Interior Design in New York City

Right on the heels of my Caribbean inspired post, fresh out of the Pantone color guide is 2010’s color of the year, number 15-5519 Turquoise.

The global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected the luminous color based on its juxtaposition of tranquil blue notes and energizing green tones. In the essence of color therapy, the hue should evoke soothing, serene emotions, while restoring vigor, zest, and motivation.

We are happy to note that one of our current projects includes an entire Living Room bathed in this beautiful hue.

We also recently purchased a Saarinen Womb Chair for a client  in the intense, yet pleasing color:

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says, “In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many—taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.” (from www.InteriorDesgin.net)

A universally flattering color with warm and cool undertones, Turquoise complements neutrals, reds, deep blues, greens, and yellows, making it exceptionally easy to translate to fashion and interiors.

A sign of things to come?

Whether it be a commercial or residential job, I can pretty much guarantee we’re going to use something from Knoll on the project.

For the RCS Experience Store on Madison Avenue, we used Knoll’s classic Saarinen womb chair in a new smaller-scale size.

Two of these chairs flank the entry to the conference room, which is furnished with  Saarinen tables and tulip chairs.

On a recent residential job, we used pieces from Knoll Studio’s Platner Collection.

And in the Dining Room, we used Flat Brno chairs by Ludwieg Mies van der Rohe.

But at Neocon this year, Knoll came away with gold awards for some of their amazing new products including the new Generation Chair, which we featured in our last newsletter. Generation acknowledges that there’s no ONE right way to sit, and responds to a variety of work activities.

Also winning a gold was Knoll Textiles Air Rights drapery fabric collection by Suzanne Tick.

We’ll certainly be using the new and old award winners in many projects to come!

A couple of days ago I was fortunate enough to score some tickets (they’re sold out for ages) to the Philip Johnson Glass House and compound in New Canaan, Connecticut.

I’ve studied Mr. Johnson’s work since those architectural history days at SCAD, but I was overcome with excitement to see his most intimate creations in person.

Welcome Center and one of PJ's later works

We picked the worst day weather-wise and it poured with rain all day long.

Johnson's Private Study - Glass House was too distracting for working

But I was grateful for the rain, as it created a wonderful backdrop for appreciating the interiors of the Glass House.

Approach to the House

Glass House Interior

I was most struck by the fact that the interiors included many pieces which I had just installed in an apartment on Central Park West. 60 Years later, mid-century style endures.

Dining Table and Chairs at the Glass House

Identical dining chairs in our clients' apartment - April '09

Same Knoll cocktail table, but in crystal clear Starphire glass - April'09

Knoll Side table - Glass House

Same side table April'09

Timeless design!

Every day Nirmada scours the planet to stay current on what’s out there on the market – new or otherwise. Each week we bring you our New York favorites, ALL at special prices for our customers. For inquiries on any of these pieces email: ansha@nirmada.com.

Picks Week ending 23-Jan 09:

Tormod Alnaes Rosewood & Leather Armchair

Pair of Knoll Walnut & Cane Twin Headboards

Florence Knoll Sofa

Rare Charles and Ray Eames Screen

Stilnovo Chandelier

Rene Gabriel desk

The mavericks of modern, Room and Board just introduced their ‘09 collection. With a nod to mid-century, R and B has created a line which one again brings high style to the mass market.

The collection is based on a “made in America” dictate, with 85% of the pieces originating from family owned companies.

There are some obvious nods to Eames, Knoll, and Wormley, but we like the fresh interpretation, and practical application in today’s market.

With a new President and a new hope in the air, it’s time once again to appreciate American craftsmanship and value, and we think Room and Board has created a perfect design vehicle with which to embrace change!

Today, as everyone recovers from the over-indulgence of the New Year’s celebration, we’re recovering some favorites from the past year.

Our go-to furniture and textile manufacturer of ‘08 would definitely be Knoll. This year, Knoll celebrated 70 years as the leader in home and office furnishings, and introduced a revolutionary new luxury textile collection called Knoll Luxe. Combining fashion and home furnishings, Knoll called upon fashion designers Proenza Schouler for their Fall ‘08 collection.

Using Knoll Studio and systems furniture collections, we created some much needed office space for the RCS Experience Store here in NYC on Madison Ave. Knoll does this in a streamlined and sophisticated way, which doesn’t distract from the retail element, but adds to the sleek, technical feel of the space.

From office to home, Knoll has something for everyone. For a high-profile residential client of ours on Central Park West, we used Knoll’s studio collection to create the minimal and modern, yet comfortable feeling the client was looking for.