Go Design Go » Design Round-Ups

Introducing Trad Home’s 20 ‘Young Traditionals’

EAL Editor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:30:06 +0000

This week, the editors of Traditional Home along with founders of Lonny, will launch trad home tomorrow—the first-ever digital edition of Traditional Home.

The issue will complement the established Traditional Home brand while reaching a younger generation of design lovers.

Featuring all original editorial content, trad home will introduce the first-ever list featuring “Young Traditionals“—a hot list of new, young traditional designers to watch. Below is the uber-talented trad home class of 2011.

Amanda Malson and Jolene Ballard of Domicile Interior Design; Sasha Adler and Lauren Gold of Nate Berkus Associates; Sara Gilbane of Sara Gilbane Interiors; Heidi Bonesteel, Michele Trout and Jill Hall of Bonesteel Trout Hall; Jeff Andrews of Jeff Andrews Design; Patrik Lönn of Patrik Lönn Design; Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors; Jayne and Joan Michaels of 2Michaels; Amy D. Morris of Amy D. Morris Interiors; Lisa Sternfeld of Studio LSID; Kim Winkler of Westbrooke Interiors; Nina Freudenberger of Haus Interior; Suysel dePedro Cunningham and Anne Maxwell Foster of Tilton Fenwick; Tom Delavan of Tom Delavan Interior Design; Jamie Herzlinger of Jamie Herzlinger Interiors; Ron Marvin of Ron Marvin Design; Ryan Korban of Ryan Korban Design; Megan Rice Yager of Megan Yager Design; Robert Passal of Robert Passal Interior & Architectural Design and Nicki Clendening and Callie Jenschke of Scout Designs.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo as we introduce you to a few members of the hot list, and learn what they’re excited for this Spring.

Guest Blogger Kevin Isbell Shares His Winter Antiques Show Favorites

EAL Editor — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Our newest Guest Blogger, Kevin Isbell, spent the afternoon at New York’s Winter Antiques Show, and indulges us in a few of his fine finds. Read below for Kevin’s personal tour.

By Kevin Isbell

Without question, The Winter Antiques Show is one of the premiere social events in New York City. This annual event attracts the world’s most renowned antiques dealers, blue chip collectors, and their designers. An afternoon at the show is an inspiring and educational adventure as the dealers showcase their most rare and prized possessions. Although there were many fabulous things that I personally coveted, here are a few of the more unique, less obvious, highlights that caught my eye!

When I first spotted these 18th-century German sporting crossbows from Peter Finer Antiques I mistook them for tribal sculpture. Upon closer inspection I realized that they were not only crossbows, but were of the utmost quality of craftsmanship. Each of the mahogany shafts were intricately inlaid with ivory decorations and stringing.

I was completely fascinated, not to mention awestruck that such a utilitarian item would be rendered with such luxe materials and detail! They truly are works of art!

This whimsical cabinet at Hostler Burrows was designed in the late 1940’s by Swedish designer, Josef Frank, for the Stockholm based furnishings company Svenskt Tenn. The botanical collaged cabinet was serious on design, but did not take itself seriously. How charming would this be in a breakfast room in Greenwich?

This amazing pair of sculptural sycamore low chairs at Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz literally stopped me in my tracks. Their exaggerated curvaceous shape is striking, and I loved the ebonized pear wood detail on the back.

If you look closely, the unknown designer gave the curve of the back a ‘spine,’ which subtly protrudes through the leather. These scene-stealing pieces demand to be viewed from all sides and would work best floating in a room.

I love it when I stumble upon a designer whose work I am not yet familiar. Such was the case of this walnut wall hung cabinet designed by Phil Powell, a prolific New Hope, PA designer and oft-collaborator of Paul Evans. The piece, found at Lost City Arts, incorporates an antique lion’s head as a pull and has a rugged sophistication. The “brutalist” Evans influence is clearly evident in this piece, which captured my attention with its use of old and new. I would love to see this in a gentleman’s study, used as a bar cabinet.

The 2011 Winter Antiques Show runs through this Friday, so you’ve still got time to check it out!

Jennan Al-Hamdouni’s Best of 2010: Bohemian Trends

EAL Editor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:50:12 +0000

The year 2010 is history, but GoDesignGo couldn’t help but revel in our memories of it before really getting into the swing of 2011. We asked a few of the Editors of Editor at Large what they loved in 2010 and what they’re glad to have past us.

Here’s what Contributing Editor, Jennan Al-Hamdouni had to say:

GDG: What would you consider THE thing we’ll look back on in years to come as 2010’s main event?

JA: I’d have to say the earthquake in Haiti that happened less than two weeks into 2010.

GDG: What was THE big thing in 2010 that you hope will not be in 2011?

JA: The revisit that so many took to 80′s fashion.

GDG: Will you embrace Pantone’s color of the year for 2011? (Honeysuckle)

JA: Absolutely. I don’t think pink when I think of honeysuckles, but I really love the warm tones of salmon and rouge. They light up everything, whether you wear the color or decorate with it.

GDG: What were a few of your favorite trends, products and/or showrooms for 2010 and why?

JA: I loved the Bohemian, Arabesque and Venetian themes. The rustic colors mixed with golds and different hues have always been my favorite. Showrooms like Fortuny, Bergamo and Nella Vetrina are teeming with fabrics, patterns and accessories in the genres.

GDG: Will you share your New Year’s Resolution for 2011?

JA: My 2011 resolution is to give yoga a shot. I know too many people who live by it not to give it a try, and during the Winter months in NYC, it’ll hopefully be a solution to running outside!

Jennie Nunn’s Best of 2010: Online Magazines!

EAL Editor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:49:04 +0000

There is a lot to look forward to as we start 2011, and we have 2010 to thank! GoDesignGo thought we would ask a few of the Editors of Editor at Large their thoughts on favorite trends of last year and their opinion of what’s to come.

Here’s what Contributing Editor, Jennie Nunn had to say:

GDG: What was big in 2010 that you hope will not be in 2011?

JN: I loved organic and found materials-look, especially the ski-lodge look. But I’d have to admit, I would be okay with not seeing another set of spray-painted deer antlers for a while!

GDG: Will you embrace Pantone’s color of the year for 2011? (Honeysuckle)

JN: I love pink! I’m definitely excited about Honeysuckle as the new color of the year. The rose-inspired hue would work well on pillows in a sitting room or library (against a charcoal backdrop), or in a grown-up powder room.

GDG: What were a few of your favorite trends, products and/or showrooms for 2010 and why?

JN: Plaid, ikat, large groupings of decanters and mirrors, and gunmetal gray to name a few! I love the industrial-meets-girly look that graced the pages of so many shelter magazines in 2010. And, I’m thrilled for the stable of new online magazines: Lonny, Rue, Anthology, and more.

GDG: Will you share your New Year’s Resolution for 2011?

CS: To travel more!

Sophie Donelson’s Best of 2010: New Shelter Magazine EICs!

EAL Editor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:25:23 +0000

GoDesignGo is excited to be starting the new year, but as 2011 starts, we want to look back on 2010 and reflect. We asked a few of the Editors of Editor at Large their thoughts on the past and upcoming year.

Here’s what Contributing Editor, Sophie Donelson had to say:

GDG: What would you consider THE thing we’ll look back on in years to come as 2010’s main event?

SD: The EIC shuffle at the shelter magazines. The home magazines of 2011 will look entirely different in 2011, books whose mastheads remain the same will also be improving their content this year in order to compete with the magazines that have new blood, big ideas, and a fresh perspective. 2010 was also the year that Lonny and Editor at Large celebrated their 1st birthdays! Both are bold new concepts successful enough to have copycats!

GDG: Will you embrace Pantone’s color of the year for 2011? (Honeysuckle)

SD: Honeysuckle is a bit saccharine for my taste, but this pink is universally attractive. It looks good on every skin color, so it’s a great fashion color.

GDG: What were a few of your favorite trends, products and/or showrooms for 2010 and why?

SD: This is tough to choose. I think out of the product lines, Matter Made’s line of furniture and accessories; Confetti System pinatas and decorations; Liberty of London for Target.

GDG: Will you share your New Year’s Resolution for 2011?

SD: Last year, I resolved to dance more, a resolution I always make on the dance floor. Nope, I didn’t keep it, but I have high hopes for 2011. Aside from that, to remember to bring my keys and wallet each and every day!

[Note to reader: We’ve witnessed Sophie’s dance moves first-hand and they are first rate!]

Carolyn Sollis’ Best of 2010: Slow Cookers!

EAL Editor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:41:27 +0000

To get the New Year started off right, GoDesignGo thought we would take a look back at the past year’s best of 2010. We decided to ask a few of the Editors at Editor at Large.

Here’s what Contributing Editor, Carolyn Sollis had to say.

GDG: What would you consider THE thing we’ll look back on in years to come as 2010’s main event?

CS: I’d have to say Apple’s introduction of the iPad!

GDG: Will you embrace Pantone’s color of the year for 2011? (Honeysuckle)

CS: I always think of Honeysuckle as yellow and white but I love Pantone’s fresh pink tone. “Think Pink” for 2011!

GDG: What were a few of your favorite trends, products and/or showrooms for 2010 and why?

CS: I loved Bunny Williams’ BeeLine Home Collection which were chic, unusual pieces of furniture, lighting and accessories that gave rooms character. I think the resurgence of the slow cooker, as well! Everyone I know has dragged out their old or bought a new one. No fuss comfort food!

GDG: Will you share your New Year’s Resolution for 2011?

CS: My 2010 resolution was to find a rug for my living room, but the floor is still bare, which means that my 2011 resolution is to find that rug! I’ll also aim to paint my apartment. Bare floors and white walls are history!

Cheers to the Chaise : A Note from NYSID Professor Judith Gura

Kate — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:00:13 +0000

The French had a word for it — they always do. The word on my mind today is Chaise, that symbol of comfort and indolence that dates to the 18th century, but is making a comeback in modern interiors. For those who’ve forgotten, or never studied French, Chaise is actually the word for any chair, but has come to refer to the chaise longue, a piece of furniture whose basic premise is that it’s more comfortable to recline than to sit up straight. Its origins were most likely in recline-while-dining Roman couches, but it was tranformed by skilled Rococo-era menusiers into sumptuous seating pieces with lush upholstery and feet-up elongated seating areas. Variants on the form included the veilleuse, with one high and one low end, the duchesse, a sectional unit composed of a bergère (a rounded upholstered armchair) and companion ottoman or footpiece, and of course the iconic Recamier, named after the 19th century style-setter. In more modern times, designers like Alvar Aalto, Marcel Breuer and Le Corbusier designed chaises, and the Eames “La Chaise” has become as iconic as any of its predecessors. So, new ideas notwithstanding, Frank Lloyd Wright’s pronouncement that “You cannot NOT know history” was right!

– Judith Gura, New York School of Interior Design

NYSID Professor Reflects on Green Design

Kate — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:30:49 +0000

Green Design is the current buzzword, applied to virtually every design project, and many products of varying degrees of environmental-consciousness. But is the idea really such a new one? After all, William McDonough has been proselytizing the need for architects and designers to show concern for sustainable development decades… almost from the founding of his eponymous architectural firm back in 1981. His “Cradle to Cradle” book is almost a decade old.
But this kind of thinking goes back much further. More than a century ago, Adolph Loos, in his iconic essay Ornament and Crime, said that. And Frank Lloyd Wright spoke about it. Weren’t they making some of the same points? So are we finally beginning to listen?
– Judith Gura, Professor of Design History and Theory, New York School of Interior Design

Design Philosophy of Laura Michaelides

Millie — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:30:17 +0000

How would you define your design philosophy?

For me, design is an all-encompassing, continuous opportunity to delight in the visual world; to learn from its riches and to reflect what I’ve gleaned from the work that I do. Every day I try to share that delight with the clients I have the opportunity to work with, and try to make each design project a pathway to learning and discovery for us both. It’s a time for my clients to learn to express who they are through their environment; for me it’s a time to learn about my clients, and to try to find the best way to help them express their sensibilities, past history, and aspirations.

Because I enjoy the visual world so much, I am able to see virtue in many different styles, and feel comfortable with both modern and traditional design vocabularies. I find that I am less interested in doing rooms in one style, and am most excited by being able to mix traditional and contemporary elements so that they complement each other. At the moment, this seems like the most modern idea.

Q&A with Interior Designer John Loecke

Kate — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:15:46 +0000

Traditional meets glamorous, very glamorous, in the spaces that New York-based interior designer John Loecke creates. See what this designer, who claims that “good taste not need me expensive, but it should be expressive” has to say about trends, and our very own design idol’s design idols.

What do you want your clients to feel when they walk into your rooms?

I want my clients to feel at home, like they’ve stepped into a world that is uniquely them where everything is tailored to their taste. I want them to feel happy, engaged, and excited because a home should make you happy. This is different for every client, but to some degree it means design with color, pop, and a touch of unexpected whimsy.

Are you a trend follower or do you not pay attention to trends?

I pay attention to trends, but I don’t necessarily follow them. I love mixing colors, textures, and design periods. I have no rules. Rules impede creativity and result in cookie-cutter design, and that’s simply not for me.

Do you read design magazines and books? What do you read?

I am obsessed with World of Interiors and British House and Garden. Design is global, and there are so many interesting things happening outside of the US.

Who is your design idol? Why?

It’s hard to choose just one. I like Dorothy Draper for her fearless use of color and theatrical sense of design. Sister Parish for the way she effortlessly made family heirlooms feel au courant. And Nancy Lancaster’s designs are so comfortable and inviting: How could you not want to move right in?

How would you define your style?

New traditional. I love mixing vintage or antique finds with the latest and greatest innovation. Design is about collecting things you love, things that are useful and have meaning for you. Your home should be functional, but it should also express who you are as an individual.

What are key components every room must have?

In-floor outlets: They give you the freedom to pull furniture away from walls and arrange a room however you wish–and without having lamp cords visible. Good lighting: A well-balanced light plan (one that includes a mix of overhead, ambient, and task lighting) gives a room life and ultimately makes the space more functional. Properly sized furniture: So many things available today are the wrong size or scale for today’s homes and apartments. Overstuffed and oversized is not always the best solution. Buying a piece of furniture is no different than buying a dress, suit, or pair of shoes. You wouldn’t buy something that doesn’t fit your body, so why buy something that doesn’t fit your living room? Buy furnishings that fit!

click here to visit Mr. Loecke’s website for projects and contact information