Home Gym? Nah, Just Use a Chair!

Irwin Weiner ASID - This month's issue of Elle Decor has a great duo of articles on Home Gyms: Form Meets Function (an interview with Pat Manocchia on why design matters in a home gym - "If the space isn't appealing, you won't use it.") and What the Pros Know. Some beautiful equipment was showcased, including the TechnoGym designed by Antonio Citterio, with options ranging from 24-karat gold leaf to custom leathers, the Philippe Starck line for Alias, and Chanel's toney calfskin covered hand weights.

But contrast this "home gym excess" with tongue-in-cheek Wallpaper* magazine's video below, showing four great arm exercises you can do with the Hans Wegner China Chair (see top photo), and note the decor callouts throughout the video which reference furnishings that aren't necessarily for a home gym, but certainly make for chic decor.

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John-Richard Introduces Furniture Line by Florence de Dampierre

Irwin Weiner ASID - Steeped in an antiques tradition, designer Florence de Dampierre just launched a new line of furniture, art, and accessories with John-Richard, and it's a lot of French chic classic-with-a-modern-twist that moves it into the mainstream of what's currently popular. Glam white and silvered finishes, pops of trendy color (the tangerines, the blues, etc.), and some unexpected surprises await designers and homeowners who are in the market for something new and conversational. The designer talks about her line in this video from trends and news website, The Home.

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Design Video: Marc Newson's New Furniture Book

Irwin Weiner ASID - Iconic describes furniture designer Marc Newson and his amazing body of work. Taschen has just come out with a new book of his work - click here for more information on Marc Newson Works - and this video is the rare treat of seeing the UK designer actually thumb through the proofs with us and comment along the way. Pictured above is Newson's well-known Lockheed Lounge, one of the most expensive pieces of furniture ever sold at auction. (How's this for self-effacing? On his own website bio, Newson is described as "the most acclaimed and influential designer of his generation.")

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Super-Small Apartment Fits Extra-Large Design Features

Irwin Weiner ASID - In Friday's post I shared with you my addiction to SPACEStv. They're a YouTube channel devoted to interior design videos, and there's a wide variety of programs to watch. One is called "Tiny Eclectic Amazing Spaces," and it combines my love for space planning, organization, and eclectic decorating. There are some nifty tricks that are featured in today's design video, all ways to combine sleeping, living, and work into one room (although where is the kitchen and eating area?).

"London bachelor chic" is the look here, and it works; manly, rugged design, skull artwork, steampunk-y hardware, and black walls all add to the "We're All Guys Living Here" look. What do you think? (Click on either of the photos above for an interview with Bill Indursky, who put the look together along with his boyfriend. Bill's the founder of VandM.com, - Vintage and Modern - a fantastic web resource for vintage furnishings and stylish home decor.)

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