Business of Home

A master of print, embellishment, attention to detail, and kaleidoscopic color, fashion designer Matthew Williamson has made his debut in the world of interiors with a brand-new collection of fabrics and wallcoverings for Osborne & Little—the EDEN collection, which has officially launched this month.
“Having my own interior design collection has long been an ambition of mine and I’m thrilled to finally see that ambition start to come to life in collaboration with Osborne & Little, whose products I have long admired,” said Williamson.

For EDEN, Williamson brings from the world of fashion his unique and instinctive approach to color with the use of cerise, jade, lemon, rose, amethyst, teal, metallics, cobalt and electric blue in designs which give a modern interpretation to ancient myths and legends.
“The current trend for decorative patterns with subtle embellishment and a fashion led color palette is perfectly represented by Matthew Williamson in EDEN,” said Peter Osborne, CEO of Osborne & Little.

The collection is comprised of seven fabrics including Pegasus, Ocelot, Cheetah, Sunbird, Eden stripe, Empress and Celestial Dragon; and eight wallpapers including Pegasus, Ocelot Ombé, Sunbird, Empress, Celestial Dragon, Peacock, Tyger Tyger, Imperial lattice.

Nature is a constant source of inspiration for Williamson who has often referenced "synthetic nature" in his fashion collections. The collection is daring, reflecting his inimitable juxtaposition of the natural and artificial, while embodying 1970s glamor.
A graduate from Central Saint Martins College, Williamson showed his critically acclaimed debut collection ‘Electric Angels’ in 1997. Celebrating 15 years in fashion last year, the brand’s inimitable style has long appealed to both celebrities and industry insiders alike and counts long-time friend Sienna Miller amongst its many devotees.

Founded in 1935 by architect Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino along with art promoter Maire Gullichsen and art historian Nils-Gustav, Artek was built upon the radical business plan to “sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other educational means."
Under the family-owned Swiss furniture company Vitra, Artek will be able to grow internationally and also improve its manufacturing, distribution and logistics capabilities.

Hotel Kranzbach designed by Artek
According to Daniel Sachs, former owner of Artek, the partnership between Vitra and Artek is based on shared values. “Vitra has the ideal corporate culture, know-how and industrial resources to take Artek to the next level,” he said.
“Vitra has held Aalto and Artek in high regard for decades,” said Rolf Fehlbaum, a member of Vitra’s Board of Directors. “The Finnish design company is more than a collection of furniture; like Vitra it is a commercial-cultural project which plays an avant-garde role in its sector. For Vitra it is important that Artek can continue and further develop this role.”
“The international dimension, which was a clear goal already in Artek’s founding manifesto of 1935, needed to be revitalized,” said Mirkku Kullberg, Artek CEO. “That arena is where we want to be, and alliances or ownership arrangements are one way of building the future. In our judgment, having an owner from the industry was the best choice for Artek.”
“This is a great opportunity for the Finnish design industry and a major move for Artek, lifting the company to the next stage,” added Kullberg.

Artek arm chair and light fixture
The core of the Artek product range consists of Alvar Aalto’s furniture and lighting designs. Under its new portfolio strategy, Artek is extending the range and has acquired the rights to Ilmari Tapiovaara’s furniture collection. In parallel, Artek also continues to work in close collaboration with prominent international architects, designers and artists, such as Eero Aarnio, Shigeru Ban, Naoto Fukasawa, Harri Koskinen, Juha Leiviskä, Enzo Mari and Tobias Rehberger.

The Wall Street Journalreported today that a bidding war might take place for Furniture Brands International's Lane Furniture business. New York privaten equity firm KPS Capital Partners, which specializes in distressed manufacturers, is interested in the St. Louis-based furniture manufacturer so long as it's not going to be liquidated.
Furniture Brands filed for Chapter 11 earlier this week and plans to sell all assets except Lane to Oaktree for $166 million.
KPS offered an alternative financing package to Oaktree Capital Management's proposed $140 million bankruptcy loan. As a result, Oaktree agreed to cut the interest rate, fees and milestones with respect to the bankruptcy loan.
The judge granted interim approval to Oaktree's $140 million financing package but left consideration of its deal to buy Furniture Brands for next month. In the meantime, Furniture Brands will likely embark on a new marketing process for its business.
Furniture Brands owes $92 million to Wells Fargo & Co., Bank of America Corp. and General Electric Co. unit GE Capital and more than $200 million in unpaid pension obligations. The company employs about 9,000 people in the U.S. and abroad.

From the east to west coasts and several cities in between, designers are donating their time and talents to a handful of show houses in the name of charity and good design. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming down the pipeline this fall.
Design Open House at Cedar Knolls, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, August 30 – October 20

This year's Design Open House at Cedar Knolls is located at the historic Frank Miller Gould estate, which was designed by Noel & Miller in 1929 and built the following year by railroad typhoon Jay Gould.
These 25 talented designers, landscapers and artisans have transformed the house from top to bottom: Artworks and Design, Cancos Tile & Stone, Claudia Dowling Interiors, Debbie Viola, Eileen Serwer Art and Design, Elizabeth Holmes Design, Gretchen Fuss Art & Interior Design, Jane Grucci, Jennifer Indence, JenniferKarow, Jessica Belfiore, JLC Landscape & Tree Services, Karen Kalen, Kim Weiss Design, Lola Tucker Interiors by Rebecca Goodman, Mary Gray of Lightstorm Inc, North Shore Closets, Peter Charles Designs, Play Chic Interiors, Rachel Florez, Rosanne Lombardo Designs, Sons and Co Woodworking, Susan Disalvio and Willow Gardens.
Visitors must park at the Harbor Mist Restaurant in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, from there a limousine will drive to Cedar Knolls. The show house is open Thursday – Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and will also be open on Columbus Day. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for seniors and students.
The show house will benefit Life's Worc, whose mission is to provide services that facilitate an independent and productive life experience for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.
Chesapeake Cancer Alliance Designer's Showhouse, Chesapeake, Maryland, September 7 – 22

The Chesapeake Cancer Alliance hosts its annual show house and fundraising event supporting cancer patients in the community. The show house is located at the Rockfield Manor, built in 1921, which features "Prairie Style" architecture designed by Baltimore architect, Alfred Cookman Leach.
This year’s designers include Rebecca Johnson Interiors, Terry Varner of Decorating Den, Billie Smith of Distinctive Décor, Jim Ryan of Simply Grande, Sherry Miller of Rooms with a View, Janice Kaiser of Greenspring Nursery, Genevieve Britton of Painted Ladies, Elle Ellinghaus of elle designs, Alisha Piterra of Styled Interiors, Jan Christenson of Antiques by Design, Susan Sheridan and Paula Simons of Country Garden Center, Kim Little of Greenwood Interiors, Donna Harthausen of Details by Donna, Nancy Maher of Painted Garden, Marty Christenson of Unique Tile and Renovations, Steve Fornwalt of Simply Grand Events, The Carpenter’s Daughter and Mary Poughkeepsie.
The show house is located at 501 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD. It’s open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
Bi-Costal Showcase Houses: Titans of Business and the Best of Design, Port Washington, New York and Beverly Hills, California, November 2 - 22
Design House International (DHI) will launch its first bi-costal showcase house this fall in which interior designers are encouraged to engage their own "titan" clients or select a historic "titan" as inspiration for the design of their room.

On the East Coast, the show house will take place in the Hempstead House located at 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington, New York. The designers who will be transforming the house include Christine Bauman of Christine Bauman Interiors, Liz Cordeiro of Liz Cordeiro Design, Nicholas Hertneck of Nicholas Lawrence Interior Design and many more.

On the West Coast, the show house will take place in the Greystone Mansion located at 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, California. The designers who will be transforming the house include Eric Brand of Eric Brand, Fernando Diaz of Fernando Diaz Interiors,Deniece Duscheone of S.K.I.N. Design Studio and many more.
The Showcase Houses will kick-off with an opening gala/masquerade ball on Thursday, October 31. They will then be open to the public every Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets to both Showcase Houses are available for purchase here. A portion of the proceeds generated by both homes will be donated to the Friends of Sands Point Preserve (Hempstead House) and Friends of Greystone (Greystone Mansion) for historic preservation.
Holiday House NYC, New York, New York, November 21 – December 18

One of the most anticipated show houses of the fall season is the annual Holiday House NYC in the Academy Mansion at 2 East 63rd Street in New York City.
Sponsored by Traditional Home magazine, guests will be able to peruse rooms with themes embodying every holiday from Christmas to Halloween to Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
The show house will kick-off with an opening night gala on Wednesday, November 20, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. It will then be open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and will stay open late on Tuesday and Thursday nights until 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be available online.
Proceeds from Holiday House NYC benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Stay tuned for the announcement of the designers.

Pierre Frey interiors serve as the backdrop for a new short film, Escapade—the story of a Parisian love affair—directed by Martial Schmeltz. According to Pierre Frey, director of international relations for Pierre Frey, the film is another way to express the creative spirit and lifestyle behind the brand.
The idea for the film, which was commissioned by Pierre Frey, came about during a conversation between Frey and director Schmeltz, his long time friend. Schmeltz developed the concept and Frey worked with Paris communications company Simone to write the script.

"It's very much who we are,” said Frey. “We are Parisian, we are classic and contemporary, cultured and playful. The film allows us to show these many facets of our brand, and the very idea of producing a film shows that we are curious and willing to be unconventional."
Frey approached Nowness.com—a website that showcases fashion, art, gastronomy, entertainment, and travel in a highly creative and technologically advanced approach—to help with the initial launch, and the film officially launched yesterday on YouTube.
Schmeltz describes the film as a nighttime romance in Paris, as a Parisian couple escapes from their daily routine by venturing out on a wild night in baroque and sensual decors dressed in Pierre Frey. "It’s a city of wild, classy, underground glamour—the perfect playground for games of seduction,” he said.
"This is a full expression of how our products are used," said Frey. "In the film we show a home, a restaurant, a hotel, a nightclub. These are not sets created for the film, they are actual locations in Paris decorated with our products."
The film was timed with the occasion of the renovation of the famous Hotel Costes in Paris, whose rooms are now fully upholstered with fabrics by Pierre Frey, and it invites viewers inside to see the best of Parisian night life dressed in Pierre Frey creations.
"Pierre Frey is a lifestyle brand," said Kim Heubner, marketing director for Pierre Frey. "That can be a challenge to show in a print ad or even in our showroom displays. Projects like this allow us to communicate that message. And the non-commercial format of the film speaks volumes about the spirit and motivation of the company. "

In the coming months, design lovers in Vancouver, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Fayetteville will enjoy tours of standout private homes in their area that exemplify modern living and architectural design.
“Homes are the most personal forms of architecture, and it’s rare to be able to open them up to the greater public," said Jim Goodspeed of Godspeed Architecture, who took part in the first tour earlier this month. "This is a wonderful opportunity and the reaction was astounding, and reaffirms the public interest in good design.”

Vancouver
The first two tours of the series took place earlier this month with more than 250 guests.
“We're very happy with how this year's Seattle Modern Home Tour turned out,” said Cameron Fry, director of operations for Modern Home Tours. “Eight stunning homes were featured ranging in styles from mid-century modern to super contemporary.”
“There is something so captivating and awe-inspiring about modern architecture,” added Matt Swinney, Modern Home Tours co-founder. “Our mission is to bring the love of modernism we have to the residents of every city we visit.”

Chicago
The Modern Home Tour Fall dates and locations are as follows:
September 14—Vancouver, British Columbia
October 5—Chicago, Illinois
October 12 – Denver, Colorado
October 26 – Fayetteville, Arkansas
November 9 – Santa Monica, California
Each event is partnered with a local non-profit organization or charity, which helps staff the event in exchange for a small donation and the opportunity to use the tour as a fundraising vehicle.

Santa Monica
“Modern ranges from mid-century updates to contemporary clean-lined boxes, and it perfectly embodies today’s lifestyle choices,” said James Leasure, Modern Home Tours co-founder. “We want to entertain those who already love modern, but also to educate those that may not yet appreciate these homes and all they have to offer.”
Each tour takes place on a Saturday, between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. Tours are self-guided and consist of five to eight modern homes throughout the area, but all within easy travel distance.
For more information, to find out when Modern Home Tours may come to your area, and for tickets visit the website.

The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market is back September 17 – 20 at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. The four-day trade show will kick off with an opening night “Backyard BBQ” in a lively outdoor setting, followed by industry educational seminars and the first annual International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) Awards Gala and Apollo Awards Banquet.
Dedicated to the outdoor furnishings industry, the annual show encompasses 350,000-square-feet of exhibit space, 45 permanent showrooms, and 200 temporary exhibitors in the Market Suites.

“The ‘Backyard BBQ’ party will enable manufacturers, retailers, buyers, designers, and others in attendance to network in a more relaxed setting, and will provide an additional real-life exhibit opportunity for sponsors,” said Jaclyn Kelly, senior director of marketing for the market. “The event will showcase sponsors’ outdoor furniture, accessories, fire pits and grills in action. Exhibiting sponsors will burn their grills and light their fire pits, demonstrating the products in full use.”
New exhibitors this year include American Fireglass Inc., Artifacts Trading Co., Asia Connection, BauKorb, Big Green Egg, Blaze Grills, Bojer Cushions Inc., Botegga Inc., Cacoon, Deltess Corp., Desert Steel, Dongye Furniture, ElanaMar Designs, Entrada Collection, Fortin Ironworks, Gannon Creek, Woz Fans, Terra Flame Home, Surya and Outdura.

On Tuesday, September 17 at 3:00 p.m., buyers and retailers can learn how to increase store traffic at the panel, “Driving Traffic to your Store.” The seminar is designed to outline strategic ways of creating in-store sales promotions and improving store images and effective methods of customer engagement, all of which can lead to increased sales.
Show attendees will also have the opportunity to learn the art and craft of social media from Chad Harris, founder and owner of The Garden Gates, an online home décor and garden center retail store, during his “The Art of Socialfication” presentation. This seminar will provide retailers and dealers with inspiring branding techniques to implement online social networking for their businesses. The seminar will take place on Wednesday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Finally, the ICFA Awards Gala will highlight the Apollo Award winners, which are the top retailers in single and multi-store categories, and will announce the Lillian B. Winchester Design Excellence “Best of Show” Award.
The 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees will be recognized, and the ICFA Sales Representative of the Year as well as Manufacturer of the Year will be awarded. During the ICFA Awards Gala, there will be a fabric fashion show presented by Casual Living magazine and sponsored by Sunbrella, Outdura, Tri-Vantage, Ardwyn Designs and Sunbury.
The awards reception will take place Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Field Museum, Stanley Field Hall. Tickets are required.
For additional information on the Casual Furniture & Accessories Market and for a full schedule of exhibitors, click here.

According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council’s (SFC) fifth annual consumer research study, consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious in their purchases and are willing to pay more for greener products.
“The need for greater awareness about the importance of ‘living green’ is among the top takeaways from this year’s study,” said Susan Inglis, SFC executive director. “Our report shows the consumer is more aware about sustainability, especially as it pertains to energy savings and reclaimed materials, but the need for home furnishings retailers and manufacturers to do more is clear-cut."
But the report, available now for SFC members and for purchase by non-members, shows that retailers and manufacturers need to educate consumers about sustainable home furnishings if they want to earn consumers’ dollars.
The study showed that 49% of this year’s respondents stated they were “Definitely Interested” or “Very Interested” in buying green home furnishings, if the style and cost were about the same as other options. Meanwhile, 46% of respondents cited “lack of awareness” as the reason why they have not purchased green home furnishings.
Here is a look at some of the key components of the study, which was conducted in the spring:
• 460 consumers took part in the national survey.
• 72.5% of respondents were age 25 to 54.
• 62.3% of survey respondents reported an annual household income of $50,000 to $150,000.
• 54.3% said they plan to spend the same or more on home furnishings in 2014.
Such findings are paving the way for SFC as it embarks on a national, regional and local marketing campaign aimed at educating consumers about how they can be better stewards of our precious environment and create safe, healthful homes.
The study was underwritten by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and conducted by Impact Consulting Group. SFC members obtain login credentials when they contact the SFC offices at (252) 368-1098 or by email. The report is available to non-SFC members for $250 online; select the Industry Info tab and choose Industry Reports in the dropdown menu.

Starting this fall and running through the spring of 2017, the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum’s new series of bi-annual educational conversations and workshops will focus on the craftsmanship, innovations and merits of contemporary global designers.
Each week of immersion programming will spotlight a pioneering design organization, beginning with Finnish brand Marimekko this fall. Other featured firms throughout the series include Heath Ceramics (spring 2014) and the jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels (fall 2014).

“With our world immersed in technology, this series reaffirms the important role the human hand plays in the design process, from watercolor sketching at Marimekko to hand-thrown prototypes at Heath Ceramics,” said Caroline Baumann, director of the museum.
“Pioneering techniques and designs, combined with exquisite hand craftsmanship, are at the core of Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewelry,” said Nicolas Bos, global president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. “We are delighted to work again with Cooper-Hewitt to provide instruction and insight on design techniques and processes from various industries, from fashion and graphic design to product design.”
Special programs will be developed to reach each of the museum’s core audiences—university students, high school students, adults and families. The main programming component for each week will feature a teen hands-on workshop, adult workshop, college workshop, public lecture and family workshops.

The fall Design by Hand public programs with Marimekko include:
Teen Workshop: Inspired by Life—Tuesday, November 5 at 4:00 p.m.
Cooper-Hewitt’s teen programs are essential to the museum’s goal of developing the designers of tomorrow. This hands-on print workshop will focus on creating prints inspired by everyday life. The teens will work with Marimekko designers to translate colors, patterns and shapes into actual prints.
University-level Workshop: Dressing Up People and Objects—Wednesday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Students will work side by side with Marimekko designers to learn how to wrap three-dimensional forms with patterns and colors.
Adult Hands-on Workshop: Design Storytelling—Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Marimekko designers will discuss powerful examples of storytelling through the firm’s prints and lead a hands-on print workshop for participants to explore the theme in their own work. Cooper-Hewitt members, $25; general admission, $50.
Public Lecture: The Spirit of Marimekko Design—Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
The public program will feature a discussion about Marimekko’s approach to design, including its design language of colors, patterns and shapes. The program will be webcast live and the broadcast will be archived on Cooper-Hewitt’s website. General admission, $10; senior citizens, $8. Cooper-Hewitt members and students are admitted free with registration. WNYC Greene Space (44 Charlton Street, New York)
Family Workshops: Colors, Patterns and Shapes—Saturday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
These family workshops will be inspired by Marimekko’s work and will feature a creative, hands-on program, led by museum educators.
Unless noted otherwise, each of the programs takes place at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Center (111 Central Park North, New York). All programs require advanced registration online. For further information, call (212) 849-8353.

With so many options to choose from, how do future interior design students select the right school? Editor at Large is introducing a series of profiles to help answer this question. With the series, we hope to offer a better understanding of what makes each school unique. The first in our series is the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in downtown Manhattan.

Widely considered one of the leading art schools in the United States. SVA offers an undergraduate BFA in interior design, and accepts an average of 180 students from the 250 that apply each year. Students are able to learn to integrate current technology with the traditions of drawing and drafting. Faculty consists of architects and interior designers from top firms around the big apple such as Neville Lewis, IIDA, Gold Medal Winner; Illya Azaroff, AIA; and Amy Azzarito of Design Sponge.
Chair of the interior design program Jane Smith holds a degree in architecture and has worked on projects for Hermés, MTV Networks, Ralph Lauren, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park. This reporter chatted with Smith about SVA’s interior design program and what makes it unique.

Describe the school's make-up. What percentage of students is focused on interior design?
The School of Visual Arts is a comprehensive art school. We offer 11 undergraduate degrees and 21 graduate degrees, so our students run the gamut. BFA programs include Interior Design, Advertising, Animation, Cartooning, Photography, Illustration and more. Our graduate programs range from Fine Arts, Computer Art and Design to Social Documentary Film, Design for Social Innovation and Fashion Photography.
What are some key elements of your interior design program?
The program is a CIDA accredited program with a focus on commercial interior design for urban living.
So, where does residential design fit in?
All project types are important and have a place at School of Visual Arts Interior Design (SVAID). During the course of the four years, students have the opportunity to design single family and multi-family residential projects along with a variety of commercial, institutional and not-for-profit projects. For their senior thesis projects, students select a project to explore and develop that is of specific interest to them. Projects can range from a single-family residence to a large, complex community center. The students are guided throughout the four years by faculty who inspire them to be facile and see the possibility in every project type.
What makes your program different from other competitive design schools?
The Interior Design program at SVA has a 1:3 student-to-professional faculty ratio. We’re located in the heart of the New York City interior design community and part of an internationally recognized art school with all of the associated advantages.
How has the program evolved over time?
The program has moved with the interior design industry at large to address issues of sustainability, workplace strategy, human behavior and interaction along with the professional practice of interior design and design creativity.
What are your efforts/marketing strategies to attract students?
Our students and faculty are active in the design community, bringing recognition to the school. We maintain a strong social media presence and reach out to schools and professionals across the country through visits, publications and direct mailer campaigns.
Are there any famous or notable alumni that graduated from the school?
Our alumni have had diverse career trajectories working within major architecture/interior design firms such as Gensler and HOK, and in corporate facilities departments such as Google and MTV. Many have started their own firms, including Thomasin Foshay (Foshay Design) and Raphael Tommasino. HGTV’sGenevieve Gorder is an SVA alumnus (1998 BFA Graphic Design). We are extremely proud of our alumni, what they’ve accomplished and what they continue to accomplish and contribute.
What are some of the most popular classes that students choose to take?
The curriculum at SVAID is varied, comprehensive, creative and professionally stimulating. The courses that increase visual communication skills including hand sketching and rendering, computer rendering and design build are always courses that creatively driven art-based designers gravitate towards. They are often surprised to find that the professional and technical courses such as professional practice, building materials and can be just as rewarding.
Are students required to do internships or field work with designers and industry professionals? Does the school help them make these connections?
Internships are not required but they are encouraged. Many of our students intern at the top interior design and architecture firms, corporations, and leading industry manufacturers in New York City. The Department and SVA actively assist students in obtaining internships.
What is your success rate for students landing jobs after graduation? Do you have a career development center that aids them in this process?
We have close to 100% job success rate. This is due to the extensive exposure that our students get to industry professionals during their school years, as well as the assistance on preparing resumes and portfolios—not to mention their high caliber of the work! Along with the department administration and faculty involvement in job placement, the students have access to SVA Career Development, a great resource for students and alumni.
Is there anything new you're rolling out for the fall semester, or bigger plans for the future?
Revit classes are a new addition in the last year. Also, we’re adding a 3D printer to our already impressive large-format and color printers and plotters. And our popular guest lecture series, Current Issues in Interior Design, is getting bigger and better each year! It’s too early to announce the fall lineup, but watch for updates at sva.edu.
Request information at admissions@sva.edu to learn more about the undergraduate interior design school at SVA.

Architectural Digest editor in chief Margaret Russell has named Anita Sarsidi to the new position of contributing interiors editor, effective October 15. Russell originally hired Sarsidi at Elle Decor, in 1989 and the two have worked together on and off for many years. Since then, Sarsidi has served as magazine’s design and decoration editor, design director, and most recently, contributing design editor.

Anita Sarsidi with interior designer Richard Mishaan courtesy by BILLY FARRELL for PMc
“Just as extraordinary fashion stylists influence what we wear and how we wear it, creative talents like Anita shape the way we design our homes,” said Russell. “Her singular sense of style will be a great asset to Architectural Digest, as her subtle touches make beautiful rooms look even more alluring. We worked together for years, and I’m thrilled have her on my editorial team once again.”
Sarsidi will be under contract exclusively at Architectural Digest, and she'll be helpint to create beautiful photos and spreads for the magazine's print and digital editions.

Over the past few weeks, several brands have redesigned their websites with new features, larger photographs, and easier navigation, while others have rolled out a brand-new blog or app to share more information with their visitors. Here’s a look at what’s been happening on the web this past month in the online world of design from Arteriors, Architectural Digest,Forty-One Madison, Sub-Zero, Ruby Lane and Madeline Weinrib.
Arteriors recently launched a completely redesigned website to improve the user experience, making it easier for customers to discover product, plan projects and order from Arteriors.

“We've developed this new platform in order to incorporate the tools our customers—designers, retailers, specifiers—want and need to insure this is the best possible ordering experience,” said Arteriors founder Mark Moussa.
The mobile-friendly website is no longer password protected but maintains a secure area for customers to access detailed order information. New features include real-time availability of product, an updated search function, downloadable tear sheets, improved portfolio tool, and an editorial trends section.
Architectural Digest's new interactive feature AD DesignFile puts thousands of images from the magazine’s archives online for users to search by room type, style, color, designer.

AD DesignFile encourages users to build communities around their shared passion for design and architecture by allowing them to easily search, share and curate photos from the pages of the magazine. The idea is that users will create “galleries” that Architectural Digest will promote in the "featured galleries" section of the website. Those galleries will be from general users, tastemakers, designers and AD staff, and they will be constantly rotated.
High-end kitchen appliance company Sub-Zero and Wolf has launched its first blog, "Kitchen Helpings," dedicated to kitchen designers, interior designers and architects. Content will include design trends and local trade events as well as Sub-Zero and Wolf company and product news. Additionally, a major focus of the blog will be to highlight the design community—the people, personalities and projects that inspire us all. Current article highlights include a trend piece on using stainless steel in the kitchen and the first "Kitchen Helpings 5" interview with designer Roger Zierman of Poggenpohl.

This reoccurring blog feature will spotlight various members of the trade. Sub-Zero and Wolf invite and welcome article ideas, guest blog contributions, news about local trade events and any questions. Reach out via email.
The New York Tabletop Market, which takes place next month, has created its own free application organizes showroom listings alphabetically, by floor and by category. An image gallery also is accessible, featuring a company’s newest products. There is also a “To Do” section, allowing the user to keep a record of the specific showrooms to visit. A range of nearby restaurants are listed, with a link to Google maps, along with instant access to direct calling for a reservation. The app links to Forty One’s Facebook page and there’s an integrated Twitter feed.

“With the creation of the Forty One Madison App, we’re making our showroom directory, many of our buyer services and other information essentials more immediately accessible with the swipe of a finger and touch of a button on hand-held devices,” said Laurie Burns, Forty One Madison senior vice president and director. “Our goal is to make the experience for visitors to the show more convenient, efficient and productive.”
Ruby Lane, a virtual marketplace for vintage, collectibles, jewelry, antiques, home décor and fine art is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a redesigned website. The “etail” site offers a streamlined design for consumers to better navigate the thousands of antiques and shops.

Also new is its digital magazine, Ruby Read featuring articles on antiques and art, vintage, collectibles, and the latest from the worlds of interior design, fashion and culture. Ruby Read’s goal is to enlighten, entertain and educate its consumer on current trends and taste through the help of expert commentary from designers and industry influencers from across the globe.
Madeline Weinrib has launched its completely redeveloped website that showcases a full range of designs—and for the first time in company history—includes e-commerce.

“My new website was carefully created with both the online shopper and interior designer in mind,” said Madeline Weinrib. “I wanted to ensure that both audiences receive an immersive and engaging online experience tailored to their individual needs.”
The highly interactive site presents visitors with the option to “Shop” or “Discover.” Under the streamlined, easily navigable “Shop” section visitors will have online access to signature carpets, pillows, furniture, fashion and accessories. The “Discover” component of the site will invite visitors to experience the many threads that inform Weinrib's vision, including blog posts on her inspiration, travels, and profiles on artists and designers around the world.
Website redesigns we missed? Drop us a line at ssnowden@editoratlarge.com.

What will Pantone’s Color of the Year be for 2014? As we wait patiently for the answer, the color forecasting company has released its 2014 fashion color report which includes prominent hues seen on the runway—from pastel blues and greens to vibrant reds and oranges.
"This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations."

Three very adaptable pastels sit on one end of the palette, and, because designers are so accustomed to seeing them as nature's background, they can be creatively combined with any other color in the spectrum. Placid Blue, like a picture-perfect, tranquil and reassuring sky, induces a sense of peaceful calmness, while Violet Tulip, a romantic, vintage purple, evokes wistful nostalgia. Similar to the verdant shade of springtime foliage, Hemlock, a summery, ornamental green, provides a decorative touch that's very different from the greens of recent seasons.

In 2013, we saw the transition from Tangerine to Emerald. What will be our next stop on the spectrum? Editor At Large host Kelly Edwards gets a full palette of predictions at the Spring 2013 High Point Market, from leading designers Amanda Nisbit, Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield, Amy Archer, Marilyn Russel, Christine Lemieux, Jennifer Chused, Michelle Wiebe, Christian May, Aerin Lauder, Laura Kirar, Mark Moussa, Stacy Borocz, Greg Dunlop, Celerie Kemble, Cisco Pinedo, Norman Coley, Jason Horvath, Keith Baltimore, John Loeck, and Lori Dennis.
Sand, a lightly toasted and amiable neutral, conjures images of the beach and the carefree days of summer. Paloma serves as a quintessential neutral, interesting enough to be worn alone or combined with any color for sophisticated poise.
Cayenne, a high-pitched red, adds a dash of spicy heat to neutrals, and heightens the excitement when mixed with Freesia, a blazing yellow that is sure to illuminate wardrobes this season. A tropical, floral-inspired shade, Freesia's warmth and energy help set the stage for Celosia Orange, an optimistic, spontaneous hew.
The palette is brought full circle with Radiant Orchid, a bold counterpart to Violet Tulip, and Dazzling Blue, a scintillating, polar opposite to Placid Blue.

First Lady Michelle Obama, honorary patron of the Cooper Hewitt's 2013 National Design Awards, will host a White House luncheon for the award winners Friday, Sept. 20. Joining Mrs. Obama and these design legends at the White House luncheon will be 12 high school students from New York and Washington, D.C., who have demonstrated great promise and interest in the design field.

In support of the First Lady’s emphasis on education and outreach to Washington youth, the award winners will also participate in the Teen Design Fair, an education program for hundreds of local high school students, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Smithsonian’s International Gallery (1100 Jefferson Dr. S.W., Washington, D.C.).
“Mrs. Obama is a strong advocate of the power of design in forwarding American innovation, and we are greatly honored to once again have the First Lady’s patronage and support,” said Caroline Baumann, director of the museum. “One of the museum’s most meaningful programs is the Teen Design Fair, which helps develop the designers of tomorrow through mentoring from the very best in the industry. It is inspiring to see these young people connect with designers and discover their own passion for design. They are our future.”

During the Teen Design Fair, sponsored by Target, students will have the opportunity to meet with professionals working in the fields of fashion, product design, architecture, graphic design and more. In prior years, these one-minute mentoring sessions have led to internships for the teens. A keynote address will be delivered by Tim Gunn, co-host and mentor of Lifetime’s Project Runway. Teens will also be able to earn a digital credential badge for documenting their experience and gathering career-building knowledge from the guest designers.

Organized by New York Magazine and Dwell for the second year, City Modern (September 27 – October 4), is a week long festival that celebrates New York’s modern design with tours of the city’s most coveted interiors and talks from some of the most well renowned industry professionals.
The events kick off on Friday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m. when guests are invited to “Meet the Architects” whose recent residential projects will be featured as part of the City Modern Home Tours later in the week.

Christopher Leong, Mark Kroeckel, Dror Benshetrit, and Kelsey Keith from the CITY MODERN 2012 Designing for Retail Spaces panel discussion. Photograph: Neilson Barnard, Getty Images.
Participating architects include Peter Guzy of Asfour Guzy; Joe Tanney of Resolution: 4 Architecture; architect-design duo David Hotson and Ghislaine Viñas; the artist’s architect Christian Hubert; rising star Matthew Bremer of Architecture information; Jeff Kovel of Oregon-based Skylab Architecture; and Brooklyn-based architects Clay Miller of Bergen Street Studio; James Cleary of Leone Design Studio; and Ben Hansen.
A retail salon showcasing the finest designers and artisans east of the Gowanus Canal will be curated by New York Magazine and Dwell editors, along with MADE: In New York founder Melanie Courbet. Open throughout the week, the retail experience presents exclusive pieces by local luminaries including Bec Brittain, Anna Karlin, Ted Muehling & E.R. Butler,Egg Collective, Fort Standard, Sebastian Errazuriz, Trove and Maker Made.

Francis D'Haene's 1980's inspired exhibit at the CITY MODERN 2012 opening night reception. Photograph: Neilson Barnard, Getty Images.
Here’s a look at the rest of the week’s schedule:
Manhattan Home Tours: Saturday, September 28—10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Embark on a self-guided tour of five modern homes in downtown Manhattan. Afterwards, Manhattan home tour ticket holders are invited back to Axor NYC for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and to explore Axor collections with Philippe Starck.
Brooklyn Home Tours: Sunday, September 29—10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Embark on a self-guided tour of five modern homes in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood.

Photograph: Eric Laignel
Discussion with MoMA’s Paoloa Antonelli: Tuesday, October 1—6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
MoMA’sPaola Antonelli will chat with her peers including Pentagram’sMichael Beirut, architect Deborah Berke and architecture critic Justin Davidson about "What Design can Do For New York City,” at the NeueHouse. Antonelli, senior curator in the Department of Architecture and Design at MoMA, will take attendees through what design can do for the city going forward. Wendy Goodman, New York magazine design editor will moderate, and a reception will follow the discussion.
David Rockwell & The Creatives: Wednesday, October 2—6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A cross-disciplinary discussion with David Rockwell, the architect behind the celebrated new workspace NeueHouse, fashion designer Isabel Toledo, artist and illustrator Ruben Toledo, and Broadway producer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) will be moderated by Goodman and explore the infusion of architecture into New York’s creative industries. A reception will follow the discussion.
The Apprentice: Furniture Making, with Thos. Moser: Thursday, October 3—12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This panel discussion featuring Thos. Moser designer Adam Rogers, the emerging designers, and a Dwell editor will examine the importance of melding craftsmanship into the age of high-tech design. The “apprentices” will share their experiences, and using their own pieces, describe their appreciation for the Thos. Moser approach.
Creativity and Constraint with Jonathan Adler: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Designer Jonathan Adler and his sister, copyright attorney Amy Adler, discuss the intersection between design authorship and design inspiration, and what exactly authentic design means.

Photograph: Francesca Giovanelli
My Ideal City: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The first crowd designed and crowd funded city is being created through Prodigy Network's interactive urban planning platform, My Ideal City/ Mi Ciudad Ideal. The My Ideal City project addresses urbanization and global population growth, posing the question, "What does your ideal city look like?" Explore these principles with its founders, architect Winka Dubbeldam of Archi-Tectonics; co-founder of PSFK, Piers Fawkes; urbanist Gary Hack; and CEO of Prodigy Network, Rodrigo Nino.
Walking the Line with Neil Denari: Friday, October 4—6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join Dwell editor in chief Amanda Dameron and Goodman in conversation with Neil Denari about HL23, the architect's incredible residential tower hovering above the High Line and featured on Dwell's October 2013 cover. The trio will explore the structure's significance in the ever-evolving west Chelsea arts district, sharing images and behind-the-scenes design ideas revealed in a breathtaking modern apartment located inside the building.
Tickets are for sale online, and additional information on each of the events is also available. By purchasing tickets to either of the Home Tours, attendee’s names will automatically be on the guest list at the door to the Meet The Architects event.

July 15 marked the 10 year anniversary of the premiere of Bravo's Emmy Award-winning television series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." In celebration of the cutting-edge series, “Queer Eye Reunion: 10 Years Later” is set to air next month.
Host Andy Cohen will welcome food & wine connoisseur Ted Allen, grooming guru Kyan Douglas, design doctor Thom Filicia, fashion savant Carson Kressley and culture vulture Jai Rodriguez, back to the show.

"I was very fortunate to be a part of the Fab Five on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," Filicia told Editor at Large in a July interview. “Not only was I able to work with a sassy group of guys, but we also paved the way for a new era of television, indulged in the joy of comic relief and celebrated diversity.”
During the reunion show, the Fab Five will reflect on the groundbreaking series, unveil behind-the-scenes secrets and discuss how their lives have changed since the show first aired.
Fans can tweet @Andy with questions for the quintet.

Photograph: Eric Laignel
Discussion with MoMA’s Paoloa Antonelli: Tuesday, October 1—6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
MoMA’sPaola Antonelli will chat with her peers including Pentagram’sMichael Beirut, architect Deborah Berke and architecture critic Justin Davidson about "What Design Can Do For New York City,” at the NeueHouse. Antonelli, senior curator in the Department of Architecture and Design at MoMA, will take attendees through what design can do for the city going forward. Wendy Goodman, New York magazine design editor will moderate, and a reception will follow the discussion.
David Rockwell & The Creatives: Wednesday, October 2—6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A cross-disciplinary discussion with David Rockwell, the architect behind the celebrated new workspace NeueHouse, fashion designer Isabel Toledo, artist and illustrator Ruben Toledo, and Broadway producer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) will be moderated by Goodman and explore the infusion of architecture into New York’s creative industries. A reception will follow the discussion.
The Apprentice: Furniture Making, with Thos. Moser: Thursday, October 3—12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This panel discussion featuring Thos. Moser designer Adam Rogers, the emerging designers, and a Dwell editor will examine the importance of melding craftsmanship into the age of high-tech design. The “apprentices” will share their experiences, and using their own pieces, describe their appreciation for the Thos. Moser approach.
Creativity and Constraint with Jonathan Adler: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Designer Jonathan Adler and his sister, copyright attorney Amy Adler, discuss the intersection between design authorship and design inspiration, and what exactly authentic design means.

Following its success in London and New York, onefinestay is now offering well designed homes in Paris and Los Angeles to travelers looking to live like a local, comfortably. The site does all the work for both owners and guests, once the owner's schedule is made available, onefinestay searches for an appropriate guest and sets up the owner’s home with the amenities of a hotel—fresh linens, toiletries, and an iPhone stocked with local tips for the duration of their stay.
Members, who include many designers and designers’ clients, can earn extra income from a home at times when it would otherwise be vacant—and they can rest assured the house will be returned in the same condition in which it was left.

onefinestay seeks homes that are located in safe, desirable neighborhoods and are available for at least four weeks per year. When visiting the home, onefinestay then looks to see if it’s “beautiful and characterful,” the kind of place a guest would choose to stay.
Onefinestay agrees on a fixed nightly rate with each host, and then charges a service fee according to stay length and seasonality. Some of the top members have earned over $50,000 through onefinestay in the past year alone.
Although the home owners remain anonymous, onefinestay has created a search function on the website that allows guests to find homes based on “Distinctive Qualities” such as an interesting owner, stylish property or architectural interest.

Greg Marsh, co-founder of onefinestay, came up with the idea in 2009 after returning from a trip to Pisa. While staying at a “dull airport hotel” he relied on a friend who had grown up in the area to show him around the less visited areas of town, creating a unique travel experience.
Then, the “no light bulb moment” came when he returned to London, he realized that all the lights were off—every single home along his street was empty, and when he was away, his own flat in central London sat vacant too. It dawned on him that there could hardly be a better way for visitors to see the city than to live like a local and stay in a real home.
onefinestay was launched in London in May 2010 by Marsh, Demetrios Zoppos, Tim Davey and Evan Frank.

“Ever since our launch in London, we have been deluged by demand for Paris and L.A.,” said Marsh. “It’s seriously exciting that we’re finally open for business in both cities as we take the next step towards our vision to let visitors live like locals, wherever they are in the world.”
This week, onefinestay launches in sought-after Paris neighborhoods including Le Marais, Montmartre and Batignolles. Distinctive options include decadent Haussmann apartments and contemporary houses, with prices ranging from €150 per night for a comfortable one bedroom apartment to over €700 per night for a grand four bedroom home in Le Marais. Guests will find the bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane en Provence toiletries and a locally sourced welcome pack that includes packets of Kusmi tea and Van Hoos & Sons coffee.
In Los Angeles, onefinestay has uncovered backyard hideaways, discreet bars and boutiques among the city’s eclectic neighborhoods. Launching with two dozen homes in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Brentwood and Hollywood, the company is seeking to expand its portfolio in these areas. Distinctive options include creative bolt-holes and capacious houses, with prices ranging from $250 per night for a one bedroom apartment to over $2,000 per night for a four bedroom house in Venice. Guests will find the bathrooms stocked with Kiehl’s toiletries and a welcome pack of Urth tea and coffee alongside treats from gourmet marketplace Joan’s on Third.
onefinestay’s ambition is to have an unhotel in every major world city, with further international expansion plans underway in the coming months.

Despite stormy weather, design professionals made their way to the ninth annual Summer Cruise last Thursday, September 12, benefitting the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. The event was bittersweet as guests remembered Lana Lawrence, founder of BiTTT and vp of Anthony-Lawrence Belfair, who died on August 11 after a battle with lung cancer.

“We're so grateful to the Kips Bay committee for honoring my mother Lana Lawrence, and our company Anthony Lawrence-Belfair on this year’s cruise,” said James Lawrence, Lana’s son. “It was a very humbling experience to see all the love that the design community has for Lana. She was an amazing talent and one that will not be forgotten or replaced. The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is such a wonderful organization and we are happy to support such a great cause for many more years to come.”
A long-time friend and colleague of Lawrence’s, interior designer Alexa Hampton, shared words commemorating Lawrence’s life.

Clockwise from left: Charles Pavrini III, Alexa Hampton, James Lawrence and Joseph Calgana (Lana's brother)
The event took place on a docked yacht, the Cornucopia Majesty, and showcased the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Performing Arts Club which did their rendition of the opening number of the Tony Award winning play, In The Heights.

Pavarini and Iris Dankner, founder of Holiday House
“I feel a strong calling to support the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club in every way that I can and always have,” said event chair Charles Pavarini, III. “While I have no children of my own I feel compelled to fulfill my role to help guide as many as possible. The cruise was my brainchild and has become my strongest venue to bring funding to the charity. It joins key people within the industry to celebrate giving back in an environment just far enough removed from reality to make everyone feel the joy of their combined support. Not to mention, it’s a great party for dancing and making solid connections. There’s something to be said for having so many fans and strong supporters ‘all in the same boat’.”
Alumna Kristina Gonzalez shared her Kips Bay story to the awe of the audience—how she had benefitted from the services provided at Kips Bay and is now giving back.

Industry supporters who sponsor the event each year include Sarah L. Boles, Anthony Lawrence-Belfair, Mark Hampton LLC, New York Design Center, David Scott Interiors, Sacco Carpets, Fort Street Studio, Lillian August, Timothy & Associates Interior Design, Archives ID, Christina Juarez and Company, Donghia, Nina Reeves Communications, Poltrona Frau Group and Sferra.
All proceeds from the event benefited the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.

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Michelle Obama to host White House lunch for design students

City Modern Festival to explore modern design across NYC

onefinestay offers hotel alternative in Paris and L.A.

Summer cruise honored Lana Lawrence, benefited Kips Bay