Nirmada: Interior Design in New York City

Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy spent their winter doing more than supplying Opening Ceremony with $210 sweatshirts; they released a fabric collaboration with Knoll Luxe, mainly focused on draperies.

The fabrics come in eight styles, each named after a famous American author, and each averaging $315 per linear yard. But it’s the Emerson pattern (second image in the gallery above) which joined other Rodarte fabrics chosen to enter the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. The Emerson is made in Germany and comprised of 30% polyester and 70% rayon, for you Fashion and Interior Design nerds (like you and me!) out there.

Rodarte joins Proenza Schouler in producing for Knoll Luxe, and both collections can be purchased [through Nirmada].

What a reply that would be to someone asking about your new draperies: “Yes, aren’t they nice? They’re Rodarte.”

(excerpt from racked.com)

I am in love…

A sharp contrast from last weekend, it’s FREEZing here in NYC. This week I’m looking for things that are cool, sharp, and clean.

1980′s Pair of Joe D’urso low rolling tables for Knoll. Red enameled steel and safety glass.  height: 16.5 in. x depth: 27 in. x width/length: 27 in.

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USA.  Mid Century. Chocolate stained futurama style wooden cabinet. The two hinged doors conceal inside drawers. The front design has a gilded grid pattern and pyrimidal brass pulls. height: 36 in.  x depth: 21 in. x width/length: 42 in.

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A cool splurge!

Copenhagen Denmark. 1960′s. A unique pair of PK11 armchairs in original custom ordered parchment covered seats and backs with matte chrome steel legs. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm cabinetmaker E. Kold Christensen.

26 in. x depth: 18 in. x width/length: 25 in.

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Italy. 1950. Solid Brass Tripod Table w/ Marble Top height: 29 in. x diameter: 36 in.

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U.S.A. 1970′s. A monumental piece designed by Milo Baughman. Its enormous size truly makes this table a center piece. height: 15.9 in. x depth: 46″ x width/length: 56″

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USA.1950′s. Pair of square base cream travertine lamps. height: 12BH x second height: 25OH x depth: 3.75 in. width/length: 3.75 in.

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American. Circa 1970s. Karl Springer Bar cart with two Lucite shelves and polished chrome top with four wheels and swiveling top. height: 25.5 in x depth: 21 in. x width/length: 32 in.

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USA. 1950s. Rare pair of “string” lounge chairs strung with their original hemp string. height: 29 in. x depth: 29 in. x width/length: 20 in.

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Remember, the most eco-friendly thing we can do is to re-use.
Call Nirmada to purchase any of our weekly items.

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.

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

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

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.

Timeless design!