Oshkosh Designs 'Floors' the Competition

This blog post humorously connects the outcome of the Red River Rivalry football game to poor architectural and interior design choices, specifically within the state of Oklahoma. The author, Mimi Perez, begins by playfully addressing Oklahoma fans after a recent loss to the University of Texas, emphasizing the rivalry with repeated exclamations of "HOOK’EM HORNS!!!" The core premise of the article is a satirical theory suggesting that the profound despair experienced by Oklahoma fans following a loss to UT can lead them to believe they are capable of anything, including designing homes, which inevitably results in disastrous and aesthetically unpleasing architectural outcomes. This theory is presented as a cautionary tale to prevent further emotional distress. The article then presents a specific house located in Ponca City, Oklahoma, as a prime example of this phenomenon. The author claims this 4,200-square-foot home, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, was designed during a four-year winning streak for UT in the Red River Rivalry. The design is attributed to an Oklahoma fan's tears and desperation, metaphorically driving "120 mph on North Central Expressway" after a game loss. Several architectural and interior design elements of the house are critiqued with a humorous and sarcastic tone, all while reiterating the "HOOK’EM HORNS!!!" chant. The critiques begin with the overall structure, described as appearing crooked, which is sarcastically presented as an inherent design flaw rather than a photographic anomaly. The living room's design is similarly attributed to a team's losing streak, suggesting that despair directly influenced its layout and aesthetic. A window, specifically, is singled out for resembling "candy corn," an item humorously dismissed as "the loser of all Halloween candy," further tying the design choices to a sense of defeat. Moving to the kitchen, the author describes it as a "cave-like area" where one might retreat to find comfort food after a loss. The wallpaper in the kitchen is particularly highlighted as an "outward expression of the pain they felt when they lost yet again to UT." This continuous linkage between the football rivalry's outcome and the home's design is the central comedic device. The article concludes by inviting readers to view more photos of this "iconic home" in Ponca City, reinforcing the idea that the design is a direct consequence of the Red River Rivalry's emotional toll on Oklahoma fans. The commentary from readers further engages with the article's playful criticism of the house's design, with one comment jokingly referring to a part of the house as the "Hall of Doom." #WednesdayWTF #RealEstateDesign #ArchitecturalFail #OklahomaRealEstate #RedRiverRivalry #CollegeFootball #HumorousCritique #PoncaCity

Selecting the appropriate flooring for a home is a significant decision, often fraught with challenges, as it represents a long-term investment that can define a space for decades. This article consults several local design experts to demystify the process and offer practical advice on choosing the best flooring materials. The designers emphasize that while homeowners may desire the seamless experience often depicted on television, the reality involves careful consideration, including functionality, longevity, and aesthetic balance. They provide insights into various flooring options, current trends, and strategies for making informed choices that align with both personal style and practical needs. Allyson Hicks of Allyson Hicks Design Consulting advocates for timeless flooring choices, particularly for foundational elements like wood floors, stressing that paint colors are much easier to change than an entire floor. Hicks notes a shift away from the previously popular gray wood tones towards warmer hues, which she finds particularly suitable for the Louisiana region as they complement local architectural features like antique beams. While recommending a classic approach for main flooring, she encourages bolder choices and intricate patterns in smaller, less central areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms, where tile work can introduce character without overwhelming the entire home. She suggests using black and white patterns for clients who are hesitant about incorporating bold colors. Meghann Landry of McMillin Interiors highlights functionality and design longevity as crucial factors in flooring selection. She advises homeowners to consider how a space will be used to ensure the chosen material meets practical demands. Landry also emphasizes the role of flooring in achieving balance and texture within a room, comparing it to fabrics in its ability to layer and add depth. For bathrooms, she frequently opts for white marble, believing it allows other accents and bolder colors to stand out more effectively, reflecting a trend towards using white stone elements with varying cabinet colors to create visual interest. Karen Giffel of Karen Giffel Interior Design tailors her flooring recommendations to each client's lifestyle, whether casual or formal, and their specific needs, such as accommodating young children. For families with active children, Giffel often suggests vinyl wood tile floors, noting their enhanced durability and aesthetic improvements over time. These materials can withstand significant wear and tear, making them a cost-effective and child-friendly option. Beyond practicality, Giffel also discusses the importance of small, sophisticated details like brass inlays to elevate a design. She highlights that these elements can create a modern yet traditional mix, appealing to current homeowner preferences for blended styles. Ashlyn Elofson from Trends by Design suggests moving beyond traditional wood flooring to create unique design statements through patterned and shaped materials. She expresses enthusiasm for incorporating innovative materials, such as those from the Jamie Beckwith Collection, into upcoming projects. Elofson has recently utilized bleached white oak flooring, appreciating its ability to introduce warmth while maintaining a clean and contemporary look. For areas where budget is a concern, such as bathrooms, she recommends using materials that convincingly mimic more expensive options. For example, porcelain tiles designed to resemble marble offer a budget-friendly solution when combined with genuine marble countertops and backsplashes, effectively reducing costs in areas with extensive square footage while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. #FlooringDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #MaterialSelection #TimelessDesign #FunctionalFlooring #BudgetFriendlyDesign #LouisianaDesign

Once confined to mountain cabins, 1990s basements, and Swedish saunas, cedar walls are experiencing a significant resurgence in modern interior design. This wall treatment, historically associated with rustic aesthetics, is being reimagined by contemporary designers to offer warmth and a subtle evergreen scent without the dated appearance of its past iterations. The key to this modern revival lies in a strategic approach to finish, color palette, and accompanying decor. Traditionally, cedar paneling in its less desirable form was characterized by a glossy, orange-red tint, often paired with elements like Tiffany lamps and laminate flooring, contributing to an outdated look. However, a new generation of designers is proving that the natural beauty of unpainted timber—whether pine, cedar, or oak—can be elevated to create sophisticated and inviting spaces. The core principle for modernizing this material involves opting for a light, matte finish that preserves the natural texture and color of the wood. This approach moves away from heavy stains and glossy treatments, allowing the wood's inherent character to shine through in a more refined manner. To prevent the wood paneling from appearing overtly rustic or reminiscent of a bygone era, designers are integrating vibrant textiles, bold paint colors, and striking art pieces. These contrasting elements serve to modernize the space, injecting a fresh and contemporary feel while leveraging the warmth that wood naturally provides. The juxtaposition of natural wood with modern furnishings and decor creates a dynamic and visually appealing environment that transcends traditional cabin aesthetics. Max Humphrey, a Portland, Oregon-based designer known for his Americana aesthetic, exemplifies this trend by staining wood in lighter tones and pairing it with pale furniture. This method brightens the space and updates the classic wood-paneled look. Similarly, French designer Pierre Yovanovitch has adopted this style in projects like Le Coucou in Méribel, France. He maintains a monochrome palette, such as a rusty red-dotted carpet complementing a painted ceiling in the same hue, to update quintessential Alpine pine paneling. This cohesive color strategy allows the wood to integrate seamlessly into a sophisticated, contemporary design. Frances Merrill of Reath Design embraces the cabin vibe, enhancing the rusticity of wood planks with elements like checkered table skirts, oil paintings, and patchwork quilts. Crucially, she ensures the overall design remains current by incorporating furniture with clean, modern lines. This thoughtful balance prevents the space from feeling dated, instead creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The renewed interest in wood wall treatments signifies a shift towards natural materials and an appreciation for their inherent beauty when thoughtfully integrated into modern design schemes, positioning them as a compelling alternative to popular finishes like shiplap. #WallTreatment #InteriorDesign #CedarWalls #HomeDecorTrends #WoodPaneling #DesignInspiration #ModernRustic #HomeRenovation #MaterialRevival

This article discusses an innovative approach to street furniture design that addresses the common urban problem of graffiti. Several years ago, the Times Square Alliance in New York commissioned various designers to create street furniture for the area. Among these contributions was a series called "The Village" by industrial designer Joe Doucet's JDXP. "The Village" series is characterized by its "totemic structures" that are designed to evoke the iconic New York skyline. These structures utilize soaring heights and bright colors, making them highly visible amidst the bustling crowds of Times Square. The design choice aimed to create a distinctive visual presence while serving a functional purpose within the urban landscape. A key aspect of Doucet's design, and the central focus of this article, is the material selection. The structures were notably constructed using metal wire. This choice might initially seem unusual for street furniture, prompting inquiry into the designer's rationale. It is revealed that the use of wire was a deliberate and practical solution to mitigate vandalism, specifically graffiti. The traditional problem with broad, flat surfaces in urban environments is their susceptibility to being used as canvases for graffiti artists. By employing a metal wire construction, Doucet effectively eliminated the large, continuous surfaces that graffiti typically requires. This material strategy not only serves an anti-vandalism purpose but also contributes to the aesthetic quality of the installations. The wire construction imparts a sense of lightness to the presence of the structures within Times Square, preventing them from appearing overly massive or intrusive in a densely populated area. This dual benefit of discouraging graffiti and enhancing visual lightness highlights a thoughtful and context-aware design process. The article implicitly emphasizes the importance of material science and strategic design in urban planning and public installations. It demonstrates how a seemingly simple material choice can have significant implications for both the functionality and maintenance of public infrastructure, directly addressing persistent challenges like urban blight and vandalism. Doucet's "The Village" serves as an example of how designers can creatively overcome common urban issues through innovative material application and design thinking. #StreetFurniture #GraffitiPrevention #UrbanDesign #MaterialSelection #PublicArt #IndustrialDesign #NewYorkCity #TimesSquare

Urban Perch, a boutique home builder, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, marking a decade of constructing custom homes in the Winter Park, College Park, and Greater Orlando areas. The company's origins trace back to the vision of co-founder Eric Rey, whose family has a deep history in homebuilding. His father founded Rey Homes in 1978, influencing Eric from a young age. After graduating from the University of Florida in 2003, Eric initially worked in commercial construction before transitioning to residential homebuilding, a field he was passionate about. Today, Eric Rey co-leads Urban Perch with his wife, Bianca Khoury, a Rollins College graduate. Their combined expertise forms the foundation of the company's success. Eric contributes his background in project management and construction, ensuring the practical execution and quality of each build. Bianca, with her knowledge in design and real estate, brings aesthetic vision and market understanding to their projects. This synergy allows Urban Perch to offer a comprehensive and client-focused building experience. The company emphasizes not only the physical construction of homes but also the cultivation of strong relationships with clients and the communities they serve. This personal commitment is further highlighted by the fact that Eric and Bianca are raising their two children in a home they built in Winter Park, a community they actively shape. Urban Perch's dedication to quality and client satisfaction has earned them recognition, including a nomination for Best of Orlando or Best of Winter Park Home Builder. Eric Rey humorously recalls a childhood drawing from 1986 depicting himself as a "house builder," underscoring his lifelong ambition and the fulfillment of a long-held dream. He attributes the company's achievements to the diligent efforts of the Urban Perch team and the ongoing support from his family. The firm's operational philosophy centers on craftsmanship, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every project. Urban Perch aims to translate clients' aspirations into tangible living spaces, embodying their motto of transforming dreams into reality. The article concludes by inviting potential clients to discover why Urban Perch has been recognized as a top custom home builder by the readers of Orlando Magazine, reinforcing their reputation for building high-quality, custom residences and fostering meaningful community connections. #HomeDesignAward #UrbanPerch #BoutiqueHomeBuilder #CustomHomes #WinterPark #OrlandoRealEstate #EricRey #BiancaKhoury #ConstructionIndustry

Eventscape, a Toronto-based custom fabrication company with over 20 years of experience, specializes in creating unique architectural features, particularly custom ceilings. The company has garnered multiple ARIDO and ARE awards for its dynamic projects and has collaborated with prominent architectural firms like Gensler and Diamond Schmitt, as well as renowned artists such as Jason Bruges and Jaakko Pernu. Steve Haniewicz, Eventscape's executive project director and first employee, emphasizes the company's capability to create without limitations regarding scale, form, material, or performance, globally. Custom ceiling work presents distinct challenges, primarily gravity. Eventscape designs a bespoke suspension system for each project, adapting to varying venue conditions, weight restrictions, and existing building systems like electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Despite these complexities, ceiling projects often highlight the firm's innovative capabilities. Two recent installations at the RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg and Saks Fifth Avenue's New York flagship store exemplify their expertise in crafting delicate yet bold geometric designs. For the RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg, Eventscape undertook a 30,000-square-foot custom design for the main conference room. Collaborating with LM and Number Ten Architects, and inspired by LMN Architects' ice crystal concept, Eventscape engineered, fabricated, and installed 324 identical steel modules. These modules form a sophisticated, tessellated monohedral pattern of snow-white "crystals" set against a matte black ceiling. The design is further enhanced by 81 custom-fabricated lights that provide vibrant color and brightness in the evenings, with the dynamism extending to street level through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Saks Fifth Avenue project, though smaller in scale, showcases equally graceful structural work. Eventscape was commissioned to engineer, build, and install a custom dome feature, 30 feet in diameter, designed to brighten the room and align with Saks' aesthetic and brand identity. This installation features concentric laser-cut aluminum arcs, inspired by spiral patterns cut from paper, creating the illusion that the structure is emerging from the finished ceiling. Concealed LED tape lights provide subtle illumination, complemented by delicate steel accent rings with a bronze-plated finish hanging below. Through such projects, Eventscape transforms functional architectural elements into captivating art, ensuring that their clients' ceilings become focal points that elicit admiration. #CustomFabrication #CeilingDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #InteriorDesign #Eventscape #RBCConventionCenter #SaksFifthAvenue #ArchitecturalEngineering #DesignInnovation

The Surface Design Show is set to feature its 'New Talent' section once again, providing a platform for emerging creatives in surface materials and lighting design. Scheduled from February 11 to 13, the event aims to highlight innovative designs and materials. This year's 'New Talent' section, curated by Jennifer Castoldi, Chief Creative Director at Trendease International, has significantly expanded, showcasing 37 exhibitors compared to 16 in the previous year. All participating designers have been in business for five years or less. Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Trendease International, noting that Jennifer Castoldi has assembled a collection of exciting new designers with fresh ideas in material design. He anticipates that visitors will engage with the diverse designs, textures, and materials presented within the 'New Talent' area. Many of the exhibitors integrate traditional craft techniques with contemporary design approaches. For instance, Charlotte Relf, an experimental embroidery artist, utilizes exaggerated stitches to impart detail and energy to her work. Similarly, Frances Stone, a Royal School of Needlework graduate, employs various experimental embroidery techniques, including gold work, crewel work, and beading, to craft footstools, chairs, and cushions. Charlotte Clayton Design merges knitting with automotive interior design for surface applications, while Farr Designs combines photography with contemporary design through hand screen prints and digital technology. The 'New Talent' section demonstrates a broad spectrum of approaches to surface design. Janine Partington emphasizes carving and hand-painted leathers. Trifold presents designs featuring thermal and acoustic layers, folded using traditional origami tessellation. Research-based designer Megan Cowley creates mild steel molds using water jet technology, which are then transferred onto glass. Wallcoverings are a prominent feature among the 'New Talent' exhibitors. Olenka's luxury British wallpaper collection showcases natural motifs of leaves and flowers. Catherine Griffiths' work includes bold wallpaper designs, fabrics, and cushions, drawing inspiration from Celtic mythology, the Renaissance, and European architecture. West by Design specializes in intricate hand-painted wallpaper inspired by the English countryside. King Kong Design produces site-specific corporate wall art and custom wall panels for retail, public, and residential settings. A significant theme among the 'New Talent' exhibitors is sustainability and a focus on nature, reflecting the broader 'Close to Home' theme of the Surface Design Show, which emphasizes designing with a conscience beyond mere aesthetics. Jonel van Schalkwyk creates surface designs with human-sized plants in a painterly style. Designer Paula Nerlich concentrates on circular biomaterials, exploring vegan compostables and foams derived from industrial and household food waste. Atticus Durnell, founder of That’sCaffeine, has developed a material from recycled coffee grounds that emulates granite stone. Brussels-based Studio Gilles Werbrouck employs an innovative approach to material reuse by knitting textiles from unconventional sources such as video tape and dead stock from fashion designers. Access to the Surface Design Show is free for professional and trade visitors, with registration available online. #SurfaceDesignShow #NewTalent #EmergingCreatives #SurfaceMaterials #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #MaterialInnovation #CraftTechniques

The Times-Gazette website functions as a central hub, presenting a variety of news and sports articles, along with lifestyle content and essential services. The platform is structured to deliver content across multiple categories, ensuring a diverse range of information for its readers. Navigation is facilitated by a persistent ribbon at the top, which offers links to sections such as News, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Opinion, Business, Obituaries, Crosswords, Comics, and the eNewspaper. This design allows users to easily access different content areas, with dynamic elements like logos that adapt based on the user's device and the specific section being viewed. Key features of the website include a responsive design that adjusts for both desktop and mobile users, ensuring an optimal viewing experience. The navigation ribbon, for instance, changes its layout and the display of certain elements, like the login section, to suit the device. A prominent search function allows users to find specific articles or topics by entering keywords. The site also incorporates event tracking, which monitors user interactions such as navigation clicks and search queries, providing data for analytics purposes. This tracking is crucial for understanding user behavior and improving content delivery. The website prominently displays a feed of recent articles, offering a snapshot of current events and popular topics. These articles cover a broad spectrum of subjects, from local news and sports to educational updates and national events. For example, recent headlines include reports on Amish communities' collaboration with authorities on crime, football teams shattering records, local co-op donations to FFA programs, and college sports news. The platform also features articles on public interest topics, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, rankings of elementary schools, and updates on state legislation. Beyond news and articles, the website integrates practical information, such as local store hours for holidays and lottery results. It also includes sections for reader engagement, like polls for predicting sports outcomes. The overall content strategy seems to focus on a mix of timely news, sports coverage, and community-relevant information, catering to a wide audience. The persistent nature of the navigation and the continuous stream of updated content contribute to a user-friendly and informative experience. The technical infrastructure of the website supports its dynamic content delivery and user interaction. Components such as 'navRibbon', 'navWrapContainer', and 'alertManager' are integral to the site's functionality, managing navigation, layout, and user notifications. The platform also employs responsive design principles to ensure compatibility across various devices, adapting elements like logo sizes and navigation menus. Event listeners are used to manage interactions like window resizing, scrolling, and search input, contributing to a fluid user experience. Furthermore, the site includes analytics tracking to gather data on user engagement, which is used to enhance content and functionality. This comprehensive approach to design and technical implementation ensures that the website remains a robust and accessible source of information for its readers. #LocalNews #SportsCoverage #CommunityEvents #EducationUpdates #OhioNews #LawEnforcementCollaboration #HighSchoolSports #AgricultureSupport