At This Accessories Designer’s NYC Home, Design Rules Go Out the High-Gloss Purple Window

The article delves into the creative process behind Anthropologie's captivating window displays, offering insights from Erika Sorgule, the store's display projects manager. Anthropologie is renowned for its unique blend of bohemian fashion and inventive home décor, a sensibility clearly reflected in its elaborate and often awe-inspiring window creations. Sorgule reveals that inspiration for these displays is drawn from a wide array of sources, including bookstores, movies, nature, art museums, and even office-supply stores, emphasizing that life itself is a constant wellspring of ideas. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the challenges and triumphs associated with constructing complex displays. Sorgule recalls a particularly demanding project where each store's visual team was tasked with transforming the entire exterior into a 'window.' This undertaking presented numerous obstacles due to the unique architectural characteristics of each store and the need to source materials capable of withstanding various weather conditions. Furthermore, logistical hurdles such as obtaining city permits and renting specialized equipment like cherry pickers for installation added to the complexity. Despite these difficulties, Sorgule highlights this particular project as one of her favorites, praising the talent, initiative, and problem-solving skills demonstrated by each visual team. For individuals seeking to infuse a touch of Anthropologie's design aesthetic into their own homes, Sorgule offers practical advice. She encourages customers to visit the stores not just for shopping, but also to observe the display creation process firsthand. Countering the notion of secretive design, she emphasizes that Anthropologie embraces transparency and actively encourages customers to draw inspiration from their displays. The store values the interaction when customers are inspired and even more so when they seek guidance on how to replicate elements in their personal spaces, whether through centerpieces or wall decor. Sorgule also shares her personal favorite creation: the honeybee-inspired Earth Day windows developed several years prior. This particular display held a deeper purpose, aiming to raise awareness about the critical plight of honeybees and to support organizations dedicated to their conservation. The initiative garnered company-wide support, extending beyond just the window displays to include honeybee-focused store events and the sale of honeybee-themed T-shirts, with a portion of the proceeds directed towards research efforts. Sorgule finds profound inspiration in projects that successfully engage with multiple layers of an idea and achieve success on various fronts, showcasing the blend of creativity and social responsibility inherent in Anthropologie's display philosophy. #WindowDisplay #RetailDesign #HomeDecor #VisualMerchandising #InspirationSources #Anthropologie #CreativeProcess #DesignChallenges #SustainabilityInitiative

The "Showhouse Resource Guide" provides a comprehensive list of designers, brands, and specific items used in the "Design Hollywood at the Century" showcase, highlighting the creative vision and detailed sourcing behind each curated space. The guide categorizes the contributions by residence and specific rooms, offering insights into the diverse styles and design philosophies employed by the participating designers. For Residence 20A, Joan Behnke’s master bedroom and closets featured pieces from Scott Daniel for Environment (table lamps), Stark Carpet (area rug), Micucci (cashmere throws, pillow covers), and Holly Hunt (Christian Astuguevieille cabinet, Sandra Jordan drapery fabric). Other notable contributions included custom casegoods by G&E Custom, plaster work by Arte Bella, and various accessories from Charles Jacobsen and Vis-a-Vis. The master closets were styled by Clos-ette, with clothing from Brooks Brothers and Shopbop. Tim Clarke’s dining room showcased furniture and a rug from Grace Home Furnishings, sconces from Circa Lighting, and wallpaper by Caba/Barkskin. His own designs for dining chairs and decorative accessories were also featured. Waldo Fernandez’s Great Room incorporated a bronze sled-based ottoman by Calvin Klein Home, a floor lamp from Circa Lighting, and several Jean Royere-inspired pieces by Waldo’s Designs, such as the Ours Polaire sofa, chairs, sconces, and a console. Other unique items included a vintage Moroccan rug from Mansour and French Georges Jouve vases from JF Chen. Jane Hallworth’s Bedroom 2 included bathroom sconces and table lamps from Circa Lighting, wall and drapery fabric from Beacon Hill, and a walnut music console from BDDW. Blackman Cruz provided a bronze record side table and a molar stool, while Lee Stanton contributed vitrines and artwork. The room also featured a rug from Jamal’s Antique Rug Collection and paintings by Jaime Orozco. Kathryn M. Ireland’s kitchen and family room highlighted a sectional sofa from Grace Home, a console from Environment, and her own designs for sheer curtain drapery, pillows, and a coffee table. Photographs from Peter Fetterman Gallery and a rug from Woven Accents completed the space. Robert A.M. Stern Architects designed the elevator vestibule with Farrow & Ball ceiling paint, an overhead light from Maison Gerard, and sconces by Pascal Boyer. Dragonette supplied a decorative screen, and a bench from Bernd Goeckler was upholstered with Edelman Leather. Adam Bram Straus’s powder room and hallway utilized Stark Carpet for wall upholstery fabric and Farrow & Ball paint. His own designs for the vanity and bookcases were fabricated by Showcase Cabinets, with art from Los Angeles Modern Auctions and John Wolf Fine Art. Between Residences 20A and 20B, Cliff Fong’s passage featured Farrow & Ball paint, furniture, lighting, and art from Galerie Half and JF Chen, and rugs from Woven Accents and J Illoulian. In Residence 20B, Natasha Baradaran’s powder room and hallway displayed a spider rug by Neisha Crosland from The Rug Company, an axel console by Jean De Merry, and a custom mirror from Downtown. Her own facett bench was upholstered with Dedar fabric from Kneedler-Fauchere. The powder room included a Ramo mirror by Jean De Merry and a Doria crystal chandelier from Downtown. Oliver M. Furth’s elevator vestibule featured Farrow & Ball paint, an antique malayer carpet from Stark Carpet, and unique items such as 19th-century North Korean Bandaji chests from Susanne Hollis and “Argente” stools by Paul Evans from Galerie XX. JF Chen provided Dutch Bubble-Glass sconces and a convex horn mirror. Trip Haenisch’s master bedroom and closets included a rug from The Rug Company, bathroom sconces from Circa Lighting, and Fromental Wallcoverings wallpaper. Custom Cal king beds and throw pillows were sourced from Thomas Lavin/Mark Alexander and Hollywood at Home/Peter Dunham, respectively. Marmol Radziner & Associates’ Bedroom 3 showcased Beacon Hill throw pillow fabric, Calvin Klein Home bedding, and a goat fur rug from The Rug Company. Custom walnut beds and leather-wrapped nightstands were created by Marmol Radziner Cabinet Shop. Nickey • Kehoe’s Bedroom 2 featured Stark Carpet wallpaper, a tapestry art piece from The Rug Company, and chairs from Nickey · Kehoe. Walnut supplied niche book wallpaper, and artwork was sourced from Sears Peyton Gallery. David Phoenix’s Great Room incorporated Beacon Hill fabric for drapes and furniture, Jean De Merry cocktail tables and sconces, and an area rug from Natural Carpet Company. Warner Bros. constructed the sectional sofa and club chairs, while fine art and sculpture were provided by Travis Hansson. This detailed guide serves as a valuable resource for understanding the design elements and collaborations that brought the showcase to life. #InteriorDesign #Showhouse #DesignHollywood #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #InteriorStyling #Furniture #Textiles #Lighting

Naomi Cleaver, an interior designer, shares practical advice on enhancing various aspects of home interiors, focusing on functionality and aesthetic appeal. The discussion begins with the importance of evaluating a room's current state by listing functional and non-functional elements, such as lighting or storage, to guide improvement plans. This foundational step helps in identifying specific areas for design intervention. For window treatments, Cleaver suggests using double-sided drapes to adapt to seasonal changes, recommending materials like velvet for one side and linen or cotton for the other. The use of informal fixings like ties or tabs is proposed to simplify the process of changing drapes. In bedrooms, she advises combining blackout blinds with curtains for effective light control. Plantation shutters are highlighted as a reliable solution for blocking unwanted light. An innovative idea for curtains includes adding contrasting color bands near the bottom to enhance visual interest. The importance of clean windows is also emphasized, suggesting a pressure washer for quick and effective cleaning to improve the home's first impression. Quick and easy updates for a sitting room include reupholstering existing furniture, whether with loose or fixed covers, to significantly alter the room's appearance. New cushions are presented as a simple way to instantly refresh the space. Lighting is identified as a critical element for altering a room's atmosphere, with suggestions such as changing a lampshade or light bulb for a subtle yet impactful update. Introducing fresh flowers is recommended as an inexpensive method to brighten a home, evoking the ambiance of a high-end hotel. The use of sensory elements like scented plants, sticks, candles, and potpourri is also encouraged, with a prediction that potpourri will see a resurgence in popularity. Regarding lighting design, Cleaver stresses the necessity of planning by considering light placement, quality, and its ability to enhance a room. Floor sockets are suggested for increased flexibility. Concealed lighting in room corners is recommended to make spaces appear larger by softening edges. For particularly dark rooms, an unconventional approach is proposed: embracing the darkness to create a cozier atmosphere. Conversely, for rooms needing brightening, well-placed ambient, concealed lights that wash walls with light are advised. Mirrors are also noted for their ability to reflect light and expand a room visually. When addressing open-plan spaces and home offices, Cleaver advocates for the benefits of open-plan living while cautioning against excessive openness, suggesting the retention of a hall or lobby area to delineate outside from inside. Maintaining consistent decor across open-plan areas is crucial for harmony. Subtle methods such as varied lighting and floor levels are recommended for zoning these spaces. A strong recommendation is made against placing a home office in a bedroom. Instead, a dedicated corner in a sitting room, dining room, or spare bedroom is preferred. A practical solution involves housing the desk within a cupboard to allow it to be neatly closed away at the end of the workday, separating work life from personal time. The article also mentions Naomi Cleaver's professional activities, including her TV work, private commissions, and teaching roles, and her ambassadorship for the 'Making Windows Beautiful' campaign by Kärcher, highlighting the significance of well-maintained windows. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WindowTreatments #LightingDesign #FurnitureUpholstery #OpenPlanLiving #HomeOffice #RoomRefresh #CleverTips