Reception Desk Inspiration

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Laura Bielecki

A the Milan Furniture Fair there were a lot of inspiring ideas that came not only from the products on display but also from the booths they were in. Here are some of my favorite reception desk designs from the show.

Alf Da Fre glass and wood reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Glass Reception desks seem to be very popular. Many are beautiful glass boxes with a solid form floating within. This one above at the Alfa Da Fre booth had a beautiful medium tone wood to complement the delicate glass box.

Glass and Lacquer Reception Desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Office furnishings company Lafano had a stunning Glass and Wood reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Beautiful white contemporary reception showroom name unknown. Image: Laura Bielecki

Another trend seemed to be playing with natural and rough woods to showcase the grain, knots and roughness.

Tre-P & Tre-Piu wood reception desk Image: Laura Bielecki

Knotty wood reception desk - booth name unknown. photo: Laura Bielecki

Smania had 2 great reception desks one was for press and the other for showing off what the company does best- pulling the whole package (walls, texture, signage, lighting and furniture) together. Check out how the table lamp hold up the table! what a beautiful detail. The only thing I would do to perfect this piece for the function of a reception desk would be to add a modesty panel, nothing is racier than seeing a receptionists legs under the table. Also, that padded reception desk is yummy… makes you reach out to pet it. I wish they had designed it with a concealed work surface however so you didn’t see all the staffs junk all over it!

Smania reception desk photo: Laura Bielecki

Smania fabric and marble padded reception desk

Some of the desks were very simple but make bold statements.

Ligne Roset reception desk image: Laura Bielecki

White and black reception desk booth name unknown. image: Laura Bielecki

Simple forms in LED booth name unknown. photo: Laura Bielecki

Incanto metal reception desk. image: Laura Bielecki

Metal Reception Desk booth name unknown. image: Laura Bielecki

Logica reception desk. image: Laura Bielecki

Sometimes its not about whats going on with the desk but more about the wall behind it. Here are some great examples to showcase a brand.

Presotto reception desk image: Laura Bielecki

Jesse reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Giorgetti Showroom reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

And one more great detail on a fabulous reception desk to keep you inspired and bursting with design ideas…..

Moltoluce Reception desk detail. Image: Laura Bielecki

Swarovski Elements Wallpaper at Euroluce 2011

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Laura Bielecki

Swarovski booth - Euroluce 2011

Beauty is timeless and for me anything shiny is forever!
I was super excited to see the Swarovski booth at Milan Design Week. Swarovski always goes over and above at shows to exhibit top notch products that will have you dreaming. Walking through the booth for me was like daydreaming in a candy shop. Each fixture was unique and stunning with the sole purpose of catching the light off each and every individual crystal. What makes the best backdrop to a Swarovski Chandelier? most certainly a jewel studded wallcovering like the new Swarovski Elements wallpaper. This is luxury design….

Swarovski Elements Euroluce 2011

The new collection was directed by the vision of company founder Daniel Swarovski who wished to create beauty and enrich the world of fashion through crystal. Be it jewelry, accessories, architecture or haute couture this company has taken sparkle from cinema to catwalk. Renowned wallpaper designer Karen Beauchamp has created this line rich in feathers, stripes, crackle, velvet, diamonds and more. Eleven creations were designed using rich colors like royal blue, eggplant and burgundy intertwined with classic designs like damask, paisley and stripes, all topped off with a dash of Swarovski Elements.

CREATE A SPACE WITH THE BEAUTY OF CRYSTAL

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the new collection:

Swarovski Elements Wallcovering - Diamond Trellis

The harlequin argyle patterned paper is a patchwork of crystals, metallic effects and a modern expression of sophistication through prosaic geometry of diamonds. Classy, long lasting and gender neutral.

Swarovski Elements Wallcovering - Plume

Plume is a whimsical display of history, romance, nobility and wisdom. It is delicate and bold to make an expressive statement in a space.

Swarovski Elements Wallcovering - Ruffle Silk Jaspe

Ruffle Silk Jaspe is a pure pattern with expressionist luster and surprising elements of crystal.

Swarovski Elements Wallcovering - Versailles

Versailles is my favorite of the collection. A simple and strong pattern ideal for hotels, living rooms, powder rooms and boutiques. It is an opulent pattern in the verre eglomise style of baroque glass art adorned in crystal rocks.

BEAUTY IS LIKE AN EMPTY CHAMBER: ONCE DISCOVERED, IT IS TO THE ARTIST BOTH INSPIRATION AND CANVAS

So many amazing options! Let me know what you think.

Blanco Cucina

Posted on March 13, 2011 by Laura Bielecki

Traditional white kitchen

White Kitchens have always been a designers love. The simplicity of the color combined with the countless variations of styles and details always makes for an effortless, clean and refreshing space to make ones coffee in the morning. With the kitchen being the center of the home it is used for cooking, eating, socializing, entertaining and can even be used as an impromptu workspace, homework station and scheduling center. The heart of the home needs the most attention and is the number one place to sink some money into for resale value. Designing a kitchen with all of the basic needs of a busy homemaker or worker is key in making ones life more efficient and removing the tiny hassles of day to day life. I will never forget nor want to return to a life without a dishwasher and I strive to one day have a garb-orator and trash compactor once again.

White marble kitchen via: Desire to inspire

On my trip to NeoCon 2010 last June I stumbled upon one of my new favorite drule worthy kitchen designers who is master of his craft and has equisite taste and creativity in designing some of the most clever high end kitchen details. Mick De Giulio, master craftsman and internationally renowned kitchen designer has created an empire in his craft.

Mick De Giulio-clean white residential kitchen

Quote by Mick de Giulio: “I believe that a great kitchen has a majic to it that transforms the physical room into a feeling. The great kitchen has a spirit, an aura, an intangible that is real. People are drawn to that kitchen, and they may not know why. The Kitchen sings.”

Mick De Giulio-White Kitchen

When in his showroom I bought his book “Kitchen Centric” which elaborates with floor plans, images and inspirational quotes the thoughts and concepts behind some of his most beautiful creations. Every Interior Designer must purchase this book for their library and flip through it prior to any kitchen design… the inspiration and outside of the box thinking is magnificent! Mick De Giulio’s favorite inspirational quote comes from Picasso “Everything you can imagine is real” and it shows.

Mick De Giulio - townhouse kitchen

White kitchens will always be classic and will never be passe. They are fresh and pure. As Mick De Giulio says: ” the more you use white in a room, the less it feels like an element. The whiteness become dreamlike. Everything white sculpts together which makes everything that is not white pop.”

Christopher Peacock - White kitchen

Advantages of a white kitchen:

you can easily play it up with any color, shape or style of back splash, wall covering, paint, glass, counter tops and hardware
you can explore different styles from contemporary, traditional, country, traditional etc.
you can do high gloss white cabinets without looking passe
you can have fun with hardware and lighting being the jewels of your space think of over-scale, polished and unique looking pieces to add extra flare and pizazz to make it your own.
you can have dark floors for higher contrast and it wont be jaring
the look can be quite sleek and elegant and is more likely to be liked by a broader audience – ideal for resale value!

Black and White kitchen

I am hitting up the ISaloni International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2011 this April. Unfortunately this year is not Eurocucina and Bagno however I will be visiting Euroluce which will give me an eyeopening and exquisite look into the world of lighting. Hopefully my next trip will be to return for the Kitchen and bath show.

Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe Kitchen

Tommy Smythe Kitchen Design

Mick De Giulio Handsome Kitchen

via: Corea Sotropa - Kitchen ideas

Alice Lane kitchen

Grand Entrance Doors

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Laura Bielecki

Classy residential front entry doors

When it comes to selling a home the first and last thing a buyer sees and touches in the front entry door. A door should make a statement to the entry of something grand and special. the weight and ease of swing leave an impression of the quality and care taken with the home or space. Doors have an aesthetic role to give an impression to viewers of what lies beyond.

Oscar de la Renta store facade at the Wynn Las Vegas photo: Laura Bielecki

I am always the most nit-picky with my clients on the appearance of their entryways and the effect their entry door leaves on guests. My biggest pet peeve is the hideous metal or plastic screen doors the disguise any visual interest or presence to the feature that is a homes entry. Please… if anyone is listening take a second look at your front door and ensure it pops. Use bright or bold colors, high gloss, well crafted hardware in metal wood or glass and make sure it fits with the character of your home and lifestyle. For safety’s sake don’t make it in all glass with no privacy and have a peep hole or another form of view so you can protect your home and loved ones.