Mid-century Modern House Tour in Lawrence, KS

Irwin Weiner ASID - Never judge a house by its exterior! That's the big takeaway I had from the following video house tour in Lawrence, KS. For over 35 years, Dr. Dennis Domer, a Kansas University architectural historian, had been driving past this blah-looking home built in 1956, never dreaming that inside was a mid-century modern gem.

As an interior designer, it's my job to make sure that even if I can't impact the curb appeal or exterior of a home, I sure enough can help the homeowners force their guests to quickly exhale when they enter the home and think, Wow, this is a fantastic surprise; I never dreamed this home would look like this from the outside. Enjoy this house tour and lecture, and look into architect Robert W. Hess for more background on the designer of this Kansas home.

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Boutique Mid-Century Hotel Art Happening in Idaho

Irwin Weiner ASID - Boise, Idaho has a boutique hotel. Yes, you heard me. It's true, and fans of The Modern Hotel say it's a great place to stay, particularly if you happen to be there on the first Thursday in May of each year when artists get together and turn the rooms into installation and performance art happenings - see the video below for some highlights of the 2010 exhibition which was viewed by over 3,000 artists and art lovers. I like an independent hotel - a rarity in the day of chains - that fancies a bit of art-rageous behavior.  

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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.