Grafico saves the day again on The Block

This article highlights five distinct properties from 'The Block' 2024 season, each offering unique architectural styles and luxurious features, now available on the market in Cowes, Phillip Island. Each house is presented with a detailed description of its design, amenities, and overall ambiance, showcasing the efforts of the couples who renovated them. House 1, renovated by Maddy and Charlotte, is a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a double garage, designed for both permanent living and holiday retreats. Its interior features a warm living zone with soft furnishings, subtle pendant lighting, feature panelling, and herringbone flooring, complemented by a solid fuel heater. The kitchen boasts timber-look cabinetry, a natural stone island and splashback, and ebony Smeg appliances including two ovens, an induction cooktop, a coffee machine, and a wine fridge. Notable features include a spacious master suite with a walk-in robe and an ensuite, two additional bedrooms, a second bathroom with a freestanding tub, and a laundry. The upstairs offers a self-contained guest retreat (bedroom 4) with a third bathroom and an office space. Deluxe skylights, filtered water, three-zone split system heating and cooling, solar panels, and a 7-star energy rating enhance the home's functionality, while the exterior features a north-facing deck and a private plunge pool. House 2, by Courtney and Grant, presents an Artfully Crafted Modern Mediterranean Retreat with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This home emphasizes quality and comfort through a high-end kitchen with an Asko appliance suite, Dekton Patagonia porcelain surfaces, and a 200-bottle Vintec wine fridge. The bathrooms feature viola marble, brushed gold tapware, twin rainfall showers, and seamless floating vanities. The design incorporates soft curves, north-facing light, Velux skylights, and high raked ceilings. Energy-efficient insulation, underfloor heating, air conditioning, and two fireplaces ensure comfort. It also offers two master bedrooms, oak herringbone floors, luxury wool carpets, automated blinds, a mezzanine study, and a luxurious Venetian plaster finish. The outdoor space is designed for entertaining with a wood-fired pizza oven, a private plunge pool, and a fire pit area, all expertly landscaped. House 3, renovated by Ricky and Haydn, exemplifies Modern Coastal Luxury Resort Style Living. This mid-century inspired home, designed by Julian Brenchley, spans 1116 sqm. The expansive living and dining area is illuminated by six custom Velux skylights and features a custom timber dining table, Cungelella artwork, a 5m Dekton stone plinth, and a Stoke Escea TFS1000 fireplace. The kitchen is a centerpiece with a 3.8m Morpheus Dekton island bench, Kinsman cabinetry, Cosentino surfaces, ABI Interiors fixtures, and Bosch & NEFF appliances. A versatile rumpus room includes a convertible pool/air hockey table and arcade machines, while the main bedroom boasts a resort-like ambiance with a Grafico palm tree wall and a luxurious ensuite with peach subway tiles and travertine floors. Additional features include a modern coastal bathroom, a stylish teen bedroom, and a serene guest room. The property also comes with a Barcrusher 615c boat and trailer. House 4, by Kylie and Brad, offers Luxurious Family Living in a Resort-Style Coastal Setting. This contemporary residence features an expansive living and dining area with Velux skylights, a wood-burning fireplace framed by Cosentino's Dekton Laurent stone, and a grand 10-seater dining table. The kitchen is equipped with Dekton Laurent stone, Hettich Furn Spin corner cabinets, LED-lit drawers, and premium Miele appliances. A stylish office space on the mezzanine overlooks the main living area, leading into a rumpus room. The main bedroom includes a Shou Sugi Ban feature wall, a coffered ceiling, and a walk-in robe, with an ensuite featuring a floating timber vanity and a freestanding bathtub. Three additional bedrooms, including a playful children's retreat, and a central bathroom complete this sophisticated home. House 5, by Kristian and Mimi, is described as Calming, Contemporary & Coastal, and is the largest home on 'The Block' 2024 season. Its interior design focuses on earthy tones and a coastal ambiance. The minimalist kitchen includes integrated appliances, an olive green Smeg Portofino cooker, Chevron flooring, and a three-layer Dekton benchtop, illuminated by a triple Velux skylight and a window splashback overlooking the backyard and pool. The main bedroom features an earthy palette, a raked ceiling, timber panelling, and an open walk-in wardrobe. The expansive master ensuite includes a double walk-in shower, heated towel rails, underfloor heating, and double vanity. A lavish downstairs bathroom boasts a large freestanding bath and twin vanities. The resort guest bedroom features an upholstered bedhead and timber panelling, with an ensuite. A cozy rumpus room and an imaginative children's bedroom complete the home, offering both luxury and functionality. #TheBlock #HouseDesign #LuxuryHomes #CoastalLiving #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #PhillipIsland #ModernArchitecture

The 1970s design aesthetic is experiencing a significant resurgence, with various decor trends from the era making a comeback, including mirrored walls and tubular lighting. Adding to this revival, Herman Miller has reintroduced eight iconic artworks by Alexander Girard in poster form. Girard, a legendary mid-century designer, directed Herman Miller’s textile division for over two decades, where his work was known for its genre-defying nature, bold energy, experimental flair, and distinct disco vibes. These designs were originally part of Herman Miller's Environmental Enrichment Panels, first produced in 1972. The panels were conceived to introduce a sense of levity and playfulness into office environments through the use of daring geometric patterns and striking, unconventional color combinations. The reissued high-resolution wall hangings are carefully recreated on 100 percent cotton paper, offering an affordable way for individuals to incorporate Girard’s maximalist style into their homes. The collection features easily recognizable designs such as Bouquet and Double Heart, alongside other vibrant prints, available in various sizes. Customers can purchase these unframed, with prices starting at $195. For those desiring a more premium presentation, optional black, white, or natural maple frames are available to protect the archival pieces. The article offers styling suggestions for these poster arts. One recommendation is to create a graphic gallery wall by combining multiple Girard masterpieces with other colorful artworks. Alternatively, for a singular focal point, a long and narrow piece can be hung in an otherwise challenging wall space, such as the area between two windows. The reintroduction of these prints serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of 1970s design and Alexander Girard’s influential artistic vision. The availability of these posters allows design enthusiasts to bring a piece of this iconic era into contemporary living spaces, emphasizing the lasting impact of the decade's aesthetic on modern home decor. #HermanMiller #AlexanderGirard #1970sDesign #PosterArt #MidCenturyModern #HomeDecor #RetroRevival #WallArt #InteriorDesignTrends

This article highlights the increasing popularity and benefits of removable wallpaper as an easy and versatile solution for home decor. Removable wallpaper offers a convenient way to update plain walls without the long-term commitment or potential damage associated with traditional wallpaper or paint. The article emphasizes that removable wallpaper allows for frequent changes in aesthetic preferences, making it ideal for those who enjoy redecorating or live in temporary spaces. It also mentions that it prevents wall damage upon removal, a common concern with permanent wall coverings. The author and the House Beautiful team rigorously tested and reviewed various removable wallpaper options over several weeks, and in some cases, years, to assess their durability, ease of application, and overall aesthetic impact. They focused on patterns that can significantly transform a space, aligning with interior design principles that suggest wallpaper and a clear color palette are fundamental to establishing a desired mood. Rebecca Atwood, a Charleston-based painter and textile artist, is quoted emphasizing how patterns can create a more specific and defined story than a single color, enabling a more precise mood setting in a room. The article details nine specific removable wallpaper options, each chosen for its ability to enhance a space. Key considerations for selecting removable wallpaper are outlined, including roll size, repeat patterns, and material. Roll size is crucial for ensuring adequate coverage and minimizing the frustration of running out mid-project; many brands offer online calculators to assist with this. The article advises purchasing an extra roll for potential mistakes. Repeat patterns require careful alignment to ensure a seamless look, though removable wallpaper’s repositionable nature makes this process forgiving. However, repeated repositioning can reduce the adhesive’s effectiveness, potentially leading to peeling edges. In terms of material, vinyl is commonly recommended for peel-and-stick options due to its durability and resistance to ripping or stretching, making it suitable for various environments. Addressing common concerns, the article clarifies that removable wallpaper is best suited for smooth, clean walls. It may not adhere effectively to textured surfaces or walls previously coated with oil-based paint. The temporary nature of the adhesive means that frequent re-application can weaken its hold, leading to peeling. Despite these potential drawbacks, the article asserts that when applied correctly, removable wallpaper is durable and long-lasting, citing the author's own positive experience with a Tempaper product over three years. It also highlights the importance of following installation instructions and considering the room's environment, especially for humid spaces like bathrooms, where waterproof materials are essential. The article concludes by reinforcing the credibility of its recommendations, stemming from extensive personal testing and careful evaluation of customer feedback from trusted brands and retailers. #RemovableWallpaper #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #WallCoverings #PeelAndStick #HomeImprovement #DecoratingTips #ProductReview

Rifle Paper Co., a brand renowned for its charming illustrated stationery and accessories since its launch in 2009, has expanded its creative ventures into the home design sector. The company, known for various collaborations including sneaker designs with Keds and drinkware with Corkcicle, has now partnered with York Wallcoverings. York Wallcoverings is a century-old, Pennsylvania-based wallpaper producer recognized for its high-quality, layer-by-layer printed wallpapers. This collaboration follows York Wallcoverings' previous successful partnership with Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, which generated significant interest among interior design enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and metallic accents. The Rifle Paper Co. and York Wallcoverings collection features 76 new wallpaper designs. These designs encompass a range from intricate floral patterns to eclectic vintage scenery, all embodying Rifle Paper Co.’s distinctive bold and lively aesthetic. The collection incorporates several classic Rifle Paper Co. designs, such as the Wildwood pattern, which has previously appeared on various collaborative products like cards, pillows, and rugs. Additionally, the collection introduces new, vintage-inspired patterns crafted specifically for this venture. Many of the designs also feature metallic finish details, adding an extra dimension of texture and visual appeal. Wallpaper rolls from this collection are priced between $90 and $220, depending on the specific design and material. For customers uncertain about their choice, $5 samples are available for purchase to allow for in-person evaluation. The article highlights four key themes from this debut collection. One theme focuses on garden-inspired florals, offering options ranging from classic mural-like designs with blooming patterns that taper towards the ceiling to more subdued, sophisticated floral wallpapers like the Hydrangea Jade. These floral designs are intended to introduce a splash of color and an immersive natural feel to any space. Another featured theme presents playful standard designs, exemplified by a peacock wallpaper. This design reflects Rifle Paper Co.’s signature style, characterized by bold florals, vining trees, and animal illustrations, with the peacock motif having been previously used on items like file folders and temporary tattoos. This modern interpretation of a traditional pattern is designed to enliven various areas of the home, including home offices and bathrooms, and is available in seven color palettes, some featuring gold ink details for a subtle sheen. A third theme draws inspiration from the golden age of cruise line travel, featuring a map-inspired wallpaper that includes miniature illustrations of iconic global cities such as Tokyo, Paris, and Cairo. This design is offered in three color hues, allowing for coordination with either cool or warm-toned rooms. The fourth theme, inspired by southern France, specifically Anna Bond’s travels to Gascony and her visit to Katie Hill Camont’s 18th-century farmhouse, showcases the Camont wallpaper. This design features delicate fig and lemon trees alongside an illustration of the elegant farmhouse, and is available in three colorways, one of which includes metallic gold accents. Additionally, for those who prefer less permanent options or are renters, a peel and stick version of the collaboration is now available, featuring nine designs including popular ones like City Maps and Garden Party, starting at $50 per roll. These peel and stick wallpapers come with a luxury matte finish and self-adhesive backing for easy application and removal. #RiflePaperCo #YorkWallcoverings #Wallpaper #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #FloralDesigns #VintagePatterns #PeelAndStick

Wallpaper, once associated with outdated home decor, is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, offering modern designs, improved quality, and easier application and removal processes. Oak Park designers Kim Daunis and Natalie Papier, co-founders of Home Ec. interior design studio, highlight wallpaper as a favorite method to introduce bold colors and distinctive designs into homes. They emphasize that contemporary wallpaper is a stark contrast to the challenging, often shiny, and vividly patterned papers of the 1970s, which were notoriously difficult to remove. Today's wallpaper is not only aesthetically diverse but also practical, particularly for older homes with aging plaster walls, as it can effectively disguise imperfections and create a clean, refreshed look. While professional installation is recommended for beginners, Daunis and Papier note that the skill is learnable, and many homeowners successfully tackle it themselves. Removable wallpaper has also emerged as an ideal solution for those hesitant about long-term commitment, renters, or for small spaces, with Daunis even using peel-and-stick paper to add pattern to her kitchen cabinet backs. The designers observe that while past themes are making a comeback, they are reimagined with a modern twist. Florals, for instance, are now seen in larger scales, and grass cloth, a classic texture, is reappearing in vibrant hues like emerald green. Graphic and modern patterns are also prevalent but with a more subdued and sophisticated aesthetic than their 1970s counterparts. Trends such as "Palm Beach chic" and 1960s "Mad Men" styles are also influencing contemporary wallpaper designs. However, one element that remains definitively out of style is the wallpaper border. Daunis and Papier view wallpaper as a form of art for the walls, often incorporating it into nearly every project, especially in smaller areas like entries and powder rooms, where its impact can be maximized due to fewer competing design elements. They also advocate for its use in larger rooms, as demonstrated by a dining room transformation into a family lounge, where dark wallpaper created a focal point and added depth. When working with clients, they select papers that align with both the home's character and the occupants' personalities, ensuring a cohesive design. Examples include a citrine-colored peacock print for a funky dining room and a boom box print for a tween hangout space, showcasing how retro themes can be applied in a modern context. Home Ec. often finds clients seeking their expertise for a design push beyond their comfort zones. Liz Cardwell, a client, sought their help to infuse fun, whimsy, and warmth into her entry space with wallpaper, ultimately choosing an Anthropologie paper she loved. The market for wallpaper has expanded significantly, offering options for various budgets. Popular brands include Hygge and West, Rifle Paper, Aimee Wilder, and Anthropologie. For unique prints from the UK, the designers suggest www.finestwallpaper.com, while larger online retailers like Wallpaper Direct and Wayfair provide a broad selection ranging from affordable options to high-end designer prints, with prices varying from $100 to $1,000 per roll. Papier herself utilized an inexpensive graphic pattern from Wayfair for her stairwell, proving that impactful design doesn't always require a significant investment. #Wallpaper #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ModernTrends #DesignTips #RemovableWallpaper #HomeEc #WallArt #DesignInspiration

This blog post highlights the significant contributions of Grafico, a printing company, during 'Courtyard Week' on a renovation show, focusing on their innovative wall solutions. Grafico partnered with two competing couples, Jesse & Mel and Mitch & Mark, to deliver custom-printed wall finishes for their outdoor spaces. Jesse & Mel's winning courtyard prominently featured an 8.5-meter high wall adorned with 'Mosaico Digitale.' This particular product, custom-printed by Grafico, utilizes bio-resin mosaic tiles, which are noted for their lightweight properties and versatility. The unique aspect of 'Mosaico Digitale' is its exclusive Italian-made technology that enables almost any image to be printed onto these tiles. Furthermore, the shape of the tiles is customizable, and they are suitable for various applications, including indoor, outdoor, and even wet areas, demonstrating a high degree of adaptability and design flexibility. The judges were particularly impressed with the outcome in Jesse & Mel's courtyard. Simultaneously, Grafico collaborated with Mitch & Mark, providing them with 'Palm Breeze' Outdoor Wallpaper. This wallpaper was specifically designed to wrap over existing Colorbond cladding, contributing to a 'Palm Springs'-inspired aesthetic for their courtyard. This installation was equally challenging, given its height of over eight meters. The Grafico team successfully completed the installation of both extensive walls in a remarkably short timeframe, specifically less than 24 hours, showcasing their efficiency and skill under pressure. The blog post emphasizes the intensity of 'Wall Week' and the demanding nature of these large-scale installations. The article also includes a mention of a video episode featuring Damian from Grafico, detailing the behind-the-scenes action of 'Wall Week,' inviting readers to explore the process further. It concludes by encouraging readers to subscribe to a newsletter for updates and offering a discount on future orders. The overall focus is on the successful implementation of high-impact, custom wall treatments in a competitive design environment, showcasing Grafico's specialized capabilities in custom printing for architectural and design purposes. #WallWeek #Grafico #CourtyardDesign #MosaicoDigitale #BioResinTiles #PalmBreezeWallpaper #OutdoorDecor #CustomPrinting #TheBlock

Calico Wallpaper, a Brooklyn-based company specializing in bespoke wallcoverings, is expanding its reach into the European market this month with debuts at Maison&Objet; in Paris and the London Design Festival. Founders Nick and Rachel Cope identified a growing international interest in their products, prompting this strategic expansion, particularly focusing on France and the U.K. due to their strong wallcovering traditions. Nick Cope specifically noted London's significant demand for wallcoverings as a key factor in their decision to enhance their presence there. During the London Design Festival, commencing September 14, Calico Wallpaper will unveil its new Prism collection at SCP, a prominent furniture manufacturer and retailer. The Prism collection draws inspiration from the subtle, rainbow-colored reflections produced when light passes through crystals. Rachel Cope developed this concept by experimenting with various prismatic forms and photographing the resulting light effects, which then served as the foundation for the wallcovering patterns. Her aim was to capture the dynamic and ethereal quality of moving prisms on walls, an idea she had contemplated for years after being captivated by the visual effects of crystal refractions. Concurrently, at Maison&Objet;, running until September 10, Calico Wallpaper is presenting a distinct collection called Singing Sand. This collection is featured within a mirage-like installation at Triode, titled "Visions / Perceptions," which explores the interplay between material reality and optical illusions. The installation will remain on view until October 5 and was a collaborative effort with John Hogan and New York-based Ladies & Gentleman Studio. It incorporates a conceptual kinetic sculpture, glassworks by Hogan, and actual sand to create an environment that reflects the essence of the Singing Sand wallcovering. The Singing Sand collection, handcrafted by Rachel Cope, is designed to evoke the fluid granularity of desert dunes. It mimics the constant movement of a desert landscape, illustrating how grains of sand shift and slide with the wind to form meditative patterns. Rachel Cope expressed her fascination with the digital effects of a mirage and her desire to translate that phenomenon into a wallcovering, specifically aiming to capture the movement and rhythm of actual sand dunes. Calico Wallpaper is recognized for its unique approach of blending artisanal techniques with advanced digital technologies. The company previously received a 2019 NYCxDESIGN Award for its Relic Collection, which features layers of translucent paper, and has also collaborated with artist Faye Toogood on a collection for Salone del Mobile. #CalicoWallpaper #EuropeanDebut #MaisonEtObjet #LondonDesignFestival #PrismCollection #SingingSand #Wallcoverings #InteriorDesign #BespokeDesign

Backdrop, a well-known paint manufacturer, has partnered with Dunkin' to introduce two new paint colors: a vibrant magenta pink and a bright orange, directly inspired by Dunkin’s iconic brand colors. These bold shades are described as evoking the warmth of summer or the refreshing sensation of an iced latte, aiming to bring a burst of energy into living spaces. The collaboration marks a departure from traditional paint offerings by making these energetic hues available in half-gallon quantities, a first for Backdrop. This strategic decision was made to encourage homeowners to experiment with these intense colors in smaller, more manageable applications, rather than committing to large-scale wall coverings. Natalie Ebel, cofounder of Backdrop, emphasizes that these paints are designed for creative accents and playful design elements within a home. The idea is to incorporate them in a way that adds personality without overwhelming the existing decor, much like enjoying Dunkin's sweet treats in moderation. Examples of how to integrate these colors include painting an accent wall, revitalizing doors, or using them to create unique designs and patterns on surfaces. Ebel, who has a personal connection to Dunkin' through her daily iced coffee ritual while working in Manhattan's Rockefeller Center, highlights the fun and vibrancy these colors can inject into a space. Even in minimal applications, these highly saturated colors are capable of making a significant style statement. The article suggests several innovative uses for the magenta shade, such as applying it to the back of open shelving to create a pop of color, using it to frame artwork on a wall, or painting the interior of an archway to add an unexpected and stylish detail. These applications demonstrate that a small amount of a very bold color can have a substantial impact on the aesthetic and mood of a room, transforming mundane areas into visually captivating focal points. The collaboration aims to inspire homeowners to embrace daring color choices and use paint as a tool for artistic expression and personalization within their living environments. #PaintColors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DunkinCollaboration #AccentWalls #VibrantColors #DesignInspiration #BackdropPaint #ColorTrends

For roughly 25 years, New York City's architectural landscape was dominated by glass-skinned buildings, a trend significantly influenced by architects like Richard Meier. His three glass-clad apartment buildings along West Street popularized the concept of transparent homes, showcasing residents' lives to the outside world, a departure from mid-century Los Angeles architects like Richard Neutra who focused on displaying the outside world to their clients. This sparked a 'mania' for glass, with both office and residential towers adopting crystalline facades that prioritized a sleek, ageless appearance and maximized daylight. James von Klemperer, president of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), noted that the preference for glass communicated a 'hypertechnical approach to architecture' and the desire for abundant daylight. However, this widespread adoption of glass is now seeing a significant shift. Traditional materials such as brick, stone, and terra-cotta, which offer solidity and rich earth tones, are making a noticeable return to New York's architectural designs. An example of this is Leroy Street Studio's brick-and-terra-cotta building at 145 Perry Street, located near Meier's glass towers. This massive single-family home, designed to resemble a pair of small apartment buildings, utilizes both red and cream-colored brick, reflecting the historic residential and industrial architecture of the West Village. Its perforated screen of staggered bricks and recessed windows create an anti-exhibitionistic facade, offering only subtle glimpses of its interior, a direct contrast to the transparency trend. While New York always retained historic brick and stone structures, including the intricate 19th-century Romanesque buildings like the Puck Building and the De Vinne Press Building, new masonry facades were often limited to historic districts where the Landmarks Preservation Commission mandated designs that harmonized with existing architecture. Affordable housing and budget-conscious condos sometimes incorporated prefabricated panels with brick veneer. Robert A.M. Stern's firm consistently advocated for stone-clad walls and framed windows, believing they conveyed a distinct 'New Yorkiness' and quality in deluxe residential towers, exemplified by their limestone high-rise at 200 East 83rd Street, which echoes Art Deco designs. These earlier design choices, once considered exceptions, are now seen as prescient. Architect Morris Adjmi, known for blending 19th-century warehouse aesthetics with contemporary designs, observed the cyclical nature of architectural trends. His firm's Grand Mulberry building at 185 Grand Street features handmade, hand-laid bricks with unique rounded bumps that create a 'ghost pattern' of windows, evoking the passage of time and the layered history of the city. The building's rounded corner and nubbled bricks add a sense of gratuitous grandeur, reminiscent of aspirational flourishes on older, modest commercial structures. Even KPF, a major proponent of glass supertalls, has embraced the renewed interest in tactile solidity. Von Klemperer acknowledges a growing appreciation for 'craft and humanistic architecture.' KPF's 11-story apartment building at 64 University Place showcases a series of shallow arches with stepped setbacks and recessed windows. These design elements create a buffer of shadows and give the facade a three-dimensional quality, emphasizing the building as a durable, tangible object rather than a transparent plane. The use of hand-made and individually laid bricks, a result of a temporary economic advantage, highlights the renewed appreciation for skilled craftsmanship, evident in the precise grout work and varied flecks that animate the facade. Terra-cotta, historically used for ornate details in buildings like the Bayard–Condict Building and the Woolworth Tower, is also experiencing a revival. Companies like Boston Valley Terra Cotta utilize modern technology to reproduce historic elements and provide extruded panels for new constructions. This has allowed SOM to use green terra-cotta for Disney's headquarters and KPF to create a neo-Art Deco mixed-use tower at 520 Fifth Avenue, featuring stacked arches, rhythmic setbacks, and rippling panels, all contributing to a rich 'surface character.' The re-embrace of these traditional materials signifies a return to architectural principles that value shadows, texture, depth, color, and organic imperfection, qualities that are fundamental to human experience and have been essential to building since ancient times. #Architecture #Brick #TerraCotta #BuildingMaterials #NewYorkCity #FacadeDesign #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalTrends #KohnPedersenFox