Last Wednesday Deborah Needleman, editor in chief of the WSJ Magazine and founding editor of Domino Magazine, gave the key-note address for the kick off of Spring Market 2012 at the D & D (Decoration and Design) building in NYC. The keynote set the tone for a day full of events that ranged from intimate talks by Designer Murray Moss and Architect Susan de Menil, to showroom open houses. There was even a blogger lounge where design and decor bloggers could tweet and post live from the day’s events. 

Ms. Needleman spoke about the current trends of tempering elegance with restraint in the worlds of food, fashion, photography, and how this trend is translated into today’s decor. This concept basically refers to the idea of creating a feeling of tension between the luxurious and the simple.

Fashion photography was first on the list of topics. Ms. Needleman discussed the areas where this trend is evident and sited the May 2012 story from Wall Street Journal Magazine: “Dream Weavers” which featured fashion model Stella Tennant.  Needleman said, ”She’s [Tennant] a strong model with aristocratic blood but we photographed her in a blank, quite sterile environment. It creates a tension”.  The combination of Tennant’s image, which evokes a certain kind of elegance, combined with a non-elegant and simple background, created a feeling of restrained tension.

Stella Tennant

*photo courtesy of  mode.newlicious.net

Ms. Needleman also used an image of a living room at Chatsworth (a grand English country estate) to illustrate this trend further:

Chatsworth Sitting Room

*photo courtesy of Cotedetexas.com

A flokati rug was placed on top of an antique rug and slip-covered chairs appeared as unexpected decor that ordinary traditionalists would probably not see as befitting this grand English country estate.  ”It’s all about lightening up luxurious decorating, making it feel homey and casual. Like antique and vintage fabrics, particularly those from other cultures,  using them signals that you’re literally letting people in.” remarked Needleman. Examples of this are: using “ethnic” fabrics on lampshades, something she calls “charming” and piling on ”loads of pillows and even leaving supplies out, which gives a sign of life, like a coat rack.” She emphasized the importance of making a space personal, warm, cozy, and inviting while letting the simple elements speak for themselves.

Needleman went on to explain how the food trends might also influence decor. Movements like farm to table, gastropubs, or other specialized restaurants  (The Meatball shop on the LES for example),  “are creating a sense of place, storytelling, and underscoring simplicity”  she said. The key word here is: simplicity. Most restaurants that serve highly specialized cuisines tend to present the food in a simple manner and decorate simply, while letting the taste of food speak for itself.  An image of Yves Saint-Laurent’s living at his home in Tangiers, perfectly illustrates this approach with one chintz pattern covering all the chairs and sofa, in a simple white room.

Yves St. Laurent Sitting Room

*photo courtesy of Nicespace.me

The simple stands out while the overly patterned chintz looks perfect!  Another example of restrained tension décor was exemplified in an image of a fancy set table placed in the middle of a meadow surrounded by trees. It was so out of place, yet it looked perfect… case and point!

Decoration trends do not “refresh” themselves as often as fashion trends. Therefore it’s easier to see shifts in the trends in fashion than decor.  Ms. Needleman feels that there’s something great about looking at one frivolous item paired with something simple and streamlined (both the fashion as well as décor), as seen on the runway from Italian fashion designer Valentino. She used Pauline de Rothschild’s living room as an example, pointing out its cooky furniture arrangement  and lack of art on the walls. Needleman commented, “It’s a virginal innocence combined with a richness. Something so wrong it’s right.”

Pauline de Rothschild Sitting Room

Interiors By The Stars – Everywhere we look today it seems that high profile individuals and designers/brands are teaming up to create home decorative lines. From the fashion world to the music world, the trend right now is to combine your name with a brand or retailer and your stuff will sell!! Let’s wait and see which one of these stars will create a great line of rugs!

Justin Timberlake Home

The Iconic fashion house Missoni collaborated with Target last year making everything from shoes to bicycles and within days the items were sold out of stores and being re-sold on e-bay for double or triple their original prices.

Donald Trump, a brand in his own right, has a home line of furniture, mattresses, lighting, bedding and decorative accessories with the Trump Home crystal collection, which premiered in summer 2011.

Cindy Crawford has collaborated with the furniture maker Raymour Flanigan to make chic sectional sets, bedroom furniture, and dining room collections. Most pieces are classic and can work in any room, and this line is particularly suited for anyone who is shopping on a budget.

Living Room By Cindy Crawford

Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles, are expanding their style empire by launching the “House of Dereon home collection”. The line features beddings influenced by European and bohemian chic styles and will cater to both the sophisticated consumer and the younger generation as well.

Bedroom By Beyonce

Both the talk show host Nate Berkus and Jonathan Adler have collaborated with HSN to make their own lines of affordable chic and decorative items that are exclusive to the Home Shopping Network.

Wave Pillow By Jonathan Adler

Nate Berkus Velvet Studio Sofa

Justin Timberlake has teamed up with decorator, Estee Stanely, for a “home goods and art” website, called Home Mint. It will be a curated selection of home goods and accessories, one of a kind finds, and art and photography from both established and up-and-coming artists. According to Timberlake, “HomeMint combines my love of interior design with my passion for technology and innovation to create a brand that not only offers quality products, but also a personalized shopping experience.”

Justin Timberlake isn’t the only celebrity/musician turning to the home décor stage, Lenny Kravitz, who launched Kravitz Design in 2003, recently partnered with Kartell in order to update their iconic Mademoiselle chair. There are six different versions of the chair, which incorporate python, fur, leather and woven materials.

Chairs By Lenny Kravitz

Eco Friendly / Environmentally Friendly Rugs - It’s really no secret anymore that conserving and protecting the environment is a top notch priority in the world today. We see it everywhere, whether it be in the Hybrid vehicles driving past us, or solar panels on rooftops; people are taking a strong interest in reducing the level of pollution delivered to the environment by modifying many different aspects in their lives. However, it doesn’t take a new car or expensive alterations to the infrastructure of a home to live an environmentally conscientious lifestyle. There are many little things one can do that can make a big difference to the world around us. Keeping the environment in mind when shopping around for basic household items is definitely a good place to start.

"Green" Moroccan Rug

It’s always important to keep in mind what materials may be harmful to the environment when shopping for your home. A good rule of thumb is to always remember to try and buy products that can be conserved and reused several times, rather than purchasing disposable items that you will end up throwing out.

Moroccan Rug Interior

There are several ways to beautifully decorate the interior of a home and still remain faithful to the world around you. Items that should top the list have to be vintage Moroccan Carpets. These beautiful folk art rugs were handmade by combining materials from old clothing and recycled fabrics together. The end result is a gorgeous rug that is sure to attract admiration from all who encounter it. It’s worth noting that since theserugs are made solely of materials which have already existed for severalyears, absolutely no pollution was released unto the planet when they arebeing made, thus making them the most eco-friendly / environmentally friendly and “Green” rugs available.

Moroccan Carpet

Moroccan carpets, are extremely popular in today’s décor. They are sought after by collectors, consumers and interior decorators who scour the world in search of these magnificent works of art. But not only are they breathtaking to look at and a joy to have in one’s home, they are also probably the most environmentally friendly rugs as well. Combining beauty, affordability and a positive environmental effect, Moroccan Carpets are an easy choice for the savvy and ecofriendly consumer.

Moroccan Carpet interior

If we all remember to keep these few tips in mind when shopping for your home it will make a world of a difference!

NYC20 Decorative Arts Fair - The inaugural NYC20 fair, a 20th Century art and design fair in the tent at Lincoln Center, kicked last Thursday night. 36 dealers from all over the United States and Europe are showcased decorative and fine arts from all 20^th century design movements at the fair over the weekend. The show was sponsored by 1stdibs and in association with Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture, Art and Auction, and Modern magazines. Objects on display and for sale ranged from furniture and lighting to jewelry, ceramic, photography, prints, and vintage clothing. All dealers are exclusively 1stdibs.com dealers, which meant the pieces were exceptional. For many dealers this was the very first show in New York City.

Rosemary Kreiger, of Dolphin promotions, who produced the show, said that the show would change how people think about design fairs in general:

“I think it changes the fair-going experience since, in the case of NYC20, you are able to become familiar with the dealers and preview some of their merchandise before arriving at the show and meeting them in person and seeing their amazing presentations…It is important for many collectors to be able to see and touch-to interact personally and directly with an object before they are inspired to purchase it.”

The show was geared for young collectors and featured pieces that were worthy of being on the Mad Men set! I thoroughly enjoyed walking the tent and so many things caught my eye, especially the bright yellow of the Parzinger Originals lacquered cabinet, studded with gold, at the Palumbo Anderssen booth. Its bright sheen stood out in contrast with the avocado-green, tower-like Tommi Parzinger clock in the nearby corner (ca. 1950), which the American-German designer (1930-1991) constructed around a found clock face.

White was the overriding color at Los Angeles-based gallery Downtown’s centrally located booth, which conjured the atmosphere of a ’60s beach party in Acapulco. All the pieces were taken from Mexico, including the Arturo Pani fiberglass lounge chairs (ca. 1965) presented against the backdrop of a wall-sized close-up photo of Maria Felix in a straw hat. Felix, an icon of mid-century luxury, was Mexico’s own Marilyn Monroe.

Some highlights:

Robert Wilson of Downtown offers a visual feast of Mexico’s midcentury designers, including Arturo Pani, whose fiberglass chairs date from 1965. The sheaf wheat cocktail table dates from the 1950’s and it was Coco Chanel who made this type of table so popular because she had one in her own apartment in Paris.

Arturo Pani Chair

Vintage Coco Chanel Sheaf Wheat Cocktail Table

Patrick Dragonette’s booth represented the West Coast.  The dealer from Los Angeles featured remnants of old Hollywood and designs that clearly evoked the feeling of cool California. This tree lamp from the estate of Frances Elkins was probably my favorite piece from his booth.

Frances Elkins Vintage Tree Lamp

Featured front and center upon entering the tent, the interior scene below is from Trinity House, which has galleries here in NYC and in the U.K. This panting is by Patrick Joseph Caulfield entitled “Interior with Fondue Pan” and goes for a cool million.  Even though Mr. Caulfield did not claim to be part of the pop art movement, one can’t help but think of it when looking at the painting.  The graphic and linear lines of the painting and the lighter colors palette would complement the “modernesque” furniture that is so popular currently.

Patrick Joseph Caulfield "Interior with Fondue Pan"

This exceptional silver Tea Service, presented by The Silver Fund of London, caught my eye. I was told that this piece was special because it was a complete set of a Cartier, Paris tea service which only a few of them were produced. For $125,000 you could be enjoying your tea from the silver service below!!

Cartier Paris Tea Service Set

One of the hottest design trends right now is the resurgence of the mid-century modern / vintage aesthetic. You can see this design style just about anywhere you look these days, but most notably it’s been a scene-stealer on the popular TV miniseries, Mad Men. Vintage & Mid-century pieces are appealing because they have a degree of visual and functional truth (they are both functional and pleasing to the eye) that makes people want to live with them.

Being a recent convert to the Mad Men craze, I thought I would take a closer look at the exceptional mid-century modern décor featured on the show and figure out how to incorporate the vibe of mid century modern aesthetic with the current style trend of using vintage rugs.

Vintage Rugs And Furniture

The production design team of Mad Men did not opt for the obvious decor and furnishing choices that we now think of as iconic to the 1960’s. Instead, they choose to incorporate pieces that are older and mix them in with modernist pieces of the time. This same principle works for us today when trying to mix our already established décor with the mid-century modern aesthetic. What is great about the mid-century style is the clean lines and graphic features. These match beautifully with the bold features and colors of the vintage rugs that are so popular today. If you take a look at some of the scenes from Mad Men, its almost as if the rooms need a rug for a finishing touch.

Mid-Century Interior Design

The interior scene below is of Betty and Don Draper’s living room in their marital home. The sectionals are classic 1960’s with a bit of colonial revival style thrown into the mix. If you were to replace the coffee table with a teak mid-century Danish one and swap out the brown carpet for the vintage Swedish one shown below the room would instantly feel more modern and more inviting, in my opinion.

Vintage Mid-Century Furniture

Don Draper’s apartment with his second wife is like a mod dream with white carpet, grass cloth walls and a period-perfect sunken living room. I really love the pop of colors on the couch, but again, I would swap the couch out for something updated and change the floors to hardwood and place a rug in the center of the room in order to bring the room together. This mid-century vintage Moroccan rug would be perfect as it already features the pops of color from the decorative pillows on the couch.  A flat screen TV, along with lamps that have more of an updated edge and a Moroccan hanging lamp would make the room more relevant to current décor trends.

Mad Men Mid-Century Design

David Kleinberg

Rounding this week up in the world of our Designer Spotlight Series is an acclaimed New York-based interior designer who has been a leading figure in the field for the last 30 years. David Kleinberg of David Kleinberg Design Associates has been creating interiors full of fierce and fashionable sophistication, bold and vibrant color pops, and contain clear and crisp lines. Kleinberg’s keen attention to detail and high level of taste has made him a force to be reckoned with over the latter half of the century.

David Kleinberg Interior Design

Kleinberg and his team of 25 associates have been making a serious statement throughout New York City as well as having been recognized on an international level. Having helmed not only his associates but teams of designers, architects, and various other artists in the design world to bring his artistry to life. David Kleinberg’s designs range from a series of home interiors along with commercial designs, vacation homes, and children’s rooms that all are a reflection of his master craft.

David Kleinberg Interior Design

Being a published author, Kleinberg and his book, Traditional Now: Interiors by David Kleinberg, his beautiful and well-executed works may be seen in this collective book. Showcasing his sense of style and daring interiors, Kleinberg has truly made a name for himself amongst the design community.

For more information on David Kleinberg, click here.

David Kleinberg Interior Design

David Kleinberg Interior Design

David Kleinberg Interior Design

David Kleinberg Interior Design

David Kleinberg Interior Design

Designer Spotlight Series

Thomas Britt

Leading us into the week of the Designer Spotlight Series is an acclaimed designer who has been in the field for over 40 years. Thomas Britt, a native of Kansas City, Missouri has been changing the game-face of the interior design field with his beautiful decor and design that has been widely published and seen all over the country and world. Britt’s beautiful designs integrate a seamless synergy of European classic and vibrant color stories.

Thomas Britt Interior Design

Thomas Britt, a graduate of NYU and Parsons, has led the field of interior design over the latter half of the past century and continues to make serious statements into the new millennium and future. Britt is also an avid user of incorporating interesting textiles with textural pieces into his decor to make a serious statement of our beauty and unique intricate design.

Thomas Britt Interior Design

Helmed by Thomas Britt alongside his firm of ten designers, Thomas Britt, Inc. has been published in numerous publications including: AD, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, W Magazine, The New York Times, and more. His keen attention to detail and determination for perfection have placed his firm’s designs in a ranking of its own.

For more information on Thomas Britt, click here.

Thomas Britt Interior Design

Thomas Britt Interior Design

Thomas Britt Interior Design

Thomas Britt Interior Design

Madeline Stuart

Madeline Stuart

Kicking off this week with our Designer Spotlight series, we’re taking it all the way over to the west coast. Serving up some serious style in the sunshine state is LA-based interior design firm, Madeline Stuart and Associates. This LA-based design firm helmed by none other than Madeline Stuart herself has made a splash in the field for the last 15 years. Madeline is known for sophisticated style in her interiors as well as in her bold fashion choices.

Madeline Stuart Interior Design

Madeline Stuart has been leading the LA design community with her beautiful designs ranging from NY penthouse suites to southwest vacation home getaways. Stuart prides herself on her focus on incorporating architecture, furniture, fashion, and function. Putting her client’s desires first is a value that Madeline and her firm great communicators combining knowledge and the ability to please.

Madeline Stuart Interior Design

Notoriously known for her swanky and chic designs that focus on key signature focal pieces and statement furniture, Madeline Stuart’s interiors are severely sophisticated with vibrant color pops tied together by signature design elements that are indicative of her clients, their personalities, and their wants. No to mention, her avid attention to detail that comes along with her passion for architecture and restoration truly set Stuart’s designs apart from the rest of the design field. Flipping homes and restoring them are a major skill that Madeline Stuart has come to master. Her work has been published in numerous publications including: AD, Elle Decor, House and Garden, Home Beautiful, and more.

For more on Madeline Stuart, click here.   

Madeline Stuart Interior Design

Madeline Stuart Interior Design

Madeline Stuart Interior Design

Alberto Pinto

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Designer Spotlight Series: Alberto Pinto–Yet another entry following in the footsteps of NDesign and Style’s Designer Spotlight Series, we opted for another great designer in the field who has made a serious impact in the world of interior design. Alberto Pinto is one of the most celebrated designers of our time having designed private homes, yachts, residential and commercial estates, and various other locales. Pinto is also a well-published author of several books ranging from table settings to oriental treasures and more. Today, Pinto and his firm have led the field well into the future creating a beautiful mixture of past historical finds and modern minimalist influence.

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Alberto Pinto and his designs have been seen all over the world from London to New York to Paris and beyond. His eclectic style incorporates his knack for finding hidden antique treasures from various historical periods. A majority of his work is heavily influenced by baroque and byzantine stylings along with cultural influences from Morocco to India. His focus on incorporating diverse cultural and historical elements within his design has set Pinto’s designs apart from the vast sea of  modern design firms.

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Other than being known for his ornate historical finds, Pinto is a master at crafting decor with a minimalist modern approach. His designs focus on the classic and timeless design that are trending in today’s design world full of opulence and elegant styling. Intricate tile work, silk textiles, and precious woods are all in Pinto’s arsenal of design that have made him one of the greatest designers in today’s time and society.

For more information on Alberto Pinto, click here. 

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Alberto Pinto Interior Design

Interior Designer Spotlight Series

Richard Mishaan

Designer Spotlight Series: Richard Mishaan–Continuing with our Designer Spotlight Series, we opted for one of our favorite designers who has timelessly created beautiful design and elegant modernity. Richard Mishaan, originally from Colombia, has been yet another leader in the field of interior design. Mishaan’s focus brings together a perfect synergy of modern textural pieces and textiles with classic found and historical pieces.

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Mishaan is a graduate of NYU and attended Columbia University’s School of Architecture and has been designing commercial and residential spaces full of life and harmonious juxtaposition. Having been featured in numerous publications ranging  from Elle Decor, AD, and Interior Design Magazine multiple times, it comes as no surprise that Richard Mishaan is a force to be reckoned with amongst the interior design world.

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

His textural designs add an element of severe sophistication and decor that is untouched by other designers and really sets him apart as a major pedestal of chic and modern design. Textural pieces, wallpaper, and window treatments are making a huge splash in the modern interior design world these days, and no one does it better than Mashaan. Unique patterns and intricate decor are hot trends as well for the coming year, and Mishaan’s work are prime examples of their use.

For more information on Richard Mishaan, click here:

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Richard Mishaan Interior Design

Richard Mishaan Interior Design