Animated living
We are fortunate to be introduced to those especially talented designers who raise the bar for all of our everyday living requirements, such as tables, chairs, lights and accessories. One or two select additions ramp up the energy and character in any room. Take Alessi’s famed kettle, designed by Michael Graves, with the bird on its spout that sings when the water boils. Its sleek lines became a timeless icon in contemporary kitchens. Britain’s gifted textile designer Tricia Guild has fashioned an extraordinary array of fabrics and wallcoverings that layer furnishings and walls with uniquely devised colors and patterns. The Eames chair, made of molded plywood and leather, not only deserves a place of honor in well-appointed living rooms, but sits among the best in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Always on the lookout, I was excited to discover a wildly imaginative collection of furniture, lighting, wallpaper and design accessories at RADform. RADform explains that they hand-pick items from around the world that tell a story from a distinct point of view. The unique design language is portrayed using high quality materials and construction.
From the “mobilier de compagnie” collection, designer Benoit Convers has created a zoomorphic group of tables and storage shelves that function on two distinct levels. The practical bit is evident, with surfaces on which to layer items of interest. But the overall images are clearly taken to an animated level, where birds and beasts are invited into the domestic scene. Shown here is Convers’ Enlightened Ostrich Console, called Diva Lucia. All that grace and beauty is fashioned artistically from high pressure laminate. Diva is a scene stealer, and she also looks quite at home and ready for a chat if you are so inclined. Hanging above Diva Lucia is a traditional tray that has been given a second life by designer Rachel Convers. Titled “Pia,” this is one of a selection from Rachel’s collection Galerie of Portraits. Could these be ancestors that have metamorphosed to cast glances and share moods with us?
There is so much more at RADform (www.radform.com): wallpaper customized to fit a specific room’s dimensions and roles; brilliantly playful sofas and chairs; storage that stacks or is part of a bear; an illuminated goose bedside table. Expect prices to be high, and splurge if you dare.
Q. Our daughter is wild about horses, and we would like to decorate her bedroom with this theme without going over the top. How would you begin? – Janet
A. In my experience, young people love animals and are happy to live with them 24/7, in and out of their rooms. There are many options for decorating. If there is a favorite horse, start with a picture. But make it a bit different; print it in sepia or have three poses and line them up in tryptic fashion. Paint the walls the color of hay, and why not paint a trompe l’oeil fence under the photos? This can all be on a focal wall that she can view from her bed. Another option is to find large horse decals online that stick to the wall. Horse stencils are available as well. Ask your daughter for ideas, too. Make canvas or burlap “feedbags” for storing books and art supplies. Barnwood shelves will fit the mood nicely to display memorabilia from horse shows, equine figures or riding equipment. I don’t think kids relate to “over the top.” More is more for them.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.