I hope all you peeps up north survived the blizzard without too much hardship. As a public service to you I thought I'd serve up so toasty tropical visions to thaw you out. Read on! Here in South Florida we’re currently experiencing a phenomenon called “The Season”. November through April can be referred to as the season. Our population swells with snowbirds, the weather is usually beautiful and it’s when all the big events seem to happen. One annual tradition is our very own Red Cross Designer's Show House. Both local and national design talent converge to show us their creative skill. This year’s house is located in the historical West Palm Beach neighborhood known as SoSo (South of Southern Blvd) The theme this year is Tropical Island Living. Each designer, or design firm, is given a room. They can do whatever they want as long as it fits the theme. Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. was asked to build some custom cabinetry for the Master Bedroom Suite by Gary McBournie Inc. We were thrilled with what we were able to contribute and to be a part of this high profile and worthwhile event. I recently had the pleasure of exploring the completed house and I’m so excited to share my favorites! Without further ado, Kitchens for Living does the 2013 American Red Cross Designer’s Show House.
The Designer Show House is open to the public through Saturday February 23rd, so there's still time to catch it. General admission tickets are $30 (for a good cause) and you can get them on line here.
ARCHITECT OF THE STARS STILL SHINES
I admit it. I'm an NPR junkie. From Morning Edition to All Things Considered in the afternoon. I get my daily dose of news, arts and culture from Public Radio, mostly while I'm on the road. Once in a while it's really really good. That happened this week. I caught a story (here) about an architect who I'd never heard of, Paul R. Williams.
Perhaps if you live in, or have lived in, Los Angeles you have. His work is not only notable and impressive but his story is also inspiring and intriguing to say the least. Mr. Williams was black and he was an architect at a time when those two just did not go together. In fact he was the first member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) west of the Mississippi. His grand daughter Karen Hudson has recently written a beautiful book, Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style , about his life and projects replete with foreword by reigning Hollywood design diva Kelly Wearstler.In one word Williams' style could be described as "diverse" or maybe "eclectic". In any case, his work appears in both commercial structures such as The Beverly Hills Hotel as well as in around 2000 homes in and around the Los Angeles area.His designs range from Spanish Colonial Revival and English Tudor to Mid-Century Modern. Known for spectacular entryways and grand curving staircases, the single element present in all his work was a unparalleled attention to detail, whether he was designing a Hollywood mansion or a housing project. Williams was born in Los Angeles in 1894, orphaned by the age of 4, he was a product of his inherent positive out look on life as well as a bit of luck. Although one could argue that he created much of that luck himself.
Williams is often referred to as the architect of the stars and he was. He designed homes for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant among others. The irony is that at this time, early to mid-century, he was prohibited by law from even staying overnight in many of the neighborhoods he worked in. In his mind, he felt his designs were opening the doors for future generations. Williams developed a handy knack for rendering upside down. This was so, being a black man, he could sit across rather than next to prospective clients! Despite these hardships he left his mark and he left his gifts as a legacy and reminder of how anything is possible.
DESIGN YOUR OWN WALLPAPER
ROLLOUT, the wallpaper!
As you may have heard, wallpaper is in vogue once again. I confess I am not naturally "wallpaper inclined" but what I saw recently in the intriguing Studio North & Prototype section at IDS11 in Toronto made me think again. After all, I am slavishly devoted to art and what better way to " art" than by utilizing the biggest canvas of all, your wall!
The innovative custom wallpaper manufacturer, ROLLOUT , featured eight designs, including new work by founder/designers Anita Modha and Jonathan Nodrick.
Not only was I impressed by their edgy designs but, get this, you can design your own wallpaper. It's pricey but that's so you keep your taste in check. Keep it to a focal wall such as in a powder room or dining room and you won't break the bank or run the risk of "too much of a good thing". This digitally printed eco-conscious wallpaper runs about $10 a square foot. Get your own art printed for about $8 per square foot plus set up charges. These premium, latex-based inkjet wallcoverings come in 36’’ wide rolls. Custom design projects are quoted upon request.
ROLLOUT was recently featured on Canadian lifestyle and design talk show Steven & Chris. Click here to see the show. The ROLLOUT section is at 12:30.
In addition to their presence at IDS 11, ROLLOUT was also asked to re-design a Vitra Panton chair that was auctioned off with the proceeds going to Casey House, the first free-standing HIV/AIDs hospice in Canada which offers support and care to those that are affected in their communities. 20 one-off chairs by some of Canada's leading designers and architects were auctioned off during the opening night of the event.
IDS11 is Canada's largest contemporary design fair that has served to inform and support the growing Canadian design industry for the past fourteen years. Thank you to Blanco for sending me to IDS 11!
ONE WEEK TO GO BEFORE THE DRAWING
Don’t forget to enter your chance to win a free Orgaline drawer organizer by leaving a comment on any post between now and February 15th! Click here to read January 14th post for details