DESIGN « trace blog

Bringing Home the Greek Terrace

October 27th, 2011 § 2 Comments

One of the many places I have yet to visit is Greece. I have always been attracted to those images of the white stucco walls with the blue wooden doors mimicking the Mediterranean. There’s something of the exotic though fresh and crisp about them. Though you may not have the sweeping views of the Sea from your apartment, you can still bring some of this charm to your outdoor space by incorporating some of these key elements:

1. Paint walls and concrete flooring white.

* The best paint for exterior concrete floors are high gloss, polyurethane based paint (ValSpar makes a good product), or an epoxy designed to withstand the elements.

2. Create the look of built in furniture by placing colorful floor-cushions against a wall with decorative pillows

* Check out some of these great FLOOR CUSHION FINDS !

3. Hang fabric or curtains from overhangs for some romance

* For a soft look use sheers in pale whites and ivories. For a more bold effect try colorful exotic patterns.

4. Place a potted bougainvillea plant to bring in that touch of hot pink to contrast with the blue and white.

5. Choose laid – back and low – key furniture pieces.

* Foldable canvas chairs and charming bistro style pieces make for perfect extra seating options!

6. Last but not least, don’t forget to light up your space at night with some beautiful lanterns.

* These porcelain ones from West Elm should do the trick!

NEW FIND: Dering Hall

October 18th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

Dering Hall allows designers to sell their furniture and accessories directly to the public. It’s a great place to find the best quality for that one of a kind look. Sure, sure the pricing follows but, if you need something unique and budget is of less importance, then this is a great place to look.

They say it’s geared towards the regular consumer but really I think it’s a great find for designers seeking that special piece!

You can also follow your favorite designers and save your favorite product selections once you register to the site.

These are some of my favorite finds:

Desert Collection Low Lounge Chair by Marmol Radziner $4,200.00

Seal Beach Coffee Table by Tim Clarke $2,620.00

Bleached Wenge Credenza by Tamara Magel $5,400.00

MacLaren Dining Chair by Richard Wrightman Design - price on request

Lucite Waterfall Cocktail Table by HB Home $5,200.00

The Right Desk by Cullman & Kravis $30,500.00

Butuie Settee by R 20th Century Design, price on request

Red Chow Nesting Table by Downtown, price on request

The Zoid Console by Meier/Ferrer $6,800.00

Montelargo Banquette by Remodelista $1,250.00

Low Lounge by Marmol Radziner $5,420.00

Snowflake by Richard Shemtov $19,750.00

Milk Drop Illuminated Sculpture by R 20th Century Design $10,000.00

Branch Illuminated Sculpture by R 20th Century Design, price on request

Water Series 36 by Gianetti Home, starting at $650

XOXO,

SECOND LOOK: The Setai In Miami Beach

October 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment

In 2005 Hotelier Adrian Zecha and designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International Architects collaborated in bringing to life the swanky Setai Hotel in Miami Beach, FL.

This week I had the pleasure of revisiting the hotel as our firm is working on the interior design of one of the residential penthouses. As I was waiting in the hotel lobby I observed the multitude of materials that refer back to Asian architecture. The weathered black pavers on the floors are reminiscent of Chinese roads. The rhythm in the wooden panels reminded me of the proportions of screens in Japanese temples. The play of what is seen and what is hidden behind intricately carved wooden panels and a sensual lighting (even at 11:30 AM) help establish that mysterious silence which is so characteristic of Asian architecture.

I was so absorbed by that 15 minute experience that I felt the need to come home and find the drawings and photos of the project to study it at a closer glance! If you’re not familiar with the project then prepare to be delighted. If you are, take one more look! I promise it’ll be worth your while!

FAVORITES: Iconic Panels

September 30th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

So this week I found out B & N Industries has created this mesmerizing series of Iconic Panels. They use formed laminate panels over carved wood core to create amazing 3D effects. The applications are truly limited only by your imagination. Make it into a door, a table top (add a layer of glass for a smooth surface), or simply use it as eye candy for your walls! Love, love, love this product!

Have a Great Weekend!!!

XoXo,

PROJECT FEATURE: Rio Apartment Inspiration

September 27th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

So when asked to design an apartment in Rio de Janeiro, my native town, I began to assemble images that would portray the feelings, materials, textures and colors I’d like to introduce to the project.

I was influenced by the design of modern Brazilian beach houses that incorporate vernacular traditions. These projects inspired me to introduce natural materials such as woods and fibers with the contrast of “modern” finishes such as lacquer and frame-less glass.

In the end, I want to walk into this space and have it feel light, breezy, elegant but welcoming. I want to hear, ”Eu, você, nós dois aqui neste terraço à beira-mar…”

TAKE A LOOK AND LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS!

xoxo,

FAVORITES: Kyle Bunting’s Cowhide Rugs

September 26th, 2011 § Leave a Comment

So I recently became aware of these beautiful cowhide creations by Kyle Bunting. Whether or not you are a fan of hide, these sophisticated designs ranging from Moroccan to retro are worth a shot! They can be customized in a multitude of colors from red to violet, white to black. Check out this modern white beauty:

xoxo,

10 Ideas For Decorating With Cowhide Rugs (casasugar.com)

ALVARO SIZA: Iberian minimalism

August 3rd, 2011 § 2 Comments

Designer Feature vol. 5

Sports Center, Llobregat, Spain

I love the work of Siza. His projects arise as natural reactions to the physical, cultural, and, I could almost say, spiritual environment which they inhabit. He masterfully blends *vernacular architecture with minimalism to create poetic references to place while exploring issues of form and space. When I think of Siza’s work I always imagine these large spans of white-washed walls or these intricate plans where every turn and edge has been thought out. That’s part of his genius – being able to work from the largest scale of the site plan to the minute details of where the concrete meets the wood.

The following are some of my favorites of his many projects…

*vernacular architecture uses methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs.

Boa Nova Tea House, Matosinhos, Portugal

Boa Nova Tea House, Matosinhos, Portugal

Mimesis Museum

Mimesis Museum

Mimesis Museum

Mimesis Museum

Mimesis Museum

Mimesis Museum

Church of Marco Canaveses, Portugal

Church of Marco Canaveses, Portugal

Leca Swimming Pools, Leca da Palmeira, Portugal

Leca Swimming Pools, Leca de Palmeira, Portugal

Leca Swimming Pools, Leca da Palmeira, Portugal

Leca Swimming Pools, Leca de Palmeira, Portugal

Portugal Pavillion, Lisbon, Portugal

Serpentine Pavillion, London, UK

Anyang Pavillion, Korea