Janus et Cie - Cafe Janus

Posted by liz on Jun 30th, 2009

cafeacInspired by Trees, conversation piece and cafe chair.

Whether you are a residential home owner or a commercial firm, you’ll love the Cafe Janus chair.  Janus et Cie offers the indoor / outdoor furniture made of powder coated auminum.  Offered in Black, White, and custom colors by order, this chair was clearly a NeoCon favorite.

Summer Fun with Alexander Girard

Posted by liz on Jun 26th, 2009

getimagephp girardflorthumbphpIt’s summer sun time and I’ve been thinking of designs by Alexander Girard.  Famous textile maker for Herman Miller was influenced by Mexican culture and folk patterns and the simplicity of shapes in graphic design.

I’ve posted some fun offerings with Girard designs to brighten up my summer.

Alexander Girard Memory Game by House Industries

La Fonda Del Sol by FLOR

PLYprints - Daisy Face by ModernSeed

e’bella designs - modern rugs using alpaca fibers

Posted by liz on Jun 18th, 2009

oliver_tangerine myriad_lime3I’m just scraping the surface with my knowledge of rugs, but the more I learn the more artisinal it gets. Rugs on the floor are becoming my new medium for art.  Although we typically like to hang large bold prints on the walls, drawing the eye to color, pattern and texture on the floor can be considered the “art” in the room.

e’bella Designs is a, “small, sustainable rug and pillow company that provides hand-made products from select artisans in Peru.”  Using Alpaca and wool fibers, e’bella is able to add a soft fiber with depth and creating interesting modern patterns.  These pieces are artwork for the floors and the statment in the room.

My Day at NeoCon 2009

Posted by liz on Jun 17th, 2009

3634862357_58a7d6f48b_s3634861581_1b212488cd_s3634861447_cae423ea30_s3634861283_45010b1190_s NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2009, was as much fun and inspiring as I expected.  A bustling of energy - packed with innovative commercial design solutions.  Hallways and showrooms packed with design industry afficianatos, exhibitors, and enthusiasts.

Throughout the day I jotted down trends, concepts and designs, I noticed as standouts and the emerging design concepts.

  • Colors: Yellow, Gray, Orange, Deep Purple, Lime, Deep Blue
  • Fabric: Saturated / Muted Colors of Orange, Blue, Purple, Gray, Tan, Geometric Shapes
  • Carpet: Metallic Accents, Natural Fibers, Geometric Shapes
  • Products: Recycled Content in Carpet, Fabric and Furniture
  • Furniture: Low privacy screens, floating cubicle components, open office, emphasizing the horizontal line,
  • Furniture: Incorporated Resin Screens and Accents - fewer fabric privacy walls
  • Furniture: Individual Collaboration Boards and Pin Up Panels
  • Furniture Finish: White Wash Birch, Natural Walnut, White Veneer, Dark Wood Accents
  • Overall: Emphasis on collaboration in small groups and intimate work spaces for the individual

Visit my photo blog for more picture of NeoCon 2009.

Photography by Jane Heller

Posted by liz on Jun 12th, 2009

happyfeet I found Jane Heller on Twitter, and really connected to her lifestyle photography.  I typically don’t buy photos that Mike or I didn’t take, but there’s something special captured in the situational photography.

Looking at her prints give me a sense of association, memories, happy feelings.  I requested two prints to be made in odd sizes and I’m working on a studio grouping of photography to go next to my desk.

I think these photos can stimulate my creativity.  Happy thoughts, outta the box, not your typical photo… something more.

FLOR Chicago

Posted by liz on Jun 7th, 2009

florFLOR is opening a new store in Chicago.

I’ve had many clients install FLOR carpet tiles in their homes with great success. FLOR product is made of renewable and recycled materials offering an eco-friendly choice and with function, style and performance ratings it’s great for many applications.

Check out their new store this June at: 1873 N. Clybourn - Chicago, IL.

Beautiful Walls - Reclaimed Wood Iconic Panels

Posted by liz on Jun 4th, 2009

reclaimedpanels I’m reflecting on what makes a house warm and inviting… it’s the natural materials, artfully crafted and presented as a statement piece.

I’m working on fining pieces that help make your interior environments more inviting, more artful, more warm.

Consider adding a wall panel in a niche or undefined area.  Reclaimed Wood Iconic Panels are made with reclaimed wood veneer and with LOW-VOC varnish.  The panels are styled to specific design styles complimenting any architecture while adding an interesting mix.

Cool Coconut Tiles - From Kirei

Posted by liz on Jun 3rd, 2009

kireicocotiles Have you ever considered using coconut shells in your home?

Now adding a bit of the tropics is much easier and more alluring than you may have thought.

Kirei now offers Coco Tiles, made of cocunt shells. The tiles would add texture and natural pattern and color to an accent wall, wet bar backspash, or bathroom accent.  The accent wall possibilites are endless.

About Kirei Coco Tiles: Made from reclaimed coconut shells, low-VOC resins and sustainably harvested wood backer, can be used as decorative tiles or panels both horizontally and vertically. Featuring multiple patterns and color combinations and available in light, dark and mixed textures.

Slow Design Philosopy Taking Hold

Posted by liz on May 26th, 2009

img_0504I never realized that I practiced a certain philosophy, but after reading “Slow is the New Fast,” by Stir magazine for Sherwin Williams, I realized that I’ve always suscribed to these philosophies.

Design to me is an evolotion a build, a layering.  Textures, colors, storyies, inspriation, culture and travel.  All things that we do in our lives reflected in our environments.

The slow movement was founded on “educating and lobby for organic farming, nutrition and the use of local ingredients. Over the years, the Slow Movement has expanded into the areas of travel, shopping and, more recently, design.”

The movements 6 principles are, “reveal, expand, reflect, engage, participate, and evolve.”  Consider how the economy has slowed and we begin to value what takes time not how quickly we can get it.

My dad made the red adirondack chairs for us, I painted them and together we’ve added relaxation to our weekend routine and a slower philosophy to live by.

Modern Inspired - Thomas Paul Rugs

Posted by liz on May 19th, 2009

blossompersimmonround I’ve been researching wool rugs these days and stumbled upon the Thomas Paul collection.  Each rug is so graphicly enticing.  I’m taken in by the starck contrast and modern appeal.  A collection worth checking out.

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