WESTWEEK Buzz: How to Catch an Editor's Eye with Studio Baccarat

If you made it to this year's WESTWEEK, we hope you brought your portfolio along with you and stopped by The Editor at Large’s portfolio review in Studio Baccarat’s pop-up showroom. A stellar panel of top design editors consulted one-on-one with designers and offered advice and feedback on how to pitch their design projects.

The panel included Erika Heet, contributor to 1stdibs and Robb Report; Vanessa Kogevinas, contributor to California Homes; and Alexandra Mott Abrahmian, Editor-in-Chief of Angeleno Interiors.

“The Baccarat event series at WESTWEEK were fantastic," said Bruce Padilla, Director of Stores, Baccarat. "The pop-up showroom looked amazing and the new Baccarat lighting sparkled! The designers who visited the showroom were among the who's who of the L.A. design community.”

“Los Angeles is home to so much amazing design talent and we were absolutely thrilled to launch Studio Baccarat at WESTWEEK," said Fernanda Chandoha, National Manager, Lighting and A&D. "We wanted to reach out and create a relevant and enriching experience for the design community and are thrilled with the turn out, the new people we were able to meet and can’t wait for the next one!”

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear the panel's thoughts on the top three projects that especially caught their eye.

Event Recap: Fortuny Talks Tech During Student Design Day (Part 2)

While Mariano Fortuny, founder of Fortuny, used his love for the past and respect for tradition to create something completely new in the world of interiors, today Fortuny continues to pioneer in the world of design and technology. Fortuny owners Mickey and Maury Riad hosted Technology and the World of Interior Design with Student Design Day-goers in their packed DDB showroom to discuss the impact technology can have on the world of interior design.

Maury's discussion on the three main problems in the industry started by noting that the interior design world seems to be allergic to technology, and viewing product can often be limited because of a lack of communication. Maury continued by telling the third problem he and the company sought to fix within Fortuny.

"The third problem is that it is very difficult to source product when this industry is so heavily based on touching and feeling,” Maury said. “Technology is what has started to change this, and because technology has gotten so advanced, it supplements the inability to touch and feel because the colors are perfect, the texture is clear, and their organic interpretation of the product is really conveyed."

"Embracing technology is one of the most important things you can do as a designer," he concluded. "The best designers have the best, most efficient back offices that embrace those technologies, and in the meantime, many of the showrooms and companies are getting on that page as well."

Every Fortuny fabric is still produced in the same factory, on the same machines, using the same secret process and techniques handed down from generation to generation—but that doesn't mean that the company's grasp on the world of technology has also stayed the same.

Event Recap: Fortuny Talks Tech During Student Design Day (Part 1 of 2)

Fortuny owners Mickey and Maury Riad are taking the world of interiors by storm, and they're bringing the attendees of Student Design Day with them. Fortuny hosted Technology and the World of Interior Design at its DDB showroom to share what the Riads have done with technology and their company.

"It wasn't too long ago that everything we had on file was written on typewriters and all of our inventory was manual," said Maury. "Things were inefficient, they were poorly kept track of, and they were difficult to browse and buy. When my brother and I took over the company 14 years ago, we didn't have to change a thing about our products and the way they were designed and made. What we did decide to change was the way the company ran behind the scenes and for our clients.

"As Mickey and I have seen it, there are three main problems in the industry that can all be fixed with technology. The first problem is that this industry generally seems to be allergic to technology: websites are often dysfunctional, and things are still predominantly done using fax machines. The second problem is that because everything is custom, few people are allowing product to be viewed online, which means the industry has no way to visualize the product and even tougher of a time communicating what is out there and what they want."

Fortuny today continues to pioneer in the world of design and technology, all the while paying homage to Mariano Fortuny's love for the past and respect for tradition.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo tomorrow to hear more on technology in the design world from Fortuny owners Mickey and Maury Riad.

Tech Talk: Tour the High Tech Creston Showroom & Receive iDoc

If you love technology and have the iPad 2, Crestron is the showroom that you should head to pronto. Designers and architects receive a free Crestron Apple® iPad 2 charging dock as Crestron's holiday gift to you after you take a tour of the new Crestron Electronics showroom.

The Crestron iPad dock provides a very stylish tabletop solution for charing your iPad 2, not to mention, we can guarantee that you'll be blown away by Crestron's high-tech showroom at the DDB.

Click here to schedule your tour now. Offer stands until December 31, 2011 or while supplies last.

Tech Talk: Schumacher's New App

Schumacher has introduced its essential digital resource for discerning interior design professionals and registered to-the-trade users. Schumacher for iPhone is a product catalog of all of its current fabric and interior accessories. And no need to stress, it's also available the iPad.

The new application allows customers and clients to view the latest offerings; stay up to date on product information, stock, and order status; place memo and product orders; create project lists and tag favorite products; search for nearby showrooms using GPS; view pinch and zoom high resolution photographs; review product details; and learn about new trends, events and offerings!

Visit Schumacher online to learn more about the Schumacher App, or visit iTunes to get it now.

Tech Talk: Duravit Launches New Website

Check out Duravit's newly redesigned website to work in concert with the company's professional online specification tool. The site features tons of interactive tools and features, plus great bathroom design ideas and stunning project photos.

To check out product in person, visit EuroConcepts Bath at the PDC or Designer's Plumbing Studio at the DCOTA.

Tech Talk: Samuel & Sons Launches New Website

Samuel & Sons is renowned for their passementerie tradition, and now you can view their collections on their new, updated website. The restructured website allows designers to access all of the amenities and information available in the Samuel & Sons showroom, from the comfort and ease of your home or office.

With 67 years of experience, these passementerie experts know how important it is to listen to the client. “For years, we have provided thousands of collections in stock as our clients often need our products immediately,” said Sam Cohen, founder and president of Samuel & Sons. “We’re continuing with that tradition by making these in stock products more readily available. The new site makes the ordering, tracking and the overall design experience more convenient to our busy clients.”

The new streamlined website offers many user-friendly features, such as the ability to search by color, collection, designer or sample book and zoom in to view the fine detailing of each trimming. Clients who log on to the website will be able to view pricing and inventory information, request samples, place and track online orders, print off tear sheets of product and view open reserves and prior orders. The site will also provide updated information on the company's history and the custom trim process, as well as information on designers who have license lines with Samuel & Sons.

"We are so excited about the launch of the new website!" said a sales representative. "This site makes it incredibly easy for designers and homeowners alike to browse, search and order from Samuel & Sons' extensive collections of trimmings, fringes, tassels, borders, braids and gimps with out the hassle of traveling to the showroom!"

To check out Samuel & Sons in person, visit Kneedler|Fauchere at the PDC or Jerry Pair & Associates at the DCOTA.

Tips From the Trade: Joe Ginsberg on the Art of Glass Making (Part 2)

New York-based interior designer, painter and home furnishings expert Joe Ginsberg has been sharing his Tips from the Trade on how to better understand a few different crafts within the industry. Yesterday, he shared his love for the art of glass making. Today, he will to tell us how to purchase fine glass art.

GDG: Can you share a brief step-by-step process of glass blowing?

JG: First, clear glass has to be gathered and joined with color in order for it to fuse. From that point various techniques are employed to shape and blow the glass into the particular form you're designing. Once the final form is achieved, the piece is put into a cooling oven called an annealer. Glass comes out of the furnace at 2300 degrees fahrenheit and is cooled to the point of being stable. The length of the cooling process depends on the weight, thickness, and size of the glass object, so patience is key!

GDG: Any advice on what to look for when purchasing glass?

JG: When selecting a glass object, look for pieces that attract you and that you have a feeling for, whether functional or just decorative.

GDG: Do you have a favorite part of the glass making process?

JG: The more time I spend working with this medium, the more I am inspired by its elegance, translucency, and sculptural quality. This material’s versatility allows for it to be forcefully shaped as well as to move about freely. When working with glass you have to be fluid. At times it dictates the process for you, and if you go along with it you can end up with a beautiful unforeseen design that is workable. I love that.

Stay tuned for more Tips From the Trade with Joe, and if you have any questions about the fine art of glass making, contact Joe to learn more. You can also watch him at work here.

Tips From the Trade: Joe Ginsberg on the Art of Glass Making (Part 1 of 2)

You may have read Tips from the Trade on specialty materials and how to best use them in design projects. Now, New York-based interior designer, painter and home furnishings expert Joe Ginsberg, tells us about the art of glass making—another of his many specialties.

GDG: When did you first become interested in the art of glass making?

JG: The different mediums of art have always attracted me. The reason for this is because of its potential to create an amazing array of functional and decorative forms. It is a fascinating art since it allows for the creation of a planned piece, yet still maintains its natural ability to present the unexpected.

I was already making my own pigments for paintings when, about 10 years ago, I began making and designing with glass. I've been incorporating the art of glass making into my repertoire ever since.

GDG: What were some of your first projects with glass making like?

JG: One of the first paid commissions I received was for American Express; I designed trophy-like centerpieces for a corporate event. After the success of that project I received more client commissions and continued to experiment with glass.

GDG: What are some of the tools and supplies needed when glass making?

JG: The most common tool in glass blowing is the pipe and a good set of lungs! A variety of paddles and ladles are also used to form the shape of the object.

GDG: What kind of advice can you share on the techniques you love?

JG: Much of the glass blowing process is unforeseen so you must be patient and fluid when delving into it. All the techniques of glass blowing have merit during production.

Stay tuned for Tips From the Trade with Joe tomorrow when he will give us a brief step-by-step process on the art of glass making and tips on how to purchase fine glass.

Test Your Fabrics On Lutron's New Fabric Display

The Lutron showroom just keeps getting lighter and brighter—especially with its new fabric display. Designers can view Lutron’s library of fabrics and patterns on a backlit display of lighting, which allows you to preview fabrics with cool and warm lighting environments.

What better way to choose a fabric than by knowing how they look in several kinds of light and times of day? The fabric wall allows you to put fabric patterns and colors to the test and see how, where and when they look best.

"We decided to come up with a new, creative way to display our shading fabrics in the showroom," said Showroom Manager Katherine Rumbaugh. "Since the installation last week, we have gotten a lot of positive feedback on our new display from designers and showroom managers. It showcases our roller, Roman shade and drapery fabrics under different light sources and allows you to interact with your lighting and fabrics to help you choose."

Stop by Lutron's showroom on the ground level of the DDB and spend some time learning how light affects the colors and fabrics.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Dorothy Cosonas Presented Knoll Luxe's Spring Upholstery Collection

The Knoll Luxe showroom was packed with visitors excited to see the newest Spring colors and fabrics, especially because Dorothy Cosonas was presenting them.

"I've always loved reading about Dorothy and what she does at Knoll Luxe," said an excited Spring Market attendee. "I just had the chance to get her input on the color tones for one of my clients, and it was just wonderful to hear what she had to say. She really understands color and the new collection's saturated and vibrant hues show that!"

Dorothy pointed out a few samples from the collection that have been getting extra attention, including one from the archives.

"One of our orange-y colors here was only ever shown in a showroom in Mexico City!" Dorothy said. "So the circumstances of it making it back to this collection are wild! This color along with the pinks and yellows have been really popular as well. I think people are in need of bright colors after such a long winter—and these are inspiring!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more DDB Spring Market Buzz, and make your way to Knoll Luxe to see the Spring Upholstery collection in person.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: The Fine Art of Bed-Making

If the bed we make is the bed we lie in, why not gain experience in the fine art of bed-making? The Lorin Marsh Spring Market event had the experts on hand teach us everything we needed to know about making an exquisite bed.

Lorin Marsh and New York's Little Elves, designer cleaning and maintenance company, asked three top interior designers to demonstrate their vision for beautiful bed-making. Laura Bohn, Campion Platt and Ronald Bricke gave us their tips and top choices for an irresistible bed.

Campion told the audience what he personally never likes on a bed and what he loves to do before leaving his bedroom for a longer trip.

"I hate squares on beds, because a bed isn't square, it's rectangular," Campion said. "I love king-sized, rectangular pillows that are stacked up together because it adds an extra comfy and luxurious look to a bed. I think pillows are great, too, because they add a fancy and done up look to a bed that isn't high-maintenance to do everyday. For me, something like a coverlet is not an everyday thing."

"What I always try to do before I leave my house for a longer trip is make my bed up really beautifully and more fancy than usual. That way, when I get home from my trip, my bed looks perfect and similar to the hotel beds I'm in during my trip."

Campion made sure to tell us before ending that he is not a 'tucker,' and that just because you may not tuck your sheets in, doesn't mean you're a messy bed-maker. We're grateful for that!

"The designers had such interesting ways of looking at beds and bedding," said a Spring Market-goer. "I loved the way that Laura Bohn explained the differences between sheets and blankets and how simple folding can make a bed not only look more lovely in a room, but actually be more comfortable once you're in it!"

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Environmentally-Savvy Shopping Techniques

Environmentally sound, eco-friendly, green—after a while, they can all sound the same, or like nothing at all. Pollack's Spring Market event at the DDB helped clear the semantic confusion with their discussion, Demystifying Environmentally Responsible Fabric Decisions.

Kristie Strasen, Founder and Creative Director of Place Textiles, led the talk and gave her common sense approach to sorting through the best choices for specifying environmentally responsible fabrics from the rest.

In a time when everyone is aiming to do the right thing, Kristie explained that there is more than one way to address such a complicated issue of being an environmentally savvy shopper. With over 30 years experience, Kristie has been developing a comprehensive range of high-end fabrics, which the audience got to see first hand during the talk.

"So what does 'green' or 'environmentally responsible' fabric even mean?" Kristie asked the audience. "The truth of the matter is, 'green' in the context of environmentally-responsible fabric means different things to different people. Some people are looking for fabrics made from recycled fiber, while others are interested in fabric produced from rapidly renewable resources. Many people think organic fabric is the best route to take while many others seek a fabric that is truly sustainable. So, what does it all mean?"

Kristie explained the differences between the many terms people use when they are aiming to be 'green,' and helped to demystify the concerns behind responsible fabrics. Ultimately, the best advice Kristie wanted to share was making the effort to know where your fabrics and fibers came from.

"When people take these different terms into consideration, they are attempting to make intelligent decisions and this helps the big picture," Kristie said. "Unfortunately, there is no one right answer, but there are ways to avoid being unknowledgeable about how you shop for your interiors. There are many ridiculous ways to claim that something is eco-friendly or green, but if you know where stuff comes from—such as cotton, wool, banana leaf—you're making the first and best step towards deciding on a fabric that is more natural and organic, less harmful to the environment as well as renewable."

Save the Date: Beyond the Basics on Sales & Use Tax

We think we understand and comply with California Sales and Use Tax Law. We believe we know which transactions are taxable and which are not. We think we are billing our clients the correct amounts. Are we right?

Join ASID Los Angeles and Manny Almeida, CMI for a discussion of Sales and Use taxes for California Interior Designers. From the point of view of an expert in audit controversy and the business owners’ advocate, learn what you must know about sales tax to protect your business practice.

This event takes place May 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the PDC's Blue Conference Room. For more information, visit http://www.pacificdesigncenter.com/.

Q&A with ‘Young Traditional’ Jeff Andrews

Jeff Andrews is another of tradhome's Young Traditional Designers to keep your eyes open for this year. He spent some time with us in New York recently to tell us what he's loving this Spring and a few of the first things he did when the weather finally warmed up.

GDG: What were some of the Spring 2011 products you were most looking forward to this year?

JA: I couldn't wait to see what Kyle Bunting was up to! He always has amazing new ways to use hide, such as wall upholstery and rug designs. I also recently saw Maya Romanoff's exciting new line of fabrics, which I love! They can be used for drapery, upholstery and wallpaper. I was also so looking forward to seeing what Jean de Merry would do this Spring. I love their gorgeous new fabrics, custom accessories (like wall mirrors and lighting) and of course, their furniture!

GDG: What should we keep our eyes open for this Spring?

JA: From us, look for pastels mixed with grays, layers of pattern, driftwood inspired furniture and new projects on my website!

GDG: What is the first thing you did once the weather finally warmed up?

JA: Worked on getting a tan and shopped, shopped, shopped! I’m always on the lookout for fabulous new finds!

GDG: Can you share any fun examples of going stir crazy this Winter?

JA: Living in California, we haven’t had the crazy winter you had in New York.  We did have a lot of rain this winter; the upside is that my yard looks amazing!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more of tradhome's top 20 "Hot List" Designers to know what you should keep your eyes open for this Spring.

Guest Blogger: Christopher Grubb Goes Gaga for Green Home Design (Part 2)

Our newest Guest Blogger, Christopher Grubb, shares thre more tips for eco-conscious design.

By Christopher Grubb

Choose green wall coverings.

Not all wallpapers are created equal. One of my go-to choices for covering walls in unique and stylish prints is Walnut Wallpaper, a California company that carries many eco-friendly options created sans harmful chemicals because let’s face it, chemicals are not a home décor accent anyone should be interested in. Another wall covering company riding the eco-décor train is Innovations, which carries a wide range of products that are both beautiful and sustainable. Many of their products are made without harmful chemicals. I also tout grass cloth or bamboo wall covering as on-trend and eco-friendly option.

Decorate with greenery.

Give your space a no-impact facelift by using plants. Not only will they breathe a big breath of fresh air into your home with so many sizes and textures, they are a no-brainer when it comes to adding color. Plant your gorgeous greenery in ornate pots for an added dose of style.

On-trend (and eco) textiles.

When it comes to fabrics, manufacturers are now offering more and more options for products made from recycled content that look and feel as soft as their non-eco counterparts. In terms of carpets and area rugs, wool, is the most natural choice for a soft and plush option, but sisal rugs are also a great option if you want a more architectural look. Many nylon carpets available are made from recycled nylon content and some carpets are even composed of recycled bicycle tires!

On your mark, get set, go green!

Guest Blogger: Christopher Grubb Goes Gaga for Green Home Design

President of Arch-Interiors in Beverly Hills, Christopher Grubb has shared two tips for making eco-conscious home décor choices. Read below to learn more.

By Christopher Grubb

Pick the right paint.

One of the best ways to give your home a facelift while not breaking the bank is with a fresh coat of paint. Now you can go green with each stroke of your brush. Most paint companies are jumping on the eco-décor bandwagon with zero-VOC paints that are also odorless. VOC stands for "volatile organic compound," and as the name suggests, they aren’t good for us, or the earth!

Find new uses for old things.

Stop and think before you toss out home accents you’re sick of, or replace an outdated piece of furniture. Why not reupholster a dated chair with a fun, fresh color, repaint an end table that has seen better days, or re-cover a set of drab pillows in a fresh and lively hue? Plant pots can become candleholders, old picture frames can be reused to house mirrors or artwork and an oversize bookshelf can be moved and reused as a functional room divider!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more tips on being green from Christopher Grubb tomorrow.

Save the Date: InteriorDesign-Ed at DCH

Manual or automatic? With this Continuing Education seminar at Decorative Center Houston (DCH) it's completely irrelevant. Beverly Vosko of InteriorDesign-Ed will host a full day of CEU's that could take care all the CEU requirements you’ve been meaning to complete.

Start your day off with Lighting and Daylighting, and in the afternoon, Sensational Swedish Furniture, and Aging-in-Style Bathrooms.

You can take one hour or eight hours and be done in a day with all of your requirements including the one-hour barrier free and the one-hour sustainability.

InteriorDesign-Ed takes place this Thursday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the DCH's Seminar Room in Suite 6004. For additional information, call Beverly Vosko at 713-464-0055 or visit www.InteriorDesign-Ed.com.

Tech Talk: Make a Mood Board on Pierre Frey’s New Website

Leave it to Pierre Frey to create an extraordinary online experience. If you can’t make it to the showroom this Spring, Pierre Frey’s new website is the next best thing.

It’s the perfect place to explore the company’s stunning new collections. Designers can peruse entire color ranges of Pierre Frey, Braquenié, Fadini Borghi and Boussac fabrics and wallpapers, as well as accessories. Best of all, once you’ve selected your favorites, put them together as a mood boards for your clients!

While you’re there, flip through Pierre Frey’s new magazine Freyquence, which features News, Savoir Faire and Style.

If you thought Pierre Frey couldn’t get better, it has. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Save the Date: ASID Student Career Day at DCH

The DCH's Spring Market is in full force as we speak, but don't forget to mark your calendar for the ASID Student Career Day tomorrow.

The event will present all student design professionals the opportunity to network with industry professionals in commercial and residential design including interior designers, product representatives, and possibly a future employer.

For more information about the DCH's ASID Student Career Day, visit http://www.decorativecenter.com/#/special-events/.