THE USEFULNESS OF CONSOLE TABLES...

Console tables aka entry tables are usually more decorative than practical pieces of furniture. Although a console table can set the stage for an inviting room, they are usually a place where vases, candles, photos and other decor reside. 

The idea of a console table comes from classical architecture. The word console means a ledge on the wall acting as a support. The same role is given to console tables. Nowadays they usually act as a support for keys, mail, photos and phones as well as the aforementioned decorative items.

Here are some examples of my faves...

West Elm

Patagonia Trading Company

Bungalow 5

Arteriors Home

Global Views

West Elm

Bungalow 5

Global Views

I love when designers store ottomans underneath a console. It's a great design and space saving element that adds extra seating. Check out these consoles in action...

 

Click here to see what Elle Decor has to say on the subject of console tables.

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEDECOR.COM

MY DAY AT ICFF - INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE FAIR...

The annual ICFF (aka the International Contemporary Furniture Fair) held at the Javits Center in NYC is now a distant memory. One of my favorite trade shows, this is the premier showcase for the latest trends in unique and contemporary design from around the world. 

I was happy to stop for a photo op with my girl Malene Barnett of Malene B Carpets representing the carpet industry with her amazing designs...

Me and Malene B

This year ICFF celebrated its 25th anniversary.  You can see why this show is so sought after with this sampling of the hundreds of unique products from furniture to lighting to accessories...

GIN Art & Design
by Brooklyn based furniture designer Orlando Dominguez 

Door Handles by Phillip Watts

Crystal Foosball Table from Bespoke Global

Handblown Glass Chandelier from Bespoke Global

Iconic Fritz Hansen Chair

Vanity from Devon & Devon

More bathroom fittings from Devon & Devon

Lamps by Gilles Caffier

Walter Desk by Olga Guanabara

Clock by British European Design Group

Lighting by Iacoli & McAllister

Hanging Light Fixture from Serip

Pedestal Sinks by MGM Stone

Vertebrae Lighting by DFC 

I look forward to what next year's ICFF has to offer.  In the interim, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

DESIGNING FOR A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE...

I am about to embark upon two office projects, both in NYC. Of course both clients have TOTALLY different visions for their spaces. Since both companies have a marketing twist to their businesses, we are able to be a little more creative than usual with the design.

One client's space has an industrial feel with the exposed ductwork and mechanics in the ceiling, white walls and hard wood floors. She envisions a dream like setting. Think the Warren Beatty movie, "Heaven Can Wait" (God, I'm dating myself!): modern, ethereal and white. Here are some photos from her inspiration board...

My other client's office has taupe walls, floors with a faux whitewashed antique finish, exposed ductwork and beams painted charcoal & brown, and a killer view. Mind you, he did all this himself before he even hired me so you know he's got amazing taste.

He envisions his space to be an extension of his home. He wants old world industrial yet eclectic and contemporary. Think the Restoration Hardware meets Crate and Barrel. The furnishings, although they need to be office appropriate, should function in an apartment as well. Here's some of his inspiration...

 This one is going to be more of a challenge, but I'm up to it.

Tomorrow we'll look at the elements needed for each space: executive office, conference rooms, etc.

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRATEANDBARREL.COM, RESTORATIONHARDWARE.COM

A FRESH APPROACH TO WALLPAPER...

I am a big fan of wallpaper because it adds such panache to the design of a space. It is one of the greatest design element I try to incorporate into any room that I can (including my own).

Although the options are almost limitless, I have a few go-to favorite companies, one of them being Thibaut Designs. Their styles run the gamut but their "forte" (if you will) is in the transitional genres and their price point in wonderful (that's very subjective, I know).

They have all types of wallpaper from vinyls (use mostly in commercial applications) to textured grasscloths (which has made a resurgence since the 70s) to embossed or flocked papers (again reminiscent of the 70s) to metallics (you know I love a little bling).

Here are some of my Thibaut faves:

Velvet Jacquard

Corsico Square

Maryse

Mojito

Julian

Shalimar

Kaleidoscope

Arran

Now Thibaut, having already branched out into textiles, has expanded their offerings to include a classic furniture line. We'll explore those next time...

Happy trend spotting!

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THIBAUTDESIGNS.COM