Esrawe Studio Designs Experiential Showroom and Exhibition Space for Grupo Arca in Guadalajara

The Shed, located in New York, United States, is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to commissioning, developing, and presenting original works of art across various disciplines for diverse audiences. Completed in 2019, the building, known as the Bloomberg Building, was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Rockwell Group. The facility spans an area of 18,500 square meters and is notable for its physical adaptability, engineered to accommodate a wide range of artistic endeavors. The Bloomberg Building features an eight-level base structure. This base includes two dedicated levels for gallery space, providing ample room for art exhibitions. Additionally, it houses the versatile Griffin Theater, designed to host performances and events. The upper levels of the base are home to The Tisch Skylights, which encompass a rehearsal space, a creative lab for local artists, and a skylit event space, offering flexible areas for artistic development and public engagement. A key architectural feature of The Shed is its telescoping outer shell. This shell can be deployed from over the base building and glides along rails onto an adjoining plaza, creating an expansive outdoor performance area known as The McCourt. This innovative design allows the building to physically transform, effectively expanding its footprint and capacity to host large-scale performances, installations, and events, responding dynamically to the needs of different artistic presentations. The project involved a comprehensive team of consultants and specialists to bring its complex design to fruition. Diller Scofidio + Renfro served as the lead architects, with Rockwell Group collaborating on the architectural design. Key consultants included Thornton Tomasetti for structural design, facade engineering, and kinetic engineering services, highlighting the intricate movable structure. Jaros Baum & Bolles handled MEP and fire protection, while Vidaris provided energy modeling consultation. Lighting design was managed by Tillotson Design Associates, and acoustic consultation by Akustiks. Construction management was overseen by Sciame Construction. Vertical transport consultants Van Deusen & Associates contributed to the building's internal logistics. Specialized consultants for the kinetic systems included Hardesty & Hanover, and Fisher Dachs Associates served as theater consultants, ensuring the functionality of the performance spaces. Cimolai was the structural steel fabricator, and Vector Foiltec fabricated the ETFE (Ethylene TetrafluoroFluoroethylene) material used in the outer shell. Additional expertise was provided by Code Consultants Inc. for building codes, Ducibella Venter & Santore for security, Entek Engineering for facade maintenance, James R. Gainfort for waterproofing, and Construction Specifications Inc. for specifications. Graphic design and wayfinding were handled by Other Means. The project's photography was primarily captured by Timothy Schenck, documenting the building's exterior and interior spaces. #CulturalArchitecture #ExhibitionCenter #NewYork #DillerScofidioRenfro #RockwellGroup #KineticArchitecture #PublicArtSpace #ArchitecturalInnovation #BuildingTransformation

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 Nakhla Brand Store is a retail pavilion situated within the Grand Egyptian Museum, designed by Yasmina Makram. This project represents an expansion for Nakhla, a long-standing family-owned jeweler, establishing a presence in a prominent cultural location. The design for this 55 square meter space, completed in 2023, was undertaken by Yasmina Makram's architectural firm, with key contributions from Mohamed Nour and Samir Aiyad for concept and layout, and Hana Faltas for construction drawings. Nour El Refai provided the photography. The store's design brief focused on creating an inviting atmosphere that blends the brand's heritage with contemporary aesthetics. The material palette includes wood, steel, and stone, contributing to a sophisticated and enduring character. The lighting design, handled by Enlighten, plays a crucial role in highlighting the jewelry and creating a warm, engaging environment for customers. MEP design was managed by Hassan Allam, ensuring functional efficiency within the space. A distinctive element of the store is a headlight piece designed by Omar Chakili and a sculpture by Nathan Doss Artist, adding unique artistic touches. The interior layout was carefully planned to optimize the customer experience and showcase the jewelry effectively. This involved strategic placement of display cases, seating areas, and interaction points. The use of natural materials aims to create a connection to the brand's authentic craftsmanship and the cultural context of its location. The design team also focused on ensuring the retail space is both elegant and practical for daily operations. The project underscores a commitment to detailed interior design, integrating architectural elements with artistic installations to create a cohesive brand environment. The choice of materials and the collaborative effort of various designers and consultants reflect a comprehensive approach to retail space development. The store is located in Kafr Nassar, Egypt, aligning with its presence in a significant national museum. Overall, the Nakhla Brand Store exemplifies a harmonious blend of historical context, brand identity, and modern retail design principles. #RetailDesign #InteriorDesign #JewelryStore #MuseumsAndExhibit #CommercialArchitecture #YasminaMakram #EgyptArchitecture #BrandExperience #ModernDesign

Emeco has launched its new Alfi collection, a collaboration with designer Jasper Morrison, drawing inspiration from the classic Parisian bistro chair. The collection, which includes a high-back chair, a three-seater bench, and a low-back counter stool, was introduced at Salone del Mobile with a unique pop-up workshop featuring metalsmith Josh Fisher. Fisher, a craftsman from Hanover, Pennsylvania, was the first metalsmith in Emeco’s 70-year history to travel to Salone del Mobile on behalf of the company, demonstrating the artisanal process behind the collection. At the Emeco workshop, Fisher showcased his skill by panel-beating sheets of aluminum, shaping the chair seats using a sandbag, a deviation from his usual wood supports. Morrison's design philosophy, characterized by his "Super Normal" style, is evident in the chair's simplicity. It features a flat seat and a rounded back that echoes the supportive shape of traditional bistro chairs. An elliptical hole in the back of the chair facilitates easy transportation. The production versions of the Alfi collection are environmentally conscious, manufactured from 100% reclaimed post-industrial waste, specifically 92.5% polypropylene combined with 7.5% wood fiber. The bases of the chairs are crafted by Amish artisans using locally-sourced ash wood, further emphasizing the blend of traditional craftsmanship with sustainable materials. Morrison himself praised the design, noting its exceptional comfort. During the Milan exhibition, Fisher meticulously crafted a handmade aluminum version of the Alfi chair. This special edition served to highlight Emeco's steadfast commitment to intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail, contrasting with the mass-produced, recycled material versions. The launch event was not solely focused on design and craftsmanship; it also incorporated a culinary element under the theme "Eat me! Drink me! Tell me that you love me!" In collaboration with Wallpaper*, Chef Arnold Hoeksma from St John, Morrison's preferred restaurant, was present. Hoeksma prepared pizzas featuring bone marrow, a signature ingredient, offering a distinctive twist on Italian cuisine to both Fisher and other attendees, including design journalists. The Emeco Workshop was on display through April 18th at via San Gregorio 43, providing an immersive experience that combined design, craft, and gastronomy. #Emeco #JasperMorrison #AlfiCollection #SaloneMilan #FurnitureDesign #ChairDesign #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #IndustrialDesign #Exhibitions

The article presents an interview with architects Maritza Lara Cáceres and Daniel Cruz Maldonado, founders of Casa Quieta, a furniture and home accessories showroom in Mexico City. Casa Quieta, which translates to “quiet house,” is located in an Art Deco building in Polanco and operates by appointment, functioning as a fully furnished and shoppable apartment. The founders describe their vision for Casa Quieta as creating serene, timeless spaces that blend artisan techniques with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from functionalist architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Richard Neutra. They emphasize the preservation of traditional craft mixed with a rationalist aesthetic. Cruz Maldonado explains that Casa Quieta originated from the desire to consolidate and promote their respective furniture brands and their marble accessories brand, Casa Mineral, which launched in 2015. The concept was inspired by “The Apartment by The Line” in New York City, adapted to showcase exclusively Mexican design and art. Lara Cáceres elaborates on the products offered, which include their own furniture and marble accessories, as well as lighting, artworks, ceramics, textiles, and rugs from other Mexican studios. They prioritize contemporary, mostly handmade designs from Mexico and aim to showcase emerging talents. The co-founders, who met at age 17 while studying architecture, highlight their complementary strengths. Lara Cáceres brings warmth and a vision for creating atmospheres through space and photography, while Cruz Maldonado focuses on details, customer experience, and business strategy. Both maintain their individual design studios: Capital Studio for Lara Cáceres, concentrating on personal and intimate residential retreats, and Cotidiano for Cruz Maldonado, which handles comprehensive design projects from building facades to intricate finishes. They share early memories of design, with Lara Cáceres recalling reorganizing her bedroom for serenity and Cruz Maldonado developing a passion for furniture and collecting design magazines from a young age. Lara Cáceres’s decision to study architecture stemmed from her attraction to various art forms and her understanding of interior spaces' impact on daily life. Cruz Maldonado identifies several influential figures and brands, including Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi for her introduction of modernism in Latin America, Norm Architects for their global collaborations, Danish furniture brand Menu and its hospitality project Audo, and Vincent Van Duysen for his architectural ideas translated into furniture for major brands like Molteni and Flos. These inspirations reflect a global perspective on design while maintaining an appreciation for local craftsmanship. Regarding future endeavors, Casa Quieta aims to become a key destination for architects, interior designers, and design enthusiasts. They plan to launch new collections annually, collaborate with other designers on exclusive pieces, and expand their showcase to include Latin American design from other countries. They also express interest in exploring new materials and extending their concept into the hospitality and real estate sectors. For inspiration, both founders emphasize investigation, learning from daily life with consciousness, and travel. They find beauty in raw materials, simple forms, and 20th-century architecture and design, embracing human and universal concepts. #CasaQuieta #MaritzaLaraCaceres #DanielCruzMaldonado #MexicanDesign #FurnitureShowroom #InteriorDesign #ArtisanTechniques #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalInfluence

Muze, a new dining establishment in Khar West, Mumbai, reimagines the glamour of the Jazz Age through its interior design, offering an immersive experience for contemporary diners. Founded by Gen Z sisters Saloni and Anannya, the concept draws heavily from the liberated spirit of the Flapper Girl era, blending vintage charm with a modern sensibility. DesignWorx, led creatively by Shaji Arakkel, conceptualized the space to evoke the bold energy of the 1920s while ensuring it remains current and engaging. The restaurant's aesthetic is characterized by rich Art Deco hues, dramatic geometric forms, and luxurious textures. Emerald, gold, and inky black tones establish a sophisticated backdrop, complemented by playful motifs such as sleek leopards, vibrant parrots, and elegant black swans. This combination creates an atmosphere that is both lively and refined, embodying the fusion of historical inspiration and contemporary taste. The design aims to be dynamic, engaging, and fresh, moving beyond mere homage to a bygone era. Materiality is a central theme in Muze's design narrative. Sculptural Art Deco-inspired columns, adorned with antique mirrors and metallic gold detailing, serve as focal points. A gold mosaic-tiled bar, set beneath a ribbon-shaped bulkhead, provides a fluid and unifying element within the space. The Private Dining Room features a velvet-draped ceiling, enhancing its plush and theatrical ambiance. The furniture selection is intentionally eclectic, incorporating rich velvets, warm woods, supple leathers, and gleaming brass, ensuring that every corner of Muze possesses a unique character and thoughtful curation. Muze's design also incorporates subtle nods to Mumbai’s own Art Deco heritage, drawing inspiration from iconic facades and precincts in South Mumbai and Marine Drive. This local influence is evident in the symmetry, form, and decorative details throughout the restaurant. Furthermore, curated artifacts and Asian-inspired accents, including animal print wallpapers and handcrafted sculptures, introduce a layer of global sophistication, reflecting the cultural cross-pollination characteristic of the 1920s where Eastern and Western influences converged. Even the restrooms are designed to extend this narrative of indulgence and surprise, complete with a seating nook. Ultimately, Muze serves as a compelling example of how historical design languages can be integrated into a dynamic, modern hospitality setting, creating a unique experiential dining destination that bridges cultural memory with future trends. The establishment is located at Gabbana House Apartment, 1st floor, 15th Road, Opposite HDFC Bank, Khar West, Mumbai, and offers reservation services. #MuzeMumbai #ArtDecoDesign #Roaring20s #ExperientialDining #KharWest #RestaurantInterior #DesignWorx #MumbaiHospitality #GenZFounders

This article showcases the unique interior design styles of three designers, Jenny Powell, Edward Girardi, and Biff Bartron, as demonstrated in their personal homes. Each designer offers insights into their design philosophy, material choices, and practical tips for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Jenny Powell, owner of Somethings Unique, resides in a spacious Landenberg home with her family. Her design approach emphasizes a blend of elegance and family-friendliness, incorporating a relaxed European style with Scandinavian influences. After moving into their home, the Powells lightened dark wood floors and painted walls in pastel yellow and beige to create a brighter atmosphere. Powell's design is characterized by mixing old and new elements, such as Swedish Rococo-style sidechairs paired with contemporary fabrics, and the use of natural light and preserved greenery. Key elements of her home include fauteuil chairs from Spain with a gray-blue glaze, silk curtains in two colors, and durable microsuede upholstery for family-friendly living. The kitchen features granite countertops and unique hammered metal hardware, while the sunroom offers a casual dining space with a pine farmhouse table. Powell's home is adorned with her father's art, and she advocates for mixing styles, choosing tactile materials, incorporating personal art, and using a soft Scandinavian color palette. Edward Girardi, a proponent of high-rise living, has transformed his 16th-floor condominium in Wilmington into a sophisticated urban sanctuary. His design focuses on maximizing space and functionality in a compact environment. Girardi converted an adjoining unit into an intimate media room, painted in a custom purple-tinged gray. He meticulously blends his own paint colors and uses a sophisticated neutral palette as a backdrop for his home. A large, self-painted contemporary artwork dominates the living room, complementing the angular, masculine aesthetic. He repurposed a cocktail table by replacing its gold top with etched glass and staining the wood mahogany. Girardi's philosophy includes investing in neutral basics and updating accessories with lively prints. He emphasizes grouping family photos for impact and keeping them current. The dining area features a glass and chrome table for spaciousness, and custom built-in cabinets hide a bar and storage. His galley kitchen is designed for efficiency, with ceiling-height cabinets, slate tiles, and cork flooring. In the bedroom, a contemporary pedestal bed is paired with Shaker nightstands, and the space is unified by painting moldings and doors the same color as the walls. Girardi's advice for small spaces includes using larger tiles, decluttering with built-in storage, grouping pictures, measuring furniture carefully, and using solid colors to enlarge a space. Biff Bartron, a partner in BW Design Group, showcases an elegant California ranch home in Wilmington that balances luxury with simplicity, reflecting his preference for peaceful, spa-like environments. Despite initially being in disrepair, Bartron envisioned an open, light-filled space. He renovated in stages, prioritizing the kitchen and bathrooms. The enlarged kitchen features two dishwashers, three microwave ovens, stainless steel sinks, granite counters, and porcelain tile floors that mimic limestone. Sleek cherry cabinets with frosted glass panels and a pass-through window enhance light. A clever design integrates a Sub-Zero refrigerator, with the back half extending into the garage. Bartron unified the public spaces by installing dark ebony-stained hardwood floors. The dining table has an acid-treated copper top, and the living room offers comfortable seating for 11 around a baby grand piano. A chocolate brown daybed and silk curtains frame a bay window, allowing the city lights to become part of the decor. His color palette and simple furniture highlight a dramatic art piece from Paris. The powder room features hand-painted bamboo shoots and polished river rocks in the sink, adding a surprise element. The master bath is a spa-like retreat with a large stone shower and bamboo accents. Guest rooms on the lower level open to a private garden, and a secondary kitchen caters to entertaining. Bartron upgraded lighting and installed a whole-house stereo system. His recent addition of an Asian-inspired front porch creates a tranquil entry. Bartron recommends an Asian-inspired palette, using frosted glass for light and privacy, pampering oneself with luxury baths and linens, keeping window treatments simple to preserve views, and choosing durable materials for pet and family-friendly living. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerHomes #ScandinavianDesign #UrbanLiving #ModernRanch #SpacePlanning #Renovation #HomeStyling

A new exhibition titled 'Exhibition in Rennes: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec' showcases the extensive work of French design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in their home region of Brittany for the first time. The exhibition is split across three venues: Les Champs Libres, the Frac Bretange contemporary art museum, and Le parlement de Bretagne, and is conceptually divided into two main parts. The first part is a 20-year retrospective focusing on the brothers' industrial design projects. This segment features collaborations with prominent design manufacturers such as Alessi, Magis, Kvadrat, Vitra, Artek, and Samsung. Notable inclusions are their furniture and domestic items, alongside an array of archival materials. These materials provide insight into their design process, including development notebooks and scale models, offering a comprehensive look at their evolution in industrial design. One such collaboration highlighted is the 'Serif' TV with Samsung, which received the Wallpaper* award for 'Best Domestic Design'. The second part of the exhibition, titled 'Urban Reveries' and installed at Les Champs Libres, delves into the duo's foray into municipal landscape design. This section presents a collection of dioramic architectural models that envision new public spaces. These models depict unique urban patterns, including rocky outcrops, elevated sculptural streams, and meticulously designed gardens, reflecting what the studio describes as 'a wandering or urban dreaming based on a reflection of the city layout'. The exhibit aims to explore innovative approaches to public urban environments. Further installations include 'Le Kiosque' from 2015, positioned in the parliament courtyard. This modular structure, constructed from powder-coated steel with an oak interior and an overhanging roof, first appeared in Paris' Tuileries. Conceived as a movable tool to integrate art into public spaces, in Rennes, it is paired with 'Palissade', a collection of outdoor furniture developed in collaboration with Hay. The exhibition also features '17 Screens', an abstract display that explores the convergence of 3D printing with traditional production methods. Previously exhibited at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, this installation showcases futuristic constructions utilizing diverse materials such as glass, ceramic, wood, and aluminium rods. It also incorporates curtains made from cup-like mouldings by ceramics innovator Mutina and patterned textiles. This segment is characterized as an experimental and atmospheric exploration, blurring the lines between design and art. Overall, the exhibition is presented as a carefully curated blend of their established works and new, more experimental directions. It offers an opportunity to re-evaluate the Bouroullecs' classic designs while also providing glimpses into their evolving artistic and design philosophies. The show aims to offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the duo's influential and multifaceted practice. #BouroullecBrothers #DesignExhibition #IndustrialDesign #UrbanPlanning #ContemporaryArt #FurnitureDesign #ArchitecturalModels #PublicSpaceDesign #3DPrinting #RennesExhibition

Héctor Esrawe, a multidisciplinary designer based in Mexico City, has unveiled his new Gear Coffee Table series at Sotheby’s East Hampton Gallery in New York. This limited-edition sculptural table is part of the ‘Harmonious Contradiction’ exhibition and marks the first collaboration between MASA Galeria and Sotheby’s. The collection features seven unique coffee tables, each embodying Esrawe's signature approach of reassigning value to common materials and forms. The Gear Coffee Table draws inspiration from the aleatory textures found in honeycomb cardboard. Esrawe carefully cuts and rearranges this ordinary material, revealing its ridged vertical patterns and unique sculptural expressions along its exposed edges. These intricate textures are then meticulously rendered in polished bronze, transforming the ephemeral quality of cardboard into a durable and luxurious object. The design features a series of sleek, stacked, circular volumes that unfold to create the functional centerpiece table. Esrawe's design philosophy centers on elevating overlooked materials and demonstrating their inherent artistic potential. By casting the raw, organic patterns of cardboard in polished bronze, he creates a dialogue between the industrial and the artisanal, the disposable and the enduring. The resulting coffee tables are not merely functional items but sculptural statements that highlight the beauty in unexpected places. The designer describes the transformation, noting how the possibility of materializing and containing these patterns in bronze, and exposing them with radial cuts, defines a series of utilitarian objects that resemble 'an over scaled jewel or geared ornament.' Each Gear Coffee Table in the series is distinct, showcasing the unique imperfections and variations found in the original cardboard forms. The choice of polished bronze enhances the visual and tactile qualities, providing a reflective surface that interacts with light and its surroundings. This meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship is characteristic of Esrawe Studio, which is known for its focus on fine details and high-quality solutions in furniture, interior design, and architectural projects. The exhibition at Sotheby’s East Hampton Gallery is the fourth and final summer display and features eight contemporary artists presenting polished bronze or brass floor works by Mexico City-based MASA Galeria. These works are displayed in conversation with a curated selection of post-war and contemporary pieces from Sotheby’s collection, creating a rich context for Esrawe's innovative designs. The Gear Coffee Table series exemplifies the intersection of art and design, transforming a humble material into a sophisticated and valuable art piece. #HectorEsrawe #CoffeeTable #PolishedBronze #CardboardTextures #SculpturalFurniture #LuxuryDesign #MaterialTransformation #LimitedEdition #SothebysExhibition

This article details the transformation of a modernist glass-and-steel villa in Guadalajara, Mexico, into a warm, colorful, and charming family home. The homeowners, a young family, enlisted their longtime friend, designer Alejandra Redo, to infuse personality and coziness into the architecturally sleek 6,500-square-foot residence. Architects Imanol Legorreta and Pablo Sepúlveda meticulously crafted the two-level house from steel, glass, and wood, with concrete, zinc, and walnut cladding, strategically designed to embrace Guadalajara's climate and natural light. However, the owners desired a more inviting interior, which led them to Redo, known for her vibrant use of color and pattern. Redo's approach to decorating the modern space involved a careful curation of individual pieces rather than her usual whimsical style. Her first significant acquisition was a midcentury black-and-gold table lamp by Arturo Pani, which became the focal point of the living room. The color palette in the living room is muted, featuring deep gray velour sofas and an ottoman, complemented by two red velvet chairs that add warmth, echoing the hues of an antique Persian rug. Mexican fabrics are prominently featured, with rebozos draped over furniture and cushions made from local textiles, reflecting Redo’s signature aesthetic. The dining room, adjacent to the living area, features Mexican walnut paneling that contrasts with the cool steel structure and marble surfaces, providing a sense of warmth. The entrance hall showcases Redo's eclectic sensibility, with a pine tree piercing both the ceiling and floor. A modern painting by Cuban-born artist Leslie Sardinias is displayed above a reproduction Louis XV console, and a custom Venetian-style mirror adds an artistic touch to the guest bath. Redo emphasizes her comfort in mixing different periods, colors, and designers to create an eclectic environment. The family room is another example of Redo’s unique design philosophy, anchored by a silk wall hanging crafted from a traditional Bhutanese man's robe. This is juxtaposed with a geometric cotton rug designed by Redo and made in India. The space also features a vintage Arco floor lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, a family heirloom, alongside a modern sofa and Wegner cowhide Shell chairs, demonstrating a blend of new and old. This room opens onto a garden and a deck, facilitating family gatherings and entertaining. Bedrooms, located downstairs, are characterized by their simplicity and abundant natural light. Redo incorporated playful colors for the children's rooms, with a pink scheme for the girl and a blue-and-red theme for the boy. An eccentric detail in the boy's room is the red wallpaper featuring leaping zebras pursued by arrows, a design reminiscent of Gino's, a historic Italian restaurant in New York. This touch highlights Redo’s ability to bring a lively and personal spirit to the serene modernist house, ultimately making the contemporary architecture feel cozy and lived-in. #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #MexicanDecor #HomeDecor #EclecticStyle #GuadalajaraHome #ResidentialDesign

The article explores the 'City of Books' project located within the historic José Vasconcelos Library in Mexico City. This initiative transformed sections of the library into dedicated spaces showcasing the personal literary collections of five influential Mexican thinkers: Ali Chumacero, Carlos Monsiváis, José Luis Martínez, Jaime García Terrés, and Antonio Castro Leal. Each space was designed by a different architectural firm, aiming to provide a unique insight into the minds and intellectual journeys of these figures through the organization and presentation of their books. The Carlos Monsiváis Personal Library, designed by JSa Arquitectura, occupies a walnut-clad, double-height series of rooms in the west wing. Its design focuses on arranging Monsiváis' extensive collection to illustrate the evolution of his thinking, incorporating works of art by Francisco Toledo. This design approach creates an intimate connection between the public and the writer's intellectual development. BGP Architects were responsible for the space dedicated to Antonio Castro Leal, drawing inspiration from his private library in Coyoacán. The design prominently features natural and LED lighting, light wood flooring, and a contrast of stainless steel and glass against dark wooden shelves, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for his collection. Alejandro Sánchez García Arquitectos designed the José Luis Martinez library, replicating Martinez's personal organization of his vast collection of 20th-century Mexican literature. A notable feature is the installation of plane mobiles suspended from the ceiling, symbolizing the expansive nature of imagination and intellect inspired by literature. For Jaime Garcia Terrés' collection, Arquitectura 911sc, led by Jose Castillo and Saidee Springall, created a wood-paneled space that includes a reproduction of Terrés' writing desk. An art installation by Perla Krauze, 'Time Suspended,' uses resin stones to reflect and refract natural light, adding an ethereal quality to the environment. Finally, Jorge Calvillo designed the Alí Chumacero library, opting for a more traditional aesthetic with dark wood finishes. This space emphasizes the books themselves, allowing them to be the primary focus, complemented by personal items from Chumacero's home, such as a tree, paintings, and a ceramic mural. Each architectural intervention within the José Vasconcelos Library successfully translates the unique character and intellectual legacy of its respective thinker into a tangible and immersive experience for visitors. #MexicoCity #LibraryDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorArchitecture #LiteraryCollections #MexicanCulture #PublicSpaces #DesignExhibition

Furniture designer Mark Grattan has found his serene retreat in a 19th-century building in Mexico City's Colonia San Rafael enclave, an apartment located in a rare building designed by the renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Grattan, the founder of VIDIVIXI, a prominent furniture design studio, has gained recognition from figures such as Solange Knowles, who enlisted him as a product development consultant for her design studio, Saint Heron, and Ellen DeGeneres, whose design competition, _Ellen’s Next Great Designer_ on HBO Max, features Grattan as a participant. Grattan's journey to Mexico City began in 2016 when he moved from Brooklyn, where he founded VIDIVIXI in 2014. Despite a tumultuous romantic relationship that ultimately ended, he chose to remain in the city, seeking a personal sanctuary. He subsequently found a two-bedroom apartment in a Barragán-designed building, which retained many of its original midcentury details, including paned windows and interior wooden doors designed to filter light. The apartment also features an iron balcony, which serves as Grattan's morning contemplation spot, offering views of the Jardín del Arte. The apartment's natural light deeply impressed Grattan, leading him to meticulously observe its patterns for over a year before commencing decoration. He noted the appearance of rainbows on the walls in the late afternoon and spectacular sunsets, which he sought to amplify. To achieve this, he installed a wall of mirrors at one end of the living room and another above the sofa. These mirrors interact with the incoming natural light, reflecting off each other to create dynamic and unexpected plays of luminescence throughout the space. Grattan's commitment to perfection is evident in the custom elements and thoughtful modifications throughout his home. He designed much of the furniture, including a wall-mounted sideboard in the living room that spans the entire back wall. In the bathroom, he relocated the showerhead to accommodate a bronze-glass door and suspended a fern above the entrance. These deliberate choices create a distinctive ambiance, particularly in the evening, when the mirrors, water, and foliage cast captivating shadows, enhancing the overall experience of the space. The bedroom features a custom king-size variation of his best-selling Docked En Rio platform bed, a design that blends Art Deco and Japanese influences. A guajillo tree positioned bedside on a cuboid plinth contributes to the room's tree-house-like atmosphere, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic and a profound sense of restraint. This approach aligns with his decision to live in the unfurnished space for an extended period, prioritizing quality and thoughtful design over immediate completion. Grattan expresses satisfaction with the final decor, viewing the creation of his beautiful space as a form of personal triumph and contentment. #MarkGrattan #MexicoCity #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #VIDIVIXI #LuisBarragán #ModernistArchitecture #HomeDecor #DesignPhilosophy

The article explores innovative showcase strategies employed by jewelry retailers to enhance the customer experience. Jewelers and interior designers are embracing stand-alone showcases that facilitate a more personal and interactive sales approach, allowing customers to view jewelry from various angles and sales associates to engage shoulder-to-shoulder with them. This shift breaks down traditional barriers, fostering a friendlier and more personal interaction. Additionally, this approach optimizes space, as stand-alone cases require significantly less clearance from walls compared to conventional setups. The article highlights the importance of showcase height, recommending 42 inches for optimal viewing in most cases, and 36 inches for sit-down consultations. Several examples illustrate these strategies. Hyde Park Jewelers in Scottsdale, AZ, uses a design that maximizes display density while maintaining a light, airy feel by eliminating case bases and metal glass frames, creating a glass-on-glass aesthetic. Their curved and squared case configurations add visual interest, and perimeter displays allow for brand customization within a cohesive design. Marks Jewelers in Montgomeryville, PA, features completely mobile, four-sided glass showcases, enabling over two dozen floorplan changes within 18 months, complemented by unique permanent features like a Diamond Diner and a bar. Mitchum Jewelers in Ozark, MO, incorporated a transition area housing a Shinola boutique. Their showcases are designed for "front-sale" interaction and are illuminated by recessed white LED lights. The expansion also created more space for sales, storage, a vault, and private meeting rooms. S. Lennon & Company Jewelers in New Hartford, NY, transformed a narrow building into a bright showroom with quartz desks for consultations and custom, open-leg showcases to avoid overwhelming the space. Custom white shelves allow clients to touch select pieces. B.C. Clark’s Oklahoma City location features a circular centerpiece case near the entrance, showcasing new arrivals and changed monthly to maintain freshness. Kelley Jewelers in Weatherford, OK, created a boutique shopping environment with open shelves and a built-in mirror, encouraging independent browsing. Day’s Jewelers in Nashua, NH, utilizes a circular design for its exterior glass wall, casework, and ceiling, guiding customers through the space and maximizing linear display, also creating a central lounge area. Erik Runyan Jewelers in Vancouver, WA, emphasizes airy traffic flow and side-by-side selling with distinctive, hand-built Old World-style cases. Falls Jewelers in Kannapolis, NC, employs sit-down cases for bridal consultations and front-opening, walk-around cases for general displays. Storey Jewelers in Gonzalez, TX, integrates large, custom-designed walk-around islands, front-opening displays, and bridal sit-down cases, alongside traditional center island cases. JC Jewelers in Jackson Hole, WY, utilizes modern wood cases in their log-cabin store to create a natural synergy and an open center for side-by-side selling, achieving a "Manhattan in a cabin" aesthetic. M Robinson Fine Jewelry in Bee Cave, TX, features four gracefully curved islands that guide clients, with linear cases along walls for branded collections. The curved cases and drop-down ceilings create a balanced, luxurious feel, fostering an open yet intimate showroom experience. Provident Jewelry in Wellington, FL, eliminates traditional counters to remove barriers between staff and clients, encouraging exploration. Park Place Jewelers in Ocean City, MD, makes a grand first impression with a curved island near the entrance, complemented by curved glass showcases, chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings, directing customers towards the point of sale in the back to ensure full store engagement. #JewelryRetail #ShowcaseDesign #RetailExperience #StoreLayout #InteriorDesign #CustomerEngagement #JewelryStore #VisualMerchandising #InnovativeDesign

Pia Mendaro, a Spanish architect, undertook the transformation of a 100 sqm warehouse in Madrid into a flexible living and workspace for her artist friend, Clara Cebrian. Cebrian's request for a home that could adapt over time, similar to a 'Ron Weasley house,' guided Mendaro's approach. The design aimed to be minimal, allowing life to unfold within the space while incorporating specific existing elements, including a kitchen Cebrian had purchased and immovable downspouts. Mendaro emphasized understanding the space as a square, a fundamental concept informing the layout. The central element of Topo's Shed is a semi-hanging platform that serves as the artist's sleeping area. This innovative feature, developed in collaboration with architect Manuel Ocana, was conceived after considering various mobile and enclosed bed designs. The decision to elevate the sleeping space was driven by the desire to detach it from the ground. Thin steel rods and corrugated rounds secure this structure to the ceiling truss, creating an ethereal and spacious sleeping area. The platform is strategically positioned near the gabled roof's opening, allowing light to filter into the space and offering views of the warehouse's horizon. A movable ladder provides access to this elevated platform, which is designed to accommodate multiple people. Additionally, a flight of steps, doubling as seating, leads to a balcony that provides views of the surrounding neighborhood. The layout of the warehouse integrates a discreet bathroom, concealed behind a wall that also separates the kitchen and main living area from the storage facility. The kitchen floor is distinguished by wooden planks, contrasting with the larger cement flooring throughout the rest of the space, a practical choice to maintain cleanliness. The home's design incorporates a lounge area, a hammock suspended beneath the elevated bed, and a substantial open area designated as the artist's studio. The color palette primarily features greys and whites for walls, floors, and ceilings, which are accented by pastel and coral hues in the kitchen cabinetry, furniture, and artworks. Reflecting on the completed project, Mendaro noted one potential area for improvement: the lack of direct sunlight due to the north-facing windows. While this aspect is beneficial for avoiding harsh glare, she considered the future need for curtains to facilitate longer sleep, acknowledging the natural light conditions. The project, named Topo's Shed, was completed in 2020 and is located in Madrid, Spain. It spans a built area of 100 sqm, with Clara Cebrian as the promoter and Fast&Furious Office responsible for production. This design exemplifies an unconventional approach to residential and studio spaces, prioritizing flexibility, adaptability, and a distinctive elevated living experience within a repurposed industrial structure. #PiaMendaro #WarehouseConversion #MadridArchitecture #ElevatedLiving #ArtistStudio #FlexibleSpaces #ArchitecturalInnovation #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign

This article offers a virtual tour of 14 spectacular homes belonging to renowned artists and architects around the world. These residences, usually open to the public but now virtually accessible, provide a glimpse into the personal spaces and creative environments that shaped these influential figures. The article highlights unique architectural styles, interior designs, and personal touches that reflect each artist's personality and work. The tour begins with Frederic Church's Olana in New York's Hudson Valley, a 19th-century landscape painter's home that blends Victorian and Middle Eastern motifs. Oscar Niemeyer's Casas das Canoas in Rio de Janeiro showcases his signature curves and reinforced concrete, with organically positioned boulders integrated into the design. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin in rural Wisconsin is described as his architectural autobiography, an 800-acre estate that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, features wraparound windows designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape, a meticulously sculpted environment inspired by a 17th-century painting. Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell’s Charleston House in Sussex, United Kingdom, embodies bohemian charm with hand-painted cupboard doors, patchwork chintz curtains, and stenciled paisley walls, complemented by a vibrant garden. Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexico City, the site of her birth, death, and many years of her life, is a cobalt-washed residence with chartreuse floors and bright white walls, showcasing local folk art, handmade ceramics, and pre-Columbian sculptures. Auguste Rodin’s La Villa des Brillants in Meudon, France, served as his workshop, business place, and home, filled with dazzling white sculptures. Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s East Hampton home has remained untouched since Krasner’s death, featuring paint-splashed floors in the studio and an eclectic interior with a broken anchor and Krasner’s seashell collection. Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico, radiates natural light and includes surprises like a rattlesnake skeleton, along with an extensive potager garden. Clementine Hunter’s modest cabin at Melrose Plantation in Louisiana showcases her prolific artistry, with thousands of paintings depicting daily life. Frederic Church's Olana, a Persian-inspired fortress, is rich with hues of mustard, cherry, and clay, lavishly draped in Turkish rugs and ornate frames. Jim Thompson’s teak Thai-style home in Bangkok, though not an artist's own work, houses an extraordinary collection of traditional Thai art. Sam Maloof’s 1952 California ranch-style home, relocated to Pomona, features treehouse vibes with redwood walls, a hand-carved spiral staircase, and whimsical stained-glass windows. Irma Stern’s The Firs in Cape Town, South Africa, is a colorful collage of portraits and tribal artifacts, painted in mint green, sunny yellow, and and vivid corals. Finally, Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France, is famous for its poetic interior with a stream of copper pots in the kitchen and lemony yellow dining room, alongside his collection of Japanese art. #ArtistHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CulturalTourism #VirtualTours #ArtHistory #HistoricHomes #TravelInspiration #GlobalArt

This blog post features an interview with Jason Apilado, a Senior Interior Designer, who offers insights into the interior design industry, discusses his notable projects, and shares his recommendations for cultural experiences, dining, shopping, and community engagement in Los Angeles. The interview begins by addressing common misconceptions about interior design, highlighting the blend of creativity and business acumen required for success. Apilado emphasizes the technical skills involved, including mathematics, geometry, engineering for cost calculation and collaboration with architects, and deep dives into psychology, history, and cultural studies for robust conceptual development. He also touches upon the challenges of navigating new design languages and effectively communicating these to various stakeholders, all while managing logistics and meeting deadlines. Apilado stresses the importance of artistic restraint and balancing imagination with practicality, without compromising design values. He introduces his '3 R's' approach—Recognize, Reassess, Recalibrate—to prioritize time management and support creative discipline, a skill he developed over 14 years in the field, including a significant period as a freelancer. Resilience, problem-solving, and leading with confidence without ego are also identified as crucial for designers. Apilado then shares details about some of his favorite projects, including a brutalist home/event space in Eden, Utah, designed in collaboration with Tom Wiscomb Architects and Benchmark Modern. This project features art installations and furniture by renowned artists and designers such as Jónsi, James Turrell, Rick Owens, Vibha Galhotra, Naama Tsabar, Pedro Reyes, and MAD Architects. Other significant works mentioned are the Soulmate Restaurant in West Hollywood, a G550 jet interior, and a contemporary residence in the Hollywood Hills, developed with Belzberg Architects and Dobkin Construction. The discussion also covers his recent ventures into dealing antique furniture, launching a textiles collection, and selling curated goods online. The interview shifts to local recommendations for Los Angeles. For cultural experiences, Apilado suggests Casa Perfect Los Angeles 3.0, Anat Ebgi gallery, Vardan Gallery, Arcana Books, and the Endeavour space shuttle. Dining recommendations include Santa Monica Seafood Market, Santa Monica Farmers Market, Spoon & Pork, Kang Ho Dong, and Siam Night Market. Shopping highlights feature H. Lorenzo and the Rose Bowl Flea Market. For community engagement, he recommends In Sheep’s Clothing hifi, Ambient Church, Brain Dead Studios, Aroma Golf Range, and the LA River West Bank Bike Trail. Finally, Apilado expresses gratitude to numerous individuals who have inspired and supported his career. He acknowledges fellow designers and craftsmen, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support among artists. He specifically thanks his parents for fostering his creativity, his brothers for their support, and his high school teachers and college mentors for seeing his potential and never giving up on him. Special recognition is given to Sean Leffers for trusting him to build a design studio, and a list of influential figures such as Riza Stillwell, Scott Pennington, David Waggoner, David Goggins, Bjarke Ingels, Ridley Scott, The Wachowskis, Craig Green, and Richard Feynman are mentioned for their impact on his professional journey. #InteriorDesign #CreativeProcess #DesignProjects #LosAngelesCulture #BusinessAcuemen #ProfessionalJourney #ArtisticRestraint #CommunitySupport

In 2017, Snarkitecture and Gufram collaborated on the 'Broken' series, which featured mirrors and a bench with frames that appeared stone-like but were actually made of polyurethane and coated in concrete-looking Guflac paint. This innovative use of materials created an ambiguous mix of hard appearance and unexpected softness in their initial collection. Now, the Italian radical design brand Gufram and the experimental New York architecture and design studio Snarkitecture have revisited this collection, introducing a new edition of furniture in a pastel pink shade. The inspiration for this new color came from classic bubblegum, chosen to add a fresh layer of playfulness to the 'Broken' series. This specific shade of pink was meticulously developed over the last year in close collaboration with the Gufram team. The newly colored 'Broken' bench by Snarkitecture for Gufram and the 'Broken' mirror are central to this updated collection. This pink furniture collection was specifically created for a special display at K11 Musea in Hong Kong. K11 Musea, inaugurated in 2019 by Adrian Cheng, serves as both a retail and art venue. For its annual 'Art Karnival' event, Gufram exclusively presented an immersive, all-pink showcase to debut this new color palette for their collaboration with Snarkitecture. The event provided a unique platform to highlight the playful and innovative nature of the revisited collection. Accompanying the full-sized pink furniture pieces, a collection of 'Guframini' was also launched in the same bubblegum pink shade. These 'Guframini' are miniature versions of some of Gufram’s most iconic radical design classics, including the 'Bocca' sofa and the 'Cactus' coat stand. These miniature versions were exclusively created for the K11 Musea event, further expanding the pink theme across their product range. Charley Vezza, Gufram’s global creative orchestrator, explained the choice of pink. He noted that Gufram had never previously released a product in this color. For the 'Broken' series, pink was a significant departure from Snarkitecture's usual black and white palette, signifying a deliberate and well-considered color choice. The decision to use pink was a simple yet bold one, encapsulated by the question, 'Pink… why not?' The collaboration highlights Gufram's legacy of radical design and Snarkitecture's experimental approach, demonstrating how a change in color can recontextualize and inject new life into an established collection. #Snarkitecture #Gufram #FurnitureDesign #PinkFurniture #RadicalDesign #ProductCollaboration #DesignExhibition #K11Musea #InteriorDesign

Galerias El Triunfo, a prominent Mexican home decor chain, has established itself as a purveyor of unique and often outlandish items across its 47 branches nationwide, with 19 located in Mexico City alone. The store, which began as a small crafts retailer 50 years ago, was founded by Don Fermín, who was described by community manager Ricardo López as a visionary. Fermín's approach involved seeking out distinctive international items as Mexico's borders opened to international commerce, resulting in a product range that spans from conventional household goods to highly unusual decorative pieces. The store's extensive inventory is designed to cater to various spaces, including homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues. Shoppers can find practical items alongside highly eccentric pieces like a toilet with an integrated sink that reuses wastewater for flushing, or a two-meter-high heel-shaped pot. This eclectic mix, driven by a philosophy of following fashion trends and offering innovative designs, aims to provide customers with items that make their spaces unique and memorable. The distinctive and often whimsical nature of Galerias El Triunfo's products has garnered significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. A popular trend, "POV: Shopping at Galerías El Triunfo," features users humorously showcasing the store's more bizarre offerings, with skits depicting shoppers requesting improbable items and employees readily producing them. This trend highlights the store's reputation for having an item for every imaginable, no matter how unusual, decorative need. Despite the focus on its quirkier products in social media, Galerias El Triunfo maintains significant commercial success. It is ranked among the top five businesses in Mexico's "retail trade of articles for interior decoration" sector, a market that generated 3.37 trillion pesos (US $1.81 billion) in 2024, according to INEGI, Mexico's statistics agency. The chain's continued growth and popularity indicate a broad appeal among Mexican consumers, who appreciate its diverse and often surprising selection. Ricardo López emphasizes the store's mission to continuously introduce new items and "make Mexico a more beautiful place" by astonishing customers and enabling them to transform their spaces or events into something spectacular. This commitment ensures that whether customers are planning a party, wedding, or quinceañera, Galerias El Triunfo is likely to offer not only the expected but also unexpected and extraordinary decorative elements, from unicorn figurines to baroque chandeliers. This approach underscores the store’s role as a cultural phenomenon in Mexican retail, blending utility with a sense of playful extravagance. #GaleriasElTriunfo #HomeDecor #MexicanRetailers #KitschyDesign #InteriorDecoration #SocialMediaTrends #RetailIndustry #MexicoLiving