Designer Discoveries: New York International Gift Fair Recap

The New York International Gift Fair just happened upon us this last end of January / beginning of February, and there were lots of new treasures to uncover, but also lots of old hits turned misses. It seems we are in the midst of a new trends emerging again, which we always love.  There was a lot to see with over 2,800 exhibitors and 35,000+ attendees, and there was a definite push for some new offerings from manufacturers.  It is not surprising given that the still-fickle consumer who doesn't want to buy anything unless it's going to impress, is who's putting the heat on retailers to really bring it.  In turn, we retailers are doing the same to factories as well as product designers.

So then what's trending for us retail buyers?  Well, we saw that there was a huge push for organics that nod towards the modern, and that is right up our alley.   However, lets not forget that we go chic when possible as well, but still can't help bringing in the whimsical.  Here's just a few little items that thought were inspiring:

love this little guy

sexy pendants

gorgeous organic stool

another one

my favorite (polished aircraft aluminum wtih riveting, is indeed, riveting!)

feels and moods predominate

Obviously, there was so much more, and we have so much coming!  We'll keep you posted when the rest of our items arrive.

  

Happy 2012! We Love You!

From all of us here at Interior Illusions, we want to with you a warm, wonderful, safe, and heart felt New Year.  As we look back at 2011 and what it has brought us, and we always must remember the good times and the triumphs; for they are why any obstacles come our way.  Always remember you are loved, and be grateful and humbled to have another year to start anew.  We hope your 2012 is filled with love and prosperity.

Designer Projects - The Pirate Ship Bedroom

This article had to happen because this is quite possibly one of the coolest kids rooms I've ever seen.  It reminds me of when you used to watch those T.V. shows or movies as a kid that had other kids your age in them who had awesome rooms or toys and all you could do is dream of being that lucky. Being a full grown man, it actually made me want to pick up the phone and ask my parents if they really did love me growing up.  I managed to curb that urge.  However, the visceral response remains:  Childhood envy.

Designed and built by Steve Kuhl of Kuhl Design Build in the Minneapolis area and originally featured on ABCnews.com, I bet this just made parents all over the country feel like heels...and darn it, you all are if you aren't bringing this.  This guy better watch out for the PTA lynch-mob.  

The rope bridge can support an adults weight according to Steve, who I'm sure had his own motivation to make sure of it.  Don't worry Steve, we are right there with  ya *wink*.

The planks are made from 2x12 pieces of plywood and then faux finished to give it a weathered appearance.

A jail cell for those who trespass, like little brothers or sisters.  The ladder is how you get to the rope bridge.

The secret escape slide makes coming downstairs for dinner a cinch.  Wow.

There is a rope ladder that leads into the closet.  Naturally. 

Ahhh, the crows nest.  Master of all you survey.

Although this room was originally made for 6 year old, I can imagine there was an inner child at work on this as well.  If I wanted to go design-existential I would say that it is very interesting how great designs affect us from a young age.  It's only a matter of taste and aesthetic appeal that changes as we grow, but the excitement of living in something that captures your imagination is an inherent trait that never leaves us.  However, I choose to keep this one light, and thereby doing so will add only one last thing:  "Wow Dad, Cooooooooooooooollllll!!!!"

Designer Get Together: Alessi is MORE

Next Thursday (November 17th), from 6-8pm we are having a lovely little get together at i squared for Alessi.  Renowned British architect David Chipperfield has designed some specialty dinnerware that definitely takes the sleekest in show award home.  Otherwise known as the Tonale Table Set, David takes his ultra modern and minimal point of view and parlays that right into your entree with this sophisticated set of tableware.  Whether you put anything in or on these, you will definitely be served a taste of something delicious. Come meet up with us and say hello over a cocktail while we "dish" it.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Here's an even sneakier peek...

The "i" Factor: Simon Cowell Dishes Design Inside an Interior Illusions Staged Home

The interview came from this week's edition of People Magazine, who sat down with the mega producer inside this super-lux LA hills home he is renting that just so happens to be exclusively appointed by our staging services.  Looks like they got the house filled yet again, even though the new tenant (Simon) tends to be a bit on the particular side when it comes to decorative demands.  Anyway, our signature style prevails throughout this beautiful home on Queens Way and we hope you like it too!

Here is the excerpted article:

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New Specification: The New Eleganza Chandelier Series

The new Eleganza series chandelier has arrived.  Here are the vitals:

Body Styles:  Regular and Long A-Symmetrical Chandelier in Steel Chain.

Pricing:  Regular 2660usd; Long 4470usd.

Sizing:  Regular; h47",w25",d16" |  Long; h31.5",w59.1",d15.8"

Colors:  Silver and Black.

Bulbs:  Regular; 6 x 60 watts | Long; 8 x 60 watts.

Availability:  In Stock.  

Viewing:  West Hollywood Showroom.

Designer Shots: Tony Duran Shoots Interior Illusions Interiors

Our good friend and award-winning photographer extraordinaire Tony Duran has been shutter-bugging away again, but this time he hasn't been up to his normal tricks, or should I say "clicks?"  Tony is renowned for his celebrity portraiture and risque themes, so seeing him shoot some interiors is a special event.  Tony shot some interiors of his own home filled with Interior Illusions furniture and accessories and sent us these:

Thank you Tony for sharing!  We love them!

Frontiers and David Ross at Interior Illusions' Ultimate Bachelor Pad

Here are some excerpted pages from Frontiers Magazine, who recently did a photo shoot of our good friend and film producer David Ross at the befittingly named "Ultimate Bachelor Pad" that we gave concept to and designed in its entirety for the W Hollywood Residences.  David is showcased as being a most eligible L.A. bachelor because of his ground breaking film "I DO," that explores controversies in same sex marriages and the lack thereof.  David partnered with veteran screen writer and producer Stephen Israel to create this sure to be awarded manifesto. We know David as an incredibly idealistic and charismatic friend with whom you can't help having a laugh with regardless of what your political agendas may be.  We, along side with W Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, were happy to accommodate Frontiers for this shoot because no matter how progressive or conservative a point of view can be, we know it always looks sharper in the right environment.  Besides, not unlike David, we too tend to stir up a little controversy in our work as well.

Well done David!

  

Designer Photography: Marcel Wanders and Moooi "Mermaids"

This is a gorgeous few select pictures from a recent photo promotion showcasing Marcel Wanders' Moooi collection of furniture and accessories.  During the London Design Week, the Moooi showroom was transformed to a magical under water seascape.  It was as enchanting as it was alluring, and the artistic vision was executed in Wanders' typical flawlessness of fashion.  Moooi's always avant-garde approach to marketing is one of my favorites as they are never short of pulling out all the stops when it comes to creative customer sublimation of design and sexuality.

 I spy some recognizable pieces...do you?

"To be submerged into water is to be free from the constraints of gravity, free to explore a multidimensional universe.  Here, like Atlantis, the world of Moooi is enveloped in water, fit for discovery.  I invite you to join the mermaids in this alternative state of being." -Marcel Wanders

Designer Events: Fashion's Night Out in West Hollywood

This is a thank you for all of you who made the Interior Illusions Lounge at the Beverly Center possible last night, and an equal if not bigger thank you for those of you who came out to show your support.  The Interior Illusions' Pop-Up Lounge was a joint effort between us and Angeleno Magazine -who has an amazing crew-  to help promote and support Fashion's Night Out in West Hollywood last night. September 8th was the magic day for us with upcoming FNO's around the world in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, etc etc, all participating by showcasing their finest and fiercest of fashion for sale.

If you aren't familiar, Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide effort set forth by Vogue for fashion retailers to have some fun and help get people back into stores to see all the great designs they are missing in this sluggish economy.  Filled with celebrities, fashion shows, and store soirees, it is a brilliant endeavor because it brings back some good ol' fashioned shopping sass; something of which we all have been missing a little of in recent years.  Everybody needs to do the shopping bag strut once in a while.  It is therapeutic.  Besides, too much coupon clipping makes Sally a dull girl.  However, that is not to say the deals weren't there, even though 10% off at Prada can still send you a slew of instant account-alerts on your phone.  I do think the real magic, however, is that it takes down the guard between consumer and seller and embraces the relationship between the two.  And why not?  If you have something beautiful to share, sell it.  We all work, and putting our money where our appreciation is just says "I love you," back.