The Buzz: High Tower's Caravaggio light pendant

THE BUZZ......

I came across a light pendant called the Caravaggio by Danish designer Cecile Manz. It is eye catching! The masculine technology is offset by sexy, curvaceous lines. The dumbbell-like shade is made of aluminum and coated with a beautiful smooth high gloss paint, black or opal color. I especially love the connection between its red cord to the curved steel rods! You can see them in person at HighTower in the New York Design Center. 

Layla Grayce Express your Style challenge - Concrete diggs

Layla Grayce, a stylish haven of items for the home is hosting a series of Olioboard contests, sponsored by Jonathan Adler.” I am participating in their Living room challenge called “Express Your Style,” and I would really appreciate your VOTES! The Top 25 get to be judged by Jonathan Adler and I would love to be one of the 25. Below is my board.

Exciting News is in! Jonathan Adler chose my Layla Grayce/Olioboard Living room contest design as FIRST place! Yahoo!! Click: article

In my image I used a concrete wall from the exterior of a building in the West Village I came across. It became the backdrop for the design. The architect works at his drafting table admiring his creation. 

It made me think that the use of concrete has become very popular in interior design especially for that industrial, urban look and feel. Concrete is an extremely versatile material and can be used in many unexpected and unusual ways......

Foscarini's new concrete suspension light takes its cue from the plumb or plummet weight to ensure the exactness of a line. This light beautifully counteracts concrete's weighty properties: 

 Doreen Westphal defies gravity with her lacy concrete curtains:

Industrial designer Florian Schmid creates amazing concrete furniture called Stitching concrete that are edged with elegant stitches:

Norwegian photographer Tom Haga developed a concrete Wallpaper collection derived by photographing raw and refined concrete and cinder blocks:

The intricate movement in Daniel Ogassian’s concrete decorative tile designs defies the heavy perception of concrete:

Designer Sergey Makhno creates concrete block planters called the Invariants. Each block has different shaped voids that cradle three liter glass jars as a vase.

Olioboard Fashion and Decor Design challenge: McQueen's Victorian dreams

I always wanted to try a design challenge on Olioboard. I happen to come across their Fashion and Decor Design challenge, so fitting for Mod Design Guru. The challenge is to create a space using 2012's fall fashion trends and bring the cat walk look home. I immediately knew that I wanted to do a space inspired by Alexander McQueen's stunning Fall collection. I was just in their Meatpacking district store last Friday and was floored and inspired by the intense amount of detail and rich feast of tactile fabrics and appliques.

Below is my Olioboard for the Fashion and Decor Design challenge:

Alexander McQueen's Victorian DreamsPlease vote here.


Spread the word! Voting ends on October 22nd. I know, 3 days away!
I would so appreciate and love your support!! 

Thanks
~M

Find Mid-century Modern pieces at The End of History

If you want to get inspired and love hand blown glass, rare ceramics and vintage furniture from the 50’s and 60’s, The End of History is the perfect spot!  Step inside a world of color!

A High Line moment

Soak in a moment...

After walking, talking, shopping and lunching in the West Village with the adorable Lana of makingahouseahome and coolster Tyler Wisler from HGTV Design Star, my wonderful gal pal Kim from designthoughts blog and I took in a moment on the High Line this past Friday!

Puff-Buff design: pneumatic and LED technologies

Bubbles Chandelier
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Creative experiments in art and design of the 50s and 60s paired with modern technology inspire interior and industrial designer Anna Siedlecka and architect Radek Achramowicz from Puff Buff design studio. Their unique designs combine pneumatic technology with LED (light emitting diodes) lighting. Today, LED lighting gives fixtures the ability to become innovative shapes that emphasize the beauty of light. 

Puff Buff studio manipulates light to bounce off of flexible PVC shapes that are filled with air!! Kinda like clear miniature beach balls....the effervescent effect is quite remarkable. I stopped in my tracks when I saw the Bubble chandelier in person!

Bubbles Chandelier
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Bubbles Chandelier

Orca floor lamp and Bubbles Chadelier

Orca ChandelierSource

Bubbles Star ChandelierSource

Lullaby ChandelierSource



You can contact Puff-Buff on their WEBSITE, and Facebook!

Dreamy lighting with the use of modern technology. Love it!

Ruben Toledo for Ralph Pucci International

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THE COLLISION OF ART, FASHION AND HOME DESIGN

I have always loved the amazing illustrations of artist Ruben Toledo. 

His drawings are so whimsical, and have a wondrous surreal quality...

Ruben Toledo has painted on every surface you can think of....mannequins, store windows, book covers, dishes, fabrics, carpets.....Now he has crossed over into the world of home design! He teamed with Pucci International, an eclectic showroom of mannequins, art and home furnishings to create a collection of unique furniture.... each table and chair is white-washed oak painted with free flowing eyes, faces and silhouettes. So dream-like, so theatrical...love it! 

 To give you some insights, Ruben Toledo has 

worked with mannequins for Nordstrom:

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Ruben Toledo has sketched ads for Nordstrom:

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Ruben Toledo worked for Penguin books illustrating their book covers...

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The Ralph Pucci International-Ruben Toledo collaboration...

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Love the fantasy in design!!

Top Ten Jonathan Adler Fall Catalog FAVES

Oh!, summertime seems so long ago but one of the highlights was attending Jonathan Adler’s Holiday in July 2012 giftables preview. It was at Adler’s Soho studio/office/showroom, essentially where the magic happens. From the instant I walked through the doors, I felt as though I entered a wondrous and happy place. The riot of bold colors, interesting textures and cool geometric patterns emanates an inspiring energy! I was even fortunate enough to meet Jonathan Adler!  I mentioned to him, "this must be an inspiring place to work!" He cheerfully nodded and said, “Yes, I love to come to work everyday!”  So evident in his fall catalog! There are some really unique needlepoint accessories and giftables for the holiday season approaching us. It is pure - “Style, Craft and Joy!”

Jonathan Adler and me

Top Ten Jonathan Adler Fall Catalog FAVES: 

#10. 

The Brass eye magnifying glass is humorous and a stylish eye catcher! Unique desk accessory gift idea!

BRASS EYE MAGNIFYING GLASS
$98

#9. 

The statured porcelain and glass Menagerie animals add charisma to any room! Primal; yet modern looking. They are an unique combination of naturally grooved porcelain and sparkly, smooth inlaid colored glass. 

GLASS MENAGERIE SMALL OWL
$198

GLASS MENAGERIE BABBOON
$278

#8. 

Remember these phones as a kid? Combining the retro communication method with modern technology, this smart phone docking station is a sweet nod to the past and present. 

SMART PHONE DOCKING STATION
$48

#7. 

Get hooked on these colorful, geometric needlepoint handbags and clutch designs. Absolutely beautiful!

HANDBAGS: BRAZILIA GEO $495, BRAZILIA SCALES $495, PINWHEEL $495

Some closeup pics of the needlepoint:

Strut around town in high-style with one of these magnificent clutches:

BRAZILIA DIAMOND
$198

BRAZILIA GEO
$198

BRAZILIA SNAKE
$198

#6. 

Spread peace and love at your holiday gathering with this stylish Tic Tac Toe set.

TIC TAC TOE SET
$98

#5. 

Does your hair look like this in the morning? Start your day off with a chuckle... and drink from one of these whimsical Utopia Hair mugs.

UTOPIA HAIR AFRO MUGS $28, MULLET MUGS $28, ICE ICE MUGS $28

#4. 

Sip the surreal from the Muse Teapot set.

MUSE BOWL $98, MUSE TEAPOT MRS. $95,
MUSE PITCHER MR. $98, MUSE CREAMERS MR. $28

#3. 

Celebrate Hanukah in style with this sleek and adorable Judaica dachshund menorah. You will not be able to put it away after the holidays!

DACHSHUND MENORAH
$120

#2. 

Impress Mom with an arrangement of flowers inside the Mediterranean inspired Santorini Nyx vase. Love the gold accent. Stunning, right?

SANTORINI NYX VASE
$495

#1. 

We have struck gold with this Giant Brass Horn. A true conversation piece your family will swoon over....

GIANT BRASS HORN
$1,250

I had a great time in your studio!

Thank you to Jonathan Adler and his friendly and helpful team!!