Liv -Chic Interior Design

I believe that every interior needs a healthy dose of color and pattern.  That's why I love the work of New York interior designer Hilary White.

Her company, Liv-Chic, offers reproductions of modern baroque furniture in some fun and funky colors and designs.

And Hilary's interior design work is the perfect way to frame her modern baroque pieces.  Her candy-coated and luxurious spaces are all about celebrating color in design.  I love it!

If you are in search of that perfect baroque-style piece, and want a punch of color in your space, be sure to visit Liv-Chic.

And The Winner Is...Carmen From Life Blessons!

Congratulations to Carmen from Life Blessons on winning the very lovely Sheep Meadow dress!!!  That one is also one of my favorites.  It is definitely cute for these final summer days.  Please email your contact information to aphrochicblog{at}yahoo.com to claim your lovely summer dress.

Thank you to everyone who entered the Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway.  This was our biggest giveaway yet, and I promise there will be more opportunities to win some wonderful items soon.

{contest winner was chosen randomly at random.org}

Style Talk With Malene Barnett

I am excited to bring you today's Style Talk interview with carpet and rug designer Malene Barnett.  Malene talks with us about integrating culture and design, her fun photo shoot with Todd Selby and what's next for her company.


How did malene b begin?

 

After studying textile design at FIT in New York City, I worked as the Design Director for Afritex designing African print fabrics.  Years later I began working for Nourison Rugs, one of the largest importers of handmade rugs in the world, as their first in-house designer.  Initially I designed their area rug collections, but soon became Design Manager for the company’s very successful accent rug division.  At Nourison, I was given the opportunity to develop fashion forward designs that changed how accent rugs were viewed.

Around 2003, I began thinking of creating my own company; however, at the time my focus was on creating innovative bedding designs for the home furnishings industry.  In the summer of 2008, I decided to focus on my passion and return to my strength "carpet design." Shortly thereafter, malene b custom handmade carpets was born. 

 

Papunya Rug

Tell us a about your design philosophy. 

My goal as the principal of malene b is to create carpets that merge my artistic background and passion for global travel. I want to create not only great carpet designs, but also inspire people to experience the world through a unique art form.

There is pattern in everything; color makes our lives better.  Design should speak to one's soul, inspire you to think differently, and feel good as well as serve a function. Each design makes it’s own statement.  It all depends on what inspired me to create the pattern.

I understand that you are a world traveler.  Has your work ever been inspired by your travel experiences?

I have so many favorite trips! The summer of '96 was by far the best! As a graduation gift to myself I went to The Gambia, Ghana and India .  I was gone for the entire summer. It was the first time that I was away for such a long period of time. I really had time to immerse myself in the culture.  In Ghana I was able to witness the making of their Adinkra fabrics.  They are hand-stamped fabrics of symbols with different meanings.  That trip became the inspiration for my Adinkra carpet design. After Ghana I went to India to my girlfriends wedding and I participated in a henna hand painting ceremony called Menhdi; that experience inspired me to create the Mehndi carpet design.

Adinkra Carpet

Design is increasingly becoming more global.  What do you think is the significance of integrating culture and global influences?

Global influences in design are a never ending source of inspiration. I think it is great to see so many cultural references.  It teaches people about the beauty of other cultures and allows them a glimpse into a community.  I think global cultures will encourage individuals to explore the world even more, and people will further develop their personal style.

  

Moorea

Your home was featured in The Selby!  What was that experience like?  And please tell us, how did you get The Selby to come visit your space?

The Selby experience was really cool.  Honestly I didn’t know anything about him until after the photo shoot so I wasn't star struck.  Wendy Goodman from New York Magazine was doing a feature on me in my home and Todd Selby was the photographer on the project.  Todd talked to me throughout the shoot asking random questions about places where I like to eat in the neighborhood, where I’m traveling to next, etc. He was constantly taking pictures and you had no idea what he was really focusing on.  The questionnaire at the end was the coolest part because I was able to draw my answers and write with cool markers that he purchased in Japan . After the shoot I took the group to my local Roti shop and we sat back and ate rotis, rice and peas and sorrel.

Image taken by Todd Selby

Many people struggle with bringing authentic cultural style into their homes.  How can people celebrate culture in their interior in an authentic way?

Anyone can incorporate culture style into there homes. You can start a collection. I collect handmade teacups from around the world to display in my home, so wherever I visit I always seek out at least one.  When you are traveling seek out the local artisans and purchase things that you really love. Take lots of photographs and frame them. If you are not able to get away then visit stores like Homegoods (one of my favorite places to shop), flea markets, and yard sales. I collected some of my favorite art pieces in a yard sale from a world traveler! I think the trend is to be as personal as possible.  It’s not about creating cookie cutter spaces.

 

What is next for malene b?

I’m working on four new collections and a group carpet exhibition for the Fall.  My new collections are going to show you how versatile I am as a designer. I have some other things in the works, but I don’t want to mention them until it’s all final.  Rest assured malene b is always working on what’s next!


Malene, we absolutely cannot wait to see what's next!

{images furnished by malene b}

Style Talk With Design Star Emily Henderson!

Emily at the home of Glee Co-Creator and friend, Ian Brennan.

It's not every day that you get to talk to a true Design Star, so I was thrilled to be able to talk to HGTV Design Star winner Emily Henderson on Wednesday afternoon.  Just as she comes across on TV, Emily was warm, funny, and extremely down to earth.  We had a great chat about her experience on the show, her brand new show which premieres this Sunday, and her design experience with Glee pal Ian Brennan.


Congratulations on being HGTV's newest Design Star!  What was it like after you won the show? 
I got back from the show and the hardest part was keeping it a secret. After six weeks of so much productivity, I had nothing to do, and couldn’t tell people that I had won. I took the time to work on my portfolio and my blog.



Can you tell us a little about your blog, The Brass Petal?
The blog is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s completely mine. I started it on January 1st, and the more responses I got, the better I felt about myself. Blogging helped me develop the confidence to audition for the show. Honestly, professionally, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.



What was it like preparing for your own HGTV show?
When talks of the pilot started, it was really awesome collaborating with HGTV. They understood that a host needs to stand behind a good show. I thought taping the show would be really stressful. It’s really different from styling for product shots. A week before starting to shoot I had a mini panic attack, but once I started shooting I felt so relaxed. It was a really fun experience, and I was sad when it was over. I didn’t want it to end.


Emily shopping for Ian Brennan's home.

What has the experience been like going from stylist to interior designer?
There are some new things I had to learn, but it was important for me to maintain my process. I took what I would normally do for a shoot and applied it to designing a room. I’m not the best at drawing, so I create moodboards that include patterns, color swatches, and photos of what I’m planning to bring to the space. In the end, it’s a living scrapbook. You’ll see this process on the show too.



I love the idea for your new show - styling people's rooms around their fashion sense.  Is this what the new show will be all about? 
The show has evolved beyond just fashion. It’s about taking a look at a person’s entire lifestyle including the music they listen to, their favorite movies, and fashion. It’s a style diagnostic, if you will. It’s more original and I love it. People can watch the show and apply it to their own lives.

Are you able to give our readers a sense of what they can expect?
The show is called Secrets From A Stylist, and it airs this Sunday during the Design Star time slot. I’ll be re-doing the home of my close friend and co-creator of Glee, Ian Brennan. There’s no singing, but there are some pretty funny moments.


Emily and Ian at the reveal of his redesigned space.

I keep reminding myself every 5 minutes that I won! I just finished watching the the show and am so excited.


And we are too Emily! Watch Secrets From A Stylist this Sunday night at 10pm ET/7pm PT. I can’t wait to see it.

{Images from Emily Henderson's portfolio furnished by HGTV}

Original Art: Denis Gonchar

I am loving the portfolio of Ukrainian artist Denis Gonchar.  I recently spotted his work on one of my favorite websites, Pinterest.



Cubism, meets graffiti in Gonchar's work.  I would love to have a collection of these modern portraits at home.



You can see more work from his portfolio right here.  Currently, prints are not for sale, but I hope he will soon have work available on deviantART.

A Stylish Giveaway: Win a Shabby Apple Dress!

I love giveaways.  And this giveaway from dress company Shabby Apple is perfect for those who are building up their wardrobe just as Fall is about to begin.



Shabby Apple is the perfect place to shop for that little black dress, must-have skirt or something special for an evening out.



And for this giveaway you get to choose which dress you think is just perfect for you.  To enter, visit Shabby Apple and pick out your favorite dress.  Leave your name and the name of your favorite dress in the comment section below.  One lucky winner will be chosen at random on Monday, August 30th.  You have until midnight PST, August 29th to enter!

Update: This giveaway is now closed.  The winner will be announced on Monday, August 30th.

Congratulations Emily Henderson!

I have to give a big congratulations to the new HGTV Design Star, Emily Henderson!!!  For those who were following the tweets last night, many in the interior design world were on the edge of their seats waiting to see who would win their own show on HGTV.

I truly believe the best designer won last night.  Something about Emily's style really appeals to me.  She's quirky, fun, and creates spaces that are fresh.  I think she is just what HGTV needs, and I hope her show concept of taking a person's style and turning it into a room (yes, as Jaime Derringer from Design Milk mentioned last night - very Domino-esque) comes into fruition.  I really want to watch it!


Work from Emily's portfolio pre-Design Star.


Another beautiful space that Emily submitted to be a contestant on Design Star.


Emily's glass house design on HGTV Design Star that got her in the top 2.

Whether you liked, or disliked this year's format, one thing is sure, Design Star got the interior design community talking and it has been fun tweeting with many of you and reading your comments throughout the season.  I am also honored that I was able to participate as an online guest judge this season and bring you some wonderful interviews with HGTV Design Star judges Genevieve Gorder and Candice Olson, and contestant Alex Sanchez.


Emily and the Design Star cast celebrate her win.

Congratulations Emily!  We can't wait to see what you design next.

{Images: HGTV}

AphroChic Has Landed At Nest!

I am so excited to announce that AphroChic pillows are now available at Nest. One of my favorite online boutiques, Nest is the go-to destination for modern furnishings and accessories for the home.



And now, Nest is offering three styles from our Dreamland Collection - Reflection, Mandala and Haze. We are thrilled to be working with such a wonderful company!

Thanks so much for visiting the blog this week. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Inspiring Spaces At Liever

Liever is the new website that I am absolutely in love with.  You know all the years you've spent pulling pages from your favorite glossies, collecting inspiration images, putting that binder together of the home you would someday like to live in?  We've all done it, and now Dutch site Liever makes the whole experience easier and more fun.



Say you'd like to look at grey rooms that have a little bit of color.  You can do that!  And you can specify if you're looking for a bedroom, living room, dining room, etc.  When Liever gives you the result, it will take you directly to the store where the image is from, and you can even see if there is a store near you.



You can build your own personal scrapbook of your favorite images so that three-ring binder can finally retire.



I am loving this site, and when you think about it, you're doing your glossies a favor.  Keep them intact, and save your favorite images online.

So, what do you think?  Would you use a site like this to keep track of rooms that inspire you?

{Images: Liever}

Style Talk with Design Star Judge Candice Olson

Candice Olson is one of my all-time favorite interior designers.  Her work is impeccable, it's always clear that she knows what good design is and how to implement it, and for years she has been hosting on of my favorite interior design shows, Divine Design on HGTV.  When I had the opportunity to interview her a few weeks ago, I have to admit, I almost hyperventilated.  I was going to be talking to one of my interior design heroes!  When I spoke with Candice not only did I learn about her design philosophy, her experience, and the nitty gritty of judging on HGTV Design Star, I also learned that she has a wonderful wit and sense of humor to go along with it all.  I hope you love this interview with her as much as I do!

On your show, Divine Design, you truly transform people’s homes and many times, their lives.  What is that experience like?

Often we underestimate the importance of the spaces that we live in and how they add to the quality of our lives, or what it can mean to have someone transform a space that has become stagnant or disconnected.  But the reactions that you get at the end of the show tells a different story. 
All of the spaces I design are meaningful.  Going in and helping people change their lives is the most rewarding part of what I do.  I’m not Extreme Home Makeover, but I find that design really can change the way that people live their lives for the better.  Design can make people live better, laugh better...I’ve seen it with every process we’ve done.



What's your definition of good design?

Good design is all about the basics.  It’s truly about form versus function.  You have to ask clients, how do they actually want to live in their home?  It goes beyond what you see in magazine clippings.  My job as a designer is not just about color and decor, but about structure, renovation, and layout.  From there it’s all about finding the personal side of the client’s style.  You want to open the front door of a home and be able to read about the client who lives within.  Good design should look like a designer hasn’t even been there, instead you should see a space that continues to grown and evolve.

People get tripped up on magazine or lifestyle photos, but is that really what a family with five kids, a dog, and a habit for eating nachos should live in?  Many times people need a reality check and need to see how they can get the home they want in a smart way.  Good design is an investment in time, energy and money.  As a designer it's my job to help the client be really smart about what that investment is all about.



You've been a judge on HGTV Design Star for several years, what do you feel is the single most common mistake that you see contestants make year after year? 

I had my own business for sixteen years before I had my own television show.  The biggest problem I had was the hosting perspective.  How do you make a show that is entertaining, engaging, and cut out the swearing?  The hosting is really tough to do in front of the camera.  I always wanted to show people that design is approachable.  I wanted to show the fun and character, and that's what I brought to the screen.  On Design Star we see people go into news caster mode when the camera is there.  The challenge for the contestants is they have to show what makes them different as a host.

What does the location change from Los Angeles to New York bring to the current season of Design Star?

If you have ever designed in New York it’s really tough.  The logistics of having stuff arrive on time is difficult.  It’s a big busteling city.  The designers virtually have the entire city to source from.  Logistically it really puts an extra weight into the challenges and getting things done.  On one of the challenges they couldn’t deliver everything due to a parade of elephants that had to go past Madison Square Garden.  The logistical challenges are tremendous!

With so many changes to the structure of the show this season, what would you like to see more of?

I love to see an individual doing their design work without extraneous factors.  I love the solo challenges, but do to the nature of the show every challenge can’t be individual.  If it were up to me we would have more individual challenges that focus on the vision of the designer. 



Can you give us the inside scoop on what the judging process is like?
Vern, Genevieve and I are three totally different people from totally different backgrounds. This year has been tough for the judges, because all three of us approach things very differently.  In the green room when discussing why someone should go, we duke it out behind the scenes.  I’ve been at the network longer than anyone, and my focus is on bringing great design to the network for the architecture and interior design community.  But you also have to have the personality and host side that the other judges are championing. 

What can we expect to see next from Candice Olson?
I’ve had eight seasons of Divine Design.  I’m lucky enough to have had two children in that period as well.  I’m working on a new show that will launch this January – Candice Tells All.  The show is as if somebody got inside my head.  We will deliver a full 26 episodes, featuring real work with real clients.  You are going to be able to see a whole other side of Candice.  While Divine Design is all so perfect Candice Tells All will go behind the magic and show the design process.



Candice thank you so much for joining us on Style Talk.  We're all on the edge of our seats to see who wins this season of HGTV Design Star.  And I cannot wait to check out your new show.  I'll be the first to tune in January 2011 to Candice Tells All.

 {Images: Candice Olson portfolio on HGTV}

Sustainable Furnishings At Q Collection Jr.

I'm at that point in my life when many of my friends are having their first, and even second children.  I haven't even begun to catch up, but with so many babies in my life, I can't help but think of how to create rooms for kids that reflect good design.  The work of a designer goes beyond just the living room and dining areas.  Children's spaces are equally important, and identifying furniture for children that is safe as well as beautiful is critically important.



Q Collection Jr. offers a line of sustainable, and eco-friendly furnishings for children.  With a line of non-toxic furniture including cribs, changing tables, and storage, Q Collection Jr. is committed to making sure that all people, including the smallest of us, live in healthy, environmentally-friendly environments.



I love the company's organic bedding for kids.  With its Elephant Parade Boudoir pillows and Galileo Sheets, Q Collection Jr. offers beautiful textiles for children in a warm and sophisticated color palette.  And best of all, this organic bedding is safe for children to lay upon.



So, if you have a little one, or are shopping around for a friend, check out Q Collection Jr.  You can view the complete collection and learn about the company's environmental standards right here. 

Celebrating Summer

It's an absolutely beautiful day here in San Francisco.  Summer is beginning to wind down, and it's time to enjoy alfresco dinners, warm evenings, and the final days of vacation before Fall rushes in.  This beautiful outdoor patio scene designed by Jonathan Adler is where I would like to enjoy the rest of my Summer.

What are you doing to celebrate the rest of the Summer season?

{Image: Jonathan Adler}

AphroChic In Chesapeake Home Magazine

It's been such a fantastic month so far.  Last week I came home to find two issues of Chesapeake Home magazine in my mailbox, and inside was this beautiful feature!  Our Haze Mimosa pillow is in the Fresh Impressions section that's all about patterns that really pop.  We're so happy that our Haze Mimosa pillow continues to make an impression.  Thank you Chesapeake Home!

Heath Ceramics Introduces Dwell Patterns

California company, Heath Ceramics, is known for beautiful skill and craftsmanship.  The company's celebrated homewares and tile collections are a wonderful expression of clean, simple, and modern design.  And now, Heath has teamed up with Dwell to launch a new line of tiles that are perfect for the modern home.



The Dwell line celebrates bold, expressive, organic design.  Bringing two dimensional shapes - diamonds and hexagons - together in a multitude of variations and colorways, this line of tiles is truly innovative.



The bold color palette includes tropics blue, bright yellow, paprika and campari red.  Any color combination would work beautifully in a modern kitchen backsplash, or bathroom tile. 



Explore the full Dwell collection at Heath Ceramics.

Stina Persson At Gallery Hanahou

There are few artists whose work touches me as deeply as that of Stina Persson.  Her fashion illustrations are so beautiful and evocative.  I feel proud to own an original piece from such a fantastic artist, and if I lived in New York I would attend her upcoming exhibit at Gallery Hanahou.



On September 9th, Stina's new show, Perfectly Flawed, opens.  The show marks Stina's attempt to move away from the air-brushed and digitally altered images we see in the fashion world.  The attempt to make everyone look perfect in fashion has impacted Stina's own work and illustrations.  She will present her pieces in their natural state, without any scanning or retouching.



See 30 original new works by Stina on paper.  The show runs from September 9th through October 1st at Gallery Hanahou.

{Images provided by Gallery Hanahou}