Scandal Star Joshua Malina Talks Design

Darien resident Stacey Bewkes, founder of the renowned design blog Quintessence, and Susanna Salk, a best-selling design author and stylist, will host a discussion centered on their highly successful “At Home With” video series. This series, which they independently create, produce, direct, and host, has garnered nearly 5 million views. Bewkes and Salk have traveled extensively, from Los Angeles and New York to Italy and beyond, gaining exclusive access to the homes and gardens of some of the world's most influential tastemakers and designers. During their lecture, Bewkes and Salk will share insights gleaned from their experiences, highlighting valuable lessons and observations from their encounters. They will also recount memorable behind-the-scenes stories involving the unique personalities who have welcomed them into their private spaces. The event promises a lively exploration of exceptional design principles and stylish living practices, drawn from a diverse range of global inspirations. Stacey Bewkes brings 17 years of experience as an art director at Simon & Schuster to her current role as the creative force behind Quintessence. Her enduring passion for design led her to establish this award-winning online platform, which serves as a trusted source for meticulously researched original content and imagery. Quintessence covers a broad spectrum of design topics, including interiors, fashion, art, architecture, books, film, and travel, providing a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts of style and substance. Her “At Home With” video series, where she handles the shooting, editing, and production in collaboration with Susanna Salk, offers viewers an intimate look into the residences of leading tastemakers worldwide. Stacey Bewkes resides in Darien. Susanna Salk is recognized as a leading design expert, stylist, and stager, in addition to being the author of multiple best-selling design books. Her debut book, “A Privileged Life, Celebrating WASP Style,” achieved unexpected popularity. Her tenth book, “The Power of Pattern,” was published by Rizzoli in October, further cementing her reputation in the design world. Her forthcoming book, “At Home with Dogs and Their Designers in the English Countryside,” which features photography by Stacey Bewkes, is slated for release in Spring 2020. Salk also plays a pivotal role in the monthly “At Home With” video series for the Quintessence blog, where she serves as producer and host alongside Stacey Bewkes. This event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of high-end design and personal style through the eyes of two prominent figures in the industry. Attendees will benefit from their extensive knowledge and engaging anecdotes, providing inspiration and practical takeaways on cultivating a stylish home and lifestyle, informed by international trends and expert perspectives. #DesignBlog #Quintessence #StaceyBewkes #SusannaSalk #AtHomeWith #InteriorDesign #StylishLiving #DesignAuthors #VideoSeries

The selection of countertops plays a pivotal role in kitchen design, often considered shortly after cabinetry. While cabinets typically lead the design process, countertops profoundly influence the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space, dictating choices for backsplashes, lighting, and even flooring. Designers emphasize that countertops act as a central element, positioned at eye level, which makes their material, pattern, and texture significant in shaping the room's atmosphere. Designers generally view the wide array of countertop materials available as a benefit, allowing for diverse design possibilities. Options range from various natural stones like granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone, to engineered materials such as quartz and commercial-grade concrete, and even wood butcher block. Advances in quartz manufacturing have made it increasingly popular, as it effectively mimics the appearance of natural stone while offering enhanced durability. Clients' preferences are evolving, with many seeking materials that combine aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like low maintenance and resistance to heat, cold, scratches, and stains. Functionality is a key driver in countertop selection, with designers initiating discussions by understanding how clients intend to use their kitchen surfaces. This involves evaluating a material's ability to withstand daily tasks. For instance, designers might recommend durable options like concrete for perimeter counters and more elegant, yet still robust, materials like soapstone for focal points such as islands. Soapstone, in particular, is valued for its elegance, durability, and ability to develop a unique patina over time, which appeals to clients seeking a timeless or historical aesthetic. Beyond durability, the aesthetic impact of countertops is crucial. Designers often leverage countertops as artistic elements, using materials with stunning colors, dramatic veining, or unique textures to create focal points. Examples include a Palomino quartzite slab with geode-like patterns that complemented a mid-century home's aesthetic, or a Delirium quartzite with deep purples, greens, and blacks designed to echo an existing art piece. Book-matched slabs, especially in materials like Sea Pearl quartzite, are used to create striking backsplashes, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Color choices also significantly contribute to the overall design. Some designers favor dark, contrasting materials like leathered Titanium granite to complement white cabinetry in cottage-style kitchens, bringing a natural, earthy feel. Others embrace modern materials like Dekton, which can resemble rusted metal, offering a contemporary edge when paired with simpler elements like white Shaker cabinetry. The use of waterfall edges on islands further showcases the unique characteristics of these materials. Current trends indicate a strong demand for quartz due to its durability, low maintenance, and expanding range of colors and patterns, especially those that mimic natural marble and granite. Clients are also increasingly requesting matte and satin finishes over high-gloss, polished surfaces for both natural and engineered stones, signifying a shift towards more subdued and textured aesthetics. Incorporating unexpected textures, such as leathered granite or rough concrete in an otherwise stark white kitchen, is a design technique used to add warmth and visual interest. Wood, particularly walnut and butcher block, is also gaining popularity, offering natural warmth and versatility, with custom butcher block options allowing for unique designs and material mixes tailored to specific client needs and preferences. #KitchenDesign #CountertopMaterials #InteriorDesignTrends #QuartzCountertops #NaturalStone #Soapstone #Quartzite #DesignFunctionality #KitchenAesthetics

This article features an interview with Alicia Rosauer and Robert Segal, the founders of Unison, a Chicago-based design and home-furnishings shop. Both founders have a deep connection to Marimekko, the legendary Finnish design firm. Alicia's interest in Marimekko began in her childhood when her parents purchased Marimekko bedding for her and her sister's room. Robert, whose parents founded Crate and Barrel, was exposed to Marimekko from birth, as his parents were early importers of the fabric, and his grandmother would convert Marimekko fabric by the yard into ready-made items like throw pillows and pot holders. The interview delves into their early experiences with Marimekko and their careers at the company. Robert worked as a junior designer, creating prints for apparel, then bag designs, men's shirts, and eventually fabric for the interior department. Alicia initially focused on photo, marketing, and styling, assisting with photoshoots. Over their five years at Marimekko, they collaborated on several projects, including patterns for women's apparel and interior fabrics. They highlight the significant impact Marimekko's design philosophy had on them, particularly its embrace of large-scale, non-repeatable patterns and its meticulous attention to color. Marimekko's extensive color library, with thousands of formulas and high-quality dyes, allowed for precise color reproduction, a critical aspect of their design. After their time at Marimekko, Alicia and Robert founded Unison, driven by their own clear product ideas that didn't align with Marimekko's direction or their junior status at the time. They explain how Unison balances well-known, familiar patterns like stripes and buffalo checks with more organic, all-over designs, often juxtaposing them to create a harmonious look. They emphasize the importance of usability in their designs, noting that not every product needs to be an art piece. The interview also touches on the practical limitations of running a smaller company, such as not owning their factories, which affects the number of colors they can use in patterns due to minimum yardage requirements. The conversation also explores their sourcing strategies, including attending trade shows, monitoring design blogs, and increasingly, being approached by designers. They value patience in their seasonal cycles, understanding that opportunities can resurface. A key aspect of Unison's initial strategy was a commitment to "made in America" production, influenced by companies like American Apparel. This allowed for lower minimum order requirements and better quality control compared to international manufacturing options. The founders discuss the evolution of manufacturing, noting that while much of Marimekko's printing and fabric production remains in Finland, some ready-made goods are produced in other countries to manage costs. Looking ahead, they foresee a significant expansion in digital printing, which aligns with the demand for personalized and on-demand products, especially with the rise of platforms like Etsy. They reflect on a past family discussion where the idea that people no longer cared about fabric was prevalent, contrasting it with the current trend of individuals and smaller producers creating and selling fabric by the yard through digital printing. This shift represents a significant return of interest in fabric as a raw material for creative endeavors. #UnisonHome #Marimekko #FabricDesign #HomeFurnishings #DesignPhilosophy #TextileIndustry #DigitalPrinting #MadeInAmerica #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship

The perception of home makeover shows on television, which often depict rapid transformations within a single episode, is critiqued by Mark Brunetz, Emmy Award-winning co-host of the former Style Network series “Clean House.” Brunetz, who spent nine years on the show, reveals that these productions require extensive resources, including a crew of 100 people and a week of work for each home. He points out a significant disconnect between the glamorized on-screen portrayals and the reality of the design process, which is far more complex and nuanced than what is typically shown. Motivated by this insight, Brunetz launched a podcast titled "Scandalabra: The Ugly Truth Behind Beautiful Spaces," available on various podcast platforms. This podcast aims to delve deeper into the design industry, moving beyond superficial aesthetics and the emotional reveals commonly featured on TV. Since its launch in July, the podcast has featured 24 candid interviews with design insiders, with more episodes planned. These discussions have brought to light critical perspectives on the home improvement genre. One recurring theme in the podcast, articulated by designer Jaime Rummerfield, is that while home makeover shows have raised awareness about home improvement, they have also inadvertently cheapened the fields of design and architecture. Rummerfield draws a parallel between "fast design" and "fast fashion," where products are made to look appealing for a brief moment but lack durability and substance. This trend pushes poorly made furniture and quick fixes, prioritizing immediate visual impact over lasting quality and thoughtful design. Another criticism highlighted is the common practice of showing sledgehammer demolitions in every episode. While visually engaging for television, such structural changes are often unnecessary or inappropriate for many homes, demonstrating a focus on dramatic effect rather than practical design solutions. Brunetz's interviews frequently reveal that many people tend to copy design trends, which can result in homes that lack personal authenticity. Guests on the podcast emphasize that individuals often feel pressured to adhere to a single design style, influenced by quizzes or prevailing trends. However, the true objective of design, as argued by these experts, is to create a space that genuinely reflects the homeowner's personality and lifestyle, rather than a generic or trendy aesthetic. Angelo Surmelis, a guest on an episode titled “The Dangers of Idolizing TV Designers,” advises against mimicking the styles of TV design experts or blindly following trends. He asserts that companies often manufacture trends primarily to boost product sales, and that true design expertise for one's personal space comes from within. The article suggests that embracing personal preferences and individual taste is more crucial than following a prescribed "color of the year" or an "expert's" recommendation, requiring self-reflection to determine one's authentic style. Renowned architect Dean Larkin, known for his work on high-value properties, advocates for ignoring "isms" in design. He argues that adhering strictly to movements like midcentury modernism or traditionalism limits the opportunity to develop a unique personal aesthetic. Larkin stresses that a home should function as a personal sanctuary, reflecting the occupants and their family. He also cautions against rushing the design process, contrasting it with the expedited timelines seen on TV shows. Successful rooms, he contends, evolve over time. Larkin also challenges the concept of "timeless design," asserting that great design inherently connects people, space, and the specific era they inhabit, and thus is always subject to change. Regarding the impact of the pandemic on home design, Brunetz notes that it merely amplified existing issues. The increased time spent at home caused many to scrutinize their living environments more closely, revealing dissatisfactions with spaces that did not genuinely reflect them. Those who thrived at home during this period were often those whose living spaces resonated with their personal identities. To help individuals discover their personal style, Brunetz employs an interview technique where he asks about their hobbies, travel preferences, favorite clothing, or even what piece of furniture they would be, detailing its characteristics. This method helps people articulate their aesthetic inclinations, underscoring that everyone possesses a distinct style. #HomeMakeoverShows #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesignCritique #AuthenticDesign #DesignTrends #HomeDecoration #DesignIndustryInsights #ScandalabraPodcast #MarkBrunetz