Archive for the ‘Recap’ Category
ICFF 2010 Favorite: Montgomery Design
One of our favorite new designers from an otherwise unfortunately predictable ICFF this year came from Montgomery Design. Principle designer Andrew Montgomery first caught our eye on the tinyhouseblog a year ago with his pallet chair design, and we were delighted to see he was still designing, and slowly expanding his collection to include lighting. We love the unpretentious, simple lines of his furniture that seem to marry both an Americana approach with a modern, almost Bauhaus aesthetic.
Montgomery Design is based in Charlottesville, Virginia and was founded by Andrew Montgomery, a graduate of Virginia Tech’s architecture program. For more information, visit the website here, which exemplifies the progression the design firm is taking by displaying the products they are making in chronological order.
Here’s a taste of such designs:
RECAP: Tribeca Loft Tour
On Sunday October 18th, Duane Park, a not-for profit organization that was founded in 1994, hosted their 10th Tribeca Loft Tour. Some of the loft buildings have been around since the mid-1800’s. Many of the buildings facades and some of the core structural elements showcased these time periods. There were converted warehouses, most of which had classical elements in the Renaissance or Romanesque style, although there were a few that had a French derived Neo-Grec aesthetic. These various architectural trends from the past can be seen in the original ceiling beams, unusual window treatments, ornate columns, and vaulted detailing. The original purposes of the buildings ranged from old spice market factories, garment industrial manufacturers, paint makers, and, even, business oriented fields, such as the old American Express headquarters.
Personally, it was a privileged and treat to visit these historically rich homes that had not attempted to cover up their past. It’s not ever day that you enter someones home and see ancient paint spattered all over the wooden floors. Enjoy!
An Artist’s Loft:
Loft completed by Dean/Wolf Architects:
Photographer, journalist, and connoisseur’s Loft featuring Valerie Carmet’s lovely mosaic tiling:
Architecture designed by Acheson Doyle Partners Architects P.C & Design, construction, and contracting by European Interior Concepts, Inc.
Artists’ C. Michael Norton & Ruth Hardinger’s Live/Work Loft:
Photography by Linden Hass
RECAP: Rosenthal Concept Store Launch
Last Thursday German luxury brand Rosenthal hosted their concept store launch at The Plaza, featuring images from their EGO photography campaign shot by Karl Lagerfeld which showcases the brands innovative and design-driven tabletop culture.
According to Lagerfeld, “On one hand, I love this brand… on the other, I am also interested in the work as a link between beauty and functionality.” Rosenthal USA President Glenn de Stefano feels it’s “an opportunity to express Rosenthal’s artistry and make it accessible and available to those who understand and appreciate it” along with other esteemed stores within the Grand Concourse walls at the The Plaza.
With contemporary porcelain, stemware, tabletop, and homeware accessories that combine traditional design with avant-garde style, the 130-year old design house has collaborated on pieces showcasing an extensive list of architects and artists including Walter Gropius, Timo Sarpaneva, Raymond Loewy, Salvador Dalì, Jasper Morrison, Paul Wunderlich and Patricia Urquiola.
The event was hosted by notable interior designers Anthony Todd, Campion Platt, and Geoffrey Bradfield and drew a who’s who among the New York design community.
Photography by Patrick McMullan Company
Castleberry Hill Loft Tour 2009
This past weekend LoftLife sponsored the Eighth Annual Castleberry Hill Loft Tour. The festivities kicked off on Friday night with the Loft Tour Media and Sponsor Party. Great food from Castleberry Hill’s local eateries was provided and Massoud Besharat’s breath-taking home and gallery served as the backdrop. Many of the guests went on to take part in the monthly Castleberry Hill Art Stroll.
Even with ominous clouds, the crowds showed for the first day of the tour. Volunteers were welcoming and worked hard to make sure guests were well informed and guided.
Loft #1 is owned by artist / illustrator, David Campbell. It was one of the smaller lofts, but was also one of the most successful uses of space. Multi-levels and large canvases served as room dividers between his living and working space. Large factory windows let in excellent light for drawing and living. This live/work space is cozy, comfortable and very livable.
Loft #2 is the home to Calvin Lockwood and Steve Messer. After walking through the downstairs gallery, guests are greeted by an actual airplane fuselage. The loft itself is open and airy with a mix of new furniture and vintage finds. Adjacent to the main space is a private, natural style, multilevel rooftop garden. Although the highlight is the spiral staircase that leads to a small rooftop cupola with stunning views of the city and their own garden below.
Loft #3 is a free-spirited space inhabited by Debbie Kvinlaug. This tri-level loft was a former loading dock for a meat packing plant and still retains a lot of the industrial grit. Most recently in her career, Debbie has worked for Claire’s, and that same funky fun attitude infuses her space. From the quirky bare-lightbulb chandelier to the messenger bag planters; her space oozes character.
Loft #4 is owned by Jeff and Tracy Schaffrick and is an interesting mix of modern and traditional. After acceding the stairs from the gallery below, The space is all exposed brick and clean wood floors. In contrast, the furniture is more classic in styling, which gives the space a warm touch. The heart of the home is a beautiful, large kitchen, perfect for entertaining.
Loft #5 is an open loft with soaring three story ceilings and belongs to Tracy Bergquist. This loft really works because all the living spaces are open and flow into one another, while just behind well placed walls lie comfortable and intimate bedrooms. It even has a small room at the very top, perfect for listening to vinyl with friends and having a few drinks.
Loft #6 is home to Raymond and Wendy Tsao. This three-story 1930’s warehouse was renovated to their specifications. The goal of this home was to create something that feels both contemporary and country and the same time. With fantastical light fixtures, distressed furniture, touches of glass and exposed brick walls it certainly accomplished its goal.
Loft #7 and #8 were both in the neighborhood’s newest construction, Castleberry Point. The first belongs to Rob Anderson who used a boutique hotel as inspiration while adding some personal touches that reflect his love of old-school jazz. The second loft is home to Valarie Henry and had a really wonderful layout. With living space on one side of the partition and sleeping on the other, both can enjoy sweeping skyline views from the full wall of floor to ceiling windows.
Even with the downpour of rain on Saturday, Atlantans came in droves to participate in the neighborhood event. Everyone left with great design inspiration and (of course) a copy of LoftLife magazine.
The Best of NYIGF
At this year’s second New York International Gift Fair, it was all about functional design. In the “Accent on Design” section, the part applicable to us the most, we were overwhelmed by the innovative designs exhibited. Here is a round-up of our favorite, top three participants:
#1 – Moleskine
Just when you think this forward-thinking journal company has reached their creative limits, they present ingenuous product design. Some stand-out new products include a tear away desk calendar (pictured above), the 2010 “Color A Month” Daily Planner box set, extra large folio journals, and the 2010 Pocket Softcover Project Planner that features 54 accordion pages.
This steady favorite of ours specializes in providing a context for designers of all fields to create, develop and produce various high-quality home and lifestyle items. This “publishing house” for designers has resulted in unique accessories that mix form and function, many of which have playful overtones. Our favorite new designs they were showing include a white table that swivels, a candleholder meant for dripping wax, and a foursome of Swedish stick-back chairs.
#3 – DESU DESIGN
According to their mission, DESU DESIGN “strive to make innovative products that blur the boundary between art and design” using modern manufacturing technology to mass produce their products. Every single furnishing and accessory that they sell has a specified function. Their small products for the home feel especially custom. Our favorites: the spice rack series.
RECAP: NYDC First Look
7/27/09
We got to attend the New York Design Center’s first LOOK event last week, where designers showcase their newest products to-the-trade in the Center’s multi-floor showroom. We got to meet up with Campion Platt , one of our favorite designers previously featured here, and see his beautiful new lines of brightly colored textiles.We also discovered a new favorite–Tucker Robbins. Most of his designs are made from reclaimed wood salvaged from the ocean. Beautiful big beds, dining tables for a family of 10, and many lil’ stools and tables to accessorize any room had us in awe. And on our way out, we were told a certain former President’s daughter (Miss Chelsea Clinton) had placed an order on one of his bed frames for future sweet dreamin’ nights.
See all our favorite first LOOKS below:
Posted by Kyra Shapurji
Q & A: Campion Platt’s Luxurious Loft in the Sky
Interior designer and architect Campion Platt is widely known for pioneering the boutique hotel concept, serving as co-developer of Los Angeles’s Chateau Marmont Hotel, and spearheading a benchmark project in New York of the Mercer Hotel and Merc Bar. An equally impressive celebrity client roster includes Al Pacino, Meg Ryan, Roger Waters, Conan O’Brien, Jay McInerney, and socialite Anne Hearst. He consistently incorporates fine craftsmanship and contemporary styling as well as eco-sensitive design to achieve the clean, cohesive, yet personalized spaces his firm is respected for.
LoftLife: You’re on the forefront of sustainable architecture and green design. What are the easiest elements to bring in, from both an architectural and design standpoint?
Campion Platt: The easiest elements are switching out commonly used things like plywood for a sustainable version, lighting alternates that use less energy. From a design standpoint, consider buying second hand and giving something a new life.
LL: With hotel design credits including Chateau Marmont, Mercer Hotel and MercBar, as well as Boston’s Bulfinch Hotel do you find your residential clients like to bring a boutique hotel feeling into their homes and design an upscale atmosphere suited for entertaining?
CP: I think the greatest feature is actually employing the dictum “less is more” hotel environments tend to be paired down, essential and an eye to comfort, luxury and whimsy.
LL: Where are your favorite places to travel and draw inspiration at the moment?
CP: My wife, Tatiana, and I love to travel to Morocco, especially Marrakech. There is a wealth of design inspiration at every turn and a number of great craftspeople reinventing methods that fit our sense of design.
LL: LoftLife launched in Atlanta last year, and has since expanded nationally. We saw you recently worked on the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Buckhead, incorporating the historic Southern aesthetic with modern details. How did you combine the two styles, and what were your favorite elements?
CP: The idea in Atlanta was to create a real sense of place in a modern high-rise. I studied the city and culture and drew upon the rich and layered history of both design and icons. Combining the styles was more of an editing process to identify the key features that would blend well together. My favorite element was the cypress we used in the lobby. A traditional southern wood, but a used in a modern way.
LL: A 4,000 square-foot Soho duplex loft is the type of home our readers (and we) dream about, though designing a cohesive space can be an enormous challenge. It looks open, intimate, luxurious and comfortable. What was your original vision and where did it begin?
CP: It began with my wife saying “I want a white loft in the sky!” From there, all decisions were based upon modulating the rooms; space and scale to both accentuate the great height and verticality while maintaining a sense of intimacy and casual comfort one finds in small spaces.
LL: Tell us more about your custom furniture line and the types of pieces you have created or hope to include at some point.
CP: I am working on a few new custom lines now. We are designing a contemporary and more urban collection for McGuire Furniture, an industry leader in luxury exterior furnishings. In addition, we are also working on capsule collection for George Smith, the English based purveyor of fine upholstered furniture based upon early American examples of popular furniture.
LL: How have you seen your clients taste and/or need change over the twenty years you’ve been a designer?
CP: I believe most of the client needs have remained the same except for the newer notion of a great room and/or incorporating a kitchen/dining room experience into a project. A wonderful change has also been, in general, the level of sophistication among the clients, both residential and commercial. The internet has informed us all in a more specialized way based upon our interests. Clients bring this information to the table and really help the design process.
Posted by Erin Ryder
Photography by Scott Frances
Design Resource: Santa Monica Flea Market
5/26/09
On the first and fourth Sundays of every month, Angelenos far and wide make the pilgrimage to the Santa Monica Airport, home of one of the better flea markets gracing the city. Although nobody is boarding a flight, design inspiration is sky high in this treasure trove of vintage, antique, and collectable goodies. Despite their flea market origin, with the right point of reference, plenty of these pieces can dress up any loft to designer heights.
Used and vintage Spode dishware isn’t just for the tabletop anymore.
Flea market Spode dishware.
Kelly Wearstler's Spode plate wall at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, CA.
Kelly Wearstler creatively mounted Spode plates on the outdoor wall of the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. Buy your dishes cheap at the flea market and spend your money on a great handyman to hang them instead!
Antler plaques were aplenty at this Sunday’s flea market, priced at $75 for the smaller ones and all the way up to $250 for the larger vintage plaques. However, the real find was this old buck trophy head. One of his antlers was slightly broken, but he was in overall great condition, and only $75! According to interior designer Thom Filicia, the taxidermy look works in any home that knows how to balance it out with some refined lines and sophisticated touches. Purse designer, Carrie White, certainly applied Filicia’s school of thought after buying the stag’s head for her own home!
Vintage horn plaques found at the flea market.
Flea market stag's head.
Page featuring stag's head from Thom Filicia's book, STYLE.
Stag's head featured in Carrie White's hallway, mounted on what will be her wallpaper for that space.
Anthropologie may be the first store that comes to mind when searching for cool, antique looking hardware for your home, but the flea market is an equally great resource for much cheaper prices. The market had everything from etched glass doorknobs to vintage iron hooks, perfect for adding function to that fashionable loft kitchen!
Bins of used and vintage hardware at the flea market.
Bins of new hardware (made to look vintage) at Anthropologie.
The Best of ICFF 2009
This years ICFF did not disappoint! Despite a noticeably leaner amount on display, the booths of both big and small companies alike brought the wow factor with innovative design showcased in oh-so-creative ways. Here is a round-up of some of our favorites:
Photography by Linden Hass
BKLYN DESIGNS ‘09
With much better weather this year (last year’s torrential rain and wind storm are still quite vivid in my mind) to guide me through BKLYN Designs (the three-day “Locally Grown, Internationally Known” event), I was prepared to soak up a lot of furniture, wall paper, and home accessories with the sun on my back.
But this year’s fair startled me in its size–with really only one location (if you don’t count the teeny tiny kid furniture outpost next store) at St. Ann’s Warehouse, I couldn’t believe that was all there was. “That’s it?” I thought to myself. I believe the emphasis got placed on “other locations” for the Dwell Home Tours and Dumbo Gallery Tour, but I wanted to see the cold, hard designs, and I felt a bit cheated after 2008’s three locations.
But I will say, despite the one location, the designers that did present at BKLYN Designs weren’t to be dismissed just because they hail from the ‘borough across the river’. As usual I felt the designers to be the most approachable, creative, and fresh. I still walked away impressed by more than a handful of designers and found the event was a great start to May’s ‘Design Month.’ So incase you missed hitting up the borough, I’ve rounded up the most impressionable pieces (& my favorites) for your perusal.
The Standard Chair
Composed of found chair backs, steel plate, and aluminum, The Standard Chair picks up where an old manufacturer left off. Designers, Jason Horvath and Bill Hilgendorf, found the hand-carved chair backs (with legs) at Build It Green and added their own touch of plate steel seating and front legs to the ornate royal back and a wire mesh backing where typically upholstery would stand in. The municipal or “park bench” color palette choice and the contract that comes in each seat together created an inventive and even, artistic design. Uhuru landed on our roundup from last year, and it was great to see a familiar face in Brooklyn design once again.
Enso Table
I couldn’t walk past Eric Manigian’s piece without stopping to stare at its sheer size (15 feet in diameter) and to run my hand across the beautifully sanded top. Named for and inspired by the Zen Buddhist symbol “enso”–a simple circle drawn with a single broad brushstroke as a symbol of infinity, void, and enlightenment–the table consists of five single boards locked together like puzzle pieces, all salvaged from a spalted maple tree. It was in my eyes, the single most natural (and in the most litearl sense) and beautiful piece at the fair. I’m a sucker for simple woodword, what can I say?
The Strict Chair
I fell in love with Hugh Hayden’s whimsical sense of design when he showed a piece at a recent AAD Future Perfect exhibition, so it was great to recognize his designs (they do sorta stand out, right?) among all the other designers. His “FUNature” line is a always a breath of fresh air and isn’t really for those old at heart.
Platypus Chair
One of the designers featured in the yearly Pratt student designers’ booth, Michael Weaker conceived this piece as part of the Graduate Thesis Program. He took familiar elements found in standard chairs (but with uncommon lines and volumes) and combined them to offer a multiple range of seating possibilities. He says, “These shapes allow a viewer’s imagination to take over and relate the chair’s shape with a positive personal memory. The relationship between the chair and each user is therefore personal and unique.”
Posted by Kyra Shapurji
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