This Man Lives a Steampunk Life

Steampunk Workshop

Irwin Weiner ASID - Based on yesterday's post regarding human bones and interior design, I'm still not in the mood to switch gears and go to a lighter design topic. Instead, I'm all set to wax poetic about steampunk and design. Think Victorian meets High Tech, and you've got the idea. There's a dark, industrial vibe about steampunk accessorizing, fashion, and design. Folks like Boston area's Jake Von Slatt have added a touch of this dark romance to their everyday lives by accessorizing modern gear - from cars and guitars to computers and lighting - with elaborate ornamentation suitable for a Jules Verne novel. Visit Jake's Steampunk Workshop website for more of his exciting work, and enjoy this MAKE Magazine video about Jake and his fascinating steampunky life. This is a great example of what I love about design; if you truly love something, add it to your decor and surroundings. Design without passion and personality is without a soul. Why bother?

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Color Challenged? Buy Some Palettes!

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - Clever Seattle interior designer Emily Lauderback hitched her wagon to the color train - she has a specialty now of helping clients out with color selections. First approached by a Venetian plaster company to help them out with clients who couldn't make up their minds when it came to making color choices, Emily developed what she calls Dwelling Palettes, each comprised of 12 Benjamin Moore paint samples, that harmonize together. Use the colors to apply to any interior or exterior design job, from wall colors to accents and upholstery. Go to Emily's Color in Space website for more information, and to purchase the inexpensive palettes that interest you for your next decorating job, and watch this video with Emily explaining how her color system started and how it can help clients.

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Behind the Scenes at DwellStudio

Buck Ennis
Irwin Weiner ASID - Behind every great interior design manufacturer or vendor, there are one or more people with great artistic vision. For DwellStudio, one of those people is founder and Creative Director Christiane Lemieux. A fan of Paul McCobb and classic mid-century modern design, she helps drive a multi-industry platform that ranges from private-label work for firms like Target and Urban Outfitters to nursery furniture and bedding. This video lets Christiane take us on an intimate behind-the-scenes tour of her SoHo headquarters studio and learn about the tastes and processes that drive her business forward. I particularly found these four comments revealing (my paraphrasing):

"Grays and browns are our best sellers."

"The most important qualities in our business are creative thinking and originality."

"Focus on the two places where you spend the most time: your bed and your couch."

"Our overall look is global mid-century."

DESIGN2SHARE VIDEO: Watch our interview with Dwell Media President and Publisher Michela O'Connor Abrams as she looks back at ten years of magazine publishing success - and the future.

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Update on June 2, 2011 by Design2Share

Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern. 

Featured Project: DIY Painted Headboard

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Painted headboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.

Kettal Brings High Fashion to Outdoor Furniture

Irwin Weiner ASID - I think that summer has finally hit the eastern U.S. The recent Memorial Day weekend was a scorcher, with temps climbing close to 90 degrees F - and it's time again to turn to outdoor furniture! Top of my list is the Barcelona-based Grupo Kettal, featuring some of the best furniture designers in the business, from Patricia Urquiola to Marcel Wanders. The top photo is of their award-winning Bob Armchair - pure comfort for any deck, patio, or outdoor room. I love the following video because

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