Modern Day Living
“The design world in Paris is dazzling. For centuries France has been considered the pinnacle of refinement in fashion, food, and design. This is in large part because the French have always revered and supported artisans who are the best at what they do, whether they are employing ancient techniques or new technology.” -David Jimenez
One of my favorite design books EVER, Modern English by Emily Todhunter and Katie Earl is a book to revisit often. The talented design duo share a diverse selection of projects that include contemporary townhomes, boutique hotels, restaurants, ski chalets, super yachts, country homes, grand heritage houses, private banks, contemporary new builds, and their own homes. Their projects are numerous and varied- and because discretion is an integral part of their business, quite a few have never been photographed or published. Modern English is divided into three sections: country, town, and abroad.
Todhunter and Earle are known for unpretentious discreet interiors (where budget does not appear to be an issue). Their style exemplifies a hard to quantify Englishness to its very core. I am not referring to what one might consider typical English, with chintzy florals, their bar is waaaay higher. Their laser focus is on [Read more…] about Modern English
Mark McDowell’s case good pieces are sculptural, his choice of materials inspired, and his style always evolving. This award-winning designer is surprisingly modest for his level of talent. He is not one to look back on his breathtaking accomplishments in a self-congratulatory way; his focus is always about eighteen months into the future, onto the next collection. As he designed this latest collection and considered how his pieces will play out in a room, he visualized and then actualized paintings to complement the pieces. Five of his paintings graced the walls of the John-Richard showroom during April High Point market, and those very five paintings sold immediately. Giclee reproductions are available for purchase.
Mark McDowell’s latest collection ushers in a new wave of luxury penthouse style with warm woods, textural finishes, Moroccan patterns and Asian influences (which are a nod to his Japanese heritage). Seduced by the beauty in the details, his innovative style respectfully pushes traditional and contemporary boundaries. His handsome collection appeals to a discerning collector – with form that graces function using metals and sensuous finishes which include antique brass, pebble shagreen, stunning woods. His latest collection for John-Richard includes over 75 floor and table lamps, 50 furniture items, and 15 chandeliers and sconces.
Let’s take a look at some of my favorites: [Read more…] about Artist Spotlight: Mark McDowell
This week is Dallas Market week, so for those of you who can’t make it, I will take you on a virtual shopping spree at one of my favorite Dallas contemporary resources- The Holly Hunt Showroom. The photo above is from their opening last September, and what you see is the first impression you get when you enter this gorgeous space. The boldly patterned Christian Astuguevieille rug plays nicely with the fantastic Gems light fixtures by Kevin Riley, above, showing that Holly Hunt utilizes all design components as art forms.
Let’s take a virtual walk through the rest of the showroom, highlighting a few of my favorite pieces: [Read more…] about Holly Hunt Showroom, Dallas
You may recall my previous posts on The Dangers of Too Much Sitting, where we discussed the many health issues that arise from the amount of sitting and sedentary lifestyle so common with today’s technology, and how to reverse the domino effects of sitting… and If Sitting Is the New Smoking, where we explored some of the great minds throughout history who swore by the standing desks, and looked into a few resources for standing desks. I received numerous comments, messages and personal emails with questions and concerns. Many people, of all ages, were almost embarrassed to admit that even though they exercise, they were experiencing the symptoms of sedentary living- because they work long hours in front of a computer. Some wrote of aesthetic concerns, unwilling to trade a desk they were perfectly happy with for an expensive eyesore… which I could fully appreciate. Many people already have a desk, are heavily invested in a desk they love, only do traditional or french or antique desks, are working at their kitchen table, don’t have the budget for new furniture, etc. All valid points of view… [Read more…] about Convert Your Existing Desk to a Standing Desk with Varidesk
