Time Designed Series, Part 4: Medieval Times

Here's part four of the Time Designed series (see part one, two, and three).  This mood board is a modern, fanciful take on Gothic design.  Because the Gothic movement is associated with many churches and castles, I combined the idea of a throne room and a church.  The amazing mural by Peter Ostuni was inspired by stained glass; because of its size and color, I used it as a dramatic backdrop for the throne atop the steps.  The throne itself is the famous Smoke Chair by Maarten Baas.  Because the Gothic movement is associated with religion and spirituality, I placed two Icarus Lights by Tord Boontje to look almost like angel wings.  The traditional gilded end tables and solid brass torcheres contrast the bold modern pieces and make the space feel more luxe and regal.

The board itself was inspired by (as seen from left to right below), the votive crown of Visigoth king Reccesuinth, artwork of Richard II presented to the Virgin and Child, and the cover of the Carolingian Gospel Codex Aureus of Sankt Emmeram.

A Modern Twist on Medieval Times:

Sources:

1. floor lamps  |  2. rug  |  3. end tables  |  4. chair  |  5. mural  |  6. light

Natural Inspiration: Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl has been a material used for jewelry, furniture, and interior design for thousands of years. Manufacturers use something called "nacre" with artificial iridescence to create the material we know today as "mother of pearl."  Nacre is a blend of secretions from various mollusks that form a protective barrier inside their shells.  By using this mollusk byproduct, mother of pearl tiles give kitchens and baths a glamorous natural touch that glass tiles can never give a room.  Below are stunning mother of pearl antiques on 1st Dibs, followed by my favorite examples of how beautiful this material can be in interiors:

1. Cartier clock  |  2. Mirror  |  3. Verner Panton ceiling fixture  |  4.  Inlaid dresser  |  5. Inlaid table

(via Houzz)

(via Lonny)

(via Houzz)

(via Houzz)

(via Houzz)

(via Houzz)

(via Houzz)

Loud and Clear

One of my favorite current design trends has been ubiquitous lately: LUCITE.  Lucite pieces can add a dramatic impact without taking up too much visual space, so they're especially good for small spaces and can blend seamlessly with many styles.  I've hunted down some fabulous lucite chairs, tables, and accessories from 1st Dibs here:

Sources:

1. lamp | 2. coffee table | 3. candy dish | 4. zig zag chair | 5. lamp | 6. bar stool | 7. console

Do you still love this trend, or do you think it's on its way out?

Time Designed Series, Part 3: When in Rome (and Greece)

Here's part three of the Time Designed series (see part one here and part two here).  This mood board was inspired by my favorite time period, ancient Greece.  All Classical design has roots in the beautiful architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, the masters of proportion and engineering.  The board itself was inspired by (as seen from left to right below), is the east pediment of the Parthenon (part of the Elgin Marbles), ceramic vase portraying Heracles and Athena, a recreation of the lost colossal statue and a fresco from Pompeii.  I love the deep reds in their ceramics and frescos and the amazing sculptures from that time.

Ancient Greece and Rome:

Sources:

1. column  |  2. curtains  |  3. Greek key rug  |  4. Klismos chairs  |  5. zinc urns  |  6. table  |

7. wallpaper  |  8. chandelier

Natural Inspiration: Lake Retba in Senegal

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Images via lakeretba.com

The Sommerso Technique (Or: Not Your Grandmother's Vase)

While browsing accessories on 1st Dibs today, I came across these amazing Sommerso vases from Murano, Italy.  The shapes are so dynamic, almost like water moving, and the colors are so dramatic and deep.  My interest was piqued, and a quick Google search of the technique led me to here, here, and here. For the curious, I made a list of the basic breakdown of the steps required to make a true Sommerso vase based on my super scientific research:

• Molten glass of a solid color is set against an even layer of clear glass in order to seal the color and prevent fading into the next layer. 
• Another layer of glass, either clear or colored depending on the desired result, is added on either side of the colored center to create a sealed, layered effect.
• Step 2 is repeated until the desired result is achieved.

Famed twentieth century Italian architect, furniture/lighting designer, and glassmaker Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978) created Murano glass as well.  Here are some of his innovative pieces available on 1st Dibs if you'd like to see.

Sources:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Which vase is your favorite?  I think they're all gorgeous, but I'd say this one is my favorite.

*Sommerso in Italian means "submerged."

Gold Rush

To start the weekend off right, I've collected some beautiful modern and antique examples of one of my favorite current design trends: GOLD.  The key to mastering this trend is moderation and balance, or else we're going to start veering off into Tacky Territory (think: Las Vegas high roller suite).  You're not going to want to use all of these pieces in one space, but one or two combined with turquoise or gray would be really glamorous.

Sources:

1. wallpaper | 2. mirror | 3. wall studs | 4. bowl | 5. table | 6. chair | 7. lamps

Are you loving this trend as much as I am?