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Monaco Doors 2010 Design Catalog!
Monaco Iron Doors (a division of Trinity Stairs, Inc) has just released the 2010 Design Guide Catalog. The design guide has the entire collection of iron doors created by Monaco Doors.
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Austin Design Community celebrates Design Excellence Winners
The ASID Austin Design Community was abuzz at the ASID Design Excellence Luncheon - celebrating the city's top designers and recipients of the Design Excellence Awards... Here's a list of the big names and winners from the event!
COMMERCIAL: Corporate – large (> 5,000 total sf)
Award of Merit: Laurie Smith Design Associates
Laurie Smith
Laura Robinson
Dallas Art Fair
Trenton Doyle Hancock/Sesom's Mission/ 2005
Mixed media on canvas. 60 x 60 inches
Courtesy Dunn and Brown Contemporary
Restoring a Family Heirloom
Last month, art lover and owner of Brown Mountain Art Restoration Laura Pate, had the pleasure of completely restoring a piece of artwork that had been passed down from several generations and reviving it's aging, yellowing appearance from years of wear and damage from the elements. After lovingly and carefully cleaning the delicate artwork, Laura Pate was able to reveal to the paintings owner, Jane Parks Shaw, a vivid new rendering of the masterpiece her dear great-grandmother had created years ago.
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Vervain's December Fabric Bundle
Malika
This month highlights new Prints available exclusively in our Vervain Showrooms and online:
An Austin Favorite
Every once in a while, I run across an interesting find ... a hidden jewel if you will - and my latest love comes from deep in the heart of Austin, Texas. IF+D, a home decor and furnishings depot, is a downtown hotspot for quirky-cool and modern pieces for the contemporary-chic home. With collections in everything from sofas and beds to lighting, art and accessories, IF+D is a haven for interior junkies.
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Sheila Rock Photography @ Haven
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Artist and photographer Sheila Rock is best known for her black and white portraiture collections that have gaced the pages of many distinguished publications and the walls of several highly noted museums. One of her collections, Horses, is making it's debut at the West Village urban interiors hot spot Haven. These breathtaking images are a special treat for art lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Fab Finds at Hermitage Dallas
Hermitage Antiques is an absolute treasure chest of all things vintage and antique. The spacious showroom is filled to the brim with amazing finds and one-of-a-kind furnishings and accent pieces, and their Louis Vuitton collection is to-die-for. Each item in-stock is personally and meticulously hand-selected by owner Steve Brock, who's eye for antiques is impeccable. Take a look at some of my fab finds below and get to Hermitage Antiques (1313 Slocum Street, Ste 101) to see for yourself!
Hello Color: Bold Front Doors
Here at DG, we love color, and lots of it. And, one of my favorite things is a beautifully painted, bold front door. From the outside, it draws the eye immediately to your home and and from the interior, it creates an inviting and unique persona, either way - it's definitely a conversation starter. Here's a list of handy tools and materials you will need to get started - the fun part begins after you choose your fancy new front door color.
Art of Old India's Museum-worthy Artifacts Collection
History buffs and antique collectors rejoice! Art of Old India, a Dallas mainstay for fine and exclusive antiques (located on Dragon Street) just obtained several noteable, ancient Egyptian artifacts that can't be found anywhere else. "I've personally never seen artifacts like this outside of a museum," says staff member Brandon Brown. We couldn't handle the anticipation, and we know you can't either! So take a sneak peak at these one-of-a-kind items below.
Trend Introduces Decorative Drapery Hardware
Yesterday, Trend, a division of Fabricut Inc (known for their classic fabric and trimmings collection) launched a new line of chic and affordable decorative drapery hardware. Made from pewter, chrome, acrylic, wood and traditional resin, the 250 piece collection is available to designers and showrooms and is conveniently in stock, finished and ready to ship at all times.
Modern Chic Home
Modern Chic Home, a fresh virtual home boutique just launched by interior designer Julie Thigpin, is exactly that, modern & chic. Adorable decor, brilliant wallpaper, kitchsy gadgets and uniquely fun furnishings all stylishly collide on her homepage. It's a contemporary jackpot for interesting finds and clever gift ideas. Her designs are reminiscent of noteworthy designer Jonathan Adler's, but with her own personalized twist. Youthful, affordable, carefree & fun! Here's a look at some of my picks!
Banks Fine Art - Moving Sale!
After 29 years as one of the most fabulous art locales around and ten years in their current Dragon Street digs, Banks Fine Art is headed to Slocum Street, another Design District hot spot. Hurry now - they are having a down-to-the-bare-walls sale! 50-75% off their collection and 50% off their antique paintings (all sales final). You won't want to miss this!
Holiday Hostess Soiree @ The Kitchen Source
On Thursday, DG Publishing Inc., teamed up with The Kitchen Source, Marsha Clark, founder of the Dale Clark Memorial Fund and event chairman Gaynelle Henger, to kick-off the holiday season in style. Over 100 guests shuffled about The Kitchen Source from vignette to vignette, scouring the latest trends and learning top tips and tricks from DFW's leading party planning extraordinaires.
First Dibs - Dallas
In my daily peruse-session for all things design-worthy, I ran across this fancy little website, called 1stDibs, which turns our to be an online, catch-all portal - home to everything from antique Louis XVI vanity tables to fabulous Art Deco finds and everything in between. You can even search the site by city or region (all over the world!) to find items in your local market.
Designer Sale @ Nest Dallas
Hurry! Get to Nest Dallas asap for a HUGE designer sale on all the accessories, knick-knacks and goodies you can possibly get your hands on. Announced today, the cutesy-sophisticated home furnishings nook located in Snider Plaza, is boasting 75% off an entire collection of designer accessories. From teapots to throws and accent pillows to table lamps - visit their virtual Sale Room for a sneak peak at what’s on the shelves.
Designers Guild Floor Coverings
When it comes to creative design and true craftsman quality, it's hard to beat these fabulous finds from across the pond at Designers Guild Showroom. With their flagship stationed in London, the contemporary furnishings and design firm offers everything for feathering your modern nest from furniture and accessories to paint and wallpaper. One of my favorite elements though, are the bright and beautiful rugs! 
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Mirrors add so much character to a room; a mirror can open up a space and create more light... as well as "reflect" your sense of style. On a hunt today, I scoured some of my favorite shops and boutiques, to find the best of the best. Some simple, some bold... all pretty. Enjoy!
John Derian Company Collection
A little quirky and offbeat, the pieces from the John Derian Company are literally flying off the shelves at the New York Home & Gift Market. This designer works from a small NY studio and hand-designs his decoupaged treasures on a made-to-order basis. His accessories, in fun colors and kitschy designs, are inspired by everyday things (florals, birds, desserts, etc) and bring a breath of fresh air to the idea of typical knick-knacks. See below for some of my favorites and a few shots from his booth in New York.
Environment Collection at Haven
Modern craftmanship combined with sleek, mininal design and eco-friendly materials, Environment produces a one-of-a-kind line of furnishings made from reclaimed, recycled and repurposed wood and canvas, that are making an impact in the global realm of sustainable living. With high-profile Hollywood clients like Leonard DiCaprio and Julia Roberts, designers and homeowners alike are scrambling to get their hands on this collection.
Fabulous Foyers & Entryways
What's the first thing people see when they walk into your home? The entryway! It's a first glimpse into your world, your style and your design personality, so it's important to have your walls mirror who you are. Take some inspiration from these beautiful rooms from talented designers across the country.
Bright pops of color, a mixture of metallics and finishes, and unique patterns come together by Jonathan Berger.
Dramatic Bedroom Furnishings
There's a time to be subtle and there's a time for a little drama... and your bedroom is one of the best place to add a little pizzaz. Oversized, overstated furnishings are fun and command your attention, allowing for minimal details and softer decor. I love the idea of a majestic bed, with a ceiling reaching poster frame or an enormous headboard, bold colors, and interestings finishes. Check out some of my favorite pieces below!
EFNT Freedom Day 2009
September 11th will forever be a day etched in the memory of all Americans; we all remember where we were and what we were doing when we learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center towers in NYC. This year on September 11th, over 400 local volunteers and members of EFNT will also remember where we were: The Dallas Fire & Rescue Training and Maintenance Facility, giving the grounds a much needed facelift.
Dallas' International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show
This November, the Dallas Convention Center will open it's doors to the International Art, Antique & Jewlery Show. Annually presented in Palm Beach, Baltimore and Washington DC, this traveling display is making it's innaugural appearance in DFW. With an expected 100 exhibitors and over 2000 historical, one-of-a-kind items for sale; think Antique Road Show meets an exclusive Christie's Fine Art auction... Translation: a serious collector's paradise. Another bonus?
Fashion Designer Jill Stuart's Manhattan High-Rise
Elle Decor, one of the best national home design publications, is always packed with vivid, dramatic and detailed design ideas...and much to my pleasure, the mag recently featured top American fashion designer, Jill Stuart's (who's ready-to-wear collections can be found at Neimans, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney's and Saks) magnificent, luxury high-rise that overlooks all of Manhattan.
Anteks Fine Furnishings Joins the Dallas Design District
The continually-growing Dallas Design District is buzzing about it's newest resident, Anteks Fine Furnishings. After 20 years at their Lovers Lane location, Anteks headed south, opting for an 8,000 square-foot, eco-friendly space in the heart of the Design District. Filled to the brim with collectables, heirmlooms, antiques and custom furnishings, Anteks is a hot spot for feathering your nest with rustic, western-chic style. Stop by their new digs at 1135 Dragon Street, at the corner of Howell.
Amy GIbbs Interiors Furniture & Interior Design
Local designer Amy Gibbs is known about town for fresh design schemes and modern-visionary sense of style. Cool, crisp color palettes reign supreme in Gibbs realm, along with her affection for refurbishing great vintage finds. (One person's trash is another's treasure, right?) This week, Gibbs is debuting her furniture line at Kacky & Karl, a well-known Uptown jaunt for sophisticated style-seekers.
DG Lunch&Learn at Craighead Green Gallery
Design industry socials flocked to Craighead Green Gallery last week for DG's September Lunch & Learn series: Art 101: From Installation to Lighting, hosted by Lisa Taylor of DADA and DG's Shannon Streater.
Local Artist Christopher Martin Does Hollywood
Local artist Christopher Martin has made a name for himself in the Dallas area with his nature-inspired, abstract paintings on glass and his chic gallery, nestled inside Victory Park, is always abuzz with adoring patrons clinking glasses over his latest works.
Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers
Design diva and Dallas' own Jan Showers' debuted her latest endeavor, Glamorous Rooms...which we are told, is flying off the bookshelves. Her effortless style and niche for clean, elegant and fresh design splashes the pages of her new glossy book, showcasing her classically chic signature look. Packed with over 200 pages of glam spaces and peppered with words of wisdom from Showers herself, there is surely something in-store for everyone.
Hayon Studios BD Showtime Chairs & Table Collection
Every once-a-while, I run across a designer who really grabs my creative attention... and due to my personal fancy for modern design with a hint of vintage influence, Spanish designer/artist Jamie Hayon's BD Showtime Chairs & Table Collection struck a cord with my "old & new" passion. These whimsical chairs, oversized coffee tables and buffet remind me of cozy, at-home entertaining with a flare.
Delivery Limited Announces Fine Furnishings and Antiques Resale Event
Relocation, delivery and storage specialists, Delivery Limited, just announced plans for the first Fine Furnishing and Antiques Resale event, set for Tuesday, September 15th from 9am to 7pm. Visit their new digs while pouring over unique, top-condition, luxury furnishings from some of the most discerning "Who's Who" collections and estates in the city. Have a gorgeous piece of your own that you're ready to part with? Bring it!
DG Asks the Expert: Bruno de la Croix-Vaubois-Country French Interiors
Antique Love in a Modern World: Trends, they come and go, but furnishing homes with priceless and meaningful antiques will remain a culturally affluent affection both here in Dallas and abroad. However, scouting the world for well preserved fine furnishings from centuries past has turned into a modern sport, explains Bruno de la Croix-Vaubois of Country French Interiors, thanks to the World Wide Web.
DG Asks the Experts
This month at DG, we are featuring tips, advice, trends and an endless amount of useful information from the experts themselves...and we have plenty to choose from! Everything you could possibly need to know about antiques, architecture, remodeling, art, interior design, window treatments, flooring, furniture and accessories, kitchens, outdoor landscaping, and specialty services can be found right here on the DG site...consider it your top-notch insiders' guide where industry leaders dish on what's new, relevant and to-be-expected in the design world.
The Future of One Arts Plaza: Dallas Construction News
The Dallas Arts District, home to one of the most over-the-top, luxury urban centers in the area, One Arts Plaza, will soon be adding even more square footage of modern architectural marvels to the site with the addition of Two Arts Plaza. Two Arts Plaza, projected to begin construction later next year will encompass more than 500,000 square feet and 23 stories of residential and commercial space.
Creative Floor Designs from Centiva
Centiva, an internationally recognized design and manufacturing flooring company, sets out to inspire the mind and transform both residential and commerical spaces with their highly-innovative and creative flooring options.
Luxe Lighting
In the past, table lamps and accent lighting weren't necessarily at the forefront of enlightened design and often proved to be slightly boring (i.e. standard ceramic base plus off-white lamp shade). But those days are gone, and high-profile, modern designers are producing beautiful, inspired and original pieces that can really be considered works of art.
Richard Schultz Outdoor Collection
When I think of things I adore...a great patio is one of my favorites (ask any of my friends and they will tell you I'm adamant about al fresco dining, regardless of the weather)...but a great patio with to-die-for-stylish furnishings? That makes me one happy girl, which is why I'm obsessing over these Richard Schultz outdoor stacking chairs and cafe tables. Did I mention you can design your own?
Gorgeous Schumacher Wall Coverings
Rich, luxurious and elegant... the first three words that came to mind the second my eyes met this booth at Metrocon...fabulous wall coverings from Schumacher. Handmade and layered from tiny, individual bird feathers, (don't worry, it's a painless process for the small animals and the birds are never injured) these beautiful panels literally bring nature inside, and the brilliant colors come alive as the light bounces off of them.
The New Home & Garden Market-Fort Worth
New name, new outlook... The Home & Garden Market, formerly The Home and Garden Show of Fort Worth, has undergone a stylish revamp to provide DFW consumers and homeowners with the latest and greatest in everything new in gardens, kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living and more. One exciting new feature, the The Antiques Appraisal Market lets you bring in vintage fine and decorative art for an appraisal from a professional's eyes.
DG Lunch & Learn at The Patricia Group
Always up for a challenge, Dallas interior designers devotedly continue their mission to discover fresh and innovative techniques to thrill their clients and create luxurious living spaces. During yesterday's DG Lunch & Learn, eager designers flooded The Patricia Group's showroom floors to learn more about the newest wave in technology and design: Home Theaters.
Metrocon 2009- A Big Success
This year's Metrocon Expo & Conference (sponsored by OM Workspace and DG Publishing Inc) went off without a hitch. Designed with innovation, forward thinking, and continued education in mind, volunteers from Texas/Oklahoma IIDA, Dallas-Fort Worth IFMA and Texas ASID came together to bring us one show-stopping, two-day event. Bustling designers, beautiful displays, and high energy filled the Dallas Market Hall convention center last week. And, even better news?
Danko Designs: Modern Green
"Less is more," so they say, and Peter Danko Designs adheres firmly to this school of thought. By combining traditional design along with modern lines and elements, this collection focuses on minimalism and eco-friendly construction. All wood used in these products is sustainably resourced from FSC certified forests...and they employ a fairly new and sophisticated medium of green design called "ply-bending"--in conjunction with the use of recycled and other sustainable materials.
Metrocon 2009 Off to a great start
It's Friday, and we've just spent the past months planning and preparing for METROCON at Dallas Market Hall. Off to a great start, the two-day event has been abuzz with busy designers and fancy showrooms displays.
Office Style: Sleek Seating
For many of us, we go to work and sit at our desks in front of a computer all day. Some views are better than others (mine, a front row seat in the chicly designed DG office, i.e: green walls, mod white furniture, contemporary floral installations) but no matter what the view, comfort is key. Which is why today, I sought out to find polished, comfortable, and functional office seating, because you don't have to be a top-exec to sit in style. Here are a few I think just might do the trick.
Saturn of Korea brings Luxury to the Bathroom
In an ideal world, we could walk into our stylishly designed bathroom, jump into a warm bubble bath, and all the while listen to music, catch up on our favorite tv shows, or check a few emails... talk about multi-tasking. Well, thanks to Saturn of Korea, design, luxury, and functionality collide perfectly in the Karim Rashid Collection.
Nasher Sculpture Center Presents "The Art of Architecture: Foster + Partners"
Beginning September 26th and running through January 10th, Nasher Sculpture Center will be welcoming a retrospective presentation of Pritzker Prize-winner architect Norman Foster and his firm Foster+Partners, displaying exhibits of the famed architect's contemporary and modern works.
Louis Ghost Armchair by Kartell
I absolutely adore the Louis Ghost chair designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell.
House Beautiful: Kitchen of the Year 2009
Designed by Ina Garten (whom you might recognize as Food Network's Barefoot Contessa) designed a simply stunning and multi-functional kitchen that doubles as a family and entertainment room. This kitchen, which was bestowed the prestigious House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year Award for 2009, draws crowds of onlookers as it has been replicated for viewing in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.
Anne Coyle Collection
We love a room with personality, and each piece from the Anne Coyle Interiors collection comes alive with character and charisma. Her bold colors, detailed patterns, and whimsical design choices make us swoon with the way they brighten up a room and present a certain "punch" of creative charm and sophistication. Hailing from Chicago, this busy designer's work can be seen splashed on the pages of Elle Decor, O at Home, and CS Interiors.
GranitiFiandre Dallas Resource Center OPENS!
The Dallas Design District welcomes its newest addition: GranitiFiandre Dallas Resource Center, a contemporary and impressive space for architects and designers to bring clients to browse through more than 300 porcelain tile options, all arranged by color in a smart "library" fashion. Use the showroom, kitchen and conference rooms for presentations and enjoy ample space for brainstorming, planning, mixing and matching.
"Designers Doing Good"
Here at DG, we love to lend a helping hand anytime we can, and we admire any and everyone that keeps charity in mind and at heart. Which is why we've decided to honor those designers and their companies that utilize their social influences to make a difference, both here in the DFW area and around the world, with our Designers Doing Good series.
Nations Next Top Model Home
Nations Next Top Model Home, a web-driven, reality home design contest based in Compass Point, NC launched on June 15th: The Scenario? Seven designers, 28 days, $5,000 and a mission to design the Nations Next Top Model Home. What's at stake? A $25,000 grand prize for best in show.
Creative and Lavish Bathroom Sinks
Luxury bathrooms are becoming a hot commodity in home design, with contemporary detail and design showing up in unexpected places... like the sink for example. Glass, wood, marble, bronze and other materials are being combined with mosaic tile, crystal, and metallic embellishments that transform this ordinary bathroom fixture into a work of art. See below for a few bold ideas in modern bathroom design.
Austonian High-Rise Condos in Austin, TX
The Austonian, an under-construction high-rise and prime piece of real estate, is taking the term "luxury living" to new heights. Located at 2nd and Congress in Austin, this 56-story, 571-foot skyscraper packs state-of-the-art technological capabilities and energy saving and environmentally efficient innovations.
METROCON 2009 Dallas, TX: Are you ready?
METROCON 2009, the largest design-related regional expo in the country-August 13th & 14th (and media sponsored by yours truly-DG Publishing, Inc) is stirring up quite the buzz, and rightfully so!
Culture Shock: Visit to Italy
After trekking the globe for fresh, cultural design, our final stop in the "Culture Shock" series is Italy, a civilization so elaborate and abounding with beautiful design. Made with deep colors and rich materials, from traditional copious details to a more modern, streamlined look, Italian style is always classic, clean, refined and dignified. See below for ways to adorn your home with a taste of Italy.
B&N Iconic Panels
Here at DG, we always have an eye out for cool, innovative, forward-thinking design ideas, and these are definitely a recent favorite of mine: "Iconic Panels." Formed from laminate over a carved wood core, these panels mount to any wall, or can be glued, screwed in, or nailed to any existing wall in your home or office. Take a look at the intricate detailing, it's exquisite. Leave them white, paint over them, or hang your own art work and shelving units.
North Texas Sustainable Showcase 2009
Hundreds of "green" supporters flooded the floors of the Frontiers of Flight Museum last Thursday for the Second Annual North Texas Sustainable Showcase hosted by the USGBC North Texas Chapter, AIA Dallas, COTE, and CSI Dallas Chapter, to boast the latest and greatest in green building products and technology for commercial and resident
Culture Shock: Turkish Inspiration
On this month's tour around the globe, we've landed in Turkey for our next "culture shock" design inspiration. With it's eclectic blend of Eastern and Western traditions and heavy influences from the country's 6-century-long rule by the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish culture is rich, vibrant, and loaded with history.
Handcrafted Magni Designs Collection
There is somthing so special and elegant about a handcrafted piece, and Magni Designs out of Los Angelos has this rare, one-of-a-kind feeling down to an art in the MagniClassic Collection. The statuesque Carlyle chair (made from genuine rift white oak), the modern, clean-lined white Plaza Lounge chair, and the intricate handcaste bronze Colette accent table (limited edition, only 50 were made) are all handcrafted and made in Southern California. So sleek, so simple.
Black + White Design
When it comes to choosing a design scheme, there is almost nothing I love more than Black & White together. It's crisp, clean, sophisticated and allows you to get creative with patterns (stripes & brocade, to name a few of my faves), graphics, and textures. There is something so pretty and chic about the stark contrast between the two. See below for a few elements that have me feeling extra inspired this morning.
French Inspiration
This week, as a part of our "Culture Shock" series, we are traveling to Southern France for our design inspiration. French country design is rooted in tradition and full of character, charm and a little quirk and kitsch. It's about little accents here and there that please the eye and capture the spirit.
Creative Custom Headboards
I'm always looking for fun and fancy ways to "spruce things up" a bit around my nest, and these custom designed headboards are perfect for creating a center focal point in your bedroom. Customized headboards, like the ones below are a brilliantly perfect way to pack some personality into a room. Get creative. Your headboard doesnt really have to be a headboard though... oversized framed artwork and canvas or large wall decor can easily trick the eye. here are a are a few of my favorites.
Designer Dennis Waters-Keys to Success
Interior Designer Dennis Waters 5-Star Guide to Success: In this uncertain economy, anyone could use a little (or maybe even a lot of) insight into recession-proofing your business. That’s where interior designer Dennis Waters ASID, owner of Southlake’s DW Design Company, just may come in handy. This 30-year design veteran isn’t merely surviving by keeping his head above water, but thriving with a lucrative design business in this most unpredictable economic time.
Moroccan-Inspired Design
With our "culture shock" theme in mind, I couldn't help but start in Morocco.
Culture Shock: Design Inspiration from Around the World
You are a globetrotter, a real roaming gnome with an affection for cultural exposure. Make your travel memories last by taking design elements and ideas from around the world and infusing them into your home's decor. Designers are taking inspiration from across the globe, using the bold colors, intricate detailing and traditional methods from the rich cultures of the world to influence fine home furnishings.
Recycled Home Furnishings
"Go green," "reuse," "recycle"... we hear these terms all the time, but one home furnishings design company and supplier is keeping an eagle-eye on superfluous timber and plywood from Austin-based construction jobs before it can make it's way to the landfill, then they convert the salvaged raw materials into reusable resources.
DMC Announces "Next Big Thing" Winner
With an eye out for the hottest new design and products on the market, Dallas Market Center just announced it's 2009 Next Big Thing contest winner... and the award goes to... Donna Potter, creator of Freedom Gates. Inspired by the need for a stylish way to keep Fido at bay, Freedom Gates incorporate sophisticated home interior design elements with the functionality of a durable dog gate.
Color Specialist Lee Eiseman's 2010 Color Trend Forecast
This year's June Total Home & Gift Market at Dallas Market Center proved the design market is perking up after a recently sluggish economy. With a bevy of speakers and presentations throughout the event, special guest Lee Eiseman lit up the room with a riveting 2010 Color Trends forecast presentation. We couldn't help but jot down some notes and take home a few tips from Eiseman's hand-picked home design color palettes from Pantone.
Colorful Kitchens
You're cooking is spicy, so why shouldn't your kitchen reflect your culinary taste? We suggest you heat things up by adding a pinch of color here and a dash of color there. Our sources tell us that colorful kitchens are a designer's dream right now - everything from tinted cabinetry, table tops, appliances, window treatments, and backsplashes. Take some inpiration from these photos and get creative with color in your own kitchen. Too afraid to take the plunge with over-the-top appliances like these? Opt for smaller, brightly colored accents peppered around the space.
Colorful Carpets & Area Rugs
Creative Room Dividers
Small spaces can often create big problems. Your office-mate has some very less-than-desirable habits and your great little "studio apartment" leaves little to the imagination. Enter: these sleek and customizable room dividers and partitions for home and office. Streamlined and modern by design, these dividers come in a variety of sizes and color palettes to match any room's motif, and light-weight alluminum framing ensures an easy to assemble project.
Beautiful Custom Outdoor Landscaping
It's summer time and you're ready to get the family outside to enjoy your outdoor living space. Fashionable patio furniture? Check. Super fancy, high-powered grill? Check. Family, friends, cocktails? Check. You've got it all, right? Wait right there. What about the area surrounding your posh outdoor pad?
Modern Wallpaper
Inspired by this season's bright colors and bold patterns, I've become addicted to tracking down the most original, artful, and completely unexpected wallpaper. That's when I ran across this amazing, really modern wallpaper resource.
Designer Spotlight: John Marrs, ASID
ALL IN A DAY'S WORK: Why Interior Designers Truly Have Their Work Cut Out for Them.......“No one man can wear all the hats, all the time,” states an ancient and wise proverb. Quite the contrary though, if you ask Dallas-based interior designer John Phifer Marrs A.S.I.D., or any designer for that matter.
Pop of Color: Austin Home Design
When it comes to splashing bold colors, take a tip from the pros: A little bit goes a long way, and this Austin-based design team got it right. This French country/mid-century ranch house turned sophisticated, minimalist refuge exemplifies a stylish and perfectly placed way to showcase bright color schemes in your home. A bright orange accent wall, attention-grabbing lime green chair, and earthy greens and browns on the bathroom mosaic backsplash, makes for a sleek and modern design.
Bold Backsplash
This month, we are focusing on the bold and the beautiful....COLOR that is. Here is a perfect (local) example of how to add a surge of color to your kitchen or bathroom: Brighten up with a mosaic tile backsplash. Here, shimmering turquoise adds a breath of fresh air for an ultra-modern bathroom; vibrant red is perfect for spicing up a bland kitchen, and this deep, stormy blue is great for both kitchen and bath.
Summer 09: It's All About COLOR
It’s June—officially summer—and here at DG it was a unanimous vote: our favorite summer trend for home design is color, color, color—and lots of it. Bright pops of unexpected color is a great way to update and freshen up any room in your home, and this season’s designers are pushing the design envelope with fearless punches of brilliant color in home appliances, wallpaper, furniture, small accessories, and everything in between.
Summer Trend: White Accessories
When it comes to home décor, one of my favorite accessories is white ceramics—and during the summer, I think they can look especially chic. These items below are simple, classic designs with a little unexpected twist. In this collection, each piece is inspired by earthy elements and rich cultures, and are hand-thrown and glazed by the designer. Look for vases, pitchers, bowls, and knick-knacks for punching up any space.
Outdoor Entertaining
Summer is the season for socializing and patios are perfect for inviting close friends over for cocktails and light bites. Made from sleek teak and aluminum, with modern oversized wheels, this outdoor drink cart by McGuire is ideal for dishing out cool summer-time refreshments.
Stylish Bookshelf by Ligne Roset
We know what you’re thinking…. No, the designer did not lose the instruction manual while trying to put together this unstructured but stylish bookshelf. The sleek and slanted lines of this storage unit are supposed to look like that. It comes in black or white and you can add the option of LED backlighting. These stacks would be perfect for anyone who appreciates minimalist, contemporary design—a great addition to your growing modern collection.
Patio Perfect: The Luxembourg Collection
With our "outdoor living" theme on my mind this month, I've been in search of really great, unexpected patio furniture...which is when I ran across this: the Luxembourg Collection. Each element of the collection is really simple, but with a vintage flair. These chairs are a modern version of the seating in Paris' Luxembourg Garden from the early 20th century, and are undoubtedly chic. A drink cart and folding table add to the whimsical but mature set.
Pretty Outdoor Planters
Outdoor pots and planters are making a modern and cool comeback... gone are the days of those bland, terra cotta planters as your only option. Designers are playing with new shapes and becoming creative with unexpected detailing, bright, eye-catching hues, and inventive material (one of these uses LED lighting to illuminate itself at night!) Many of these would work inside or outside, so they are versatile too. So, if your peonies need some perking up, and your daffodils are looking a little drab, a pretty, new planter might be just what you need.
Living Art: Green Pockets
With spring in the air, we are looking for great ways to show off our green thumbs. These hanging wall planters called Green Pockets (created from recycled materials), are a little quirky and off-beat, but really a genius way to bring your fabulous foliage indoors. These are tile pods that interlock and can be attached to any wall of your home and allow you to create patterns and shapes with your chosen plants or flowers. This living art is fresh design approach and a great accessory for welcoming spring!
Haute Hammocks by InMod
Restful relaxation plus the element of style? Sign us up. Here, the hammock gets a bit of a makeover from InMod, and takes on a cool new vibe with its stand-alone structure and chic appearance. See below for three sophisticated new styles.
First Thursdays on Dragon Street
Start your weekend a little early with Dragon Street's First Thursdays, where over 20 neighborhood art galleries and showrooms will be keeping their doors open late (til 8 pm!) for art-gabbing and socializing over featured artists and designers.
Rooms Revamped on a Budget with Redesign Your Decor
Spring is in the air and redecorating is on your mind, but considering this slightly dismal economy, who has the funds for a complete over-haul? Enter: Plano's Redesign Your Decor and owner/designer Stephanie Weeks. Creative from the get-go (she's been re-arranging rooms and furniture since childhood) Weeks sets up a consultation, asks homeowners to clear out the entire room, and then sends them out the door, only to return home a few hours later to a completely re-designed room, using all their same pieces and decor.
Sit in Style: Outdoor Seating
As we sit at our desks here at the DG office, we cant help but daydream about afternoons outside, chatting with friends over cocktails and relaxing under the warm spring sun. That's why today's posting is devoted to finding the best seat in the house: Your patio seating, that is. Check out the photos below for fresh ideas and a few quirky, and interesting outdoor seating options.
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Outdoor Inspiration
You may have seen in our monthly trend report that in May, we are celebrating the great outdoors with blog postings to inspire a fabulous outdoor living space. Custom design is key (because you want your space to truly reflect you), so its important to find a company that can make your visions a reality. Below are a few of our favorite places that are known for their quality, integrity, and of course, style. We believe that your outdoor escape should have character, comfort, and function, and still be beautiful. So take a look, and enjoy!
The Great Outdoors
Spring is here, the sun is out, and what better way to celebrate the season than with friends and family in your spectacular outdoor living space. For that reason, here at DG, we are devoting this month's weekly blog postings to the divine outdoors. We will cover everything from fabulous outdoor furniture to luxurious landscaping, and everything in between, all from national and local designers. If your outdoor space is going to be treated like a second home, shouldn't it look and feel like one too? We agree.
Rest Easy in a Hastens Eco-Friendly Bed
Sleep soundly knowing that even in your peaceful slumber, you are going green and giving back to the environment, when you invest in a Hastens bed. You won't find heavy machinery in this factory, because each mattress is hand-made with the same traditional craftsmanship Hastens has adhered to since they first began making beds in the 19th century.
Amazing Architecture by Gaetano Pesce
Italian-born, New York-based designer/artist/architect Gaetano Pesce is known the world over for his unconventional, avant-garde, and imaginative architectural designs.
Building Materials: GO Green
To keep in the spirit of our theme this month-- Going Green -- I ran across this interesting site: Straw Sticks & Bricks. Nestled in the midwest (Lincoln and Kansas City, NE) this building supply company is the go-to place for all things eco-friendly. They have great flooring options, from bamboo and cork, to "reclaimed" wood that's been salvaged from old barns, mills, and warehouses, giving each piece its own unique character.
White Rock Home Tour
Visit White Rock Lake's all modern Home Tour this weekend (April 25-26; noon-5 pm), benefitting Hexter Elementary School, where you can expect to walk away enlightened and enthralled by the architectural skill and sophisticated landscaping of these five featured homes. Showcased work from designers and builders includes Ju-Nel, Alan Hoffman, and Jack Wilson.
2009 Color of the Year
And the award goes to... Mimosa Yellow. Pantone, the design industry's color specialist, has announced that #14-0848 Mimosa is being recognized as the official color of 2009. And rightfully so, as this charming color evokes warmth, newness and an overall sense of happiness and optimism.
Perfect Accessory: Yumi and Laurie Throw Blanket
Designer-mother-entrepreneur Laurie Suzuki is making a name for herself with the recent launch of an impeccable line of luxurious throws under her design label Yumi and Laurie. Inspired by her worldly travels, her "blanQuettes" are influenced by the rich colors, textures, and details found in carefully-crafted Turkish towels.
Shop and Save: Home Furnishings at Nest
Here at DG, we know that for decorating-enthusiasts (like ourselves), springtime is the perfect excuse to start fresh, recreate, and reinvent your living space. So why not head over to Snider Plaza hot-spot, The Nest, where this week only, inspired shoppers are getting a tax-break; an 8.25% discount to be exact, off all home decor and accent items tucked away in this chic boutique. We especially enjoy their Italian collection of fine furnishings, like this Mademoiselle chair by Kartell.
Liana Yaroslavsky's Chandelier-Coffee Tables
Parisian (graphic and interior) designer Liana Yaroslavsky brings home a whole new meaning to "statement piece," with her quirky, yet glamorously deconstructed chandeliers elegantly housed within Plexiglas tables. The sleek and modern lines of table itself are a unique paradox to the historic notion of the 18th and 19th century chandelier installations.
