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New Lighting trends

As the night’s are drawing in, it seems a perfect time to focus on the work of some innovative lighting designers.

I was able to take a personal look at some of their work, and trends to look out for, at the ICFF contemporary design showcase event earlier this year.

This combination of walnut sits well with the unique excavation technique employed by New York based In.Sek. Designer Ashira Isreal adds quartz crystal to specially blended concrete, creating a torn window effect for the shade, which in turn casts a sprialing light and soft glow across any space.

In Sek Design, New York, Excavation Dune Pendant
In.Sek Design, New York, Excavation Dune Pendant

Created from painted stainless steel mesh, the apparent simplicity of these Arturo Alvarez designed lamps belies their delicate crafting. Fine pleats form two overlapped layers creating two different lamps full of dynamism – two lively shapes born from one, creating the same movement yet at a different tempo.

Tempo Vivace pendant lamps designed by Arturo Alvarez

I particularly like how Iranian-born designer Ali Siavoshi works with everyday objects, transforming them into light fixtures, whilst injecting a sense of humour into these stylish and innovative displays.

Ali Siavoshi lamps on display at ICFF 2016 New York
Ali Siavoshi lamps on display at ICFF 2016 New York

Another designer who creates extraordinary pieces of art and lighting from ordinary “up-cycled” everyday glass bottles, is Altanta based Kathleen Plate. Her innovative techniques and sophisticated designs sit well within contemporary and stylish restaurant and hotel groups.

Smart Glass Art (SGA) custom chandelier designed by Kathleen Plate
Smart Glass Art (SGA) custom chandelier designed by Kathleen Plate

Zac Ridgely is a trained artist who uses his talent in the medium of light, son of a famed Canadian architect he quickly learned how to navigate his way through architectural drawings. The CRISS-CROSS series was created from a genuine desire to blend art with lighting, and this sculptural piece of cut steel rod is carefully arranged and welded in a seemingly random pattern.

Zac Ridgely's Criss Cross wallsconce

Zac Ridgely’s Criss Cross wallsconce

I hope these inspirational creations will give you some ideas for transforming your living or working spaces.

Moody Monday offers a bespoke design service to complement any projects you might be considering, and I’d be happy to discuss these further, Eliza.

Sources: www.insekdesign.com

www.arturo-alvarez.com

www.alialiali.com

www.sdgconstructiontechnology.com

www.kathleenplate.com

www.ridgelystudioworks.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Influence of the Week – Bauhaus Inspired Ceramics

It’s early February and we think we’ve just caught the ‘ceramic’ fever. Perfectly timed with the month of love. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, then you stumble on yet another beautiful collection. Maison et Objet 2016 was on last week and has been a fantastic source of inspiration. As always, they showcased a vast array of designers, both upcoming and seasoned veterans.

We made an exciting discovery through Architectural Digest. These beautiful Bauhaus ceramics are the epitome of sophistication. They are influenced by the original works of German artist, Hedwig-Bollhagen Ritz.

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Sometimes it’s the extra details which give a room that extra sense of character. We like the bold and structured use of black and white in the designs. They have a bit of an Art Deco feel to them. Each design seems to work harmoniously with the shape of the vessel.  Whether displayed singly or as a collection, these would look stunning on a coffee table.

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Not sure of how to display ceramics at home? Apartment Therapy has some brilliant ideas. We’ll definitely be looking up more of this designer’s work.

Image sources

Maison Objet

Architectural Digest

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Inspiring Designer – Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wanders is a product and interior designer known for his bold and stylistic signature style. Some fondly call him the “peacock-like prince of Dutch design”.

We discovered his recent work at The Kameha Grand Zurich and couldn’t wait to share it.

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His style has mesmerised the architecture and design community worldwide since he became popular for his Knotted Chair Design in 1996.  He is the Art director at one of our favourite design brands, Moooi which he co-founded.

Marcel Wanders has made it his mission to “create an environment of love, live with passion and make our most exciting dreams come true”.

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Who are the designers you think have a unique style? Share with us.

Story and images via Dezeen

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Luxury Watch Store Designed by Patricia Urquoila

Patricia Urquoila’s recent luxury retail store design is a perfect combination of creativity and sophistication. Panerai, the luxury Italian watch brand commissioned her to design its first US flagship store in Miami. Designers really do make the world tick, no pun intended.

The leading Spanish designer and architect has challenged the status quo. By creating an ultra-modern environment with class, she translates the brand’s ethos beautifully. We like the way fashion and design come together.

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The luxury store complete with luxurious finishes like gold, marble and bronze has design elements. They cleverly pay an ode to the inner workings of watches. A large wall clock resembles one of the brand’s watch faces. An open stair also mimics the teeth of a gear.

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According to Donna Karan, “Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable”.

We’re inspired by Patricia’s ability to exhibit this approach effortlessly time and time again. Last year, she designed her SHIMMER glass furniture collection which we shared in a previous blog post.

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Story and images via Dezeen

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Top Interior Books to read in 2016

As we welcome 2016, it gives us the opportunity to look forward to fresh aspirations with a new lease of life. If you haven’t done so already, you can make some new goals today.  Think big and give yourself the chance to see your vision come to reality.

One goal of ours at Moody Monday is to challenge ourselves to innovate more. This will sometimes take us out of our comfort zone but we welcome this. We are eager to learn and find useful resources to help stretch our imagination.

What better way to start off 2016 than with a new book list? If it’s in the world of interior design, we have just the list for you. Read on for some of our favourite interior design books to open your mind up to a world of new possibilities. No doubt your home will thank you for it too.

1. The Tailored Interior by Greg Natale

Offering readers a step-by-step guide of the interior design process, Greg shares how he creates vibrant homes with his bold signature style. Find out more

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2. Bright Bazaar: Embracing Colour for Make-You-Smile Style by Will Taylor

This colour-popping book is bursting with beautiful images and great ideas on how to use colour in every space in your home. Find out more

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3. Sustainable Design Book by Rebecca Proctor

This book opens the door to a world of inspiration from over 200 designers who are taking ecological product design very seriously. It is sure to surprise and educate you. Find out more

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4. Decorating with Style by Abigail Ahern

We love how she makes dark interiors look so luxurious and captivating. Find out more

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5. Style Council by Sarah Thompson

Get introduced to unique interior spaces which celebrate savvy home style in Britain’s ex-council homes. Find out more

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Happy reading and a happy new year! Let us know which ones become your favourite.

Image mention

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Inspiring Designers, Part II : Prasetio Budhi

This week, we introduce you to another talented interior designer based in Indonesia. Prasetio Budhi heads up Plus Design, the interior design consulting firm which he set up over a decade ago.

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Photo: Le Salon, © Plus Design 2015

His style is particularly youthful, having the ability to combine luxurious elements bringing individuality and personality to beautiful high-end spaces.

His mantra is “to bring world class design to every project”. Embracing more of a classic style in his interiors whether residential or commercial, his ability to showcase interesting design with a contemporary aesthetic is remarkable.

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Photo: Senopati Residence, © Plus Design 2015
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Photo: Jade Boutique © Plus Design 2015

The refined look created in this commercial store displays a creative juxtaposition of dark ambiance with statement lighting. We think his work is undeniably stylish with a refreshing edge.

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Photo: Elite Senayan City, © Plus Design 2015
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Photo: Elite Senayan City, © Plus Design 2015

For more of his interior projects, visit www.plus-dsgn.com. If you haven’t already, also read the first blog in our series, Inspiring Designer part 1.

Image mention

https://www.behance.net/prasetiobudhi

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Inspiring Designers, Part I : Fifi Fimandjaja

A few weeks ago, our designer and founder, Eliza Kesuma returned from a nice holiday in Indonesia, her home country. It made us think – why not introduce all our lovely readers to the world of interior design in beautiful Indonesia.

This week’s spotlight is on Fifi Fimandjaja, one of Indonesia’s leading interior designers catering to high-end residential and hospitality clients.

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Photo: ©Adeline Krisanti 2015  via  Idea Online

We particularly like how her stylish mix of modern style with cultural elements provides non-ostentatious luxury and glamour. Her spaces have a knack for matching the right use of colours with interior styles.

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Photo: © Vivianne Faye 2015

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Photo: © Vivianne Faye 2015

For more on her work, visit http://www.viviannefaye.com

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Designer’s picks – Food styling inspiration

The art of interior styling involves creativity and originality to present a space beautifully. So we thought why not look into another area where styling is key – food.

Get some inspiration from these beautifully styled food photos. Enjoy!

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Images via The First Mess and Foodies Feed 

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Images via LivingxDesignBorrowed and Blue and In Pursuit of Food

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Images via Relais & Chateaux and  Kafijaskruze

 

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Designer’s pick – Luxury furniture

If you love luxury furniture, you’ll love this collection. They’ve been fondly given the name ‘Common Comrades’.  Designed for Mooi by Neri&Hu, this collection of luxury stools is inspired by those seen throughout China. Lyndon Neri and Rossana who founded Neri&Hu Design and Research Office are the designers behind them.

“A clever personification of the simplicity of country life, where everybody knows ‘who’ you are and ‘what’ you do”. The Common Comrades table family amuses us with its utilitarian simplicity & honest soul. – excerpt from moooi.com

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Bestowed with names like Emperor, Merchant and Farmer, each stool embodies a personality within a community. It’s also fascinating to see how the designers have cleverly integrated kanji lettering, one of the three main writing systems of the Japanese language into the design of the stools.

We love the polished look with the bold red colour clearly adding to this effect. Undoubtedly making a stand-out piece in any environment.  They can be used individually as a stool, bedside table or grouped together to create a unified modern style.

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Made from solid birch and a red lacquered finish at the base, they represent a perfect balance of form, function and detail. Luxury furniture up our street. We can definitely imagine them teamed up with the backdrop of our Moody Monday wallpaper Secret Music collection.

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Images were sourced from www.moooi.com

Photography by © Pegenaute, www.pedropegenaute.es