INTERIOR ILLUSIONS - THE LETTER

Designer Discoveries: New York International Gift Fair Recap

2012-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

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:

click to enlarge

New Specification: The New Eleganza Chandelier Series

2011-09-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-09-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Designer Outdoors

2011-09-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

It looks as though the season has decided to remind us that it is alive and kicking. Today has been a scorcher, and we're only in September so many more will follow. A continuation of gorgeous days have been known to follow through the whole of December. For many of those dwelling in other parts of the country it can be hard to sympathize with our 'whining-about-the-weather' here in Southern California, but secretly we know we have it pretty good. This leads me into a sense of urgency to make sure you are getting the most out of your life in this beautiful weather by enjoying it as much as possible. So your second "scorcher" to be served will be the following promotion:

click to enlarge

"No excuses" is right. Why shouldn't you be outside entertaining all weekend long? You should. Why wouldn't you go home and sit outside with a nice glass of wine and a chat with your friends or loved ones? You could. Why shouldn't you get up in the morning and relax outside with a coffee and the paper for a spell before work? You ought to. Where is your tan? Yes you can.

Our official company mandate this summer is to get you outside and entertaining; whether it is with others or all by your bad self. Letting the sunshine go to waste is not an option. The deals are only through September, but the warm weather will continue on!

Designer Promotion: The American Leather Sleeper Event

2011-08-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

It is still a week away but we are taking pre-orders. These are made to order and the factory will back up fast so a pre-order will help you get a good place in line to take delivery before other people. If you aren't already familiar, the American Leather Comfort Sofa Sleeper is the only sleeper on the market that anyone would want. Really. These sleepers sell like hotcakes and folks who know about them and want them will not even entertain the idea of another product. There simply are no other sofa sleepers that look this nice, work so well, and keep you as comfortable as these ones. AL has won multiple awards for this sleeper, and it has practically become a current day furniture icon because of how they match the few designs they have with all this functionality. Designers from all over the country call looking for these sleepers every day. They also regulate pricing for these too so the fact that the factory is announcing a sale is a pretty big deal, and this is only the second year that they've ever done so. This is for only one month. If you have signed up for emails, you will be getting the following flyer in the next couple days:

click on picture to enlarge

Designer Digs: The Elm and Willow House

2011-08-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Type: Single Family Residence
Location: South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
Status: Built
Style: Modern Mixed
Architectural Credit: Architects EAT

Project Synopsis: Three years after the first client meeting, this home has had an extensive and expansive remodel. Reminiscent of the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe, it pays homage to its past by creating a deliberate juxtaposition with the original Edwardian construction and a new modern feel. The original dark hallway corridor opens up to areas of new light and space. The surrounding nature is embraced and accentuated by floor planning and spacial orientation. The two mature Elm and Willow trees that inhabit the property became the focal points of design, and a raised floor gives way to this idea by protecting their roots. The deciduous trees also help energy behaviors in the home by providing shade in summer and light penetration in the winter. Even with heavy concrete materials, a light airy feeling predominates the space because of the precise details of the heavier elements, and the transparency of barriers (glass and otherwise). Together this opens a stage to the world around and creates a spacial dialogue inside that includes all the elements of the outside. Next generation home mechanics are all in place with passive ventilation, double insulated concrete slabs that also serve as thermal masses, solar panels, and recycled rainwater. All materials were specified non-toxic and from renewable resources.

Why We Love It: The remodel of an otherwise typical Edwardian home has turned into an exercise of progressive design values and lush textures in an architecturally relevant super-modern home that feels warm, inviting, and connected to the world around.

Designer Architect: Architect Barbie Works It Out In SoCal!

2011-08-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here is some Friday fun. Actually this is fun for any day of the week. Just when you thought it was safe to leave the doll house. Here come Miss Architect Barbie. Charged with political correctness for not being "Decorator Barbie," Miss B does more than floor plans. She comes with an arsenal of accouterments up to and including her very own Architect Dream House. Now you know she's legit and ready to hit the construction site with her blueprints, hard hat, small scale home model, and of course her thick black rimmed architect glasses. The fact that she's managed to keep those heels let's me know that she isn't compromising her standards work site or not. Where is her mini iPad?

Seriously though, there is a good message here. In 50 years Barbie has managed to stay relevant and reinvent herself more than any stand up comedian could ever dream to (well maybe not Joan Rivers). Barbie's move into the world of Architecture and Design is no coincidence or cute marketing ploy because the AIA (American Institute of Architects) has partnered with Mattel to help encourage young girls to become Architects and relate to them via workshops held at the AIA Design Competition and Design Exposition that was held in June. It didn't stop there however, as a bonus, one of the competitions was to design Barbie's new dream home, one that would put that old Malibu dump to shame and force her to trade in the Corvette for a Porsche.

(or vespa?)

Also located in Malibu, CA(this one is on the beach), the new home is complete with low-flow toilets, zero VOC paints, energy star appliances, solar panels, bamboo flooring, landscaped roof with irrigation system, operable shading devices, and locally sourced/manufactured materials as well as home furnishings(particularly love that). This is all wrapped into an economical 4,881 sq ft of living space. Did I mention that there is a 500 sq ft terrace on the second floor and the roof has a greenhouse and landscaped garden for the pets? Natch.

After 125+ careers and not aging a day, you definitely deserve it. Mazel tov!

Designer Dilemmas: Picking The Perfect Sofa

2011-08-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

The most common question we hear when people come to us wanting to redesign their living room is: "What sofa should I get?" That's about the same as asking what kind of shoes go with a dress you never saw. Getting the basic facts of a room is paramount in deciding what goes into it. Usually the only supporting information that follows are room dimensions and a somewhat accurate description of the rooms theme.

I got my haircut last weekend, and when I sat down into that chair and tried to explain my optimal head of hair to the stylist, I noticed that my conveyance of information to her was with a lot of "ya know"s and "kinda like this"es. I then listened to the people around me doing pretty much the same thing...describing what they want in the vaguest of terms and expecting a whole lot of mind reading in return. The experience became an allegory to me as I was reminded of how intimidating it can be to seek help from a professional when making aesthetic changes in your life. And as professionals it is always important to remember that proper interpretation of a clients needs have everything to do with with asking the right questions.

So In order to bridge this gap, I thought it would be good to contribute a guide to picking out the right pieces starting with the central furniture element: The sofa.

When deciding on a sofa it is important to consider the following: Size, Style, Stamina, and Savings. Otherwise known as the four S' of selecting a sofa. Let's break it down.

Size: Obviously you need to have enough room, but that isn't the only thing that can determine the size of your sofa. What about scale? Does it leave you with the necessary space you need to add tables and have the ever important spacing between them? You can't have everything look too crammed. What about the height? Some sofas sit much lower than others. If your coffee table suddenly turns into a TV dinner tray, then you may have to consider a new coffee table or go for something that sits higher. The key here is to find the balance of function and fit, and when you step back how is it going to look?

Style: A close second to size because most sofas are sized overall to the style in which they fit. A traditional or overstuffed sofa will consume more space than a sleeker or more modern sofa will. What about doing one large sectional instead of two love seats? That can all depend on the style you are going for and look of the room. If you plan on watching a lot of TV in that room, then you are going to want to go for something softer with more cushion which can change the whole look of the room.

Stamina: This is third and biggest rule. Otherwise known as quality, you better make sure the piece can stand up to your life or else you are going to be left shopping for another sofa way too soon. What constitutes the difference between an expensive piece vs a cheap one? Not just price. Frame strength, materials, quality of fabrics, construction techniques, and warranties all determine the lifespan of your sofa. Remember the age old rule, you get what you pay for ultimately. Fit and finish are what people see and feel immediately when they sit down, and feeling good quality is indicative of a long life span for any piece of furniture.

Savings: Speaking of getting what you pay for, it is very important to know what a good deal is. Say you want to buy a 5k sofa and you have looked around. What common factors do the sofas have when it comes to the previous three rules? If you have done your homework then you know how to calculate savings on an item that meets your standards. Saying that you saw something similar at Ikea for 1000 is not going to have anyone take you serious, and you won't be convincing yourself either. But when you see that Italian made sofa discounted 20% it could be a great opportunity to pounce assuming it isn't a lime green floor sample somewhere; however, floor samples in general can be an ultra-smart way to go. Many retailers will offer discounts on some floor samples when they are ready to move things around. Also remember that where you buy is just as important as what you buy. A good retailer will do what it takes to keep you a repeat customer and make you happy. They offer you real advice and aren't telling you what they think you want to hear. Most manufacturers don't deal directly with the public when backing up their own warranties so authorized dealers must do the work on your behalf. Lots of people don't think that anything can go wrong with something that doesn't have moving parts, but the moment you need support and you can't find it....well you know.

The whole process is exciting, and needn't be scary at all. You don't need to know everything, and being vague can be okay as you start honing your tastes. Filling in the blanks is natural for a professional, just make sure they are asking the right questions and listening to your "you know"s. Soon you will be sitting pretty whether you are at home in your new sofa, or with a new hair-do (or both)!

Interior Inspirations: Freshen Up For That New Home Feel

2011-07-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you find yourself waiting until summer to contemplate your spring cleaning. It wasn't until recently that I had to start thinking long and hard about how things were looking in the house. I got a surprise phone call that a magazine that had seen my home and decided to scout it for a photo shoot. What an honor, and it seems that those old pictures I submitted a couple years ago after our remodel actually paid off. Most magazines like this tend to have their stories lined up for at least a year and it is easy to forget/be forgotten about. This was very pleasant news indeed! Or was it? Every little detail started to pop out at me when I looked around the house. The slightest bit of wear on any surface gets magnified into major damage, and that new car smell had completely worn off. Living with four dogs also takes it toll and puts on a lot of extra mileage. I didn't know where to start. With such short notice, it would have to be a very strategic plan. I would have to call in for reinforcements. Trips to target, the hardware store, the paint store, the flower mart, and the accessory shops were all on my list. A gross feeling came over me as I tallied up the available credit on each card and thought to myself about how unwilling I was to pay more interest that I already have been. I needed to budget this very carefully I thought. No more than the exact amounts I would buy and everything better be on sale. Even so, I prepared myself for receipt collecting anxiety.

The plan was to clean first and replace second. And what seemed to be a staging fix, turned into mad reorganization of drawers, on-the-fence donating of old clothes, and a lot of box sorting that left me wondering where on earth these things came from. By the end of the day (actually 2 days), so much was accomplished and I was surprised of how bad it wasn't. It was really just the kick in the pants I needed to get things cleaned up, reorganized, and refreshed. The house felt good when I looked at it, and it felt good inside knowing that it was being used again properly as a place to keep my life running smoothly and sanely. I was even happier knowing what some serious scrubbing, light painting, and some new small decorative pieces can do to give an additional breath of life to a design while replenishing the house with more good energy. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't as if the place was torn apart at all before, and maybe I can be very sensitive to my surroundings, but after it was done I felt great. The house couldn't have been more ready for inspection. The magazine people came, and left. It seemed like it went well (we shall soon see), but the real victory however, has been coming home day after day to that continuing sense of serenity....and of course having guests over to entertain in my freshened up nest is a nice little bonus.

Designer Deals: Gus Modern 20% Off All Upholstery

2011-07-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Going on now till' August 14th, it is the time to save on anything upholstered from Gus Modern.Sofas, sectionals, chairs, and ottomans are all at your disposal, and saving an additional 20% is icing on the cake. Gus is renowned for clean lines, practical purpose, and top of the line manufacturing. They have always provided us with products that our customers take delight in ordering, and most customers who order are repeat buyers of Gus.

Stylistically, Gus falls somewhere between Mid Century Modern and Scandinavia. I think those subtle influences are what gives Gus a life of its own and makes it a true design brand. As a company, they are always innovating, and bringing into play best practices environmentally while maintaining true to their designs. This is a big feat because some corporations have no problem creating tons of waste for the end result. Sometimes the means can justify the ends too, especially in a positive way when extra effort is given ethically and financially to make sure that the longevity in design we create in the new millenium is something high quality and visual that will be kept for generations.....not just more designer landfill. Oh, did I mention how comfortable these are to sit in?

Come down to I Squared for a test drive (if you are in L.A.), or Interior Illusions Palm Springs (if you are in the Coachella Valley).

Designer Outdoor: The Majesty Chair

2011-07-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

We are now featuring the most decadent in outdoor lounge seating. The new Majesty Chair is aptly named and ready to receive your royal tushie. Made in Italy, it is scratch resistant, fade resistant (uv coat rating of 6), and completely recyclable as it is made entirely of linear polyethylene. Because it is produced in a rotational mold there are no seams and details are very accurate. Made for outdoor or indoor use, it can take a hefty public beating and still keep its dignity like only a true monarch-in-the-media can. The design itself is a play on baroque-meets-modern and is further exaggerated with color and oversize scale. There is a whimsical air of playfulness in the design and a lot of flair. They are available from any Interior Illusions showroom with 11 colors to choose from.

"Sweet Mandarin"

"Pink Intimacy"

"Purple Sunset"

"Red Passion"

"Simple White"

"Happy Yellow"

"Chic Black"

"So Celestial"

"Ethereal Blue"

"Pure Green"

"Silver Moon"

Even tot-sized versions are available. Every princess should get the royal treatment!

JOB POSTING: Web Programmer for Online Store!

2011-07-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Interior Illusions, www.interiorillusionshome.com, is a leading interior design/furniture company in West Hollywood, CA. We have been in business for over a decade and are in an exciting growth period. We are excited about our recent online sales expansion and are looking for a candidate who is proficient on the Magento platform to reformat our online shopping experience.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are currently looking for a Web Designer/Web Developer -- Webmaster to work IN-HOUSE in our West Hollywood Offices.

The ideal Website Designer / Website Developer / Webmaster will be an integral part of our online sales department. This is a contract position.

We are looking to re organize our online shopping cart to a pro platform (magento,x cart,big commerce etc.) and must upload many items to our shopping site.

This specific project has a deadline of 30 days. (opportunity for future growth based on performance and qualifications).

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate will be a team player, who will work directly with the (director of online sales) enthusiastic, self-starting, detail-oriented, take direction well (when needed), ability to meet our deadlines, reliable.

Ideal Candidate will live in or near the West Hollywood headquarters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Taking existing site and switching ecommerce platform.
• Website Design (Using a pro platform)
• Website Development (Uploading all information from various vendor websites and FTP sites)
• Turn Photoshop designs into websites and getsimple CMS (Direction from Director of online sales)
• Implement title tags, META tags, H1 tags, etc. into websites and Wordpress Themes as needed
• Troubleshoot and debug sites as needed

REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must be proficient in / offer the following:
• HTML/CSS/PHP/ASP
• MSSQL/MYSQL
• Dreamweaver
• Photoshop
• WordPress
• SEO - Implementing Onsite Optimization into Website/CMS, Google Analytics, Google Webmaster Central, HTML/XML Sitemaps, Etc.
• BS Degree in Computer Science or Information Science preferred

Compensation/Work Hours:
1. $2000-$2500 * Based on skill set.
2. Monday - Friday 10-5 pm ( Can Be flexible, Depends on skill set and candidate)

Please send:
1. Cover letter (along with a summary of your qualifications) to anthony@interiorillusionshome.com / RE: fb posting
2. Resume with relevant work experience (in body of email); AND
3. A sample of your work or a link to your portfolio.

Location: West Hollywood
Compensation: $2000 - $2500 for this project / future work compensation TBD.
This is a contract job with no guarantee of work after this project.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Designer Resources: HI-MACS by LG, The New Face of Surfaces.

2011-07-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been reading a lot about fabulous new designer products and architecture that are being produced with entirely new materials. The most notable and curious as of late is a new kind of natural acrylic stone by LG, called HI-MACS. Consumers have been raving about its durability and versatility and it seems to have really catapulted itself as a textile that cannot be ignored when making building and design decisions. Pretty soon it will become part of the standard design and architectural lexicon.

Madrid's "Torre de Cristal"

I have posted about a bank project that used this material in its design, and more and more commercial projects I read about are creating environments entirely based on this material. Mainly Europe and Asia have been utilizing HI-MACS for large installations. Its popularity is slowly building more momentum within the interior design community as a cost friendly option for smaller scale installations for individual homes and even industrial products as well as furnishings. Even though there is a major factory in Atlanta that is producing HI-MACS there seems to be a relatively low amount of awareness in the U.S. of its existence.

Germany's "Leonardo Glass Cube"

HI-MACS is a by-product of aluminum manufacturing which sounds scary I know, but actually it is sustainable and is certified as a "green"(no, really) product. Generally aluminum hydroxide is known for vaccinations and heart burn relief but I wouldn't recommend trying to bite a chunk of your HI-MACS counter the next time your sour stomach hits you. The good news is that it is a safe compound and can be naturally degenerated back into the environment. Literally you can just throw it in the trash when you are done and feel guilt free. Also, there is no waste created in the production of HI-MACS. Sounds pretty cool to me, and as someone who is generally not impressed when companies call themselves "green" these days I have to give props here.

Gareth Neal's "Anne Table" for Andreoli of Italy

Costs vary, and it is hard to quote out finished products as the possibilities of use are endless. A simple sheet measuring 30"x140"x1.5" can run around 600 or so. For a countertop option that is on par within the spectrum of good quality, but since many are not familiar with it and many contractors do not have knowledge of it you may run into all different kinds of installation prices. LG claims that it is super easy to install and binding seams is no more difficult that working with regular carpentry. There will however be a slight learning curve I'm sure when it comes to working with it on other levels creatively.

ALV Showroom in Milan

Edelweiss Dental Office in Berlin

Oakley Showroom in Barcelona Spain

Madrid's "Torre de Cristal"

Zara's Flagship Store in London

The "Sleep Event" in Dusseldorf and London

Hotel Puerta America in Madrid

I bet you recognize some of these designs! And there are so much more out there. So much fun....it's like play dough for architects.

Designer Products: The Fish Hotel and The Bird Cafe.

2011-07-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Speaking of I Squared (previous post), our little sister brand is always carrying the freshest finds in home decor. Like these for instance. There is nothing I love more than beautiful examples of chic, modern, subsidized living structures that put to shame our overpriced rents and mortgages....even if they are for a completely different species.

Sleeping with the fishes? Eating like a bird? You say it like it's a bad thing!?

J'adore! Now to shrink to a tiiiiny size!

PS....don't forget about getting something special for you too. Like the matching Condolisa Table that will stylize and organize your odds and ends!

Thank you to designers Dennis Cheng and Teddy Leung creating these. Keep it coming...

PART-TIME JOB OPENING AT I SQUARED:

2011-07-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

We are currently looking for a part time, temporary to hire in-showroom sales consultant for our I Squared brand located in downtown Los Angeles. I Squared is an urban-modern retail front of furniture, lighting, and accessories that caters to the next generation of urban professional.

Applicants with a background in sales and customer service will be accepted for consideration. Familiarity and an affinity for home decor is favorable. Must have open availability Monday through Friday 11-7 including possible weekend hours.

Responsibilities include:
Robust product knowledge.
Ability to arrange showroom including lifting and moving furniture.
Communication with clients and vendors.
Organization of showroom.

Compensation:
10-12/hr DOE.
Employee discounts.
Fairly flexible schedule.

Position is available immediately.

Please include a resume and brief cover letter in the body of the email and an attachment as well. Please send your information to the Human Resource Director: morgan@interiorillusionshome.com

Desginer Finds: The Color Light Cube

2011-06-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

What is 17 inches by 17 inches, comes with a remote, is completely rechargeable, can be left outside all year long, and has 20 color choices built-in?

Yes, the Color Light Cube is like that friend you always want to make sure comes to all your parties. They always are a good reflection of your social standards, and they always entertain the guests for you when you aren't around.

Say hello to your new bff...

Perfect addition to the summer season here in So.Cal!

Designer Dining: New Tableware from Marcel Wanders

2011-06-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous designers out there right now is also one of my favorites: Marcel Wanders, and he has just completed yet another feat of aesthetic genius...only this time he has managed to re...set your table. Developed exclusively for Alessi (and also available at Interior Illusions *ahem*), this collection of fine dining silverware, tableware, and glassware will make any dish taste good but more importantly it has the presence to be polite-fully perfect at your most formal feast and yet be enjoyable for everyday dinners...stainless steel, porcelain, and crystal, make sure of that. "Dressed" was a theme derived for this collection because it mimics a fine suit or gown covering the body, but leaving the head exposed. It is a beautiful interpretation indeed, and said gown is weaved in Wanders' signature pattern. They are indeed "dressed" for the occasion. Wanders addressed the theme of "Dressed" with a poem:

"May I invite you at my table

Let me serve you food and wine

Let me get my special plates,

my long legged crystals, my shiny silverware.

Because today is a special day

Because today the sun came up,

Because today the air filled our lungs with endless amounts of air,

Because today children were born from happy parents,

and because today I meet some friends.

Because today is a special day because no one died and no one cried,

Because parrots repeat what you tell them

and because there are cookies in the shape of flowers

This is a day worth celebrating, a day worth happy faces,

Worth our best dress our silk stockings our gold green Sunday shirt

Today we don't eat, we dine,

Today we don't walk, we dance

Today we don't sleep, we dream

Today we don't smile, we laugh

Today we don't wear boots, we wear crystal Cinderella's

Today we celebrate life and we are dressed for the occasion

Surprise your heart with your eyes and see that tomorrow

will be another very special day..."

-Marcel Wanders

When asked how he finds his inspiration, Marcel Wanders says that inspiration is misunderstood. It is not just about looking at something and getting inspired. It is a fire burning inside that wakes him up in the middle of the night. When asked how he designs for others, he says that good design is something someone will love and appreciate that comes from you...it is not just about getting them something they want. Marcel says "design is like a good gift - it celebrates the relationship between two people."

Well put...now see the collection!

delish!

Designer Events: Weho Daily Recaps our West Hollywood Launch Party

2011-06-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

Excerpt taken from Weho Daily:

It Gets Better, RuPaul’s Drag Race Party at Interior Illusions
June 15, 2011 at 5:21 pm

Michael Valles, CEO of Interior Illusions / Tammie Brown, RuPaul’s
Drag Race Season 1 contestant, /
Dougrey Von Neuenschwander, Director of Marketing at Interior Illusions.

The ‘It Gets Better Project’ kicked off Pride Weekend on Friday night with the grand opening of the new flagship location of Interior Illusions in West Hollywood.

Interior Illusions recreated its signature lounge from the popular Ru Paul’s Drag Race series for guests to take photos and videos for the It Gets Better Project, a worldwide movement that was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives could reach......

read the rest of the article by clicking here!

-it was a great party! Thank you guys for coming....sniff sniff :*)

Designer Magazine Clippings | Metrosource LA feat. II and Mike Valles

2011-05-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hot Magazine with some extra hot content. Funny how you are what you read -or is that eat? Either way, we thank you Metrosource for putting us on your radar. We've loved reading you since you launched. In fact, I remember that party at the W a few years ago....you still got it baby.

Glee!

Moooi Bien | Moooi's Gallery in The Netherlands

2011-05-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

I never turn down a trip down the rabbit hole or chance to talk about MOOOI. This is a fun photo tour of their flagship gallery in clog-country. Moooi is indeed a wonderland of creativity and in-your-face design. My dear colleague Goli sums it up with her approach, "I take my work serious, but I don't take myself serious at all." Genius. That is basically how I would summize Moooi's approach as well. While meticulous in execution, the good designers at Moooi (looks at Marcel Wanders et al.) allow themselves plenty of creative leeway when they seek inspiration, and as a result, are able to make many unexpected things. Feeding on the design subconscious, these items make sense to us even though they can border on the fantastic. Blah blah blah..no one wants to read...they just want to LOOOK...check it out.

Huh? Whaa? Oh....i just had the most amazing dream....

Get Your Dining Room GUS-sied Up!

2011-05-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our long time friends at GUS are ready to get you served (quite literally)and so are we. Gus Modern is promoting their latest and greatest in dining functionality this May which means nobody at your table will go home without having a complete epicurian expierience...well, providing that the food fare isn't too bad. However, you CAN take the guess work out of your delicious culinary presentation by adhering to our few simple rules of passionate food preparation and presentation. They are as follows: One. Throw your old scary budget of an amazing dining room out the window. Two: come to I Squared downtown or Interior Illusions Palm Springs. Three: tell us your heart's desire to furnish your dining room...and Four: shake well and pour. Just be prepared that your home may be permanently engraved as one of the hottest dining locations in your own social dining circuit. It's a big responsibility, but we know that payment will come in the form memories that will last a lifetime. Just don't end up with the polaroids of you drooling at your own table. Here are some tasty treats....feel free to add food.

Yum.

Designer Projects: Beau-coup Banks!

2011-05-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

NAU Architects in Switzerland have redrawn the approach to the environmentally sterile banking experience. Banks have never been the typical proving grounds for haute interiors, and traditionally they have even been delegated as needing to be pretty passive in nature (probably by some society of half-dead old bankers). This is probably to subdue any level of excitement or anxiety that could emerge from someone forced to deal with their finances. Well, that is one approach. But recently we discovered a swiss bank that seemed to regard bold design as a way to build confidence with their consumers and we agree whole-heartedly with this approach. We certainly have always found that having a unique personality makes for more interesting and fulfilling relationships. Besides, in design there is a big difference between appealing to a common urge and spreading yourself too thin. We say "no way blasé!" even at the bank.

Anwyays, today's Design-Oscar is awarded to ts NAU Architects for their design on the Raiffeisen Bank in Zurich. Not only are they pushing the boundaries with their design, they are actually implementing cutting edge technologies to enhance the feel. Robots retrieve safety deposit boxes for you while you sit sipping on your latté and leave incriminating finger prints on touch screen interfaces that are built into the tables. Now that's a 21st century experience. Besides think how this helps the morale of people banking in this economy....we could all use a departure from the global recession depression obsession.....and maybe move on to a new more positive impression.

The original founding members and customers of the bank were incorporated into Hi-Mac textile renderings that were utilized as decorative fascias in the design of the bank.

Cha-ching.

Angeleno's Men of Style 2011 Featuring II and Chivas Regal at Saks: RECAP

2011-05-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well the event has come and gone (was April 12th), but the pictures just got here and will remain with us! Actually Angeleno has just posted the pictures of the event so, thank you Angeleno! For those who don't know, Angeleno Magazine has a yearly award ceremony where they honor the areas top pick of men who taste make, risk take, and just plain make a difference. Angeleno had come to us to ask if we would help sponsor this event and naturally we were honored! What could you love more than celebrating sexy stylish people being fabulous inside a Saks Fifth Avenue filled with couture??? Maybe stylish sexy furniture and accessories inside an Interior Illusions? Eh? Eeeh? Well lucky for party-goers that they didn't have to pick because we brought a little bit of Interior Illusions directly to the event itself. And what a sexy combustion it was of fashion, food, catwalks and cocktails...and of course, a little luxury lounging...see for yourself!

Thank you Angeleno!
-with a special thanks to Amazing Amanda C. and Lovely Lisa G....and of course the incredible Jenn, Robyn and the rest of the crew at Saks!

Product Radar - New for II??

2011-05-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some Outdoor pieces we think are hot from the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair Satellite. Do you think we should get these?

The new Janplechac Icon Series. is a design and architecture studio. They were part of the Satellite fair in Milan and presented their Icons series. I love this idea and it is so visually interesting. You can just imagine the cushions and the scale is so well executed. The details and craftsmanship make it divine. For longer sitting times I may recommend some custom patterned outdoor cushions to be integrated.

The series revisits the Louis chair, the Red and Blue chair by Gerrit Rietveld and the Kubus by Josef Hoffmann.

Here is the lowdown from the designer: ‘The Icons seating furniture pieces are an attempt to wipe the line between interior and exterior furniture, plus interior and exterior as such. It is an attempt to find stories of iconic forms in new contexts of a mentally contrasting environment. It is about ideas of the relationship between function and form. When transforming the existing furniture into a light and a dematerialized structure of exterior furniture, I used a contour line as a tool. A graphic shortcut. Thus, the seating set was created by copying famous icons of world design, which gradually turned into real wire furniture. The selection of individual pieces was determined by several priorities. The first and most essential one was how much a certain object or style is known among the public. For this reason, my number one choice was the Louis chair, i.e. the most famous icon whose typical curves represented a very rewarding theme for wire lines.‘

So what do you think? Hot product addition or gallery gawker?

Angeleno Magazine May 2011 | Home Section!

2011-05-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

We love you too Angeleno! Thanks for the shout out!

GET OUT! Outdoor Sale!

2011-05-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

80 degrees? Is that you? The world is still spinning, and with it the seasons are ever updating. Latest, update: Summer is on it's way shortly....but temperatures are already arriving. What this means: No excuse for hiding inside anymore. Spending your time outdoors in one of the most geographically and ecologically diverse places in the country is one of life's big rewards. Living in it just makes us feel extra lucky (I love California!). Make sure you are getting the most out of your outdoor living by doing it in style. That's our approach anyway. So in order to prime the pump, we are offering discounts on all our outdoor lines. Now through the rest of May, you can capture a deal on some seriously beautiful outdoor products. Don't wait till the last minute, because it always ends up that the piece you really wanted is gone way before the season is!

LA TIMES HOME BLOG | April 27th, 2011

2011-04-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Interior Illusions' new store sells exclusive line of Calvin Klein Home furniture

Calvin Klein Home has been selling luxe linens and tabletop goods for decades, but its exclusive Curator collection of furniture has a new home: the recently opened Interior Illusions store in West Hollywood. The 6,400-square-foot space, Interior Illusions’ fifth location, is the only California retailer carrying the furniture collection.

With pieces made from walnut and marble and accents in parchment and leather, the Curator collection carries designer-name pricing. The Canopy bed, above, is $4,800. The pair of coordinating night stands are $2,500. Sheets, pillows and duvets are in the $100-to-$350 range.

The Curator collection Striated Base dining table is $3,000, shown at right with chairs and lighting from other manufacturers. The 8-by-11-foot Orange Luster rug is about $4,000. The Four Seasons chairs by Costantini Pietro are $1,130 each, and the drum pendant lights by Penta are $1,295 each -- not really rooms-to-go pricing, but the store also sells accessories for those who want to splurge sensibly.

8761 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood; (310) 289-1824 .

-- David A. Keeps

Photo credit: James Butchart

READ MORE LA AT HOME! http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/04/interior-illusions-calvin-klein-home.html

Designer Home Listing - Staged by Interior Illusions

2011-02-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

Bowery Design / Vanos Architects - 2010
Home Staging by Interior Illusions
1401 Queens Way - Sunset Strip - Los Angeles, California
4 bedrooms / 5 baths
$6,995,000

Hovering just above the bright lights of the city, Bowery Design once again delivers timeless design to The Sunset Strip. This four-bedroom/five-bath residence not only resonates with the energy of The Strip, but adds an architecturally iconic statement to the profile of it. Towering ceiling heights, an open floor plan, walls of glass and endless views draw inspiration from superlative Meatpacking District lofts. Warm and organic finishes such as reclaimed barn wood ceilings, split-face Jerusalem stone walls and wide-plank oak floors provide a warmth and intimacy.

Designed for small or large scale entertaining, features include an infinity pool and spa; an envious master suite with its own approx 1,000 sq ft entertaining deck with wet bar, fireplace and firepit; and Vantage lighting and home automation. This just-completed and meticulously executed home is perfect for the buyer who wants to connect with the pulse of the city and embrace the rare opportunity to reside within the nucleus of the world famous Sunset Strip and to own the same real estate as the Mondrian, SkyBar, House of Blues, Chateau Marmont and the rest of The Strip’s most coveted shopping, dining, and nightlife.

LA TIMES EXCERPT: "The Deal: 15% to 60% Designer Decor at The Interior Illusions Liquidation Sale"

2011-02-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you LA Times Home Blog and Lisa Boone!

There is the excerpt:

The Deal: 15% to 60% off designer decor at the Interior Illusions liquidation sale

Look for steep discounts on furniture, lighting and accessories by Moooi, American Leather, Calligaris, Surya, Bonaldo, Christopher Guy and others at Interior Illusions' liquidation sale.

The company has plans...JUMP TO THE ARTICLE

8448 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; (323) 656-8448.

-- Lisa Boone

Photo credit: Interior Illusion

Givin' Back with Gus

2011-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

The flyer says it all. Come down to I Squared to help us give back and earn some spending cred in return!

And if you haven't heard about I Squared, it is our lil' sis brand of hot, urban, and affordable goodies for your home. From sofas to soap pumps....it's all there, with some clever things thrown in; a very downtown L.A. state of mind. Our site is up and new items are being added to shop online, but the dowtown showroom is killer. Worth a trip for sure. And you get to meet Michelle and Alex too, who will help you every step of the way!

www.isquaredhome.com

It's All On Sale...

2011-01-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

That's how you say it. It is time to start clearing out for the upcoming year which means the biggest savings on anything in the West Hollywood Showroom. If you haven't spent all your money on others for the holidays or were one of the lucky ones who actually got the gift of green, then this is your big opportunity to double it. Weho is packing in the items to create a concentration point of everything that will have prices drastically reduced. Lots of items are up to half off and beyond. Everything is tagged and those numbers aren't lying to you. There is so much to buy at the moment, so you should definitely come and see it before it goes. We aren't restocking or dropping these prices further so playing the waiting game isn't gonna do you any justice. They are all seriously priced just to sell, and the popular things will go like hotcakes. I can't mention specific examples and we cannot quote sale items (so calling for pricing is out), but if you know us and have been waiting to get some goods, you should make it a point to stop in pronto. We won't hold items either so making up your mind and striking while the iron is hot is the only way you're going to get what you want. The other showrooms that have floor items of warehouse stock will also show these retina-ripping sale prices. This sale is on until the goods are gone, which will be fast. Get. It. Now.

Moooi Moooi Bueno

All the fun stuff too.

EXCERPT: Designer Michael Valles expands L.A. retail chain

2011-01-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from THE EDITOR AT LARGE: http://www.editoratlarge.com/articles/859/designer-michael-valles-expands-l-a-retail-chain?page=6

Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael Valles has announced the opening of a West Hollywood retail location for his design firm Interior Illusions early next year. The store will be the exclusive regional distributor of Curator Collection by Calvin Klein Home, which includes furniture, bedding, rugs, flatware, tabletop décor and more.

“Even with the economic situation, there is still a high demand for furniture and home goods that are classic, modern and luxurious," Michael said.

Valles currently operates Interior Illusions in West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Palm Springs. In December 2009, he opened I Squared in downtown Los Angeles catering to his loft-dwelling clientele with an appetite for locally available modern furniture and accessories.

A grand opening of the store will be held in early 2011 with additional product categories and new collections becoming available in the new year as well....

JUMP TO THE ARTICLE

A Holiday Card From Interior Illusions

2010-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year for "reflections" for many. And I am not talking about a mirror or dining table model. The act of remembering the woes, woos, and whoo-hoos of the year that just flew by is fueling many a relapse and noose-making class. Personally I find that as dull and useless as using a spoon to cut steak, so I prefer to just say my thank-yous and move on to the upcoming year with large hopeful anime-eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. The holidays are indeed about hope, gratitude, and birth, even in troubled times. Gotta stay focused on the positive!

So with that in mind, I would like to say thank you to all our wonderful and supportive customers and clients, who for a company such as ours, have become our friends and family over the years. Also to our amazing vendors, who without your amazing work, would not have allowed us to fulfill the dreams of so many.

As we move forward into 2011, we will be even more focused on the positive and bringing Interior Illusions into an even higher standard of customer care, and fabulous new products to share. We can't wait to see you all soon, and please remember to take good care of yourselves during these festive times, and give thanks for all that you have. We are thankful for you.

Love,

Interior Illusions

I Squared in Downtown Los Angeles News!

2010-12-10T13:24:00.001-08:00

NEWS

WHAT’S IN STORE: I Squared

Mike Valles opened I Squared as a budget-conscious offshoot of his West Hollywood-based furniture store Interior Illusions.Photo by Gary Leonard.

Furniture Shop Specializes in Budget-Friendly Modern Wares

by Ryan Vaillancourt

Published: Friday, November 26, 2010 2:28 PM PST

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - The lights are on seven days a week inside the sleek showroom of I Squared, an upscale-modern-for-less furniture shop tucked in the Great Republic Lofts building at 758 S. Spring St. An offshoot of the high-end Interior Illusions furniture outpost in West Hollywood (with locations in Palm Springs and Santa Monica, too), I Squared, which opened in February, caters to the Downtown dweller with a taste for pricey Modern wares, but without the wallet to furnish their loft in Eames. As part of a recurring series on Downtown retail, Los Angeles Downtown News checks out what’s in store....

Jump to Entire Article...

The 12 Gifts of Christmas Song

2010-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, the new version is as follows....

*clears throat*struggles for a pitch*

"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me......"

"A chadelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Two woven throws and a chadelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."

"Three wine racks, two woven throws, and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."

"Four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws, and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"FIVE GOL-DEN COWS (life size!), four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws, and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws, and chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Seven candelabras, six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Eight scented candles, seven candelabras, six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Nine shaggy rugs, eight scented candles, seven candelabras, six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Ten antler lamps, nine shaggy rugs, eight scented candles, seven candelabras, six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws, and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

"On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Eleven hanging bocci's, ten antler lamps, nine shaggy rugs, eight scented candles, seven candelabras, six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws, and a chadelier of swarofsky!..."

"On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

"Twelve men a climbing, eleven hanging boccis, ten antler lamps, nine shaggy rugs, eight scented candles, seven candelabras, six dining chairs, FIVE GOL-DEN COWS, four matching vases, three wine racks, two woven throws, and a chandelier of swarovsky!..."

Well, I hope you enjoyed the rendition, and please feel free to buy your Love one instead of twelve...we'll still give you a secret santa discount of 20% if you can sing this song.

Happy holidays from all of us at Interior Illusions!

WEHO DAILY repost |New Interior Illusions Store to Focus on Calvin Klein Home|

2010-12-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the feature guys!

REPOST FROM WEHO DAILY BLOG ARTICLE: November 22, 2010 at 5:43 pm

"This December, Southern California interior design entrepreneur and tastemaker Michael Valles will open a new retail location of his Interior Illusions store in West Hollywood near Beverly and Robertson.

The new store will exclusively feature products from the Curator Collection by Calvin Klein Home. The store will be the only destination in the Los Angeles area for consumers to purchase products from the Curator Collection, which includes furniture, bedding, rugs, flatware, tabletop décor and more.

“Even with the economic situation, there is still a high demand for furniture and home goods that are classic, modern and luxurious,” said Michael Valles. “With this new showroom, we are giving consumers a reason to come in and visit the new location by exclusively offering the Curator Collection by Calvin Klein Home – something they can’t get anywhere else in the area.”

The new store will add to the stores already operated by Valles, including Interior Illusions locations in West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Palm Springs. In December 2009, he opened I Squared in downtown Los Angeles catering to his loft-dwelling clientele with an appetite for locally available modern furniture and accessories.

Renovations of the new location are currently underway. A grand opening of the store will be held in early 2011 with additional product categories and new collections becoming available in the new year as well."

La-Fete Brings Some Greatness to the Outdoors

2010-11-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

It is indeed fall here in Southern California, and this morning I woke up to 46 degrees of jaw-clattering bliss. Not until the sun rises do most Angelenos begin stirring, but I am the exception. This shift in seasons has us spending more time inside than out, especially the colder it gets. As I have previously blogged about my affinity for outdoor living and subsequently the furniture that goes with it, I would like to reemphasize the importance of not hibernating like a bear and to keep yourself living in the light (sunlight, that is). Like air, evian, yoga, or botox...sunlight in vast quantities is essential to the survival of the average SoCalifornian (just kidding about the botox).

That said, let's move on to things that facilitate this amazing lifestyle. Enablers if you will. Good design will always be a gateway drug to feelin' good. And it seems La-Fete has given us a "La-Fix." Feeling good in the sunlight should be their credo because lounging on any one of their pieces will make you feel like a million bucks. So sleek, cushy and supple, you may find yourself inadvertently posing because you know it makes you look good.

We have been loving this line since we acquired it, and so have our customers. As a company, La-Fete has been getting quite a few kudos from the media and it is fast becoming a favorite amongst buyers for high-end hotel groups like the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey. We love the design because it is modern, but not dated...basic well proportioned shapes that will not be going out of style nor becoming a passé home design in 4 years. The quality of craftsmanship will last just as long as its tasteful architecture.

Check out the whole line by going to their website by going to www.la-fete.biz or coming into Interior Illusions to see some pieces in person and perusing the catalog. And remember to keep playing outside and getting as much vitamin D as possible during the cooler seasons ahead.

Interior Illusions Gives Some Back

2010-11-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

On November 5th, 2010, the design, art and fashion worlds took over the streets of uptown Palm Springs for the first quarterly event of the season. Interior Illusions along with over twenty other merchants participated in the event that brought together more than 1,500 guests, both locals and snowbirds, looking to explore the new design district. The event was a huge success not only because of the great turn-out, but also because Interior Illusions and the other participating merchants helped raised over $3,200.00 for the AIDS Assistance League of Palm Springs.

For an Invitation to our next event, join the Interior Illusions mailing list by sending us an email to info@interiorillusionshome.com

-Contributed by Goli Nag-Dali | Design Consultant at Interior Illusions of Palm Springs.

Item of The Day

2010-11-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

He sits up firm at 32” high looking out our front doors waiting for the next person to come in and take him home. He’s the Phillips Collection Resin Silver Pig, which is also available for outdoor use. This sweet pig sculpture would make a great addition to any animal lovers home. Come in to our Santa Monica location amd take one home today!

-Contributed by Janna Beard | Design Sales Consultant at the Santa Monica Showroom.

Hot Product Spot!

2010-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

A twist on the traditional coffee table. Coming from a person who loves to read and owns hundreds
of books, I'm always on the look out for chic bookcases and shelves. Inspired by two vintage coffee tables,
Matt Carr designed the ” Biblioteca Bookrack.” A very elegant yet kitschy take on the classic book shelf.
Outfitting a room with books and photos serves as a medium of social interaction, and tells your guests
about the type of person you are or would like to be. This piece can be purchased at interior illusions or
i-squared home……Call for a quote!

Contributed by Eileen Keshishian

Interior Illusions Store Tour on Apartment Therapy!

2010-11-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Visit the store page

8448 Santa Monica Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

View all 3 locations

(323) 656-8448

www.interiorillusionshome.com/home.aspx

Featured Furniture: Moooi Random Chandelier, Antler Table Lamp, Suite Lounge Chair, Dandy Bag Sectional

Glamorous, overscale, and dramatic furnishings are right at home at Interior Illusions. The successful furniture store was once a small store run by Mike Valles and his lovely mother, Lottie Valles. They have built a reputation for great customer service and making every customer feel special.

Interior Illusions' services extend beyond its furniture selection. The team has designed the Ultimate Bachelor Pad Suite at the W Residence and many sexy Hollywood Hills homes. Even with all his success and notoriety, Mike is the most humble and nicest person I think I have ever met. The store and Mike Valles have my vote for a top decor store in Los Angeles

Read the article and browse the pictures!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/marketplace/interior-illusionsstore-profile-129834

Customer Home Tour - Stephen's Downtown LA Pad

2010-09-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Stephen of Downtown Los Angeles for sharing his new setup from Interior Illusions. When Stephen said he need to furnish his place, our design staff went to his home, picked out the pieces, and even was there for the install. This was a fast pull-together per his needs, but it came together correctly. Making sure Stephen will be happy for many years to come in his space is what we do. Thanks Stephen, we are thrilled that you like it!

Who: Stephen's downtown residence

What: Living Room Set, Dining, Bedroom Set

Where: Downtown Los Angeles

Why: Needed to furnish new place fast, family coming!

Conclusion: This space requires thoughtful touches. Stephen likes things light and airy, which works in his favor for a smaller place. Light neutrals overall will keep a sense of openness with dark touches to create a sense of depth. The beige wall behind the sofa also accomplishes this by creating a feel of shadowing. Smart when you have a large piece in front of it. A thick rug gives another texture and dimension to the area. It softens and polishes up a room where some textures are needed to create a luxury feel. Rugs are a fast, easy, and inexpensive alternative and augmentation to wall treatments and draperies. If you don't have time for the latter, go for the former. Stephen likes things to be minimal, but not harsh or cold. So the textile choices are paramount. His bedroom received only a basic set of items, but all were of very fine caliber and deliberately chosen. It is best to always let your good pieces stand out and make a statement. To much clutter will not let the eye fall onto anything specific, so it is less likely the eye will appreciate one thing to its fullest. Busy is good for work, but not when you come home. This was the motif behind the entire space. Thanks for sharing your home with us Stephen and we hope you will find some sanctuary there!

Designer Projects - Rumor Boutique Hotel Las Vegas

2010-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

In collaboration with Interior Illusions, the brand new Rumor Hotel has become the latest hot boutique hotel in Las Vegas. Vegas which has been traditionally known for large resorts and chain hotels, has not put much, if any, focus on boutique hotels and has failed to develop any market for them. Does everyone prefer to be on a cruise ship? I don't know about you, but I would much prefer to be on a yacht. Intimate and quiet, and I can always take my dinghy to land for a good time (i.e. take a cab to anywhere ;). But when I am done, I can go someplace peaceful that's right there. The niche market for boutique hotels is hot in every major city in the world, and the most innovative and inspiring designs take place in them. It is hard to believe that a central hub for travel and international brouhaha would not be subscribed to the idea. Well amidst the lights and sounds of Vegas, a frequent traveler to the city who is familiar with all the sensational noise may find themselves looking past the folks betting the rent money right outside their suites, and transition to a hotel like the Rumor. Service, Stye, and Sanctuary are three words I would use to describe a stay in the Rumor hotel, and maybe a fourth would be SEXY. A cozy bar, and gourmet restaurant, and even a dog walk are all there. And even a grassy area to picnic where a basket of goodies will be brought to you. They even give you blankets. What a great idea.

Steven Siegel and Michael Crandall of the Siegel Group have been working on creating boutique hotels in Vegas for a while, and are developing the market with an expertise that you would be hard pressed to find in the city since no one has been coming at in with their kind of vision. They recently redeveloped the Gold Spike and Oasis downtown as well as The Resort on Mount Charleston. They also recently took over the Artisan. Rumor will be coined as their flagship property and will be a brand to be developed in other areas. Interior Illusions has worked with the Siegel Group on several of their projects, and was integral in the design of Rumor as well as supplying it with their furnitures. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Designer Picks - Mike Valles for Cosmopolitan Magazine

2010-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

That's right, our very own CEO and President Mike Valles, has got some ideas to share about some hot little items for your home! Cosmopolitan Magazine is all about sharing those ideas with its readers. Check out the excerpt from the October 2010 issue.

TEXT: Awesome Accents for Your Pad: Metallic pieces are the new IT items in decor. They are chic and modern and go with everything. Celeb interior designer Mike Valles loves these.

Pretty Shiny Pillows: Punchy throw pillows are the perfect pick-me-up for a colorless couch. Or put a couple on mismatched furniture to pull the room together in seconds. (PillowDecor.com, $34.99 each).

Design-y Wine Rack: Store your stash in something that doubles as a sculpture. This pick is cool looking, it'll make anything from chardonnay to seltzer sexy. (CB2, $79.95).

Hammered Picture Frame: Skip the friends-and-family photo in this and go with a colorful landscape or beachy shot instead. Since metallics are neutral, bold hues really pop against them. (AccentFurnitureDirect.com, $39.95).

A Glimmery Bud Vase: Putting multiple buds on display is an inexpensive take on fresh flowers. Set this up on a surprising spot, like on top of your toilet tank or at the edge of your tub to prettify your bathroom. (CB2, $29.95).

A Sleek Iron Wall Sconce: This number is more like wall art that your typical candle holder...and the hovering glimmer gives your room atmosphere. To go a bit glam, swap white candle for something shiny (we made these by spraying plain candles with adhesive and rolling them in glitter. (CB2, $49.95).

A Mod Bar Kit: After you're finished using this to sex up happy hour, leave it on your countertop to create a bar area with a retro 'Mad Men' vibe. (Macy's, $34.99).

-These are awesome ideas, and great inexpensive ways to update your world! Thanks Mike!

Design Spotlight - The Shade Club

2010-09-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Very aptly named, the "Shade Club" is a redevelopment of a decades old meeting ground underneath a residential building near the center of Bucharest. One of the many reasons I think the name fits, is because this space used to be used as a spot for some pretty "shady" deals. Rumors of corrupt government officials, Mafia Bosses, and even white slavery traders have been known to frequent the previous place. There was a vision of revitalization here by cleaning up the filth and turning this place into something for the people. The end result is something crime free and incredibly glamorous. Truly on par with our taste.

The space was designed by Square One, a design firm based in Romania. They have accomplished many outstanding tasks in the design community, and this is no exception. They had this to say about the project itself:

"Shade was a interesting experiment. The location is the basement of a residential building in the center of Bucharest. Since the 90’s there were many clubs there some of them very successful. Some quiet scandalous. The last years before it was closed, the location was synonymous with some of the Romanian interlope world. So it had a bad name. After a period of almost 5 years the location was rented by two guys who hired us to do an eclectic glamorous club.

Since the space is very small, segmented, and with a dark past, and the new owners want at least a elegant, stylish objective, we thought of a mysterious concept with a touch of humor.
A ghostly house animated by the EGO of a small dog. The spectrum is omnipresent.
The furniture is illustrated on the walls 2D imagines. But the shapes are extruded in the space and form continuous volumes trough the club.
Because the structure was so dense, and the club divided in 3 different spaces, we decided to create different designs and graphic pattern that links the spaces

The lights:

It’s a black and white design. I usually use light to color my designs. This is the case here: a RGB spectral tube system that runs on the perimeter. It is mainly indirect light. The same system is used in the first bar too.

The spaces:
Funny, when we began the prep there were 7-8 layers of different materials applied on the walls, you could witness the entire history of the location in the past 15 years. That got me thinking about the past.

The first space is the biggest and has the highest density of structural pillars. So the first row we covered in mirrors and covered applied 3 quarters of a lamp on two edges of each pillar. So we got a sort of tromp de oil in the first space, so the pillars disappeared and a forest of lamps emerged (the lamps are made of fiber glass skin shaped on massive wood molds finished and polyurethane painted). The other row incorporates the classic extruded bar and Dj, so in a way they disappear too, being part of the bar design.
The volumetric pattern on the walls is CNC cut dense polyurethane foam white painted. Behind it we used a mirror for a repetitive visual effect and to relate with the mirror pillars in the space.
The second space is a circular one that runs around the third. To be more precise, the third space is a central lounge box of concrete. Given the shape of the second circular space, we went for an organic design with a baroque decoration; the structural pillars (only one row in this space) were covered in a Corian skin. It is a soft, organic shape vertically extruded. The Corian skin was engraved with the graphic design CNC milled into the surface of the material. Then a special mold was made and the Corian milled plates were thermoformed.
The semicircular bar in the this space was done exactly the same. The walls have a routed MDF structure a Axpet cladding and a graphic design cut and applied on the surface. Axpet is a very thin extremely flexible and hi glossy material (that has a good fire behavior). I tried a lot of material but Axpet was the only to do the job. Otherwise we should thermoform the plates for the walls too. This would skyrocket the costs.
The third space is a small lounge, quite isolated from the rest. The design is basically one lounge sofa, with a helicoidally shape and a ellipsoidal light membrane on the ceiling made of a elastic membrane that diffuses the light. I used white cords hangings to better illustrate the shape and to link the two elements.
The graphic design on the wall is handmade.
The Classic Bar:
It is a section through a classic table extruded through the space. There are virtual sections that cut the volume and leave white luminous surfaces with 2D images of different objects (lamps, tables generally house furniture) the idea was to illustrate a photo of the interior of a house that cuts a volume and leaves a impression.
Since there were so many mirrors it was no need to induce the presence of a former person in the space (regarding the haunting) but working on the design of the bar we felt like putting a character into this scene, or more the suggestion of a big EGO (theoretically it is a good way to underline the social impact of such a public space. The vast majority of the regular clients have oversized EGO’s). The Chiwawa light spectrum is an irony to that.
To give a good contrast to the design we used Corian Noir in combination with Glaciar Ice Corian that is translucent. So we used spectral tubes as light source to light up the white surfaces.
e the 90’s there were many clubs there some of them very successful. Some quiet scandalous. The last years before it was closed, the location was synonymous with some of the Romanian interlope world. So it had a bad name. After a period of almost 5 years the location was rented by two guys who hired us to do an eclectic glamorous club.

Since the space is very small, segmented, and with a dark past, and the new owners want at least a egant, stylish objective, we thought of a mysterious concept with a touch of humor.
A ghostly house animated by the EGO of a small dog. The spectrum is omnipresent.
The furniture is illustrated on the walls 2D imagines. But the shapes are extruded in the space and form continuous volumes trough the club.

Because the structure was so dense, and the club divided in 3 different spaces, we decided to create different designs and graphic pattern that links the spaces."

This just makes me want a cocktail. Very nice, and very Interior Illusions.

Customer Tour - Vince and Don's New Sofa

2010-09-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Vince and Don for sending in pictures of their newly redone Living Room. The entire place looks great and we love that the Sofa has really tied-in nicely to the space. Thanks for sharing guys!

Who: Vince and Don

What: American Leather Steve Sectional in Palm Bark

Where: West Hollywood, CA

Why: Redoing their living room.

Conclusion: Vince and Don have an overall traditional space, but the mix of a more modern big piece like this Steve Sectional really can help change up the house and give it a contemporary update. Architecture and choice of materials/fabrics in the piece is key to tying in the different looks. Simple modern lines and a thick frame on this sofa really lends to the other pieces in the room which are also angular and bold. The fabric creates the balance with its depth and sheen that also compliments the choice of rich materials that they like to use throughout the space. What a great new way to envision this sofa in a more traditional space! Very cozy, light the candles!

Sleeper Sale Not A Sleeper!

2010-09-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Since the 1st of the month it has been an amazing start to our American Leather Sleeper Sale. Come and see one if you are thinking of buying a new sofa and want to have the sleeper functionality. These are beautiful and the sleeper bed itself is absolutely amazing. This is not a bed built around a sofa, it is a sofa built around a bed. Which means it has a full size area to sleep on, and full bed support. No springs, no drooping or sagging. You can even get the Tempur-Pedic mattress and stain proof bed cover. All the options and sizes are available during this sale at the biggest discounts allowed by the manufacturer. These sleepers rarely ever go on sale because they don't have to as they are very popular. Those looking to buy them are not interested in anything else. Come and see one for yourself and discover the magic of it. OH yeah, you have until October 4th!

News - How to Create an A-List Bachelor Pad -- On a Budget! - Style & Beauty - UsMagazine.com

2010-08-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Michael Valles owns and operates three interior design showrooms in Southern California under the name Interior Illusions and one in the heart of trendy downtown Los Angeles, I Squared. Here, he offers tips on how to create the ultimate A-list bachelor pad on a budget.

As the designer of "The Ultimate Bachelor Pad" penthouse at the new W Residences in Hollywood and CEO ofInterior Illusions, I have helped a variety of Hollywood celebrities (such as Zachary Quinto, Sharon Osbourne, and Emily Blunt) and executives create the best homes to fit their lifestyles.

PHOTOS: Hot TV Bachelors!

One of my favorite types of celebrity clients are the Hollywood bachelors and bachelorettes! Privacy, location, aesthetics, entertainment, comfort and functionality are the must-haves in any given bachelor/bachelorette pad. I make sure to include all of these characteristics in my designs and they can be easily copied (on any budget!) to create your own "ultimate bachelor pad":

- Privacy: Buying different shades of curtains allows further privacy. Use black curtains for those sleepless nights and long hours of entertainment. When you finally decide to hit the sheets, black curtains allow for a good night sleep with minimal sunlight shining through in the early morning. Use sheer or beaded curtains when you want to let the light in, but also keep your privacy from those paparazzi! Since these curtains are transparent, they will enhance a sense of voyeurism.

- Location, location, location: Be sure your space is near a great nightlife scene and that you have access to restaurants, theaters, clubs and bars. It's important to have access to a variety of venues. I designed the "Ultimate Bachelor Pad" Suite at the new W Residences in Hollywood, which is right in the heart of the A-list nightlife scene! You don't even have to leave the grounds to eat at an amazing restaurant and hit L.A.'s hottest new club, Drai's.

- Appeal to ALL the senses: Make sure that your space is appealing to all senses. Focus on what you already have. Having a working fireplace definitely sets the mood, but you can also group together candles for a similar effect. If your pad has a great view, take advantage of it! Arrange your furniture in a way that takes in the scenery and promotes conversation. Using sleek and sexy surfaces -- like CaeserStone countertops and stainless steel tiles -- and a variety of textures adds visual interest to any space. You can also mix in glass, wood, shag carpet, faux fur and leather seating.

PHOTOS: Splurge vs. Save -- a guide to home decor

- Stay on Trend: Many of Hollywood's A-list ladies are also fashion hounds, so it's perfect to take your interior design cues from your fashion sensibility. Just like with clothes, invest in classics and wardrobe staples and keep your home style fresh with accessories in trendy shades. Also, be prepared to give your home seasonal updates by switching out linens, throw pillows and other easily interchangeable items.

- Entertain: Whether you are hosting a date night or a group of friends, you need to keep your guests entertained. Open concept living spaces are great for large groups! You will also want to consider a great home theater system with HDTV, BluRay and an amazing sound system. Always invest in the right pieces for your lifestyle. If having the latest gaming system is important to you, make sure you have a roomy space and ample seating to enjoy it with your friends.

PHOTOS: Celebrity dream homes

- Storage: It isn't always at the top of everyone's list, but it should be! You need to have the right kind of storage for your lifestyle! A kitchen full of new cabinets wont do you much good if you only cook once a year -- unless of course, you don't mind keeping your shoes in the kitchen. Keep closets and bathrooms extra organized for a modern, clean look. Having your beauty and clothing items sorted and easily accessible will help you get ready faster when you are prepping for a night out on the Sunset Strip! And of course, don't forget about where you are going to store your mountain bike, beach cruiser, surfboard, yoga mat and all the other L.A. outdoor and exercise equipment that you'll need to stay in shape.

- Make your guests feel comfortable and welcomed: last but not least, always make sure your guests feel welcome. Your place will feel that much more inviting and warm if you add a rug to hardwood floors or by making sure you have comfortable couches with soft but firm throw pillows. This way, it allows your guest to lounge around and enjoy their stay. Don’t forget to have extra blankets and fresh towels on hand at all times -- you never know when you'll have an unexpected overnight guest!

-- By Mike Valles for UsMagazine.com. For more on Mike and the space he designed at the W Residences in Hollywood, visit his Web site

.News - How to Create an A-List Bachelor Pad -- On a Budget! - Style & Beauty - UsMagazine.com

Calling For Your Pictures!

2010-08-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Starting soon, we will be featuring our customer's homes. From apartments to houses, anyone who cares enough about their living space to shop with us deserves to show the world their designs! It can be inside OR outside...or even both. Those that participate will be awarded with unlimited online fame and all kinds of peer jealousy. Send us a snapshot of your Interior Illusions items in your home and you will be featured here on The Letter, and also our Facebook page. I know, are you dreaming perhaps? No, this is for real. The golden ticket, so get your Wonka Bars. Remember the essentials in snapshot taking (e.g. decent lighting, not blurry, etc.). Also we love seeing you in the shot as well if you want, but you needn't feel obligated, and it doesn't diminish your chances of being featured one way or another. Send them to me doug@interiorillusionshome.com or any of your favorite designers and salespeople here.