D Home

Missoni Trunk Show and Giveaway at Nest

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 9th, 2013 9:23am
Category:: Events

This month Nest is hosting a trunk show of Italian fashion house Missoni’s iconic home accessory line on May 16-18. You can expect to see (and shop) the pieces that have made the brand popular including colorful combinations of geometric and zigzag prints on towels, bedding, and throws. New this trunk show is a collection of candles with a signature scents inspired by Italy.

Stock up at the trunk show: Nest is offering 20 percent off all Missoni merchandise that weekend. Can’t wait for May 16 to think about Missoni? Nest is hosting a giveaway on their blog. Click here to enter to win a Missoni towel!

Need To Spruce Up Your Kitchen? Take A Peek At Hilary Walker’s Easy DIY

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 8th, 2013 11:46am
Category:: Design

Our lovely D Home blog contributor Hilary Walker is back to help inject a little glam into your pad. This time she takes on the kitchen (well, actually the fridge) with a fun DIY.

Enjoy!

*******

By Hilary Walker

By now you know that there’s no place in your “first nest” home that I consider off limits for a little improvement, and that includes your refrigerator door!

It’s been high time for some fridge door sprucing up around my own house, so, inspired by a similar idea on my DIY Pinterest board, I decided to take a few minutes out of my life for the easiest DIY project you’ll try all year. (Really.)

(more…)

Save the Date: Five, Six, Seven, Eight at Holly Johnson Gallery

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 7th, 2013 4:00pm
Category:: Art

Undulating Hips, 2013, oil on canvas, 36 1/2 x 62 inches

Joslyn’s got the details (and a cute story about her hope for her girl’s emerging love of art) about artist David Aylsworth’s latest show at the Holly Johnson Gallery next week. See it here.

I’m using this post as an unabashed excuse to share the work you see above. It’s pretty great, right?

If you want to see more, head over to the Holly Johnson Gallery for opening night on May 18 from 6 to 8. Catch the exhibition of Aylsworth’s oil on canvas paintings through the summer. It ends August 10.

Architecture360: Talking About Architecture

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: May 7th, 2013 3:02pm
Category:: Design

Chris Grossnicklaus is editor for AIA Dallas’ magazine, Columns, and works as a designer at RTKL Associates.

As Architecture360 wraps up for the year, we have learned that people are extremely engaged and interested in architecture within our city. We saw this in the thousands of people who attended the myriad events organized by AIA Dallas and the Dallas Center for Architecture. These activities helped expose visitors to the creativity of architects working in Dallas while also giving behind-the-scene tours of our local landmarks.

Events like Architecture360 give architects the opportunity to have an effective dialogue with the public—an important accomplishment because we often don’t speak the same language. The practice of architecture often requires specific, technical terms and those don’t always translate well to the non-architect. We presume that everyone else knows what we are saying. Since few people outside the profession have a working knowledge of architectural terminology, our jargon and insider terms might cause a message to get lost in translation. So my advice to fellow architects is this: We need to lose the jargon.

As a first step, here is my list of 10 architecture terms I am striking from my everyday vocabulary. Instead, I’ll stick with the definitions and help de-mystify the important work we do.

1. Poche: The colored in parts of a plan.
2. Charrette: A period of intense design work.
3. Parti: The big idea.
4. Fenestration: Organize of windows in a wall.
5. Curtain wall: Glass exterior wall.
6. Plinth: A support or base.
7. Porte cochère: Porch over a driveway.
8. Parapet: Low wall forming the edge of a roof.
9. Vernacular: Traditional methods and style of a region.
10. Vignette: A quick sketch or view.

Obsessed: Helix Coffee Table at Design Within Reach

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 7th, 2013 9:41am
Category:: Design

I was flipping through the new Design Within Reach catalog last night when I was stopped cold by the above pic featuring Chris Hardy’s Helix coffee table.

The asymmetrical annealed glass number is all spare and sculptural while the matte brass and warm walnut give it a sense of warmth. It’s soulful modern if you will. And it’s utterly beautiful.

But truth be told, the Helix was only part of the reason for my design reverie. Can we talk about the gold carafe and playing cards action happening atop the Helix? Not being able to swing the table due to, you know, budgetary restraints, I’ve spent the better part of the morning trying to source the carafe and the cards in an attempt to get that vibe from the photo without breaking the bank.

I’ve come up empty on that exact carafe… (I’m thinking it’s vintage. Any ideas?) I did find the two insanely gorgeous gold numbers below, but, at nearly $600 for the Alfi Juwel on the left and a hair under $800 for the Frontgate number, it appears, at least for me, the carafe is a no-go too.

The cards, however, are totally doable…

Success!

Visit 505 Ranch Club in the Latest Issue of D Home

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: May 6th, 2013 3:35pm
Category:: From D Home Magazine

I am desperately in need of a vacation, but for the time being, I am going to have to be happy just staring at this pretty photograph (by the lovely and talented Scott Womack). This month’s issue of D Home includes a look at a sleek and modern lake house at the 505 Ranch Club. You should check it out. You will laugh. You will cry. You will be ready to buy a lake house of your own. And then you can invite me over, and we will have a wonderful time.

I’m Back With Some Marble

Author:: By Ryan Conner
Post date:: May 3rd, 2013 10:41am
Category:: From D Home Magazine

Crate & Barrel’s marble fruit bowl ($49.95).

Did you miss me? I was on set all week styling wedding gowns for a feature for the upcoming Fall/Winter issue of D Weddings. I spent three days at the historic Dallas Scottish Rite cathedral and library and I have to say, I walked away obsessing, dreaming, and thinking about marble. (If you have never been to the massive Corinthian building–it’s impressive. It’s pretty much a marble-lovers paradise. Architecture notes here.)

I get to my desk this morning and what do I see? The new May/June issue of D Home–out on newsstands next Thursday–with a full page devoted to my new obsession. It’s like Joslyn was reading my mind. Stay tuned for more.

D Home Life In Color Contest Weekend Inspiration: Paint Dipped Furniture

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 3rd, 2013 8:40am
Category:: Design

Yes, I know, paint dipping and neon, as trends go, are both a bit long in the tooth, and, yet, I’m still a fan. (Then again I’m also still a fan of antlers, sheepskin, Beni Ourain rugs, disco balls, stumps, and stacks of books, but that’s another post for another day.)

So to provide our weekly dose of inspiration for the Texas Paint & Wallpaper/D Home Life in Color contest (have you entered yet??) we’re bringing you a couple of easy weekend DIY projects involving, yes, paint dipping and neon.

First up, there’s that chair action on the left courtesy of the April 2011 Better Homes and Gardens spotted via Little Green Notebook (see…old trend). I’m actually most intrigued by that pink reverse paint dip number. I’d happily replicate it in a matte Yves Klein Blue (this Blue from Benjamin Moore would do the trick) and let it hang out in my living room as a little accent chair. I might even put a stack of design books on it. Bam! You can nab that chair at World Market…

Then on the right, there’s that fetching neon yellow dipped market basket via A Pair & A Spare. I love the idea of making several of these and using them to store magazines. Plus, it’s a super easy project that you could probably bust out in about an hour — a major bonus for the DIY challenged (i.e. me).

Happy painting.

A Collection of (Gorgeous) Reissued Gio Ponti Pieces Lands at Smink

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 2nd, 2013 2:17pm
Category:: Design

Gio Ponti lovers take note. Several pieces designed by the iconic Italian architect/furniture designer/artist are being reissued by Molteni & C in conjunction with Studio Cerri & Associates, and our very own Smink is presenting the collection here in Dallas.

To celebrate, Smink is hosting a Gio Ponti opening reception tonight from 5-8 p.m, enabling all you design lovers to get a first peek at the collection, which includes, among other sleek pieces, that otherworldly two tone leather and stain finish brass beauty above and the elm essence of drawers – a chest in two sizes featuring different wood handles in elm, Italian walnut, mahogany, and rosewood upholstery. The reception will also feature a hosted talk by Heritage Auction House on the work, style, and influence of Gio Ponti and aperitifs and appetizers by Local’s Tracy Miller.

In case you need further incentive to see the pieces in person, consider this tidbit from Smink’s lovely Jennifer Smink: “There are only six dealers worldwide who are showing the setup. In the US it will be available in NYC, Dallas, and L.A. So it should be a very collectible series…”

See you there.

Hilary Walker Susses Out Art and Design Books at Not So “Arty” Prices

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: May 1st, 2013 9:23am
Category:: Books

I am all about a good stack of art and design books. (You might even say I’m a stackaholic.) The challenge? Finding said books for said stacks without dipping into my daughters’ college funds.

Luckily, our lovely contributor Hilary Walker is here with a solution.

*******

By Hilary Walker

Some say a home is only as good as its book collection. I’d actually expand that notion a bit to include amazing art and music collections too. But in the interest of keeping things manageable, let’s focus on the tomes, shall we? After all, a well-attended book collection is certainly a beautiful and smart enhancement to any home.

(more…)

Michael Wilson Makes Gorgeous Furniture

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: April 30th, 2013 10:55am
Category:: Design

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be hosting a wedding shower and a rehearsal dinner…at my house, which means I have a ‘to do’ list a mile long. And, as is my M.O. when it comes to pressing deadlines and looming tasks, I’m surfing the Internet like it’s my job.

So I figured the least I could do is pretend said Internet surfing actually is my job and share some of what I’ve been ogling online with you guys, yes?

Ok, here goes. For the past hour, the object of my online affection has been one Mr. Michael Wilson, woodworker extraordinaire. The California native was a detail-obsessed sushi chef for seventeen years before focusing on handcrafting modern-organic, sculptural pieces of furniture. A self-taught woodworker, Wilson is involved in every aspect of creating a piece, from hand selecting materials from local suppliers to milling his own lumber and making his own non-synthetic oil and wax finish. Each finished product is a true work of art, branded and dated upon completion.

Wilson now resides in Wimberley and offers his one-of-a-kind chairs, tables, lamps, and sculptures locally through Scott + Cooner.

You can learn more on (yep, you guessed it) the internet…

Artful Decoration Book Signing at Ceylon et Cie

Author:: By Joslyn Taylor
Post date:: April 29th, 2013 4:20pm
Category:: Design

I am a sucker for a good design tome. (Given my chosen profession, not such a surprise, I suppose). And Artful Decoration, the new book of (insanely gorgeous) interiors by Fisher Weisman designers Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman, most definitely qualifies as a “good design tome.” In fact, with all the stunning photos detailing the San Francisco–based design firm’s traditional meets exotic interiors, I might even consider this bad boy a “really great” design tome.

Tomorrow, April 30 from 2-4, Fisher and Wiesman will be on hand to sign copies of their book at Ceylon et Cie. Pop by to ogle designer Michelle Nussbaumer’s goods, buy a book, and then ask the dynamic duo how they mange to create rooms that feel at once opulent and restrained.

RSVP to info@ceylonetcie or call 214-742-7632

Done and done.

Enjoy the Hollywood Home & Garden Tour This Weekend

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: April 27th, 2013 3:58pm
Category:: Events

Marcel Quimby, FAIA, is a principal with Quimby McCoy Preservation Architecture, LLP – a Dallas architectural firm that specializes in historic preservation – and lives in a 1936 home in Hollywood/Santa Monica. Hollywood Home and Garden Tour is part of Architecture360, Dallas Center for Architecture’s and AIA Dallas’ version of Architecture Month.

Hollywood Home and Garden Tour: Saturday, April 27^th and Sunday, April 28^th, 2013

Hollywood/Santa Monica, a unique, historic neighborhood in East Dallas, is hosting its 22^nd annual Hollywood Home & Garden Tour this weekend. This home tour celebrates the unique 1920s and 1930s architecture of the neighborhood, nestled in tree-covered hills just south of White Rock Lake. It offers a glimpse of this delightful, historic East Dallas neighborhood and its remarkable collection of Tudor cottages. Events include:

Home and Garden Tour: Saturday, April 27^th and Sunday, the 28^th, noon to 6:00 pm

Walking Tour of the neighborhood: Sunday, April 28^th, 11:00 am to noon (free)

Home and Garden Tour: Saturday, April 27^th and Sunday, the 28^th, noon to 6:00 pm

Walking Tour of the neighborhood: Sunday, April 28^th, 11:00 am to noon (free)

Hollywood Art in the Park: Sunday, April 28^th, noon to 6:00 pm (free)

(more…)

Architecture360: What To Do Now (and Later)

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: April 26th, 2013 2:29pm
Category:: Events

Greg Brown is Program Director for Dallas Center for Architecture, which was founded by AIA Dallas and is devoted to bringing the public more actively into the conversation about the importance of architecture and design.

We are in the final days of Architecture360—AIA Dallas’ and the Dallas Center for Architecture’s version of Architecture Month—with lots still to do. Visit the Architecture360 website for all the details, but here are a few highlights.

This weekend, it’s all about tours. We’ve expanded the boundaries of our architectural territory to include Fort Worth, so head west for the AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour. Showcasing residential architecture, the tour includes two homes architects built for themselves. Closer to home in East Dallas, the Hollywood/Santa Monica neighborhood will hold its events celebrating the area’s unique 1920’s architecture. The home tour is Saturday and Sunday with a special walking tour and art show on Sunday.

The Dallas Center for Architecture will kick off its third walking tour with an inaugural walk through the historic West End this Sunday afternoon. Join me as we explore the “birthplace” of Dallas, paying special attention to the railroads’ role in developing our city, as well as the tragic defining events of November 1963. We have our “normal” tours this weekend also: Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and a free Skyline 360 tour in Klyde Warren Park at 2:30 p.m. the same day.

The grand finale comes Tuesday at Klyde Warren Park as we end the month with Skyline 360 tours, Build Your City!, food and drink, and live music. Come help us celebrate!

Friday Fun with ID Collection’s Jim Williamson

Author:: By Laura Kostelny
Post date:: April 26th, 2013 2:12pm
Category:: Personalities

Hi! Happy Friday. Let’s have a listen to my dear friend, ID Collection’s Jim Williamson, shall we? In the design industry, one needs to know about fabric, furniture, finishes, framing, and sometimes even flame-proofing. A person also has to be somewhat of a sleuth to seek out that “perfect” piece that pulls everything together. It could be that bridge fabric that makes what seems like a bunch of disparaging elements work together, the perfect piece for the entry, or a bench for the foot of a bed. This sleuthing can take hours, weeks, months, and sometimes years. (But really, I suggest that you try to avoid the “years” timeframe.)

Having the gift and talent of sleuthing is great, but it’s not the only ability you need. It pays to have something I like to call “interpretation by vocalization of approximation.” Let me explain. It begins when someone attempts to describe what he or she wants. Unfortunately that person, place, or thing currently exists solely in his or her imagination. (This is similar to how I imagine Amanda Bynes spends her days.) Anyway, the description often involves hand gestures and air drawing.

(more…)