Obscure Finds & Authentic Pieces

By Jamie Yoos
Photography by Haley Howard

Take interesting and obscure finds from galleries, combine them with mixed period pieces, and you have the key to creating a unique home, according to Studio Gutow, an interior design studio in Laguna Beach, California, that launched early this year.

Lisa Berman, the founder and principal designer, along with designer Melissa Rohani and project manager Heather Brunelli work together to incorporate differing textures, vintage and antique pieces paired with modern items, and natural materials to bring high-end spaces to life in each project.

In Newport Beach, this exterior living room is designed to be used all year long.

Q: What inspired you to be designers?

Lisa: I grew up around beautiful things; my dad was a collector of 18th century American antiques and decorative art. I was always in beautiful homes and different environments that were inspiring to me.
Melissa: After over a decade in the tech industry, I was in an e-commerce startup and understood how to run a business online. I was frustrated with what furniture you could find readily available — everything is mass produced and seasonal, and the quality of how things are made is something I was finding subpar. I would look at vintage and antique pieces and the craftsmanship was built to last generations.

Q: What was the catalyst for your partnership?

Lisa: I was a client of Melissa’s. We feel strongly about curating a unique home with obscure finds from different galleries and mixing them with other pieces to keep it interesting. It felt different than what most people were doing in our area, and it was more fun to approach a project together. We decided to solidify that collaboration — two heads are better than one.
Melissa: I started a company almost 10 years ago, Laguna Mercantile. I was an antique dealer. Lisa and I met through that. We’ve been working on projects together for about seven years. We have lots of opinions about how things come together, furnishings, and making sure everything has a story.

Lisa is a furniture encyclopedia. You could show her any piece of furniture and she would know whether it was authentic, who it was inspired by, what region, it’s crazy. She’s a wealth of information, wisdom, and knowledge around design. We have ways that we are different, but we intersect in areas and it turns out better than I could’ve done on my own.

A casual and eclectic Newport Beach primary bedroom.

Q: What is your design process?

Melissa: For most people, it’s a similar process. One thing we take a unique angle on is spending time with our clients and figuring out how they’re going to use the space, how they want to feel in the space. We have clients who have a primary home, or second, third, or fifth home. Each one of those has a different use and feeling.
Lisa: The environment that they’re in — what part of the country, natural materials that are inherent to that region — we take into account.
Melissa: Someone who’s building a house in Park City, Utah, likely doesn’t want it to look like a townhome in New York City. Making sure it’s authentic to the family and location, so it feels organic and natural. Taking into account our clients’ personalities. We have a lot of intense Type As who want to live like that, and we have intense Type As who want to go somewhere casual and comfortable.
Lisa: That plays into the colors and even the type of sofa. Is it super loose, messy, and chill? Or very overstuffed, upright, and stiff? Oftentimes, their personality is very obvious in the selections and the details throughout the home.
Melissa: We look at the way people want to use the space and ensure no surface is too precious that people can’t live in it. ‘Don’t put that down there, it needs a coaster!’ We want to take all of those fears away and have a livable home.

A boy’s room with a Casa MIDI bed with whimsical accent pieces.

Q: What’s coming soon to the Shop on your website?

Lisa: We can’t get too specific, but some collaborations with artisans that we work with for select projects … having things to sell to people who aren’t even necessarily our clients. An e-commerce aspect.
Melissa: We’re always traveling and sourcing, we have a passion for it, so unique finds are what we’ll offer. Not only new pieces, but also interesting vintage and antique pieces that we come across. It’ll be a mix.

Q: What are your goals for Studio Gutow?
Lisa: To continue building an interesting clientele with a similar mindset to us: they want a layered and collected home that is comfortable, refined, and personal. In our desire to create a unique space for each client we work with, we come across interesting, small artisans. We’d love to collaborate with them on more permanent pieces that are part of a collection that we could put on our e-commerce site coming soon.

Q: What is your favorite project you have worked on together?
Lisa: The Emerald Bay project. We got in a groove of working together and that’s the project where I cried when it was over. I am not an emotional person. It was our showcase piece.
Melissa: I think we’re about to start a second favorite, just based on the location. We have a project that we’re going to do in Napa, and we both love Napa, so we’re very excited about that.

June 16, 2023 Leave a comment

Fresh as a Daisy

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Alyssa Gautieri

A classic symbol of beauty, the daisy flower is often represented in home design. The daisy can be portrayed as colorful and eccentric, or elegant and minimal — or as something in the middle. “I think daisies are a really happy, friendly flower and they have such a bold, cheerful, graphic shape to them,” says Laurel Harrington, interior designer and founder of honeydudley. “They are something that make you smile right away.”

Wendy Umanoff Daisy Ceiling Light

Modern and edgy, the Wendy Umanoff Daisy Ceiling Light adds charm and character to a simple ceiling. Inspired by the allure of a daisy in bloom, the metal petals around the glass globe can be adjusted to create a unique look. Add an eccentric touch to the bedroom, dining room, bedroom, or foyer.

Honeydudley Daisy Doo Dining Chair

Inject personality into the dining room with a playful, floral-inspired dining chair. With a unique daisy-shaped backrest, the Daisy Doo Dining Chair is honeydudley’s first creation. The dining chair design is pretty and playful, as well as clean and contemporary. “These chairs are so customizable, you can make them minimal or colorful,” says Harrington. “Adding whimsy and color doesn’t have to be chaotic; it can be done with shape and sculpture too.” The chairs are made from sustainably harvested wood, while the cushions are made from high-quality leathers and suedes in a range of colors. “The Daisy Doo immediately lightens the conversation among furniture and architecture in any space,” adds Harrington.

John-Richard Quartz Daisy

Intriguing yet timelessly elegant, the John-Richard Quartz Daisy features delicate gold-finished petals and a center made from quartz crystals. With a textured stem and intricate leaf details that resemble the beauty of nature, the striking daisy emerges from an alabaster base. This artistic piece makes for the perfect dining room centerpiece, or decoration for the bedroom or living room.

Daisy Flower Coffee Table

Glamor meets industrial chic with this Daisy Flower Coffee Table designed by Giulia Ligresti. Exuding the colors and details of a real daisy, the iron table livens any interior and serves as an eye-catching statement piece. The green-finished pedestal base resembles the stem of a daisy, while the white and orange surface recreates the pistil and petals. The iron table is completely handmade, making every piece unique.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not Frame

Full of exquisite details, the Loves Me, Loves Me Not Frame is handcrafted of wood glazed with a gold leaf and adorned with ornate porcelain daisies. Complete with shading and texture, every small daisy is painted by hand to replicate the style of real flowers. The oval frame by Caiafa Studio is named after the game of French origin in which one person plucks petals from a daisy to determine whether the object of their affection reciprocates that love.

March 2, 2023 Leave a comment

Cozy Cottagecore

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Isabel Vega

COTTAGECORE as a home design style is a romantic and nature-focused trend that is all about simplicity and comfort. Wanting to celebrate a lifestyle rooted in the uncomplicated, cottagecore originates from European nobility seeking simple lives through country living. Today, Waterstone, Americh, and Taryn Emerson Interiors curate this popularized trend by creating high-end kitchen and bathroom appliances that leave spaces feeling lived-in, bright, and charming.

Sawyer Freestanding Bathtub

Americh is known for its contemporary and classic designs. This sleek, freestanding Sawyer bathtub embodies comfort with its classically shaped roll-top, which creates a vintage look. Its hand-hammered finish provides a rustic touch that is so prevalent in the cottategcore trend. The Sawyer is part of the Americh Freestanding Collection and is available in hammered nickel, smooth nickel, living brass or a plain white exterior. Depending on size, this tub ranges from $5,156 to $10,312 in price.

Waterstone Pot Filler

Having a pot filler in your kitchen is all about convenience; they can enable multitasking and minimize the mess. Waterstone Faucets’ Traditional Pot Fillers embrace a classic design with vintage details like cross handles or lever handles. The pot fillers are available in plenty of finishes, including antique and distressed finishes, as well as polished copper, brass or gold finishes, all of which add to the rural and romantic cottagecore aesthetic. The pot fillers are available in a wall or counter-mounted style, perfect for stovetops against a wall or on a kitchen island.

Priced at $1,794 for wall mounted, and $1,867 for counter mounted, this can tie together your kitchen.

Taryn Emerson Bathroom Vanity

Cottage style evokes the inclusion of elements that have character and convey a sense of permanence or age. Taryn Emerson Interiors creates a custom bathroom vanity of furniture versus cabinetry that follows the theme. The vanity gives an eclectic vibe to the space, and while the details of this particular piece are timeless and the finish feels timeworn, it creates a luxury and cottage feel in a simplified bathroom.

Taryn Emerson Kitchen Island

Taryn Emerson Interiors creates a cottagecore kitchen with this furniture-style custom kitchen island. The turned legs are meant to make the piece feel more like furniture than cabinetry. The marble countertop creates a high-end and timeless feel, and its warmth and beauty make it an ideal material to improve the aesthetic appeal of a home. This custom kitchen island brings the space to life with its brightness and flare, while of course, emphasizing cottage chic.

January 27, 2023 Leave a comment

Less is More

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Marlene Ridgway

Minimalism, or at least my minimalist aesthetic, is not about an absence or a lacking,” explains Alix Lawson, the London-based interior designer and founder of her namesake interiors lifestyle brand. “It is more a conscious simplicity.”

The designer opened her second interiors studio three years ago and abides by the philosophy of conscious minimalism, which is apparent in the refreshing and clean lines of her many luxury projects from London to Little Venice. The concept is that space and material design things can significantly influence your sense of being and mood, and this designer embraces elements that create light and calming spaces.

Growing up in Queensland, Australia — the most tropical part of the continent boasts blue waters, sweeping plains, and expansive wetlands — the designer’s eye for simplicity and texture is greatly influenced by the big skies and vast open spaces there. Surrounded by some of the world’s greatest natural wonders and Australia’s leading architects and designers, Lawson says, “I soon developed a passion for interiors and architecture that led me back to London, where I graduated from the Inchbald School of Design.” This combination led to Lawson’s tranquil aesthetic. The elegance of her designs is a demonstration of melding together more than one style to create a refined signature look.

Operating under the idea of deliberate simplicity and blending design principles, Lawson believes her style is more about rejecting “opulent and loud designs in favor of quiet thoughtfulness.” Utilizing elements of Japanese, Australian, and Scandinavian designs, the designer delivers on her signature blend of contemporary minimalism.

The three different styles all hone in on a less-is-more approach. Stone, wood, rattan, linen, and other natural materials are paired with clean lines and neutral colors to execute an elegant thoughtfulness. Aspects of Australian designs focus on forming a strong connection between the inside and out, which can be seen in several of Lawson’s designs, but especially in the 33,000-square-foot project in Dubai Hills with floor-to-ceiling windows.

“Scandinavian interiors tend to use elements of Midcentury furniture, which work well in minimal contemporary spaces,” Lawson says. To create a sense of harmony in each space, Lawson uses elements of each, which can also be seen in her Notting Hill project. In collaboration with De Rosee Sa Architects & Lanserring, they transformed the property into a sleek, yet comfortable family retreat with natural transitions between textures to create a serene functional space.

Nature and travel have always influenced Lawson and her work, but unsurprisingly, she’s also inspired by other designers in the industry. “Tadao Ando is my greatest interior and architectural influence,” notes Lawson, even deeming him arguably the bastion of the minimalist movement. “The way he plays with light and simplicity has been hugely influential in my career and creative development. Ando brings nature into his work in such a seamless way.” Anyone familiar with the great open skies and never-ending ocean views in Queensland can recognize and appreciate that powerful feeling of openness in Lawson’s designs.

This idea of minimalism and simplicity has firmly taken root, especially in the face of a pandemic. “Modern city life is fast-paced; everything feels fleeting and finite. Shortened attention spans and instant gratification make us less present and far less able to switch off,” says Lawson. “Having experienced this first hand running my business in London, I noticed myself and my friends in a permanent pursuit of stillness.”

A room itself can offer a much-needed contrast to hectic city life, and combat the constant notion of being connected, moving, scrolling, sharing, streaming, and hardly ever pausing. Another current trend also embodies this sense of slowing down. “This need to cleanse our living environments and shift towards calmer designs can be seen in Pinterest’s trending interior term of the moment, Japandi, which is the marrying of Japanese and Scandinavian design styles to produce a clean, calm, and natural fusion,” explains Lawson.

Over the past few years, more and more people have been drawn to spaces that are away from crowds and chaos, a peaceful contrast to what’s happening around the world. This movement of minimal luxury could be one that will last long after the next few years. “We have seen this blow up into a huge design trend, which we believe will have more longevity than any other,” adds Lawson.

There are already several other trends that lean towards the idea of less is more, especially in the luxury realm. Wabi Sabi, for example, is a style that focuses on a deep connection with nature and the simpler aspects of life. Authentic materials are the central aspect of the design style. Lawson explains, “This stripped-back refinement is in many ways a rejection of the state of the world, a rejection of the disposable consumer society, and a call to simplify our lives.”

Recently on the panel of judges for the World Interior News Awards and the A&D Trophy Awards in Asia, Lawson continues to pave her way with her consistently elegant designs. She has also worked with expert British paint manufacturers to create a refined collection of her own and plans to keep creating and designing with longevity in mind.

December 2, 2022 Leave a comment

Detailed Design

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Lara Becker

Custom design for a high-end space requires exceptional talent, a keen eye for detail, and an extensive history in the field. Christopher J. Grubb, President and Founder of Arch-Interiors Design Group in Beverly Hills, California, has all three and more. Grubb has accrued more than 25 years of experience in the industry, and established Arch-Interiors in 1994. It’s important to him to create rooms that are distinctive yet timeless. Highlights of his career, according to Grubb, have included the refurbishment of a commercial space for Maxxam Enterprises in Los Angeles with a whiskey bar, and a California Contemporary Spanish home that he remodeled twice. Read on to hear more about this industry giant and his luxury spaces that are transforming Beverly Hills.

What inspired you to start out in this industry?

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be around architecture and design. My grandfather worked as a general contractor and my father was a construction estimator, so I’ve been surrounded by construction my entire life. Additionally, my grandmother owned a giftware store which was in our family for over 100 years. I helped her with merchandising and window displays, learning a sense of aesthetics and scale.

While still at University, in my senior year I started to get design projects, but ultimately knew I needed more experience, so I put a pause on truly establishing my own business. After 3 years in Los Angeles, an opportunity presented itself from someone who had many companies, and what I thought was an in-house design opportunity turned into a start-your-own business catalyst. It was really the perfect jumping point to start and grow my own firm. Those relationships resulted in an amazing 4,000-percent growth in the first 17 months that my company was in business.

What sets your designs apart?

First of all, I have phenomenal long-term resources that allow me to create completely custom furniture and lighting. My clients want something unique and different; they’re not interested in what’s “trending.” They want something you won’t find on the market, which as an artist is tremendously rewarding. Manufacturers I work with remark that my designs are notably unique, and there’s nothing similar seen on the marketplace. I also have a real passion for using unique materials in an unexpected way — everything from wood veneers to natural stone and mosaics.

What does your design process look like, and where are you in that process?

I’m involved from moment one: actively participating in the concept, space planning, and the design presentation through on-site supervision of construction which make sure our vision is fulfilled. At the onset of seeing a space, I can visualize what I want the space to look like. I share that with my team of designers and encourage their active participation. I’m committed to supporting their creativity. After all, there are a multitude of challenges on a project, but being creative is why we all went into the design field! My philosophy during the concept phase with my team is: Show me what I asked for, show me what the client asked for, and show me your ideas. As long as we respect the client’s wishes, I’m open to ideas. Ultimately, it’s about the client, not about us.

Are there certain materials that have become a part of your signature style?

As I mentioned, I love natural stone and mosaics. I also prefer to blend a variety of metal finishes. Another thing that sets my designs apart is that I don’t believe that materials belong in a certain category. For example, some designers think that natural stone isn’t suitable in a commercial project. I disagree. I don’t hesitate to mix materials that are traditionally meant for residential, commercial, or healthcare, into another type of project if the material works.

What are the staples you think every home space should have?

Every home — and every space in every home — should have as much natural light as possible. I love incorporating oversized windows, with privacy capabilities, of course. Natural light is truly a key element when designing for wellness — and all designs should really focus on wellness. Just as with materials in general, I love the use of something “unexpected.” Whether it’s a piece of furniture that the client is passionate about, or maybe a unique piece of art, if it makes the client’s eyes light up when they walk in the room, that’s what really matters. Every home should be composed of elements that the client doesn’t just like, but loves.

What is the goal for where you want your brand to go?

The mission is to create interior and product designs that are distinctive, compelling, experiential, and of superb quality. The goal is always to provide a sense of individuality … to give our clients a project that is as unique as they are. Simultaneously with products, the vision is not just to design products for the high-end market, but also the affordable luxury consumer market.

August 5, 2022 Leave a comment

Telling the Story

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Ritika Jain

Looking to admire or purchase historically significant works of art? Head over to Artistoric.com, an online retail gallery devoted to showcasing exquisite ceramic pieces all made prior to the 1900s. A brief scroll through the collections presents an array of timeless, aesthetic designs on mugs, vases, tile, plates, and other dishes from all over the world. Each object is paired with elaborate research detailing its dimensions, artistic origins, and historic significance to the time period it was created in.

Artistoric started in 2020 during the pandemic, when co-founders Bailey Tichenor and Michael Assis sought out to curate a collection that paid homage to decorative arts and material culture, subjects they are both highly educated in. Tichenor sat down with The High End to expand on how the gallery came about and her long-held passion for art history.

The gallery director recounts channeling her love for antiques in high school by selling vintage wares and jewelry made from antique pieces. She then decided to major in art history in college, and went on to earn her master’s degree in the subject at Bard Graduate Center, where she met Assis. Her first love, she says, was collections management, which she developed while working in the collections departments of a few museums in Nashville.

She was most recently the curator at the Historic House Trust of New York City, where she oversaw the curatorial and collections affairs of the organization’s 23 historic houses.

Assis, who heads the gallery’s research program, has had prior experience managing private collections and is now a doctoral candidate at Bard Graduate Center, specializing in Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque European arts for digital spaces. Now married, the couple is fulfilling their dream of owning and operating a gallery that celebrates their passions.

Speaking of their initial inspirations for the gallery, Tichenor relays that she and Assis “noticed that a growing interest in decorative arts and material culture in academia and museum contexts has started to trickle into the art market. More and more people are finally beginning to view these things as the works of art that they are, much like how we’ve felt throughout our entire lives.”

Material objects have the power to tell stories and preserve different moments in time, proving that art and history have always been interconnected. Many of the beautiful artifacts displayed in the gallery harken back to previous art movements and social contexts.

“A useful way to look at it is through the idea that art resonates with other social, cultural, and economic structures within the context in which it is made, and also influences them. It’s an intricate mesh, and as historians, we find this out by rooting objects in their contexts, identifying parallels, and forming scientific arguments that are based on physical evidence and a wide variety of theory and methodology that stands at our disposal,” explains Tichenor.

This relationship between art and history allows objects from bygone eras to connect with audiences today. Tichenor provides the example of Victorian pie dishes from the 1860s, which she says embodies the same concerns of exploitation of natural resources and predatory capitalism we face today. One of the most striking pieces featured in the gallery is of this sort, designed as a wicker basket with the lid depicting real-life imagery of a dead rabbit, mallard, and crow resting on a bed of leaves.

“The stories, the contexts, the feats, and the roles these objects played in history all make the pieces in our collection much more than mere antiques. It makes them meaningful and significant traces of an expansive past that personally connects people to something larger,” says Tichenor.

Artistoric is founded on the basis of research, not unlike museums, infusing a visual experience with valuable knowledge that allows audiences to build an intimate connection to these works of art. Tichenor explains that resources like relevant literature, scholarly articles, past auctions, and primary sources are used to gain more background on an object. This approach aims to bridge the gap between galleries and museums, offering consumers access to pieces of history that have transcended time.

Running the gallery also allows the co-founders to delve into forms of art they are unfamiliar with. For Tichenor, an example is the vibrant, decorative majolica collection.

“I’m also proud of our small but mighty majolica collection, which we explore in depth through our digital exhibition The Majolica Movement. Prior to curating the exhibition, my experience with Victorian majolica was limited, so the project provided the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating medium. One of the best perks of the job!”

Interested customers can browse through the selection of ceramic pieces on the gallery’s website as well as check out its creative online exhibitions, which showcase a distinct object or material with an assessment of its history and related art movements. Artistoric is a concept well executed, merging beautiful photography with thoughtful research to promote decorative arts as an art form.

Having opened the gallery in the early days of the pandemic, Tichenor and Assis hope to attend more in-person events in the future, engage with new technologies, and work with additional guest scholars, building a positive community for art lovers and history buffs all around.

July 18, 2022 Leave a comment

Caution, Curves Ahead

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Camilla McLaughlin

Design trends seem to suddenly materialize, even though most have been percolating among designers and consumer attitudes for months, even years.

“2022 is going to be a fun year to watch trends!” says Kim Armstrong, an interior designer in Rockwall, Texas. “There are so many influences that are smashing together. First off, we have the ‘coming out of COVID syndrome. We, of course, have supply chain issues, and we have a wave of younger idealistic thinkers and trendsetters entering the home decorating phases of their life. All of these things will come into play with the new trends.”

“In 2022, we anticipate the design community, in both architectural and decorative elements, to favor rich, warm autumnal tones, pattern-on-pattern, lots of layering of scale and texture, in both natural elements like wood, metals and stone as well as decorative materials like hardware, fabrics, wall coverings and furnishings,” explains Karen Karautuneian, principal at Hub of the House Studio in West Hollywood, California. “We can confidently say goodbye to whitewashed woods, boucle fabrics and brass, and warmly welcome medium-toned natural woods, boldly patterned fabrics, and bronze.”

This is a year of bold patterns and vibrant splashes of color. Maximalism is how designers characterize this vibrant look. “People are favoring a chic, maximalist design over a look that is minimalist and neutral. Some of the ways we have recently incorporated maximalism are with large curated art collections, oversized furniture and highly textured fabrics,” says Brittany Farinas of House of One interior design in Miami, Florida.

What’s Old is New This Year

Another strong trend highlighted by Armstrong is reuse and repurpose, spurred in part by shipping and supply delays. Designers such as Joshua Smith, owner of an eponymous firm based in Palm Springs, New York City and Vermont, expect antique furniture to take center state in 2022. “The Midcentury Modern craze we’ve seen in the last few years will be tempered by the addition of more refined antiques cleverly thrown into the design mix.”

Not only will 2022 present some surprising switch-ups on long-running aesthetics, but curves literally will be more prominent. Expect to see the form in sofas and chairs, patterns, and architectural elements such as doorways, windows and ceilings. “I think we are looking for softer lines and more comforting designs. People are loving this soft line that feels like it wraps you in a hug after being through the hard times that COVID brought on,” observes Armstrong.

Even more traditional skirted furniture will make a comeback, says Smith. “There seems to be a move toward comfort and livability and there’s something about a soft, supple chair that makes you want to sink into it.”

Color Wash

Colors shape yearly trends, and this year is awash in hues. Overall, designers say jewel tones will be hot this year, from deep purples to forest greens.

Green may have had a moment a few years ago, but it’s back. A majority of color forecasts showcased some take on green from Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog, potentially a hot neutral, to Behr’s October Mist, which evokes the silver green stem of a flower.

Green marble is also poised to be a top trend, shares Mark Lavender, principal of M. Lavender Interiors in Chicago and Memphis. Color is also making its way into kitchens. “The trend of all-white kitchen is decreasing, and we’re incorporating more colorful stone stabs. I’ve recently worked with three different clients, one choosing white marble with maroon and red veins, another selecting black stone with brown tiger stripes, and a third loving a white and blue/green piece,” says Houston-based designer Mary Patton.

Blues will still be in vogue. As the year progresses, don’t be surprised to see periwinkle (Pantone’s color for 2022 is Veri Peri) cropping up everywhere from dining rooms to ceilings. “Veri Peri is nuanced and unfamiliar, which will inspire designers to explore its possibilities. It would pair nicely with navy, white, tan and green,” says Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors in Louisiana.

“It’s actually very versatile, as it works well in a multitude of spaces. Periwinkle can be used for walls and can be a great option for painting furniture or cabinetry,” observes Tulsa, Oklahoma, designer Mel Bean.

Searching For Privacy

Consumers still love open-concept layouts, particularly for family and entertaining, but they also want spaces adaptable to whatever life presents. Designers continue to tweak the open concept, often using found spaces to enhance privacy. “We’ve learned how important pocket spaces can be whether they’re used for work or learning or for other activities like exercising or crafting,” said Mary Cook, founder and president of the commercial design firm Mary Cook Associates.

What doesn’t change this year? Plenty, say designers. Anything considered a classic will remain timeless. What also continues to be important, according to Smith, is “developing your own personal, unique style and unabashedly creating the space you envision for yourself. Our homes should inspire our mind and nourish our spirit, which can be expressed in so many ways. It’s just so personal.”

Regardless of the year and the trend, our approach is to always incorporate classic features with new and emerging ideas, creating timeless interiors,” shares Chicago designer Jessica Lagrange.

July 13, 2022 Leave a comment

Bringing Mindfulness Home

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Alyssa Gautieri

Whether with a deep breathing exercise or mantra meditation, practicing mindfulness or meditation helps to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. “When you meditate, you are tuned into the present moment — acknowledging how you feel, witnessing your breath, and being mindful of yourself,” says Josephine Atluri, author, mindfulness and meditation coach, and host of the Responding to Life podcast.

Sensory wellness rooms, meditation nooks, and at-home spas make it easier to escape the stress of everyday life. “If you’re new to meditation or mindfulness, it can be really challenging to step away from all of that outside noise and chaos, so it is beneficial to have a space that removes all of those things for you,” says Atluri.

“Dedicating a room to promoting well-being encourages moments of mindfulness by committing time, energy, and space,” says Sarah Barnard (WELL + LEED AP), a leading designer of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

With more people working from home, “we are interacting with our homes more than ever before, and there is a general shift toward valuing home designs that offer comfort and emotional support,” Barnard says.

“I have definitely noticed a trend toward wellness-inspired spaces — especially with the pandemic,” agrees architect William Hefner, who crafts environments that feel private, nurturing, and comfortable. “We often think of wellness as an indulgence or treat, like attending a yoga class or a weekend getaway at a spa,” Barnard adds.

“A wellness room doesn’t replace those things necessarily, but it does supplement them and makes it easier to bring the benefits of those practices into everyday life.”

Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help move our state of negativity to one of positivity. “We can easily get caught up in our inner critic and all of the negativity that surrounds us,” says Atluri. “Mindfulness helps us become aware of ourselves. Various strategies such as gratitude and affirmations can pull us out of a cycle and shift us into an alternative way of thinking.”

If you’re able to recognize that stress is physically affecting you, mindfulness can help halt the pattern. “With mindfulness, you are able to use your breath to move yourself into a calmer state of being,” says Atluri, who says you’ll notice physical differences within your body during and after meditation.

If you’re looking to be more mindful at home, craft a relaxing space by taking note of what experiences and sensations you find soothing. “When designing wellness-focused homes, it’s important to respect individual sensory needs — from installing personalized lighting and temperature controls to facilitating restorative activities,” says Barnard.

Barnard adds, “For some people, wellness may come from stimulation and activity. These clients may find a space with saturation, high contrast textures, and opportunities for activities — whether related to motion or creativity. Other clients may prefer environments consisting of a neutral palette, free from distractions, with soft or smooth materials.”

Elements of nature — like plant life, natural textures, and peaceful views — are nearly universal in creating calm. “Incorporating natural elements into the palette is essential when crafting relaxing spaces,” says Brittany Farinas, CEO and creative director of House of One. Farinas uses moss, wood textures, and crystals to emphasize and evoke feelings of tranquility.

“Natural elements such as wood, stone, and greenery help create the serene aesthetic in a wellness space,” Farinas adds. “My favorite colors to incorporate are different shades of green for calmness and white for an elegant and sophisticated look.”

When bringing mindfulness practices into your home, Atluri says to start small. “Practicing mindfulness and meditation for even a couple minutes a day will reap great benefits because you’re giving yourself a moment to pause, to breathe, and to reconnect with yourself,” she says.

“Practicing wellness at home is uniquely beneficial because it offers you the chance to create a special place in your home to escape daily stresses, calm your mind, and just be,” says Jessica Hann, vice president of brand marketing for Avocado Green Mattress. “Taking a few minutes for ourselves to relax and tune out the noise can set the tone for your whole day.”

According to Atluri, tying a new ritual to an existing activity will help you develop the habit faster — such as practicing 10 minutes of mindfulness after brushing your teeth in the morning or washing your face in the evening. When trying something new, Atluri reminds us to, “always give yourself grace, and be kind and compassionate to yourself.

Be proud of the days that you’re able to accomplish your goal and on the days that it isn’t what you hoped for, know that there is another day where you get to try.”

July 1, 2022 Leave a comment

Windows of Imagination

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Roger Grody

For most people, the admiration of stained glass is reserved for worship services, tours of European cathedrals or Tiffany lamps, but the versatility of the centuries-old art is being rediscovered by craftsmen around the world. Contemporary stained glass artisans are designing windows and wall sculptures for trendsetting hotels, corporate offices and sleek modern homes, giving the ancient art an entirely new image.

The medium’s transition from religious symbolism to a more secular, modern expression of art was pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright, whose Prairie-style residences were enhanced with extraordinary leaded glass windows, doors and ceilings referred to as “light screens.” Julie L. Sloan, whose book Light Screens: The Leaded Glass of Frank Lloyd Wright examines several decades of Wright’s prolific glass design, confirms the architect’s aesthetics were a clear departure from those of contemporaries Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge. “His clear glass in abstract patterns was nothing short of revolutionary,” reports Sloan, who notes that, unlike the nearly opaque stained glass in preceding centuries, Wright’s light screens were designed to integrate indoor spaces with the natural environment.

Although it was founded at the end of the 19th century, Los Angeles’ Judson Studios does not treat stained glass as simply architectural salvage, but as a dynamic contemporary medium. Its artisans apply avant-garde designs and innovative techniques to a wide range of projects that transcend religious institutions. David Judson, fifth-generation company president and author of Judson: Innovation in Stained Glass, reports, “Glass has maintained its relevance over time because it reflects contemporary society. What remains unchanged is the pure, visceral impact of color and light through stained glass.”

Signature projects of Judson Studios include the Natural History Museum in L.A. and the iconic Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado. The firm’s pioneering efforts in fused glass — this technique creates the effect of leaded glass without the need for soldered metal dividers — led to Judson’s creation of the world’s largest fused glass window in 2018. The formidable panel, encompassing more than 3,400 square feet of art glass, was installed in the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.

“The design world is increasingly attracted to the medium for its vibrant color and connection to tradition, the idea of taking something old and making it new,” says Judson of the introduction of glasswork into contemporary settings. He adds, “The beauty of glass is that it can withstand the environment while dealing with light in a different way … that interpretation of light can have a great impact.”

Adamm’s Stained Glass & Art Gallery in Santa Monica, California, exhibits the works of prominent stained glass artisans, and in addition to churches and synagogues, owner Adamm Gritlefeld installs his own glasswork in trendy hotels and celebrity-owned residences. His restoration projects have included Frank Lloyd Wright residences and the former Tower Theatre in downtown L.A., recently reimagined as a particularly showy Apple Store.

While bold palettes frequently draw consumers to this medium, Gritlefeld reports that intriguing designs composed of colorless diamond-shaped glass with varying textures and beveling account for many of his current architectural commissions. “People are inspired by what they see in museums or traveling and seek to reproduce it,” explains the glass specialist, who adheres to traditional fabrication techniques. “A recent client admired some windows in Italy and wanted the same look in his Malibu villa,” reports Gritlefeld of a typical request.

The work of Brooklyn-based artist Tom Fruin is in demand by architects, galleries and private collectors around the world. Rather than glass and lead, Fruin works with scavenged, reclaimed pieces of plexiglass and steel. The artist, who once created quilts from materials most people would consider litter, explains, “Those items showed patterns of human behavior and informed the design of my glass structures.” The artist’s glass houses, public art installations injecting explosions of color in urban spaces from Copenhagen to Orlando, transform discarded materials into enriching art.

His compelling series of water towers — vibrantly colored versions of the nondescript rooftop water towers scattered across the skyline of his adopted hometown of Brooklyn — are unexpected eye candy for motorists entering the borough on the historic Brooklyn Bridge. “Water towers, part of an overlooked infrastructure, are emblematic of all of New York, and mine change people’s perceptions about their surroundings,” says Fruin.

The illuminated, solar-powered structures have become iconic symbols of Brooklyn’s rebirth, and the artist has also created a full-size sculpture of the Statue of Liberty’s flame, constructed of broken windows from abandoned factories.

Nadine Keegan, a prominent stained glass practitioner in Melbourne, Australia, is a self-taught artisan who fell in love with the medium after viewing the famous glass murals at Cosmovitral in Toluca, Mexico. “Broadly, I draw inspiration from the Romantic appreciation of the ephemerality of light and life as well as from textiles, architecture, history, and art,” reports Keegan, who cites Australian modernism, Japanese woodblock prints and Frank Lloyd Wright as specific influences.

“Contemporary stained glass fulfills many architectural roles. It can be a subtle accompaniment or bold centerpiece,” states Keegan, who creates both objets d’art and architectural windows. “The legacy of the craft is extremely important to me, and while I honor this in the content of my art, I don’t use pure lead, which is the main separation between my work and traditional leadlights,” explains Keegan. “I’ve developed ways of combining the use of zinc, Tiffany-style metalwork and fused glass to expand beyond the limitations of the past,” adds the artist, who reports growing interest in stained glass by both residential and commercial sectors in Australia.

Lesley Green, owner of Arizona-based Bespoke Glass, reports, “When I started the company in Brooklyn, everyone I knew lived in apartments, so my initial idea was to make sets of small pieces that could be arranged in various ways depending on the space.” She still sells that line, which she calls “Elements,” but has moved on to larger installations in restaurants and retail establishments around the world. Green tends to employ a relatively tight palette of about 30 colors, and the copper foil method she practices (a technique often attributed to Tiffany) results in a distinct, uniform solder line.

Windows from Bespoke Glass generally reflect geometric patterns devoid of imagery, resulting in clean, modern aesthetics. Although her work is vaguely evocative of Wright’s, Green is more apt to draw her inspiration from textile design, murals and street art. With much of her work hanging from ceilings or on walls, the artist comments, “There are many more ways to bring the light and color of stained glass into your home beyond the commitment of an installed window panel.”

May 26, 2022 Leave a comment

Dark and Moody

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Alyssa Gautieri

Rich Color Palette

Moody interiors are defined by dark colors like blues, purples, and grays — as well as bold reds, deep purples, and rich greens. Depending on the hue, dark color palettes evoke distinct feelings and emotions.

According to Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors, “darker red and plum tones evoke a sense of sensual regency, perfect for a bedroom or wine room. Deeper blues tend to push more masculine and aristocratic, perfect for an office space. Deeper greens remind me of an English library and would make for a fantastic home theater or study.” Light-colored pieces pop when paired with a dark backdrop, whether it’s jet black, navy blue, or emerald green. Use light upholstery or soft wood accents to create contrast in a moody space. In an interior with dark walls and dark furnishings, crisp white ceilings create intriguing contrast and the illusion of added height.

“A moody interior is an evocative space that envelops a sense of intimacy and warmth,” says Thomas. “Since darker walls recede, a well-designed moody space makes a room feel both larger and more intimate, simultaneously.” Moody doesn’t always mean dark. “I think you can achieve moody with mid-tones of a neutral as well,” interior designer Chad Dorsey says.

Consider warm browns and creams or soothing shades of gray. Using tones, shades, and tints of the same color can create a monochromatic look that feels deep and dramatic. “I think a monochromatic color scheme works best, along with the use of wood and metals,” adds Dorsey.

“A moody interior is soothing and warm; it feels like a mental break.”
— Mary Patton

Soft Lighting

Whether in the bedroom, living room, or bathroom, lighting is an essential element to craft the personality and ambiance of a space.

If a room is full of dark hues, it’s important to consider how artificial and natural light reflects in the space — particularly when dealing with dark colored walls, ceilings, or floors. Light also reflects differently when the room is full of rich textures, like luxurious velvets, plush rugs, or natural linen.

“Lighting is incredibly important when designing a moody space,” says interior designer Mel Bean. “Any direct light exposure feels like an even more intense glare in a dark space.”

Use indirect lighting, such as directional recessed lighting, to highlight elements in the room without glare. Dimmers can help ensure the space is well lit and functional throughout the day. “Ambient soft lighting is crucial,” says Thomas. “Try to avoid the use of overhead lighting, which will eliminate the beautiful contrasts and shadows a moody room requires. Lamp and sconce lighting is the surefire way to go.”

“Perhaps the most important component is lighting,” adds interior and furniture designer Michelle Gerson. “Warm, dim lighting can be key to create a dark and moody space.”

“When I think of moody interiors, I think dark and cozy rooms with dramatic details. It feels inviting, intimate, and your choice of soothing or exciting – depending on the details.”

— Mel Bean

Luxe Textures and Accessories

From velvet to leather, luxurious textures inject personality into a room and determine the tone of space. Suedes, mohairs, leathers, flocking, and velvets work well to craft a warm, dramatic interior. “Necessary textures to enhance the moody vibe need to be tactile
and luxe,” says Thomas, who leans toward dark suede wallcoverings.

“The inspiration for my Boston Victorian home project was to create a high drama space that also feels cozy and livable,” says Michelle Gerson. “The black grasscloth walls and furniture create a sultry moodiness, while the white ceiling, patterned carpet, and metallic accents provide interest and glam.”

“Dark wood paneling is often forgotten when creating a moody space and tends to be my favorite execution of creating a moody warmth,” adds Thomas. “It’s essential to consider a range of textures in order to avoid the space feeling flat.”

Gerson is drawn to natural materials such as wood, marble, and plaster to create depth.

“I’ll mix in a metallic tone for a bit of drama,” she says. Whether with gold, brass, or chrome, metallics are a great way to add a layer of intrigue to a moody interior.

Combined with rich hues, accessories and artwork also make a more powerful statement. “A moody interior is bold, but calm at the same time; comfortable, but dramatic; and finally, moody interiors are functional, but they give stage to amazing design pieces,” says Marco Costa, CEO of Boca do Lobo.

April 29, 2022 Leave a comment