Lenny Kravitz's New CB2 Collection Includes Paper Lanterns Like We've Never Seen Them Before

Jamb founders Will Fisher and Charlotte Freemantle, known for their bespoke lighting tailored for leading interior designers, are set to launch their new Deco collection. This collection, which will debut at London Design Week, features five distinct pieces that deliberately eschew current trends, focusing instead on timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. The duo, operating from their London home and studio, emphasizes traditional skills and meticulous attention to detail, a philosophy that stands in contrast to the rapid-fire launch cycles common in contemporary design. The Deco collection is characterized by a glamorous and somewhat majestic aesthetic, designed to soften the edges of each piece in a romantic fashion. This romantic sensibility extends from their previous work, including their distinctive pink room at the Wow! House at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. Will Fisher's background in studying antique objects heavily influences their design process. The team initiates new designs by identifying original antique pieces that serve as the foundational inspiration. Their deep immersion in historical objects led to the early twentieth-century themes evident in the Deco collection, drawing from movements and periods such as The Bloomsbury Group, the Roaring Twenties, and the Belle Époque. The collection highlights a focus on rich materiality, combining hand-planished metal, luminous alabaster, and shimmering silk textiles to create compelling juxtapositions. Some designs incorporate hand-carved patterns, which are then cast using the traditional lost wax technique, a method Will Fisher describes as the "noblest form of manufacture." Charlotte Freemantle is particularly interested in integrating decorative fabrics, a concept carried over from the Wow! House show, into their new product lines. She notes that drapery softens and diffuses light in a room, and similarly, the textiles in their collection evoke the gentle glow of candlelight, enhancing the overall ambiance. Often described as the "jewelry of the home," lighting in the Deco collection aims to create unique and inviting atmospheres. The pieces are designed to complete and complement diverse interior aesthetics, whether mid-century modern or traditional, effectively bucking trends and potentially establishing new ones. To illustrate their versatility, the designers have photographed the collection in various in situ settings, demonstrating how these objects can seamlessly integrate into different environments. The article specifically mentions pieces like the Hopper Alabaster wall sconce, the Thelma pendant light with its hand-stippled brass frame and optional linen or silk skirt, a new floor lamp styled with antique furniture, and the Hatton Rod, which embodies the Art Deco aesthetic with its alabaster bowl and brass detailing, offering both down and uplighting. The collection will be available from Jamb at 95-97 Pimlico Road, London, and through their website. #JambLighting #DecoCollection #LondonDesignWeek #BespokeLighting #InteriorDesignTrends #AntiqueInspired #Craftsmanship #AlabasterLighting #LuxuryLighting

Rocky Mountain Hardware has collaborated with multi-talented entertainer Lenny Kravitz's New York-based firm, Kravitz Design Inc., to launch a new hardware collection named Trousdale. The collection draws inspiration from the mid-century architecture prevalent in Beverly Hills' famed Trousdale Estates neighborhood. The design ethos of the collection emphasizes sleek architectural elements, angular profiles, and robust textures, aiming to blend modern aesthetics with a handcrafted feel. The Trousdale collection offers a comprehensive range of hardware solutions, including seven lever, grip, and knob designs for doors, four cabinet pulls and knobs, and five accessory pieces, such as a distinctive door knocker. The collection is designed to cater to both residential and commercial projects that embrace a strong mid-century modern aesthetic, seeking bold elements to accent their design. Kravitz detailed the development process, explaining that the collection emerged from a specific project in Trousdale Estates. The goal was to create hardware that would complement a mid-century home while also possessing an artisan-crafted quality. This approach ensures that each piece not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes significantly to the overall design narrative of a space. Regarding the distinctive sharkskin texture featured in the collection, Kravitz explained that it was incorporated to enhance the tactile experience of the product. This texture also visually underscores the handcrafted nature of each individual piece, adding depth and character. The emphasis on touch and visual appeal aligns with Kravitz's broader design philosophy. Kravitz outlined his guiding principles for product design: quality, craftsmanship, feel, and function. These pillars ensure that every item in the Trousdale collection is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, well-made, pleasant to interact with, and highly practical. His commitment to these principles is evident in the meticulous detail and thoughtful execution of the hardware. The genesis of Kravitz Design Inc. stems from Kravitz's lifelong passion for creating and shaping his own environment. He noted that the firm developed organically as a platform to share his creative vision with a wider audience. This personal connection to design underscores the authenticity and unique perspective brought to the Trousdale collection, making it a reflection of his artistic sensibilities beyond music and entertainment. #RockyMountainHardware #LennyKravitz #TrousdaleCollection #HardwareDesign #MidCenturyModern #KravitzDesign #ArchitecturalElements #HomeHardware #InteriorDesign

As Fall approaches, various design companies globally are introducing new collections, encompassing both fresh collaborations and innovative iterations of existing bestsellers. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has launched its Fall 2021 collection, available online and in stores. This collection features a diverse range of furnishings, from luxurious marble cocktail tables and sculptural sofas to sleek nesting tables with sunburst veneers. A highlight is the Blake media console, a denim-blue piece with satin brass hardware, offering a contemporary take on campaign furniture. Sustainable tile company Livden has unveiled its Painted Sands collection, comprising two geometric series, Deco Sol and Desert Day. These designs, inspired by the American Southwest where founders Hilary Gibbs and Georgie Smith grew up, feature muted palettes and streamlined shapes reminiscent of the desert landscape. CB2 has expanded its partnership with the Paul McCobb estate, introducing a new furniture collection that builds on their initial collaboration in outdoor, bedroom, and lighting categories. This new assortment includes 36 clean-lined pieces made from refined materials such as hide-upholstered slipper chairs and whitewashed oak console cabinets with cane doors. A notable piece is a black bow-tie-shaped sofa, upholstered in a shearling-like wool blend, which echoes McCobb's original angular designs. Modern Matter, a decorative hardware company, has released its new celestial-inspired Cosmos line of knobs and pulls. Co-founders Katherine Weeks Mulford and Lee Addison Lesley, who initially launched the brand in 2018 as a sister collection to their jewelry line, Addison Weeks, have previously collaborated with designers like Eddie Ross and Barrie Benson. Each piece in the ball-shaped Cosmos collection is designed for comfort in hand and is available in unlacquered brass, polished nickel, and burnished brass. Malmberg Studio has added three new designs—Sunken Garden, Eclipse, and Zebra-esque—to its photographic wallcovering line. Founder Robert Malmberg, a photographer, combined his still-life photography and paintings to create these patterns, which draw inspiration from the natural world. Iconic interior designer Bunny Williams has launched a new six-piece collection for Currey & Company. This collection includes a gold feather-shaped wall sconce, a glass-beaded chandelier, and a black wrought iron pendant with a timeless yet modern leaf motif. Wallcovering studio A-Street Prints has collaborated with Rebecca Hessel Cohen’s fashion brand LoveShackFancy to introduce a new line of vintage-themed wallpaper. This collection, characterized by nostalgic charm, features Cohen’s signature pastel palette and dreamy design motifs, such as romantic florals and fanciful ribbons and bows. These new product launches highlight ongoing trends in the home design industry, including collaborations between designers and brands, the use of sustainable materials, and a focus on both contemporary and vintage-inspired aesthetics. #ProductPreview #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #NewCollections #MitchellGoldBobWilliams #LivdenTiles #CB2PaulMcCobb #ModernMatterHardware #MalmbergStudioWallpaper #BunnyWilliamsHome #AStreetPrintsLoveShackFancy

Mitzi, a company known for its lighting products, has launched a new collection in collaboration with Eny Lee Parker, a New York-based ceramicist, artist, and designer. This collaboration is part of Mitzi’s 2022 Tastemaker program, which aims to partner with talented influencers, interior designers, and artists to introduce fresh perspectives on lighting design. The Mitzi x Eny Lee Parker collection is the third in this series for the year. Eny Lee Parker is recognized for her creative approach, primarily utilizing clay to craft furniture, lighting, and various objects. Her work is characterized by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, emphasizing natural resources and intentionality in her creative process. This philosophy aligns with Mitzi's goal of offering innovative and trendsetting lighting options. Parker's distinct artistic vision is evident throughout the collection, which features a diverse range of lighting fixtures designed to enhance various spaces. The collaboration leverages Parker’s unique design sensibilities while integrating Mitzi’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities to bring these designs to market. The collection comprises a total of seven wall sconces, a flush mount, three distinct pendant lights, two chandeliers, a table lamp, and a floor lamp. Each piece reflects Parker's signature style, characterized by organic forms and a sophisticated use of materials, particularly ceramics. The collection offers a variety of options suitable for different aesthetic preferences and functional requirements within a home or commercial setting. The wall sconces are designed to provide ambient or task lighting, while the flush mount offers a sleek, space-saving solution. The pendants and chandeliers serve as focal points, capable of transforming the ambiance of a room, and the table and floor lamps provide versatile lighting solutions for accentuating specific areas or adding a warm glow. The entire collection was photographed by Sean Davidson, capturing the intricate details and overall aesthetic of each piece in various styled environments. This partnership not only highlights Eny Lee Parker's rising influence in the design world but also reinforces Mitzi's commitment to innovation and collaboration within the home furnishings sector. The Mitzi x Eny Lee Parker lighting collection is intended to allow consumers to incorporate unique, artist-designed lighting elements into their living spaces, reflecting current design trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. #MitziLighting #EnyLeeParker #LightingCollection #DesignerCollaboration #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #CeramicDesign #ModernLighting #DesignMilk

The 'Accent Light' is a limited-edition desk lamp designed by Zürich-based designer Fritz Jakob Gräber, focusing on perspectives, symmetries, and colors. Gräber, who possesses extensive experience across various crafts, aims to create an eclectic range of products, furniture, and lighting. The 'Accent Light' exemplifies his approach to design, which centers on transforming flat materials into three-dimensional forms. The development of the 'Accent Light' was driven by Gräber's ambition to establish his own design practice and produce his own editions, a challenging endeavor for a young designer. The lamp is designed to be highly practical, emphasizing ease of production, storage, and shipment through its super flatpack design. This minimizes labor costs and logistical complexities, making it an efficient product to manufacture and distribute. The lamp's aesthetic is minimalistic yet visually striking, crafted from a specialized type of paper. This material choice is integral to the lamp's ability to create volume from a flat form. The production process involves a unique technique where all envelopes are hand-printed on a Dainippon flatbed offset machine, a vintage piece of equipment from 1971. This detail highlights Gräber's dedication to craftsmanship and his appreciation for traditional printing methods, adding a unique character to each lamp. Functionally, the 'Accent Light' emits a subtle warm downlight, designed to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The lamp is a limited edition, with only seven pieces produced, all manufactured in Switzerland. This exclusivity underscores its status as a collectible design object, reflecting the designer's personal commitment to quality and unique artistry. The limited availability and local production emphasize the bespoke nature of Gräber's work and his focus on maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. The design reflects a blend of artistic vision and practical considerations, addressing both aesthetic appeal and the challenges of independent production. The 'Accent Light' is not just a lighting fixture but a statement piece that embodies the designer's philosophy of creating impactful objects from simple materials while managing the complexities of establishing an independent brand in the design industry. #LightingDesign #LimitedEdition #DeskLamp #FritzJakob #MinimalisticDesign #SwissDesign #Handcrafted #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign

Crate & Barrel has introduced its first-ever home renovation collection, offering ready-made kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, medicine cabinets, hardware, and lighting fixtures designed to facilitate no-demo renovations. This new line aims to provide custom-looking solutions without requiring extensive demolition, making home updates more accessible and less disruptive. Emily Henderson, a prominent designer, utilized one of these new products, specifically the Terra 78-inch Marble Top and Natural Oak Wood Kitchen Island, in a client's kitchen renovation. This island features a solid oak base, a 78-inch Agaria marble slab, a hidden garbage bin, and counter stool seating, giving the appearance of a custom-built piece despite being a ready-made item. The client's kitchen initially lacked an island and instead had a dining table. With two young children, there was a need for a more functional space that offered both dining and storage capabilities. Henderson's renovation focused on achieving significant aesthetic and functional improvements with minimal intervention and within a six-week timeline. The changes included replacing some upper cabinets with floating shelves, painting existing cabinetry, updating lighting fixtures, and adding ceiling paneling. The centerpiece of this transformation was the Crate & Barrel Terra island. Emily Henderson expressed satisfaction with the island, particularly highlighting the quality of the stone top, which exceeded her expectations for a retail product. She also noted the convenience of its delivery and placement, as it required no assembly on her part; the delivery team handled the installation and positioning. Sebastian Brauer, Senior Vice President and Head of Design at Crate & Barrel, confirmed that most items in the collection are pre-assembled and ready for immediate use. The only exceptions are bathroom vanities, which require professional plumbing installation for water connections. The collection includes a range of kitchen islands, from a French country-inspired piece priced at $999 to Henderson’s chosen model at $4,999. Beyond islands, the line offers items such as the Basque 56-inch Light Brown Solid Wood Kitchen Island with Storage, the Tate 60-inch Black Granite Top Double Sink Vanity with Walnut Wood Doors, the Edge Brass Arch Medicine Cabinet, and the Batten 84-inch Natural Oak Wood Kitchen Island with Storage. These products are intended to offer stylish and functional updates for kitchens and bathrooms without the need for large-scale demolition, catering to homeowners looking for efficient and less invasive renovation options. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #CrateAndBarrel #EmilyHenderson #InteriorDesign #DIYRenovation #HomeImprovement #KitchenIsland #BathroomVanity

Entryways, despite their often compact dimensions, bear significant responsibility in setting the initial impression of a home's design ethos. As the first space encountered by visitors, its aesthetic choices act as a preview for the entire residence. Lenny Kravitz's approach to his Parisian entryway offers a compelling case study in creating a memorable and timeless focal point. Kravitz's four-story Paris property, a former US Embassy, showcases a luxurious and enduring entryway design, where a statement chandelier assumes a central role. The design details within this space, including cream stone walls and an ornate black railing, are carefully chosen to complement the 1920s heritage of the building. However, it is the prominent chandelier that primarily contributes to the opulent atmosphere. Footage reveals the presence of at least two chandeliers in Kravitz's entryway, with one strategically placed to connect a darker-painted room with the main entrance. This chandelier serves as a visual bridge, unifying the two distinct areas despite their differing color schemes. While the grand scale of Kravitz's property may not be universally attainable, the underlying principle of his entryway lighting technique remains applicable. Design experts advocate for incorporating large-scale lighting fixtures, even in more confined spaces, to create a striking impact. Owen Pacey, founder of Renaissance London, emphasizes the immeasurable aesthetic value of antique lighting. He suggests that selecting such a piece imbues a home with personality and vitality, regardless of whether it's a primary residence or a vacation home. Pacey elaborates that in entryways with tall ceilings, a large-scale lighting fixture can make a grand statement, signaling sophisticated style to guests. For smaller entryways, a chandelier can introduce a necessary element of drama, transforming it into a grand entrance. Chandeliers, intrinsically linked with the Art Deco movement and the 1920s, are a fitting choice for Kravitz's historic property. Nevertheless, their application extends to contemporary homes. Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, advises that in smaller, modern settings, a glass pendant chandelier suspended above an antique table adorned with vintage art books can create a curated and refined ambiance, allowing the chandelier to remain the centerpiece. The article also highlights items from Lenny Kravitz's collection with CB2, suggesting how elements of his design aesthetic can be incorporated into other areas of the home. These pieces, such as a white ceramic table lamp, a woven throw pillow, and a bath mat, offer opportunities to replicate a Kravitz-approved look, even in more modern living rooms or entrance halls, beyond the direct application of a grand chandelier. #LennyKravitz #EntrywayDesign #StatementLighting #Chandelier #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #AntiqueLighting #CelebrityStyle #HomeDecor

The Scraplights lighting collection by Graypants, a modern design team, showcases a commitment to storytelling through design, with an emphasis on the process and craftsmanship behind their products. The company, humorously named after its founders' initial meeting while wearing identical gray pants, focuses on creating designs that resonate with individuals and extend beyond their physical form. This ethos is particularly evident in their flagship Scraplights collection. The Scraplights are meticulously handcrafted from recycled cardboard, highlighting a dedication to sustainability and unique material utilization. The inherent qualities of the recycled cardboard impart a classic dark edge to the fixtures, which beautifully accentuates the warm light emitted through the corrugated layers. In addition to the natural cardboard finish, the collection also features an option made from custom-produced entirely white corrugated cardboard, offering an elevated and distinct aesthetic while retaining the signature layered design. Each Scraplight fixture is engineered to provide warm, intimate, and functional lighting suitable for various applications and spaces. The production process involves precision laser-cutting of the cardboard components, followed by careful hand-assembly using non-toxic adhesive. This combination of advanced technology and artisanal skill ensures the durability and quality of each piece. As a crucial safety and environmental measure, all Scraplights are treated with a non-toxic fire retardant, making them both robust and elegant additions to any interior. The collection includes a diverse range of lighting options, such as the Tilt Natural Floor Lamp, which offers a striking visual presence, and the Tilt White Table Lamp, providing a more compact yet equally sophisticated option. Pendant lights are a significant part of the Scraplights range, with models like the Drum24 Natural Pendant Light and Ohio24 Natural Pendant Light presenting unique spherical and elongated forms. Larger pendant options include the Dome36 Natural Pendant Light, designed for a more pronounced statement, and the Ausi8 Natural Pendant Light, offering a distinct geometric shape. Further expanding the variety, the collection features the Bell10 and Bell16 Natural Pendant Lights, characterized by their elegant bell-like silhouettes, and the Drop18 and Drop26 Natural Pendant Lights, which provide a flowing, elongated design. The Hive12 Natural Pendant Light offers a unique, intricate structure, while the Nest24 Pendant Light presents a more organic and encompassing form. Complementary table lamps like the Ausi Natural Table Lamp and Ebey White Table Lamp offer smaller, versatile lighting solutions. Additional pendant styles, such as the Allyn White Pendant Light and Alki White Pendant Light, introduce further variations in form and size, demonstrating the versatility of cardboard as a design material. Graypants’ Scraplights collection, available through the Design Milk Shop, represents a harmonious blend of innovative design, sustainable practices, and meticulous craftsmanship, transforming everyday recycled material into sophisticated and functional lighting fixtures for contemporary living spaces. #Graypants #Scraplights #CardboardLighting #RecycledDesign #SustainableDesign #HomeFurnishings #InteriorLighting #ModernDesign #Handcrafted

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

Allied Maker, a New York-based design and manufacturing studio founded in 2012, recently introduced four new lighting fixtures at the Architectural Digest Design Show. The studio is known for its minimalist designs that emphasize the inherent beauty of materials such as brass, glass, and hardwoods. The newly unveiled collection continues this aesthetic, incorporating both angular, structural lines, specifically triangles, and soft, curving circular forms into their latest creations. One of the new additions is the Tri Cone Pendant, a fixture that features a cone-shaped shade designed to direct a focused beam of light. This focused illumination is achieved with a glass disc, all contained within a tetrahedron-inspired structural frame. The design seamlessly blends geometric precision with functional lighting, creating a visually compelling piece that is both modern and elegant. Another significant launch is the Grand Aperture 4, an expanded version of Allied Maker's existing Aperture 4 chandelier. This larger chandelier is specifically engineered to make a substantial visual impact in spacious environments. It comprises four glass domes strategically placed to encircle four distinct light sources. This arrangement ensures a broad and even diffusion of light, making it suitable for grand living areas or commercial spaces where significant ambient lighting is desired, all while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. The collection also includes the Contour Wall Lamp 22”. This wall-mounted fixture is characterized by its graceful, hand-bent arc, which extends to connect with a glass sphere. The design's functionality is enhanced by its ability to swivel against the wall, allowing for adjustable lighting direction and adaptability to various room configurations. The elegant curve and spherical element offer a blend of art and utility, providing both illumination and a sculptural presence. Completing the quartet of new fixtures is the Concentric 15”, a versatile piece designed for either wall or ceiling installation. This fixture stands out due to its handcrafted wooden dome, which features a series of concentric circles. These circles create a topographic effect, giving the fixture a unique textural and visual depth. The pleasing arrangement of the concentric rings adds a subtle yet striking decorative element to any space, reinforcing Allied Maker's commitment to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. These new offerings from Allied Maker reinforce their dedication to creating lighting solutions that are not only functional but also serve as artistic statements within a space. The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a keen eye for minimalist design ensures that these fixtures enhance the ambiance and aesthetic of contemporary interiors. #AlliedMaker #LightingFixtures #ArchitecturalDigestDesignShow #MinimalistDesign #BrassLighting #GlassDesign #Chandeliers #WallLamps #HomeFurnishings

This monthly series, "In Our Carts," highlights a curated selection of new product launches and collaborations in the home and lifestyle sphere. The June 2024 edition features a range of items, from bedding and rugs to furniture, lighting, and kitchenware, all chosen for their design and functionality. One of the notable collaborations is between Danish home brand Tekla and Artek, which resulted in a new line of bedding. This collection includes duvets and shams in three colors, adorned with Finnish architect Aino Aalto’s Kirsikankukka pattern, inspired by a Japanese scarf. The collaboration also marks Tekla's first venture into kids' bedding. Cold Picnic, known for its printed rugs, has expanded its offerings with a new collection of richly hued, solid-color rugs. These nature-inspired designs, such as Grass Green, Roasted Tomato, Sky Blue, and Pear, are crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, providing a luxurious feel underfoot. Dusen Dusen has introduced three new vibrant and graphic throw pillow designs: Daisy, Hourglass, and Ricrac. These pillows come in bold colors like sunflower yellow, denim blue, and Kelly green, adding a playful touch to home decor. CB2 has launched new alabaster sconces designed by Australian studio VUUE. These hand-carved alabaster globes are available in two sizes, 6 and 10 inches, and offer a blend of old-world glamour with a modern sensibility, suitable for various interior and exterior settings. Fashion designer Carly Cushnie has collaborated with Lulu and Georgia on her first furniture collection. This 11-piece line showcases a mix of materials, including cane, wood, bouclé, fringe, and velvet. Standout pieces include the warm-toned Yucca sofa and the burl-wood Sabal console table, offering extensive mix-and-match possibilities. Opinel has released a cleverly designed grilling set that emphasizes simplicity and utility. The stainless steel tongs are extra-long with notched tips and a curved edge for effective gripping. A unique feature is the folding knife that ingeniously transforms into a spatula handle, complete with a Virobloc locking ring. The knife handle also integrates a bottle opener, enhancing its functionality for outdoor cooking. R+D Lab has partnered with Mexican chef Elena Reygadas and Fenn Apartamento to create the Rosetta collection of glassware. This collection features three new glass shapes—Acqua, Sour, and Martini—inspired by ancient vessels discovered in Pompeii. While named for specific drinks, these versatile glasses are suggested for various beverages, such as white wine in the water cups and cordials in the stemmed glasses. Finally, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen continues to expand his collection with Zara Home. The latest additions emphasize natural materials like wood, concrete, and solid brass, featuring pieces such as a daybed, a library system, and organically shaped concrete side tables. Dark brown is a prominent color throughout this new iteration of the collection, reflecting a sophisticated aesthetic. Baggu has also collaborated with Collina Strada on a line of limited-edition prints for its reusable bags, picnic blankets, and towels. A new highlight from this collaboration is the Horse Bag, a mini zippered pony-shaped bag, and the Boxer Plaid print on the Small Cloud carry-on, combining playful design with practical application. #ProductLaunches #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #Furniture #Lighting #Kitchenware #DesignCollaborations #NewArrivals

The recently opened J.Crew men’s store on the Bowery in New York City offers a unique shopping experience infused with vintage aesthetics and a distinct boathouse theme. Designed by Estelle Bailey-Babenzien of Dream Awake, the concept shop serves to launch the brand's first men's collection, spearheaded by her husband, Brendon Babenzien, J.Crew men’s creative director and Noah cofounder. The design aims to blend a classic yet current vibe that resonates with the J.Crew customer and the New York lifestyle, incorporating elements like unlacquered brass, warm woods, worn rugs, nutty brown leathers, and strategic splashes of J.Crew green, a deep foresty shade visible on the coffee bar walls. Beyond its retail function, the store's highly curated interior also serves as a source of practical and creative closet organizing inspiration. Bailey-Babenzien highlights three key strategies homeowners can adopt to transform their dressing rooms into spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. The first technique, termed 'Either Oar,' involves utilizing decorative items like oars not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for practical purposes. In the store, paddles are adapted into a rack for hanging garments, a concept that can be replicated in entryways or mudrooms to provide useful hanging space while maintaining a nautical theme. The second tip, 'Go Vertical,' encourages moving away from conventional enclosed closet rods. The store showcases an innovative hanging solution where clothing rods, rigged by a sailboat captain with climbing rope, can be installed in open spaces. This method allows for greater flexibility in placement and offers an opportunity to incorporate unique materials like black rope to match personal style, transforming a mundane storage solution into a design feature. Finally, 'Forward Thinking' focuses on the strategic use of simple hooks or knobs, exemplified by brass fixtures in the store. These elements are designed to turn clothing forward, making it easier to view and select outfits. Additionally, hooks provide convenient spots for organizing accessories, enhancing the overall functionality and tidiness of a closet or dressing area. These design insights from the J.Crew store demonstrate how retail space design can inspire practical and stylish home organization solutions, creating dressing rooms that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. #ClosetOrganization #DesignInspiration #RetailDesign #HomeOrganization #InteriorDesign #FunctionalDecor #JcrewStore #EstelleBaileyBabenzien

LED candles, also known as flameless candles, offer a safe, convenient, and stylish alternative to traditional wax candles, providing a cozy ambiance without the associated hazards. Many LED candles are crafted from real wax and some even come scented, mimicking the aesthetic and sensory experience of conventional candles without the mess or risk. Key benefits of these flameless options include enhanced safety for households with children and pets, as they eliminate the risk of accidental burns and melting wax drips that can damage furniture. Furthermore, LED candles do not produce harmful pollutants, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Their practical advantages extend to outdoor use, where they are unaffected by wind and can be left unattended for extended periods without burning out. Many models incorporate a timer function, allowing users to program automatic illumination for several hours each evening, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency. Styling LED candles offers versatility; they can be grouped in varying heights on mantelpieces, side tables, and windowsills, often paired with seasonal garlands to create a warm atmosphere. Grouping them in odd numbers is recommended for an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Taper LED candles are suitable for elegant candelabras as dining table centerpieces or arranged in candlestick holders along a longer table for maximum visual impact. For living rooms and bedrooms, LED candles encased in glass vessels are ideal, as the light flickering through the glass creates a relaxing, cozy glow. Some varieties are scented, filling the space with appealing aromas. When used outdoors, LED candles are a practical choice, as they do not blow out in breezes or drip wax onto garden furniture. However, it is essential to verify if a specific model is designated for outdoor use. Strategic placement includes lanterns beside the front door, as centerpieces for outdoor dining tables, or hanging from porches or parasols. LED candles are also a cost-effective choice for home accessorizing. While their initial cost may be slightly higher than traditional candles, they last indefinitely with battery replacements, which typically provide around 300 hours of light. Many feature remote control operation and can be programmed for automatic on/off functions. The market offers a wide array of LED candle options, ranging from colorful dinner candles to outdoor lanterns, designed to suit diverse preferences and decorative needs. These options include realistic wax pillar candles, ribbed pillar candles in various colors, abstract faux candles with seasonal scents, glass pillar candles, flower-shaped LED candles, marble-effect pillar candles, multi-wick designs, and even floating LED candles, providing ample choices for enhancing home decor. #LEDcandles #HomeDecor #FlamelessCandles #HomeSafety #InteriorDesign #AmbientLighting #CostEffectiveDecor #SmartHomeDecor #OutdoorLighting

Drew Barrymore has launched her first-ever home collection, named Drew Barrymore Flower Home, following a trend of celebrities branching into entrepreneurial ventures. The collection is described as "free-spirited" and "joyful," characterized by its vibrant colors and eclectic designs. It encompasses a wide array of home décor items and furniture, available for purchase on Walmart.com, Jet.com, and Hayneedle.com. The product range includes pastel-hued vases, various decorative tchotchkes, rugs, and unique wall art. Furniture pieces feature plush, romantic love seats, matching throw pillows, elegant chaise lounges, and velvet tufted headboards. Barrymore, who expressed her long-standing passion for lifestyle and design, emphasized her love for creating spaces where diverse prints, patterns, shapes, styles, colors, and textures harmoniously converge. The collection comprises over 200 "artfully matched" items, with prices spanning from $18 for ceramic decorative vases to $899 for mid-century sofas. Barrymore collaborated closely with the Walmart.com design team to bring her vision to life. The resulting collection aligns with contemporary home décor trends, incorporating blush and Neo mint color palettes, along with eclectic, bungalow, and "perfectly imperfect" aesthetics. The article highlights four key looks from the collection: "Sun-soaked bedroom," "Bungalow vibes," "Blushing boho," and "Bedroom in bloom." Despite the extensive variety, Barrymore stated that it was difficult to pick a single favorite item, noting the meticulous attention to detail given to each piece, down to the style and shape of furniture legs. Specific examples of items from the collection include a vintage accent chair priced at $499, velvet headboards ranging from $349 to $499, a purple pendant lamp for $69, a round wood shelf at $69, and an abstract vase set for $39. The launch of Drew Barrymore Flower Home positions her among other celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker, who have successfully ventured into consumer brands. The collection aims to inspire and empower individuals through its accessible and stylish home offerings. #DrewBarrymore #HomeDecor #FlowerHome #CelebrityBrand #Walmart #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #Furniture #HomeAccents

Stickbulb, a sustainable lighting company founded by Yale University architecture graduates Russell Greenberg and Chris Beardsley, recently opened its first showroom in Long Island City, New York. Previously operating from a cramped space with limited shelving, the company acquired a 10,000-square-foot former steel factory to accommodate its growing operations. The new location, featuring terracotta walls and wooden floors, not only provides ample space but also reflects the company's commitment to sustainability and modern design. Stickbulb's core mission revolves around sustainability, utilizing salvaged wood from demolished buildings and dismantled water towers for its LED light fixtures. This approach allows each product to carry a unique history, traceable back to its original source. The founders emphasized the importance of this narrative, noting that the wood, often high-grade and knot-free from water towers with a 40-year lifespan, is no longer actively harvested, making its reclamation both environmentally conscious and integral to the product's character. The company’s design process is highly collaborative, focusing on iterating on a foundational system of wooden sticks with embedded LEDs and various metal connector pieces. This modular approach allows for the creation of a diverse range of lighting solutions, including linear pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, and even functional pieces like side tables, all while maintaining the common element of the reclaimed wooden sticks. A notable art piece in the showroom, "Ambassador," was inspired by Russell Greenberg's sketch of a water tower. This sculpture aims to convey the history and urban context of the reclaimed water tower redwood without explicit words, highlighting the material's past in a sculptural form. The decision to use water tower wood was driven by its iconic presence in New York and other Northeastern urban centers, its consistent supply due to replacement cycles, and its high quality, being free of defects. The new showroom consolidates all aspects of Stickbulb's business—design, production, sales, and marketing—under one roof, a long-held dream for the founders. This unified space allows visitors to not only view the finished products but also observe the manufacturing process and meet the team behind them. The design of the showroom itself was approached with flexibility in mind, incorporating elements like curtains to easily reconfigure the space. While currently enjoying their expanded premises, the founders expressed confidence in the space's ability to support future growth. #Stickbulb #LongIslandCity #SustainableDesign #LEDLighting #ReclaimedWood #ArchitecturalSalvage #ShowroomDesign #ProductDesign #NewYorkCity #InteriorLighting

Plumen, a recognized lighting brand, has introduced a new self-assembly kit that enables individuals to construct their own modular chandeliers without the need for ceiling hooks. This innovative product, named the Plumen Chandelier, utilizes a series of spacer rods to establish a foundational triangular or square framework. These rods are designed to secure the electrical cords and integrate with a central ceiling rose, accommodating either three or four pendant lights. The modular nature of the design allows for significant customization. Users can position the spacer rods at various angles, facilitating the arrangement of pendants at differing heights, which introduces an architectural dimension to the lighting fixture. The ceiling rose component is versatile, compatible with any of Plumen's existing bulbs and shades, providing further options for personalization. The chandelier kits are offered in several configurations: as a complete package, or as separate sets of roses and spacers. Additionally, individual spacers can be purchased, either singly or in packs of three or four, catering to specific design requirements and allowing for incremental expansion or modification. Since its inception in 2010 with the launch of its pioneering low-energy light bulb, which notably received a Brit Insurance Design of the Year Award in 2011, Plumen has systematically expanded its product portfolio. The brand now features a diverse array of bulbs, including an LED model characterized by a gold-colored shade integrated within the bulb itself, and an Edison-style bulb reputed for an impressive 25-year lifespan. Nicolas Roope, co-founder of Plumen, emphasized that the new chandelier spacers are intended to transform individual pendant lights into more elaborate, coordinated, and architectural compositions, leveraging the brand's extensive range of compatible bulbs, shades, and accessories. The development of this customisable chandelier kit aligns with Plumen's ongoing commitment to offering versatile and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions. Recent additions to their product line underscore this commitment, such as pendants adorned with miniature bunting, specifically designed for children's spaces, and a distinctive hat-brim shaped shade available in various metallic finishes. These expansions demonstrate Plumen's strategy to cater to a broader spectrum of design preferences and functional needs, solidifying its position in the design and lighting market. The self-assembly kit empowers consumers with creative control over their lighting installations, fostering a personalized approach to interior design. #Plumen #Chandelier #ModularDesign #LightingDesign #SelfAssembly #InteriorDesign #LightBulbs #CustomisableLighting