Carrie's Design Musings

NYIGF Shows its Colors

It may have been cold and gray outside but bright, saturated color was being embraced inside the New York International Gift Fair. Exhibitors were on trend for 2013 with all the riotous color the experts have told us to expect to come on strong. And strong they are; bold feels beautiful.

Oomph Furniture

Everything is in living color; furniture, fabric, pillows, art, accessories ~ nothing was spared. Neutral feels flat. Wake it up; color your world!

Design Legacy

These lambswool and merino reversible wool throws are so chic. The booth was bursting with buyers (many from high end stores), so don't be surprised when you see them in a store near you.

Paulette Rollo

I love the idea of the book binding being done in a solid bright color. What a great way to bring a little chroma (and drama) to an ordinarily neutral place. Think of the fun you could have!

Go Home

Middle Kingdom

These finials have been covered by bloggers near and far. They're one of those things that you never knew you needed. When you add a decorative finial to any lamp it instantly helps to define the style and "tops off" the look beautifully.

Hilary Thomas

Furniture is the obvious first place you would think to add a swift kick of color. The furniture choice makes it feel refined, flamboyant or quirky.

Royola Pacific Designs

Classic cowhides, or any rug for that matter, are also going the way of the rainbow. I love the look of these underfoot. I'll take one of each, please.

Saddleman's

You may not think ostrich egg when you are looking to add a little spice to a tabletop vignette, but that was before they came lacquered in a multitude of hues.

Outpost original

Even a neutral kitchen could use a little shot of color, whether in linens, tableware, or accessories. The Laguiole flatware has a cult like following, and now I know why.

La Maisonette

as above

Vagabond Vintage to trade only

The artist started with bugs. I am glad to see he moved on to non-living organisms. The feathers are much nicer (and beautifully displayed)

Pheromone

If your home doesn't need a shot of color, I bet your wardrobe does??

ph: CLI

Goodbye Andrée Putman

ph: Pierre et Gilles

Once again, the design world lost a giant. International interior designer Andrée Putman was laid to rest last week. She was known for her advant garde furnishings (at the time) and dramatic minimalist interiors. Andrée described her work as, "the perfect balance between discipline and revolt." She required order in an environment; objects, space, color, light, and the people that occupy it should be the main attraction.

Morgans Hotel

Probably best known for her work at The Morgans Hotel, she practically invented the boutique hotel concept. Andrée has designed skyscrapers ~ one in Hong Kong is called The Putnam, stores for the fashionable, and the homes of the wealthy world wide. Often times, her small object designs, of which there are many, where inspired by the interiors she created. Her elegantly tailored personal style often mimicked her interiors. A signature of Andrée's was the black and white checkerboard pattern.

Andrée was a champion of the high/low, modern/antique mix. She believed good design should be accessible. Andrée never formally studied design, but her interiors were critically acclaimed. Another example of "good taste cannot be taught."

Intuition and unfortunate circumstances forced her to reinvent herself when she was 53. Her firm Eclat was born and she set out to bring attention to designers of the 1930's, whose work was woefully under appreciated. Modernist furniture designers and architects like Eileen Gray, Gaudí, and Jean-Michel Frank.

via Design and More

as above

Remember the Concorde? Andrée put her stamp all over it. It's a shame it has been taken out of the fleet before I got my chance to experience it. It must have been a wild ride.

The Concorde

While Andrée's daughter, Olivia, will continue to oversee The Putman Studio, as she has been doing for years now, I am sure Andrée will be watching from above.

Au Revoir Madame Putman.

The Old Ball and Chain

Cuff Home

I loved this light the minute I saw it! It's a beautiful sculptural statement lighting the way.
These pieces marry form and function while making a casual, clever statement, no?

Wendy Schwartz Design

Part of the iconic UP series created by Gaetano Pesce in 1969, this chair shaped like a female figure attached to an ottoman representing a ball is exactly as it looks. It speaks to the subjugation of women. WOW, it's a seat and a grand statement. It can be found at B & B Italia