Living In A Modern Way

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is gaining much acclaim for their newest exhibition— “California Design, 1930-1965: Living In A Modern Way.” The show focuses on more than 350 objects, including furniture, fashion, film, graphic and industrial design, ceramics, jewelry, architectural drawings and photography of the period. The must-see exhibit highlights California’s rich design history and hits a high note with a full-scale re-creation of the Eames’ Case Study House #8, which was the couple’s own home in Pacific Palisades. The Eames Foundation lent hundreds of objects for the exhibition which offersn an extremely rare glimpse into the life of such profound tastemakers. The show runs through March 25th, 2012 and is said to be “the first major museum survey of California design” by the New York Times. All that being said, run don’t walk to see this truly inspirational exhibit.

Image courtesy of New York Times

Menswear Meets Wallcovering

Recently a few team members here at K2 made a fab trip across the pond to London for the Decorex International design show. It was our first time attending the amazing show, featuring the best and brightest of high-end design. One of the highlights for us was the Weitzner Limited/Pollack booth. They had an amazing energy and some beautiful products that really stood out from the rest. One of our favorites was Weitzner Limited’s Madison Stripe wallcovering. There seems to be a wonderful trend of men suiting materials, techniques and vibe crossing over to the interior design world and this product fits right in. The quilted faux suede stripe was shown in a pale grey with a faint stripe and a sumptuous hand, curiously enough, made from a super durable nylon microfiber.  It was truly stunning in person and we could imagine it anywhere from an elegant study or library to the hottest club in Vegas!

Rock Star

When it comes to creating luxurious textiles and surfaces with soul, Wietzner Limited is our go to designer. The new Nature Collection doesn’t disappoint with its seven styles of wallcovering based around the elements of earth, water and light. The beautiful papers use unique materials such as stone and pulp to create slightly raised surfaces that shimmer and shine in various lights. Made from thinly sliced layers of stone and then backed on paper, “Quarry” and “Stratum” have been garnering much media attention. Imagine the possibilities…

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

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.

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.

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.

Organic and Inorganic Principles

FlatFlat is an online games portal for mobile phones, developed by NHN Japan Corporation and designed by SAKO Architects. SAKO provided the interior design for FlatFlat, which is located at the center of Harajuku, Tokyo. The concept behind this contemporary games portal was focused on incorporating both organic and inorganic principles while representing Harajuku’s very modern society. The organic aspect of the design is found in the curved lines that create the cave-like appearance of the space. The inorganic design characteristics were achieved through the incorporation of bright white walls. The overtly white space generates a feeling of expansion and is accented by the neon lighting and mortar floor to stimulate the curiosity of the visitors by subtly leading them to the inner parts of the narrow spaces.

Lunaria Lighting Boutique Illuminates St. Helena

Lunaria, a specialty lighting boutique, has cast a new glow on the already spirited town of St. Helena. A popular shopping destination, St. Helena is located at the center of one of the most renowned food and wine centers in the world, Napa Valley.

At the forefront of innovative lighting design, Lunaria offers “lighting in context” by demonstrating the effect lighting has on its environment. Exclusive, world-class light fixtures are presented in vignettes that reference a variety of design styles. Jessica Hall Grace, owner of Lunaria, and her knowledgeable team boast more than twenty years of experience designing and consulting for prestigious clients world wide.

Stop by and peruse the stunning showroom:
1136 Main Street, St. Helena, California

Rikyu Collection by Ted Boerner

The Rikyu Collection, designed by Ted Boerner for Conde House, is distinctive and original. Each piece is designed to delight the eye, engage the imagination, and comfort the body.

Ted Boerner combined many design elements to create the Dining Table, echoing temple architecture and bridge design. From its cast iron base to its solid wood top, the Dining Table speaks of strength.

The Tsukashi Table is Ted Boerner’s interpretation of a column resting upon a stone. With strong juxtaposition of round and square, this striking table makes a serene statement.

Inspired by the Japanese teahouse, the Rikyu Lounge Chair is the embodiment of serenity and restfulness. Its sides are richly textured, resembling wood grain or the raked sand of a Zen garden. Openings on the sides of the arm are reminiscent of the entry to the teahouse, Boerner’s nod to the concept of “Ma,” the transition from public to private.

The Rikyu Arm Chair (offered in Walnut and White Oak) features the same textured surface as the Rikyu Lounge. With its sturdy profile and handsome finish, it perfectly complements the Dining Table.

ADAC Southeastern Contract Designer of the Year

J Banks Design Group has been named the 2009 Southeast Contract Designer of the Year by the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) for their innovative and multi-faceted body of work around the globe. This honor from ADAC is the most recent of many design awards that J Banks has received. With more than 30 years of industry experience, J Banks founder and president Joni Vanderslice has led her team in creating innovative and successful projects around the world.

“I am so thrilled for our firm to receive this prestigious award,” said Vanderslice. “Everyone here at J Banks works so hard to realize our clients’ dreams and visions, and this recognition from ADAC is a true testament to our team’s commitment to excellence. Our region is so full of visionaries and creative minds, and for us to have been chosen from this fantastic group is truly an additional honor.”

Eclipse from Weitzner

Eclipse, a stunning and fiery new wall fabric from Weitzner Limited. Available in ten dramatic colorways, Eclipse’s contrasting lines are reminiscent of the elegant striations seen along timeworn canyons, providing intense depth and texture to any wall space.

Sondra Alexander Couture

Sondra Alexander has done it again with Dressage and Zambezi.

Inspired by the harmony, flexibility and balance found in French equestrian pageantry, Sondra Alexander’s Dressage design combines the subtle textures of wood carving and leather to exemplify the elegance and sophistication of this classical artform. Type II vinyl wallcovering in 15 luxurious colorways.

Inspired by one of Alexander’s trips to Africa, Zambezi brings the wonderful texture of wet crocodile to the home in 16 sophisticated yet fun colorways. Sondra Alexander Couture collection available through Koroseal Interior Products Group.