Wish List: Design and Style Books from Assouline Publishing

Irwin Weiner ASID - I think everyone with style loves to indulge in the ultimate "designer porn," looking through the pages of a beautiful coffee table book that covers sumptuous design themes. That's why I'm putting Assouline Publishing on my Wish List this year. First off, they assert that "Assouline is more than a publisher. It's a lifestyle brand." Well, excuse me. They produce content on printed pages bound by two covers and a spine; that's a publisher. But I get their meaning. Their book content is swoon-worthy, to be sure, and I've selected some titles that will look good under any design-lover's tree. Click on a photo for more information ... and season's readings! 

 

 

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Wish List: Amazing Porcelain from Nymphenburg

Irwin Weiner ASID - Precious heirlooms, fine workmanship, translucent designs, and dazzling beauty - these all describe the fine porcelain vases, gifts, and tabletop service pieces manufactured by Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, the fine German porcelain manufacturer started and still continued today by the royal family of Bavaria who still live in part of the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace (below).

Each piece of fine porcelain is still made and painted by hand at Nymphenburg, an over 260-year tradition, and the paste is also made onsite making it a unique manufacturer. Click on each photo below to see some of my favorite pieces from this exquisite company.

Bonbonniere (smooth) designed in 2009 by Ted Muehling

Belle Epoque Fish Service designed in 1900 by Hermann Gradl for the Paris World Exhibition

Lightscape Collection bowl designed by Ruth Gurvich

Porcelain Dog Miniatures

Porcelain Christmas Ornament Assortment

Lotos Dinnerware - Flowers of Life update in 2011 by designer Sebastian MenschhornVase with Lid designed in 1908 by Munich art nouveau master Adelbert NiemeyerEnchanted Forest Dinnerware Service

Small Skull (black, biscuit) designed in 1756 by Ignaz Gunther

Majolica Parrot with Mask designed in 1915 by Josef WackerleIvory Glazed Mirror designed in 1770 by Conrad Linck

Lotos Dinnerware designed in the early 1930s by master "new objective" stylist Wolfgang von Wersin

CLICK HERE to see Design2Share's Favorite Holiday Decorating Trends for this year.

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Add a Tropical Touch to Your Home Decor

Jessica Ackerman - While living in a tropical locale may sound appealing, the reality is that most of us are pretty much “stuck” wherever we're planted at right now. And although an escape to a tropical island may be the perfect vacation, we can invariably create that same tropical atmosphere in our own homes with just a few simplistic touches. The tips that follow will allow you to bring a touch of the islands to your home, instantly transporting you to the sands whenever you need a lift!

Wooden Accessories

Decorative accessories crafted from wood or wooden materials like wicker or bamboo look right at home in a tropics-inspired room.  Whether you elect to go for small pieces like mirrors framed in wicker and candle sconces made from bamboo, or for larger items like a wooden wall grille, you can add an authentically beautiful touch to your tropical decor with the use of wood.

Palm Tree Themes

Bringing in touches of palm trees to your room is a wonderful way to bring true tropical style to your space. For example, tree wall sculptures or palm tree wall hangings can be beautifully displayed in a prominent spot in the room to draw the mind’s eye to a palm tree lined beach.  A beautiful tapestry throw draped over the back of a sofa or chair that bears a palm tree motif can add to the visual effect that you are looking to create. 

Tropical Plants and Flowers

Perhaps no theme is better suited to the addition of plants and flowers than the tropical or island inspired theme.  Whether you select a lush potted yucca cane tree that resembles a true coconut palm, or opt for some other plant that is native to your region, you can create a beautiful tropical look with plants.  You might also add a touch of wrought iron decor to your space with a beautiful wrought iron plant stand that oozes island appeal. 

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Splash Pop Comic Art on Your Walls

Irwin Weiner ASID - Only in New York: your waiter turns out to be an actor, an artist, or someone far-and-away something else besides a waiter. It happened to us recently in a favorite Italian restaurant near my office. Our server learned that I was an interior designer, and knew that I admired the artwork in the restaurant. They turned out to be his pieces - bright, pop art taken straight from the pages of comic books and vintage cartoons. Check out Filippo's Pop Comic Art blog and his Etsy store ... and next time you're in a restaurant, you just might run into the next Picasso, DeNiro, or Einstein!

 
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