Business of Home

From a breadth of submissions representing a variety of design disciplines, the winners of the 41st annual International Interior Design Association (IIDA)’s Interior Design Competition and the 22nd Will Ching Design Competition have been chosen and will be honored at the Ritz Carlton Chicago on June 8 during NeoCon.
“These two competitions consistently demonstrate the innovation and dynamism reflected in the industry, and in the worldwide conversation on design,” said Executive VP and CEO of the IIDA Cheryl S. Durst. “As the IIDA celebrates its 20th anniversary of elevating the design profession, we are pleased to honor these entries that so vigorously uphold the standards that IIDA supports.”
The annual Interior Design Competition celebrates outstanding, innovative interior design/interior architecture that encourages new ideas and techniques in the design and furnishing of interior spaces, while the Will Ching Design Competition honors and celebrates originality and excellence in commercial design from firms with five or fewer employees.
The winners of the Interior Design Competition are as follows:

Project: Spa in Mallorca, Porto Cristo, Spain; Firm: A2 arquitectos, Madrid, Spain

Project: One One One Eagle Street Lobby Fitout, Brisbane, Australia; Firm: Cox Rayner Architects, Brisbane, Australia

Project: M Building, Beverly Hills; Firm: Gensler, Los Angeles

Project: Cornell Community Centre and Library; Firm: Perkins+Will, Toronto

Project: yoo Residence II, Hong Kong; Firm: Steve Leung Designers, Ltd., Hong Kong

Project: Refinery Hotel, New York City; Firm: Stonehill & Taylor Architects, New York City
The winner of the Will Ching Design Competition is:

Project: Coffee Bar Kearny, San Francisco; Firm: jones | haydu, San Francisco
Jurors for both competitions included Ed Bakos, managing director, Champalimaud; Ray Eshcheid, affiliate IIDA and senior VP of store design and merchandising, Bank of America Corporation; Alessandro Munge, IIDA and principal and managing partner, Munge Leung; and David Darling, IIDA and founding partner of Aidlin Darling Designs.
“As a jury, we were genuinely inspired by the diversity and impressive international scope of the projects entered,” said Darling. “We observed many trends and common motifs. In our search for identifying design excellence, the winning projects either took these trends to a new level or charted completely new territory.”
The IIDA will announce the winner for overall Best of Competition at the celebration on June 8.

The popular Doyle At Home Auction is back this month, beginning Tuesday, March 11, at 10:00 a.m. The auction features fine furniture, decorations and paintings from prominent estates and collections including prints, porcelain silver and rugs. Highlights include a pair of William IV style tufted leather armchairs, a Chinoiserie decorated painted chest of drawers and a red velvet upholstered wrought iron and brass throne chair.
Wright’s Design Sale (March 27, Chicago)

This month, Wright presents the first Design Sale of the season, beginning at noon on Thursday, March 27, an auction comprised of more than 200 works by the 20th century’s best known designers. The sale will feature American, French, Italian and Scandinavian classics along with works by Joaquin Tenrerio, Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Zalszupin from Brazil. Works from Don Powell’s acclaimed interior also stand out among the offerings in this sale.
Hutter's Asian, Continental & Modern Estates Auction (March 15, New York)

Hutter's Asian Continental & Modern Estates Auction begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, and features fine pieces of silver, furniture, jewelry and art. Highlights of the sale include a pair of drapery panels, a Ferraghan carpet, a pair of Indian metal lamps and a Chinese console.
Rago Arts' Great Estates Sale (March 22, New Jersey)

Rago Arts' Great Estates Sale beings at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, and features antique furniture and accessories from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights of the sale include a French tiled stove, Italian carved figures, a pair of Enterprise coffee grinders and Louis Vuitton suitcases.
Bonhams’ Fine English Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art (March 12, London); Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts (March 17, San Francisco); Fine Oriental Rugs & Carpet (March 18, Los Angeles); Fine Arts & Antiques (March 19, Oxford); and Period Art & Design (March 30, San Francisco)

The Fine English Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, with “The Collection of an Architect: The Old Rectory, Kent” featuring pieces from rooms created by Britain’s great William Kent. The sculpture and art pieces will follow at 2:00 p.m. Key pieces up for auction include a George II walnut double chair-back settee, a George I walnut armchair and a Queen Anne walnut and feather banded double domed bureau bookcase.

The Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, featuring a fine Regency style Yewwood inlaid mahogany triple pedestal dining table, a fine pair of George III mahogany library chairs and an important Francois Linke Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted marquetry.

The Fine Oriental Rugs & Carpets sale begins at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and features antique carpets from areas of Persia and India.

The Fine Art & Antiques sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, and features art pieces from the 1800-1900s including an Alfred Augustus Glendeninbg and a Jan Meyer. The furniture highlights include a Victorian mahogany extending dining table and an Archie Shine sideboard from the Planar Range.

Christie’s Interiors Sale Including Tessa Kennedy Collection begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18 and features pieces from interior designer Tessa Kennedy’s collection. Kennedy’s career spanned 50 years and she created homes for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, George Harrison and Pierce Brosnan. Items up for auction include furniture from her Knightsbridge apartment as well as tokens from her person life.

Throughout the month of March, six major auction houses are gearing up for important furniture and antique sales across the country and abroad. Here’s a look at what’s coming up from Bonhams, Christie’s, Doyle, Hutter, Rago and Wright.
Doyle at Home (March 11, New York)
The popular Doyle At Home Auction is back this month, beginning Tuesday, March 11, at 10:00 a.m. The auction features fine furniture, decorations and paintings from prominent estates and collections including prints, porcelain silver and rugs. Highlights include a pair of William IV style tufted leather armchairs, a Chinoiserie decorated painted chest of drawers and a red velvet upholstered wrought iron and brass throne chair.

Wright’s Design Sale (March 27, Chicago)
This month, Wright presents the first Design Sale of the season, beginning at noon on Thursday, March 27, an auction comprised of more than 200 works by the 20th century’s best known designers. The sale will feature American, French, Italian and Scandinavian classics along with works from Brazil by Joaquin Tenrerio, Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Zalszupin. Works from Don Powell’s acclaimed interior also stand out among the offerings in this sale.

Hutter's Asian, Continental & Modern Estates Auction (March 15, New York)
Hutter's Asian Continental & Modern Estates Auction begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, and features fine pieces of silver, furniture, jewelry and art. Highlights of the sale include a pair of drapery panels, a Ferraghan carpet, a pair of Indian metal lamps and a Chinese console.

Rago Arts' Great Estates Sale (March 22, New Jersey)
Rago Arts' Great Estates Sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, and features antique furniture and accessories from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights of the sale include a French tiled stove, Italian carved figures, a pair of Enterprise coffee grinders and Louis Vuitton suitcases.

Bonhams’ Fine English Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art (March 12, London); Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts (March 17, San Francisco); Fine Oriental Rugs & Carpet (March 18, Los Angeles); Fine Arts & Antiques (March 19, Oxford); and Period Art & Design (March 30, San Francisco)
The Fine English Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, with “The Collection of an Architect: The Old Rectory, Kent” featuring pieces from rooms created by Britain’s great William Kent. The sculpture and art pieces will follow at 2:00 p.m. Key pieces up for auction include a George II walnut double chair-back settee, a George I walnut armchair and a Queen Anne walnut and feather banded double domed bureau bookcase.

The Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, and features a fine Regency style Yewwood inlaid mahogany triple pedestal dining table, a fine pair of George III mahogany library chairs and an important Francois Linke Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted marquetry.

The Fine Oriental Rugs & Carpets sale begins at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and features antique carpets from areas of Persia and India.

The Period Art & Design sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, and features a range of items including Chinese porcelain, painting, furniture and rugs. Highlights include a blue and white jar and cover with figural decoration, an Italian Baroque style parcel gilt commode and a Chippendale mahogany serpentine chest of drawers.

Christie’s Interiors Sale (March 11-12, London) and Interiors Including Tessa Kennedy Collection (March 18, London)
Christie’s Interiors Sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, and runs through the following day. Items up for auction include 18th and 19th century furniture, art, lighting and accessories. Highlights include a pair of Hongmu chairs, a pair of gilt and patinated bronze candlesticks and a brass and nickel-plated drinks trolley.

Christie’s Interiors Sale Including Tessa Kennedy Collection begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18 and features pieces from interior designer Tessa Kennedy’s collection. Kennedy’s career spanned 50 years and she created homes for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, George Harrison and Pierce Brosnan. Items up for auction include furniture from her Knightsbridge apartment as well as tokens from her person life.

The first annual Boston Design Week, a 10-day citywide design festival March 20-30, will play host to more than 60 events including exhibitions, speaker presentations, receptions and behind-the-scenes tours—all free and open to the public.
“The goal of Boston Design Week is to increase public awareness and appreciation of all aspects of design and foster recognition of the vital role design and creative industries play in our lives,” said Tony Fusco, founder of the design week. “We want to offer the public an opportunity to explore architecture, urban design, interior design, fashion, graphic design, product and industrial design, and studio design such as furniture, decorative arts, sculpture, textiles, jewelry and more.”
Events will take place throughout Boston and its neighborhoods such as Fort Point Channel/Waterfront, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End; and Greater Boston in Avon, Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Danvers, Natick, Newton, Norwell, Somerville, Sudbury and Wellesley.

Below is a synopsis of the events taking place throughout the week:
The week will kick off on Thursday evening, March 20, with The American Society of Interior Designers annual awards gala at the Mandarin Hotel in Boston.
The Park Square Design District events March 20-30 include open houses, cocktail hours, speakers and special sales at Park Square showrooms including bulthaup Boston, Christofle, Circle Furniture, Il Decor, International Poster Gallery, Landry & Arcari, Ligne Roset, Marcoz Antiques, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Montage, Pompanoosuc Mills and Thos. Moser.
Art & Design of the 20th & 21st Centuries and The Boston Print Fair, March 27-30, will feature 50 select exhibitors offering modern to contemporary fine art, jewelry, vintage and contemporary studio furniture, sculpture, photography and fine prints.
On Sunday, March 23, Poggenpohl will present “Downsize your Space. Maximize your Lifestyle” at the Newbury Street showroom.
“How Massachusetts Designers Changed the World” will take a look at historical design at the Restoration Resources Showroom on Monday, March 24.
Design specialists will discuss “How to Build Your Brand” at the West Elm showroom in Fenway on Thursday, March 27.
Fusco will conclude the week on Sunday, March 30, with “Design that Endures, Ensuring the Future” at the AD20/21 show.
Twenty-five non-profit partner organizations will offer an array of programming, including AIGA Boston, ASID, Artisan’s Asylum, BostonAPP/Lab, Boston Architectural College, Boston Preservation Alliance, Boston Society of Architects (BSA), cultureNow, Design Industry Group of Massachusetts (DIGMA), Design Museum Boston, The French Cultural Center, Fuller Craft Museum, Future Boston Alliance, Institute for Human Centered Design, International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA), North Bennet Street School, School of Fashion Design, The Society of Arts and Crafts, Wentworth Institute of Technology and Youth Design.

The design industry is crawling with competitions and contests, as well as calls-for-entries for major design awards. With rewards as enticing as $5,000, a trip to the Bahamas and production of your furniture design, organizations are looking to recognize great talent and new, innovative ideas.
Below are some ongoing contests in which designers may participate:
As part of a multi-component NYCxDesign presentation in May, Fab will be hosting an exhibition of new product design curated around the theme "First Things First." Designers, both established and emerging, can submit their ideas to be exhibited. Selected items will be shown in New York and may be put into production by Fab. The deadline for submissions is March 21.
The Boston Society of Architects’ Housing Design Awards co-sponsored by the AIA New York Chapter are open for submissions. Any housing type anywhere in the world may be submitted if the architect/firm currently resides in New England or New York. Any architect anywhere in the world may submit projects located in New England or New York. Eligible projects may be new construction or rehabilitations of any private-sector or public-sector project type completed after January 1, 2005. The deadline to enter is March 21.
Southeast-based designers are invited to submit an electronic portfolio of their work into competition for the prestigious 2014 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year. Each year, ADAC recognizes firms and individuals from across the southeast whom exemplify the highest level of talent in the categories of contract interior design, residential interior design and architecture. Winners will be announced at the ADAC Southeast Designers & Architect of the Year Awards celebration. The ceremony will coincide with ADAC’s annual spring market week, DESIGN ADAC, co-sponsored by VERANDA, April 28 – May 2. The winners will benefit from pre and post-event coverage in VERANDA and on EditorTV. The deadline to enter is March 21.
The International Furnishings and Design Association has opened its Educational Foundation Scholarships for applications. The scholarships are for undergraduate students attending U.S. institutions with a major in interior design or a related design/furnishings program. The scholarships range from $1,500 - $3,000 to be applied to tuition. The deadline to enter is March 31.
The Florida chapter of the ICAA is calling for entries for the third annual Addison Mizner Medal, which recognizes excellence in classical and traditional architecture and the allied arts. The awards are open to projects, regardless of location, completed in the past 10 years by ICAA-FL Chapter Members and to all ICAA members who have completed projects in Florida and the Caribbean. The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony this fall. The deadline to enter is April 1.
For the upcoming High Point Market, Surya will give attendees the chance to win a trip for two to Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Market attendees need to RSVP online prior to the show (April 5) and present an electronic entry confirmation when visiting the Surya showroom, Showplace 4100, during market. The winner will be announced in Surya’s Spring Market Pulse newsletter in mid-April.
The ADC Young Guns 12 (YG12) competition is open to design professionals 30 years or under. ADC Young Guns is the industry's only international, cross-disciplinary, portfolio-based awards competition that identifies today's vanguard of young creative. Eligible entrants can submit a combination of professional and personal work. The deadline for entries is April 7.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) has opened the CIDA Award for Excellence Competition. With the newly implemented Award for Excellence, the CIDA Board of Directors aims to recognize outstanding practices in interior design education. The Award for Excellence competition is open to faculty members and collaborating teams at CIDA-accredited interior design programs. Awards of up to $5,000 are available to winning entries. The deadline to enter is September 15.
Sub-Zero and Wolf have announced the start of their bi-annual Kitchen Design Competition and the company is planning to give away more than $100,000 in cash prizes. Eligibility for the contest requires that all design and construction be fully completed within the contest period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014. Qualifying kitchen designs must include at least one full-size Sub-Zero built-in or integrated refrigeration unit and at least one Wolf cooking appliance, including ranges, rangetops, ovens and cooktops. Entries must also include a floor plan and elevations or perspective drawings, a minimum of two color photographs of the completed design, and details describing the kitchen design. The deadline to enter is December 31.

Yesterday evening at the D&D Building in New York City, the Holland & Sherry showroom opened its doors to designers and industry friends for a look at interior designer Sandra Nunnerley’s debut book Sandra Nunnerley Interiors.
A book all about her design inspiration, Nunnerley flipped through the pages with guests, explaining where her designs began and how her book came to be.

“I didn’t want to do a book that had just one project after the other,” she said. “I wanted to do a book that showed my vision and inspiration behind the work, and it takes you through my journey. It features a cross section of work spanning 20 plus years.”
Guests enjoyed cocktails and light bites while perusing new Holland & Sherry offerings—some of which were also featured in the book (pictured below) and were a source of inspiration for Nunnerley.

“I find inspiration when I travel, and it could also come from something as simple as walking down the street and seeing a wonderful fruit stand,” said Nunnerley. “I wanted designers to understand that vision and inspiration can be simple and it’s everywhere and it’s in our everyday lives. Inspiration is in the clothes we wear, in the textiles we pick up—it’s in so many different places and we just need to be aware of it, and that’s what I wanted the book to express.”
After soaking the inspiration in, guests were able to get their hands on a signed copy of Sandra Nunnerley Interiors.

Georgina Schaffer (right)

“The books being very well received,” said Nunnerley. “It was truly a labor of love and I’m very pleased.”

The design industry is full of new and changing faces. Editor at Large is tracking who's coming and who's going. Below are a few changes of note.
Furniture manufacturing and retail
Jay Reardon, formerly the President of Hickory Chair, will join Chaddock as Chairman of the Executive Committee and member of Board of Directors, effective immediately. In partnership with the company's President and CEO Tom Powell, Reardon will advise the company on implementing a growth and development plan. Chaddock is a privately held American furniture company Morganton, NC, with designer collections including David Easton, Larry Laslo and Dave Hinckley. Mary McDonald for Chaddock will launch at the April 2014 furniture market.
Randy Wells will join Gloster America in the newly created post of CEO. Wells most recently served as Stanley Furniture’s VP, Creative and Brand Development. He will report to Angelo van Tol, Chairman of the Gloster Group board. Wells will lead a team, which includes Eric Parsons, President and Director of Retail and Trade Sales; Pamela Clark, Director of Contract Sales; Philip Behrens, Product Development Manager; and John Nelson, CFO and COO.
Richard Chilcott has been promoted to CEO of J. Robert Scott, a company founded and led by interior designer Sally Sirkin Lewis. Chilcott joined the company in 2009 as COO.
Avery Boardman President Dennis Scully has hired Lori Decker as Sales Manager. She was most recently the Assistant General Manager at Lillian August and prior to that, she that was the Company Sales Manager at Ligne Roset.
Moore & Giles announced that Matt Buckley has joined the company as its Senior VP, Sales and Strategic Development. In this newly created position, Buckley’s responsibility will be to develop, implement and manage a global vision and growth strategy for the company’s hospitality, aviation and high-end residential design markets. Most recently, Buckley was the VP, Contract Sales for Design Within Reach and prior to that, he was VP, Sales for Edelman Leather.
Janine Flamer has been named VP, Marketing for Artistic Tile. She was previously VP Marketing and PR at Poggenpohl U.S.
Vic Carlson has joined Hunter Douglas as Senior VP, Marketing and will report directly to President and COO Ron Kass. Jim Mathews, who previously held the position, is retiring after 25 years with the company. Prior to his appointment, Carlson was VP, Consumer Marketing and Digital Commerce at Panasonic of North America, based in Secaucus, N.J.
Chairish announced notable hires including Giacomo DiGrigoli, formerly of One Kings Lane, as VP, Product; Jae Hah, formerly of Fab and Design Within Reach, as VP, Merchandising & Sales; Mugs Buckley, formerly of Federated Media, as Head of Media Partnerships; Jennifer Rivas, formerly of Piperlime, as Head of Publicity; and Jennifer Olsen, formerly Crate and Barrel, as an advisor. Giacomo, Jae, Mugs and Jen will join the company’s staff at its headquarters in San Francisco, bringing the Chairish team to 25 people.
Thos. Moser hired interior designer Katia Graytok to lead its Manhattan Showroom. A three-time American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) award winner, and a Designers Challenge Award Winner: Kitchen Renovation and Interior Design for HGTV, Graytok has also appeared on The Discovery Channel and The Today Show.
In media and PR
Andrew Joseph PR has hired Jenny Melendez to join its team. Melendez has worked in set design, architecture, interior design, visual merchandising, graphic design and marketing.
Interior design and architecture
Stonehill & Taylor has hired Vince Stroop to be the new principal of its hospitality design team. Stroop has worked for hospitality brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, MGM Resorts International, Kerzner International Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Faulkner Design Group, an interior architecture and design firm based in Dallas, and with offices in Phoenix, Az. and Portland, Ore., has added Carlos Tripp to its Phoenix office as its newest Associate. Before joining FDG, Tripp was an Architect Designer at BRR Architecture in Phoenix.
Non-profit organizations
Five new members have joined the board of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, an advocate for the responsible sourcing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of residential furnishings: Gat Caperton, president and CEO of Caperton Furnitureworks; Alexander Elkan, an environmental lawyer and Partner at Brooks Pierce; Brooke Feldman, Digital Marketing Coordinator for Nourison; Albert A. Gore III, former VP, Business Development and Sustainability for Strategic Capital Partners LLC; and Sean Sullivan, Group Marketing Director with Hearst Design Group and Associate Publisher of House Beautiful,ELLE Decor and Veranda.
WithIt, the women’s leadership development network serving the home and furnishings industries, has named its 2014 Board of Directors: Kimberley Wray, co-founder of WithIt; Dorian Sims, President of Stacy Furniture; Anita Wimmer, VP and Controller at Stanley Furniture; and Cindi Williams, director of marketing and events at North American Home Furnishings Association. Sara Lyke remains WithIt’s executive director and Amy VanDorp is membership/media manager.
Miscellaneous
Sales and marketing executive Kate Shanley has been named Sales Consultant for art + design new york, which debuts with a VIP preview on Wednesday, May 7, at 82 Mercer Street in SoHo. The announcement was made on February 13, by the fair's director, Donna Davies.
Gretchen Aubuchon of Fashion+Décor will act as a consultant to support the International Market Center's marketing efforts and foster collaboration between its brands and industry leaders.
Comings and goings we missed? Drop us a line at ssnowden@editoratlarge.com and let us know!

The annual mentorship program organized by the Walpole British Luxury pairs contemporary makers with representatives from British luxury brands. The chosen craftsmen will exhibit at the Crafted showcase, an integral part of the program held in association with Vacheron Constantin at the Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, from April 3 – 5.
The Class of 2014 includes John Galvin, furniture designer and maker; Heather Gillespie, glass designer and engraver; Naomi Paul, constructed textiles; Geoffrey Preston, architectural sculptor; Mia Sabel, bespoke leather designer; Zoe Bradley, paper artist; Emma Yeo, milliner; Pip Howeson, bespoke tailor; and Michael Ruh, glassmaker.

From left to right: Headwear by Emma Yeo, Crafted Class of 2014 mentee. Drinks Cabinet, Manolo Lounger, Cuba Table and Brass & Rosewood Bottle Opener, all by John Galvin, Crafted Class of 2014 mentee.
The nine were selected by Sarah Elton, chairman of Debrett’s; Michelle Emmerson, managing director of Walpole; Guy Salter, Crafted founder and chairman; and Ed Mason of Mason Campbell.
The group will be joining alumni of the Crafted program at the April showcase, which has been curated by craft champion Peter Ting, and members of Walpole will be selected to serve as mentors to the class in order to help develop the business acumen of each maker throughout the coming year.
Divided amongst the several galleries of the Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, nearly 30 exhibitors will be displaying, and in some cases, demonstrating, their ceramics, jewelry, metal ware, textiles and furniture.
Walpole aims to nurture new talent and discover the luxury brands of tomorrow, supported by Vacheron Constantin, who became patrons of the program and annual showcase in 2013.
Crafted was initially established in 2007 by Walpole in association with Arts & Business, with the goal of offering one-to-one mentorship for 10-12 individuals whose businesses rely heavily on craftsmanship.
Founded by Salter, its aim is to nurture a sense of entrepreneurship and boost business acumen among its artisans by pairing them with representatives from more established brands.

Twenty-two interior designers and architects have been selected to revive the historic interiors of Manhattan’s Villard Mansion at 457 Madison Avenue for the 42nd Annual Decorator Show House benefiting the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, which will open May 1.

The Villard "Mansion on Madison"
They include Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd.; Christopher Peacock; Cullman & Kravis Inc.; Darryl Carter, Inc.; Edward Lobrano Interior Design, Inc.; Ingrao Inc.; John Douglas Eason Interiors; Juan Montoya Design; Kirsten Kelli, LLC; Mark Hampton, LLC; Markham Roberts Inc.; Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design; Matthew Quinn Collection; Mendelson Group, Inc.; Meyer Davis Studio, Inc.; ODADA (Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates); Robin Sacks Decorative Painting; SPaN Architecture; Vicente Wolf Associates; Villalobos Desio; William T. Georgis Architect; and Young Huh, LLC.
“We are honored to invite such an illustrious team of designers and architects this year to transform one of the nation’s most legendary mansions and pay tribute to its rich history,” said Bunny Williams, this year’s Show House Chair. “With this extraordinary team, we are confident that we will surpass this year’s fund-raising goal for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club to further enhance after-school and enrichment programs for both our region and the nation’s youth.”
Today, The Mansion on Madison sits adjacent to luxury hotel, The New York Palace, and is connected by a grand courtyard. The Kips Bay Decorator Show House will offer visitors to the hotel ticket packages throughout the month of May. An estimated 20,000 people are expected to tour the show house, which will be open to the public seven days a week, May 1 - May 29.

In the UK, 76% of employers tended to employ only graduates, and 58% expressed dissatisfaction with the skills of those graduates, according to a recent study by UK-based organization, Creative & Cultural Skills. Together with the Design Council, the organization is working to build a stronger, more useful design apprenticeship structure to serve as alternative route to the university pathway for 19-21 year olds.
“Despite design apprenticeships being offered by a handful of colleges around the country [UK], they are far from well-known in the industry,” said Andrew Davidson, the Design Council’s Academy program manager. “Now is the perfect time to look again at entry routes into the design industry and the role that apprenticeships are playing.”
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National Apprenticeship Week shares tips for gradutes looking to start an apprenticeship
As a part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Design Council held its first Design Apprenticeship Summit, where educators, students, employers and designers explored how design apprenticeships can be improved upon and expanded. The effort was motivated by data suggesting that hiring is very low in the design industry compared to other professions.
"It's a concern that there are only about 100 design apprentices, yet there are over 6000 apprentices working in construction," said John Mathers, chief executive of the Design Council. "It shows there's work to be done and this event is starting off that discussion. With university fees increasing to an average of £60K, we want apprenticeships to be fit-for-purpose to bring growth and diversity to the design industry."
The Center for Economics and Business Research study found that overall, apprenticeships are on the rise, and 3.8 million people will complete apprenticeships over the next ten years with a projected contribution of £3.4 billion to the UK economy each year until 2022.
Evidence also suggests that few employers in the design sector are aware of the existence of the design apprenticeship. Those who are aware of it often don’t see it as fit-for-purpose, the main criticism being that it is too generic and not specific enough to different design disciplines.
Designer Wayne Hemingway MBE, who himself employs design apprentices, and Ian Ashman, principal of Hackney Community College, were both on site at the summit and discussed the benefits of hiring apprentices and how the industry will reap the benefits.
The Design Council agreed that this is just the beginning of a long conversation, but their aim is to improve growth and productivity in the design industry as well as prospects for young people who want to learn on-the-job in an industry that has historically offered few entry-level jobs—and change that.
To learn more about the initiative, designers are encouraged to follow @designcouncil on Twitter and use the hash tag #NAW2014 to continue the conversation.

It’s no surprise that IKEA would make a point to research how people live in their homes. For the first-ever survey of its kind, IKEA collected data from 4,000 Americans (age 25-54 with a household income of at least $35k) about their day-to-day living habits and their definition of a great home life.
As it turns out, “home” in the U.S. is not so much about status, wealth, or keeping up with the Joneses. Instead, the studies reveal that the most desirable feature for a home is “comfort.” Described by consumers, “comfort” is not about any single home furnishing or product function. It’s about creating an environment where household members can connect with each other, relax and live their best lives.
Below are a few key findings from the IKEA US Life at Home Report:
How do Americans feel about their homes?
95% say home is a place they can relax; 94% feel their home is a place where they feel safe and secure; 78% stated their home reflects their character; 50% believe that when it comes to life at home, the top priority is for the home to be warm and welcoming; and only 1% want their home to reflect how successful they have been.

Which room in the American home is most lived in?
65% say the living/family room remains the most popular room in the house regardless of region or ethnicity.
“Being the hub for a vast amount of activity, this room needs to be comfortable, inviting and welcoming for invitees and family to foster lasting memories of great conversations, viewing fantastic sports events and holiday festivities,” said a survey respondent.
How does the kitchen come into play?
When asked what are their favorite moments at home that they do together as a family, 43% chose “preparing a meal and eating meals together,” which was higher than any other activity in the home.
“Sitting around the dinner table,” said one survey respondent. “That is family time: no phones, no toys, just everyone telling each other about their day.”

The results also showed that the biggest challenge consumers face with their kitchen is lack of storage, room and counter space. But the kitchen isn’t only for cooking, technology is ever present in kitchens these days and 45% of respondents said they enjoy leisure time in that room.
What is the most sought after piece of furniture in the bedroom?
A third of all consumers aspire to get a king size bed in the next year (among those who don’t have one now), with some/slightly higher aspiration among consumers age 25-34. Why? Because they want more room to cuddle with loved family members.

Which space’s popularity is on the rise?
Outdoor living has become a huge trend in the American home. What is most important to people with regards to outdoor living? 86% have some type of outdoor space, while 69% have a private garden, 59% have a porch, 51% have a terrace/patio and 15% have a balcony.
Throughout the spring and summer, 26% of respondents said they’ll spend most of their spare time in an outdoor living space, and women tend to spend more time enjoying their outdoor living areas than men do.
Finally, the survey asked how important having an eco-friendly home was to Americans. 72% of respondents said they recycle, 37% have switched to all LED lights, 28% are very interested in generating their own renewable energy through solar power, while 32% are somewhat interested, and 26% are taking shorter or fewer showers.
If given the chance, 98% of respondents said they are most likely to purchase an Energy Star rated appliance and 86% were willing to buy a water-saving faucet for their kitchen.
The study was US-specific and will be an ongoing quantitative study on people’s perceptions of home: A series of online surveys were conducted among IKEA Consumer Panel members by Ipsos Research between October 2012 through October 2013.

This year’s ASID competition, Shelter, challenged budding designers to consider solutions for temporary shelter in cases of crisis. Four students from across the country have been chosen as winners for their innovative solutions, which addressed the health, safety and welfare of a community in distress.
The project called for considering ways existing, vacant buildings can be temporarily converted into shelters. Participants conducted needs assessments and rigorously researched design solutions that met code requirements and specified locations for sanitation, electrical power, technology interfaces, food, water and supplies. Most importantly, proposed designs needed to accommodate a potentially large number of disparate individuals.
The winning students and their projects are as follows:

First place winner—Sarah Wadding of Anderson University, Anderson, S.C.
Wadding created "The Anchor," a flexible shelter solution applicable to a wide variety of displacement situations from the Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake to the tornado in Kansas or the Syrian civil war. The concept is a transportable prefabrication pod system that provides swift, secure refuge. It provides basic essentials including food, water, sleep and sanitation before addressing tertiary needs such as emotional well-being and next steps.
“Upon reading the problem statement and project requirements provided by ASID, it was evident how unique the research, problem solving and design would be,” said Wadding. “From the moment I received this project, I was captivated by the design problem and solution. Our world is constantly barraged with disaster, whether man-made or natural, and the individuals affected by such crises have the right to shelter and safety.”

Judges commended Wadding, a senior design major in the School of Interior Design at Anderson University, for submitting a strong overall proposal elevated by her in-depth research and the insightful rationale expressed in her problem and concept statements. The panel also noted that her project was one of the first to explore what a "shelter aesthetic" might look like.
“As an emerging professional, being given a project with such weight and importance is a reminder of how vital an interior designer’s job is upon graduating,” said Wadding. “We are in this to design spaces that provide functional environments that support and enhance the life of all. It is truly an honor to be recognized for such a pivotal design concept.”

Wadding will receive the $2,000 grand prize and trip to Los Angeles where she will be honored at the annual ASID design gala on June 21.
Honorable Mentions:

Yating Chang—Parsons The New School of Design, New York City
Chang proposed a utopian "Shelter for the People of New York City" that can operate up to one year after a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy and considers the safety and comfort of evacuees, offering a place where public and private areas coexist.

Xuan Liu—Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
With the Sichuan, China, earthquake in mind, Liu designed "HOPE" (Hold on Pain Ends), a functional "safe haven" that provides a residential core, storage and interactive communal space for emergency, transitional and durable shelter.
“I believe any good design that helps people live better is achieved through profoundly observing social problems, analyzing them critically, and solving them creatively,” said Xin.

Xie Xin—Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Xin conceived an "Emergency Clinic & Eco Healing Complex" for Hurricane Katrina evacuees based upon portable, prefabricated cubic units that can be assembled and disassembled in temporary and more long-term facilities that provide a range of rescue and shelter services.
The students were encouraged to submit their proposal as though it were being presented to a government agency, such as FEMA and leaders of the affected community, by preparing a written concept/statement, as well as design concept boards that visually represented their ideas.
ASID appointed a distinguished panel of industry leaders to judge the competition. They included Chrysanthe B. Broikos, architectural historian and curator at the National Building Museum; Vincent G. Carter, FASID, senior program manager and architect for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Gisela Garrett, marketing strategist with Perkins+Will; and Michael P. Murphy, co-founder and CEO of MASS Design Group.

Last week, designers and showroom representatives gathered in the Avery Boardman showroom at the D&D Building to listen in on a discussion between interior designer Glenn Gissler and design blogger CJ Dellatore about the power of social media in the design industry.

Glenn Gissler and CJ Dellatore
The first question of the hour was "Why be on Facebook?"
“Because 1.19 billion users are on Facebook—that’s one out of seven people who are walking the planet earth,” said Dellatore. “More people have access to information on a digital platform than anywhere else and more money will be spent on digital advertisements over the next year than ever before. It’s a digital world now and that’s not going to change.”
If you already have a personal page, start there, he suggested. The first step is to get rid of everyone on your personal page that you don’t truly know and have never met in person. “This keeps it actually personal.” Then create a business page, and invite everyone who you think will be beneficial to communicate with about your business.
Never use a personal page to promote a business. “You have to switch over,” he added. “It’s okay to share your business content on your personal page but its never okay to share your personal content on your business page. So do your best to keep them separate.”
According to Gissler, the content he shares on Facebook and other social media platforms attracts clients and makes a large impact on his design career. “My Facebook content designs who I am as a person and as a business,” he said.
Gissler explained that if designers share things that are synonymous with their message and brand then it will help clients to get to know them better. “Share high-end real estate stories and photos, as well as new products that inspire you, and this will help create your message.”
According to the panelists, Facebook is a better way to tell your story than your website, because its ever-changing, and it’s always updated and organic.
“I call social media a sport you can play at home in your pajamas,” said Gissler. “Update it as much as possible.”
“Social media really comes down to sheer relevance,” said Dellatore. “If a client is searching for you online and all they can find is your website, then you’re not relevant. You need to be on as many platforms as possible.”

Guests of the discussion
Shelter publications also look at designers’ social media “relevance” when they decide whether to publish them or not. For example, interior designer Tobi Fairley has 25,000 Facebook fans, noted Gissler. “That’s a great way to pull in clients and also a great reason for a magazine to publish her. When they publish her story, she will share it on her Facebook page and that’s thousands more clicks for that magazine.”
Some other key takeaways from the discussion included the following:
- Anyone can be known and become a star on social media, so make yourself present.
- Read the book Platform by Michael Hyatt for helpful tips on social media and blogging.
- “Feed the monster,” as Gissler referred to it. Use tools like Facebook scheduling and Hoot Suite to pre-schedule social media posts. Designers have to constantly be posting.
- If you schedule posts, make sure you go back and check on them. Social media is about interaction and you must comment or “like” posts and join the conversation.
- It’s okay to hire someone to help you with social media as long as they understand your brand and message and can communicate that.
- Only publicize the projects of which you want more. If a project didn’t really work out, don’t put it on social media because it may attract a client you don’t want.
- Create a good “social media” relationship with your photographer. Not only do you need to shoot entire rooms for your website but shoot little details and vignettes that you can use solely for social media.
- Editorialize your content. You have a message and a brand and that needs to be consistent. Just like a magazine selects its content, you need to pick and choose what you post on social media.
- Have a social media presence, no matter how big or small.

Over the weekend, New York City got its first taste of Asia Week—a weeklong celebration (March 14 – 22) of Asian art and culture—which will kick into high gear tonight with the annual invitation-only opening party at a private venue.
Throughout the rest of the week, designers, collectors and art enthusiasts will be able to browse offerings from an illustrious roster of 47 international Asian art specialists—the largest number to date—along with five major auction houses, world-renowned museums and Asian cultural institutions.

Takeyama at FW Gallery
All of the show participants work together towards a singular purpose: weaving Asian art into the cultural fabric of New York. New exhibitors this year include Gisèle Croës s.a., the Chinese specialist from Brussels; GalleryFW, the contemporary Japanese art gallery in Chicago; Michael Goedhuis, the contemporary Chinese art specialist from London; Moke Mokotoff from New York, who specializes in Himalayan art and Chinese textiles; Onishi Gallery, a New York-based gallery devoted to contemporary Japanese ceramics; and Giuseppe Piva Japanese Art, who is coming from Italy with works of art, arms and armor.
"The continued growth of Asia Week New York confirms that New York City is firmly established as the not-to-be-missed destination for Asian art collectors and enthusiasts," said Carol Conover, chairman. Conover also shared that with some of the new exhibitor additions, the number of galleries showing contemporary art has increased to 25%.
But the focus this year? Attracting a new generation of young collectors, and getting them interested in Asian art and culture.
“For new collectors there is still room to buy both ancient and contemporary art from Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Korean and yes, even China,” said Conover. “The Asia Week New York dealers are always happy to see new collectors coming through the door, and for many of the foreign dealers, the young collector is one of the reasons they participate.”
Conover cited the work of Mansheng Wang’s Deep Autumn, 2013, priced at $1,500. “With his recent show at the China Institute and excellent reviews, the very accessibly priced works of this acclaimed artist probably won’t last past this season.”

J.J. Lally & Co's Painted Gray Torso of a Horse
James Lally, of the New York-based gallery J.J. Lally & Co., sells at the top end of the market, but offers two suggestions for new collectors including a painted gray pottery torso of a horse from the Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.-A.D. 220, for $2,000 and a Sichuan burnished dark gray pottery Amphora, 3rd/2nd century B.C., priced at $3,000.
“It is still possible to acquire a good antique Chinese work of art today without spending more than $5,000,” said Lally. “The best opportunities are in areas such as Neolithic pottery or Han dynasty burial items which are currently out of fashion with most Chinese mainland collectors. A diligent and persistent collector who takes time to understand an esoteric subject such as ancient bronze seals or Neolithic pottery will find good examples still can be acquired at very reasonable prices.”

Giuseppe Piva's Golden Buddah Statue
Throughout various galleries across midtown and the Upper East Side, exhibitions will include ceramics, textiles, paintings, sculpture, prints and photographs in categories ranging from Chinese Contemporary Art to Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Works of Art.
Other highlights of the show include the following:
From Los Angeles, Asian Art Studio will show an enchanting enamel-on-glass snuff bottle by Ye Bengqi, circa 1938, as part of the exhibition Noble Treasures on the Seventh Floor of the Fuller Building at 41 East 57th Street. The bottle boasts provenance from the Chepsted Collection and, before that, from the Mack Collection. It has been published in books about both of those collections, most recently in 2013's “The Chepsted Notebook: A Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles.”

M. Sutherland Fine Arts Ltd's Hasi Fu Mountain Landscape Painting
Chinese Contemporary Painting: New Works by Hai Tao is the name of the show that M. Sutherland Fine Arts Ltd. is hanging on the gallery walls on the Second Floor of 55 East 80th Street. Of special note is Tao's Maelstrom, an ink-on-rice-paper work from 2010.
Brussels-based Carlo Cristi, is presenting a selection of Latest Acquisitions and Central Asian Textiles at 1016 Madison Avenue. Among the rich cache is a soulful 13th-century Tibetan painting showing an unidentified Bonpo master, seated on the folds of his cloak and seeming to rise off the ground—a particularly rare painting.

KooNewYork's Korean Tall Lotus Deco Wood Cofucian Altar Chair
KooNewYork’s Korean Traditions: Arts of the Interior presents exceedingly rare Korean antique furniture that is difficult to find in the States at the Mark Murray Gallery on the fifth floor of 39 East 72nd Street. A not-to-be-missed item among the Florida-based gallerist's offerings is an 18th-century Confucian wood altar chair, which is finely reticulated with lotus motifs.
Chelsea's Onishi Gallery heads uptown to present Heritage: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics and Other Interior Objects at Hollis Taggart Galleries, 958 Madison Avenue. Called out for particular appreciation is a work by one of the world’s most famous Kutani Potters, Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933–2009), who was designated a Living National Treasure in 1997 for his mastery of the saiyu glaze technique.
To help visitors easily navigate Asia Week New York, a comprehensive guide with maps will be available at all participating galleries and auction houses, along with select museums and cultural institutions, and online.

Nearly 200 designers, industry professionals and friends of the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) turned out for the annual spring gala last Monday as the school honored alumna Mariette Himes Gomez with the Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award and Charles Jencks with the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design.

Charles Jencks, Mariette Himes Gomez and David Sprouls
Dinner guests included Bunty Armstrong, Michael Bagley, Orli Ben-Dor, Doris Leslie Blau, Michael Boodro, Nancy Boszhardt, Mario Buatta, David Easton, Carolyn Englefield, Alexander Gorlin, Eileen Guggenheim, Christopher Hyland, Annie Kelly, Tim Street-Porter, David Kleinberg, Ellen Kravet, Ed Ku, Brian McCarthy, Sandra Nunnerley, Stephanie Odegard, Shax Riegler, John Rosselli, Bunny Williams, Robert Ruffino, David Scott, Clinton Smith, Matthew Patrick Smyth and Ashley Whittaker.

Jill Cohen and Michael Boodro

Bunny Williams, John Rosselli and Nancy Boszhardt

David Scott and Doris Leslie Blau

David Kleinberg, Renee Meyers and Brian McCarthy
After a lively cocktail hour, Patricia Sovern, chairman of the NYSID Board of Trustees, kicked off the event acknowledging the vibrant audience of “distinguished designers, creators of interior design products, connoisseurs of design and the fine and decorative arts, artists, writers, as well as advocates of design education."

Michael Sovern, Jill Spalding, David Sprouls, Patricia Sovern
NYSID president David Sprouls thanked the gala’s honorary committee chairman Jill Spalding and gala co-chairs Alexa Hampton and Newell Turner.

Jill Spalding, Newell Turner and Alexa Hampton
“You have all made this a glorious evening for our honorees and you are making possible NYSID scholarships for aspiring designers. You are changing lives, unleashing talent and creativity, and helping many men and women realize their dream of becoming interior designers,” he said.
As the evening continued, Gomez was presented with her award by Hampton, who cited Gomez’s “…extraordinary accomplishments as a designer of interiors, furniture and furnishings.”

“Mariette, you have given sublime spaces to your friends and clients, you have advanced our understanding of what interior design is and contributes to our lives, and you are an inspiration to your peers and the rising generation of designers,” said Hampton.
Jencks’ award was presented by Armory Armstrong, daughter of the late Thomas N. Armstrong, who spoke on behalf of her family. “Charles Jencks takes on the issues in the contemporary dialogue of art, culture and society, including land reclamation and design to improve health and provide hope,” she said. “We also recognize Charles Jencks as a powerful advocate for the power of design in addressing these issues.”
Both honorees were presented with crystal vases, which were donated by Lalique.
Photo Credit: Matthew Carasela

The 13th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show has identified color, shape, technology and health/wellness as the top 2014 trends, which will be seen throughout the aisles of Pier 94. The long weekend (March 20-23) will feature a robust events lineup and over 500 high-end home brands from around the world.
Designers are invited to a preview on opening day, Thursday, March 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. where they can view the show among other trade professionals. The show opens to the public on Friday, March 21.

Here’s a look at some highlights happening throughout the four-day show:
The reFRESH pavilion is a show-within-the-show of kitchen, bath and building products that includes new products from more than 100 premier brands, plus culinary demonstrations and tastings by top chefs.
A curated selection of limited edition, one-of-a-kind fine art, furnishings, photography and lighting from young design talents will be on display in the MADE section.

Bench on display in the MADE section
Foley&cox collection has designed the salon, a lounge space filled with a mix of antiques as well as the company’s brand-new collection of hand woven furniture, where show goers can relax and enjoy a bite.
The Jenn-Air Master Class Studio, the show’s theater, will feature exclusive programming including trade seminars organized by Architectural Digest, a keynote presentation by Editor-in-Chief Margaret Russell, and a three-day New York Times Designer Seminar Series.

Panelists part of the New York Times Designer Seminar Series
Topics include “The Way Designers Live Today: Breaking the Rules,” with Linda O’Keefe, Glenn Gissler, Geoffrey Bradfield, Robert Passal and Kathryn Scott; “Learning From the Masters: Best-Kept Secrets,” with Jill Cohen, Laura Bohn, Ellie Cullman, Suzanne Kasler and Brian McCarthy; “A Talk with Mario Buatta,” moderated by Emily Eerdmans; “Design Dot Com: The Changing State of the Industry,” with Dustin O’Neal, Patrick Hamilton, Lindsey Coral Harper, Josh Liberson and Noa Santos; and “Show House Insights,” with Tony Manning, Ed Ku, Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz and Passal, among others.
On Friday evening, more than 45 over-the-top and inspiring table installations will take center stage at DIFFA’s DINING BY DESIGN NY. Show ticket prices include admission to the dinner, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit DIFFA, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.

Robert Stern for Kindle Furniture on display at the show
The ASID NY Metro’s Designer Walks will take guests through the show floor while teaching, sharing and providing design insights. Participating design tour guides include Arleen Angard, Robin Baron, Bruce Bierman, Bjorn Bjornsson, Laura Bohn, Charles Pavarini, James Rixner and Gail Shields-Miller. Complimentary tours depart Friday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Guests must pre-register online.
Throughout the week, the ASID New York Metro Chapter along with the A&D Building will host “Live from New York”—a four-day educational event offering up to five CEU credits to designers. The schedule includes a tour the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, a visit to the New York School of Interior Design, Alpha Workshops and the New York Design Center, all while enjoying exhibits, lunches, high teas and cocktail parties. Designers are encouraged to register online for all (or some) of the events.

Chairs representing the "color" trend to be seen across the show
The show is open to the public Friday and Saturday, March 21−22, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General admission is $30 online or $40 at the door. Online advance purchase includes a one-year subscription to Architectural Digest.

While many editors agree that nothing can replace thick glossy pages of a print magazine, they also know that multimedia tools such as video are increasingly important in terms of informing their readers, and entertaining them.
This reporter chatted with Newell Turner, Editorial Director of the Hearst Design Group, who shared how House Beautiful, Veranda and Elle Décor editors are using video to tell a design story.

Latest HB Video: Behind the Issue March 2014. Turner talks about the new Name This Color Contest.
How is the Hearst Design Group using video these days?
We're really in the early stages, but that being said, House Beautiful was an early adopter and has had a print-to-mobile program since 2011. We work with a company called Digimarc which makes it possible for us to embed or digitally watermark invisible codes into pages that when scanned link to digital content, which is mostly video.
What is the typical length of each video?
When we started a few years ago, I couldn't imagine creating anything worth watching that would be under four or five minutes. That really makes me laugh today. Now, I can't imagine taking more than 60-90 seconds for a video—good content can even be delivered in 30 seconds. We've found it's the best timing for mobile videos.
What kind of video content are you creating?
We take advantage of some pre-existing videos that companies create to tell stories about their products, but we also shoot our own short videos with iPhones and digital cameras. These are often short interviews with designers or tastemakers featured in a story.

HB's February Guest Editor Sara Ruffin Costello gives viewers a behind the scenes look at the bedding makeover story in the issue.
We didn’t really have a lot of options. We simply started trying it out—shooting with iPhones and editing on our desktops. Our youngest editors are coming out of school with some video experience. We've even had editors shoot a few stop-motion animations. It's kind of amazing what you can do, and I don't think we should be too polished. We're living in a YouTube age and "homemade" videos have a real sense of authenticity. In fact, right now we prefer to shoot our own videos for interviews—for that authenticity. I am, though, obsessed with audio. Poor audio can kill anything.
Are all the videos formatted the same way?
We try to direct and shoot for small, mobile screens. All of our videos are housed on Brightcove and linked from there. We shoot in high definition or the best possible. Fortunately, we don't need to know any more of the technicalities for it to work. The key here is to keep it as simple as possible for my editors to work with the most ease.
A team from Apple recently stopped by our offices to share info on some apps that they thought we might like to know about for shooting and editing. I can't wait to try some of them out. I've been using an app called Videolicious to shoot a video attached to my editor's letter in every issue. It's easy to use, but it's one take. No editing. It's best for on the fly shooting and posting.

Alexa Hampton talks about club chairs, a must-have comfortable and stylish piece for every home.
Are the videos paid for by ads or are they purely editorial?
So far our video program in House Beautiful has mostly been pure editorial. We've been learning what we can do and our sales team is learning how to sell them. We are getting very close to developing an ad program or sponsorship for some of the video content, especially with fellow Hearst titles ELLE DECOR and VERANDA now implementing their own print-to-mobile programs.
How has the reader response been to the videos you've done?
Our readers are watching. Are the numbers high? No, but they are growing. We've been very early adopters of video to stay out in the front of our industry. We are all learning how and what role video plays and will play in our editorial content. In my role as editorial director for the Hearst Design Group, I'm starting to spend more time exploring what consumers want from us in video content, such as how video content can enhance our print editions with the print-to-mobile program, as enhancements for our digital editions, interviews with designers, and interesting videos telling the story of how something is made. We've already found that these types of videos are popular.
So, then, where do we go with how we're producing them? I believe there are many more types of videos we may soon want to do in conveying the experience of projects we feature, stories we tell. For one example, how light affects decor. Still photography only captures one second, but light in a room or out a window is always changing. And, sometimes that's an interesting part of the design story. We're not only informing our audience; we're entertaining them, too.
I've been in the magazine business long enough to know that very soon we'll look back at what we're doing with video today and laugh at how simple, maybe even primitive it is.

Cassina and Louis Vuitton have teamed up to honor architect Charlotte Perriand with an exhibition that combines furnishings, fashion and photography. The architect’s photography exhibition, entitled “Charlotte Perriand—A Modernist Pioneer, from Avant-garde Design to Photography,” and other various pieces of Perriand-designed furniture will be on view in the Cassina Soho showroom.

Charlotte Perriand
The photographic memories selected for the exhibition are an insight into Perriand’s passion for architecture, nature and humanity discovered during her travels. The photographs, placed as modules inside wooden displays in the form of the iconic Nuage bookshelf, can be divided into the following subjects: Les Objects Trouvés, The Mountains and Prefabricated Architecture.
In tribute to Perriand, Cassina created a limited edition tribute piece, the LC4 CP lounge chair, which dates back to the then-controversial photo of Perriand relaxing on one of the first models of the chaise longue with a self-supporting mattress attached directly to the frame. The original LC4 was originally designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Perriand.
The new iteration of the lounge chair has been developed using Cassina’s industrial know-how and Louis Vuitton’s expertise in saddlery craftsmanship.

Each basalt-colored base carries the dedication“Hommage de Cassina à Charlotte Perriand à l’occasion de la Collection Icônes 2014 de Louis Vuitton” and is authenticated with the progressive limited edition production number. The designer’s signatures as well as the Cassina I Maestri logo are engraved on the chrome structure.
The exhibition is on display at 151 Wooster Street in New York City, and guests are invited to the opening night party on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Companies often look to creative types—interior designers, fashion designers, artists and chefs—to boost their inspiration quotient and product development efforts. This spring, a handful of creative minds including Ashley Hicks, Tony Ingrao, Jessica Zoob, Barry Dixon, Vern Yip, HOK, Padma Laskshmi and Lela Rose have teamed up with companies to create new collections of fabrics, furniture and accessories.
Here’s a sneak peek of a few new collaborations hitting the market this spring:
GP & J Baker has just launched the David Hicks by Ashley Hicks collection of fabrics and wallcoverings. Hick’s son Ashley has brought original patterns from the iconic David Hick’s archives back to production. The collection features 36 colorways and is printed in England on Belgian linen.

“I’ve been involved with fabrics my whole life, from a childhood wrapped in David Hicks prints to helping Allegra Hicks make her first collections,” said Ashley Hicks. “Over the last year I’ve drawn ten new designs, ranging from historical things like 1480’s Italian velvets redrawn like naïve woodcuts, to my own improvised scribbles. I've called them Textures, because that’s what they give to a room.”
On the Rocks is a collaboration between Tony Ingrao and SA Baxter, and will be the company’s first rollout for its 2014 Spring Artisan series. Cast in brass, bronze and white bronze base metals, the collection features a doorknob, lever, rosette, escutcheon plate and thumb turn available in all standard SA Baxter finishes.

“I was inspired by nature, I look at hardware all the time and it always seems rigid to me,” said Ingrao. “I wanted to incorporate nature into the design aesthetic, make the hardware more fluid.”
A new collection of cushions featuring paintings by contemporary British artist Jessica Zoob is available at ROMO this spring. It includes Zoob’s most celebrated works, “Passion,” a series of six paintings that reflect the seasons of a relationship.

According to Zoob, spring brings a sense of anticipation; summer is full of energy and color; autumn can bring tempestuous storms; and winter feels crisp and still. “If you’re lucky,” said Jessica, “spring will always come around again.”

Next month, at the spring High Point Market, 16 chairs and sofas will debut at Tomlinson, featuring exposed wood painted with paint colors developed by Barry Dixon for C2. Dixon’s Naturals Color Collection features 84 colors inspired by nature and classified within the four elements—Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

"You can have a dark lacquer finish on a piece in a dark room or a light finish in a light room,” said Dixon. “You can have it your way, customized to fit your fabrics, your wall color, your concept."
The team from HOK Product Design has teamed up with Italian master door creator Lualdi to create the Half + Half collection. The challenge was to create a door that fits a small space, where swing and sliding doors are not feasible. HOK Product Design developed a series of three design trims that combine wood, and/or painted slabs, detailed with a shot of intense color.

The HOK team has also also teamed up with ceramic wallcoverings maker Lea Ceramiche on two tile collections—Pixel and Nest. Pixel comprises a series of ceramic tiles available in a vast array of colors that can be layered to create a tridimensional effect. Nest draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the complexity and irregularity of leaves. The tiles can be interlocked to create an eye-catching puzzle that exemplifies the unorthodox use of ceramics as a décor material.

All three HOK Product Design collections will debut during Salone del Mobile in Milan next month.
Last week, designer Vern Yip launched a candle collection with The Langley Empire Candle Company at the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. The nine candles in the collection take their inspiration from Yip’s childhood travels through Asia, Latin America and Europe. The 10-ounce matte metallic tumblers are parallel to Yip’s design style of “less is more,” with clean lines and a pop of color.

Celebrity chef Padma Laskshmi’s debut Blue Optic Drinkware from The Padma Collection will be up for grabs on Gilt.com beginning today at noon. The new smoky blue shade is available in the Stem Wine, Cooler or DOF shapes (all sets of four priced $34-39).

Neiman Marcus has launched a tabletop collection developed in collaboration with fashion designer Lela Rose. Available exclusively on neimanmarcus.com, the collection consists of a white lace and linen napkin and placemat set and four assorted dessert plates. Each dessert plate features a design inspired by chef Ferrari Aria’s approach to food. “Each piece I designed reflects the energy and creativity in his masterpieces,” said Rose.

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UK orgs pave alternate path to becoming a designer

Study reveals what’s important in the American home

Competition challenges students to design for crisis

Designers discuss the power of social media

What to expect as Asia Week NY kicks into high gear

Two industry notables honored at NYSID gala

Architectural Digest Home Design Show kicks off this week

What to expect as Asia Week NY shifts into high gear

Turner discusses how Hearst's design mags are using video

Cassina and Louis Vuitton honor architect Charlotte Perriand

Ten designer collaborations set for spring roll out