1st Dibs Finds

I Love 1st Dibs, and one of my favorite aspects is the sheer number of categories of things that are available to see. Today the section I want to show you is the Architectural Models section. I think that models are really great things to use in an interior. Whether its a stair model used as a lamp (like the one shown above) or a great antique from the Grand Tour, they all tell a great story and add depth of history to an interior.

This is a Model for a Cupola

At 16" tall I think this (which is a souveneir of the Grand Tour) would look amazing  on a table in a contemporary Interior.

New Must Have Book

My favorite type of design books (and I have a million of them) are the ones that make me look at the subject in a whole new way. If you are like me, then you are going to LOVE the new book "Louis Vuitton Architecture and Interiors".

I have been a fan of the way LV has always been able to present a consistent design message with a few key iconic symbols they are able to deftly weave consumer products, architecture and interiors creating a message that not only reinforces the brand but also sends it in exciting and unusual directions.

This book is broken down by location, then at the end dedicated chapters to Skins, Facades and Signage.

The book has some great photography, but some equally interesting interviews with the architects for each of their signature stores. One of the more interesting aspects were the photos of the exteriors taken in a way to show the context of the store with the surrounding city (the image of the Moscow Store with St Basel in the background is a notable example).

Keeping it Small

A lot of times you will hear people say that if you are working on a small space, you should paint everything white, or at least light. That it will make the room feel bigger, well I don't think making a space feel bigger should always be the goal. This is a room I did that used to be the closet under the stairs and is now a cool, fully functional home office. It is only about 6'-0 x 8'-0" but with the right attention to detail, and distilling out all the superfluous stuff, it actuall feels about right.

The chair is a personal favorite it is on a track and can actually recline waaaay back. The desk by Antoine Proulx is cool too, as it is very open and the white wood makes quite a chic statement.

Just because it says WALLpaper it doesn't mean it won't look good on a ceiling!

I have been a huge fan of Lori Weitzner now for a while. I think that she brings such a cool fresh thought to all that she does. so I thought she was a perfect example to use for this post, because I think she would appreciate the idea of wall paper on the ceiling.

In this home we had an existing raised ceiling in the Dining Room that I wanted to find a way to highlight. I found a drawn plaster series that Lori has that is perfect for this kind of use, we installed it and then had a faux finisher add a subtle iridescent wash over it. It provided just enough sparkle to make the room feel more special, but with enough money still in the budget to buy great furniture.

The pattern we went with is called Cartouche. It was the right choice as it has a perfect blend of old and new and the spacing on the design was spread enough that it didn't get too busy.

Hope you like it.

A Few of my Favorite Things....

Anyone who knows me and knows the office I run, are not surprised to find out that one of my favorite things are sneakers. A company that I fell in love with is Clae, they are a California company but make sneakers based on men's dress shoes. That way I feel like I am dressed up enough for the office but casual that I am true to my style.

Here are a few of their newest styles,,, their color sense is great.

An App I can't Live Without

So it is no secret that I am a huge fan of my IPAD. I keep telling people that it answers all of the needs I didn't even know I had. And I found an App last night called My Measures Pro, that is now one of those things I am not sure how I lived without. Its a tool that helps with dimensioning.

I don't know about you, but when I am starting a project, whether its a powder room or a kitchen design, getting the as built dimensions right is the first step to a successful product.

Take a look at the screen shots below from their website, you can see just how easy it can make your life. No more chicken scratch for me, ( I can hear a collective sigh of relief from my office).

It allows you to organize by project etc and send right from your IPAD. My only wish was for a wider angle lens but other than that ....life changing!!

Get to know your ABC's

I am not sure if it's because my daughter started school this week or not, but at Mark Cutler Design we are big fans of the alphabet, and one of the things I like most about it is that it is something that almost anyone can do.

The lower image is of an alphabet that is an antique print and is a bit more expensive, but the one on the top is an alphabet based on everyday images, some from street signs, some from plant shapes. It is one of my favorites because not only does it teach the letters but I would like to think it makes you look at the world in a different way too.

The Countdown is on

OK. So we have been hearing about it for months, but tomorrow is the big day .......Missoni at Target.

There are a few things that I think are stand out pieces that would be a great addition to your home.

Who doesn't want this bike? I think I may have to get it and save it for Ruby.

And some great outdoor furniture.....Summer may be over,,,,, but how could you not want this.

And not all of the Missoni is crazy color,,,,these Black and White pieces are inspiring

Hickory Centennial Design Challenge

Hickory Chair is having their first ever design challenge. It is being hosted over on Facebook. It coincides with their centennial anniversary.

The competition is broken into three areas. General Public, Students and Professionals.

I decided to enter because I am a huge fan of Hickory Chair and also because I think that it is important that design professionals show the world what a creative bunch we are.

I designed a Mud Room Bench, because it is one of those pieces that I am always looking for, but never have found just the right piece. I hope that this is the one I am looking for.

If you are a Facebook member please follow the link and vote. You can only vote once so each vote is very important.

Please encourage your family and friends too,,, repost this as well.

Anyway, thanks in advance

http://apps.facebook.com/hcc-design-challenge/contests/129466/voteable_entries/30202667?order=recency&view_entries=1