Interior Design Favorites from KGB Limited

Irwin Weiner ASID - It's hard to find great new furniture and home goods resources, but it felt like hitting the mother lode when I recently got an introductory email from KGB Limited (Khouri Guzman Bunce - the three principals). Head to their Chelsea showroom to see old world workmanship combined with sleek, modern style sensibilities - like the beautiful carving of statuary marble on a dramatic black base in the Demarco Dining Table (above). The end result is spectacular and here are 8 of my favorites (oh, I could have gone with more, but you'll get the idea). Click on each photo for more information on each piece from the KGB website.

The Mancini Chair cushions float on a bronze baseSurprise! The green lacquered aluminum shell of the Johansson Dresser.

Deep tray in heavy stainless steel on precise African Ebony legs

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Hot Home Decorating Trend - African Style

Irwin Weiner ASID - It's not just that I'm noticing this trending towards all-things African in interior design just because I'm from Africa. It's fairly obvious that something has trended towards the masses and it's a big story when you're seeing the front of Home Goods stores plastered with African accessories and tabletop items.

Vernacular African decor uses lots of hand-carved wood, beautiful lacquered finishes, large scale, bold design, and bright prints ranging from overscale florals to metallics and animal skins. "Natural" is what it's all about, but I'd say it's more "super-natural," a bit larger than life, yet still warm, generous, and inviting.

There are colonial influences in traditional African design along with the dominant native motifs. You'll enjoy the following video we just took in my native Cape Town. Jay spent time interviewing Moenieba and Lesley at Colonial House Design. The interior design house and manufacturer typifies the trendiness of the African design movement in everything they create and customize for their clients. Some of their iconic furnishings and accessories are shown in the above photos and in our video. Enjoy!

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New Year's Finds at The Bright Group

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - I love shopping for clients at 200 Lex, the New York Design Center. We find it's more cutting edge than many other design centers around town or in the U.S. One of the shining stars in the NYDC is The Bright Group, an amalgam of wonderful home and commercial design resources in a single showroom. I've put some of my favorite items above and below, and you can click on each one for more specific information. 

Onox 55 Lights from Florian Schulz

Abbott Dining Table from Douglas Jennings Collection

Bijoux Pendant Light from Charles Loomis

Van Bed from Bright Chair Company

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Wish List: Everyday Scandinavian from Muuto

Irwin Weiner ASID - The clean lines and elegant simplicity and humor of Scandinavian design are celebrated in a line of home goods created by Muuto (based on the Finnish word for "new perspectives"). Design lovers have to appreciate where this company is coming from - they seek out the best Scandinavian designers and design agencies and have them come up with solutions to everyday objects, from sofas to pendant lighting and tabletop. Four Flower VaseI've included a few of my favorites below - and feel free to stuff my stockings with any of them. You know how much I admire home goods that are beautifully designed, fully functional, and well made. Visit the Muuto website for more information on each item, as well as insights into the designers behind the collections.

Bulky Tea Set

Keep Table

Stacked Shelf System

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