Pour Some Vinegar On Me

When a fantastic seasonal menu combines with a transporting ambiance on a small cobble street near the Brooklyn Bridge, New Yorkers take notice.  This weekend K2 took a short train ride to DUMBO in Brooklyn to check out the celebrated restaurant that is Vinegar Hill House.

Placed on a captivating, quiet street, Vinegar Hill House has an antiqued hip charm that evokes a mom and pop feel. A wood burning oven, exposed copper pipes and a killer streamlined menu hit all the high points. We noshed on a fluffy sourdough, ricotta and blueberry pancake with caramelized banana and coconut water right out of the nut itself. Do yourself a favor and slow down for a few minutes to enjoy this undeniably charming spot.

(Image courtesy of Hannah Whitaker/New York Magazine)

Design From the inside out

Seattle Design Center Presents

Daily Practice…

design from the inside out

Thursday, August 19th, 2010 · 10:30 am to noon
Seattle Design Center
5701 Sixth Avenue South · Third floor
Free admission
Designer registration: www.seattledesigncenter.com
Public registration: please call 206.762.1200

The principles of good design parallel the principles of natural well-being. A daily wellness  practice, such as visualization, drawing, travel, walking, yoga, dance, swimming, meditation or observing nature encourages a connection to creativity at the core of successful design.  Please join us
for an inside view with four of today’s top designers and teachers who have discovered how a personal daily practice releases imagination, intuition and the senses. The panelists will discuss how their “inner” work increases an awareness of important principles such as balance, spaciousness, transparency and light. From designing hotels that are pure fantasy to landscaping that elevates the soul, this spirited group reveals how the principles of inner health are similar to the qualities of great, timeless design.

We will explore why some people thrive and keep their passion alive, especially in uncertain times. Join with Roger Thomas, hospitality guru and Executive V.P. of Design for Wynn Design and Development; Sondra Alexander, designer and principal of Yangki  wallcoverings; Davis Dalbok, world class landscape designer and owner of San Francisco’s Living Green; and Alexander Technique master teacher Michael Frederick as they take us on a journey into how their design process achieves a creative state of focus and well-being.  Moderated and produced by Kathryn Kimball, principal of K2 Design Communication.

Roger Thomas

Sondra Alexander

Davis Dalbok

Michael Frederick

Kathryn Kimball

Roger Thomas Rocks HD Expo 2010

We had a fabulous time celebrating design icon Roger Thomas and all that he’s contributed to the world of fantasy resorts during last month’s Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas. A glamorous party was held in his honor at the Encore Villa Suites–one of Steve Wynn’s luxurious resorts. (Roger has worked with Wynn for over thirty years creating one fantasy retreat after another.) The packed house partied to a custom jazz mix by Joshua Smith and noshed on mini-grilled cheese sandwiches while enjoying Roger’s signature fuchsia-colored cocktail. What a perfect way to celebrate Roger’s own witty yet comfortable approach to out-of-this-world design.

Roger launched three new exquisite design collections at HD Expo 2010 for the party’s hosts: Rocky Mountain Hardware, Townsend Leather, and Fromental. Each a wonderful design pairing. For Rocky Mountain Hardware’s new Paris Collection, Roger drew on his love of 17th century French decorative arts as well as his extensive collection of antique knobs and pulls picked up on his many visits to the Paris flea markets. “I loved working with the artisans at RMH,” said Roger.  “They paired my hand-drawn sketches with their sophisticated design operation to create objects that capture the heart and soul of the artisans who make them.”

Mr. Brainwash Made Me Do It

Because here at K2 Connection we appreciate art in all it’s glorious forms, we would like to bring to your attention to Mr. Brainwash. A famed street/graffiti artists, mostly working in large stencils and wheat pastes in and around NYC. His style can be market by iconic figures such as Madonna, Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock and Charley Chaplain dripping paint from a bucket, in various forms across the city. Thanks to those prolific artists such as Banksy, this “street” style is becoming more widely accepted and recognized as fine art. So before Mr. Brainwash’s NYC show is over on March 31st, head down to the Meatpacking district at 415 W. 13th Street to see his appropriately entitled show, “Icons”. The 15,000 square foot space shows off his signature pieces taken to very large extremes – were talking 20 feet tall. After taking a gander through the gallery, you will start to notice these characters on practically every corner of Soho and the LES…just another reason we heart NY.

California Cool

Southern California design duo Michael and Alexandra Misczynski, under the moniker of Atelier AM, have been heating up in the industry for quite a while. With a bio in Vogue, a cover story in Town & Country and a brand new cover story in Veranda, their clean, classic and unfettered design style is surely something to admire. Seen here are a few images from the beautiful shoot from Veranda. The Southern California Mediterranean style home has a neutral palette that mixes modern geometric elements with rustic antiques from famed Belgian antique dealer Axel Vervoordt. View the rest of the project at www.veranda.com.

The Imaginarium of Jens Risom

Upon walking into Ralph Pucci’s New York showroom this morning, we were pleasantly surprised with a tour of Jens Risom’s new work by the master himself ! One of the most influential furniture designers today (and personal favorite) was a gentle and sprightly man of 94 years, that provided great inspiration and passion for his work.  While walking us through the light filled showroom Mr. Risom spoke intimately about each of his new pieces, gliding his hand across the smooth dark wood and opening up each drawer to show its craftsmanship. When we asked if he had a favorite piece, he said that chairs were perhaps the most interesting design because a chair in its inception is really just two things – a seat and a back. However the scale, pitch, material, and usage can vary so much in such a simple piece. Jens not only has a clean and pure aesthetic, noted by tapered legs and a weightless quality to his work; he also deeply thinks about how is chairs will be used, who will be sitting in them…what conversations they will have. While his new collection at Pucci is displayed as art,  Mr. Risom never fails to realizes these are pieces for a home, to be used and incorporated in the lives of others – making the quality and design that much more alluring.  (Images courtesy of Ralph Pucci)

Saladino Scores in Soho

Iconic and legendary interior designer, John Saladino has recently re-imagined a townhouse in the heart of Soho, tugging on the heartstrings of both modern and traditional fans alike. Our fav’s Town & Country, House Beautiful and Veranda Magazine participated in a Hearst sponsored event called Designer Visions: Cinema Style. Mr. Saladino along with Thom Filicia for House Beautiful and Richard Mishaan for Town & Country all picked a movie that would become the inspiration for the show houses. John Saladino chose Girl With a Pearl Earring, drawing upon Vermeer’s intensely romantic use of light, scale, color and texture. The result is an amazing portrayal of a modern pied-a-terre with an old world charm. A behind the scenes look will also be featured on the Fine Living Network, January 26th, showing the trials and tribulations of the stunning transformation. Check out many more images of the townhouse at veranda.com.

Rebel Rauser

While the intricacies of handmade floor coverings have been around for centuries, the Texas based design firm Rauser is changing the game with their “Redeploy Rug”.

Designed by Rebekah Rauser, the 100% wool creation takes its inspiration from Russian army blankets: the pattern is hand stitched and the tubular design is then stuffed with wool-blend army surplus blankets. A commentary on the times? Perhaps. A beautiful design with a unique concept and organic materials – we think so!

Rauser’s rug was also just featured in the final round of Apartment Therapy’s 2009 Design Showcase.

A Modern Farmhouse

One of our favorite designers, Los Angeles based Barbara Barry, has recently been published in Veranda for a stunning American style farmhouse she created in Jackson Hole with architect Peter Block.

Block constructed a clean aesthetic for the home inspired by traditional Shaker design and Barry provided casual yet refined interiors. Muted hues and a sophisticated palette blend seamlessly with the architecture, which pays homage to the stunning Tetons surrounding the home.

Pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and peruse the impressive photography and design.

Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture

Here at K2, we like to foster the arts, design, fashion and all of the creative genius in between, because we recognize the common thread that ties them together keeps us all connected..and inspired.

A few other publications also recognize those sung and unsung heroes of the thought provoking kind – such as Monocle and i-D, which are two paper bound heavy hitters in which we constantly find inspiration.

Now to the point: Jody Rogac is a stunning photographer who shoots for both publications (aha: the common thread!), and one whom we’d like to celebrate. Keeping film alive, Jody shoots beautiful Polaroids that bring out her subjects with an austere tranquility and transfixing power of expression and composition. Check out her new site for a little inspiration of your own.

Form and Function

Whether we realize it or not, we are all affected by our spaces – be it out of admiration, inspiration or even transformation. For those wanting to take a trip down a beautifully composed and well lit memory lane, check out Architectural Photography: 1860s to Present, currently showing at the Carrie Haddad Gallery in NYC.

With masters such as Ansel Adams, Brassai, Julius Shulman, Laura Resen, Henry Wessel and many others on display, this exhibit – running through November 29th – is a stunning history lesson that proves that looking back only helps us move forward.

(All images from the Carrie Haddad Gallery website.)

Deck The Walls

While it may seem incredibly too soon to think about Christmas, it’s never too soon to think about how we’ll be stepping out of the box this winter and veering away from the overused clichés of the holiday season.

Wreaths may bring to mind Charles Dickens and your grandma’s house, but we’re here to tell you that customizing the traditional accessory might just be the way to go. Plus: how could we resist a wreath in the shape of a K?! Try mixing up the materials, shape and size. How about using stripped tin with a few rough cut diamonds thrown in there? Now we’re talking…

Images courtesy of Design*Sponge.

Swing My Way

Like a breath of fresh air, Brooklynite and Pratt graduate Christina Fesmire reminds us that design can be creative and carefree at the same time – even reminding us that adults need some time to play, too.

That’s why she’s created this Fugle Swing, which is crafted from simple and natural materials with delicate and sensual clean lines; it’s just plain fun. We’re thinking about installing a few around K2 to help get the creative juices flowing!

Images courtesy of Design Milk.

Tastes Like Fine Design

Amsterdam-based design firm Uxus Design just upped the ante in California’s wine country.

While many of the wineries in the area embrace the California rustic aesthetic, Uxus gave Merus winery something edgy, modern and ultimately cool. Don’t get us wrong: there is a nod to the geographic aesthetic in the wine cave and exposed wooden beams; however, they traded in the long farm table for a sleek, lacquered black table and hanging pendants from the likes of Tom Dixon. We love seeing what’s traditionally a romantic, artisanal craft shaken up with some great contemporary design!

Images courtesy of The Cool Hunter.

Out of This Stralasphere

Swiss designer TM Schmid, the creative force behind Strala, seems to be popping up everywhere recently with his tour de force collection of simplistic modern furniture.

Organic, natural forms – like the nautilus shaped sconce below – are the basis for much of his design. However, pushing the envelope and really exploring the process of modifying materials, shapes and consumers’ expectations is what sets Strala’s designs apart from the rest. We expect to see much more from this emerging talent.