More Glass and, of course, Dale Chihuly.

Living in the Seattle area, it can't go without mention that Dale Chihuly is the most successful Northwest artist in history. The Queen of England, Bill Clinton, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Bill Gates own his glass.  It can be seen in 225 museums around the world. He now wears an eye patch due to a crash one rainy night in England where he blinded his left eye and nearly died. Three years later he dislocated his shoulder and consequently no longer blows glass. He has since amassed a fortune and built an entire comtemporary glass art market. 

 In the penthouse at 60 Warren Street in New York City, a Dale Chihuly chandelier hangs in front of a 24-foot two-story window.  Natural light floods in to illuminate it, along with the Jason Brooks painting and a 1,300 Antony Gormley sculpture.

A detail from Dale Chihuly's Persian Pergola shows the artist's propensity for massing glass components of varying sizes and shapes.

Hardware is often referred to as the "jewelry of the home". It can be a powerful design tool. Tracy Glover has come up with these fabulous drawer knobs made from hand-blown glass. The vivid shades are reminiscent of the colors so often used by Dale Chihuly.

Let There Be Light.

Lighting can add sculpture to a room.  Glass has been made for over four thousand years, beginning in Western Asia.  Lindsey Adleman, a New York industrial designer with a special interest in light fixtures, creates elaborate chandeliers of blown glass bubbles that fundamentally change the feel of a room.

This striking light fixture of branching arms and hand blown glass has a sculptural power.  It's bold and captivating presence keep the room fresh and modern.

 These beautiful hand blown glass bulbs change the tone of this entry.  The superbly designed fixture adds to the eclectic approach that contrasts elaborate and simple, timeless and contemporary.  It keeps the entry looking uncluttered. 

 This lightweight chandelier was created by tying together hand-blown glass balls with cables and cotton twine. Originally designed by Jean Pelle for ReadyMade Magazine, it's a beautiful design you can make yourself or purchase online.

These Happy Kiss lights from Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar are reminiscent of another era and play with the reflective and maleable qualities of glass.  The heavy thick walls are hand manipulated to create a creased and individual form with unending refractions.



First Lady Michelle Obama admired the work of Caleb and commissioned him to design containers for the output of honey bees stationed in the White House garden hive.  They are part of a tea set that she gave to the other first ladies attending the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh.  Since the honey pot commission, more State Department requests have come.

Vibrantly Hued Jewels That Sparkle And Shine.

I LOVE this beautiful jewelry by Marco Bicego.  He began his training as a gold artisan in Italy at his father's fifty-year-old atelier and now blends that old-world Italian craftsmanship with his own imagination. He believes that each piece must be manipulated by hand to maintain that unique and luxurious feel.

This gold bracelet places the vibrantly hued faceted stones on display.

Mariah Carey's closet appears to have taken it's inspiration from the Marco Bicego bracelet that I love so much.  There's nothing so elegant in a closet as a fine crystal chandelier that sparkles and shines.

 I've loved this Swarovski Crystal Palace Blossom Chandelier by Tord Boontje that hangs in Gwyneth Paltrow's dining room in the Hamptons ever since it was first created in 2002.  Her home's aesthetic is minimalist with a feminine twist which is clearly evident from the preponderance of pink!

This colorful crystal chandelier is as luminous and dressy as fine jewelry, and once again, it's being used in a closet.  It offers a wonderful feast for the eyes and provides an atmosphere of splendour and glamour.

Monogram It!

The art of monogramming has been around for centuries, and today's use is as much about personal expression as it is about identification.  It can be super traditional or have a little modern edge.  Its design possibilities and potential use are limited only by your imagination.  Go big with monogrammed furniture.

Fashion Designer Isaac Mizrahi emblazoned his initials on these leather chairs.

A monogram makes something your own and endows it with weight in a world full of random things.

What started as a strictly practical way of identifying personal belongings, monogramming has seen surges in popularity recently.  These monogrammed pillows are reminiscent of the ones I recently saw on episodes of "Guiliana and Bill".  Yes, I watch that show!  It's one of my guilty pleasures.  For a more subtle approach, try monogrammed linens.

Bathrooms With Panache.

These bathrooms are filled with beautiful light, sexy surfaces and are simply elegant.

The antique mirrored vanity, Venetian mirror and sconces all add to the romantic, luxurious feel in this bathroom.

The antique mirrored vanity bounces light around the room.  The white Carrera marble looks elegant, classic and sybaritic juxtaposed with the warmth, richness and friendliness of the hardwood floors.  The combination of shiny and matte finishes gives the room a rich, tactile quality.

The white stone floor, big white bath, white walls and vanity afford peace and quiet and a room for reflection.  It is rather monochromatic, but superbly detailed.

The trestle table vanity and imported French mirrors give the bathroom an overall Old-World vibe.  The stained concrete pavers and pendant lighting add additional character.

A Few Tasty Kitchens For Inspiration....

Kitchens are typically the most used, enjoyed and liven-in part of the house. The heart of the home and a hub of activity, kitchens are required to efficiently complete a variety of functions.  These inspiring and delicious kitchens can accomplish those tasks with a heavy dose of style.  Bon Appetit!

An espresso stained center island, topped with white carrara marble countertops and lit by a pair of charming crystal chandeliers, strikes a beguiling contrast to the limestone tile backsplash and ivory kitchen cabinets.  In addition, they chose the same La Canche range which I own and love!  

Here is proof that white is never plain vanilla!  This crisp white kitchen is soothing, timeless and classic.  The rustic wood farmhouse dining table adds age and texture.  The French doors flood the space with natural light.

The use of contrast in color gives this kitchen more character, more bite.  The dark stained cabinets, black crystal chandelier and black iron lantern pendants brilliantly juxtapose the white marble countertops, white stone floor and white French dining table and chairs.

The use of timeless, classic materials in a restrained color palette appears elegant and smart. 

And, I saved the best for last.  "WOW".  This kitchen took my breath away.  The hefty rustic wooden beams add serious substance and warmth.  The handsome glossy white cabinets provide endless storage, while the massive island provides plenty of workspace.  The crystal chandelier adds the right element of character.  The neutral color scheme lends a sculptural quality to the space.

Bedrooms Are For Dreaming.

Don't we all have that innate need for a cozy retreat?  A refuge for relaxing and daydreaming?

 In this elegant bedroom, the curvy white bed appears both romantic and regal when set against the glossy black walls.  The restricted neutral color palette keeps the mood serene, yet full of drama.

 In this stylish bedroom escape, it's all about the bold artwork.  Hovering above the low slung white headboard, it delivers a powerful punch. The curved lines in the artwork contrast brilliantly with the linear lines used elsewhere in the room.

This romantic bedroom gains it's charm from the rustic brick walls.  The crystal chandelier is the perfect addition.

What Is A Suzani? ... a close cousin to the ikat.

A suzani is an antique and decorative tribal textile made in Central Asia.  The manufacturing technique, designs and patterning have been around for centuries. Even still, their look is timeless.  Perhaps this is the reason we’ve seen this design style inspire so many current design trends. Like quilting, different family members each stitch a section and later all of the sections are sewn together.  Things don’t always match up perfectly, which gives a true suzani its charm.

In Michael S. Smith's master bedroom, a vintage and very graphic suzani is used as a coverlet.

This bird’s eye view of Kathryn Ireland’s living room reveals a chair upholstered in a suzani.

What Is An Ikat?

This ikat patterned rug from Madeleine Weinrib Atelier provides a bold and energetic counterpoint to the sleek lines of the white tufted chair. Photo by Annie Schlechter, Domino, Nov. 2008.

Madeline Weinrib’s amazing line of ikat pillows in her own home

Designer Hall Williamson uses ikat unexpectedly on a slipper chair in this romantic sitting room. It conjures up images of far away places and exotic locales. Photo from House Beautiful.

Although the print version of ikat, such as this scarf, makes it affordable, real ikat represents the precise skill & hard work that goes into hand weaving this complex textile. Kristin Bell, below, wears a strong, bold ikat print dress.

Ikat fabrics are the oldest known patterned textiles in the world. The word "ikat" means "to bind". Thousands of individual threads are tie-dyed in intricate patterns, then untied and woven into fabric. It is handcrafted in Uzbekistan and when used adds a strong, bold accent to any room or outfit.

Horn Adds An Exotic Element To Both Fashion and Interiors Alike.

 

Not only are these gorgeously slick pieces created by skilled locals in Kenya and Rwanda, but every item in the collection is crafted from recycled materials (aluminum from old car parts, brass from found wire and horn salvaged from area butchers). The entire collection can be viewed and purchased at koradesigns.com.

Whether sold as tiny 2-inch tesserae or as gigantic 2-foot slabs, Horn tiles interpret nature using three warm, mingled tones. The thick surfacing of sparkles is polished after application to produce the shiny "under-glass" effect. It creates a very unique and exciting wall treatment which is like a work of art.

Beautiful horn accessories, above, show that their curvy, dramatic shape and sleek form add an exotic element and make an interior exciting. 

A Truly Unique Transitional Interior.

Full of interesting architectural elements, this room successfully combines the raw and industrial with the warm and rustic - urban loft cool meets mine shaft chic. The space is unpredictable, both contemporary and traditional at the same time, and that's what makes it so unique.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words.

Thomas O'Brien's collection of framed photos and art creates an interesting and dramatic focal point. It adds personality and warmth to the main space. The diversity created between the frame's finishes and proportions create interest. Harmony is created with the contemporary styling of each piece of art.

The oil pictures hung on this bedroom bookcase are especially appealing due in large part to their charm and originality. Nestled among antiquities and aged objects, they add an additional layer of texture.

This wall of framed art contains several bold pairings and provides the perfect backdrop for the bust of Hercules. The 1930s sanded metal table was once part of a bank vault.

And what about these Bedrooms?

And, If I do build that lakefront beach cottage, there's one thing I know for certain.... a cottage needs to be cozy! These bedrooms evoke warmth and serenity, a perfect combination. The surrounding woodwork enclosing each bed creates a sense of intimacy.

Built under the eaves, each nook is designed for repose with an accompanying reading light. The curtains lining each bed allow them to become completely enclosed and block out any unwelcoming morning light. Together they create a protected and decidedly intimate feeling.

And, to provide additional functionality, raise the bed and build drawer space underneath.

Stairs....

If I ever build a cottage on our beach, I envision a spiral staircase leading to a loft that overlooks the lake. I'm sure it won't be as elaborate as this one, but hopefully it will impart the same character. The sculptural quality of this staircase, an antique that the owner happened upon as it was being unloaded onto a pier, is mesmerizing and makes you want to run to the top to see where it leads.

Hot Pink!

Rather than stop at neutral, provide a room with a shot of color and give it a stunning element of surprise. Contrasting it with an all white background packs a visual punch. The neutral white floor and crystal chandelier are not only gorgeous, but are a textural treat!

Fashion inspires interior design, and vice versa.