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DCoop Sourcebook – Havana Chair by Tom Faulkner
Sometimes I watch old movies.
Like Forever Young with Mel Gibson. Or Clueless. Or Beaches.
Kidding.
Actually I love Casablanca but could never quite get into the length of Gone with the Wind.
Anyway, if there is one thing I love more than the movies themselves, it’s the sets. Decorators putting the voguest of interiors on the Silver Screen. As a result I have a fondness for 1940’s English furnishings. Something about their mass-produced Art Deco qualities bringing a design sensibility to the masses and nearly allowing post-war England to revamp their style speaks to me. I believe there aren’t many styles since then that have made that kind of impression (with exception to the Mid-Century Modern looks of the 60’s and 70’s).
Which is probably why Tom Faulkner’s Havana dining chair speaks volumes. The fan back shape. The basic chamfered legs. The thick, tightly upholstered seat that screams diner chic. It’s a bit of the ye olde years brought back to life and reintroduced. I could imagine this upholstered in a psychedelic Liberty of London print flanking a very English Chippendale buffet. Or maybe go velvet and tuck it in front of a vanity. Either way, it’s shape says “take me home”.
Side Note, Tom Faulkner took home this year’s Most Stylish Product award at the 2012 House & Garden at Decorex.
Play it again Sam.
I think he just did.
Designer Tip: Great dining chairs are difficult to find. Maybe it is the massive number of tables available on the market today. I like to play with my dining rooms. A mix of vintage and modern. Think this chair around a Saarinen Tulip or maybe Blu-Dot’s X Base powder coat. Either way, Play off the fan shaped back and have a little fun.
Tom Faulkner | Available to the Trade | www.TomFaulkner.co.uk
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the items featured on the DCoop Sourcebook, shoot us an email.
DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post.
Image via [1]
London Calling – Modenus’ BlogTour 2012
(Cue Violins)
Ok so last month I didn’t win the coveted open spot on Blog Tour London. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for not voting more and from every device you own.
I forgive you this time around.
I’m trying not to be a sourpuss but following the Twitter Hashtag #BlogTourLDN and seeing all the awesome pictures (like Christian May sleeping or Patti Johnson in her awesome hat and great heels) makes me a bit jealous.
ANYWAY….
Enough with my sniveling.
I didn’t get to go but there are 14 amazing bloggers and designers that I think it’s time you followed. If only because over the next few days and weeks you’re going to see a whole heaping lot of Brit design. All served with pinkie up, with a fresh scone.
Ok maybe not with the scone but if you pour a cuppa tea before you read their posts you might feel like you’re in Jolly Old England.
And sometimes that is all that matters.
So check ’em out…. And report back would ya?
Igor Josif – Happy Interior Blog
Maryam Montague – My Marrakesh
Nyla Free – Nyla Free Designs
James Bedell – James Bedell – Lighting Designer
Robin Horton – Urban Gardens
Christian May – Maison21
Raina Kattelson – A Stylist’s Life
Jennifer Mehditash – Dec-A-Porter
Lynn Byrne – Decor Arts Now
Patti Johnson* – Chatti Patti Talks Design
Rashon Carraway – Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Cheryl Kees Clendendon – Details and Design
Jill Seidner – Jill Seidner Interior Design
Vitania Liscio – Verdigris Vie
*An Official Member of the DCoop Stalkeratzi!
And if you want to learn more about Blog Tour or the awesome Modenus website…. click here ya’ll!
DCoop Sourcebook – Crossville Oxide Collection
Ok so I know that we’ve been stressing for years that smaller is better.
But listen. I’m a size queen.
I love me some Big…..
Slabs….
of Tile.
What did you think I was going to say? Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m going to have to keep an eye on you.
Anyway, so imagine my surprise when what should show up in my email but a big panel of oxidized goodness. *Insert Blanche DuBois accent* Crossville and their subdivision Laminam (which made a big hit at this year’s Neocon in Chicago) has gone metal. Or at least it looks like it anyway. Seven colors, including the creamy Perla, unadulterated Bianco, and the sexy Nero, make up the Oxide Collection of one meter by three meter (approx. 3′-4″ x 10′-0″) porcelain panels which I must remind you are a mind blowing 3mm thick. Think of it this way…. one big panel, one little cost.
But remember… it isn’t so much the size that matters. But what you do with it.
And I’d do a whole lot with this one.
Designer Tip: We all love the look of solid surface wall treatments. Who doesn’t want an entire shower covered with carrara marble? But the cost…. it’s enough to break any remodeler’s budget. Try this instead. The panels are simple to install, lightweight (so they don’t require any major structural components) and can be installed OVER most substrates including existing wood, tile or painted walls.
Crossville | Available to the Trade | www.crossvilleinc.com
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the items featured on the DCoop Sourcebook, shoot us an email.
DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post. Tile me up baby!
Image courtesy Crossville and may not be used without prior approval.
DCoop Sourcebook – Capital Cooking Culinarian Series
A sidenote. Of recent I’ve been dreaming of new appliances.
My kitchen is a relic from 1992 and at this particular moment I feel like Agent Smart making his way through the Cavern of Doors every time I want to do something as simple as boil water (which I do quite well actually….. you should see the way the bubbles form!).
To light my cooktop I actually have to use a match. Not a real match but one of those BIC long stemmed lighters – same concept. I’m like Shelly Long in The Money Pit hoping it won’t blow my turkey out the oven and into the 2nd floor master bathroom. My oven? It lights when it wants to.
And that isn’t too often.
Not to mention, the sight of not-so-pretty appliances means that I’m not showing you photos of my kitchen anytime soon. In fact, when people come over, the super awesome dual swing door is shut in a semi open position (because it needs new hardware).
Anyway, you can only imagine that when Capital Cooking invited me to actually use their Culinarian 36″ range during a cook off for this year’s Dwell on Design, I was like a kid on crack, trying really hard to contain my excitement but failing miserably.
I think there might have been a little piddle involved.
I’ll just get right to the good stuff. The Culinarian Series is not just for the true chef but is also for the Top Chef Wannabe and the Macaroni-&-Cheese-From-A-Box Enthusiast. I’m somewhere in the middle (who hasn’t had a hankering for Kraft Mac n’ Cheese at midnight?) and attempt everything from my own interpretation of Coq au Vin to a horribly simple batch of hard boiled eggs. A great burner output (23,000 BTUs per hour… don’t ask, I don’t know either) but the ability to simmer at 145 degrees F make for ease of use on the cooktop while its 4.6 cubic foot convection oven (with built in Rotisserie functions) means you’re putting out Thanksgiving dinner for the whole crazy family. Three available top options mean you could be having a BBQ indoors or going all Line Chef on those pancakes with a griddle. Did I mention it’s self cleaning? Yeah…. Because Rosie quit and I hate cleaning the oven.
But I know. I’m a designer. Which means I’m not just thinking about function. I’m all about aesthetics. I mean big time. Ten standard color options including wine red, cobalt blue, and signal yellow. Yes kiddies, this is that injection of color I mentioned in last week’s post on Chromophobia. And I’m sure if they ask nicely you can have their ranges in damned near any color you can imagine.
Just in case…. remember that Coq Au Vin I mentioned? It received high praises from Surjit Kalsi, the brains behind Capital Cooking. Not to mention evoked thoughts of Provencal France from half of the convention center. Since I’m so nice, I’m going to give you the recipe…. —> Here.
Now don’t tell me I didn’t give you anything.
Designer Tip: If you have the opportunity, test drive appliances before you buy. Get a feel for the burners, quality of flames and heat output. Knock around the handles, knobs, buttons. A range should be no different than buying a car (though less expensive) and you shouldn’t have to settle for the unknown. A number of dealer/showrooms are working spaces and would love to have you cook lunch for them.
Capital Cooking | Available at Select Retailers | www.capital-cooking.com
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the items featured on the DCoop Sourcebook, shoot us an email.
DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post. Except for one great comment from the CEO Surjit Kalsi.
All images courtesy Capital Cooking.
The Open Road – A Case of Vehicular Genetics
In today’s world of vehicular incest, where car manufacturers are continually blending elements from within their own family of vehicles, it is always interesting to see just what will be hitting the streets in the upcoming model line ups.
It is never a surprise to see a design feature from a brand’s higher end lines trickle down into their lower end models. It happens so frequently that we rarely batt an eye when doing a double take on the highway because one model looks so entirely similar to another. More so, the plot thickens when automakers share design elements across brand lines. Case in point, the Volkswagen Toureag has a very similar rear end to the Porsche Cayenne. In it’s simplest of terms, it makes sense. Keeps costs down, ensure brand recognition (rather than moniker division), and ensures the consumer believes they are getting a higher end product at a lower end cost.
I’m all for it.
Sometimes.
So it should come as no surprise that Ford looked within their brands for the design of the new 2013 Fusion. Granted it’s a striking vehicle with a design that is less “Hertz Gold Member Downgrade” and more “Normal People Might Want to Drive Me”. If you’re a car buff like me, you’ve already ventured a guess at just what family member influenced the new design. And you’d probably be right if it weren’t for the fact that said brand is no longer in Ford’s stable of brands after being sold to a UK investment group.
So tell me…. do you think the mother in this case was the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe?
Or am I just off my rocker.
DCoop Sourcebook – Coalesse SW-1 Seating
I’ll tell, I think everyone must think I’m the weird one at tradeshows.
I’m the one on the floor, on my back taking random pictures.
I’m the one feverishly typing on Twitter to get something out there before even the magazines do it.
I’m the one who did five tradeshows in two months and still managed to keep up a practice.
Yeah. I’m apparently nuts.
And of course, some of you have managed to catch me in these various moments. There was a bathtub at a showroom in at KBIS. Then there was me on the floor of the 18th floor of the Merchandise Mart. And then there was me sitting on a toilet in the Kohler showroom. And saddly, there IS photographic evidence of these moments.
ANYWAY. Where was I going? That’s right…. seating.
Let’s be honest, if there is one thing I like just as much as super-awesomesauce lighting, it’s amazeballs seating. Neocon this year had absolutely no shortage of great lounge pieces. The manufacturers are really stepping up their game and throwing us designers something we can really sink our teeth into.
Coalesse is one of those high-stepping vendors that managed to make one heck of an impression on me this year. I was on the floor, under the tables, moving chairs so I could get a good photo. And of course, trying not to drool on damn near everything in their showroom. If you don’t know, Coalesse is a Steelcase company. That’s right. One of the Big Three has come up with something that doesn’t look like it came from the Big Three. Actually they came up with a number of items but for the sake of this post, I’m going to go gaga over the SW-1 Seating line.
Designed by Scott Wilson and the industrial design firm, MINIMAL, the Metro line was meant to scare the shit out of conventional conference seating. It’s a throwback to 1974 but without the bellbottoms and acid. It makes task chairs piddle on the floor. Or bow in silence.
Told ya I was going to go gaga. My favorite part? It isn’t just for the conference room. They’ve got a high back version for executive purposes (think Eames Executive Lounge), a lounge version with no castors, and even one with a tablet arm.
I know.
Pinch me.
I must be dreaming.
Designer Tip: Think commercial (ie: office) furnishings are meant to stay in the office? Think again. Current trends are bringing the home to the office. Furniture design is keeping pace with the trends and let’s just say, the office of yore is not the office of now. Even better? Because commercial pieces are made to withstand the harsh commercial environment you can rest assured that it will withstand the demands of the working household.
Coalesse | Available to the Trade | www.coalesse.com
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the items featured on the DCoop Sourcebook, shoot us an email.
DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post. But I want like five of them.
All images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without prior approval.
The Art of the Punch List
Yesterday I had a phone call from my mother.
This isn’t irregular as we’re known to talk to each other every other day.
I can’t help it. When she calls….
You answer. Sometimes.
Anyway, she’s in the process of cleaning up what is left of my grandparent’s estate in order to put the house on the market. New paint, new carpet, and a few other miscellany in order to make the house more presentable. Honestly I’d rather it have been a gut remodel and a new blog post called #ProjectVerdant but the goal is to move the house, not play Jeff Lewis and go all hog wild.
The premise behind the phone call was that the selected contractor has been less than capable with regards to his finishing skills and she needed to vent a little. Not like I haven’t heard these vents before, though usually it is me doing the venting. Needless to say I gave her a few tips for handling the close out and thought I’d share my tips for a successful punch list with you dear readers.
Be prepared because I’m kinda blunt. But you already knew that.
1. “Punch List” is not code word for “Beat the hell out of the contractor”. Not every task is the result of being lazy or being less than capable. Sometimes other trades get in the way. Sometimes things get overlooked. Sometimes it’s the end of the day and a 12 hours on a summer construction site means he just wants a beer. Either way, start from neutral.
2. Ask Questions DURING Construction. If something doesn’t look right – say a receptacle is too far to one side – ask. It is easier to fix something while the trades are on site rather than after the fact. Side note: This goes for changes in the field as well. If you’re contemplating moving a light fixture or adding a receptacle, tell us designers when the mood strikes rather than later. I can make your change orders feel better if I don’t have to call the electrician out a second time.
3. Blue Painter’s Tape. Take a walk through the project after the trades have left and use your tape liberally. Mars in paint, issues with texture, hardware upside down. Mark it. For some reason, the mark of the Blue Painter’s Tape has become the international code for “problem here”.
4. Make a List (and yes, check it twice!). Normally your designer is doing this but if you’re handling your own remodel, a very detailed list goes a very long way. Be as specific as possible. Ie: “Closet door handles mounted upside down”, “peeling paint at windowsill in master bedroom”, or my new personal favorite “painter sprayed over cobwebs in living room”. Provide a resolution where possible. I understand you may not know what the resolution might not be but note your expectations. There is nothing worse than two parties with two different sets of expectations.
5. Check your Attitude. I know, blunt right? But seriously, the punch list is not the time for name calling or just being overall rude. Manners count. Say please, thank you. Watch your body language. Put your contractor at ease rather than making him take the defensive.
6. Set a Timeframe for Completion. Again, expectations are key. But make it a discussion. It’s quite often that your contractor is juggling other projects and as much as he’s going to try to make you his most important client, he has to make the other clients feel the same way. Is it imperative that the outlet cover be installed no later than tomorrow or can it wait until week’s end? Make a date for a final walk through and stick to it.
7. Don’t Step on Your Designer’s Toes. If you’re working with a designer or architect, let them take the upper hand. Communicate your concerns to your designer first before jumping the gun. Oftentimes, we’ve spotted the issue already and have taken the necessary steps to ensure that it’s being taken care of. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten calls from trades because of hot headed overbearing clients. They’re not fun and just make the process more difficult.
8. And lastly – You Get What You Pay For. I can not stress enough just how imperative it is to select your contractor and tradesmen on quality as well as price. All too often projects are horribly hinged on price alone and in the end, quality suffers. If you chose your contractor based solely on price, you can not expect perfection in the end.
Who knew remodeling had to be so damned hard? HA!
So instead of trying to handle your remodel on your own….
Just give me a ring instead.
DCoop Sourcebook – Arteriors Ziggy Pendants
Is it me or when you hear the name Ziggy do you also think of the really short comic book character with the big nose and the very lanky cat?
I thought so.
I was hoping I wasn’t the only mentally unstable one on the internet.
Because that would be a travesty if I were.
So lighting. You know that lighting is one of my loves. A passion perhaps. Not much of a fetish but I have felt bad about making googly eyes at pendants with seductive lines. Like the hammered iron Ziggy Pendant Arteriors has decided to wave in front of me. I think they knew and were taunting me with it’s fabric cord (hello! A Fabric Cord. I. Die.) and dimply gloss white powder coat finish. And then there was that peep show of hammered brass under it’s otherwise demure exterior.
That’s right. I said brass.
Because Arteriors knows that Brass Kicks Ass.
Enough already. Because I’m starting to feel like a boy reading his first issue of Playboy.
For the articles.
Just the articles.
Designer Tip: Remember months ago when I said to subtly introduce brass into your home for a bit of warmth? Yeah. This is the way to do it. I’m thinking a grouping over the dining table to really give your diners a beautiful glow whilest gorging on an amazeballs homemade meal. Or maybe to distract them from the burnt pumpkin pie (I’m speaking from experience).
Arteriors | Available to the Trade | www.arteriorshome.com
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the items featured on the DCoop Sourcebook, shoot us an email.
DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post. Though I’d gladly hang one of these if it were sent to me.
All images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without prior approval.
The Scene – San Diego’s Mission Brewery
It’s Sunday night.
Well actually, by the time you’re reading this it’s actually Monday morning.
Sorry for the confusion.
That is unless you’re in some weird space time continuum that I can’t even understand let along talk about. (shhh… it’ll be our little secret)
So anyway, I was going to write you a humdinger of a Sunday night post.
But then we drank beer. And all was not lost.
Well, not entirely lost but enough to keep most sane words from leaving my head and filtering through my fingers until they became pixelated dots on your computer screen (or smartphone for my nomadic readers). I’m sure you’re surprised because I’m not exactly one to talk beer all the time. I think one of my biggest search terms is “Gin” and for the most part, Klout still thinks I’m highly influential in Vodka even though I haven’t touched the stuff in some 6 months (I switched to gin….). In fact, I so rarely drink beer that friends look at me funny when I let the foamy head get anywhere near my perfectly pouty lips.
So it should come as a big surprise that we spent part of our day enjoying a private tour of San Diego’s Mission Brewery in the historic Wonderbread Building. It was a game day (meaning the Padres were attempting to win…. I don’t follow sports so for all intensive purposes they might have and they now hate me…) which always ups the ante just a bit.
I’d love to share with you how beer is made, the process of fermentation, or how much time is spent perfecting a recipe but unfortunately, we were drinking. Like normal. And so I’ll share with you just what we took away from this tour.
My apologies to Adam for him trying to teach us about beer and instead us encouraging him to curse.
1. Hops come from Unicorns.
2. It really is fun to remake the opening scene from Laverne & Shirley.
3. That Mission Brewery should make potpourri from the aroma of their German hops.
I know….
Many thanks to Adam for putting up with our childish antics today!
I will only leave you with this:
Mission Brewery | 1441 L Street . San Diego | www.missionbrewery.com
D.Coop was not compensated for this post. In fact, I’m sure we’re banned for life.
Images via DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission.
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