On the tiles: a force in American interiors celebrates its 20th birthday in style

Pillar Homes, a custom home building company operating in the Twin Cities metro area, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1995 by K.C. Chermak, the company specializes in designing and crafting award-winning homes. Chermak's entry into custom home building was driven by a passion for architecture, construction, and creativity, cultivated through prior experience in real estate and mentorship within the industry. His primary objective has always been to translate clients' visions into tangible living spaces. The Pillar Homes building process is characterized by an emphasis on quality, ingenuity, and consistency. The company employs a meticulous selection process that considers each location and the specific desires of its clients to optimize project outcomes. This approach integrates the latest building technologies, ensuring that the homes constructed are not only intelligent but also robust and durable enough to last for generations. The company prides itself on creating homes that blend modern advancements with enduring craftsmanship. An example of Pillar Homes' work is their 2020 Artisan Home, situated in Wayzata, which features a Scandinavian contemporary design. This particular project was influenced by the homeowners' European heritage and extensive global travels, resulting in a harmonious fusion of textures and colors. The design philosophy of "less is more" guided the floor plan, while dramatic stylistic elements were incorporated to evoke a sense of calm and sensory enhancement. The Pillar Homes team collaborates closely with homeowners to ensure their unique vision is seamlessly integrated into the construction and craftsmanship, utilizing distinctive products chosen by the clients. Throughout its 25-year history, Pillar Homes has undertaken a diverse range of projects, from single-family residences and small developments to historic renovations. Chermak highlights the company's continuous exploration of new design elements and efficient construction techniques. A notable project involved relocating a nearly century-old home to a new site to facilitate the construction of three new homes. This challenging endeavor resulted in a successful outcome, preserving an old home for a new owner while creating additional family residences. Chermak expresses particular pride in his team members and all contributors who have dedicated their efforts to homeowner satisfaction, especially during what he describes as a challenging and unprecedented year. Looking ahead, Pillar Homes continues to offer new building opportunities across the west metro area. Specific upcoming developments include two new lots in Wayzata overlooking the Wayzata Yacht Club, and prime multi-family brownstones in downtown Wayzata, just two blocks from Lake Street, offering views of Lake Minnetonka. Additionally, the company is presenting opportunities to build on premium lots in surrounding areas such as Plymouth, Edina, and Uptown Minneapolis. Pillar Homes anticipates meeting the demands of the home-buying community through these new projects. #PillarHomes #CustomHomeBuilding #TwinCities #KCChermak #Architecture #HomeDesign #ArtisanHome #Wayzata #Construction

Phoenix Stretch Ceilings, a company specializing in European stretch ceiling technology and LED lighting features, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Established by Axel and Andrea Pasternak in Kelowna, the company has been serving residential and commercial clients across the Okanagan and Lower Mainland by transforming existing ceilings into aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. The company plans to mark this milestone throughout 2024 with special offers and events as a gesture of appreciation to its clientele. Stretch ceilings, a technology popular in Europe for over three decades, are gaining traction in British Columbia through Phoenix Stretch Ceilings. The product involves installing a high-grade material—available in matte, satin, glossy, metallic, or translucent finishes—just beneath the original ceiling. This material is affixed to a track mounted along the walls. The gap between the old and new ceilings allows for the integration of new lighting layouts, a significant advantage for buildings with concrete ceilings or subfloors where traditional lighting installation is challenging. The ceilings are custom-made, can cover areas up to 800 square feet, and come in over 100 colors, offering extensive design flexibility. Beyond just ceilings, the stretch material can also be used for wall displays, incorporating LED backlighting and custom prints to enhance visual appeal. An example includes a bedroom ceiling installation featuring a Milky Way print with LED lighting, demonstrating the product's transformative potential. The materials are also resistant to moisture and chlorine, which helps prevent molding, making them suitable for humid environments like bathrooms and pool areas. This durability ensures the longevity and visual integrity of the installations. Phoenix Stretch Ceilings caters to a diverse client base, ranging from individuals seeking to renovate a single room to developers involved in multi-family constructions and commercial projects. The company offers solutions that span from budget-friendly options for outdated ceilings to high-end, custom designs. In cases where old ceilings contain asbestos, stretch ceilings can offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional asbestos remediation. The installation process is noted for being quick and clean, often not requiring furniture removal, a stark contrast to the disruption associated with conventional ceiling renovations. The standard stretch ceilings also contribute to improved room acoustics. For enhanced sound performance, Phoenix provides micro-perforated materials combined with hidden acoustic absorbers. The anti-static properties of the surfaces minimize dust accumulation, and the ceilings are easy to clean with a moist microfiber cloth, eliminating the need for repainting. Additionally, the design ensures continued access to structures above the stretch ceiling without compromising aesthetics or requiring outdated T-bar ceiling styles. Phoenix Stretch Ceilings maintains a commitment to transparency and customer value, offering free consultations and fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs after assessing the space. The company's reputation is built on quality service, meticulous workmanship, and adherence to project timelines and budgets. In addition to stretch ceilings, the company also offers Supreme German Blinds and Phoenix Exterior Shading, providing high-quality shading solutions for both interior and exterior residential and commercial applications. These product lines are showcased at their showroom at THE FACTORY, located at 1302 St. Paul St. in Kelowna. Further information and updates are available through their Facebook and Instagram pages. #StretchCeilings #LEDLighting #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CeilingSolutions #AcousticImprovement #PhoenixStretchCeilings #KelownaBusiness

Palatino, a key entity within La Bottega Collective and a leader in hospitality design and accessories, has marked its tenth anniversary by introducing a new capsule series. This innovative series was developed in collaboration with a curated selection of architectural and design talents from around the world. The initiative, conceptualized with Paragone, a Paris and New York-based agency representing prominent and emerging design and architecture figures, solidifies Palatino's reputation as a curator blending hospitality, culture, and collectible design. Each capsule in the series consists of a limited collection of non-commercial, heirloom-quality objects, produced in extremely small quantities for specific hospitality properties globally. The series made its debut during Dubai Design Week, featuring Italian interior designer and artistic director Alessandro Moriconi. Moriconi's capsule for Palatino Hospitality embodies a refined approach to living, characterized by his sensitive and intuitive design philosophy. This approach integrates a strong sense of proportion, clean lines, material interaction, and a pursuit of natural harmony. The collection includes a walnut and leather catchall, a sculptural ceramic and aged metal vase, a mirrored tray accented with leather, and a lidded box made of aged metal with stone embellishments. Each item is designed as a functional artwork, combining elegant forms, contrasting textures, and precise finishes, reflecting a contemporary elegance rooted in craftsmanship and timeless design. The collection, which avoids ostentation, highlights refined simplicity and lasting character, echoing Moriconi's skill in creating interiors and objects that convey emotion, memory, and materiality. These pieces will be permanently showcased within the architectural framework of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, specifically in their iconic Pearl Suite. Following its launch in Dubai, the second installment of Palatino’s capsule collections was revealed in the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria in New York City, featuring Studio Akademos, the Paris-based architectural duo of Aurélien Raymond and Costanza Rossi. These pieces, described as “small architectures,” are characterized by their clean lines, minimal embellishments, and detailed craftsmanship. The use of textured woods, nickel or silver-plated metals, and jewelry-inspired handles emphasizes material richness and timeless elegance. The collection, which began with a jewelry box as a symbol of crafted simplicity, has expanded to include amenity boxes, trays, fruit bowls, and waste bins. Each item is designed to offer thoughtful functionality and subtle luxury for daily use, serving as permanent exhibition pieces in the Waldorf Astoria New York’s Waldorf Suite and Empire Suite. Looking ahead, Palatino has announced two new collaborations for 2026: with London-based design studio Campbell Rey, known for its vibrant and color-driven narratives, and with Dinosaur Designs, an Australian creative house celebrated for its sculptural resin art. These upcoming capsules are expected to further develop Palatino’s design language and reinforce its position as a trendsetter in narrative-driven hospitality design. Gabriella Zavatti, Co-Founder of Palatino, emphasized that this anniversary signifies not only a decade of craftsmanship and creativity but also the beginning of a new phase for the brand. She noted that each capsule represents a dialogue among design, architecture, and hospitality, exploring how objects can transcend their functional roles to become narratives, memories, and expressions of place. Tommaso Pacini, CEO of La Bottega Collective, stated that Palatino is a compelling example of design innovation within the collective, radically transforming the guest experience by reimagining occupancy supplies and equipment as cultural artifacts that redefine luxury for future generations of hospitality. The Palatino 10th Anniversary Capsules represent a significant moment in the brand’s creative history, celebrating design, craftsmanship, and collaboration, and setting the direction for its continued influence in hospitality design over the next decade. Palatino's client base includes prestigious hospitality brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, Peninsula, Orient Express, and Bulgari Hotels, as well as renowned properties like Badrutt’s Palace and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. #Palatino #LaBottegaCollective #HospitalityDesign #DesignInnovation #LuxuryInteriors #CollectibleDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #BoutiqueHotelDesign

The opening of The Halles in Round Top last March introduced an innovative integration of media, design, antiquing, and art, attracting a dedicated audience for elevated shopping experiences and vibrant evening events. For its robust fall antiques show lineup, The Halles is set to offer an expanded array of attractions, including a significant partnership with the heritage American paint brand, Benjamin Moore, founded in 1883. Benjamin Moore is hosting its highly anticipated Color of the Year 2022 Texas Party at The Halles on Wednesday, October 27. This event is accessible by invitation or with a Halles VIP Experience ticket. The paint company will also unveil its inaugural Colors of Round Top Collection during this event. While the national announcement for the Color of the Year typically takes place in other cities, such as New Orleans, this year marks the addition of a Texas celebration in Round Top, a prominent hub for antiques and design enthusiasts. This decor-focused event is a collaborative effort between Benjamin Moore, PaperCity, Round Top Publishers, and The Halles. In recognition of its ongoing relationships with ASID Chapters, Benjamin Moore is also providing two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for ASID members from the Texas Gulf Coast Houston Chapter, as well as the DFW, San Antonio, and Austin Chapters. These sessions, led by Benjamin Moore’s Annie Miranda-Sommers and Allison Berry, are by invitation only and will focus on the Color of the Year 2022 and the newly launched Colors of Round Top collection. For the development of The Colors of Round Top collection, Benjamin Moore collaborated with Houston designer Mary Lambrakos of Lambrakos Studio. Lambrakos undertook several trips to Round Top to curate a palette of 70 Benjamin Moore paint colors. These colors were inspired by the natural landscape, historical sites, and distinctive elements of the town and its surroundings, including locations like Festival Hill and the oldest structure in Fayette County. Lambrakos, who will be the keynote speaker at the Color of the Year reveal, describes the collection as an exploration into understanding the inherent palette that emerges from a place's soul and landscape. The inspirations for The Colors of Round Top Collection include Moores Fort in Rummel Square, dating back to 1831, which is the oldest structure in Fayette County. Lambrakos translated the soft gray tones and historical nuances of its wood, stone, and mortar into Benjamin Moore colors, emphasizing the multiplicity of colors within these ancient materials. The Edythe Bates Old Chapel at Round Top Festival Institute, a sacred 1883 structure, provided inspiration for a bold and moody palette, featuring an atmospheric mauve that reflects the building's architecture and the Texas sky. The region's diverse flora and fauna, both seasonal and geographical, contributed to a range of colors drawn from the bucolic farmlands between Houston and Austin. Additionally, the collection draws from the architectural heritage of Round Top, including historic buildings, vernacular farm structures, and iconic 19th-century architecture established by German settlers in 1870. This includes observing the intricate details of Victorian cottages, barn-like structures, and the reddish-browns of brick contrasted with buff-colored window sills, which showcase the complexities of ornamentation and how a house expresses its structure. Visitors to The Halles VIP Pavilion will be able to experience Benjamin Moore’s The Colors of Round Top visually. Lambrakos is highlighting the wood of The Halles' barn-like structure, creating an abstract, syncopated rhythm that she interprets as a blend of artistic influences from Ellsworth Kelly, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Sol LeWitt, and Mondrian. #BenjaminMoore #ColorOfTheYear #RoundTop #TheHalles #DesignEvent #MaryLambrakos #PaintColors #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalInspiration

Original Style, a prominent tile manufacturer, has announced Ascot Blue as its Tile of the Year for 2024. This selection highlights a vivid yet contemporary blue shade, carefully chosen to align with current design trends. Ascot Blue is a recent addition to the company's Artworks collection, which originated in 1986 with tile sets designed for cast iron fireplaces. Described as an inky shade, Ascot Blue sits between indigo and navy, distinguished by its subtle grey undertones. This characteristic positions it as a versatile and appealing everyday blue, capable of serving as a richer and more engaging alternative to traditional mid-tone grey or beige neutrals. Emma Hughes, Studio Manager at Original Style, emphasizes the color's "versatility and ease of living with," recommending its combination with soft neutral tones and heritage prints to achieve a timeless and classic aesthetic. The unique glaze formulation for Ascot Blue is the result of meticulous work by Original Style's in-house designers and craftspeople. They employ high-quality raw materials and traditional techniques in its production. The tile is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms, and the company has developed various set and flat lay designs to demonstrate its wide range of potential applications. These illustrative examples showcase how Ascot Blue can be effectively integrated into different home environments, including bathrooms, hallways, and kitchens, highlighting its adaptability and aesthetic appeal across diverse interior settings. In a bathroom setting, Ascot Blue can be used to create a luxurious, heritage-inspired look. This can be achieved by combining different tile formats with decorative statement floor tiles, and then accessorizing with brass accents to complete the opulent aesthetic. For hallways, utility rooms, and boot rooms, the tiles offer both practical benefits and a stylish design choice, making these transitional spaces more visually interesting and durable. When applied as a 'colour drench' in a bathroom, Ascot Blue delivers a look that is both contemporary and opulent, demonstrating its capacity to transform a space with a cohesive and immersive color scheme. The overall presentation by Original Style aims to inspire and guide consumers and designers on how to best incorporate Ascot Blue into their projects, leveraging its unique characteristics to create sophisticated and enduring interiors. #TileOfTheYear #AscotBlue #OriginalStyle #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #BlueTiles #BathroomDesign #HallwayDecor #KitchenTiles

The 2023 'Rising Giants' report from Interior Design magazine highlights the impressive growth and trends among the second tier of the largest design firms. In 2022, these firms collectively achieved total fees of $532 million, marking a substantial 50% increase from 2021 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This growth indicates a robust recovery and expansion within the interior design industry. The report categorizes these firms based on various metrics, including design fees, project values, square footage, and staffing. Hospitality projects emerged as the primary revenue driver for these Rising Giants, contributing 30% ($162 million) of their overall fees. This sector, while still dominant, saw a slight decrease from 38% two years prior. Corporate projects followed, accounting for 25% ($131 million), with residential projects at 17% ($89 million) and healthcare at 9% ($46 million). Projections for 2023 suggest stability in hospitality's contribution, a slight decline in corporate work, and an increase in residential projects. The furnishings, fixtures, and construction (FF&C) market experienced a significant boom, more than doubling to $35.8 billion, largely influenced by a single firm's substantial contributions, and is forecast to reach $38 billion in the coming year. The volume of projects undertaken by these firms saw a notable increase, with nearly 23,000 projects completed in 2022, up from 15,000 in 2021 and almost double the 12,000 projects in 2019. However, total square footage, at 188 million, did not keep pace with this project growth, suggesting a shift towards smaller-scale projects, diversification into consulting and branding, and the impact of hybrid work models on spatial requirements. Staffing levels also saw significant expansion, with design staff increasing by 62% to approximately 4,200 in 2022, and the total employee count rising by 27%. This influx of talent has led to an increase in salaries, with average designer salaries reaching $80,000, the highest recorded in the tracked data. The biggest challenges identified by these firms include recruiting and retaining qualified staff (89%), training staff (43%), and retaining existing staff (40%). Other concerns include creating new business opportunities (31%), recruiting diverse staff (28%), and offering appropriate pay and benefits (28%). Client-related issues highlight the difficulty in getting clients to understand design value (52.1%) and their willingness to pay what it's worth (66%). Economic uncertainties (62%) and earning appropriate fees (66%) are also significant business challenges. Despite these hurdles, the Rising Giants forecast a healthy 10% increase in total fees for 2023, reaching $583 billion, indicating continued confidence in the sector's growth trajectory. #InteriorDesign #RisingGiants #DesignIndustry #MarketTrends #HospitalityDesign #CorporateDesign #ResidentialDesign #StaffingChallenges #EconomicForecast

The article details House Beautiful's seventh annual Whole Home project, which took place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, specifically an area between Asheville and Hendersonville. The location was chosen for its culinary scene, high brewery-per-capita ratio, proximity to the Biltmore Estate, vibrant art scene, and scenic views, as well as a local bakery famous for salty chocolate chip cookies. The 4,000-square-foot mountain contemporary home was built in partnership with Sean Sullivan of Living Stone Design + Build, named 2023 National Custom Home Builder of the Year, and Laura Sullivan of ID.ology Interiors & Design, along with 11 other design teams. The initial goal of the project was to celebrate vacation home living and promote downtime. However, the project took an unexpected turn on the final day of the team's visit when Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The storm caused significant devastation to the region, including the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, resulting in power outages, loss of communication, and displacement. Although the House Beautiful team was safe, the widespread destruction prompted a shift in the project's mission. The focus moved from design inspiration to supporting the community's rebuilding efforts, highlighting the resilience of the local tradespeople and designers who continued their work despite personal losses. The article emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the project, acknowledging the extensive contributions of Sean and Laura Sullivan, Sarah Caldwell, Jill Jones, Chris Culler, Matthew Jones, Will Hewitt, and a person referred to as “Blackstone,” all of whom played crucial roles in the home's construction and design. Their dedication was particularly notable as many were directly impacted by the hurricane. The home itself is described as energy-efficient, located in the conservation-minded community of Sprout in Hendersonville. It features heating and cooling systems by Trane and window treatments by Hunter Douglas, which contribute to its energy efficiency. The exterior paint colors, Pantalon and Off-Black, are from Farrow & Ball. The article also lists various brand partners, including Architectural Grille, Fabricut, Feeney Railings, Fibreworks, Lee Industries, Minted, Monogram, Harlequin, Serena & Lily, Spoonflower, The Container Store, Visual Comfort & Co., and Wayfair Professional. House Beautiful also partnered with Wellness Within Your Walls, an organization dedicated to educating and guiding on reducing toxins in living environments, reflecting a commitment to meaningful and healthy design. The article concludes by encouraging readers to visit the region when it is ready, not only for its natural beauty and culinary delights but also to support its recovery. The full story of the home will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of House Beautiful, which is scheduled to be released on November 26. #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #NorthCarolina #HurricaneHelene #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #DesignPartnerships #CommunitySupport

Artisans of Atlanta, a custom home building and renovation company, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, highlighting a quarter-century of operations in the Atlanta area. The company emphasizes a culture that is personal and family-friendly, coupled with a strong focus on team support, as noted by Daniel Johnson, Head of Operations. This approach contributes to the company's ability to consistently meet client expectations and build lasting relationships. The firm has completed numerous projects throughout Atlanta, often working with repeat clients. This client retention is attributed to their commitment to bringing client visions to life. Owner Matt Johnson underscores the importance of having carpenters, designers, and craftsmen deeply involved in the business processes, which ensures a high level of care and attention to detail across the entire team. This integrated approach positions Artisans of Atlanta as a key provider of construction and design services in the region. Artisans of Atlanta operates with proven systems for various stages of a project, including estimating, designing, pre-construction, and production. These systems are designed to ensure client satisfaction and foster recurring business. Daniel Johnson explains that these established processes help in consistently delivering results that delight clients. The company’s scope of work is diverse, encompassing custom projects that demand unique and detailed craftsmanship. This includes second-story additions, specialized basement build-outs, and renovations of historic homes dating back to the 1900s. Current client preferences, according to Daniel Johnson, lean towards timeless finishes, clean lines, and a more contemporary design aesthetic. The company adapts to these evolving trends while maintaining its commitment to quality and client collaboration. In a strategic expansion move, Artisans of Atlanta is opening a new branch at Lake Oconee, which will extend their service reach to both new and existing clients in that area. Artisans of Atlanta's primary goal is to build long-term relationships with their clients, aspiring to be their go-to builder for life. This objective is supported by a clear focus on effective listening and communication throughout the project lifecycle. By prioritizing client experience and open dialogue, the company aims to ensure that each project is managed smoothly and results in a positive outcome for the client. The celebration of 25 years signifies their sustained presence and reputation in the custom home building sector. #CustomHomeBuilding #HomeRenovation #AtlantaInteriors #ConstructionServices #DesignExcellence #ClientRelationships #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryHomes

Acne Studios marked its tenth anniversary of showing in Paris with an S/S 2023 collection that explored the archetypes of a 'twisted wedding party.' The event, held at Paris’ Palais de Tokyo, featured an all-pink set design, a color deeply embedded in the brand's identity, often referred to as ‘Acne Studios pink.’ Creative director Jonny Johansson initiated this choice, noting that the color was once unpopular, but the brand embraced and integrated it into its DNA, aiming to redefine its context. The inspiration for the 'wedding party' theme stemmed from Johansson's reflection on the brand's decade in Paris, an occasion he felt warranted a significant celebration. He viewed a wedding as the most iconic and universally understood celebratory event, providing a rich source of aesthetic choices. The S/S 2023 collection was designed to incorporate elements reminiscent of nuptials, from the tablecloths and chandeliers to bridal accessories like shoes and bows, infusing them with a kitschy yet sweet sensibility. Johansson also reflected on his own wedding nearly two decades prior, humorously noting his regret over wearing a traditional black suit, which likely influenced the collection’s unconventional approach to wedding attire. A key highlight of the set design was the collaboration with London-based nail artist Sylvie Macmillan, who created large-scale, shell-encrusted candelabras. Macmillan’s artistic background, known for surreal and embellished manicures, transitioned into these sculptural pieces. Her previous work included a charity project where she crafted smaller, shell-covered candelabras from sourced materials. The Acne Studios commission allowed her to expand on these designs, working with larger structures and diverse shell species. Macmillan’s intent was to make the shells appear as if they naturally grew from or clung to the candelabras, drawing inspiration from barnacles and limpets on rocks and shipwrecks, thus offering a non-formulaic approach to shell embellishment. The artistic ensemble for the event also included the 'avant-harp' collective Leya & Eartheater, who served as the wedding band, further contributing to the 'twisted' theme. This choice reinforced the brand’s commitment to an unconventional and avant-garde interpretation of traditional elements. Johansson acknowledges the ongoing pressure of showing in Paris, even after ten years, emphasizing that weddings, while cute and kitschy, also carry a sense of seriousness and vulnerability, a duality reflected in the collection. The article highlights Acne Studios' distinctive approach to fashion, blending kitsch with high design and creating immersive experiences for its shows. The brand's use of pink, initially a controversial choice, has become a signature element. The collaboration with Macmillan underscores the brand's interest in interdisciplinary artistry, bringing an unexpected element to the fashion presentation. The S/S 2023 show served as both a retrospective of Acne Studios' journey in Paris and a forward-looking statement on its aesthetic philosophy. #AcneStudios #ParisFashionWeek #SS2023Collection #FashionDesign #JonnyJohansson #SylvieMacmillan #FashionArtCollaboration #SetDesign #PinkAesthetic

The latest week on 'The Block 2024' saw the competing teams unveil their rumpus and office spaces, alongside finishing their hallways and attending the crucial Domain Buyers Jury night. The Buyers Jury event holds significant weight, often predicting the competition's ultimate winner. This year, underdogs Ricky and Haydn secured the win, earning an additional $50,000. Maddy and Charlotte, despite a challenging 'hell week,' successfully delivered their rumpus room and converted their office into a lounge, aiming for a self-contained guest retreat. The judges, Shaynna, Marty, and Darren, praised their simplified styling, effective lighting plan, and custom finishes. They highlighted the transformation of a window into a door as a 'genius' move, creating a dual-income potential for the property. This strategic change echoed the success of previous winners, Tess and Luke, who also incorporated a guest retreat. Courtney and Grant, despite a hallway win and a bonus point, received negative feedback for their office space. Marty criticized its placement on the mezzanine, calling it a misuse of valuable real estate and linking it to their mezzanine ensuite. Shaynna agreed, noting the low ceiling and poor acoustics made the office feel uncomfortable and poorly suited for a private workspace. The rumpus room, while aesthetically pleasing and 'Instagrammable,' was deemed less functional for a long-term inspection by Marty, who suggested converting it into an additional bedroom suite. Ricky and Haydn, previously struggling, celebrated a turning point with their rumpus and games area. Their decision to create an entertainment-focused 'fun house' resonated with the judges. The room featured a race track print with 'Phillip Island' written on the wall, heavy curtains, and a sofa bed, allowing for conversion into an extra guest bedroom. The mezzanine games room, complete with a pool table, Pac-Man machine, Street Fighter II, and a bar cart, was lauded for its fun factor and strong emotional connection, indicating high rental potential. Kylie and Brad faced significant criticism for their monochromatic office/lounge area. The judges expressed confusion over the space's purpose and layout, with Darren stating they 'dropped the ball' and Shaynna remarking it looked as though the couch was simply 'dropped' into the room. The curved leather couch by the glass balustrade was particularly disliked, described as creating a 'peep show' effect. The adjoining lounge space was also deemed disproportionate and uncomfortable, leading to Marty's final assessment of it being the 'most uncomfortable room' of the season. #TheBlock2024 #RumpusRoomDesign #OfficeSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #RealityTV #HomeDecor #GuestRetreat #EntertainmentRoom

The Cersaie 2019 exhibition highlighted a significant resurgence in the use of decorative ceramic tiles as a versatile and expressive cladding material. This trend showcases ceramics' ability to emulate natural materials such as wood, stone, marble, and concrete, while also establishing its unique aesthetic identity through innovative decorative applications. Manufacturers presented a wide array of formats, colors, and designs, transforming surfaces into opportunities for artistic and formal experimentation, with a particular focus on covering large areas using maxi slabs and extra-large tiles to ensure graphic continuity. Del Conca, celebrating its 40th anniversary, introduced the 'Timeline Seventy-Nine' collection, characterized by soft tones and sweeping surfaces. The decorative motifs in this collection draw inspiration from imperfection, featuring textile textures with interrupted designs that evoke the elegance of aged tapestries or rugs, adding a sense of dilapidated sophistication to walls. Ragno's new 'Maiora_Concrete Effect Botanical' line combines large, thin slabs with intricate natural and floral graphics. This collection, including three extra-large models (120x278 cm), can be used individually or in bold wall compositions. The designs uniquely contrast concrete-effect backgrounds with vintage botanical decorations, pushing the boundaries of ceramic surface application. 41zero42 unveiled 'Louis,' a new family of decorated tiles with floral inspirations, as part of their 'Paper41 Lux' collection. This line utilizes photographic hyper-realism and advanced digital printing, incorporating a resin into the ceramic mix to achieve particularly brilliant, resistant surfaces with vivid reflections and chromatic intensity. Florim, in collaboration with Rubelli, presented 'i Filati di Rex,' a collection that meticulously translates motifs from prized textiles onto ceramic surfaces. This innovative stylistic approach enhances the material's expressive potential, creating visually detailed surfaces that resemble fabric wallpapers, with nine decorative motifs inspired by nature and art spread across large tiles. Devon&Devon;'s 'Décor Slabs' collection uses pure gold as its foundation, offering large-format ceramic slabs that interpret Art Deco motifs through advanced digital inkjet printing. The extra-large sizes minimize seams, ensuring a clean and perfect aesthetic. The collection features two themes: 'Acanthus,' inspired by acanthus leaves and available in six colors, and 'Peacock,' a stylized reinterpretation of peacock plumage on white or sage backgrounds. Fap Ceramiche introduced 'Bloom,' a collection of large 80x160 cm tiles designed to create a wallpaper effect with remarkable materialistic and graphic qualities. These lightweight tiles are easy to install, with maxi decorations ranging from floral themes to warm, faded colors and sparkling metallic inserts. Mutina's ceramic decorations emphasize the versatility of clay, a moldable mineral compound used for tactile and chromatic experimentation. Their display at Cersaie 2019, an 'Alphabet' stand, showcased over ten years of production, highlighting their consistent exploration of whites, blacks, and neutral tones. Ceramiche Refin's 'Vetri' collection focuses on brightness and transparency, utilizing advanced production technologies to give porcelain stoneware the expressive qualities of crystal. Delicate shades at tile borders create depth, while a glossy finish reflects light. The collection features an evanescent color range and natural glass tones, with geometric decors like 'Piet' inspired by Mondrian. Marca Corona's 'Victoria' collection, exhibited at Cersaie 2019, features geometries and reliefs inspired by classic English aesthetics. These ceramic surfaces create exclusive environments with soft tones like aqua green, silver grey, and beige vanilla. Ornamental tiles include three-dimensional textures and molded panels with a boiserie effect, reimagining Victorian-era bathrooms. Another collection from Marca Corona, 'Overclay,' presents decorative porcelain stoneware with sandy shades inspired by desert tones, evoking Moroccan souks through faded and dilapidated effects, creating relaxing atmospheres with Rose and Cotto accents. Finally, Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s 'Spring' collection utilizes glazed double-firing to enhance vibrant colors and decorative textures, expressed through 3D reliefs or fantastical graphics that mimic wallpaper effects. Ceramica Francesco De Maio reissued Gio Ponti's 'Blu Ponti' collection, featuring 33 decorated majolica tiles in white and blue, showcasing hand-printed designs that pay tribute to Italian ceramic heritage and design mastery. #DecorativeTiles #CeramicCladding #Cersaie2019 #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalSurfaces #MaterialInnovation #HomeDecoration #SurfaceDesign #TileTrends

Armourcoat, a surfaces brand, has introduced a new collection of textured and eco-friendly paints called Limewash, designed for both residential and commercial interiors. This range aims to replicate the distinctive aesthetic and tactile qualities of traditional limewash while offering enhanced durability and a less chalky finish. The collection features 45 shades, each crafted from a blend of slaked lime, kaolinite clay mineral, water, mineral pigments, and natural plant additives. This specific composition ensures that the paints are free from solvents and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), aligning with stringent environmental and health standards within the architectural industry. Armourcoat asserts that its Limewash collection is unique in possessing both Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and Health Product Declaration (HPD) documentation. This makes the product particularly suitable for construction projects seeking to achieve sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and LEED. Duncan MacKellar, Armourcoat's creative director, emphasized the company's commitment to material transparency, viewing it as crucial for designing aesthetically pleasing interiors that also minimize ecological impact. He stated that the brand's objective as manufacturers is to decrease both embodied carbon and environmental toxins, thereby fostering sustainable innovation in the built environment. MacKellar reassured architects and designers that all Armourcoat finishes, including the new Limewash range, support the creation of environmentally responsible and healthy indoor spaces, backed by their EPD and HPD documentation. A key benefit of the Limewash collection is its naturally high alkalinity, derived from its slaked lime content. This inherent property provides resistance against bacteria and mould growth, contributing to healthier indoor environments. Additionally, the paint is non-combustible, adding a safety dimension to its list of advantages. The introduction of Limewash represents the latest expansion of Armourcoat's portfolio of surface finishes. The brand consistently aims to deliver sustainable luxury finishes to the global community of architects and designers. This product launch underscores Armourcoat's dedication to providing innovative solutions that cater to the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance interior materials. #Armourcoat #LimewashPaint #EcoFriendlyInteriors #SustainableDesign #InteriorFinishes #GreenBuilding #MaterialTransparency #VOCFreePaint

The 30th annual Coverings, North America's largest tile and stone exhibition, took place from April 9 to 12 in Orlando, Florida. The event, which commemorated its 1989 launch with music and a historical timeline, attracted 27,000 attendees, an increase from the previous year. It was sponsored by key industry organizations including Ceramics of Italy, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), Tile of Spain, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association, and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). Coverings primarily caters to distributors, offering insights into emerging tile trends and innovations, alongside educational sessions on topics such as tariffs, e-commerce, and technology in retail. Specialized lectures and hands-on demonstrations were also provided in the Installation & Design Experience booth, covering subjects like substrate preparation and techniques for large-format plank and gauged porcelain tiles. A prominent trend observed at the show was the continued popularity of encaustic tiles, featuring both antique and modern motifs. Wood-look planks were showcased with bolder, contrasting shading. For larger format rectangles, industrial concrete and terrazzo aesthetics dominated, offering a practical and cost-effective alternative to poured floors. Ryan Fasan, a consultant for Tile of Spain, highlighted vibrant colors and "supergraphics" as significant trends. Blue emerged as a particularly hot hue, appearing in various textures and finishes. Florim's Onyx collection, for instance, presented a blue marble look with deep grey veining and subtle gold accents, creating a 3D effect. Marca Corona’s Ossidi line introduced high-gloss deep blue and white diamond-shaped tiles, providing design flexibility. Florim’s Flor Gres commercial brand displayed a wide color palette, including blues and oranges, with yellows and oranges also utilized in graphic tiles as accents or standalone features. Somertile offered a vibrant orange solid tile, Twist Square Orange Sunset, while Oceanside Glass & Tile’s Zoetic collection blended blues, yellows, and oranges in a lustrous peacock feather-like design. The return of black was evident in dark marble and stone tile looks, often with gold veining, exemplified by American Olean's matte black diamond-shaped tile in its NeoConcrete collection and Marazzi's solid charcoal and medium black tiles in the Basalto collection. Graphics played a more significant role this year, featuring nature-inspired murals and bold designs. Somertile showcased comic book graphics and street graffiti patterns. Cotto D’Este presented a "functional flora" trend with its forest mural large-format tile, Dream, while Veromar offered luxury tiles with intricate geometric and floral graphics in gold, black, and antique white. Wood looks expanded into "wild woods," displaying variations in species and combinations of different types. Vitromex’s Barque collection mixed light and dark planks resembling various wood species, and Florida Tile’s Excursion collection integrated multiple species within each plank for a textured visual. Tile scales also varied, with larger formats used for walls and smaller ones for floors, and a resurgence of the square format. Rhombus and other geometric shapes were replacing hexagons, and Crossville introduced unique dog-shaped tiles. Coverings continued its community service initiatives, partnering with Clean the World to assemble hygiene kits for veterans and collaborating with Habitat for Humanity and Freeman to donate unused tile and stone products. The TCNA and its members also supported Orlando-area pets through their tiled doghouse program. Producer highlights included Crossville’s Escher-themed booth, emphasizing repeating patterns and showcasing new slab countertops and the Alaska terrazzo-look line. Marazzi introduced the Historia antique marble-look collection with half-hex tiles and the monochromatic Basalto line, suitable for outdoor pavers. American Olean presented Ideology, a white marble-look tile, and NeoConcrete, a concrete-look indoor/outdoor tile with subtle movement and 3D cube patterns, both featuring StepWise slip-resistant technology. Ragno, celebrating 70 years, featured Romantic Marble for both residential and commercial markets and ConKreto, a concrete-look floor tile. Florida Tile introduced Modtique, a collection with subtle wear, and Excursion, a National Park-themed porcelain wood-look tile blending different species. American Wonder Porcelain showcased new products like Biancatto Porcelain (travertine look), Avaro Forest Porcelain (wood-cement mix), and Bravado Porcelain (metal and cement blend). Stonepeak expanded its Plane 2.0 collection with new colors like Avalanche (white marble-look) and introduced Imperial Stone, a lightly veined marble look. Stonepeak’s Design Your Slab (DYS) program offered customizable wall applications with any image on porcelain slabs, which can be integrated into their Ventilated Facade System to reduce energy costs. Florim USA focused on its Milestone brand, offering 2cm pavers with recycled content, and showcased Erfoud Stone (fossilized marble look) and Onyx (rectified color body porcelain). Atlas Concorde USA collaborated with designer Laurie Smith on the Mood collection, offering diverse wall and floor tiles and a cut-to-order option. Landmark Ceramics, an Italian company with a U.S. facility, presented Charme Evo marble-look tile, Grace travertine-look tile, and Infinity limestone-look tile. Del Conca featured Amsterdam, a wood-look collection with realistic graining, Neopolis for floor and wall applications, and Stelvio, a versatile indoor/outdoor terrazzo-look tile. #Coverings2019 #TileAndStone #FlooringTrends #CeramicTile #PorcelainTile #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalSurfaces #MaterialInnovation

The 2024 Rising Giants report from Interior Design highlights the performance and trends of the second tier of design firms, differentiating them from the top 100 firms. While both groups have recovered from the pandemic, Rising Giants experienced a more significant impact during COVID-19, necessitating a longer recovery period. Their design fees, at $576 million, are less than a tenth of the top 100 firms' $5.9 billion, meaning smaller changes in their financial metrics can lead to larger percentage swings. This volatility can also be influenced by the performance of a single large project or market. Despite the deeper impact of the pandemic, Rising Giants had a strong 2023. Design fees grew 11% since 2019 and 8% year-over-year. The value of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&C) installed increased by 15% over the same period. The number of projects undertaken by these firms rose by 9% from 2022 to 2023, and more than doubled since 2019, reaching a total of 24,956 projects. This contrasts with the top 100 Giants, whose projects increased by only 13% in the same interval. Staffing trends also show a divergence. While the top 100 firms saw a 16% reduction in employees, Rising Giants experienced an equal percentage of staff growth, indicating a robust rebuilding phase after pandemic-related downsizing. The number of principals/partners increased by 109% since 2019, project managers by 61%, and designers by 36%. These figures account for both new hires and internal promotions. Financially, salaries for Rising Giants employees increased by 11%, but billable rates only rose by 2%. This suggests that these firms are undertaking more projects and paying their staff more, yet they are not significantly increasing their billable fees, possibly due to the competitive landscape for securing work. Forecasts for 2024 also reveal different outlooks. Last year, the top 100 firms predicted a decline that did not materialize, while Rising Giants anticipated an uptick, which occurred even more strongly than expected. For 2024, Rising Giants project a less significant slowdown compared to the top 100, reflecting their more optimistic recovery trajectory. The report identifies key challenges faced by Rising Giants. Client-related issues include a lack of understanding of design value (58%), client unwillingness to pay appropriate fees (56%), and challenges in explaining timelines (44%). Business issues highlight concerns about an uncertain economy (68%), earning appropriate fees (64%), and increasing client demands (51%). Practice issues predominantly revolve around recruiting qualified staff (74%), creating new business/diversifying segments (51%), and staff training (37%). Regarding project types, 49% of Rising Giants' work involves new construction, 44% is renovation/retrofit, and 7% is cosmetic refresh only. The majority of projects (88%) are domestic, with 12% being international. International projects are primarily located in Canada (40%), Asia/Pacific Rim (38%), and the Caribbean (28%). The average billable time for Rising Giants is 80%, with 44% of firms reporting 80-89% billable time. The methodology for the annual business survey includes North American firms generating at least 25% of their interior design fee income in North America. Fees encompass all aspects of interior design practice, including strategic planning, programming, design, and project management, and are based on work performed by full-time staff or equivalents. The research for this report was conducted by ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group. #RisingGiants #InteriorDesign #IndustryTrends #BusinessPerformance #StaffingGrowth #FinancialAnalysis #ProjectManagement #MarketForecast