Lace Translates from Traditional Design Form to Artistic Expression

Jay Johnson - For anyone who appreciates handcrafted products (and we've begun to discuss handmade vs. machinemade this week on Design2Share), you'll enjoy today's featured video about Philadelphia University's Lace in Translation exhibit. Examples of classic handmade and machinemade lace were exhibited back in 2009 as well as new works by artists, all inspired by the lace designs (see Cal Lane's welded lace oil drum above and lace garden tools below).

The result: a design lover's dream environment. 

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The Fashion of Furniture - Handmade, Tailored in Spain

Jay Johnson - Design2Share celebrates handmade goods all the time. Our message is simple: handmade products add warmth and humanity to any home. In our search for home goods counter to the machine-made bloc, we found a Spanish firm dedicated to bringing fashion and tailored design back to classic furnishings. La Tapisseria focus on made-by-hand processes, a love of classic antiques, a blending of interior design and fashion, and a respect and knowledge of antique upholstery and restoration.

Founders Abo and Rusinol started their business in 1992, launching the use of artisan upholstery, traditional techniques, and eco-friendly materials. Today's featured video shows off their making-of skills, and it's fascinating to see some of their own collection pieces built from the frame up.

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Do You Have the Budget for a New Home Technology System?

Irwin Weiner ASID - One of my clients spent over $10,000 on an in-wall surround-sound speaker system for his bedroom. He had me update this bedroom recently, and in the process, he ripped out all the in-wall equipment and went with a simpler wireless system he bought off the shelf. When I saw this video on the new Crestron showroom in NYC's D&D building, I had mixed feelings. First, I do believe in every home having a "brain" or control system that helps regulate the home's various systems: security, lighting, temperature, appliances and TVs, draperies, and so on. But, and this is a big reservation, as an interior designer, I would rather have my client spend the design budget on elements that make each room more livable, beautiful, and valuable. I'm not convinced that technology doesn't quickly become outdated, or that it's the sizzle factor that's appealing (a toy) versus the steak (a must-have necessity).

If it came down to spending a lot of money on a whole-home control system versus higher-end furnishings, wall coverings, and window treatments ... I've got to go anti-technology, I'm afraid. With that said, I would love to turn on the lights in my home from my iPhone when I pull up the driveway at night, and I'd love to press a "Reading" button and specific lights go on in certain zones. And there's something James Bond-ish about having draperies automatically open and close. But I have yet to meet the client who isn't willing to do those things "manually" if it means spending less on their home design project.

The expense of buying premium property, remodeling, and new construction often leaves little budget room for the technology piece. What do YOU think? Is a home technology system appealing? Would you willingly add the cost to your overall design and decorating budget, without skimping on design and decoration? (I can be swayed yet! <wink>)

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5 Favorite Naked Bulb Lighting Favorites

(Edison bulbs)Janet Ramin - When was the last time you looked at a bare light bulb? You’re probably thinking – ho hum …boring! But have you seen these light bulb beauties? Have you noticed lately that in many public spaces such as restaurants and cafes, the trend in lighting is showing off the bare bulb with a pared down housing fixture.

In our photo above, restaurant Lillie-Q is lighting their bar with paired Edison bulbs that display the golden filament inside. Niche Modern uses tubular Edison bulbs in their Spark Chandelier below. Both light fixtures exude that warm golden glow reminiscent of the old-fashioned candelabras but without the fire hazard! You can find Edison light bulbs at Restoration Hardware.

(Spark Chandelier from Niche Modern)

(Chandelier from Lindsey Adelman)The chandelier above from Lindsey Adelman also uses Edison bulbs but they are housed in clear hand-blown glass globes. The glass housing adds more substance to the light without detracting from the golden bulbs inside.

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