Inca trail: Cristian Zuzunaga’s Peru-inspired furniture collection

Estudio Persona, a design duo founded by industrial designer Emiliana Gonzalez and artist Jessie Young, has released a furniture collection that draws inspiration from their native Uruguay. The designers, who moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to establish their studio, aim to challenge the common perception of "exuberantly colourful Latino cliché" in their designs. Instead, they embrace the more melancholic and European-influenced aesthetic of Montevideo, Uruguay, a city they describe as being suitable for writers and poets, characterized by its grey hues and British-like winters. Their approach to design involves a continuous discussion between functionality and sculpture, product and narrative, with the goal of creating furniture that interacts meaningfully with both space and the human body. The collection features a muted color palette, natural materials, and matte finishes, deviating from the bright colors often associated with Latin American design. A prominent piece in the collection is the Una set, which includes a large wooden dining table with thick cylindrical legs and a matching chair. The chair is available in all-black or maple, and its backrest mirrors the shape of the table legs but is rotated 90 degrees and upholstered in leather, supported by a wooden dowel that forms a T-shape above the horseshoe-shaped seat. Another item in the collection is the Puru side table, which incorporates a cylindrical element connecting the ends of a folded, stainless steel section. This support component is offered in various finishes, including a burgundy lacquer, untreated wood, or a limited-edition marbled peach resin. The Nido chair is also part of the collection, featuring a curved leather-upholstered shell that forms both the seat and back. This shell rests on a base composed of two timber panels intersected to create a cross. Completing the collection is the Totem trio of side tables. These tables are crafted from black-stained wood, maple, and concrete, and are designed to be used either individually or stacked together, allowing for space-saving solutions. The photography for the collection was done by Estudio Persona. The design philosophy of Estudio Persona emphasizes a nuanced representation of their cultural background, moving beyond stereotypes to present a more introspective and sophisticated design narrative. #Furniture #EstudioPersona #UruguayanDesign #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernFurniture #DesignCollection #LosAngelesDesign #CulturalInfluence

The Xingu collection by Brazilian designer Maria Fernanda Paes de Barros for Yankatu Design represents a collaborative effort with Mehinako artisans from Alto Xingu in Brazil’s Mato Grosso state. This collection uniquely merges traditional craftsmanship and materials with contemporary technological applications, such as CNC carving, to create modern furniture interpretations. The design process emphasizes the utilization of locally sourced materials, including cabreuva wood, straw yarn, woven stems from the buriti palm tree, and natural dyes and pigments, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. The collaboration ensures that indigenous knowledge and techniques are central to the creation of each piece, while also introducing innovative methods for precision and efficiency in production. Key pieces within the Xingu collection exemplify this fusion. The Kaüpuna swing, for instance, features buriti yarn meticulously harvested, cleaned, and dried by Mehinako women. This natural material is intricately woven and combined with a bench seat crafted from wood by Mehinako men, which is then adorned with traditional graphics derived from charcoal and annatto-based pigments. This particular piece showcases a direct application of both male and female artisanal contributions within the Mehinako community, preserving their distinct roles in craft. Similarly, the Embira bench draws inspiration from the construction of traditional houses. It is made from cabreuva wood, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, and employs moorings fashioned from strips of embira tree bark, a method deeply rooted in traditional building practices. The Oca closet, another significant item in the collection, reimagines traditional buriti and cotton woven rugs by transforming them into the sheathing for a tall, étagère-like cabinet supported by slender legs. This application not only gives new life to traditional textiles but also demonstrates their versatility in contemporary furniture design. The Shelter credenza features two tambour-style sliding doors composed of exceptionally narrow (6 mm) turned cabreuva slats. These slats are intricately woven with cotton threads, naturally dyed using raw materials collected around the Kaüpuna village in Upper Xingu. This piece highlights precision craftsmanship and the aesthetic value of natural dyes. The collection's centerpiece, the Beiju table, is carved from solid cabreuva wood and stands on brick-shaped wooden legs. A distinctive element of the table is the incorporation of draped beaded necklaces, traditionally used in Mehinako rituals, which are integrated into the design, adding cultural depth and symbolic meaning to the furniture piece. This collection ultimately serves as a bridge between rich cultural heritage and modern design sensibilities. #YankatuDesign #MariaFernandaPaesDeBarros #XinguCollection #MehinakoArtisans #BrazilianDesign #SustainableMaterials #TraditionalCraftsmanship #ModernFurniture #CulturalHeritage

Mexico is recognized for its vibrant local handicrafts, which reflect the nation's energetic spirit and rich cultural traditions. Contemporary furniture designers are boldly reinterpreting age-old techniques to create distinctive and innovative furniture pieces. This article highlights five furniture designers who adeptly utilize local artistry, encompassing stone carving and weaving, through a forward-thinking and visionary approach. Fernando Laposse, a Mexico City-based designer, views furniture as a medium for powerful messages, transcending mere decoration. His work includes chaise-style seating crafted from avocado-dyed cotton marquetry, tables made from heirloom maize husks, and furniture adorned with agave fibers. Laposse, influenced by his childhood experiences in rural Tonahuixtla and design studies in London, collaborates with local communities to revitalize and evolve traditional craft methods. His pieces often convey messages addressing agricultural and cultural issues, reflecting a resurgence of appreciation for Mexico’s historical heritage. Gloria Cortina, a designer of modernist furniture and interiors, is deeply influenced by the inherent power of materials, particularly stone. Her creations, such as chairs, benches, and tables, are sculpted from onyx, marble, and obsidian, exuding a dynamic blend of art and functionality. Cortina’s work intentionally references Mexico’s ancient cultures, drawing parallels between her stone pieces and the craftsmanship of pre-Columbian civilizations. She divides her time between Mexico City and Manhattan, where she instructs at Parsons School of Design, continually seeking to integrate the natural landscape and topography of Mexico into her designs. Loyzaga, a design firm, features the legacy of architect and designer Jorge Loyzaga, with his daughters, Sophia and Fernanda, continuing and expanding the brand. The sisters emphasize classical ideals, focusing on culture, harmonic proportions, romance, and meticulous study. Loyzaga’s offerings extend from architectural and interior design to exquisite furniture pieces, including table lamps, side tables, and mirrors, all handcrafted by Mexican artisans. With backgrounds in architecture (Fernanda) and business and fashion (Sophia), they aim to broaden their international presence and foster dialogues about classical architecture and design through Mexican products and craftsmanship. Casamidy, founded by Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Almada in San Miguel de Allende, celebrates the fusion of their personal love story with a shared passion for Mexico’s enduring traditions. Established in 1998, the firm has garnered a dedicated following for its distinctive use of iron combined with saddle leather, canvas, and wood in modernist forms, exemplified by their acclaimed metal Opera chair. Despite the recent passing of Jorge Almada, Midy is committed to preserving his legacy, expanding their artisan network, and incorporating new materials and traditions. Mestiz, led by designer Daniel Valero, showcases outspoken pieces from his San Miguel de Allende studio. Valero, trained in architecture and textile design, returned to handcrafting to honor Mexico’s historical syncretism—the fusion of cultures resulting in new creations—and to decentralize design from the capital. Since launching Mestiz in 2015, he has partnered with artisans in rural areas, fostering economic opportunities and innovation at the community level. His work includes wool rugs from Saltillo, wicker pieces from Tequisquiapan, and ceramics from Dolores, all reflecting a vibrant blend of tradition and contemporary design. #MexicanDesign #FurnitureDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #ModernistFurniture #ArtisanCollaboration #FernandoLaposse #GloriaCortina #LoyzagaDesign #Casamidy #Mestiz

Vintage furniture offers a unique opportunity to infuse character and a sense of history into a home, distinguishing it from mass-produced items. The appeal lies in elements such as well-worn leather, artisanal details, and an inherent historic feel, all of which contribute to a personalized and soulful interior. While traditional hunting grounds like flea markets and sprawling antique stores offer a thrill, many consumers prefer a more curated shopping experience. This article highlights eight top vintage furniture stores, accessible both in-person and online, that specialize in hand-picking antique and vintage pieces. Chairish stands out as a well-established online marketplace with over a decade of operation, offering more than a million listings. It caters to a wide range of tastes, enabling users to search for specific styles like Louis XV dining chairs or chinoiserie desks and filter by preferred decor aesthetics. Litt Concept House, a Los Angeles institution since 1973 (originally Mitchell Litt Home), provides international antiques. After a change in ownership in 2021, it continues to offer a brick-and-mortar experience alongside its online presence, featuring items from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including tables, dressers, wardrobes, and settees. Everything but the House (EBTH), established in 2008, reimagines the estate sale experience as an online auction. Starting bids at just $1 allow for the potential acquisition of significant pieces, such as Biedermeier-style armoires or Hollywood Regency brass side tables, though buyers are advised to review shipping and pickup details carefully. Jayson Home, based in Chicago, serves as a hub for Midwestern designers and travelers. Its Clybourn Avenue store is complemented by a comprehensive website, showcasing unique finds like antique toile fabric folding screens, distinct light fixtures, and oak armoires with rich patinas. One Kings Lane is recognized for its sophisticated collection of antique and vintage furniture. Its online platform features a diverse range of rare and luxurious items, often with a global influence, including mother-of-pearl inlay benches, Moroccan poufs, and hand-carved cabinets from the early 1800s. High Style Deco, located in New York City, specializes in Art Deco furnishings. The store offers velvet dining chairs and sculptural cocktail tables in person, with an expanded selection available online, catering to those looking to integrate vintage glamor or timeless pieces like neoclassical vitrines and leather-wrapped club chairs into their decor. Authentic Provence, situated in West Palm Beach, Florida, presents a mix of pieces spanning various eras. Known for its garden statues and home furnishings, its online shop features 18th to 19th-century items, including Rococo and Baroque styles, alongside other beautiful vintage selections. Finally, Lolo French Antiques, located in Birmingham, Alabama, focuses specifically on French antiques that are at least 100 years old, while also offering a selection of vintage furniture and objets d'art. Their website provides access to pieces suitable for a French chateau, such as bleached walnut coffee tables and Bergère Marquise armchairs, with shipping services available nationwide. #VintageFurniture #AntiqueShopping #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #OnlineShopping #CuratedCollectibles #FurnitureStores #DesignTrends

The Oru collection, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Andreu World, exemplifies the continuing trend of furniture with soft, rounded volumes, extending this aesthetic into contract environments. This collection draws inspiration from 1970s design and Japanese aesthetics, creating a distinctive and impactful mood. A notable design element across all pieces in the Oru collection is the consistent use of a three-legged support structure, which also highlights the craftsmanship involved in their creation. This furniture series is developed to cater to both informal and formal work settings, emphasizing flexibility, adaptability, and user comfort. The Oru collection encompasses a variety of pieces, including two distinct types of chairs alongside coffee, dining, meeting, and auxiliary tables. Each item in the collection features a characteristic wooden structure, unified by its soft, rounded geometric forms. This cohesive design language ensures a harmonious integration within diverse professional spaces. The Oru collection has garnered significant recognition within the design industry. Specifically, it received the Best of Year award from Interior Design Magazine in the category dedicated to best contract seating. Furthermore, the Oru table was acknowledged as a finalist in the same awards, within the category for best contract tables. These accolades underscore the collection's innovative design and its suitability for commercial and professional applications, reflecting its successful translation of a popular aesthetic into functional and awarded contract furniture. #OruCollection #PatriciaUrquiola #AndreuWorld #ContractFurniture #RoundedFurniture #JapaneseDesignInfluence #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #CommercialInteriors

The article presents an interview with architects Maritza Lara Cáceres and Daniel Cruz Maldonado, founders of Casa Quieta, a furniture and home accessories showroom in Mexico City. Casa Quieta, which translates to “quiet house,” is located in an Art Deco building in Polanco and operates by appointment, functioning as a fully furnished and shoppable apartment. The founders describe their vision for Casa Quieta as creating serene, timeless spaces that blend artisan techniques with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from functionalist architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Richard Neutra. They emphasize the preservation of traditional craft mixed with a rationalist aesthetic. Cruz Maldonado explains that Casa Quieta originated from the desire to consolidate and promote their respective furniture brands and their marble accessories brand, Casa Mineral, which launched in 2015. The concept was inspired by “The Apartment by The Line” in New York City, adapted to showcase exclusively Mexican design and art. Lara Cáceres elaborates on the products offered, which include their own furniture and marble accessories, as well as lighting, artworks, ceramics, textiles, and rugs from other Mexican studios. They prioritize contemporary, mostly handmade designs from Mexico and aim to showcase emerging talents. The co-founders, who met at age 17 while studying architecture, highlight their complementary strengths. Lara Cáceres brings warmth and a vision for creating atmospheres through space and photography, while Cruz Maldonado focuses on details, customer experience, and business strategy. Both maintain their individual design studios: Capital Studio for Lara Cáceres, concentrating on personal and intimate residential retreats, and Cotidiano for Cruz Maldonado, which handles comprehensive design projects from building facades to intricate finishes. They share early memories of design, with Lara Cáceres recalling reorganizing her bedroom for serenity and Cruz Maldonado developing a passion for furniture and collecting design magazines from a young age. Lara Cáceres’s decision to study architecture stemmed from her attraction to various art forms and her understanding of interior spaces' impact on daily life. Cruz Maldonado identifies several influential figures and brands, including Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi for her introduction of modernism in Latin America, Norm Architects for their global collaborations, Danish furniture brand Menu and its hospitality project Audo, and Vincent Van Duysen for his architectural ideas translated into furniture for major brands like Molteni and Flos. These inspirations reflect a global perspective on design while maintaining an appreciation for local craftsmanship. Regarding future endeavors, Casa Quieta aims to become a key destination for architects, interior designers, and design enthusiasts. They plan to launch new collections annually, collaborate with other designers on exclusive pieces, and expand their showcase to include Latin American design from other countries. They also express interest in exploring new materials and extending their concept into the hospitality and real estate sectors. For inspiration, both founders emphasize investigation, learning from daily life with consciousness, and travel. They find beauty in raw materials, simple forms, and 20th-century architecture and design, embracing human and universal concepts. #CasaQuieta #MaritzaLaraCaceres #DanielCruzMaldonado #MexicanDesign #FurnitureShowroom #InteriorDesign #ArtisanTechniques #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalInfluence

Colton Dixon Winger, cofounder and owner of the styling agency Cuniform, has expanded his expertise from personal wardrobe curation to sustainable home design. Winger’s approach, rooted in the philosophy of repurposing existing items and sourcing vintage or pre-owned goods, mirrors his successful strategy in fashion. His venture into interior design began with "rearranging services," where he would reorganize a client's current furniture and decorative items to create more cohesive and intentional spaces. This hands-on method stems from his lifelong interest in architecture and interior arrangement, a passion he cultivated since childhood by constantly reconfiguring his own room. Now, Cuniform Interiors operates with a dedicated head of design, Bethanie Jones, and offers comprehensive services, including 3D renderings, structural modifications, and full kitchen remodels. A significant challenge in this expansion has been adapting the sustainable ethos from clothing to home furnishings, as the logistics of transporting and sourcing larger items differ considerably. However, the core principle remains consistent: prioritize what a client already possesses and, when new items are necessary, seek out sustainable and second-hand options. One notable project involved Mia Malave, a long-standing styling client of Cuniform, who sought Winger’s help when moving into a midcentury modern home in West Seattle. Malave desired an open, interconnected living space where conversations could easily flow between the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Her existing kitchen, however, was enclosed by walls and low-hanging cabinets, obstructing the desired open-plan feel. Winger collaborated with Casual Surveying Co., a local design-build firm, to dismantle these barriers, creating an open-concept kitchen furnished with midcentury-appropriate walnut cabinets and a central oak island. For Malave's guest room, Winger skillfully repurposed her existing rug, table, and other decor, augmenting them with unique finds like a vintage metal ladder from Epic Antique to serve as a blanket holder. The furniture for the ground floor was meticulously sourced, with nearly every piece being vintage or recycled. This commitment to intentional, sustainable sourcing often requires patience, as clients may need to wait longer for the perfect, ethically acquired item rather than settling for readily available new products. For instance, a Parisian desk was acquired from local antique dealer Kassie Keith, and a large bamboo dining table was found on Craigslist for a mere $100, complemented by refurbished German chairs. After several attempts to find a suitable sofa, Bethanie Jones located an investment-quality 1970s Milo Baughman piece from her warehouse, which became a central element in Malave’s living room. Malave, still searching for a coffee table, has embraced the deliberate pace and vintage aesthetic, acknowledging that her preference for timeless, well-preserved older items aligns perfectly with the midcentury character of her home. The process highlights Cuniform's dedication to functional design and conscious consumption, demonstrating that beautiful, meaningful spaces can be created through thoughtful selection and repurposing rather than relying solely on new purchases. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #VintageFurniture #MidcenturyModern #Repurposing #ConsciousConsumption #WardrobeCurator #SeattleInteriors

Zachary Nestel-Patt, founder of Ah Um Design Studio, transitioned from a career in music to furniture design, finding parallels between the creative processes. For 35 years, his primary focus was music, studying jazz and classical bass. His entry into woodworking began with a part-time job sanding cremation urns in Los Angeles, which initially served as a means to fund his musical pursuits. However, over time, he discovered a new rhythm and passion in the craft of making, gradually shifting his career trajectory. Nestel-Patt's initial woodworking endeavors involved creating pieces for his own home. The positive reception he received after showcasing these items at a market prompted him to take his design work more seriously. This led to a full order book and sufficient interest to establish Ah Um Design Studio. The studio officially launched its inaugural collection, 'Jura,' during NYC x Design 2024. The 'Jura' Collection comprises 11 pieces, characterized by an expressive blend of materials and textures. Key design elements include zig-zagging wooden frames, mohair and boucle upholstery, and a distinctive application of tiles. These tiles are notably used to clad various pieces, including a chair, lamp, stool, and coffee table. The inspiration for incorporating tiles originated from Nestel-Patt's desire to use intricate tiles by Willem De Morgan, although he ultimately opted for tiles from Mexico that he felt possessed significant life and character. He appreciates how tiles bridge multiple categories, embodying both handmade and mass-produced qualities, vintage and modern aesthetics, and organic and industrial characteristics. Operating from Los Angeles, Nestel-Patt credits the city's vibrant creative community as a continuous source of inspiration for his design practice. He emphasizes that music remains a significant influence, noting the rewarding experience of drawing parallels between the processes of music making and furniture design. Ultimately, his motivation is rooted in a desire to create furniture he would personally enjoy living with, aiming to contribute to the global stock of aesthetically pleasing objects. #FurnitureDesign #AhUmDesignStudio #ZacharyNestelPatt #LAdesign #JuraCollection #TileDesign #Woodworking #CreativeProcess #InteriorDesign

This article explores the significant role of pillows in enhancing home comfort and aesthetics, emphasizing their ability to transform a room. Beginning with the historical evolution of pillows from simple stones to modern fiber-filled items, the piece highlights how these small elements contribute significantly to a space's success by adding layers of comfort and visual appeal. The materials used for pillow coverings have diversified over time, ranging from natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool to synthetic options like polyester, offering a wide array of textures and looks. The article provides a comprehensive guide to sourcing unique and impactful pillows, focusing on both local shops in and around Mérida, Mexico, and online options. It encourages readers to engage in the 'retail therapy' of discovering these items in person while also acknowledging the convenience of virtual shopping. A key recommendation is to seek out antique textiles, explaining that personal items, especially those with a story like an antique fabric, contribute to making a house feel more like a home. The thrill of the hunt for unique fabrics and the process of having custom items made are presented as enjoyable aspects of home decoration. Lourdes at My Living Room is cited as a secret source for antique fabrics and custom pillow covers. Several specific Mérida-based establishments are featured for their pillow offerings. Calle Veinte is highlighted as a prime destination for high-end fabrics from renowned brands such as Designer’s Guild and Camengo, along with a selection of ready-made pillows crafted from premium materials. Taller Maya is introduced as a collective supporting regional artisans, offering unique, hand-dyed, and hand-woven items that celebrate traditional Yucatecan crafts. The Corazon Maya Market, co-located with the Slow Food Market, is recommended for its array of handmade pillows and textiles, predominantly from Oaxaca. Xicalico, situated within Casa T’ho, is noted for its stylish, contemporary designs that blend historical influences with tropical motifs, utilizing materials like crushed velvet to create dramatic accents suitable for various interior styles. Antigüedades de Santo Remedio is presented as a source for modern interpretations of traditional crafts, featuring large-scale pillow covers with stylized floral patterns and lace edgings, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary aesthetic. For those on a budget or looking for seasonal changes, Telas Bayon is suggested for its inexpensive machine-woven serape covers that can fit standard bed pillows, providing versatile options for sofa ends or lumbar support. Lastly, Zara Home, with both an online presence and a retail store at La Isla Mall, is mentioned as a convenient option for a wide selection of pillow choices and inserts suitable for diverse decor styles, also offering room fresheners for a complete sensory update. The article emphasizes that whether through unique antique finds, artisan-made pieces, high-end designer fabrics, or budget-friendly options, pillows offer an accessible and effective way to refresh and personalize any living space. #HomeDecor #PillowShopping #MéridaShops #InteriorDesign #TextileCrafts #ArtisanGoods #HomeComfort #RetailTherapy #YucatánLifestyle

Cheyenne Concepcion, a Filipino American artist, is re-examining the cultural heritage of the Peacock chair through her new furniture collection, Reclaim. The Peacock chair, widely recognized in popular culture through album covers and famous portraits like that of Huey Newton, has a largely unknown origin story. Concepcion discovered that the chair originated in the Bilibid Prison in Manila in the early 1900s, where incarcerated individuals made it as part of "rehabilitation" programs under American colonial rule. This revelation deeply resonated with Concepcion, leading her to explore this obscured history through her design practice. Her work aims to reclaim the chair's narrative and position it as an expressly Filipino American design. The article highlights that basketry has a long history as a national symbol in the Philippines, with Indigenous crafts utilizing woven rattan and bamboo for various items. However, the rise of rattan furniture, including the Peacock chair, was a direct consequence of American colonialism from 1899 to 1946. The colonial government marketed these prison-made rattan products, including the Peacock chair, as "smart and serviceable." When the chair arrived in the United States, it was often presented with an exoticized narrative, depicting it as a symbol of fictional royalty from distant lands, completely disconnecting it from its actual origins and the labor of incarcerated Filipinos. Concepcion's collection, Reclaim, was launched at WantedDesign and aims to modernize the Peacock chair while celebrating Filipino American identity. She describes her ambition as inventing a new style, not just designing furniture. Concepcion seeks to address the hierarchy of cultural recognition within Asian cultures, noting that the Philippines has often been overlooked due to colonization and assimilation, leading to a loss of connection to Indigenous heritage. Her goal is to bring visibility to the Filipino story through design. The collection includes pieces like the Doña Lounge Chair, which reimagines the Peacock chair's archetypal hourglass shape by lowering it, relaxing its posture, and expanding its material palette to include wood, brass, and steel. Concepcion explains that the design is autobiographical, celebrating femininity and portraying the chair as suitable for a queen or matriarch, incorporating brass accents for a more feminine touch. Other pieces include the Coco Nesting Set, featuring nesting stools with powder-coated steel legs that echo the Peacock chair's shape, and the Lolo Mirror, a bronze-tinted smoked mirror inspired by her stargazing grandfather and incorporating a "cane sandwich" technique. The Anak Totems are sculptures made from bent metal wire and woven caning, inspired by Philippine basketry presented at the 1915 Panama Pacific exhibition. Concepcion plans to continue experimenting with the combination of steel and cane, pushing the boundaries of this design application to further develop a distinct Filipino American design style rooted in a re-evaluated historical context. #FilipinoAmericanDesign #PeacockChair #RattanFurniture #CulturalHeritage #CheyenneConcepcion #DecolonizingDesign #FurnitureDesign #WantedDesign #DesignHunting

This article highlights a selection of distinctive furniture pieces designed to enhance any living space, particularly suitable for the Philippines' tropical climate. The featured items prioritize a balance of comfort and style, making them ideal for both summer relaxation and preparing for the rainy season. The collection includes geometric tables, sleek chairs, and various seating options, all chosen for their ability to add vibrancy, boldness, and intrigue to a home. The pieces are presented as versatile additions that can adapt to different weather conditions, ensuring comfort whether lounging by the pool or curled up indoors during inclement weather. The furniture selections are emphasized for their exquisite handiwork from various brands, showcasing a blend of artistic design and functional utility. For instance, modern doors from ADL Design are noted for their geometric flair, while the B&B Italia Allure O'Dot Table introduces organic playfulness. Lighting options such as the Louis Poulsen Tomoshi portable rechargeable lamp and the Louis Poulsen VL45 Radiohus Suspended Lamp are highlighted for their whimsical design and ability to provide ambient lighting, respectively. Seating solutions include the Our Home Sasha 3-seater sofa, chosen for its royal blue hue that complements other jewel tones, and the Softnoons DePadova Armchair, which offers an unexpected pop of color. Philippine craftsmanship is celebrated through items like the Philux x Bernice Montenegro collaboration Ponza swivel chair in rattan and the Philux Heritage Collection Butaka Chairs with Solihiya & custom weaving. The Sunset 83 Daybed by Brigitte Romanek is featured for its sleek form and timeless edge, contributing to a sophisticated living room aesthetic. The article underscores the importance of choosing furniture that not only aligns with personal style but also withstands environmental factors, particularly in a tropical setting. These pieces are intended to serve as foundational elements that create an inviting atmosphere for social gatherings with family and friends. The narrative positions these furniture picks as more than just functional items; they are presented as elements that contribute to the overall aesthetic and emotional comfort of a home, suitable for both vibrant summer celebrations and cozy rainy-day retreats. The article aims to inspire readers to consider how well-chosen furniture can transform and elevate their living environments, regardless of the season. #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryFurniture #TropicalLiving #PhilippineCraftsmanship #ModernFurniture

Draga & Aurel, a multidisciplinary design studio founded by Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, recently unveiled their latest collection of furniture called 'Zen.' This collection, presented during Milan Design Week by the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, builds upon their previous work with the 'Flare series' by exploring the phenomenon of light refractions within furniture pieces. The 'Zen' collection features three coffee tables and a dining table, all meticulously handcrafted from Lucite by artisans in Como, Italy. The tables in the 'Zen' collection are designed to resemble blocks of ice, achieved through a frosted surface treatment applied to the Lucite. This treatment creates a cool, ethereal aesthetic. Inside each table, carefully arranged sheets of pastel-hued Lucite are embedded, capturing and replicating multi-colored light refractions as if they were frozen in time. The unique characteristic of each table, resulting from the handcrafted process and the distinct arrangement of the Lucite sheets, reinforces the idea that these pieces are individual works of art. Draga & Aurel's deep fascination with the interplay of color and light is a central theme throughout their work. They view light as an activator of color through matter, and their exploration of this dynamic interaction is a continuous process. The designers emphasize that their achievements are the result of extensive experimentation and study, utilizing material samples to observe how light behaves when passing through different layers of varying colors, shapes, and thicknesses. This methodical approach allows them to discover the perfect interconnection between color, light, matter, and form. The studio consistently merges artistic vision with functional design, as exemplified by these sculptural tables. Draga & Aurel challenge the notion that functionality and aesthetics are opposing concepts, asserting that their pieces are collectible design objects due to the experimental and artisanal processes involved, yet they always fulfill a practical function. This balance makes their creations viable objects for everyday life. They prioritize in-depth research and the elevation of materials, particularly acrylic resin, which has become a signature element of their style. Their goal is to integrate the material meaningfully into the context of the object itself, ensuring its functional relevance. Looking ahead, Draga & Aurel are pursuing three interconnected directions for their studio's evolution. Their art design project, especially the 'Transparency matters' collection, is expanding their presence in the gallery world, collaborating with prominent partners like Rossana Orlandi, Nina Yashar, and Todd Merrill on exclusive projects. Additionally, they are engaging in new collaborations with design companies, having recently debuted with historic furniture brands Poltrona Frau and Giorgetti at Milan Design Week. Their commitment lies in fostering valuable partnerships that benefit both the studio and the collaborating companies. Finally, their purely artistic side is flourishing through Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings, a growing project that has necessitated the expansion of their workshop to accommodate increased artistic production. #DragaAurel #ZenCollection #LuciteFurniture #LightRefractions #MilanDesignWeek #ContemporaryDesign #HomeFurnishings #ArtisticFurniture #Craftsmanship

In 2021, graphic designer Victoria Herrera purchased her first home, a 900-square-foot apartment in Mexico City's Condesa neighborhood, with the intention of using it part-time and renting it out on Airbnb. The apartment's square layout with a central courtyard and numerous large windows, providing natural light in every room, were significant selling points. The existing architecture featured rounded elements, such as arched doorways and curved wall-to-ceiling transitions, which Herrera appreciated for their soft aesthetic against the industrial windows. Major renovations, including electrical and plumbing updates, had already been completed by the previous owners, allowing Herrera to focus her budget on decorating and selecting paint colors. Herrera aimed to infuse her home with a warm atmosphere that celebrated Mexican heritage, culture, and her Catholic upbringing. This inspiration led her to choose a yellow limewash for the bedroom walls, reminiscent of traditional Catholic convent walls. The apartment's entryway and hallway featured striking blue and black floor tiles. Although initially hesitant about these tiles, Herrera found that their integrated feel eventually inspired her to embrace bold color choices in other areas of the apartment. Her design philosophy successfully merges vintage and modern elements, exemplified by pairing a contemporary tulip table with antique chairs. A significant portion of Herrera's furnishing process involved frequent visits to Lagunilla Market, a large weekly furniture, vintage, and flea market in Mexico City. Over three months, she diligently explored the market every Sunday, learning how to navigate the vast array of goods, negotiate prices, and identify unique pieces. She developed a keen eye for spotting hidden treasures, often revisiting stalls multiple times to discover items that initially went unnoticed. Her finds included old artwork from Catholic convents, which contributed to the sense of tradition and beauty she sought to incorporate into her home. Beyond Lagunilla Market, Herrera also sourced items from other local establishments in Mexico City, such as El Resplandor Vidrio for blown glass, Pericon for artisan pottery, and Utilitario Mexicano for market-inspired decor and kitchenware. She also demonstrated creative resourcefulness, making custom throw pillows for the beds from "jerga" fabric, a common, inexpensive material typically used for cleaning, which she repurposed due to its graphic stripes and diverse color options. Among her most cherished market discoveries was a sun sculpture, initially found hidden in a pile of junk, which a friend later identified as a collectible Emaus Talleres piece. After completing the design, Herrera's plan to rent the apartment on Airbnb was put into action for about a year. However, she ultimately realized that she had furnished the space not as a temporary rental, but as a deeply personal home designed for her own living. This realization led her to move into the apartment herself, acknowledging that her design choices were intrinsically tailored to her own preferences and lifestyle rather than those of short-term tenants. #HomeTour #MexicoCityDesign #VintageDecor #SecondhandFinds #InteriorDesign #CulturalInspiration #GraphicDesignerHome #CondesaApartment

This article explores where San Francisco's leading interior designers source furniture, offering insights into a range of options from antique markets to high-end showrooms. It highlights the value of in-person shopping for furniture, allowing individuals to experience materials and comfort firsthand, contrasting it with online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. The piece acknowledges the broad spectrum of furniture options available in San Francisco, from luxurious showrooms such as the San Francisco Design Center to more accessible options like Stuff by Luxe, which is set to reopen. Nine prominent San Francisco interior designers share their preferred destinations for furniture acquisition. Noz Nozawa of Noz Design frequently visits the Alameda Point Antiques Faire on the first Sunday of each month. This vintage market features dealers from across the West Coast, offering a variety of items from furniture to jewelry. Nozawa recounts a notable find of midcentury chairs for $60 each, later discovering their significantly higher value as original Maurice Pre designs. Emilie Munroe, founder of Studio Munroe, recommends Arden Home in Hayes Valley for its diverse selection and custom order capabilities, particularly praising their uniquely shaped beds. She recently furnished a residential project in Paris using pieces from this store. Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Design is a regular at Coup d’Etat in the Design District, describing it as an immersive gallery rather than a showroom. This store is known for its bold and sculptural pieces, including hand-blown glass light fixtures and solid steel vanities, making it Wilkinson's choice for unique and statement-making items. Heather Hilliard of Heather Hilliard Design suggests Bright on Presidio in Presidio Heights for its collection of functional and distinctive light fixtures sourced globally, with a particular fondness for Christiane Perrochon’s table lamps. Anu Jain of Atelier Oleana recommends March, a home goods store in Presidio Heights, for high-quality kitchenware and living room accents, valuing its thoughtfully crafted glassware, ceramics, and linens. She views March not only as a resource for her projects but also for thoughtful gifts. Marea Clark of Marea Clark Interiors, known for creating comfortable residential spaces, favors Hewn in the Design District for its timeless and classic pieces. She notes the showroom's curation of exceptional manufacturers and diverse selection of furniture, fabrics, lighting, and rugs from eclectic designers. Eva Klein of Loczi Design, whose projects span various styles, highly recommends Kneedler Fauchère within the San Francisco Design Center for contemporary furniture and unique fabrics that elevate a space. This wholesaler offers art, accessories, furniture, and lighting. Kristen Peña of Kristen Peña Interiors suggests The Future Perfect in Pac Heights, which collaborates with artisans to produce unique items ranging from candlesticks to sofas, providing an experiential shopping opportunity. Lastly, Tineke Triggs of Tineke Triggs Interiors, with three decades of experience, frequently sources from The Perish Trust, a “modern day general store” near the Painted Ladies, appreciating its curated selection of plates, artwork, and mugs by local artisans that provoke conversation. #InteriorDesign #FurnitureShopping #SanFrancisco #HomeDecor #AntiqueMarkets #DesignShowrooms #LocalRetailers #ProTips

This article details the transformation of a modernist glass-and-steel villa in Guadalajara, Mexico, into a warm, colorful, and charming family home. The homeowners, a young family, enlisted their longtime friend, designer Alejandra Redo, to infuse personality and coziness into the architecturally sleek 6,500-square-foot residence. Architects Imanol Legorreta and Pablo Sepúlveda meticulously crafted the two-level house from steel, glass, and wood, with concrete, zinc, and walnut cladding, strategically designed to embrace Guadalajara's climate and natural light. However, the owners desired a more inviting interior, which led them to Redo, known for her vibrant use of color and pattern. Redo's approach to decorating the modern space involved a careful curation of individual pieces rather than her usual whimsical style. Her first significant acquisition was a midcentury black-and-gold table lamp by Arturo Pani, which became the focal point of the living room. The color palette in the living room is muted, featuring deep gray velour sofas and an ottoman, complemented by two red velvet chairs that add warmth, echoing the hues of an antique Persian rug. Mexican fabrics are prominently featured, with rebozos draped over furniture and cushions made from local textiles, reflecting Redo’s signature aesthetic. The dining room, adjacent to the living area, features Mexican walnut paneling that contrasts with the cool steel structure and marble surfaces, providing a sense of warmth. The entrance hall showcases Redo's eclectic sensibility, with a pine tree piercing both the ceiling and floor. A modern painting by Cuban-born artist Leslie Sardinias is displayed above a reproduction Louis XV console, and a custom Venetian-style mirror adds an artistic touch to the guest bath. Redo emphasizes her comfort in mixing different periods, colors, and designers to create an eclectic environment. The family room is another example of Redo’s unique design philosophy, anchored by a silk wall hanging crafted from a traditional Bhutanese man's robe. This is juxtaposed with a geometric cotton rug designed by Redo and made in India. The space also features a vintage Arco floor lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, a family heirloom, alongside a modern sofa and Wegner cowhide Shell chairs, demonstrating a blend of new and old. This room opens onto a garden and a deck, facilitating family gatherings and entertaining. Bedrooms, located downstairs, are characterized by their simplicity and abundant natural light. Redo incorporated playful colors for the children's rooms, with a pink scheme for the girl and a blue-and-red theme for the boy. An eccentric detail in the boy's room is the red wallpaper featuring leaping zebras pursued by arrows, a design reminiscent of Gino's, a historic Italian restaurant in New York. This touch highlights Redo’s ability to bring a lively and personal spirit to the serene modernist house, ultimately making the contemporary architecture feel cozy and lived-in. #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #MexicanDecor #HomeDecor #EclecticStyle #GuadalajaraHome #ResidentialDesign

The guide provides an overview of 14 furniture stores in San Diego, catering to diverse styles from midcentury modern to contemporary designs, and covering both new and vintage pieces. These establishments offer solutions for various furnishing needs, whether for a new home, an aesthetic overhaul, or replacing worn-out items. The article categorizes these stores into "Used & Vintage Furniture Stores" and "Modern Furniture Stores," detailing their unique offerings and specialties. Among the used and vintage options, Mid Century Store in North Park specializes in pieces from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability through salvaged items. Hobbs Modern in Bay Ho focuses on vintage Danish, American, French, Italian, and Brazilian midcentury modern furniture, providing in-house restoration services and parts for iconic designs like the Eames lounge chair. Consignment Classics Home Furnishings, with locations in Encinitas and Middletown, operates large warehouses filled with constantly changing inventory, offering a wide price range for various interior design elements from abstract art to classic ceramics. Danish Modern San Diego in Little Italy curates a selection of imported vintage Danish Modern pieces, focusing on accent furniture like bar carts and rocket lamps, alongside items made from premium woods such as teak and afrormosia. The modern furniture category includes Rove Concepts in La Jolla, known for its sleek indoor and outdoor furniture and décor, with some collections featuring collaborations with public figures. Premium Decor Furniture in Pacific Beach offers customizable, USA-manufactured, and affordable pieces, with a focus on helping customers design their ideal sofas. Clutch Modern in Solana Beach, founded by an interior designer, features neutral palettes with abstract shapes and unique materials like petrified wood. Room & Board provides a wide array of stylish, high-quality furniture, with 90 percent of its products made by American manufacturers using sustainably sourced wood. It also offers a custom furniture program and resources for room layouts and material selection. ReModern Living in Miramar specializes in customizable sofas imported from Europe, alongside other living room, bedroom, and dining room furniture with an old-world aesthetic. Lagoon Concept Store in Convoy offers colorful, pop-art-inspired indoor and weather-resistant outdoor furniture. Nativa Interiors, with showrooms in La Jolla and Solana Beach, presents a collection that blends modern design with coastal living, including sleek dining tables, beds, and leather sofas, complemented by complimentary in-house design services. Lawrance Furniture, located in Hillcrest and Encinitas, provides versatile pieces for all home areas and offers interior design services. Arhaus, with showrooms in University City and Carlsbad, features rich colorways, wood and leather textures, and contemporary designs. Lastly, Hold It Contemporary Home in Mission Valley has been a destination for contemporary design enthusiasts since 2002, showcasing 13 American and European furniture brands with upholstered options that offer soft and approachable color schemes. #FurnitureStores #SanDiego #ModernFurniture #VintageFurniture #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MidcenturyModern #LocalBusiness