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Madonna totally rocked the Super Bowl half time show with some great collaborators, Cee Lo on ‘Like a Prayer’, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. on ‘Gimme All Your Luvin’. And some incredible dancers who deserve credit. We want to draw attention to another of the stars of her show, the spectacular throne she was carried in on. London design duo Jimmie Martin were responsible for the black polished walkway and gilded poles raised above two sphinx dripping in black Swarovski crystals, a one of a kind Egyptian inspired work of art. And there, behind the seat of the throne were the tall and unmistakable initials M.D.N.A, the title of Madonna’s next album scrawled in Jimmie’s signature graffiti script. Now you know – no need to sing ‘Who’s That Chair?’.
Posted by admin on February 5th, 2012 at 9:06 pm.
We’re thrilled to be able to bring you our first ever trends report via guest contributor Theresa Strickland from Brandwave.org . For more information please click through to Brand Wave or scroll to the bottom of Theresa’s Global Trend Forecast 2012 to learn more about her work.
About Theresa:
Theresa is a key-industry merchandising strategist with a 25 year track record of strategizing for companies like Macy’s, where she was vice-president of table top and housewares and as Senior Vice President at Pottery Barn. Theresa lives in both, San Francisco and Chicago, with her husband and two dogs, Norman and Maci. Once again, for the full, and rather impressive, extent of Theresa’s global branding , marketing and merchandising experience, please hop over to Brand Wave to learn more about this incredible woman.
Posted by admin on February 4th, 2012 at 2:51 pm.
Martin Miller - Bon viveur and maker of Martin Miller's London Dry Gin via www.luxist.com
I’m sitting in front of the fireplace right now. Also in front of me are over 15 bottles of Artisanal Gin. My new favorite is the London Dry Gin from Martin Miller’s Gin. This is truly exotic stuff. The London Dry is in a low, squat bottle. Upon opening the handsome bottle I detect immediately the scent of cucumbers. Not just any cucumber but an especially aromatic variety. This Gin doesn’t need to be mixed- it’s got all the stuff right inside. I’m absolutely blown away by the softness of the nose- coupled with that unmistakable aroma of the cucumber. I got to thinking- when was the first time that I smelled this quality of Gin? Hendrick’s does a cucumber scented Gin that I like, very much. This Gin from Martin Miller is a very sophisticated and dare I say sensual slurp of liquid pleasure. The cucumber is right there in the foreground. You cannot miss it. I’m almost shocked by the depth of the vegetable aroma and flavor. White flowers follow up immediately- those little Tobacco flowers. Then the attack of herbs and spices come quickly into view. The initial distillation happens in England. The blending occurs in Iceland with pristine glacial water as the adjunct. I’m just blown away by the finish- it goes on and on and… on .
I thought I introduce a new cocktail to Modenus this week. Gin and Citrus come to mind. Charred grapefruit juice, Maraschino Cherry liquor and a chiffonade of Thai Basil. What? Fresh herbs in a drink? Why not?
To make this cocktail you must be ready to take your palate to another place. In this case, the drink is Martini-like but not a Martini. Sure it has Vermouth, but Carpano Antica is the Sweet Vermouth (instead of dry) and there is the slightly charred grapefruit bringing up the rear.
I love working with great ingredients and you should too!
The Gin Twist
Makes two invigorating cocktails for whatever you desire at the end of the day.
Ingredients:
Martin Miller’s London Dry Gin
Carpano Antica
Cucumber chunks
Bitter End Thai Bitters
Lime hunks
Grapefruit chunks
Fresh mint
Seltzer water like Perrier Pink Grapefruit
Chiffonade of Thai Basil
Preparation:
To a cocktail shaker filled ¼ with ice add some charred grapefruit. (sear grapefruit segments in a sauté pan until nice and colored on all sides, then muddle with fresh mint and the cucumber, lime and grapefruit chunks until they release their essence about 3 minutes or so. Add to the shaker the Carpano Antica Vermouth (about a shot) Roll the Thai Basil into a cigar shape, and then slice on the bias to release the aromatic oils. Add to the shaker.
Add the Martin Miller’s Dry London Gin and the Maraschino Liqueur. ( 1 shot)
Shake and strain into a coupe’ glass and garnish with a flamed peel of orange peel. Top with a home cured cherry. Add a splash of seltzer water to finish.
Slurp away to a freezing cold and wet spring in old England.
http://www.cocktailwhisperer.com
Posted by admin on February 3rd, 2012 at 8:32 am.
Twice a year, Maison & Objet, the vast interior design and furniture show, held in the vast purpose built centre on the outskirts of Paris, attracts design professionals, journalists and enthusiasts from Europe and beyond. It is, make no mistake, an essential destination. It would be easier to list the European manufacturers who don’t participate than to even list the old friends and favorites we bumped into. And, of course, there is no place like Paris. But be warned, bumping into old favorites probably isn’t the best strategy for this show. Just as in Milan, you need to focus. The show is organized into eight halls – seasoned and returning visitors all counseled those visiting for one or two days to restrict their adventures to two or three halls. So let me declare myself now, if you were somewhere other than halls 5, 7 and 8 – sorry, maybe some other time. Continue Reading…
Posted by admin on January 31st, 2012 at 7:57 am.
This month we’re all about romance and we love the romance Linda Merrill, captured in this tiny space. Confronted with a kitchen from the early 80′s with knotty pine cabinets, out of date appliances and too many disconnected elements, Linda set to work.
We want to note that no cabinet was harmed in the making of this remodel, and salute Linda for avoiding the temptation of choosing light colors to make the space appear bigger. On the contrary, Linda refinished, painted and distressed the cabinets – herself – in two shades of blue which contrasts beautifully with the copper accents on the pot rack and roman shade. New, stainless appliance offer a bit more reflective surface and updated appeal and we’ve spotted the addition of much needed recessed lights. We also love the accent of white bead-board that covers the walls in what is now a classically romantic french provincial style gem of a kitchen. New countertops and plumbing fixtures complete the design and a skirted sideboard hides kitchen gadgets with charm and style. 
Continue Reading…
Posted by admin on January 29th, 2012 at 2:45 pm.
Rebbecca Ward is one of Sacramento’s foremost interior designers and when one of her clients bought a home and wasn’t sure what to do with the formal living room, well, who else would they turn to?
Rebecca’s solution was to turn the room into a study complete with built in shelving and file cabinets, wood flooring a writing desk and plenty of places to lounge.
Continue Reading…
Posted by admin on January 29th, 2012 at 8:45 am.
This really is very beautiful. The year long refurbishment of a farmhouse in Vaison-la-Romaine by the talented Meilin Bristiel has created a building that is distinctly French, and of its time, yet also modern, comfortable and fully functioning. It may be easier to talk about what she left alone. And, in case you are wondering, that would be the peripheral walls except for the window and door openings. Just about everything else is new.
Continue Reading…
Posted by admin on January 28th, 2012 at 8:21 pm.
Our thanks to Linda Merrill for sending us details of her work on this lovely 19th Century Boston townhouse formal living room. That beautiful walnut parquet flooring you can see on the right is also there on the left, it is just hidden under several layers of stain and varnishes. All credit to Linda for conserving this beautiful material rather than replacing it. The red walls and stark white blinds did nothing to enhance the existing space so Linda replaced both with warm neutrals and soft but classic draperies, making the room stylish and welcoming.
The furnishings are formal but comfortable with highly durable fabrics, ideal for the delighted clients, a busy professional couple with a toddler. There is a pair of sideboards flanking the fireplace by Theodore Alexander, Mitchell Gold arm chairs with toddler friendly washable velvet by Robert Allen; the sofa is Baker “Dapha” with Stroheim & Roman chenille, the small round table by Milling Road for Baker and those beautiful tufted back arm chairs, just perfect for the room, are “Martine” chairs by Restoration Hardware. The rug is by Landry & Arcari and Linda made all the accent pillows herself. The only things which are not new are the chandelier and the sconce which is late 19 Century French gilded bronze with crystals.
And we think that’s a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin on the sideboard so we hope you’ll excuse Modenus Tim if he raises a glass of his favourite tipple in loyal salute to the British monarch and in thanks to Linda Merrill for sending these pictures and her excellent notes to beforeandafter@modenus.com. You, of course, are welcome to do the same.
Posted by admin on January 28th, 2012 at 5:03 pm.
Upon entering the kitchen with your guests you hold your breath, a technique you have learned over the last number of weeks which enables you to detect subtle, barely audible gasps of delight. You know that this human response was top of your list when you briefed your kitchen designer and you are now beginning to acknowledge that the visual stimulators being given off by your kitchen are powerfully achieving the desired “Wow Effect”!
The “Wow Effect” is something kitchen designers get asked for a lot, but when it comes to kitchen design what makes a “Wow”? Everyone’s “Wow” is different and can be determined by the level of stimulation achieved through the five senses; the resulting physical reaction will most likely depend upon the physiological make up of the individual and their social profile. It is the job of the kitchen designer to read the situation, the client and their demographical situation to deliver on the required “Wow Effect”!
The social profiling of each individual is relative to achieving their subjective “Wow” threshold, as the level of “Wow” can be directly linked to an individual’s social and financial circumstance. If an individual is wealthy it may take a lot more stimulation to create the desired effect due to their social conditioning and unconscious belief that they should be surrounded by beautiful things!
But “Wow” is not just about how much a kitchen cost, it can be about breaking the rules, redefining design trends and being bold and brave enough to do something different. A “Design Appreciation Wow” is a little more difficult to achieve as the designer needs a client who is prepared to walk the fine line between “Wow” and criticism. The connection between the client and designer must also be fluid with ideas being able to flow easily and without any raised eyebrows.
Staggering the effect also helps amplify the overall impact with good designers achieving the “Wow Ripple Effect” by layering their designs. Stage one is the initial visual impact whereby the viewer gets their first glimpse of the new kitchen. In order to achieve the secondary level “Wow” the kitchen must have a visual hook, a feature that draws the viewer in and appeals to their inquisitive nature, third and forth level “Wows” can be more technical allowing the client to explain the features of the kitchen to their guests, classic examples of this are shape shifting elements like a downdraft extraction system, pocket door systems or controllable mood lighting!
A “Coffee Morning Wow” can be achieved without even seeing or experiencing the kitchen. This is a social phenomenon whereby the client is able to obtain social approval from their peers by citing their design choices, the company who installed the kitchen or the designer who penned the creation. This is not bragging or boasting it is simply the legacy of our childhood whereby we sought the approval of our parents; this natural human trait means that we will all seek the approving glances of those we like and respect!
The final “Delayed Wow Effect” is achieved long after the visual stimulation of having a new kitchen has faded. This “Wow Effect” is introverted and is defined by the functional capacities of the kitchen. It is only by using and experiencing the kitchen over a period of time that the client will understand its complexity and will then fully appreciate the knowledge and professionalism bestowed upon them by their kitchen designer – The Wow Maker!
By: Darren Morgan
Posted by Darren Morgan on January 25th, 2012 at 7:52 am.
- Tribal-inspired living room with brown limestone floor and African cocktail table. Michael Stratton Photography.
The publications Gail Shields-Miller’s work has been featured in read like a who’s who in shelter mags with projects of her New York City based company Shields and Company Interiors in Architectural Digest, Veranda, New York Spaces, Interior Design and many others. Gail’s work caught our eye for the eclecticism and fearlessness with which she creates her stylish compositions. Her designs are warm, inviting and comfortable but never predictable.
When I spoke to her recently I started by asking Gail about how she blends surprising elements with otherwise traditional pieces. “I do get clients to mix it up.” she says. “Furniture should be comfortable and pleasing to the eyes but there should be things of interest, things that make a room stand out. It becomes a theater for me, a place to create a feeling. And every little thing counts.” As she speaks her enthusiasm is apparent. “When I see things I know if they will work, my brain works like that. I am always looking for something new.” For the last year many of her finds can bee seen on her successful blog Dezignlicious. Started because she wanted the stimulation of a new challenge, the blog tends to feature 21st century furniture and new design, of which Gail considers herself to be a supporter. “It is just a baby blog right now” says Gail, “But I love the feedback I’ve been getting and its going to get a lot bigger.” Continue Reading…
Posted by admin on January 24th, 2012 at 7:10 am.
