Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

It's amazing to think another year has gone by and we're already well on our way into 2012.
2011 was a year of big changes for me, from new cities to new jobs to new family members, and frankly, it makes me excited to see what's in store for the upcoming year. But first, I think a little appreciation for a fabulous year is in order. And you know, I'm not the only one who thinks their was quite a bit of 'fabulosity' floating around this past year. As always, Interior Design has put together an absolutely fantastic compilation of amazing products and designers, putting forth gorgeous work to inspire us all...and star in a day dream or two.  Here are some of my favorite's from their annual 'Best Of Year' awards for 2011, starting with Artistic Tile's Granada flooring. Damn that's hot.

I'm loving the movement of the wood grain in these sleek and contemporary chairs, very cutely named 'Wink' by Community.

Next up is this phenomenal, and very aptly named, 'Nestrest' by Dedon. I can't imagine a better place to be on a hot summer's day than swinging peacefully in this nest, peering off at the water in front of you...

I know plumbing isn't usually sexy, and hardly ever comes up on people's radar when they're thinking of all the fun things to buy when decorating, but really sometimes that mix of shiny chrome and sleek lines does wonders to completely change your bathroom experience...cue Tremillimetri by Gessi.

Maybe paired up with this AMAZING wall covering (tile?) - Elisse by Joel Berman Glass Studios - in the same bathroom too.

And last but not least (there are a ton more great photos and products to see on the website so check it out!), a stunning mixture of contemporary and organic style at its most beautiful, the 0187 (more like 007) table by John Houshmand. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Wishing you all a very incredible, inspiring, healthy - and beautiful - New Year!

Rock yourself to sleep...

Ok, so usually when I'm thinking of a nice comfy bed, industrial waste doesn't come to mind. Good thing someone else DID make that connection - Joe Manus of Shiner to be exact. Tough, dark, dirty, sexy, clever - all adjectives to describe his Atlanta, GA based furniture company that takes industrial waste materials like hardwoods, steel, and even cardboard to make his phenomenal and edgy pieces. The bed is made for indoor & outdoor use - and I can't imagine a better way to relax outside, and stare up at the stars... No matter where you want it to go, it will definitely make a statement!


And it's not just beds you can find with this funky furniture maker - seating, tables, lighting - you name it!! Totally fun, totally eco - can't get much better than that.

All work...but maybe a little play

For decades, Herman Miller has been the company for office furniture. Why? Because they're damn good at what they do. Their products are ergonomic, stylish, and sustainable. They're also trop cher...so if you've got your hear set on that Eames Chair or Aeron stool, be ready to fork over some dough. But rest assured, if you do, you get what you pay for, and then some... Herman Miller really takes environmental responsibility to heart, from conception to the final product, and even the facilities that all of this takes place in. Their efforts are inspiring - and truly a fantastic example of how design, sustainability, and social responsibility can not only exist, but be profitable. Read more about it here.

A few of my favorites...




And of course, you can't forget the Eames Lounger...

Maya Romanoff how I love you so

I have long been a fan of Maya Romanoff. To me, they are a great example of what makes design so fun and exciting. Innovation is definitely high on their list - the exact reason they just keep on making such fantastic products. And at first, I thought, damn, walls of mother of pearl? That can't be eco-friendly, can it???? Lucky for me, Maya Romanoff thought of all of that. Farmed Capiz shells. That's right. And no formaldehyde. It even installs with low VOC adhesives. And most of their products have the same green attributes - if not even more, like recycled content, rapidly renewable materials, and when they can, they source and make products made in the USA. And if you really want to know what's what, check out their environmental responsibility matrix. But let's not kid ourselves, what really draws you to the site is this:



Absolutely breathtaking...

Walls, Walls, Walls

Walls - they're everywhere. You need them, and generally, they're a blank canvas screaming for something to fill them. Sometimes this most necessary and often neglected part of a room is what can make you stop in your tracks and say 'wow.' One company that knows this very well, and is dedicated to the products that cover your walls is Armourcoat. Specializing in plaster finishes, concrete surfaces, and wall panels - and environmental consciousness with 30% post consumer recycled content and zero VOCs. My favorite collection truly transfers a plain wall into a work of art - and is aptly named 'Sculptural'.

The top image is their 'Flow' Collection, followed by 'Jet Stream' below.









And if you really want to make a statement, try their 'Wave' Collection. Tell me this isn't amazing????

For more styles, images and ideas, check out the company's Gallery.

De-gunking the Grease

Ok, so I know it isn't sexy, and it sure as hell doesn't get you all excited to go buy it, but something everyone needs, uses and probably has, is grease. And no, I don't mean the kind that you clean or eat for that matter. Grease, lube, whatever you want to call it, is a necessary item in any garage or tool shed - for your bike gears, your squeaky door hinges, your windows that won't budge, whatever. But usually, it's gross. Toxic, smelly, and well, greasy. It gets everywhere, stains everything and leaves a stench for ages. Well, no longer, thanks to the amazing innovators at Orontas, who have figured out a way to put mother nature to work in yet another fantastic way. A Canadian company and manufacturer, their plant-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable array of products are just what we need in every house - something useful, essential and best of all, eco-friendly!

olsen Haus

Good design isn't about a product. It's about a feeling, a lifestyle, a philosophy - and regardless of what you're looking at, it means that whatever it is, simply put, it's amazing (or at least it should be)! That's why you often see people in the design industry, be it interiors or graphics or products, they have a sense of self, a sense of space, and a very clear aesthetic. When you combine all that with ethics, well, you've got the best kind of design - sustainable. Olsen Haus is all about that combination. As they put it, their philosophy is "anchored in the universal truth, respect for all beings, with a dedication to the expression of truth in the material world." So basically, it's all about respecting nature, and animals in particular since it's 100% animal free, cruelty free products. To those that never really pay attention to the ethics of consumerism, well, lucky you because olsen Haus does it for you, all while delivering high fashion high style products. And if you ask me, what better product is there than shoes????