FOR THE LOVE OF TILE - STONE, CERAMIC, GLASS OR PORCELAIN...

I am currently working on two projects that will require tile: a bathroom renovation in a home built in the late 80's and a complete rehab of a home (I mean down to the studs) including the kitchen and three bathrooms.  Thankfully, in both cases, the clients have a "nice" budget to work with - nice not unlimited.

For a designer, picking the right tile for the project is critical to the final product. Initially, qualifying my clients to ascertain their style is key. Next is a trip to my friendly neighborhood tile showroom. Two of my favorite retailers - Walker Zanger and Ann Sacks (not necessarily in my neighborhood) - have the most unique tile selections in the world. Their design inspiration is limitless, coming from the most unusual sources:

That excursion can be overwhelming as my client disclosed after on a recent trip. Keeping in my mind their taste and their budget can make the experience much more palatable.

Whether its TRADITIONAL...

MODERN...

OR TRANSITIONAL...

...there is bound to be a tile that will give anyone the bathroom of their dreams.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of AnnSacks.com

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: MALENE BARNETT OF MALENE B CARPETS...

Today's Designer Highlight is on Malene Barnett of Malene b Carpets. Malene is a Brooklyn based carpet designer with a multi-disciplinary background in textile arts, painting and illustration and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Textile Surface Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. For more than a decade, she has created carpets for industry professionals and private label brands such as Nicole Miller, Martha Stewart, Nautica, Liz Claiborne, Nate Berkus and others. She launched her first collection at the Boutique Design NY Trade Show in 2009. 

Malene's designs are inspired by international travels, rituals and landscapes conveyed in her own fresh and personal way.  Her passion for all things cultural stems from world travels to places like Dakar, Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur, as well as her own African-Caribbean heritage. Each carpet is made from 100% natural materials such as wool, silk, and hemp and available in hand-knotted, hand-tufted or broadloom options. Malene specializes in creating custom handmade carpets perfectly suited for any residential, commercial or hospitality project. She works directly with artisans in Nepal, Thailand and India who carefully craft each carpet to a specific size, shape or color scheme.

The collections in Malene b carpets are known by travel related themes such as Transitions, Native, and Heirloom, with carpets dubbed Murano, Kyoto, Calabash, Marrakesh and St. Vincent. Some of my favorite designs are:

Fresco



Body Art

Chiapas

Moorea

Wolof

Amharic

Tap Tap

Mendhi

Masks

Malene b carpets are available through interior designers and architects and select showrooms throughout the US and Canada.  Click here for more information on Malene and Malene b Carpets.

Keep up the great work, girlfriend...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

CALL OF THE WILD...

I am completely enamored with any type of animal print, both in fashion and in interior design. As with most accents, a little can go a long way. "Friends don't let friends wear more than 25% leopard print!" - a recent pin I came across on Pinterest. As for interiors, in abundance, the result can be striking. A zebra print rug, usually stenciled cowhide, can add glam to most any space. And speaking of cowhide, a few of my favorite vendors feature pieces with "Bessie's" coating.

Check out these amazing rooms where the wild has been tamed for the sake of design...

Happy hunting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.com

THE LOW DOWN: HOMEGOODS...

You can imagine the excitement I encounter whenever I venture into HomeGoods - the color, the texture, the variety coupled with the low prices - its all very stimulating for a budgetnista like myself. I have outfitted complete rooms with wares I've discovered there. The only thing with HomeGoods is that you never know what you are going to find from day to day.  If you don't buy it when you see it, it might be long gone if you wait overnight.

Here are some amazing rooms created with HomeGoods finds...

The accessory and lighting aisles are always my first stops followed by bedding, pillows and kitchenware.  With all of the samples, catalogs, etc. I need for work, I covet their fabric storage bins. The same ones I find at places like the Container Store or Bed, Bath & Beyond are up to 60% off retail prices.

My favorite acquisitions are the turquoise velvet wing chair that proudly sits in my living room next to the fireplace and the white leather chair that greets visitors in the foyer.

See why I am HomeGoods happy...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of HomeGoods.com and Tammy Bolden.

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: DIVERSITY IN DESIGN SYMPOSIUM...

The NY Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers recently held its first "Diversity in Design" Symposium at the NY School of Interior Design located on the Upper Eastside in Manhattan.

The panel consisted of Robin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home (via video message as she was due to give birth at any moment), Anisha Clarke of Ishka Designs, Joy Moyler of Joy Moyler Interiors, Freeform & Deform Creative Collaboration, and Michel Boyd of Smith Boyd Interiors. Among other design luminaries in attendance were Malene Barnett of Malene B Carpets, Orlando Dominquez of GIN Designs and Karen Young of Hammocks and High Tea.

 (L TO R) JOY MOYLER, MICHEL BOYD, MODERATOR, ANISHA CLARKE, ARCHITECT, ARCHITECT, AND MALENE BARNETT

The panel displayed examples of their work and discussed the important role of designers of color.  During the Q&A session, the common theme communicated was (1) build your brand, (2) collaborate with like minded individuals and (3) always be prepared. I was extremely pleased that ASID recognized the need to emphasize the role of designers and architects of color in the industry. Bringing a broad perspective to design ignites creativity for all the enjoy.

I'm looking forward to future discussions of the same...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

THE LOW DOWN: JOSS & MAIN...

My latest obsession! Joss & Main is a premier members-only site, similar to RueLaLa and Gilt, that offers limited-time sales on the world's best brands for home and lifestyle products.

 

J&M offers everything from home furnishings, décor, accents, lighting, tabletop, cookware, and entertaining essentials at up to 70% off retail prices.  The carefully curated events - usually lasting just 3 days - showcase distinctive designs and trends, along with the talents of noted influencers from the interior design community. 

I have purchased several incredible items that nearly match the wholesale pricing available to the trade only. The best thing to do is to check it out for yourself by clicking here. 

Happy shopping...
   

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy