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Did you know that Ultrasuede HP is the original high performance fabric for interiors and fashion since the 1970's?  The smooth texture is unbeatable and feels almost identical to suede.  There is no question that Ultrasuede HP is unparalleled in quality and function and its sumptuous premium like texture makes you want to envelope yourself in their fabric.  For this reason when Ultrasuede HP reached out for a  fun giveaway and project I jumped at the chance!

The results as you can see from above are incredible!  Since many happen to sit in these chairs, the fabric needed to be sustainable and easy to clean.  Picking a color and choosing samples was quite easy.  Lucky for me Ultrasuede in fact has 97 shades to choose from, 14 of which are new sumptuous colors which were just recently introduced. I fell in love with one of their newest colors called "Tea Rose" which is what I ended up using to upholster these Milo Baughman Mid-Century chairs which I found scouring estate sales in my area.  What is great about ultrasuede is that their fabrics are not only soft to the touch but they do not contain any questionable chemicals and are surprisingly affordable.  To see the array of Ultrasuede HP's colors including their new colors click bit.ly/2Z5xujI

Choosing a color is easy and the swatches arrived expeditiously.

The good news is that Ultrasuede is currently running a great Giveaway and you can easily participate!
All you have to do is comment on today's Instagram post (@NinaTakesh) with your chosen @ultrasuede_r fabric color choice and you will automatically be entered to win.  Participants will receive their chosen swatch color(s) and winner will receive 20 yards of fabric! You must tag @ultrasuede_r with your swatch request. Check out my stories also for before and after photos of the transformation of these barstools and see what upholstered weight Ultrasuede HP can do for your upholstery needs.  Giveaway winner will be announced on 09/20/2019. Don't forget to follow @ultrasuede_r on instagram for daily beautiful images and inspiration. No purchase necessary.  Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be based in the US. Contest not affiliated with Instagram.

One of my favorite aspects of interior design is watching the evolution of retail interiors.  It plays on your psychology and the way you shop a lot more than you could imagine.  It also encompasses the most brilliant and vibrant materials to catch your eye.   Here are some of my favorite retail spaces of 2018.

It is whimsical and playful and space that is inviting.  Evoking a sense of luxury with a touch of friskiness is what makes a retail interior eye catching.   Most importantly it makes you want to purchase an item, any item so you can take a piece of your adventure with you.

Another hot design retail trend is illustrated my using a single color throughout the entire space as shown here in the Milan Valextra Boutique.
Photography by Delfinos Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti

This all white cloud like dream store was "poped-up" during design week to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Italian accessories brand Valextra.

The Saint Laurent store, located in Paris' St. Honore rue, blends Art Deco design and modernist exactitude.  

​'St Laurent’ design in standard design colours on Custom Turquoise Edo tea paper. Photography by Mariam Medvedeva
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Nothing makes a wall more elegant and more polished than Chinoiserie.  Derived from the french word "Chinois" it is the imitation of  Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions.  This tradition first appeared in the 17th century and has remained a strong design element for generations.  Today's modern use of Chinoiserie wallpaper is beautifully conveyed and interpreted by none other than DeGournay.

​‘Badminton’ design in standard design colours on 12 Carat White Gold gilded paper. Photography by Dan Marshall.

It's amazing how no one has successfully launched this idea before.  An art concept which gives architect and designer Gerard Faivre total control.  Not only does he choose the abode, he renovates it, decorates it,  and creates a unique original work of art that can become your dwelling.  Nothing is left to chance in Gérard Faivre’s selection of impeccable homes, prestigious neighborhoods, designer furnishings and top quality art. His impeccable attention to detail is mesmerizing and his creations are uniquely inspiring.  While he loves to decorate,  his forte is his ability to rebuild and renovate homes.  His work is admirable as you will see from the photos below and his studio in Paris is much like a museum.

Nestled in Paris' affluent Trocadero neighborhood, Francois Champsaur turns a Parisian abode into a sculptural interior marvel. Champsaur, a Marseillais, founded his firm in 1996 and has completed several luxury hotels including the newly renovated Hotel Vernet located in Paris' Champs Elysee neighborhood.  Champsaur is known for his vision in marrying art and design.  His minimalist assortment of furniture is always perfectly balanced against his selection of world class art.  His spacial awareness and design sense is nothing short of impeccable.  
His newest 5300 square foot redesign in Trocadero illustrates all of Champsaur's strengths.  His ability to respect the original architecture of a timeless building in France by bringing a sense of newness and timeless elegant.  The result is a breathtaking gallery like open space work of art featuring his own custom designed furnishings and fixtures.

You would have to be living under a rock if you have not come across the stunning interiors of Jean-Louis Deniot.  Featured regularly in AD and Elle Decor, Jean-Louis has an eclectic yet well recognized signature style.  His use of earth tones throughout his designs never get old and his interiors are fresh and leave you feeling inspired.  If you are interested in a minimalistic look then turn away as Jean-Louis is know to be a "maximalist".  His interiors are bold and can be seen if you are lucky enough to frequent cities such as Capri, Aspen, Chicago or of course his home town of Paris.  Feast your eyes on some of his most delightful rooms that are simply perfect!

Paris - Rue Palatine

Paris Apartment

New York City- Fifth Avenue Apartment

AD Interiors 2012

The Interior Design world lost one of its greatest architects and contributors in 2013 to skin Cancer.  David Collins was an innovator, and the magical creative force behind some of the world's most glamorous bars, restaurants and boutiques.  Before his passing he had been actively designing interiors for Jimmy Choo, Harrod's, Bergdorf Goodman and residences for Madonna.  When I read of his passing, I was truly grief stricken and wondered if his studio would be able to capture his magic and continue his work.  It is only fitting that we look back at some of his greatest work.  

The Vogue Lounge in Bangkok was created only 6 months ago by David Collins Studio and does capture David's Magic.  The use of brass, rich colors against a white and black setting is clearly David Collins' signature look.

The Bar at the Vogue Lounge in Bangkok with black and white glamorous photography.

The exterior lounge area at The Vogue Lounge is dominated by a geometric floor pattern.

Interior Dining at the Vogue Lounge illustrating the importance of texture and patterns.

I have been admiring and following Tom Dixon's every move for almost a decade now and each season he surprises me with even greater introductions and new designs.  I own several of his items in my home and smile every time I look up at his simple yet mesmerizing light fixtures.  His Etch pendant which lights up my walk-in closet is probably one of my favorite pieces.  It is reminiscent of a disco ball and the light captured and projected from this fixture is nothing short of dynamic.  (see photos below)
His newest introduction was on full display at the ICFF Show in New York in its full glory.  From desktop pieces to, modern wingback chairs to extraordinary new pendants, Tom Dixon never ceases to bring playful items to life.  A relatively new designer, this British designer, introduced his collection in 2002 and has been creating a minimalistic movement which has captured many hearts, not to mention mine.  

Wingback Tom Dixon Chair with Black legs make a statement in any room.

My Tom Dixon Etch Shade Brass pendant hanging in my walk-in closet.

Tom Dixon's new office table top items include staplers, tape dispensers and more.  These minimalist desktop items are part of a growing collection called "Cube".  Cube is made of zinc alloy and plated with copper.  Certainly a very sophisticated way to perform every day tasks at the office.

I spent all weekend estate sale shopping and purchased yet again several gorgeous pieces of vintage lucite and I began to wonder why I love lucite so much.  Hence a quick study of lucite was in order. Lucite a very Regency type material associated with several glamourous decades of the 20th Century has apparently, no pun intended, been around for over 80 years.  Lucite is in fact a type of Acrylic resin which was developed in the 30's by manufacturing giant Dupont.  One of the very first uses of Lucite began in 1937 when it became available for commercial use and appeared in none other than Helena Rubenstein's New York apartment furnishings. During World War II due to its resilience and high durability Lucite was often used in military aircrafts.  Soon after the war this material was licensed out to jewelry makers and handbag manufacturers alike. Finally in the 60's furniture manufacturing Gods such as Karl Springer, Charles Hollis Jones, Gaetano Sciolari and many others began using lucite to create jaw-dropping, one of a kind clear furnishings, lighting fixtures and sculptural art.  Whenever I stumble upon Lucite I feel a sense of nostalgia and dream of an era of glitz and glamour long gone.... So here is to my love affair with lucite and to the newest interpretations of such, by Philippe Starck with the "Louis Ghost Chair" and Jonathan Adler with his brass and Lucite "Jacques Bench".

Image Courtesy of Elle Decor.  Living Room design by Cynthia Frank

A lucite hourglass cube I stumbled upon this weekend at an estate sale's

Another great estate sale find: Carole Stupell's 60's Ice Bucket

Kartell Louis Ghost Chair designed by Philippe Starck.  I love having this chair in my office as it sits in front of a vintage hand painted screen which I would not want to mask with any other element.

There is nothing more beautiful than a hand crafted one of a kind piece of furniture.  I must admit I am a bit of a snob when it comes to only wanting what no one else can purchase, which is why my love of vintage shopping has overtaken my life.  This blog is really dedicated to my journey of discovering all that empowers me, excites me and brings aesthetic pleasure to my eyes.  I have spent the last seven years building my family home from the ground up- a journey that will be shared in many posts to come.  A journey that taught me the art of patience and the importance of doing what you love...

Now for my very first post which of course caused much trepidation.  I decided not to over think what the meaning of the first post might suggest so I just picked one of my favorite things- the Bell Table by Sebastian Herkner.  Visually speaking this table is pleasing to the eye as it captures the light in its delicate colorful base.  Its colors are sublime and beg for your attention.  I could not help but be drawn to these little jewels as they remind me italian hand blown Murano glass.