Luxury Interiors just got back from another fantastic trip to Milano for Design Week. The event was spread across the city and included the RHO Fiera Isaloni Milan Furniture Fair, Euroluce (Lighting), Salone Satellite (Young Designers), Salone Ufficio (Office Furniture), Tortona Design Week, Brera District, Ventura Lambrate  (all three are pop up design exhibits) as well as some smaller offshoots through the city.

I had many favorites from the trip and thought it would best to give a brief rundown of the show with links and articles. In following articles I will up with a more in depth look at a few of the brands.

My TOP 10 experiences of Milan Design Week:

1. MOOOI

Moooi Showroom in Tortona During Milan Design Week 2013. Including Mannequins from Haans Boodt and large scale photo collection by Erwin Olaf. Event photos by: Laura Bielecki of Luxury Interiors Blog

The number one best and most unexpected show in all of Milan was certainly the Moooi warehouse in Zona Tortona. The Dutch design giant lead by Marcel Wanders pulled out all the stops to make his showroom evocative, show all of his latest collection, showcase a few of his buddies and be incredibly photographic. Marcel teamed up with world famous photographer Erwin Olaf who is famous for his dark and quirky portraiture. His photographs came to life on oversize prints as backdrops to the fun and magical furniture and lighting collection. In addition Moooi teamed up with Haans Boodt the mega creative mannequin company who made some stunningly sexy, cool and poised high gloss characters to accent each design vignette within the space.

Moooi Showroom Zona Tortona Milan 2013 – image via Moooi website

Take a virtual visit through the booth on the Moooi website.

Moooi Showroom Zona Tortona Milan 2013 Photo credit: Laura Bielecki

For more on photographer Erwin Olaf check out his website, or – as it is blocked in the UAE – check out this tumblr page. A friendly warning that his photography contains some nudity, dark subjects and often perverse humor…

Haans Boodt, Erwin Olaf and Moooi collaboration

For more on the sexy mannequins check out the Haans Boodt website.

2. LEE BROOM

The Lee Broom “Crystal Bulb Shop” was adorable and ultra chic with its vintage till, shop boy, packaging and all! The British designer is on top of his game at the moment with various designs that I have fallen head over heels for such as his Salon, Parquetry and Carpetry collections. With his previous experience working in the fashion industry for Vivienne Westwood, Lee Broom has learned the importance of dramatic, theatrical and historically remade pieces is drawing crowds. In fact, the shop was packed with a line up out the door to see his magical bulbs.

Lee Broom Crystal Bulb Shop Milan 2013

Their was a feel to the space as if these were the newest hot commodity, the first bulbs ever made… I could hear the photographers camera bulbs bursting capturing every angle of the space and its merchandise.

3. BUDRI

Budri Italian Marble Inlay is a company that left me jaw dropped and tickled pink about marbles infinite possibilities for over 30 minutes (a very long time when it comes to design week attention spans). Labeling themselves as the tailors of marble work they have sure come out with a bespoke and exotic range of marble items. Teaming up with the ever present design master Patricia Urquiola from Spain, the 50 year old company made a masterpiece of tragedy. As the Abitare article describes, the companies collection of rare stones was devastated in May 2012 by a massive earthquake. Making the best of the situation the company teamed up with Patricia to create the Earthquake 5.9 collection. Such a lovely story for an already beautiful creation.

Budri Italian Marble Inlay Isaloni 2013. 

For some more stunning examples of Budri’s work and collaborations with numerous high profile designers take a look at their website. As a side and fun fact related to the Middle East where Luxury Interiors resides, Budri is the manufacturer of all of the luxury stone work installed in the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi.

4. BOCCI.

Bocci 38 series flexible copper suspension system

Go CANADA!! The Canadian glass company “Bocci” went from being a west coast design house of heavy and often expensive sphericle pendants to an internationally recognized leader in innovative glass techniques and designs. Showcasing their take on the botanical trend they embraces plant and glass…

5. KARIM RASHID FOR NEWFORM.

The designer did a great launch of his new hook desk system for Newform office systems. I had a chance to meet with Rashid who took a fondness to my fuchsia camera and colorful apparel . Below is my video from the show of Karim explaining the concept behind his desk design. With over 3000 designs in production, more than 300 awards and working in over 40 countries, Karim has certainly become top of the design world.

6. MORET ITALY.

Not a large company or an overly known one, this carpet manufacturer has developed an incredible collection of art rugs. http://www.moret.it

Moret Italy Art Rugs

7. PHILIPS LIGHTING

The masters of innovation, Philips Lighting presented more of the capabilities of OLED’s (“O” Standing for Organic). I had the chance last year to see the OLED factory in Aachen Germany, just a short drive from the Philips Eindhoven Light innovations center. I was blown away by the technology and its possibilities.  Who needs a bulb anyways? While the chandelier itself from first look is not as exciting as some of the other displays at Euroluce, the technology behind it is ground breaking. Have a look further into the innovation here.

Philips OLED Lighting

8. BOLON

Bolon Commercial Flooring

I love this company for many reasons and am dying to get them on a commercial project. The patterns and colorway fit so effortlessly into today’s interiors as they have been designed to gel with the latest color/pattern and design trends.

New Bolon flooring collection 2013

9. PRECIOSA

Unite Chandelier by Klara Sumova for Preciosa. Her description of the piece ” The central concept was to place varying numbers of candles in bowls of different shapes, colours and cuts; to hold on to fragments of the chandelier’s history while moving it into aesthetically new areas. The substance remains unchanged, the candles are carried by bowls, the bowls are carried by glass arms. The arms are held together with ribbon which hold another tradition—the physical weight of the chandelier.”

Fun, quirky and so very much Czech styled, I am loving this creation by Klara Sumova of the Unite chandelier. Preciosa is an industry leader in custom classic and contemporary chandeliers for residential and hospitality projects worldwide. They have done numerous items for Palaces as Hotels across Dubai and the Middle East some of which you can see on their website.

Preciosa Inspiral LED Chandelier designed by Jaroslav Bejvl Jr.

Preciosa lighting display at Euroluce 2013

10. SCHEMATA ARCHITECTS 

‘ColoRing’ by Schemata Architects

This vibrant collection is an exploration of paint and sanding processes to achieve an individual and unique colorful pattern to otherwise low grade wood. find out more on the Schemata Architects website.

11. FLOS

String Lights by Michael Anastassiades for FLOS (Photo via Dezeen.com)

I fell in love with this collection along with apparently every other person attending Euroluce. Michael Anastassiades designs for FLOS were flawless! Simple lamps strung between walls on fine cables. These flexes are hung with black conical or spherical pendants, fitted with LED light sources.  A system of tensors gives volume and three-dimensionality to the form outlined by this lightweight cord that plays with space, while the two LED lamps emit a warm light.

Utilizing White Space. String Lights by Michael Anastassiades for FLOS (Photo via Dezeen.com)

“Every time I take the train, I sit by the window and watch the series of perfectly parallel strings connecting the pylons, as we move at high speed. I love the way they divide the landscape and how spheres are occasionally beaded through the wires at random intervals. I also love how, in Mediterranean cultures, strings of lights are stretched between posts to mark an outdoor space for an evening party in a village square. And finally, I love how human ingenuity works around problems created by everyday things in the house (like switches and power points) that others have chosen to position where we don’t want them.”

Connecting spaces and leading the eye of the viewer. String Lights by Michael Anastassiades for FLOS (Image via Dezeen.com)

12. FRITZ HANSEN

Ro Chair by Jaime Hayon

Not only is he a complete cutie but Jaime Hayon is also a brilliant designer. Watch the video above to see the creation and concept of the new classic Ro chair.

Fritz Hansen Ro Chair by Jaime Hayon launched at Isaloni 2013

Speaking of Fritz, they have a cool new showroom in Media City, Dubai. (p: +971 4 4380244)

Alright I know… I broke the top 10 things boundary, but hey – how can you narrow down design week into 10 items?

Stay Inspired!

~Laura of Arabia~

Design Days 2013 is here! Luxury Interiors was on the scene beneath the Burj Khalifa this week to check out the event.

Held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bid Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai the 2nd annual Design Days Dubai showcased regional and international design objects. The show has certainly done its part in reinforcing the city’s position as a vibrant Arabian Metropolis that fosters both culture and art within the region.

Highlights from the show included the stunning Analogia Project by design duo Andrea Mancuso and Emilia Serra. the project aims to explore “the manifestation of the imaginary, in its transient state of flux; it is a drawing in the air that traces the fine line between abstract thought and concrete reality.” The current installation was done especially for Design Days Dubai including a representation of the iconic Le Corbusier chaise longue Mackintosh chair and Isamu Noguchi table. “The visual impact of the three dimensional ‘sketch’ will challenge conventional spatial representations and the viewer will be urged to reconsider their perception of the familiar objects they embody.”

Analogia Project installation for Design Days Dubai 2013. Photo credit: Laura Bielecki of Luxury Interiors

I know its going to look like the theme of the night was black and white but maybe that just represents my mood at the moment. Check out this mesmerizing installation of the worlds coolest clock. Wall art by ‘Humans Since 1982′ via Victor Hunt Design Art Gallery.

A million times by Humans Since 1982

A million times (Time Dubai) by Humans since 1982 from Humans since 1982 on Vimeo.

The gallery also has a collection of Surveillance Chandeliers. Ideal for all high security spaces that don’t take themselves too seriously.

Victor Hunt Design Art Surveillance Chandelier by Humans Since 1982.  Photo credit: Laura Bielecki of Luxury Interiors

Nakkash Gallery Dubai brought out the fun with organic furniture, bold geometrics and other unusual objects to desire.

Photo credit: Laura Bielecki of Luxury Interiors

Carpenters Workshop Gallery presented a similar selection of works as last year however each of the pieces truly deserves an encore. Innovative, storytelling and easy to relate to. Each of these pieces could easily be seen in situ within an art hotel, cigar bar or amazing dark alley budoir. I personally would love to find corners, walls and niches in my projects to surprise clients with.

Carpenters Workshop Gallery large wall sconce. A dramatic fixture perfect for a hotel atrium or staircase landing. Photo credit: Laura Bielecki of Luxury Interiors

Not part of the show but part of the same collection by Carpenters Workshop Gallery is this beautiful chandelier. I can picture it in a few current works… Photo credit: Carpenters Workshop Gallery

The show had an amazing tactile quality encouraging me to touch, interact and walk around each item.

Texture in 4 forms. 1. a wood vase by Sarah Myerscough Fine Art, 2. Console table by Carpenters Workshop Gallery, 3. spun metal table by Carpenters Workshop Gallery and beaded chandelier by Nakkash Gallery

Khalid Shafar, the Emirati designer rocked the show as its main curation. His touch was spread across all avenues of the show including a lovely pearl diving history display. He was represented as part of Carwan Gallery, Moissonnier, Tai Ping, & Dubai Culture & Art Authority exhibitions.

Khalid Shafar for Tai Ping Carpets

The Majilis Gallery is run by a wonderful couple with a great eye for simple yet elegant textural and collectible art pieces.

The Majilis Gallery, Dubai

Stay Inspired!

~Laura of Arabia~

At the beginning of February 2013 myself and 18 other bloggers were invited by Brizo faucets for an all expenses paid trip to beautiful New York City for an action packed design marathon. I was incredibly privileged to be the very first International blogger at the event and was more than happy to jet set half way across the world to learn more about Brizo, Jason Wu and all that NYC has to offer.

Lets start with the highlight of the event, the Jason Wu Fall 2013 collection at New York Fashion week. Not only did I have the opportunity to attend but I was also blessed with front row tickets to the show and sat next to Jason Wu’s Parents (who were adorable!). The collection itself, “It’s all about the embodiment of a woman—powerful, sensual, sexy, glamorous,” said Jason Wu to Vogue backstage.  I had a jaw dropping spot to see what things look like from the other end of the lens…

My invitation to the Jason Wu Fall 2013 fashion show along with a signed and numbered JW sketch! photo credit: Laura Bielecki

Red Dress by Jason Wu. Photo credit: Laura Bielecki from the ‘hot seat’

I had my fair share of celebrity spotting’s which I will now name drop until you are blue in the face…

Magazines: The Queen of Vogue Anna Wintour with her entourage of Sally Singer, Virginia Smith and Mark Holgate, Editor of Vanity Fair Amy Fine Collins, Creative Director of Elle Magazine Joe Zee and Editor in Chief Roberta Meyers, InStyle fashion directors Hal Rubenstein and Cindy Weber Cleary, W magazine editor Stefano Tonchi, Glenda Bailey Editor in Cheif of Harper’s Bazaar. Bloggers: The Sartorialist, Brian Boy, Rumi Neely, and Dubai’s own Laura Bielecki (that’s me!) Supermodels & Actresses: Supermodel Stephanie Seymour and her boys Peter and Harry Brant, Actress’ Allison Williams, models Elettra Wiedemann, Isabelle Fuhrman and Jamie King. And a few others… Linda Fargo Vice President of Merchandising for Bergdorf Goodman and Race Car driver Ken Downing.

Celebrity Spotting at the Jason Wu Fall 2013 fashion show. 1. Jamie King, 2. Joe Zee, 3. Brian Boy, 4. Anna Wintour, 5. Peter & Harry Brant, 6. The Sartorialist Scott Schuman. Photo credit: Laura Bielecki

I had a great chat with Jason’s lovely parents whom fly to all of Jason’s shows. His mother proudly stated as an introduction “That’s my son!”.

Fashion Designer Jason Wu’s Parents with Interior Designer Laura Bielecki

Laura, Kat, Kristen and Laura before the show. Photo credit: Yvonne Blacker of Design Vignettes

So what do Jason Wu and Brizo have in common and how does it have anything to do with my blog?! Well… not too long ago, before Jason Wu was a household name, Brizo took him under their wing and began sponsoring him. Having seen his potential the team worked with Jason on creating his own signature line for the Brizo brand. The launch of this collection in 2011 and Jason’s shear talent in fashion have propelled him in many ways. He has now designed not one but TWO inaugural ball gowns for the first lady Michelle Obama rising him to the top of the watch list of global fashion designers. Here is his classical inspired collection for Brizo. My favorite item is the matte black Odin faucet with its smart touch technology (touch the faucet anywhere and it turns on!).

Jason Wu collection for Brizo faucets

At the Jason Wu after party a few of us whipped out our cameras like giddy design students to photograph our first encounter with a working Jason Wu Odin faucet.

Barbara Elza Hirsch of Elza B Design, Marilyn Russell of Design Magnifique and myself Laura Bielecki of Luxury Interiors inspecting a real live working Jason Wu Odin faucet in matte black. Photo credit: Moi, Miss Laura Bielecki

I had fun exploring new top secret products with the Brizo design team. They are so open to comments, criticisms and shop talk and I was truly amazed by their upcoming lineup of kitchen and bath faucets! The design team lead by Judd Lord have a great process from inspiration through to completion. I envy their work spaces and creativity :) I am incredibly honored to have helped be part of the Brizo design process. Don’t worry Dubai I made sure to let them know to keep gold tones as an option through their most luxurious products with matching accessories and I begged an pleaded for a matching bidet spray for frustrated designers in the Middle East!

We had a few other adventures and outings in NYC… Including an ultra yummy pasta cooking class at Sur la Table.

the Brizo team and Blogger19 dive in to the art of cooking at Sur la Table! Photo credit: Jayme Thornton

We also toured the LEED Platinum Hearst Building which houses numerous publications all under one roof including: Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, Seventeen, Veranda and Elle Decor. We had a great talk + chat with Amy Preiser (online editor from Elle Decor) about social media.

Laura Bielecki meets Amy Preiser of Elle Decor

Following the chat was a great tour of the building including the offices of Elle Decor/Veranda and House beautiful. Can you imagine working in this environment?!

Elle Decor, Veranda & House Beautiful Offices in the Hearst Tower NYC.

So where do the #Blogger19 crash during this extravaganza? No other place but the chic Eventi Hotel in Chelsea.

The Eventi Hotel in Chelsea NYC.1. Laura Bielecki in the Restaurant wearing a necklace and ring from Shoreditch Muse (a Dubai based fashion shop) , 2. The Lobby, 3. Gorgeous seating and color scheme in the Lobby, 4. Marble bathroom and glass art, 5. a more than comfortable bed with a view of the city.

I did a few other fun things in my short stay in the Big apple… like tour the MOMA and have afternoon tea at the Park Plaza Hotel (My favorite Hotel in NYC).

a walk through the MOMA in New York. Featuring works by Andy Warhol, Pino Pascali, Donald Judd and Henri Matisse

Afternoon tea and chocolate fondue at the Plaza with my Brizo & Delta faucet rep Gizem Imer!

I cannot thank the Brizo team enough for the lovely trip. I gained so many new experiences and filled my brain with enough inspiration to last the year.

This is the lovely group of bloggers and designers I had the chance to spend time with:

• Adele Young of VDL Interiors
• Barbara Elza Hirsch of Elza B Design
• Cristi Holcombe of Charm Home (Host of HGTV’s Elbow Room)
• Donna Hall of Savvy Interior Design
• Elizabeth McGann of Rinfret LTD
• Ellen Cheever of Ellen Cheever and Associates
• Faith Sheridan of Faith Sheridan Interiors
• Greg Tankersley of McAlpine Tankersley
• Katrina Stumbos of Four Design
• Kelly Ottinger of Kelly Ottinger Interiors
• Lisa Peck of LiLu Interiors
• Marilyn Russell of  Design Magnifique, Inc.
• Shelly Rosenberg of Lura Studio
• Susan Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs
• Todd  Vendituoli of Todd Vendituoli Construction
• Yvonne Blacker of Yvonne Blacker Creative

Inspired yet?

~Laura of Arabia~

Known as one of the giants of the hospitality and high end residential world, Preciosa Lighting is at the top of its game. As the name suggests, these luxury chandeliers produced in the Czech Republic are truly precious.

The lighting company recently unveiled a new series of custom fixtures in the newly opened Aspen lobby lounge in the Kempinski hotel Mall of the Emirates.

The head of design for Preciosa, Mr Jarda Bejvl is making an appearance in the Middle Easts “city of lights” this Tuesday evening (March 5th). He will be doing a talk on the conceptual design of light beyond imagination. Please contact Preciosa (coll at preciosa.com or 050 551 9086) for more information.

Aspen Cafe and Lounge at the Kempinksi Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Look at the texture on those walls! The space is very elegant and perfectly lit.

Stay inspired!

~Laura of Arabia~

David Kohler and Laura Bielecki at Armani Restaurante January 2013

I had a wonderful and impromptu dinner this evening at the luxurious Armani Restaurante hotel with an array of Dubai’s design elite. Special guest and man of the night being Mr. David Kohler, president of the world renowned kitchen & bathroom plumbing empire. Mr. Kohler was elected President and COO of the company in 2009 and has pushed to make some great leaps with the family owned US based company. Kohler is excitedly anticipating the opening of the largest Kohler showroom in the Middle East in Dubai at the end of March. Yours truly will be on location for the opening to report.

David Kohler. I think the companies tag line also fits its charming president…

For any one who has lived in the dark for the past 20 years, Kohler is a mid-high end plumbing company. They specialize in everything kitchen and bath plumbing related items for residential and commercial bathrooms from faucets to toilets and bathtubs.

On another note, Restaurante has to be one of the finest Dubai restaurants I have been to yet. It is simple and quiet with clean detailing and a large but incredibly comfortable environment.The food was simply exquisite and the ladies desert of a giant pearl with gold leaf was remarkable and truly one of a kind.

~ Laura of Arabia ~

Invitation for Interior Designers in Dubai to meet Cheryl Durst, Vice President & CEO of the IIDA (International Interior Design Association)

For more information or to RSVP as an Interior Designer for the event please message me via my blog or my commenting below and be sure to bring your business cards.

See you there!

~Laura of Arabia~

World Luxury Expo Series Middle East

I just got back from a fantastic evening at the 2013 Dubai World Luxury Expo held at the Burj Al Arab. The 3 day exclusive invite only event which began this evening is filled with luxury brands to dazzle our life. Luxury in Dubai is defined according to this event along with many of the UAE’s elite as a combination of brands such as:

Hastens beds with a new introduction of an exclusive Hotel range of luxury mattresses targeted at the unique, customer driven, 5 star hotel market. Not to mention a classic range of residential products that can make you melt into a blissful nights sleep.

Steinway handcrafted music hall quality pianos (1,000 max. made per year) along with its counterpart Crystal Rocked Pianos an exclusive and luxury collection of Swarovski clad instruments.

Bentley motors rolled up with their luxury lineup.

Cantonnet & Cantonnet rocked their bling earrings

The London Robe Company strutted some superior masculine chic men’s suits with the launch of their Knightsbridge Collection, blazers and robes worthy of the Playboy mansion,

Pro Art Gallery Dubai flaunted some Miro and Dali originals as if they were just another item in the collection with pieces equally as fascinating and distinguished.

Another list for my readers and fans to help me add to my ever expanding portfolio…

Modenus – the international designspotting website – is in the process of culminating a top 100 Interior Design Blog list curated by YOU!

If you are a Luxury Interiors fan I would certainly love your vote! So how can you curate the list? See below:

HOW TO VOTE:

1. Click this link and look for your fav design blogs (like moi: Luxury Interiors)
2. Click on the little hand next to the blog name and sign in with Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn etc.
3. Then VOTE by clicking on the hand one more time

Yours truly (Laura Bielecki) is hosting this weeks (October 30th) #IntDesignerChat on twitter 4pm MST from my hometown of Calgary. I am very much looking forward to sharing my knowledge and excitement over Dubai’s Glitz and Glam to give a better glimpse into the world of luxury interiors in the Middle East! Log in with Tweetchat here or learn more at IntDesignerChat.

Me and the beautiful Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE

~ Laura of Arabia ~

Laura Bielecki (me) of Luxury Interiors Blog accepting her award for Middle East Young Interior Designer of the Year 2012 on September 25th, 2012 at the Commercial Interior Design Awards

While still in shock, I am very excited to announce that at last evenings Commercial Interior Design Awards in the prestigious Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai, I managed to snag the Middle East Young Interior Designer of the Year 2012 award. The judges attributed their decision to my social media involvement in the industry, attention to environmental responsibility and design style.

Laura Bielecki Senior Interior Designer at Godwin Austen Johnson Architects Dubai (from my photoshoot with Commercial Interior Design magazine)

As a great portion of this award has to do with my blog, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook etc. pages I would like to thank every single person who follows the notes, inspiration and images that I share and for keeping me excited and eager to share more. To all the teachers, bosses and colleagues I have met over the years who are full of passion and love for what they do, thank you for inspiring me. To my family and friends for giving me the courage to keep going and understanding the struggles I go through to occasionally walk down a different path, thank you for believing in me no matter what.  And most of all thank you to GAJ for bringing me to Dubai less than 1 year ago, introducing me to some very inspiring and knowledgeable colleagues and giving me opportunities in new directions of learning. Thank you GAJ for nominating me for this award, your support is truly appreciated.

October 2012: CID magazine published the below article about my win. You can also view the entire article online here.

For more knowledge and up to date info on the Middle East and North Africa design and Architecture industry from Commercial Interior Design magazine and ITP check out the Design Mena website.

On October 30th, 2012 at 6p ET, 5p CT, 3p PT,  11p GMT I had the honor of Hosting the very popular #IntDesignerChat tweetchat to share my experiences in Dubai and promote working abroad and taking chances! Read the full discussion here.

Mount Royal University (where I graduated in 2006) did an interview and write-up on my award on their Facetime page. In addition during my 1 month victory tour of Canada (it was really just a beautiful holiday visiting family) I did a presentation to the students and shared my journey from graduating 6 years ago to the gold and glamour of design in the Emirates. I left an inspirational message on the graffiti stair in studio for the students as well. I have a surprise in store for the student(s) who tweets/emails me a photo of it with them first! – just to check who is doing their homework…

In November Commercial Interior Design magazine published a great article about my win, how much I love my career and a few of the wonderful projects I have worked on over the past 6 years. See below for the full article and here for the full November issue.

Thanks again to everyone who has been so supportive through my career. Keep inspiring!

To all my readers…. I promise I will start blogging about design again shortly rather than media coverage of me tickled pink!

~ Laura of Arabia ~