The accent wall is one of the easiest ways to brighten an office, room, or hallway with a large (or small) splash of color in order to pull together a look. However, it is important to make sure that a painted wall makes sense in a room- there is nothing worse than an obscure painted wall that does not give your highlighted atmosphere justice. But lately, we’ve been wanting to take the painted accent wall a step further. Adding texture with wood or a printed design/wallpaper can be even more effective when it comes to adding the right amount of [Read more...]

Everyone’s heard about concrete countertops, and most people associate with it’s cold, cinderblock connotation. But there are many alternative ways that concrete can be used that will give your home the opposite feeling of frigid! Concrete is a strong and natural looking and functional element that can be used to even look like other materials- Think about using it’s design element as a substitute for the painted feature wall or as a mantlepiece paired with large windows to balance out the intensity of the concrete. If you’re thinking about using concrete in your home, we really recommend working with a [Read more...]

Every year, for the last 23 years, forward-thinking furniture designers and the discerning eyes of architects, designers, and editors meet in New York for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Often viewed as the “what’s to come” of shows and markets, ICFF highlights the new frontier for furniture, lighting, and accessory design in the contemporary genre. Q+E traveled to the Big Apple to attended the show this year.  Like most shows and markets, there are awards. This year’s best and brightest, as selected by the ICFF Editors’ Awards Committee, went to some very deserving designers. A few highlights from the award [Read more...]

Who says all wood furniture in a room has to match? Mixing and matching different shades of wood is very popular right now. It’s an easy way to bring an eclectic, funky, “traveled” feel to any room. Mixing different styles of furniture is one of the best ways to make your room unique, whether it be your living room, office, or bedroom. One suggestion: pale wood tones paired with ebony-stained wood makes for a stark and beautiful contrast, adding visual interest to the space. Take a look at some of the photos below for ideas! Photo Credit: Elle Decor Photo [Read more...]

Decorator vs. Designer In your search for an interior designer you will probably come across the title of interior decorator as well. So you’re probably wondering what’s the difference right? Well, unlike interior designers, decorators are not required to have any formal education. They also will not belong to any professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or International Interior Design Assocation (IIDA). To become a professional member of these organizations you are required to pass the NCIDQ. This test ensures an individual has been educated, trained and has a strong knowledge to protect public health, [Read more...]

Whatever you call them – Color Boards, Sample Boards, Design Boards, Mood Boards, let’s face it as designers it is an essential part of our process to create boards for our clients. Being the ultimate tree hugger I am always looking for ways to green up my office and processes. I have recently began producing electronic color boards for my clients and they have been a big success.    Example of Traditional Color Board Here are a few benefits to doing e-color boards versus traditional. The are less time consuming to create – No need to go to all the [Read more...]

BREAKING MONOTONY   Listen to my intereview with designer Laura Guido – Clark on her new line for HBF Textiles. What an inspiraton and a breath of fresh air she is. West coast designer, Laura Guido-Clark, has developed for HBF Textiles a diverse collection of multi-purpose materials that breaks conventional ideas of vertical materials and upholstery fabrics. Her design concepts explore ideas of overlapping layered patterns, irregular repeats, imagery that imparts a sense of craft, and color that is fresh and energetic. The five core patterns feature 40 colorations ranging from invigorating fresh hues to grounded neutrals.     Against [Read more...]

CONGRATULATIONS ON BEST OF NEOCON SILVER MODULAR WALLS!   Come see the amazing new Alur Moveable Wall Product at NeoCon Showroom 1056 Less is More Combining the simple elegance of glass with the precisions of cast aluminium, Alur walls transform what was once hidden into an inspiration fo form and function. Natural light cascades through the clear glass walls. Architectural details are accentuated. Mechanical components are beautifully concealed. Finally, a wall system that is truly alluring.   “ALUR glass wall embodies the philosophy ‘less is more,’” says Mark Bassil, the Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing & Sales of MAiSPACE. [Read more...]

When I first saw the new collections from Davis Furniture, I had to do a double take. I continue to be amazed by how a company already known for designing superior contract furniture continues to raise the bar with each new collection. They manage to combine function, comfort and style in collections that are simply irresistible. The only problem I have is trying to decide which new collection is my favorite! The Radius Meeting Series (shown above) offers intimate seating in luxurious modular design. The pieces can be arranged to suit 30 degree, 45 degree and 90 degree angles. High [Read more...]

It’s easy to feel triumphant in the office as long as you’re the one sitting behind the desk… oh and as long as you’re sitting in Global Total Office’s new high-back office chair, Triumph. The functional and ergonomic design emulates leadership and success. Polished aluminum trim showcases an adjustable lumbar support while complementing perfectly with the aluminum trim and base. With incomparable ergonomic options, Triumph offers such an array of adjustments, it is practically customizable to any individual’s desired settings. Hard to believe a single chair could offer that many adjustments I know, but check it out for yourself: For [Read more...]