Month: September 2010

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Latest Trends in Casual & Modern lounges

“Funky” is the new “trendy” when it comes to modern casual seating these days. With fashion houses, well known designers, and brands entering the furniture world, statements and designs that stand out are only natural. Roche Bobois introduced their “ Mah Jong” modular seating in the 1970s by Hans Hopfer . After working with Kenzo maison and Missoni home on several fabirc finishes, this year Roche Bobois decided to work with Jean Paul Gaultier . Roche Bobois presents its vintage Mah Jong sofa, in a new “bleu blanc rouge” look as opposed to the very colorful fabrics of Missoni and Kenzo. Personally I loved this years edition of this sectional. In addition to the Mah Jong, Jean Paul Gaultier worked on numerous items as part of his collaboration with Roche Bobois. The Mah Jong sectional, like modernism itself, has never gone out of fashion.

Another very attractive, modern, and hip sofa is the Confluences designed by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset. “Confluences may be considered to be a trailblazer in terms of the new trend for ‘counterforms’ as characterized by the interwoven yin-yang or puzzle-type effect. It will be just as pleasing to lovers of radical design, pioneers searching for a sofa which is totally different from any other, as it will to all those who are seduced first and foremost by the freedom of posture and unheard-of conviviality offered by its colorful, unbridled compositions.” You can get in monochromatic colors as shown or play with the colors and composition.Confluences was introduced by Ligne Roset during the 2009 Imm Cologne Fair.

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Gucci’s Aquariva & Fendi’s Lady Lara

Both Gucci and Fendi are entering the world of design for luxury transportation by storm. A few months ago we saw the photos of the magnificent Lady Lara yacht furnished by Fendi Casa and last month Gucci announced they are introducing made-to-order speedboats with prices starting at around $750,000.

The Aquariva By Gucci ,produced along with Officina Italiana Design, will be available by special order in 2011 . The boat was designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini as part of Gucci’s upcoming 90th anniversary celebrations. The boat’s fiberglass hull and detailing are painted in Gucci’s custom glossy white, offset with varnished mahogany in the cockpit and decks. The seats and sundeck are upholstered in waterproof Gucci print fabric with the fashion house’s signature red and green stripe detailing. Gianni has also designed a number of Riva by Gucci his-and-hers accessories, including bags and shoes, to go along with the craft, which is powered by two 380 hp Yanmar engines for a maximum speed of 41 knots and a 150-mile range at cruising speed. info source

Lady Lara by Fendi Casa

In its first venture at sea, Fendi Casa—under the direction of interior design firm Studio Massari—has provided the furnishings for Lady Lara, which Benetti delivered last summer.

Fendi Casa have established an elegant image through their known preference for neutral colors mainly creams, silver, and champagne. Some may perceive this as monotonous but once you see the glamour you will definitely change your mind, their furniture and fabric define luxury. Their use of high end materials like mother of pearl, crocodile leather, & exotic wood such as Briar root (used in pipes) adds the unique touch that distinguishes a well designed product from a plain one.

All details were taken into consideration by Fendi designers, from the door handles to the flooring, to the luxurious lighting made with Swarovski crystals to the last vase and photo frame. Fendi Casa are known for their wide and beautiful selection of lighting and accessories. The glass used for their chandeliers , table lamps and vases is mainly Murano glass which is considered of highest end glass.

Fendi Designed a private plane interior as well…

For more info on any of the products above and latest Fendi Casa releases you can contact them on +965 2 2255205. Their showroom in Kuwait is located at Tilal Mall, Shoueikh .

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From my Kitchen: Tiramisu with a Twist!

Today my blog turns 1 month old!! Thank you everyone for your lovely comments and support!! On this day it also happens to be my beautiful sister’s birthday! I would love to wish her a Happy Birthday! Hope she has a lovely one!

The title of my Blog means a bit of everything, its why I will include posts related to various issues that contribute to forming our “lifestyle”. I am not a professional cook or chef myself but cooking and baking are among my hobbies, food is a MAJOR part of my life. I have a good reputation regarding my cooking skills, which is why I will share with you the most popular recipes. Since I am a mom of two, have a fulltime job, and now this blog, my recipes are usually very fast, convenient, and simple. I am very “health” conscious though I tend to use some unhealthy options for lack of time or substitutes. Every month I will throw in a recipe , hope you like them!

This dessert was actually a recipe given to me by a friend I used to work with at my previous job in Lebanon, every time I make it its a huge hit. The basic tiramisu has mascarpone, this one relies on whipped cream and condensed milk instead with the addition of bananas, hence the name “with a twist”  🙂 Yes I know very fattening but I only make it 2-3 times a year and I make it in small portions for control. You can’t use low fat cream as it will not be fluffy like this one, I tried it, it didn’t work. So let’s get started!

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Lighting Statements: Impressive Chandeliers

 

How are designers inspired?  No one knows what exactly, anything could inspire us, but what really helps is the client’s attitude and extent of flexibility. In “flexibility” I mean how much he is willing to allow the designer to create in addition to the budget limit he/she sets for the project.

This Chandelier called “Bacterioptica “ is made of  petri dishes (dishes biologists use to culture cells) and 15000 feet of Fiber optic cables. The interesting thing about this chandelier is the story behind it, its why I mentioned how clients shape our designs in many ways.

According to the designers, MADLAB, it is “designed to be adaptive, not only in its form and mechanics, but more importantly, in the way it evolves.  Bacterioptica is not your typical chandelier, just as no family is a typical unit of interactions. Its on/off switch does not control it. Bacterioptica is alive. It grows. It is itself a household organism. It is living and breathing the same air and bacteria we are. It is designed to synchronize with the life of a very unique New Jersey household, comprised of two parents, three children, a dog, and one hell of an extended family: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, not to mention house plants, insects, allergens, fungi, and billions of bacteria that live with, on and among all humans."

 

MADLAB is an award-winning and internationally published architecture firm noted for its research and innovative design services. We approach every project with a creative collaborative mindset and expanded understanding of the diverse and complex factors that influence wonderful design- from interior fixtures to urban environments.

MADLAB was Founded in 2003 by Petia Morozov and Jose Alcala, the firm is comprised of design professionals who reflect MADLAB’s commitment to environmental sensitivity, intelligent creativity and client service. Each of our projects is the result of a unique vision, with a masterful expression of space, materials and systems.

 

 Swarovsky Crystal Palace

Another design house not just promoting luxury materials in their lighting fixtures but working with talented designers to create breathtaking chandeliers is  Swarovsky Crystal Palace.

The Topograph by Karim Rashid for Swarovsky Crystal Palace is a depiction of the Tyrolian Mountains, home to Swarovski Headquarters.

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Interiors Fair: Abitare Il Tempo -Sept. 16-20, 2010

Location: VeronaFiere, Verona, Italy

 

Abitare il Tempo has been the most exclusive trade fair for interior design, an event which reaches across the entire product range at the highest level,is turning 25 this year.

Trades included in this annual fair are: Furniture, Upholstered furniture, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Lighting, Textiles, Carpets, Drapes, Household linen, Designer ranges, Tableware,  Decorative accessories, Paintings, Children’s furniture, Flooring, Coverings, Doors, Staircases, Handles, Outdoor furniture.

The fair constitutes of : 8 exhibition halls covering 100,000 square meters; 600 exhibitors including 75 from 20 foreign countries (data awaiting FKM certification).

Abitare il Tempo is the only exhibition in the sector whose data is certified by FKM.

Among the exhibitors you will find these very popular brands that are known to be trendsetters across the various sectors, such as:

AGAPE    ALESSI   BAXTER   BONACINA PIERANTONIO    CASAMILANO    DEDON   EUROMOBIL

FENDI CASA     FRETTE     GUY LAROCHE    IVANO REDAELLI   MISURAEMME

Can’t wait to see what the new releases are, if you are nearby it would be a great opportunity to check it out.

 

 

 

 

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Lounge from Heaven : Chester Moon

Quilting is back, and now its not exclusive to the classic furniture brands and designs. The detailing that was once a signature of the English Cigar lounge look has now been recreated, thanks to one of the top brands in the furniture industry that is known for its luxurious leather lounges and out of the ordinary designs. Baxter is a “unique brand devoted to a sophisticated clientele which appreciates contemporary luxury and moods that are consistently new and amazing”.

Last year Baxter released one of their icon pieces, the Chester Moon by the very famous architect and Designer Paola Navone. It was released as part of an African inspired project presented at the 2009 Maison et Objet.  In this collection, leather is presented as a new and versatile material, which is the utmost expression of quality and naturalness. Paola Navone reveals a decorative, new and unexpected side of leather in this line.

The Chester Moon sofa is a fully handmade sofa that takes up 45 days of manual labor.

Baxter’s Chester moon comes in 4 dimensions and reaches up to 395cm. Whatever the finish or dimension it should be treated in the space its in as a “statement” piece, against it should be a contrasting mellow yet elegant item that would allow it to accentuate. In an amazing AD by Nespresso and featuring George Clooney, the Chester Moon sofa was used to portray a cloud in heaven, which is exactly how it feels.

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Alexander McQueen for The Rug Company

The Rug Company is internationally acclaimed for the high quality of its handmade rugs, wallhangings and cushions, and its unique collaborations with international design luminaries. The strongest names in fashion, art and design contribute to The Rug Company’s Designer Collection, including Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Marni, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Dixon, BarberOsgerby, Eva Zeisel and Neisha Crosland. Their latest addition is the collection by Alexander McQueen finalized shortly before he passed away. After three years of design and production, McQueen’s hand-knotted series—four large rugs and two coordinating throw pillows—is considered the Rug Company’s most ambitious project to date reports W Magazine. For one rug, in a military brocade design, McQueen was inspired by a gold bullion–embroidered coat from his fall 2001 runway show; for another, he mined his iconic skull pattern in striking white and silver. The rug above is priced at $18,900.

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MAC & Marcel Wanders: Combination Extraordinaire!

 

 

Marcel Wanders has teamed up with MAC Cosmetics in their annual couture collection which will be released on November 24th, 2010.

The MAC couture line consists of higher-priced, more luxury themed designs and products. Such collections are usually  considered ‘collectible’ (i.e.: Hello Kitty with Swarovski ,Monogram, Baroque Boudoir, etc).

The compact looks to be the Sheer Mystery Powder, which they launch in every couture collection.  There is also Air of Style concentrated perfume, a specially packaged brush , clutch, and four lipsticks and lip glosses.

To be honest I am looking forward to the packaging itself rather than what’s inside. Knowing how Marcel Wanders works, I am sure this will be one of the most stylish and intricately designed ones.

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