top tables

we thought this photo project was interesting, especially in the context it's taken in.  with the world economy doing so poorly, and europe's finances on the brink of collapse, this photo journal by Jacqueline Hassink demonstrates the evolution of the conference room within all of this.  enjoy!

Top Tables

doors

Not just a portal to the interior of the house, we think front doors are like a handshake- a first impression for anyone coming into the home/church/store/establishment.  They communicate a lot with just their presence; strength, style, personality; and they foreshadow what's to come on the interior.  Too often in America front doors are overlooked as a utilitarian item, and rather than being hand carved or custom made to fit the space and offer a grand welcome to visiters, the cookie cutter model on sale at home depot is purchased, and the charm of the entry is lost forever!  This is why we decided to make our first entry about our most recent trip to europe about the doors we encountered.  The doors, surrounds, hardware.  No detail is too small to take into account, they are what give these doors so much character and what draws a visitor in.

surf & sand

I know I promised some photos of Croatia and Italy, but I am still working away on editing them!  Next post, no excuses!  This time I wanted to share with you this hotel I came upon today, from a link in the ASID email newsletter.  As annoying as Paris Hilton and her mini dogs are, it looks like her family is actually doing some good for the world.  Their fourth hotel in Thailand has just opened and it is stunning, in a completely unexpected way.  The simplicity of materials and color really give focus to the concept: ocean currents.  This is such a refreshing take on the overdone "beachy" look.  For some reason creativity is starved in this area of design- sand, seashells, linen, cute nautical touches, the whole thing just makes me sick!  I do love the beach and live near it, but I have never understood the need to bring it so literally into the interior environment (unless you're throwing a kick ass luau with flaming mai tais or something).  The irregular and soft waves of the fabric ceiling treatment are beautiful, as well as the carpet which mirrors it.  The furniture is luxurious, the entry is grand and intimate at the same time, and the pool area is divine.  The lighting design is very impressive- some fixtures are almost evocative of jellyfish.  All of this without being so gaudy and obvious.  No aquariums or dried starfish in sight!  I want to be there now..  Click here to be transported to the oasis yourself.  (man, Hilton should pay me to give this good review! I would take a free stay instead!)

new Thailand Hilton Hotel

and did I mention it is sustainably designed?!

graphics

We've just returned from a long holiday in Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro!  Needless to say, we are overflowing with ideas and photos and ancient inspiration.  But before we dive into that we want to share this new artist discovery with you.  Recently we've expanded the business and begun doing some graphic design work (totally unexpected and unplanned but when a dear friend asks for help, we answer!) and it has reawakened our graphic art senses.  That is why Dave Murray really stood out when we scrolled through the most recent installment of Decurate (a really good online weekly magazine- decurate.com ).  Seeing his path of work demonstrates the depth and detail of the pieces.  The pieces would be a perfect addition to a bachelor pad with a neutral palette to add some funky color.  Polyguy 2 is our favorite... the anonymity makes it mysterious and that much more interesting

fancy

We just had these new (but vintage inspired) pewter pulls installed on a french oak cabinet in the guest house of a client's home.  How fantastic!  They really dress up the piece.  We should have professional photographs in the next few weeks, can't wait to share the entire project with you!'