and reflect the world through their unique intuition. She embraces the idea of creating thought-provoking tension by juxtaposing extremes, whether in a highly feminine dress paired with bold boots or a romantic gown contrasted with rugged jewelry. This deliberate interplay of elements is what she believes makes both a space and an outfit smart, intriguing, and balanced, captivating the observer and encouraging contemplation. #AthenaCalderone #HomeDesign #FashionStyle #InteriorDecor #VintageFurniture #EclecticDesign #BrooklynTownhouse #PersonalAesthetic #GucciFashion

Monica Pedersen, an interior designer and featured expert on HGTV's "Bang for Your Buck," recently shared her insights on home design during the Winter 2011 Las Vegas Market at World Market Center. Pedersen's role on the show involves evaluating homeowners' design choices, highlighting both successful elements and areas needing improvement. She acknowledges the sensitive nature of critiquing personal design decisions but aims to alleviate pressure by offering her professional expertise. Pedersen has a policy of offering a redo to clients if they are not satisfied with her design recommendations, a gesture she extended nearly 100 times on "Designed to Sell" without a single client taking her up on the offer. One of Pedersen's primary design pet peeves is the misuse of accent walls. She argues that an accent wall is only justified if it serves to highlight a specific architectural feature, such as a fireplace, or introduces a room separation. Without a clear purpose for accentuation, she advises against painting a single wall a bold color. This approach aligns with her philosophy of intentional design. In the current economic climate, with a shaky real estate market, Pedersen emphasizes making design changes that enhance a home's value and durability. She recommends focusing on high-impact areas like the kitchen and bathroom, particularly by upgrading fixtures. Replacing old faucets and showerheads is a cost-effective way to refresh these spaces and can significantly influence a buyer's perception. Appliance choices are also crucial; paneled and stainless steel appliances remain popular with buyers, while black is also acceptable. Pedersen also highlights the growing importance of "green" aspects in home design. Buyers are increasingly inquiring about water consumption of fixtures and energy efficiency of appliances, prioritizing long-term savings over fleeting trends. Pedersen champions the idea of homeowners, especially women, taking on more DIY projects. Drawing from her own experience, where her father taught her basic home repairs and her mother instilled sewing skills, she believes that with good instructions and the abundance of online video tutorials, many tasks traditionally delegated to handymen are accessible to anyone. She specifically mentions that installing a tile backsplash, often perceived as complex, is quite manageable. Her personal design style is described as traditional, comfortable, and inviting, elements she often achieves through the strategic use of textiles. She incorporates dramatic drapery, charming prints, and functional fabrics to define spaces or conceal aesthetic imperfections. This preference for warmth and comfort, she suggests, is partly influenced by her experience with harsh Chicago winters, where a welcoming interior is essential. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HGTV #MonicaPedersen #HomeImprovement #RealEstateValue #DIYProjects #TextileDesign #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation