Perhaps it was Simple, the official trend theme, with emphasis on living equitably with nature, eco-awareness, etc., but I certainly felt there was a trend toward animal influences and a related “campfire chic” look in furniture and accessories. What makes this new is that instead of straightforward animal prints, animal accents showed up in all … Read more
The kitchen is our source of health and wealth. This is a belief of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art that joins design sensibility with spirituality. To learn more, I recently attended a Feng Shui kitchen design seminar at In Good Company (New York, NY) given by Ann Bingley Gallops, president of The Organized Life. … Read more
The official trend theme of the September 2008 edition of Maison&Objet was “Simple”. Thegoal, according to a press conference held with members of the Maison&Objet Observatoire,was to showcase “living with humble elegance.” While each trend stand showcased plenty ofproduct, each of the three presentations also raised questions about the complex issuesof access, sustainability and other … Read more
Jason Bryant’s “Win, Place, Show” is on display at In Good Company in New York City until November 21, 2008. A great designer once told me that kitchens should be furnished with fabric, artwork – elements you normally don’t think of when you are planning your kitchen design. So after you’ve picked out the hard … Read more
I am very pleased to welcome Susan Schultz as a new contributing blogger on ::Surroundings! Susan is a principal in Space Downtown, a home furnishings design, product development and marketing firm based in New York City. Throughout her successful and diverse career as a design professional, Schultz has become known for her insightful observations and … Read more
So looking for sinks isn’t a hobby on the same level as trainspotting… not yet anyway. But there’s nothing like the kick you get when your new sink fits your big spaghetti pot and you can fill it without tipping or tilting. (Well, maybe I get excited about this stuff.) There’s more selection in sinks … Read more
I think kitchens with white cabinets and dark wood floors are so elegant. With traditional fittings, they can be the most wonderful combination of elegant and farmhouse cozy. But, as anyone who has done a kitchen remodel knows, they are not cheap. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can create an elegant … Read more
a sample of Janet Perry’s needwork. Last month, I introduced to you Lori Dolnick as a new contributing writer to ::Surroundings::. This month, I am thrilled to welcome Janet M. Perry as a contributing writer. Janet has a passion for color and design. The daughter of an artist, she has been training her eye since … Read more
The following guest post was written by Marcy Tate, a home improvement blogger at Networx. She writes on many home improvement topics including concrete countertops and other innovative countertop materials. The popularity of eco-friendly kitchen remodeling has contributed to the success of several new countertops successfully breaking into the mainstream market. Materials such as recycled … Read more
We recently had an inside peak at world renowned chef, Eric Ripert’s show kitchen shot for his first solo TV series on PBS stations, AVEC ERIC. Ripert’s kitchen plays an important part in his creative process and is truly a reflection of his holistic approach to food and lifestyle. In each episode Chef Ripert guides … Read more
Contributed by Lori Dolnick Out on a Limb gives you a heightened awareness of trees – from scaffolding that’s 50 feet above the forest floor. One of the Arboretum’s oldest living oaks grows within the exhibit. It’s lineage dates back over 250 years. If you live anywhere near Philadelphia, PA, you really must take a … Read more
Poggenpohl Dining Desk reinvents the idea of what a table can do. Contributed by Lori Dolnick Recently, I attended the grand opening of Poggenpohl’s newest showroom in Old City Philadelphia. Poggenpohl is a leading luxury cabinetmaker that’s known for their sophisticated modern designs, environmental stewardship and innovative technology. Visitors to the showroom will be able … Read more
Contributed by Lori Dolnick We’ve all heard about the Man Cave, that quintessential space where a guy can escape to relax, entertain and grill. But today’s Man Cave has gone to the next level. No more threadbare flowered sofas in the basement. Gone are the milk crate shelves and velvet posters of dogs playing poker. … Read more
Contributed by Susan Schultz When I first began traveling to Paris I was urged by both friends and the guidebooks to visit the famous French flea market, the Puces Saint-Ouen with its huge variety, multiple markets and permanent halls. My first visit to Saint-Ouen was just about learning to navigate the sometimes intimidating route from … Read more
Contributed by Lori Dolnick Color is everything. From high-end sinks to contract wallcoverings – the trend spotters work hard to stay on top. I’m just getting back from Germany where I visited the Blanco SILGRANIT factory. Blanco is an 85-year old family-owned company that makes some of the world’s finest and most innovative sink and … Read more
Contributed by Susan Schultz In September 2008, IMM Cologne unveiled its 2009 trend forecast. Developed by a team of five international design notables in conjunction with support from IMM Cologne staffers, the four trends for 2009 address some familiar design themes—recycling, vintage, technology, green, etc.—but mix them up in some surprising ways. Following are some … Read more