Design Miami/ Basel 2018: the Wallpaper* highlights

The Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024 celebrate the "Best Scene Setters," highlighting furnishings that combine bold aesthetics with rich materiality to create dramatic and impactful interior spaces. The selection emphasizes pieces with high textural contrast, incorporating materials such as luxurious leathers, tubular metals, and scorched wood, all contributing to a modernist mood. Each chosen item is recognized for its ability to make a significant impression within a room, showcasing innovation in design and material use. Among the distinguished pieces is Studiopepe’s ‘Mr Hide’ room divider, noted for its matte black, powder-varnished metal silhouette. This design expertly balances masculine materials with feminine curves, featuring paper cord panels that play with notions of concealment and revelation, adding sophistication and visual intrigue to any space. Its construction speaks to both robustness and delicate form, making it a standout for its architectural presence. Gianfranco Frattini’s ‘Aspide’ table lamp, originally designed in 1970, is celebrated for its serpentine shape. The lamp's chrome coating enhances its glow through reflective qualities, while its balanced design provides both functional and ambient lighting. The 'Aspide' introduces a dynamic sense of movement, reflecting a playful yet elegant aesthetic characteristic of its era. Rodolfo Dordoni contributes two notable pieces: the ‘Pilotis’ console and the ‘Dylan’ seating system. The ‘Pilotis’ console is crafted from mitre-folded polished stainless steel sheets, giving it a fluid and sculptural character. Its brutalist-inspired design features an eye-catching cylindrical base topped with a cross-sectional brushed ash veneer, creating an elegant contrast of materials and forms. The ‘Dylan’ sofa exemplifies contemporary style with its rigorous forms and a 'suspended' base elevated by slender aluminum blades, giving it a weightless appeal. Available with leather or fabric upholstery featuring couture-inspired stitching, its curved backrest and amply cushioned seating prioritize comfort alongside aesthetic appeal. Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Robotin’ coffee table explores the possibilities of glass with standout geometries and a decorative motif resembling perforated metal sheets, encased within the glass itself. This design is praised for its visual tactility, presenting a paradox of sharpness and smoothness, and delicacy and sturdiness, pushing the boundaries of glass furniture. Yoon Shun’s ‘Goshun’ bench, made from solid oak, brings a sense of nature indoors through a sculptural process. It achieves a balance between refinement and brutalism, employing traditional wood-burning techniques to enhance and protect the wood’s patina, finished with multiple layers of tung oil for a unique surface texture. Caine Heintzman’s ‘Vale’ floor lamp features a thermo-formed curvilinear profile and a weighted mirror base. Its vertically stacked bar of light behind a lens finish emits a warm and ethereal glow, contributing to the ambiance of a room. Finally, Herzog & de Meuron’s ‘Porta Volta’ chair is distinctive for its intersecting wooden U-frames and a backrest that appears to float, extending to form armrests. The chair offers customization options for cushions in various colors and wood choices, as well as upholstery options ranging from velvet mohair to leather, emphasizing both aesthetic flexibility and structural elegance. #WallpaperDesignAwards #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ModernistDesign #DesignerFurniture #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDesign #MaterialInnovation

The Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024 recognized exceptional interior design pieces that blend bold aesthetics with functionality, dubbed 'Best Scene Setters'. These selected furnishings demonstrate a harmonious interplay of high textural contrast and diverse materiality, incorporating elements like rich leathers, tubular metals, and scorched wood to evoke a modernist mood and create a lasting impression. Each piece not only serves a practical purpose but also acts as a statement, shaping the ambiance of a room through its unique design. Among the celebrated pieces is Studiopepe’s ‘Mr Hide’ room divider, distinguished by its matte black, powder-varnished metal silhouette and paper cord panels. This design achieves a balance between masculine materials and feminine curves, offering a sophisticated play of conceal and reveal that enhances a space without completely closing it off. Rodolfo Dordoni's contributions include the 'Pilotis' console, crafted from mitre-folded polished stainless steel, featuring a brutalist-inspired cylindrical base and a brushed ash veneer tabletop. The console's fluid lines and contrasting materials make it a versatile addition to any interior, embodying sculptural elegance. Dordoni also designed the 'Dylan' seating system, which combines rigorous forms with a contemporary style. The sofa's 'suspended' base, supported by slender aluminum blades, gives it a weightless appearance. Available in leather or fabric with couture-inspired stitching, its curved backrest and ample cushioning provide both aesthetic appeal and comfort. Gianfranco Frattini’s ‘Aspide’ table lamp, originally developed in 1970 and revived for the awards, captivates with its serpentine shape, adding dynamic movement and a playful element to a room. Its chrome coating enhances the light's glow, making it ideal for various lighting needs from reading to ambient illumination. Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Robotin’ coffee table showcases the expansive possibilities of glass. This piece features distinctive geometries and a decorative motif resembling perforated metal, encased within the glass. Its visual tactility creates an illusion of sharpness while being smooth, and simultaneously appears delicate yet sturdy, challenging perceptions of glass as a material. Caine Heintzman’s ‘Vale’ floor lamp, also available as a pendant and ceiling/wall light, is noted for its thermo-formed curvilinear profile and a weighted mirror base. It emits a warm, ethereal glow from a vertically stacked bar of light behind a lens finish, creating a serene atmosphere. Yoon Shun’s ‘Goshun’ bench, crafted from solid oak, brings a connection to nature indoors. This piece demonstrates a sculptural process that balances refinement with brutalism, utilizing traditional wood-burning techniques to enhance and protect the wood’s patina, finished with multiple layers of tung oil. Herzog & de Meuron’s ‘Porta Volta’ chair features intersecting wooden U-frames and a defining U-shaped frame that draws the eye. Its solid wood backrest appears to float, extending into armrests. The chair offers customization options for cushions in various colors and wood choices, as well as upholstery options ranging from velvet mohair to leather, making it adaptable to different design preferences. These winning designs collectively highlight a trend towards furniture that is not merely functional but also highly expressive and visually engaging. They incorporate diverse materials and forms to create distinctive 'scene setters' that define and enrich interior spaces, reflecting a blend of artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship. #WallpaperDesignAwards #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ModernistDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInnovation #HomeDecor #SculpturalFurniture

The article explores the latest textile and wallpaper trends for 2025 as previewed during Paris's Déco Off, Déco Home, and Maison&Objet; in The City events. These industry showcases highlight innovative approaches to home interiors, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and advanced manufacturing techniques. The future of interior design, as presented by leading brands, appears focused on elegance, incorporating iridescent weaves, imaginative color palettes, and enduring earthy tones. Rubelli's new "Teorema" collection, designed by Formafantasma, features patterns that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision. The collection introduces wool and chenille fabrics with abstract and geometric motifs, notably the "Zig Zag" line, which reimagines embroidery techniques using shiny viscose thread for a modern, textured effect, pushing boundaries in decorative textiles for home transformation. Dedar's collections introduce material variations and new production methods within its "Contemporary Archives" family. The brand's soft figurativism enriches textiles with painterly depictions of natural elements like mountains, waterfalls, and starry skies. A highlight is the "Thank you for sending me an angel" line, crafted from kid mohair, which offers a luxurious, curly velvet texture that evokes the feel of fur without being actual fur, providing an elegant and pleasant tactile experience. Métaphores, an Hermès textile chain brand, presents "L'Echappée" by art director Emilie Paralitici. This collection draws inspiration from travel and exploration, translating distant memories into new fabrics. It celebrates iconic English beauty with exotic and oriental influences, incorporating tweed and tartan in vibrant colors suitable for contemporary spaces. The collection also includes textured fabrics with abstract patterns reminiscent of nautical cords, designed for both indoor and outdoor applications. Fischbacher 1819 collaborates with Marcel Wanders for the "Ancient Memories" collection, presented in Paris's Rive Droite. This line introduces an "archeology of time-traveling fabrics" that bring lightness to modern spaces. Developed with artist Caterina Roppo, the collection features decorative elements and canvases that convey poetic and emotional narratives. A notable inclusion is the "Nature's Dialogue" line, showcasing cotton lace embroidery that merges traditional craftsmanship with new technologies. Fortuny's "Armonia" collection, created in collaboration with designer Chahan Minassian, was unveiled in an art gallery during Déco Off. This collection merges Fortuny's historical legacy with Minassian's distinctive design approach, aiming for a timeless yet forward-looking aesthetic. The resulting patterns reflect on fabric's versatility in living spaces, integrating the traditional Venetian aesthetic with contemporary artistic vision. Lelièvre's "Métamorphose" collection emphasizes nature as an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The collection is characterized by designs that embody the rhythm of the seasons through visual and tactile patterns, delicate transitions, and blurred contours. The "Ammonite" line, for instance, features a fossil-inspired motif that connects to the origins of natural forms, refreshing the brand's aesthetic. Élitis introduces the "Brera" collection, which pays homage to the Milanese aesthetic of neoclassical style found in historic palaces and villas, particularly those in the Porta Venezia district. The collection reintroduces printed velvets and fabrics reminiscent of sophisticated clubs, creating a theatrical and elegant atmosphere in modern homes. This collection merges themes of nature, travel, and contemporary living through its upholstery, textiles, and accessories. Maison Pierre Frey's "Paralleles" collection explores the interplay of stripes, solid colors, and varying fabric thicknesses. The collection offers a vibrant range of palettes for contemporary homes, blending elegant, classic, and ethnic influences. The brand's installation, "Desert," presented in Paris, showcases wallpapers and fabrics that reinterpret 18th-century interiors with a modern twist, rejecting static interiors for dynamic, life-welcoming environments. Little Greene's "Storybook Papers" collection delves into childhood nostalgia, featuring designs inspired by archival materials and 20th-century aesthetics. Curated by the National Trust, the collection transforms wooden toy designs into two-dimensional motifs for wallpapers. Each wallcovering is accompanied by suggested paint selections, making them suitable for children's bedrooms, nurseries, bathrooms, dining rooms, and entryways, refreshing and renewing home spaces. CMO's new collections prioritize sustainability, utilizing natural fibers such as abaca, palm leaves, raffia, linen, silk, wool, and cashmere. These materials are processed using methods that blend ancient craft techniques with modern approaches. The brand focuses on preserving rare artifacts and traditional skills from remote villages, ensuring these unique practices are not lost to industrialization, thereby contributing to both design innovation and cultural heritage. #TextileTrends #WallpaperDesign #MaisonEtObjet #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryFabrics #SustainableMaterials #ParisDesignWeek #DesignExhibition

Paris Design Week 2024, held from January 18 to 22, showcased a diverse array of new launches in fabric, wallpaper, lighting, and furniture across various arrondissements of the French capital. Despite sub-zero temperatures, the event attracted significant crowds, with St Germain serving as a central hub for Paris Deco Off and Maison Objet In The City, hosting over 100 showrooms, apartments, and pop-up spaces. Key highlights included Dedar Milano's 'Contemporary Archives' collection, which featured an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary styles. Noteworthy were three new interpretations of their woven jacquard tiger’s skin, available in varying scales of deep orange tiger-print fabrics. Sahco, with its 200-year textile legacy, presented designs inspired by 'Neo-classicism in the North,' including 'Deedee' (a graphic polka dot), 'Fiorella' (an epic flower design), and 'Satora' (a vibrant leopard print). Loro Piana showcased new products focusing on personalization for various home areas, displayed in an apartment with Eiffel-designed ceiling beams. Their offerings included customizable tablecloths, placemats, runners, linen napkins with embroidery and openwork, organic cotton and linen bedding, and a cashmere blanket with chevron ribbon options. They also introduced the 'Sils Stripe' rug, handwoven in New Zealand wool, and new indoor fabrics like Harris Tweed interpretation (Hebrides), a cashmere and wool mix (Khangai), a hemp/jute/cotton/viscose blend (Tusco), and an ultra-soft cashmere and linen (Ponente). A selection of outdoor fabrics with high recycled content was also featured. Studio Liaigre presented a capsule collection of five pieces, including seating and lighting, originally designed by Christian Liaigre for Hotel Costes, embodying clean lines and simplicity in neutral palettes. Delcourt Collection celebrated its 30th anniversary with the 'Piece By Piece' series of contemporary furniture and new textiles, reflecting Christophe Delcourt's discreet French excellence, highlighted by the 'Nin' console and the 'Oko' side table. The Socialite Family curated 'La Scopa' in a classic Parisian apartment, drawing inspiration from a centuries-old Italian game. This temporary exhibition featured their latest furniture, homeware, and art, intertwined with items from Puces de Saint-Owen, with the 'Rotondo' modular sofa being a standout piece. Tolix unveiled the completed 'Patio' collection by the late Pauline Deltour, showcased at the Septieme Gallery, extending the iconic galvanized chair line with considered design, material finishes, and colors. Ligne Roset announced a series of 18 designs by midcentury designer Pierre Guariche, to be released through Cinna. Creative director Michel Roset emphasized Guariche's natural fit with Ligne Roset's avant-garde ethos, with pieces like the 'Vallée Blanche' chaise longue expected to launch in May 2024. Project 213A, founded in 2020, debuted at Paris Design Week with sustainable, well-crafted furniture and homeware, including lighting, artisanal ceramics, and handcrafted wooden pieces like the 'Mirror' lounge chair and 'Porto' modular sofa, made by local craftsmen in Northern Portugal. Little Greene introduced 'National Trust Papers IV,' its fourth collaboration with The National Trust, featuring eight wallpaper designs from historic properties in freshly imagined, contemporary colorways. Rubelli, under new creative directors Formafantasma, launched the 'Gardens' collection, a botanical-themed range with literal and abstract designs in sherbet hues. Hermès unveiled a new tableware collection by Benoît-Pierre Emery, featuring fine drawings by Virginie Jamin inspired by equestrian braiding, colored in tangy hues of lemon, mint, and petrol blue alongside natural leather shades. Fromental collaborated with Marta Sala Éditions for 'The New Guilded Age,' showcasing four distinctive wallcoverings—Haiku, Molten, Equus, and Kiku Garden—in curated rooms with Marta Sala Éditions furniture. #ParisDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #Wallpaper #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #DesignExhibition #FrenchDesign

Shutterstock founder Jon Oringer and his wife Talia embarked on a search for a home in Miami Beach that would align with their vision of a welcoming oasis, distinct from the prevailing aesthetic characterized by aggressive geometrics and glossy surfaces. Their quest led them to a property overlooking Biscayne Bay, which, despite requiring significant renovation, offered an exceptional location and views. To transform this property into their dream home, they enlisted the expertise of AD100 interior designer Kelly Behun, who had previously worked on their Bridgehampton residence. Behun is recognized for her ability to create interiors that blend fanciful elements with refined sophistication, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and serene. The home’s architectural transformation was initiated by Blaze Makoid of BMA Architects, who softened the exterior’s angularity with bronze and wood accents and introduced a sculptural staircase to enhance the interior’s dynamism. This established a visual language emphasizing fluidity and warmth, a quality the homeowners desired. Behun further collaborated with To Better Days Building, another AD PRO Directory firm, to realize the couple's vision. Within this architectural framework, Behun curated a vibrant collection of pieces from a global network of artisans, combining them with striking art and vintage items. Each room's design is often anchored by a central element, such as a unique lighting fixture or a captivating artwork, which harmonizes the color, pattern, and scale. Contemporary materials like white oak, plush fabrics, and muted metals are employed in sculptural forms, grounding the whimsical elements in an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The entryway, for instance, features a custom stained glass light fixture by Greek artist Kostas Lambridis, whose design reflects the client's personal narrative. This piece hangs above a Mimi table by Garcé & Dimofski, complemented by Martino Gamper circus stools and a woven chair from Space Available Studio, all echoing the fixture's colors. Similarly, a stained glass fixture by Maarten de Ceulaer commands attention in the dining room, balancing a substantial table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the double-height library, four ceiling pendants by Bennet Schlesinger, inspired by cumulus clouds, playfully disrupt the room's formal upholstered seating arrangements. The lounge is enlivened by a cut-paper collage of dancing women by Heidi Lanino, set against curvaceous furniture by designers like Achille Salvagni and Chris Wolston. For the children’s playroom, a Nuage fixture by Wout Wessemius creates an ethereal ambiance. Beyond individual pieces, foliage plays a crucial role in animating the spaces. Large Alocasia Calidora leaves at the second-floor atrium window add drama to the primary bedroom. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles collaborated on the home's vegetation, including an immense American oil palm at the entryway that helps scale down the property, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere despite its grandeur. The overall design achieves a ravishing and rejuvenating effect, perceived as both sublime and sensual by the homeowners. Jon Oringer praised Behun’s capacity to translate their identity into the living space, affirming that the designer successfully delivered a home that is uniquely theirs. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MiamiArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtCollection #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalDigest

Jaima Brown Emmert, an artist based in Naples, creates distinctive wallcoverings through her brand, Daisy Bennett Designs. Her work is deeply influenced by her fine art background, with each wallpaper designed to tell a story and evoke specific emotions within a space. Emmert believes that her murals transform a white wall into an experience, with colors and patterns designed to resonate deeply with viewers. Emmert's studio, a private apartment near her home, serves as her creative sanctuary. Here, she paints and styles patterns while listening to classical music, drawing inspiration from a vast collection of vintage wallpapers and textiles gathered during her extensive travels. She often reinterprets classic motifs, such as chinoiserie, by incorporating local elements like Gulf Coast birds and Florida sunset color palettes. An industrial printer in her studio allows her to visualize her designs, such as the Heron Mural, which features birds alongside a floral motif, and helps her refine the interplay between different design elements. Emmert's journey into the wallpaper industry began serendipitously during a silk-screening class, leading to a tour of Toronto’s Sunworthy wallpaper factory. Captivated by the artisans' skill in hand-mixing colors and painting designs, she secured a position as a print designer at Sunworthy. During her tenure, she created the Magnolia Lane collection, which blended Italian motifs with painterly depictions of flowers. This collection achieved significant success, selling 2 million rolls across Canada and Europe. She further honed her expertise as the design director for S. A. Maxwell & Co., one of the oldest wallpaper companies in the United States. After two decades of independent work, Emmert now operates with full creative freedom through Daisy Bennett, a company named in honor of her late black lab. Her designs reflect her English heritage and global travels, incorporating elements from various cultures. For instance, her former Chelsea Lane collection was inspired by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in England, featuring bold floral and whimsical butterfly motifs. Once a composition is finalized, it is digitally scanned and modified to ensure seamless pattern repetition, creating a painted-on effect. Before production, a sample is hung in her studio for final review, reflecting her meticulous approach to achieving balanced compositions. Emmert's lakefront home doubles as a showcase for her vibrant designs. The foyer, for example, features an iridescent, silver-blue grasscloth mural with birds among lemon trees, extending into her breakfast nook where chandelier lampshades are adorned with a coordinating blue-spotted print. Each room in her home highlights a different design from her career, including an energizing, undulating blue abstract pattern reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. Her recent ventures include printing her designs on fabrics for bedding, pillows, and accent chairs. Emmert is also exploring innovative digital processes for her new line of murals, which incorporate textured materials such as grasscloth, ultra-thin cork, and burnished metal paper that mimics gold and silver leafing. She views these new designs as a creative gamble but trusts her intuition in their development. #WallpaperDesign #JaimaBrownEmmert #DaisyBennettDesigns #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArtisticWallcoverings #NaplesDesign #TextileDesign #CreativeProcess

Miami, often celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, also boasts a compelling daytime scene, especially its diverse and design-forward cafés. As Design Miami approaches, a curated list of coffee shops across Wynwood, Miami Beach, and Little Gables highlights establishments that offer not only excellent coffee but also captivating interior design, enhancing the city's creative pulse. Many of these cafés are integrated into renowned institutions like the Superblue Miami digital arts hub and the Frost Science Museum, making them cultural destinations in their own right. The article focuses on seven unique cafés, each presenting a distinct design aesthetic and culinary experience. Yann Couvreur Café in the Wynwood district translates the Parisian pastry chef's culinary artistry into a sophisticated tropical oasis. Designed by Charles Zana, the café reinterprets industrial and mid-century modern décor with glamorous touches, featuring organic tones, sculptural vegetation, and a stand-out mirrored entrance that brings the outdoors in. The blend of French and American cuisine offers a cosmopolitan appeal, with an all-day menu of French staples like fresh pastries, tartine saumon, and Niçoise salads. Façade, a newer addition in Coral Gables, combines Scandinavian-inspired interiors with a sourdough-focused gastronomic offer. Its design features a chic marble bar, tiled accent walls, and rougher elements like wooden cabinets and rattan baskets, bridging past and present aesthetics. The café is known for its high-hydration sourdough, French pastries, stuffed danishes, and specialty coffees like the honey-and-cinnamon-spiced café con leche, along with refreshing smoothies. Coffee@Science, located within the Frost Science Museum, provides a unique experience by integrating scientific themes into its design. William Lane Architect's vision incorporates molecular-like murals, spherical paper and wood lighting, velvety seating, and a 1970s-inspired warm color scheme. This café serves American-style food and drinks within an engaging atmosphere that lives up to the museum's scientific marvels. Blue Rider Café, situated within the Superblue Miami digital arts hub, extends the museum's experiential vision into the hospitality space. British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori designed the kaleidoscopic interiors, drawing inspiration from Miami's energy, architecture, and natural colors, as well as West Africa's vibrant textiles. The café offers rotating culinary and drink options from Miamian food trucks, fostering artistry, creativity, and positive societal discussions. Sadelle's at Kith Miami Design District offers a nostalgic, old-style diner experience with a lavish Art Deco design. Developed by Major Food Group in collaboration with Kith, the café features a pale pink and mint green palette with checkerboard floors, marble, chrome, and gold accents. It serves classic diner fare like pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches, complemented by a selection of cocktails, wine, and coffee, making it suitable for both casual meetings and special occasions. White Rose Coffee stands out as a multi-functional space, combining a coffee shop, tattoo studio, gallery, and nightlife venue. Founded by Javier Betancourt, the boldly decorated space features leathery mid-century modern furniture, original wall art, and photography. It serves specialty brews and pastries, hosts art exhibitions for local talent, and transforms into a lively nightlife spot with DJ sets, making it an inspiring remote working option with ample natural light. Pelican Cafe at Pelican Hotel caters to retro-inspired design lovers with sea-view interiors and Italian-style food. Designed by Renzo Rosso, the café boasts plush, neutral-toned furniture, palazzo floors, olive green walls, and an overall soothing, elegant ambiance. It offers mouth-watering breakfast dishes like Eggs Benedict and extravagant all-day dining options such as tuna and mango tartare. The evolving Miami coffee scene also anticipates new additions like Casa Nané in Brickell, promising modern rustic and boho-inspired interiors with an all-day brunch concept. #MiamiCafes #CafeDesign #InteriorDesign #MiamiTourism #ArtDeco #ScandinavianDesign #MidCenturyModern #ArtBaselMiami #HospitalityDesign

Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, known as Draga & Aurel, are a design duo celebrated for their artistic approach to materials and composition, drawing influences from fashion to traditional craftsmanship. They are pioneers in upcycling, having started their journey by reinventing furniture and objects. An early open studio event, where people brought old furnishings for reinvention, quickly grew into a significant venture, leading them to establish Draga & Aurel in 2007. Their multidisciplinary studio and workshop focus on art, collectible design, and furnishings. Their debut at Milan Design Week two years later initiated collaborations with brands like Baxter, a partnership that continues to influence their design philosophy. According to Basedow, Baxter was instrumental in professionalizing their design approach. A significant milestone in their career was the launch of the Transparency Matters collection in 2019, which marked a departure from their earlier focus on vintage items and textiles. This collection utilizes resin as the primary material, valued for its interaction with light, and is continuously updated. Obradovic draws inspiration from everyday visual stimuli, capturing images to create mood boards that fuel her imagination. For their "Friday Five" feature, Draga & Aurel share five key inspirations. The first is artist Dan Flavin, whose work on light and color deeply resonates with their own. They admire his ability to transform a common object, the neon tube, into sophisticated art with a "maximalist" effect, despite its minimalist origins. They highlight a recent exhibition "Dedications in Lights" at the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of their favorite museums, and note a permanent installation in its yard. Secondly, they express their appreciation for Superduper, a "Made in Italy" brand from Florence known for its handmade hats. They are drawn to the brand's fresh, creative, and informal style, emphasizing that hats are essential accessories for both of them. Their third inspiration is Joseph Beuys, a German artist and sculptor and a significant figure in conceptual art. His quote, "Jeder mensch ein Künstler" (everyone is an artist), profoundly influenced their approach to painting and their belief in the universal expression of creativity. Beuys is also a reference point for expanding the meaning of art. The fourth point of inspiration is The Venice Venice Hotel. They describe Venice as a city that continually surprises them with its beauty. The hotel, housed in the renovated Ca’ da Mosto Palace overlooking the Rialto, is a synthesis of architecture, fashion, art, and design, showcasing influential avant-garde movements. It is an evocative place owned by the founder of Golden Goose. Finally, their fifth inspiration is their hometown, Lake Como. They find constant inspiration in this historic town, appreciating the peace, relaxation, and freedom the lake offers, particularly enjoying sailing and discovering hidden coves and villages. They feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. The article also showcases some of Draga & Aurel's works. The "Flare Collection," an exclusive project for Todd Merrill Studio, explores color and light refraction through Lucite, an acrylic resin. This collection is inspired by Jiyong Lee's study of color's three-dimensionality and Vasa Mihich's acrylic sculptures, focusing on the concepts of composition and breakdown of matter. It premiered at Design Miami in 2023. Their exhibition "Per Speculum in Aenigmate," in collaboration with Contemporary Cluster at Palazzo Brancaccio, Rome (2022), highlighted the dialogue between Aurel K. Basedow’s pictorial works and the duo's iconic design pieces. The exhibition title, drawn from a biblical passage, focuses on "mirror" and "enigma," reflecting their practice of material experimentation, artistic creativity, function, and aesthetics. The "Heritage collection" consists of one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces, born from their passion for vintage items. They collect original vintage furniture from thrift shops and markets, then reinvent them using techniques such as screen printing, embroidery, and resin covering, drawing from their backgrounds in fashion, textiles, art, and graphic design. Each item is restored in their Como atelier. Lastly, "The power of lighthearted design – Exhibition “Tinted Hues” at Nilufar, 2024" is a collaboration with Nilufar gallery, featuring a capsule of playful objects. This collection emphasizes resin, rounded shapes, and pastel shades, exemplified by their Bon Bon lamps, Dewdrops coffee tables, and Glaze table. #DragaAurel #DesignStudio #UpcyclingDesign #MilanDesignWeek #TransparencyMatters #DanFlavin #JosephBeuys #LakeComo #CollectibleDesign

The article highlights the winners and shortlisted entries for the Best Domestic Design category in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021, focusing on products that enhance comfort, safety, and aesthetics in the home environment. The top honor goes to Marazzi's Carácter antibacterial tiles, recognized for their innovative Puro antibacterial technology. This technology, incorporated into ceramic surfaces, effectively eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. The Carácter collection is the first of three from the Italian manufacturer to feature this permanent treatment, offering continuous antibacterial protection without the need for external activation. These stone-effect tiles, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications in residential, commercial, and public spaces, are available in natural tones with minimal or pebbled textures. They are composed of 40% recycled materials and come in various sizes, also integrating anti-slip StepWise technology. This product is celebrated for its blend of sophisticated design and practical innovation, making it a valuable addition to any home. The shortlisted products reflect a growing consumer desire for comfort, safety, and beauty in their living spaces, especially given the increased time spent at home. Among these is the revived Beogram 4000c turntable by Bang & Olufsen. This iconic 1970s model has been re-engineered through an initiative to reimagine classic products, showcasing Bang & Olufsen's expertise in sound, design, craftsmanship, and commitment to product longevity. Engineers meticulously restored 95 original turntables, disassembling, cleaning, and upgrading components such as adding a touch-sensitive control panel and RIAA phono pre-amplifiers for modern speaker compatibility. The design was refreshed with a warmer champagne-toned aluminum, a hand-crafted wooden frame, and a new cover, all while preserving the original aesthetic. Another shortlisted entry is the collaboration between Georg Jensen and Philips, resulting in a new collection of audio products. This range includes pebble-shaped portable Bluetooth speakers characterized by Georg Jensen’s signature polished ‘slate blue’ steel and a luxurious, acoustically transparent blue-grey Kvadrat fabric. The collection also features wireless Bluetooth headphones and a wireless power bank crafted from dark leather, demonstrating a successful fusion of classic design and new technology. Nicholas Manville, Georg Jensen's chief creative officer, noted the challenge and learning experience of designing for technology while incorporating iconic expressions into new frontiers. Armani/Dada's 'Midnight' cocktail cabinet also made the shortlist, offering a sophisticated alternative to a traditional drinks trolley. This collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Molteni&C; presents a sizable bar unit with a sink, sliding trays, ample storage, and space for an integrated wine cellar. Its functionality is discreetly hidden behind Japanese-inspired gilded doors with vertical walnut rod inserts and champagne satin aluminum details. The cabinet boasts a Rosa Portogallo marble countertop equipped with cocktail-making accessories, including an ice-holder and cutting board. An optional LED lighting structure frames the marble back, featuring a wooden shelf with built-in LED lights and golden metal wine glass holders, elevating the home entertaining experience. Finally, Marco Piva's 'Aura' and 'Astro' bathroom sinks for Antonio Lupi are recognized for their distinctive design. Resembling melting ice-cubes, these free-standing sinks are crafted from Cristalmood, a smooth, eco-sustainable resin manually poured into molds, then sanded and polished to achieve a bright, imperfect-free finish. The Milanese designer integrated LED lighting, available in 13 Cristalmood colors, enhancing their luminous quality. The hidden drain and siphon contribute to their sculptural presence, highlighting the material's ability to create unique forms previously unachievable with other materials, as explained by Antonio Lupi’s art director, Andrea Lupi. These designs exemplify the convergence of art, functionality, and sustainability in contemporary home furnishings. #WallpaperDesignAwards #AntibacterialTiles #MarazziCarácter #HomeDesignInnovation #BangOlufsen #BeogramTurntable #GeorgJensenPhilips #BluetoothSpeakers #ArmaniDada #CocktailCabinet #BathroomSinks #CristalmoodResin #DomesticDesign #InteriorDesign

Milan Design Week transforms the city into a global design hub, attracting attendees to both Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone. This year's event showcases a diverse range of installations, highlighting innovative approaches to design, lighting, and materiality. Atelier Biagetti, a recurring favorite at Fuorisalone, presents "The King," an exploration of obsessions inspired by Elvis Presley. Their installation reimagines a fantastical living room featuring "The King Sofa," a modular piece accompanied by guitar cases cleverly reinterpreted as tables with intricate Ravenna mosaics. This piece exemplifies their propensity for the impossible and their unique artistic vision. Ross Gardam, an Australian lighting designer, offers "Transcendence," an exhibit focused on the allure of illuminated glass. Gardam, known for creating meditative moods with his fixtures, demonstrates his broad talents and deep fascination with glass's ability to transcend physical boundaries. The installation promises a dynamic curation of luminaires, showcasing the material's unparalleled qualities. Giopato & Coombes, Treviso-based lighting masters, unveil "18 Pockets" after six years of dedicated research. This exhibit provides a glimpse into their creative process, highlighting the magical qualities of the immaterial. Their previous fixtures are transformed into 18 unique luminaires through a complex system of weight and balance, creating charming and poetic combinations. Galerie Philia's "Desacralized" exhibition takes place in a deconsecrated 11th-century Milanese church, fittingly exploring the theme of desacralization. Over 20 artists from the gallery's roster contribute to this unique setting. Notable pieces include Studiopepe's octagonal marble side table, inspired by Italian baptisteries, Kar Studio’s chair, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese Shang Dynasty script, and a monumental chandelier by Morghen Studio, designed to offer a transformative experience of light within the historic space. SolidNature returns with "Beyond the Surface," an OMA-designed installation that metaphorically connects quarrying stone with the act of dreaming across seven distinct rooms. A highlight is Sabine Marcelis’s lustrous table, an ombré glass coffee table anchored by impressive stone blocks, demonstrating her experimental approach to materials. Objects of Common Interest, composed of Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, presents "Poikilos." Inspired by ancient Greek references to iridescence and insights from Romanian artisan Ovidiu Colea, their ethereal objects and tables with opalescent finishes and sinuous curves inject energy into the Nilufar Depot. Loewe Chairs, under Jonathan Anderson's direction, reinterprets chairs into distinctive totems through an emphasis on texture, personality, color, and weaving. The display integrates materials close to Loewe’s brand identity, such as leather and raffia, with unexpected techniques like incorporating thermal blankets, elevating the humble stick chair into a canvas for elaborate woven decoration. Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design, collaborates with Lexus on "Shaped by Air," an installation focused on carbon neutrality. Visitors navigate a forest of Matisse-like forms to discover a life-sized interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport, designed to evoke the sensation of being shaped by air. Lastly, "Bar Flora" is a collaboration between Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Nick Ozemba, and Felicia Hung of In Common With. Building on their Flora Collection, which employs Venetian glassmaking techniques to mimic natural forms, this installation transforms Palinurobar into a floral oasis. It introduces two new additions, including a sandblasted amber colorway, further enhancing their partnership. Byredo, known for its unconventional approach to fragrance, showcases "Bal D’Afrique by Dozie Kanu." Founder Ben Gorham teamed with Portugal-based artist Dozie Kanu to capture the essence of the beloved fragrance through a showcase that merges Kanu's unique objects with photographic negatives from Adjoa Armah’s _saman archive_, creating a multi-sensory experience that extends beyond traditional perfumery. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignInstallations #Fuorisalone #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #CollectibleDesign #ArtAndDesign

Berlin, like many urban centers, predominantly features buildings in monochromatic shades of brown, gray, and white. Paul Eis, a Berlin-native photographer and architecture student, initiated a project to introduce color to the city's architectural landscape. His work involves digitally saturating photographs of both prominent and ordinary buildings with a diverse palette of pink, orange, blue, yellow, and other vibrant colors. This transformation turns otherwise mundane brown towers into lively, rainbow-splashed structures, and gray apartment complexes are reimagined with bright yellow balconies, rendering everyday architecture significantly more playful. Eis highlights that cities in Germany and Austria, where he sources most of his images, often showcase modern architecture primarily defined by its shape, lacking in color. He points out that this results in less engaging cityscapes due to a monotonous color scheme. His project implicitly questions whether contemporary architects overly prioritize form over color in their designs. He suggests that if a building's color were considered as significant as its shape, cities globally might display a much broader and more vibrant array of hues. While acknowledging that this perspective particularly resonates with those who appreciate color, he also recognizes that minimalists might find colorless modern buildings appealing for their understated quality rather than deeming them drab. Beyond just high-end or famous architectural works, Eis's project also aims to critique the design apathy in housing developments. He expresses concern over the proliferation of often dull housing estates in cities where developers show minimal interest in architectural aesthetics, particularly in terms of color. Through his work, Eis seeks to draw attention to these overlooked aspects of urban design. The article encourages readers who have an affinity for color to view more of Eis's reimagined photos, suggesting that these vibrant images could offer a fresh perspective, making a stark contrast to what might otherwise feel like a black and white existence. #ArchitecturePhotography #ColorInArchitecture #UrbanDesign #ModernArchitecture #BerlinArt #PaulEis #ArchitecturalCritique #VibrantCities #DigitalArt

This year-in-review article from Core77 highlights significant trends and notable designs in furniture and lighting throughout 2011, alongside a retrospective of major international design festivals. The review begins by emphasizing the continuous relevance of furniture and lighting in industrial design, noting that while broader topics like technology emerge, these categories remain fundamental. Key discussions include the versatile use of wood as a material in furniture, featuring pieces ranging from left-field commentary to subtractive designs, crazy curves, and plywood pods, often incorporating nest-like warping. The article also showcases various applications of reclaimed materials, from preserved and polished pieces to de-militarized items and those simply repurposed. Lighting designs are explored in depth, highlighting how many lamps creatively mimic other objects, including the lampshade itself, leading to skeuomorphic designs like the cluster-like 'TamTam' ceiling lamp, the futuristic 'LED Shade Lamp,' and the humble 'Sympathy for the Bulb.' The popular levitating lamps by Light Light are also mentioned. Beyond conventional forms, lamps took on abstract biomorphic shapes, both 3D-printed and otherwise, and imaginative forms such as an open-ocean predator, fly kicks, and a maritime marker. The intersection of indoor lighting and upcycling is noted, with designers transforming plumbing fixtures into steampunk lighting and repurposing recyclable materials into elegant pendant lamps and minimalist desk lamps. The 'Liter of Light' project, developed by MIT students, is recognized for its significant social impact in providing sustainable lighting solutions. Chairs, a staple of furniture design, are presented through their diverse material explorations. These include aluminum wire, cork, laser-cut steel, Twintex, recycled PET bottles, piano keys, circuit boards, salvaged signage, and even the creative use of empty space. The article humorously contrasts a chair made of discarded candy wrappers with one made entirely of candy, both praised for their aesthetic appeal. The vast array of chair designs in terms of shapes and sizes is acknowledged, including those designed for bachelors and by student bachelors, and chairs that resemble other objects. DIY approaches to seating are also covered, ranging from emphatically designed pieces to simpler, deconstructed or remixed versions of classic designs like the Eames Lounge. The enduring popularity of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetic is discussed, noting its continued presence in designs both at home and internationally, despite playful attempts to 'retire' it. The MCM movement persists through the resurrection of long-lost designs, limited-edition reinterpretations, and online resources. The review then shifts to an overview of global design weeks and festivals. Dutch Design Week 2011 is highlighted for its conceptually rich work, including Tom Gottelier's wax creations and Dennis Parren's 'CMYK Lamp.' The inaugural Beijing Design Week showcased 'site-specific' designs reflecting mainland Chinese cultural touchstones, such as the 'Chinese Stuff' exhibit and the Water Calligraphy Device Tricycle Hack, with Naihan Li's 'CRATES' collection of mobile pop-up furniture being a notable success. Design Tide Tokyo, part of Tokyo Design Week, featured 'Souvenir' by Design Soil, a series of furniture designed for easy disassembly and travel. Exhibitions in Tokyo offered a comprehensive view of Japanese design, from traditional crafts to contemporary issues and accessories. Vienna Design Week, though smaller, presented significant installations, including Philippe Malouin's collaboration with Lobmeyr and Thomas Feichtner's crafted 'M3' chair. The Salone Milan, recognized as the year's largest design event, featured Studio Formafantasma's 'Botanica,' an exploration of material science roots, and Thomas Lommée's forward-thinking OpenStructures project. The Open Source movement's impact on furniture design, seen in DIY projects and design-build firms, is also emphasized. Milan's diverse offerings included craft mashups, photoluminescent lamps, and unique material explorations. New York Design Week, including ICFF and the Noho Design District, showcased American innovation and craftsmanship, with notable works from Uhuru and Lindsey Adelman, and a tribute exhibition for Tobias Wong. London Design Week featured diverse European designs, such as the 'Argonaut' collection by Greek designers and Kyuhyung Cho's experimental typography, alongside student projects from the RCA and eco-minded cardboard furniture startups, concluding the review with a look at cardboard's versatile applications. #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #DesignFestivals #MaterialInnovation #Upcycling #MidCenturyModern #DutchDesignWeek #BeijingDesignWeek #TokyoDesignWeek #ViennaDesignWeek #SaloneMilan #NewYorkDesignWeek #LondonDesignFestival #OpenSourceDesign #SustainableDesign

Jessica Davis, founder of Atelier Davis and creative director of Nest Studio, shares her current design inspirations, which are heavily influenced by Miami's oceanside landscape and Art Deco architecture. Her approach blends sophistication with a playful whimsy, seeking a balance between intriguing elements and lighthearted touches. Davis draws specific inspiration from the pattern play found in Streamline Moderne buildings and the nautical motifs prevalent during the heyday of steamships. Her color palette, while acknowledging Miami's perpetually warm climate, incorporates grounding browns and moody blues to provide a sense of escape and depth. She describes these as "complex browns with purple or red undertones" and "inky tones that remind me of the turbulent ocean," ensuring they remain interesting despite their moodiness. To offset these deeper hues, she integrates naval-style elements, such as ropelike cord and hardware featuring porthole designs. This circular motif is subtly echoed in her choices of embroidered fabric and printed wallpaper, creating a cohesive visual theme. Davis highlights several specific items that embody her current aesthetic. For textiles, she selects Zak+Fox's Temari fabric for its Japanese-inspired feel and subtle yet provocative colors. Maharam's Firma fabric is chosen for its durability and intriguing weave, mixing blue and purple in a textural wool. The Kettlewell Collection's Vera fabric, a large-scale cotton patchwork, appeals to her for its compelling nature, while Knoll Textiles' Cato fabric in green provides an impactful and unexpected pop of chartreuse. Larsen at Cowtan & Tout's Tanago fabric in ivory is favored for its nubby, nautical texture and durability. In terms of hard surfaces and architectural elements, Davis is enthusiastic about Townsend Harbor Brown paint by Benjamin Moore, appreciating its rich, complex brown tones. She expresses a particular interest in sophisticated glass blocks, specifically the Thickset 90 Endura Glass Block by Seves Glass Block, moving beyond standard wavy 1980s styles. Adelphi Paper Hangings’ Viennese Trees wallpaper, a 1920s pattern, is admired for its blend of architectural and organic Art Deco aesthetics. For stone, she opts for Rosso Luana marble by ABC Stone, seeking a dark and moody, high-impact stone with significant movement, departing from white-background marbles. Custom metal samples with cooler finishes are also incorporated to add to a project's distinctiveness. Her own Nest Studio Aperture handle in waxed white oak is chosen for its integral yet interesting linear and minimal design, suitable for wood cabinets. The Shade Store’s Waterfall woven wood shade in Sienna Almond is included to introduce texture and soften interiors dominated by hard surfaces. A custom textured rug by Marc Phillips, made of wool, serves as a sophisticated yet durable base layer. Finally, nylon cord in gold and blue from Knot & Rope Supply offers a fun element for custom furnishings, and Bilbao tile by Bert & May provides a patterned, muted, and weathered floor option that feels both historic and contemporary. #InteriorDesign #JessicaDavis #AtelierDavis #NestStudio #MiamiInspired #ArtDeco #StreamlineModerne #MaterialSelection #ColorPalette

London Design Festival 2025, in its 23rd edition, showcases a diverse array of installations, exhibitions, and products across the city, emphasizing design's role beyond aesthetics in driving innovation and societal progress. Festival Director Ben Evans highlights the event's commitment to supporting the entire design ecosystem, from emerging talent to established brands, and showcasing London's creative energy. The festival includes numerous district-wide events and installations at leading institutions such as the V&A and the Design Museum. Key highlights include 'Material Matters' at Space House, returning for its fourth edition with new materials like Mycoworks' mycelium-based products and recycled PVB film from FILIE Materials. The Brompton Design District, curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker with the theme 'A Softer World,' invites new voices and unconventional formats, featuring designers like Charlotte Taylor and Tione Trice across non-traditional exhibition spaces. British designer Paul Cocksedge's 'What Nelsons Sees' at Trafalgar Square provides a unique perspective of the city through telescopic viewing portals. Lee Broom's 'Beacon' at the Southbank Centre is a site-specific light installation using upcycled glass fragments to reinterpret classic street lamps into a sculptural chandelier. Max Radford Gallery collaborates with Ercol, commissioning London-based designers to reimagine traditional wooden furniture using rejected parts, displayed at the Clerkenwell Fire Station. The David Collins Foundation presents 'Convergence' at The Lavery, an exhibition celebrating its 40th anniversary and founder David Collins' vision, featuring works by eleven artists and designers. Aram and EcoLattice offer a sustainable alternative to foam with 'Beyond Foam,' commissioning designers to create furniture using EcoLattice's 3D-printed recyclable elastomers. 'A Seat at the Table' by Design Everything is a mobile furniture exhibition travelling in a Luton van, hosting community events with pieces by emerging UK designers. Ceramicist Emma Louise Payne's 'The Objects we Live By' transforms her childhood home into an exhibition space, showcasing crafted design pieces integrated into daily life. Heirloom studio's 'Out of Orifice' explores objects designed for the human body, from medical to pleasurable. Design London Shoreditch debuts with three exhibitions focusing on workplace design, sustainability, and interior trends, featuring prominent designers and brands. 'Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive' at Wiedemann Lampe offers a rare glimpse into the legendary designer's work, including classic posters and unique pieces for sale. Industrial designer Terence Woodgate and automotive engineer John Barnard collaborate on 'Lightness of Form,' a collection using carbon fibre displayed at Carpenters Workshop Gallery. Finally, 'Reconstructing Value' at the Bank of England Museum features a sculptural installation made from reclaimed banknotes, complementing an exhibition on the Bank's architectural evolution. #LondonDesignFestival #DesignExhibitions #InteriorDesign #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #PublicArtInstallations #EmergingDesigners #FurnitureDesign #ArchitecturalEvolution

Marina Baisel, the founder of Rarares, a contemporary art space in DIFC, is approaching the art gallery model with a unique perspective, informed by her previous career in interior design. While Dubai's art scene typically features either large commercial galleries showcasing international artists or smaller ones dedicated to local talent, Rarares aims to bridge this gap by bringing both emerging and established global artists whose works are rarely exhibited in the UAE. The gallery's name, derived from the Latin word 'rarus' meaning rare, reflects this curatorial philosophy. Baisel's background in interior design provides a distinct advantage in the art world. Having spent nearly a decade incorporating artistic elements into interior projects, she understands the synergy between art and living spaces. She views interior design as a canvas where art plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, capable of transforming spaces, evoking emotions, and narrating stories. This passion for the artistic component of interior design motivated her transition to becoming a gallery owner, seeing it as a natural progression to combine her love for aesthetics with a desire to support and promote artists. Her interior design expertise significantly influenced the gallery's physical design and exhibition curation. Baisel believes a gallery should be an immersive environment that enhances the viewer's experience, not just a display space. Consequently, the layout, lighting, and overall aesthetic of Rarares are meticulously planned to highlight each artwork, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the space. This careful curation extends to individual exhibitions, where Baisel leverages her design knowledge to consider how artworks interact with each other and their surroundings. Each exhibition is thoughtfully organized to guide visitors through the space, fostering meaningful engagement with the art. Aspects such as lighting, forms, and palettes are considered to establish a harmonious balance between the artworks and the gallery setting. Currently, Rarares is featuring 'Eidos,' a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Mederic Turay, which marks his debut collection of ceramic works and his first show in the UAE. Following this, in April, the gallery will host 'Powerful Spring,' a group female exhibition that explores the philosophical concept of soft power and acceptance, serving as an ode to feminine strength. The gallery's approach reflects a thoughtful integration of art and design principles, offering a fresh perspective on art display and engagement within the Dubai art scene. #Art #FineArt #Gallery #InteriorDesign #DubaiArtScene #ContemporaryArt #ArtCuration #MarinaBaisel

The article discusses the collaboration between fashion label COS and American light-based artist Phillip K Smith III for an installation titled 'Open Sky' at Milan's Salone del Mobile. This project, featured in the 2018 edition of the design fair, marks a significant departure for both parties: Smith's first brand collaboration and his initial foray into a dense urban setting, moving away from his usual desert landscapes. COS, known for its annual design collaborations since 2012 with talents like Sou Fujimoto and Studio Swine, aimed to create an experience that transcends traditional art and design boundaries. Karin Gustafsson, COS' creative director, emphasizes that the brand's collaborations are driven by passion for the artists' work rather than a desire for increased presence. She highlights that COS provides a broad brief, focusing on brand values but allowing artists creative freedom. The choice of Phillip K Smith III was influenced by the shared values of tactility, modernity, and functionality, as well as Smith's meticulous attention to detail and the timeless quality of his work, which resonated with COS' aesthetic. 'Open Sky' is strategically placed within the 16th-century Palazzo Isimbardi, an exhibition venue previously unused. Smith's sculpture, a circular mirrored structure angled at 43 degrees, reflects the sky and surrounding Italian Renaissance architecture, drawing fragmented views into the courtyard. This design aims to create a unique and personal experience for each visitor, influenced by the time of day and atmospheric conditions. The installation encourages contemplation, offering a quiet respite from the bustling Salone del Mobile. The ambitious structure, an 11ft-tall concrete form with 34 chemically polished stainless steel panels, was fabricated by UAP, an international studio specializing in public art projects. The components were manufactured at UAP's Long Island City facility, then shipped to Milan for on-site assembly. The installation's journey begins with visitors encountering the imposing concrete form, which contrasts sharply with the classical palazzo. A single opening guides them along its circumference, eventually revealing the mirrored inner surface that reflects the Renaissance architecture and the sky. Additionally, smaller freestanding sculptures by Smith are installed in the palazzo's outdoor gardens, further exploring the distillation of his larger concepts into abstract, smaller-scale works. Smith notes that COS's support was instrumental in realizing his vision, allowing the concept to remain remarkably true to his original proposal. He describes the collaboration as akin to a museum offering space and budget, indicating COS's commitment to supporting artistic ideas. With degrees in both architecture and fine art from the Rhode Island School of Design, Smith effectively merges these disciplines in his practice, creating art at an architectural scale. His architectural training informs his approach to context and detailing, ensuring the concept and experience are pure. 'Open Sky' represents a significant development in Smith's practice, allowing him to explore his ideas on an architectural scale within an urban environment, an opportunity that he suggests would have been much smaller without COS's involvement. #SaloneDelMobile #COS #PhillipKSmithIII #ArtInstallation #MilanDesignWeek #ArchitecturalDesign #ReflectiveArt #ContemporaryArt #DesignCollaboration