Classic Furniture Meets Contemporary Layout

Bedrooms-I came across this classic looking bedroom, married to a contemporary layout. Based on the windows, and positioning of the bed, we can assume that this room is inside a loft. I love how the bed is just far enough from the window; it gives the space ample breathing room, and provides for an interesting approach to a bedroom, that could have easily started off as an office or living room.

This is a prime example of creative thinking. Imagine what the floor plan & layout must have looked like. One must really understand three dimensional space to pull this off. In my opinion, it's all the rage!

What a fantastic monochromatic space.


Great! Such impact.

Finally, two minutes to have a seat and put some semblance of a though together. In my quest to expose design lovers to daring spaces I have come across these lovely spaces that are clearly worth commenting on. The first: a kitchen, is very subdued and yet still quite risky. Notice the cabinets and walls are one. The space becomes quite strong and imposing because the main protagonist is this raw umber colour that communicates such a sophisticated vibe. The floor, although much louder, (surprisingly enough) becomes a secondary player . The table and chairs bring just the right amount of detail to this very gutsy scheme. I am not sure how many of you would agree to let a colour be the leading concept of your space. This interior designer (Courtnay Daniels Haden) truly nailed this space! For more on colour be sure to check in regularly with the Color Association of the United States (http://www.colorassociation.com/). Interestingly enough the second space (an office) also uses stripes; this time on the walls. Obviously they are much more prominent in this scheme. The designer's intention was to make them the focal element. The office is not very subtle and yet transmits a very organized feel due of course to the horizontal repetitive lines painted on the walls. Gutsy, wouldn'y you say?

As promised, more daring! This gorgeous powder room (ouvre de Miles Redd) in a New York city appartment is daring (to say the least) and yet quite sophisticated. This unusual wallpaper is by Scalamandre (http://www.scalamandre.com/) and is the one and only protagonist in this Oscar winning space. Again, how many of you would have dared? If this powder room doesn't make you want to touch up your lispstick, I don't know what to tell you.

Who would have thought?

Just look at this space: Fuchsia? Yet it works, so much so I imagine that whomever resides here must be quite fabulous!!

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T. S. Eliot . Words to live by... At least I think so. Happy new year everyone, here's hoping 2010 will be a wonderful year in all things design. I chose this quote because it illustrates the direction I want to share with you all in these next couple of weeks.Let's have a look at the rooms that were a risky undertaking and are so undeniably successful we all wish we had the guts. There's no way around it people, if you want gorgeous: take the risk (of course what I mean by that is listen to your very qualified interior designer)! You will be amazed at how wonderful your new daring space will make you feel, it will inspire and re energize you. Better still, yours will be a unique space, reflecting your person and lifestyle. Stay tuned, I have some great spaces to share with you.

Kiss Me You Fool!

During the month of December, the city of Milan will light up thanks to a number of light installations realised by internationally renowned designers in prime locations around the city centre for the LED.

Developing an idea of staging intimate encounters in the public sphere, Paul Cocksedge Studio (he is a wonderful lighting designer in the UK that we met in Toronto a few years ago at the IIDEX) will create an installation that reinvents the ancient European tradition of kissing under a mistletoe and transforms it into an act of charity.

The installation KISS will consist of a huge led canopy hanging above a stage from the centre dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and a large mistletoe. When couples move up to the stage and allow their lips to meet, their kiss sparks a charge that instantly activates a light sequence in the led canopy, changing the colour in varying intensity, ultimately forming numbers in the sum of kisses given under the mistletoe. Please, try to hold back the tears!

Each time this occurs, in spirit of the Christmas season, the sponsor UBI Banca, will donate one Euro to CESVI, helping ease the hunger in North Uganda.

http://www.paulcocksedge.co.uk/

If you love David Hicks, you are going to love Studium's new stone floor tiles. His 1960s motifs have been reproduced; creating nine marble and limestone styles (www.studiumnyc.com). These patterns never get old; they are as relevant today as they ever were!

good stuff!

Odalisque is its name; in white polyester resin with marble dust by Pryor Callaway. It is said to be inspired by the sensual female form. WOW!
http://www.pryorcallaway.com/works.html

The Harlin sofa (with removable slipcover in Chant, a cotton linen from Lulu DK). What a great whimsical number; great use of the textile. http://www.palandsmith.com/

Moroso working with Ron Arad present Do-Lo-Rez. Just a really cool play on the notion of "low res" and pixelation. http://www.moroso.it/

I just received the Interior Design Market Tabloid (Oct 31st 2009) http://www.interiordesign.net/. Here is some seating worth underlining!

Check Mate

Linoleum 1960's

Courthouse/stone

Indian Palace/stone

black squares painted on a natural wood floor

I think checkered floors are great. they are the ideal solution when you are looking to make a simple statement. Impact. Fearless. Confidence. Checkered floors have been around for centuries, and can be incorporated in many different interiors, all with the same intention. From classical interiors, to Rock and Roll, these patterns can be achieved using stone, linoleum, or even paint. They are all good-what makes them excellent is context.

Fantastic (never mind the cushions on the ground)

Looks good!

Very crisp.

Great this very unassuming mirror.

Love the wall covering!

Loose the candle sticks.

Welcome, welcome everyone!!

You know I love all things tasteful; ok minus the gold candle sticks on the coffee table; but I digress. I love all things glamorous and full of umf!!! Fantastic this Zebra runner; so Hollywood. If you are going to get crazy and by all means please do, I am going to have to insist you keep it controlled by using a strong neutral palette as your background. Oh, also try not to become crazy with accessories ( I know we all love accessories...), sometimes they make a space look and feel junky.

FOCUS.

The iconic fireplace design that put Focus on the map is as relevant today as at the time of its creation by Dominique Imbert in 1968. This mod, suspended model rotates 360 degrees, and has been exhibited in New York’s Guggeheim, The Bordeaux Modern Art Museum, and the Grenoble Modern Art Centre. Voted "Worlds most beautiful object" at the 2008-2009 Pulchra competition in Italy.http://www.euroflues.com/

Platner does Altanta

I was so please to see the Platner chair used properly! I mean, it's a beautiful piece - and, it could go anywhere, even I'd say it can carry a space on it's own. However, Toronto firm Burdifilek had the guts to upholster with a brown/turquoise pattern...and it works. I must admit, this may not have been a combination I would have come up with myself, however I know this is something Anna would have brought forth in a brain storm. I have such appreciation for reinterpretation of modern classics only when it is done with dignity. W Atlanta is home to these beautiful customized Platner chairs. Be warned, don't try this at home; leave it to the professionals!

http://www.wresidencesatlanta.com/residences/

Here (for your viewing pleasure) are some fantastic pieces ; new to the Fornasetti collection. The top three images are porcelain additions and the bottom image is a magazine rack. The thing with these pieces is the depth they bring to a space. When looking for accessories you just can't go wrong with a Fornasetti piece. The Fornasetti catalogue comprises three categories: the Grand pieces; the Home Accessories and the Delicate Objects. From Grand Pieces (jaw dropping) to Delicate objects, these objects are considered true artistic reproductions as they are drawn from the historic archives of Piero Fornasetti. www.fornasetti.com

Contact us for any and all of your Fornasetti needs; let us share our passion! www.igloodesign.ca

We are almost done with the ladies washroom here at Igloo world headquarters. I just can't get over how fabulous it looks. Of course we used Bardelli tiles (www.bardelli.it); we decided to work with the Cuban Black collection designed by none other than Ruben Toledo. Let's just get the nitty gritty out of the way: the quality of this product is unparalleled, the craftsmanship unrivaled. There, now we can get to the fun part. This collection was inspired by Ruben's native land: Cuba. As its name indicates it, this collection represents a Cuban Veranda in a beautiful poetic way. Ruben Toledo, one of my favorite designers was born in Havana, Cuba in 1961. He is designer extraordinaire!! A painter, sculptor, illustrator, fashion chronicler and critic, and surrealist. You name it, he has designed it or collaborated on it. There is no limit to this man's genius and creativity. Give us a call and stop by it's worth a peak, it truly is.

Igloo Design - Spa Calme

Igloo Design - Spa Calme
I had a chance to experience one of our own spaces this weekend. It was a great experience! This spa was designed over a year ago, and as always, I make a conscious effort to stop thinking about projects after they are done so that when I walk through them with a fresh pair of eyes. This is the only way of being able to asses ones work. When I arrived to the spa, I was welcomed by a fantasy like reception desk-we used a white 8x8 ceramic tile that looks like a tufted pillow. The contrast between visual and actual texture creates a lot of interest. Beyond that, there is the change rooms and relaxation area. I was happy to see how the owner Natalie grew into her space by adding her own 'Spa Calme' touches, such as relaxing music and special scents. Needless to say, the service was impeccable and the experience was grand. I left as a returning client and most of all a proud Interior Design Professional!

www.spacalme.ca

Fashion Designer Anna Sui remains very true to herself with this awesome apartment of hers. I can't help but be happy for people that remain true to their personal style and identity when designing and decorating their homes. I know that this seems like a "duh" kind of statement but you would be surprised at how many people don't trust their own instincts when it comes to their own spaces. Remember, you never want to feel like a stranger in your own home. you want to make sure that you respect both environment and personal vibe. Never try to re create, rather borrow and reinterpret. It really is the only way to feel connected to your home.

"Happy 99th Birthday, Hoffman!"

“Hoffman Series B” Drinking Set
Design: Josef Hoffmann, 1912

I almost choked on my sandwich when Anna showed me this fabric! I became crazy. Like all that is perfect, it can easily be adapted and applied to many different mediums ei; textiles, accessories, carpets, etc. This pattern called "Linien" is the proof. The strength is in its simplicity. One very basic element of design was used..."contrast in direction". My clients are always amuses when I say "It's so simple and yet, complicated." The possibilities with this pattern are endless. Also, it's been around for nearly 100 years. This textile now produced by Unika Vaev, is as valid today in the 21st century as is was the day it was created. I look forward to specifying this textile to a worthy project. It will truly be an honour!

http://www.unikavaev.com/archives_designers/josef_hoffmann.html