Preview: Block 90 Penthouse

Tucker loves his new home-  more photos soon!

Hella Jongerius

By Amanda Rickenbach

Holland would be nearly completely under water if it weren't for the ingenious invention of polders and dikes in the 12th century. Is 65% nearly completely? Maybe not, but it's a pretty high percentage. This incredible engineering feat reflects the adage "God created the world, the Dutch created Holland." To this day the Dutch continue to reclaim land from the rivers and the sea using a complex system of dykes and drainage canals. 

"Hella Jongerius's 2005 Polder Sofa for Vitra references the geographic makeup of her homeland in both name and design. Its elongated horizontal lines, low-lying form, and asymmetry echo the patchwork of the Dutch landscape and create visual interest from every viewable angle."  Each section of the sofa is defined by it's own unique fabric, color, and proportion. Decorative buttons made of natural materials like bone and mother-of-pearl create another level of dimension and character. 

The Polder Sofa is available in a variety of sizes and several colors of either leather or fabric. The pictured sofa by Jongerius was created with Maharam Polder for Vitra. The textiles include mohair velvet and two scales of checked wool. This sofa is a fun mixture of geometry, texture, and comfort. I personally love the checked wool cushion and think that the inspiration behind the design is unique and fabulous. 

Photos: Maharam 

Concrete Fireplaces

By Amanda Rickenbach & Jenny Guggenheim

We've seen an uptick in requests for concrete used as a finish material-  and for good reason.  When done right, it has a uniquely warm, earthy quality while remaining fresh and modern in contemporary residences.  We particularly love it's use around the hearth:  Low maintenance, trend-proof, and adaptable.

The ones featured above are in ultra modern spaces - but imagine if you brought in some color, interesting textiles, and artwork? Concrete fireplaces are versatile because they are so simplistic. Would you put one in your home?

Concrete work should be done by a skilled professional-  getting that smooth as butter surface is no easy feat!  It can be an investment to sculpt a beautiful hearth, but the results are lasting and complimentary to a variety of architectural styles.

photos from top left: design sponge,  remodelista, Daniel Hertzell, Renaud De Poorter and Femke Holdrinet,  Messana O'Rorke's

Portfolio: Oak Street Colonial

By Jenny Guggenheim

Today I am happy to share a few scenes from Fig's Oak Street Kitchen project located in the heart of Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood.  The final product conveys a sense of history, permanence, and livable scale.  The fine craftsmanship convinces the viewer that this kitchen has always been a part of this beautiful 1923 center hall Colonial, and the careful millwork details further support the sense of longevity.

Oak Street is home to a beautiful and active family of five, with a sincere love for the meaning and connection to their space.  Our priorities were to first support their family's lifestyle then follow with aesthetics and texture.  This kitchen was created for copious amounts of cooking and baking, craft projects, origami folding, and welcoming parties.  I for one can't wait to see the patina develop on that 8 foot solid butcher block-- for which I'm sure their active 3-year-old will have no trouble helping out.

The decorative lighting and hardware were all sourced and fabricated only a few miles from the site.  While we were mindful with material choices, I do believe the most sustainable feature of this design lies in it's longevity.  There is nothing more sustainable that a space that never needs to be torn down or remodeled again.

Products and Materials:  Ann Sacks Tile, Caesarstone Countertops, Kohler Plumbing Fixtures

This project was a pleasure to complete and particularly special to me as I gained new friends as a result of the design process.  I predict many fun-filled evenings around the massive kitchen island and an unlimited supply of family time.  We are happy to be helping our client furnish their Sunriver home in the near future.  Stay tuned for more.

Project Team 
Architect:  Giulietti/Schouten Architects
Contractor:  Hammer and Hand
Custom Casework:  Bob Anderson
Photography Credit: Josh Partee Photography

More more, check out the Oak Street Album on Fig's Facebook Page.  We've included additional rooms and detail shots.

Hunt and Gather: Sholten & Baijings

 By Amanda Rickenbach

 

Sholten & Baijings is a Danish textile and product design firm. They work with traditional crafts, such as hand-painted work, screen printing, willow braiding and glass-blowing.  Their minimalist designs use colors, layers, transparency, grids, structure, textures, and patterns to create interesting and simplistic projects.

I love the way they combined pastels and vibrant colors on the modern color block quilt - perfect for hitting the hay! Color block is all the rage right now, as is ombre, which is a French word for gradation. The ombre effect on these lights is sweet and simple; a great way to bring just a little pop of color into a space. I wonder what they look like illuminated?

They are famous for their paper porcelain - a porcelain series in which models are formed out of paper or cardboard and then used as molds to create the porcelain pieces. You can see the tape marks and folds. Neat right? One of my favorite pieces is the felted ball rug. They are made out of 100% felted wool and then hand-stitched together. The hand-stitching aside, have you ever felted before? I have, and it is a ton of work. I can't imagine creating an entire rug! I can imagine owning one though, they are beautiful.

For Sholten & Baijings it isn't about getting from A to B, it's about the process and how they get there.

Riad Dixneuf La Ksour

If trip planning is an addiction, consider me off the wagon.  I'm one of those people that loves to have something big to look forward to.  Dinner parties in the backyard, a road trip to the beach, planning a Yurt adventure with friends (this weekend!) all fall under my definition of big.  I am so happy to add one more exciting excursion to my list:  Marrakesh.  Yes, my lifelong dream is going to be realized this coming April, after the Milan Furniture Fair.  I imagine myself winding through the Souk with nothing but a camera in my hand and silver tea sets on my mind.

Marrakesh is probably the most exotic location I've ever had to plan for, so choosing a comfortable and safe place to stay is top priority.  Thanks to trusty Trip Advisor (don't steer me wrong now!) and style authority Remodelista, I discovered Riad Dixneuf and booked a room right away.  I sought out this traditional accommodation as an alternative to traditional Western-style hotels and guest suites in the hopes that I would fully immerse myself into the Moroccan culture and better experience all that Marrakesh has to offer. 

Riad Dixneuf is located in the heart of the Medina, the old quarter, and within a short walk to Djamaa El-f'na Square.  I've learned through extensive research that as a first time visitor, it is critical to reserve a place of peace and refuge.  The Medina can be overwhelming to say the least, and a quiet retreat is essential to center yourself after a long day of winding through the city and dodging motorbikes.  Rome it is not.  Riad Dixneuf's design is exactly that:  peaceful, calm, and simple.  It seems very organic, and calmly authentic.  I viewed other accommodations that definitely reflected Moroccan sensibilities, but were overwhelmingly decorated with a clear emphasis on color.  There is something so great about a white wall, and Riad Dixneuf knows exactly how to use it. 


The central courtyard is surrounded by a mix of shared spaces and guest rooms.  I'm particularly attracted to their cozy library and lounge space, which seems perfectly suited to sipping mint tea.  Again, not shrouded in every Moroccan texture available in the Souk, but a perfect mix of organic and well- combined materials that definitely reflect my goal of finding a peaceful retreat. 

I'll be happy to report my findings upon my return-  until then, I'll be reading the Marrakesh archives over at Beers and Beans and practicing the art of the bargaining at my local thrift shop- they'll lower my price for the promise of a stick of gum, right? 

All images are via Riad Dixneuf's booking site.  Layout is by Fig Studio.

IDS West + Vancouver BC

 Photo by Fig

I'm recovering from a near-perfect long weekend in Vancouver BC, which included a recharging trip to IDS West trade show and auxiliary events hosted by Inform.  My friend and fellow interior designer Hope Telford and I met the whirlwind trip head-on and enjoyed nearly every second of our time in chilly BC.  We spent a fair amount of time exploring product booths in the Convention Center and we definitely spent some time drooling over design details in the building itself.  The multi-layered end-grain wall paneling somehow seemed quintessentially Vancouver.  The structure was built during preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics and has lived on as a beautiful resource for this growing city.

Photos by Fig

Trade shows are the perfect opportunity to recharge your design batteries, hone your editing skills, and meet new and interesting products in the world of interiors.  With Dwell on Design last Spring, IDS West, and my upcoming trip to the Milan Furniture fair, I'm focused on what's new and fresh in my industry and can pass these ideas on to my clients.  Knowing how to distill all of what we see into our design library and knowing what to toss aside is a great exercise in editing.  Let's face it, not all trends are worth following and may not be the right fit for every client.  Good designers know where to direct their focus and know what to leave back at the show.  I'll be sharing my favorite finds from IDS this week and may throw in a few from Dwell on Design last Spring.  Until then-  Fig. 

You're My Inspiration: Happy Pinning

Source: dwell.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Thanks to Casey, I'm happily Pinning away at Pinterest.  Take a peek to see what inspires me and those I follow-  it's a whole new way to gather thoughts, brilliant ideas, and the occasional wish. 

Kid Collective Gift Guide

Want to support your local small business during the holiday season?  Check out Casey's gift guides over at The Kid Collective.  Fig Studio contributed our favorite pieces for the home in today's post, comprised of under $25, under $50, and under $100 categories.  Don't forget, supporting local supports you and your community!  Let the Holidays begin...

 My favorite holiday movie.  Yes, I do know all the songs and dances by heart.

NYC Trip Wrapup

This trip was full of highlights and visiting family, friends, and architectural sites top the list.  I can't possibly write about everything we did, but I'll share a few other photographs that describe the full breadth of our adventures... 


Broadway

images via playbill.com

My friend and fellow interior designer, Erin, joined us for a night on Broadway to see Promises Promises.  The all star cast was incredible, and we are all thrilled with surprise when Molly Shannon stepped out to play Marge Macdougall.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock, the best view in Manhattan, is always our favorite.  The architectural and interior details are stunning.  Wizard of Oz, anyone?

Top of the Rock Chandelier

Food

Penelope on Lexington has a stellar breakfast- their french toast is amazing and our table neighbors seemed to enjoy their fresh cider mimosas.

I don't have any photos, but my family treated us to an amazing ravioli meal from Pastosa.  Pastosa has a long history of serving Staten Island residents with the best fresh pasta.

Family

Although I'll spare my family by omitting photos from the blog, we had a great mini-reunion over food and wine.  I got to meet my brand new baby cousin and see how my other small cousins have grown.  Family is the most important aspect in my life, and I'm happy that we were able to make it back East to see everyone.  We were treated to a feast, and I hope someday we can do the same for them.

Enjoy your weekend, everybody!

Fig Studio

Glimpse & Gander: Maharam Design Studio

Our fabulous local Maharam rep, Richelle, hooked us up with an amazing tour of the Maharam Design Studio, located on 5th Ave., just steps from Union Square.  We were so impressed with the kind atmosphere and inspiring projects they have in process...and I know exactly what fabric I'm going to use on my next cafe project. 

 difficult to tell from this photo, but those pieces are actually embroidered!

We were surprised by the intimate size of the design team, and that such sweeping projects and new product offerings came from such a tight group.  Maharam does partner with some of the most cutting edge folks around: Hella Jongerius, Bruce Mau, and Paul Smith to name a few, and they're new products really show a commitment to innovation. 

Maharam is a fourth-generation, family run business.  The office is light, bright, and airy (any creative's dream!).  The head honcho's office is out in the open, with a library fit for a design king.  In fact, anyone in the office is welcome to borrow his books.  He also has a nice collection of bikes I would have liked to take out for a spin.

 Textile Sneak Peeks

Maharam Digital Projects - Full Scale sampling.  "...at the convergence of art and design, Maharam Digital Projects is an expansive are carefully curated portfolio of digitally printed wall installations."

I have a renewed appreciation for what goes in to launching new textile patterns and weaves.  Maharams studio is the perfect example of what dedication and hard work can bring to designers and the marketplace.

Hunt & Gather: Cake

No Birthday is complete without a chocolate cake.  We stumbled upon Little Cupcake Bakeshop while walking the streets of soho.  While I think the Americana trend is a little overdone and overused (we saw it just about everywhere we turned) the place was very cute and warm.  The cake itself was incredible: moist, with just the right amount of sweetness.

The classic carrera marble cafe table with iron base will always be my favorite.  It serves as the perfect backdrop for baked goods.

Later that night, my friend Sarah brought me a bounty of yummy cupcakes from Billy's, her favorite bake shop.  Their pumpkin spice is amazing!  We also celebrated with a Belgian Beer toast and lots of frites.

Pale Palette :: Powder Room

Once a laminate-laden and wallpaper covered child's bathroom, Fig Studio brought this small space to a new level of sophistication using a restrained palette and environmentally conscious materials.  Refinishing existing well-functioning cabinets and choosing a beautiful limestone remnant from a larger kitchen remodel helped extend the client's modest budget without sacrificing high-level style.  The pale color scheme gave an instant visual boost to the windowless space while the vertically striped cotton shower curtain helped extend the room's limited volume.  We're proud of the finish product on this project and it really goes to show you that a you can get first-class results on a petite budget.

Enjoy!
Fig Studio

Design Has Value

I really appreciated Business Week's recent article highlighting the value of design in business and thought its relevance to what we do here at Fig Studio was striking.  Though the article focuses mostly on product and brand identity, the fact is that creating and designing an environment must not be an afterthought for you or your business.  Your environment acts as a definition for who you are and what you represent.

Your home, for example, should be a reflection of the person it houses, not merely a host for trends and off-the-shelf bargains.  A well designed space produced by a professionally trained designer has value beyond service fees and contract prices.  A good designer will get to know your personality, habits and will map how you use your space before setting ink to paper.  Design is not just about choosing a great table lamp or digest-worthy area rugs, it's about creating the best solution for an individual's needs and revealing a space that reflects the client's lifestyle and individuality.

Though I often work in concept to exercise my creative skills, my true passion is working directly with clients and acting as a guide toward their greater goals.  There is nothing better than producing a space that elevates your client's spirit and daily outlook!

Project Completion Tour

Yesterday I had the chance to visit PCC: Willow Creek with my former colleagues and design team at GBD Architects, Inc.  I'd say the project was a great success and sets new precedent for our local community college.  My role included space planning, finish selection, and interior detail development.  Hopefully we'll have access to some professional photos in the near future, but mine will have to do for now.  Enjoy!

PCC: Willow Creek

Ground Floor Circulation

Main Circulation Spine

Vertical Circulation

The blue canopies call out classrooms and PCC offices

Lighting design by Benya

A pop of playfulness with Maharam wallcovering.  This is a perfect example of standard fixtures required by public institutions.  In order to keep streamlined maintenance, all fixtured must be uniform, thus, the dispenser mounted on the concrete wall.  Sometimes the designer just can't control everything!

We are shooting for LEED Platinum!

Terra Cotta Rain Screen

These sculptures actually rise and fall in correspondence with the property's water cistern.  They serve as a great educational element.

PCC: Willow Creek Completed January 2010

Out With The Peach, In With The Blue!

We have updated our portfolio to include some additional projects and (thanks to your feedback) have tweaked our colors for enhanced readability!  Be sure to refresh your browser if the site shows up as the old peach scheme.  Thanks!

Studio Olivine's Letterpressed Wallprints

Julie of Studio Olivine was nice enough to share their new wall prints with me. They'd be great for a petite entry space or an element in a gallery wall. Thanks Julie!

Dreamy Work Shed

Brooklyn Rehab shared this lovely little converted shed with us. How nice would it be to craft and create in there?