Dining room furniture trends : Beachy white

In a time where relaxation is hard to come by, a tranquil feeling––such as a beach escape or cottage sanctuary––can be an enjoyable fixation. Light finishes, combined with a cottage style design, create an in-home seaside sanctuary perfect for a vacation home or everyday dining retreat.

	Riverside's Cape May casual dining room furniture collection boasts Sea Spray white paint, bringing a sense of inner coastal charm to the set. The scalloped, 54-inch tabletop extends to 66 inches with the addition of one 12-inch, self-storing butterfly leaf insert and features storage space in the pedestal base. The tabletop is constructed of poplar hardwood solids and cherry veneers and has a heavily distressed wood finish. The table height converts from a standard dining height of 30 inches to gathering height of 36 inches with enclosed leg extensions. Also shown are Cape May side chair and Cape May Duxbury arm chair (44227) in Seaspray White. www.riversidefurniture.com
	John Thomas' Simply Linen Collection of dining room furniture features a cottage-inspired dining table and X-back chairs in a creamy white painted finish. Made from Asian hardwoods, the table comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 42 inches round to 54 inches square. www.johnthomasfurniture.com
	David Lee Designs' Sheafback Laurel dining table in Antique White brings a coastal feel to dining room furniture. Made of poplar and birch, Laurel stands 36 inches tall, and is available in a variety of sizes and in more than 40 paint and stain combinations. www.davidleefurniture.com
	Part of the European Memoirs Collections of dining room furniture by aspenhome™, this counter height square leg table -- and the counter height ladder-back side chairs -- create a scene reminiscent of a Country home. Standing at 36 inches tall, 42 inches wide and 42 inches in diameter, the tabletop comes in a traditional Cognac finish with a crème fraiche base. The chairs are 43 inches tall. The European Memoirs Collection offers a server hutch, which comes in a Crème Fraiche finish. www.aspenhome.net
	A White Linen finish gives Wendy pedestal table by Russell & Mackenna a “beachy” look. Wendy comes in 33 different colors and two sizes. The table's curvy lines and classic design complement the straight lines of Nevis chair—also shown in White Linen finish. The dining room furniture also boasts Fran hutch paired with Fisher buffet, both in the Blueberry finish. www.russellmackenna.com
	Sporting a design inspired by a lifeguard stand, Summertime counter-height dining table and counter-height stools feature scalloped aprons that emulate a casual cottage. A coordinating sideboard and open deckwith two doors, adjustable shelving, three drawers and wine glass storage is shown, too. From Broyhill Furniture, Summertime Collection is constructed with pine solids and veneers, and available in either a distressed pine or antique white finish (shown). Select pieces also are available in a soft blue accent finish. www.broyhillfurniture.com
	Lexington Home Brand's Long Cove Collection of dining room furniture includes Bridgeport dining table and Glen Arbor arm chairs, both shown in Eggshell White. The table measures 68 inches long, 44 inches wide and 30 inches tall, and extends to 112 inches with the addition of two 22-inch leaves. Sag Harbor china cabinet, also part of the Long Cove Collection, features a back panel that comes in six finishes. www.lexington.com
	Part of a casual Country dining room furniture group, Hooker Furniture's Summerglen round leg dining table is available with two 20-inch leaves. Shown here with the spindle back chairs, the table is also available in a round storage dining option with a pass-through drawer and a choice of ladderback or spindle back chairs. The pieces are crafted of hardwoods and adorned with a soft antique white handpainted finish with rub-through, and offer contrasting cherry veneer tabletops. The table with two leaves extends to 118 inches long by 47.75 inches wide by 30 inches tall. The turned spindles and posts with a lattice-motif table apron convey the casual country sentiment. www.hookerfurniture.com

Furniture Design Trends 2008/2009

What are the most interesting novelties in furniture design? Which trends from recent years have prevailed and which new design trends are emerging? In our red dot trend report we are introducing the most important trends and the most fascinating innovations in furniture design.

All in white
Possibly the clearest trend is: white – it is not new, but very dominant and nowhere near its peak yet. In 2001 Apple launched the first white MP3 player. The iPod has sold a million times and the non-colour began its triumphant climb. The trend has spread to all areas of life – be it fashion, accessories, high-tech or cars – everything shines in the colour of innocence. In Germany alone 70 per cent more white cars were sold last year than in the previous year and the trend is upwards. In the furniture sector white is omnipresent; whether it is tables, chairs or cupboards – white is the dominant colour also in this sector. White is above all associated with lightness and clarity and is regarded as timeless and easily combinable – with other colours or tone on tone with muted shades of white and beige, and also with different material combinations. The opposing trend to the colour white consists of bright, shining colours.

All in gloss
Clearly dominant is also the trend towards high-gloss, lacquered fronts. Smooth, shiny surfaces dominate – regardless of whether its cupboards, chairs or tables. Chairs are covered with lacquered leather. In the field of upholstered furniture the combination of high-gloss elements and matt upholstery fabrics creates an attractive contrast.

The play with tradition
The borders between professional production and technical ornamentation are blurring more and more. Things that are not handmade nevertheless appear to be. Braided patterns and braided structures are reminiscent of traditional craftsmanship techniques. Sitting furniture with braided leather sides and mesh-like seating surfaces thus receive a three-dimensional effect.
Furniture designs which refer to traditional techniques and which are combined with new materials show new ways of using a material and finding a new visual language.

The play of the materials
Generally, combining materials is still a hot trend. Harmony and softness of fabrics and upholstery meet austerity of braided leather, lacquered woods and metal. These give furniture a haptic and at the same time visually interesting look.

Completely classic?
This year, the tendency to use ornamental patterns alternates with a clear purist language of forms. New interpretations and re-editions of tried and tested classics combine the familiar with the new. Just as in the automobile industry, which has combined striking designs with modern manufacturing techniques with new editions of old classics such as the Mini, the Fiat 500, the VW Beatle or Scirocco, many furniture manufacturers borrow familiar forms from the past and combine them with innovative production techniques.

Top Designer creates modern elegance bedroom with craftsmanship

Driven by the desire to create a room that exemplified comfort, elegance and authenticity, designer Pat Harker of Harker Design used pieces from Woodland Furniture’s Patrician Collection—which encompasses its latest introductions––to fashion a timeless retreat. www.harkerdesign.com
	Decorative lighting was a reoccurring theme throughout the DreamRooms exhibit, and the Timeless Retreat bedroom was no exception. The base of Arteriors Home’s 30-inch-tall Seymour table lamp is detailed in a way that emulates one of the nightstand lamps in the bedroom display. www.arteriorshome.com
	The curvaceous wooden bed seen in Harker’s creation added an element of traditional authenticity to the room. Riverside Furniture’s Mansion bed from the Regal Heritage Collection can be used to bring a similar look to a showroom vignette. The piece features 18th Century design elements and a distressed Legacy finish. King and queen sizes are available. www.riverside-furniture.com
	A studded leather armchair added sophistication and style, as well as functionality, to the Timeless Retreat bedroom. Retailers can emulate this look by incorporating a comfortable armchair, like Sussex from Arin Intl., into a room vignette. Part of the Old English Upholstery Collection, Sussex wears antique leather and nailhead trim. www.arininternational.ca
	Elegant lines and beautiful textiles were essential elements of the Timeless Retreat. The clean-lined, upholstered bench featured in the room wore a soft green fabric from Zoffany and was situated to capture the attention of anyone entering the space. With its gold leather and button-tufted scroll arms, Marge Carson's elegant Borghese daybed makes an appropriate stand-in in a showroom vignette. www.margecarson.com

ARTS Awards Finalists announced by Dallas Market Center

The Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team has announced the finalists for the 20^th annual ARTS Awards, which recognize outstanding retailers, product designers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the home furnishings industry.

The ARTS Awards will be presented during a gala on Jan. 17, 2009, during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, taking place Jan. 14-20 at the Dallas Market Center.

Finalists were nominated by fellow members of the home furnishings industry, and each finalist must submit a portfolio that will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winners.

This year, the judges include: Mark McMenamin, Senior Editor at Interior Design magazine; Janace Clarke, associate professor of fashion merchandising at Texas Christian University; Rawlins Gililand, retail consultant and expert; Helen Erdman, founder of Helen Erdman Interiors; and Pat Mayfield, founder and president of a business consulting company.

The following are the list of nominees:

Manufacturers

Accent Furniture

• Bungalow Five, Inc – Oakland, NJ
• Selamat Designs – Mill Valley, CA
• Vintage – Lancaster, KY

Area Rugs

• Feizy Rugs – Dallas, TX
• Loloi Rugs – Dallas, TX
• Surya – Calhoun, GA

Decorative Accessories

• Cyan Design – Fort Worth, TX
• IMAX Corporation – Tulsa, OK
• The Phillips Collection – High Point, NC
• Two’s Company, Inc. – Elmsford, NY

Lighting Fixtures

• Fine Art Lamps – Miami Lakes, FL
• Kalco Lighting, LLC – Las Vegas, NV
• Progress Lighting – Greenville, SC
• Stonegate Designs – St. Joseph, MI
• Uncommon Radiance – Chicago, IL

Outdoor Living

• Emissary – Atlanta, GA
• Palecek – Richmond, CA
• Starlight Lanterns, Inc. – Fort Walton Beach, FL

Permanent Floral

• Immortalis Botanicals – Farmville, VA
• SIA Home Fashion – France
• Winward International, Inc. – Union City, CA

Portable Lamps

• Arteriors Home – Dallas, TX
• Oriental Accent, Inc. – Dallas, TX
• Sterling Industries – Norcross, GA
• Visual Comfort & Co. – Houston, TX

Tabletop

• Arthur Court Designs – Brisbane, CA
• Beatriz Ball Collection – Harvey, LA
• The Mary Carol Home Collection by Gerson Companies – Olathe, KS
• Vietri – Hillsborough, NC

Wall Décor

• Art Dreams Home – Ventura, CA
• Paragon – Albertville, AL
• Uttermost – Rocky Mount, VA

International Retail Store

• Casa de Linos y Blancos – S.A. de C.V., Mexico, DF
• Ma Maison Interiores – Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico, DF
• Union Lighting & Furnishings – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Product Designer

• Allan Palececk, Palecek – Richmond, CA
• Karyl Pierce Paxton, Pierce Paxton Design Studio – New Orleans, LA
• Lance Marconi, EMI Design – Chicago, IL
• Mark Abrams, Mark Abrams Design – Greensboro, NC

Sales Representative

East/Atlantic

• Danny Weave, Danny Weaver & Associates, Inc. – Pickens, SC
• Lizzette Hayes Winters, Lightlines – Pleasant View, TN
• Russ Jones, OneCoast Northeast Home – New York, NY

Midwest/Southwest

• Derrick Ricketts, Codarus – Pearland, TX
• Martha Kean, Doris Sanders LTD – Houston, TX
• Michelle Cheek, OneCoast Southwest Home – Morrilton, AR

West

• Laura Fast, OneCoast – Denver, CO
• Laurel Sprawkins, Northwest Lighting – Gresham, OR
• Linda Northcutt, LGN, Inc. – Bothell, WA

Rising Star Retailer

• Lyteworks – Bradenton, FL
• Leon & Lulu – Clawson, MI
• Oz Collection – Louisville, KY

Retailer

Furniture Store

East/Atlantic

• 24e – Savannah, GA
• Atchison Imports, Inc. – Mobile, AL
• Robb & Stucky Interiors – Fort Myers, FL

Midwest/South

• HW Home – Boulder, CO
• Kohl-Linscomb – Houston, TX
• Noel Furniture – Houston, TX

West

• Interior Illusions – West Hollywood, CA
• Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery – Portland, OR

Home Accent Store

East/Atlantic

• Ambiance Interiors & Gifts – Suwanee, GA
• Gracious Home – New York, NY
• L&M Designs – Gaithersburg, MD

Midwest/Southwest

• BJ’s Home Accents, Inc. – Newburgh, IN
• Nell Hill’s – Atchison, KS
• The Burlap Horse – Boerne, TX

West

• Fitzsu – Los Angeles, CA
• Pandora’s – Santa Fe, NM
• Seaside Home – La Jolla, CA

Lighting Showroom

East/Atlantic

• Capitol Lighting – Boca Raton, FL
• Ferguson – Charleston, SC
• Klaff’s, Inc. – Norwalk, CT

Midwest/Southwest

• Echo Lighting Design Gallery – Omaha, NE
• Lights Fantastic – Carrollton, TX

West

• Five Rivers, Inc. – Boise, ID
• James Ashjian Lighting & Home – Fresno, CA
• Legacy Lighting & Home – Scottsdale, AZ

Download The 20^th Annual ARTS Awards Finalist List (PDF)

Herman Miller Capelli Stool

The Herman Miller Capelli Stool was envisioned by designer Carol Catalano. It is made up of two identical laminated wood pieces with undulating “fingers” molded at the top that interlock without the use of tools or fasteners. As the surfaces between these fingers meet they turn into stops that hold each half of the stool firmly in place for an cleverly stable and strong structure. It looks fantastic. The stool separates into two halves that stack conveniently together for easy storage.

Caperton Furnitureworks Wins IDEA Design Award

A private label piece produced by case goods source Caperton Furnitureworks was awarded an International Design Excellence Award, or IDEA, Silver Medal for 2008 in the Home Living Category.

IDEA awards are presented each year by the Industrial Designers of America, which represents the professional industrial design industry.

The Centerbrook Slapstick Table and bench designed by Mark Simon of Centerbrook Architects of Centerbook, Conn., was produced by Caperton and sold through the Curran Catalog and its Web site.

The table, made of Appalachian black cherry, is a modern take on a classic farm table, featuring a distinctive crisscrossing leg and stretcher detail.

This Centerbrook Slapstick Table by Caperton Furnitureworks has won an International Design Excellence Award.

Sage Award nominations due by Sept. 5

HIGH POINT - Nominees are being sought for the Sage Awards, which will recognize companies employing sustainability practices in the home furnishings industry.

The awards, developed by the American Home Furnishings Alliance and sponsored by Cargill's BiOH polyols, will be given to a manufacturer, retailer or designer of finished home furnishings or bedding. According to a press release, the nominees must show leadership in reducing their company's environmental footprint and expanding its positive social impact while running a profitable business.

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. EST Friday, Sept. 5. Click here for an online entry form and instructions.

The entries will be judged by a cross-section of journalists and industry representatives. They are: Ray Allegrezza, editor-in-chief of Furniture/Today; Seth Bauer, vice president, editorial director of National Geographic's Green Guide; Derick Belden, executive editor of Southern Living Magazine; Steve DeHaan, executive vice president of the National Home Furnishings Assn.; Richard Doyle, president of the International Sleep Products Assn.; Daphne Hewitt, project manager for the Rainforest Alliance TREES Program; Susan Inglis, executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council; Bill Perdue, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety for the American Home Furnishings Alliance; Leanne Powell, manager of National Corporate Leadership for United Way of America; and Powell Slaughter, senior editor for Home Furnishings Business.

Company names will be removed from the applications and will not be shared with judges during the process.

Up to three finalists will be named at a 7:30 a.m. breakfast on Oct. 21 during the High Point Market. The winner will be announced at a reception on Nov. 13 during the AHFA's Sustainability Summit. That event is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.

ASID announces 2008 Pinnacle Awards Finalists

The American Society of Furniture Designers has announced the finalists for the 2008 Pinnacle Design Achievement Award.

According to Jane Matteson, Executive Director of the American Society of Furniture Designers, a record number of companies submitted their work to be considered for a prize this year.

This year's judging panel included Julie M. Smith, Publisher of Furniture Style, De. Richard Bennington of High Point University, Steve Walker of North Carolina State University, Max Shangle of Kendall College, Jo Fleisher of Home Furnishings Business, Terry Allen, a furniture industry expert, Daren K. Konig of City Furniture, Rhonda Wolf of Havertys, Judth Cushman Hammer of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Jackie Hirschhaut of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.

Three finalists were selected as the best in each furniture design category. The winners in each category will be announced during a gala reception on Oct. 20 during the fall High Point Market. The event will take place at the Natuzzi showroom building and will be hosted by HGTV's Nancy Glass and Furniture Today's Ray Allegrezza.

This year’s finalists include:

Major Furniture Collections

• Ethan Allen, for the New Horizon collection, designed by Paul Rosebrock/Craig Stout
• Century, for the Metro Luxe collection, designed by William Faber
• Berhardt, for the Cascade collection, designed by Clark/Binns/Lehman

Stationary Upholstery Furniture

• Rene Casares, for Ari Sofa, designed by Rene Cazares
• Berhardt, for Cadden Cutaway, designed by Brown/Culler/Galli
• Century, for Natural, designed by Craig Staton

Motion Upholstery Furniture

• Klausser, for Savoy, designed by Rick Hendrix
• American Leather, for Spinnaker, designed by Louis Lara
• Couture, for Jazz, designed by Normand Coture

Leather Upholstery Furniture

• David Francis, for Bordeaux, designed by David Francis
• Century, for Stilleto, designed by Joe Mallison
• Elite, for Candemir, designed by Nathan Turner

Bedroom Furniture

• Box Collection, for Generation, designed by Opstal/Basyroel
• Lexington, for Zacara, designed by Troy Hollis
• Century, for Stainless Bed, designed by William Faber

Casual Dining Furniture

• Lexington, for Long Cove, designed by Aulbert/Patton
• Brown Jordan, for Campaign, designed by John Caldwell
• Phillips, for Origins, designed by Nikom

Formal Dining Furniture

• Stanley, for Continuuim, designed by hokanson/Schroeder
• Aspenhome, for Potomac, designed by Hall/Lena
• Scott Thomas, for New Vienna, designed by Scott Hamed

Home Office Furniture

• Sligh, for Palm Beach, designed by Warren/Lookabill
• Century, for Ebony Desk/Credenza, designed by David Zagaroli
• Maitland Smith, for Map Desk, designed by Glenn Yelvington

Juvenile

• Green Frog, for Mod Frog 11, designed by Kelly Neal Mariotti
• Q Collection, for Stella Stackables, designed by Jonsara Ruth
• Q Collection, for Celestial Crib, designed by Jonsara Ruth

Lighting

• Murray Feiss, for Ribbon Lamp, designed by Kauffman/Hannoosh
• Murray Feiss, for Silver Glass, designed by Kauffman/Hannoosh
• Hubbardton Forge, for Dyad Tale Lamp

Home Accessories

• Phillips Collection, for Origins Wall Décor, designed by Nikom
• Phillips Collection, for River Rock Planters, designed by Jason Phillips
• Phillips Collection, for Stella, designed by Nikom

Home Entertainment Furniture

• Century, for Ash Credenza, designed by Eric Graham
• aspenhome, for Adagio Entertainment, designed by Neilson/Levi
• Klaussner, for New Horizons, designed by Chris Rayle

Occasional Tables

• Palliser, for Bar Box, designed by Futhark
• aspenhome, for Adagio Tables, designed by Neilson/Levi
• Ethan Allen, for Wire Form Table, designed by Rosebrock/Stout

Occasional Storage Furniture

• Brastilo, for Console, designed by Katie Hatch
• Brastilo, for Bench with Tray, designed by Katie Hatch
• Four Hands, for Copenhagen Sidebd, designed by Anna Ogden

Summer Casual Furniture

• Gloster, for Symphony, designed by John Caldwell
• Century, for Orient, designed by Richard Frinier
• Selemat, for Stratus, designed by Jarrod Lim

Dramatic design trends on Merchandise Mart showroom

Emily Ursini of Interior Crafts was one of nine design professionals who collaborated on The Merchandise Mart’s DreamRooms: Luxury Living Spaces exhibit, which was open to the public April 25-July 12 and features the latest in interior design trends. Her space — the Deco-inspired foyer — was filled with pieces and materials that offered texture and movement.
	A chandelier cast light on a starburst Macassar ebony tripod table positioned in the center of the foyer. Willem Smith's Hibiscus table — made with offset, book-matched, fiddleback makoré and mottled makoré petals floating on a redwood burl background with ebony shadows and burl center — would look similarly striking beneath a stylish showroom light fixture. The table is available with any size top, in a variety of leg configurations and in five finishes.
	Ursini's foyer included a leather-covered ottoman situated in front of a wall-mounted console and mirror — the perfect place to sit and touch up makeup or tidy wind-blown hair. At 24 inches wide and 20 inches deep, 0073EL ottoman from Best Home Furnishings offers a seat for young visitors. It’s available in the company’s more than 700 upholstery fabrics and leathers, and with a choice of an espresso (shown) or medium maple finish on the legs.
	A pair of dark-framed, oval-back chairs upholstered in green silk velvet flanked the doors in Ursini’s foyer, inviting visitors to sit while waiting for an imaginary homeowner. Bradley Hughes' similarly shaped Remy French oval-back dining chair would be an appropriate stand-in in a showroom vignette, especially if purchased with a dark finish and velvet cover. The chair is shown in Chocolate velvet with a white gloss frame.
	A wall-mounted console provided storage and display space in the DreamRoom foyer. A sleek, dark console table, like Selva America’s Opera console, can be used to achieve a similar look in a showroom vignette. It's crafted of European cherry; highlighted with exotic silver- or gold-finished accents; and available in three finishes. The piece measures approximately 47 inches by 24 inches by 31 inches.

Cool Contemporary Furniture Seating and Tables

Molecule is an ensemble of contemporary seating and tables that grabs the attention as the dark red contrasts with the stark white. The possibilities are exhaustive when you think of the uses for this furniture. I can picture Molecule being in a trendy restaurant creating a very modern look. In a home Molecule could provide a combination dining and seating area for a more open concept living space. Any way you look at it, this furniture is just plain cool. Available: here.

[via Furniture Fashion]

Interior designer Larry Laslo named Design Icon by World Market Center

Furniture designer Larry Laslo was named as a Design Icon by The World Market Center Las Vegas in honor of his highly regarded interior design work.

Laslo has become famous for his “liveable contemporary” style, which he’s used in one-of-a-kind residential design projects throughout the company, as well as in commercial design projects, such as the Takashimaya flagship store and Bergdorf Goodman, both in New York.

“It’s fun to play with fashion,” Laslo said his talk to a crowd at the World Market Center in Las Vegas. “It used to be that home furnishings followed on the heels of fashion, but now they are neck in neck.”

Robert Maricich, President and CEO of the World Market Center, praised Laslo for his unique body of work. “We realize that your best work is being done right now and will be done in the future,” Maricich said.

Laslo is the second person to be named a Design Icon by the World Market Center. At the January Las Vegas Market, Vladimir Kagan was named a Design Icon for his contemporary furniture design.

Eco-decor: Not your Grandma’s throw pillows

There may come a time when you find yourself desperately in need of something you were pretty sure you’d never desperately need: the ultimate throw pillow. That’s right, throw pillows.

Emma Gardner Designs, LLC Deep into 2008, Marisa Belger finds that throw pillows are anything but dorky.

Available in an endless variety of sizes, colors and textures, the square, rectangle — even cylindrical — cushions can turn the average couch or bed into a lounging extravaganza. Make a bit of effort to outfit your home with eco-minded options (those constructed and stuffed with organic cotton or reclaimed materials, colored with toxin-free dyes and so on) and you will take your pillow experience to the next level.

I admit that it took me some time to come to terms with my need for these seemingly frivolous home accessories (at first utter there is something deeply uncool about the term “throw pillow”), but I recently purchased an extremely bare new couch and can’t deny the furniture’s calling for pillow accoutrement. I’ve been researching my options for months and have discovered — aha! — that deep into 2008, throw pillows are anything but dorky. In fact, they’re incredibly exciting mini-canvases that showcase the creativity of some of the world's best designers. Really.

I’ve yet to commit to a single pillow, but these are the ones that have me — and are keeping me — inspired. And why stop at the couch? A throw pillow can provide some essential lumbar support on a desk chair or, if significantly sized, extra seating on the living room floor.

I dig the handcrafted look and feel of Balanced Design’s 16” x 16” pillows (this is probably because they are actually silk-screened by hand). The simple graphic prints are dyed with water-based inks in blue, brown or green and are available in an eco-conscious hemp/linen blend or 100 percent linen. I'm partial to “Shade,” a design that looks like an abstract take on leaves. While you’re picking out a pillow, don’t miss out on the organic cotton totes — one of these can serve as a snazzy upgrade to the average beach bag.

Emma Gardner scores extra green points by designing striking (hot pink, teal, red — no pastels here) pillows made from "Sensuede," a synthetic suede made from 50 percent recycled polyester. I’m not sure where Gardner gets her material, but it’s fun to imagine a butterfly-collared shirt from the ’70s reincarnated into a sexy throw pillow.

Want to go more DIY? Make the throw pillow of your dreams with a quick visit to Freddy & Ma’s customizable pillow page. Pick your shape (12” x 12” x 4”; 12” x 17”; or 17” x 17” x 4”), choose your pattern and then see how they work together before purchasing. Playing with the patterns (kelly green with navy anchors? Red-and-blue tie-dye?) is reason enough to visit Freddy & Ma’s site, but the pillows’ eco-friendly filling is motivation to buy. Each pillow is stuffed with kapok, a fiber from the silk-cotton tree that’s a natural alternative to synthetic fillings and a great substitute for people with allergies to down.

Those who would readily choose a good old sleeping pillow over a throw pillow aren’t without eco-options. I’m completely smitten with Polver Organic’s dual-sided organic cotton pillowcases. Polver’s fabric is block-printed by hand, which makes every inch unique. Look for playful combinations like brown leaves and confetti (a different pattern on each side of the pillow) or yellow roses and blue waves. You have my blessing to throw these pillows anywhere.

Marisa Belger is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience covering health and wellness. She was a founding editor of Lime.com, a multiplatform media company specializing in health, wellness and sustainable living. Marisa also collaborated with Josh Dorfman on “The Lazy Environmentalist” (Stewart, Tabori, and Chang), a comprehensive guide to easy, stylish green living.

Benjamin Moore's color trends for 2009

For interior designers and fashion-conscious furniture retailers, its essential to be up on the latest color trends so you can know what your customers will be craving well ahead of time.

Luckily, Doty Horn, Director of Color & Design at Benjamin Moore, thinks ahead. Two full years ahead, to be exact. Every year, Horn and her team at Benjamin Moore analyze shifts in fashion, pop culture, world events and more to determine what hues will be hot among homeowners in the near future.

Although the annual Color Pulse forecast is produced by a paint company, Horn said the color trends report identifies colors that will be popular in everything from cars to products to home accessories and interior design.

According to Benjamin Moore's Color Pulse 2009, there are four main color trends that will be dominating the landscape next year.

Raw: Horn says this palette is derived from the push toward minimalism, pairing life down to its most authentic. Horn said this palette is derived from unfinished wood, cinder blocks and other "make-do" materials and includes shades of white, sand and gray.

Benjamin Moore's "Raw" colors include: Chantilly Lace OC-65, Mascarpone AF-20, Collector's Item AF-45, Fossil AF-65, Frappe AF-85, Hush AF-95, Jute AF-80, Tucson Winds 1024, Sterling 1591, Storm AF-700, Steel Wool 2121-20, Gray 2121-10

Urban Silence: Horn said this group of colors reflects the changing delineation between life in the city and life outside the city. "This is where the trees become houses and the houses become trees," she explained.

As more urban buildings incorporate rooftop gardens and shipping containers are converted into living spaces, the city becomes a softer, more livable place. Horn said this palette reflects these changes by mixing the gray tones of urban living with vibrant, organic colors like green, rust and terra cotta.

Benjamin Moore's "Urban Silence" colors include: Shadow Gray 2125-40, Lapland AF-410, Yellow Tone 370, Wasabi AF-430, Winding Vines 532, Old Gold 167, Glen Ridge Gold 301, Rattan AF-375, Rustic Taupe 999, Abbey Brown 1225, Bronze Metallic Bronze-30 (Studio Finish color), Copper Metallic Copper-40 (Studio Finish color)

Simplexity: To understand this color palette, think about the pixels that make up a computer screen: thousands of tiny dots in different shades that come together to make a whole. These are colors that have more to them than meets the eye.

"The colors here are very complex, they have a lot of depth to them, but they’re easy to use, so that's the simplicity part of that," Horn says. For example, she said, think of a color that looks black, but it's really purple. "It's almost black but it has an undercurrent of blue and red running underneath it and it just has a rich texture and a rich landscape, and the way that the light hits it, you start seeing the nuances of how those colors flip underneath it."

Benjamin Moore’s “Simplexity” colors include: Thunder AF-685, Meditation AF-395, Amsterdam AF-550, Carob AF-160, Caponata AF-650, Merlot Red 2006-10, Arroyo Red 2085-10, Dried Mustard 2158-10, Majestic Violet 2068-10, Hidden Falls 714, Buttered Yam AF-230, Gargoyle 1546

Private Identity: With the “Private Identity” palette, Horn said she and the other color trends experts were thinking about how we express our individuality in such an overwhelming, populated world. Here, the colors are bright, bold and unexpected.

"You're your own person so you’re going to put together a personal statement color," Horn said. "You could do a bright red mixed with a powder blue and put a bold gold against it. So you’ve got this contrast of very bold color and then a very light color and that gives it an unexpected twist."

Benjamin Moore's "Private Identity" Colors include: Desert Rose 2094-50, Mango Punch 154, Perennial 405, Pacific Palisades 762, Tricycle Red 2000-20, Blushing Red 2079-20, Thunderbird 675, Lucerne AF-530, Fire and Ice 1329, Black Satin (High Gloss) 2131-10, Silver Metallic Silver-20 (Studio Finish color), Gold Metallic Gold-10 (Studio Finish color)

Complete Color Pulse 2009 reports are $75 and are available through benjaminmoore.com. You can also view most of the colors mentioned by using the interactive “Paint a Room” tool on their Web site.

(The symbols after the colors listed above indicate their collection, so ones with an AF mean that they are part of the Affinity group of colors, OC stands for Off-White Colors and the ones with numbers are in their regular group of classic colors).

The next color trends forecast from Benjamin Moore, Color Pulse 2010, will be released in September.

First prize awarded to Nube Chair: a seating concept with essential lines wins

Now in its twelfth year, Promosedia International Design Competition – Caiazza Memorial Challenge remains a point of reference on a worldwide level for under-40 designers, including architects, designers and students from Architecture Faculties and Institutes of Design from every continent. Three hundred designs were entered for the 2008 event, which rewarded six seats with one First Prize, two Honourable Mentions and three Special Mentions.

An international shortlist of young winners – aged between 26 and 34 – coming from East and West and all male on this occasion. Six talents of different origins, personalities and training, who set about designing an interior chair in wood, in order to create models with essential lines which, while reinterpreting classic style with innovative and contemporary touches, lend themselves to practical or multifunctional use.

The decision was the responsibility of an authoritative Jury of designers and journalists comprising: Luisa Bocchietto (architect, designer and Chairman of ADI - Italian Association for Industrial Design); Philippe Bestenheider, (designer); Paola Carimati (Design and Trends journalist for Elle Dècor); Bénédicte Duhalde (Deputy Editor of the French publication Intramuros); Fabio Feruglio, (Director of the Scientific and Technological Park "L. Danieli" in Udine); Daniele Lattanzi (Banca FriulAdria - Crédit Agricole) and Matteo Tonon (President of Promosedia SpA).

The first prize was awarded to Nube Chair by Tomás Alonso, because “it is a cutting edge project, though reinterpreting tradition; its reference to the classical Thonet chair and its use of curved wood is refreshed in form, colour and proportion. The modular structure of some of its parts and the introduction of contemporary lines make the Nube Chair a new piece of furniture. Feasibility and construction stability are also taken into consideration”. Tomás Alonso, Spanish, born in 1974, postgraduate diploma in Product Design from the Royal College of Art, travelled extensively and gained professional experience in America, Australia, France and Italy. Now he lives in London where he established OKAYstudio in conjunction with 5 other designers. His creations, both personal and designed together with the studio, have been displayed at major design exhibitions throughout Europe.

The two Honourable Mentions were awarded to Daniel Fintzi (Israel) for the Askew chair and to Paolo Cappello (Italy) for the Iri chair.

Askew was considered an original project, combining the reassuring image of a classic chair with contemporary and dynamic features, suitable for residential use as much as for use in a contract space. Born in 1980, a graduate in Industrial Design from the IED in Milan and having worked in France and England, Fintzi chose Shanghai as his professional home. There, he collaborates with studios and companies, creating customised furniture and related products.

The Iri chair conveys the essence of wood with expressive simplicity and very few essential lines, allowing the sinuosity and natural features to emerge. The only Italian awarded at this event, Paolo Cappello works in design, art direction, exhibit design and graphics. Born in Verona in 1980, he works in Milan, where he graduated in Industrial Design from the Polytechnic and collaborates with the Palomba Serafini Associati Studio, taking part in projects for important international companies.

In addition, the Jury singled out three designs, considered to be worthy of merit and awarded a Special Mention: (0.5) C by Ricky and Tommy Yuen (Hong Kong), Blizzard of August by Aleksej Sabirullov (Russia) and finally Also by Akin Bacioglu (Turkey). The uniqueness of the (0.5) C design lies in its being a modular chair with peculiar proportions and easy to use, suitable for public areas. It is the creation of brothers Ricky and Tommy Yuen, born in 1975 and 1979, who graduated in Australia and the United States, in Industrial Design and Architecture respectively. Following their studies, both undertook brilliant individual careers, while at the same time combining their creativity and experience to develop new ideas and designs together. Blizzard of August was awarded a prize for the originality of the high back, which evokes suggestions of nature and enhances the main element of the competition: wood. Aleksej Sabirullov, born 1981 and a graduate from the Ural State Academy of Architecture and Arts, works in industrial and graphical design in his own studio in Moscow, which he opened last year. Other awards received included first prize in the Bombay glass competition 2005, organised by Bombay Sapphire.

Finally, Also is a chair which becomes a table if necessary, holding books and magazines, a practical design for young-style areas with little space. The ability to achieve a double function for the chair resulted in a Special Mention for Akin Bacioglu: born in 1982, he graduated from the department of Industrial Product Design at Istanbul Technical University last year. Despite his young age he has already worked as a designer for many companies, while at the same time obtaining awards in industrial and graphical design competitions.

Prototypes of the winning models will be exhibited at the Promosedia 2008 – 32nd International Chair Exhibition (13-16 September) where the prize-giving ceremony will also take place.

Spanish designer wins Promosedia prize

UDINE, Italy — Spanish designer Tomas Alonso has won this year’s Promosedia International Design Competition — Caiazza Memorial Challenge for his Nube chair.

Three hundred designs were entered in this year’s contest, which recognizes architects, designers and students younger than 40 for their designs of wood chairs.

One first prize, two honorable mentions and three special mentions were awarded. Promosedia, the chair exhibition held here annually, will display the winning prototypes at its upcoming show Sept. 13-16 in this northern Italian city.

Promosedia judges called the Nube chair, which uses steam-bent wood, “a cutting edge project, though reinterpreting tradition; its reference to the classic Thonet chair and its use of curved wood is refreshed in form, color and proportion.”

Alonso has traveled extensively from his native Spain to work in America, Australia, France and Italy, and now lives in London, where he established the Okaystudio with five other designers.

Honorable mentions went to Daniel Fintzi of Israel for his Askew chair and Paolo Cappello of Italy for a design called IRI.

The judges also awarded a special mention to Ricky and Tommy Yuen of Hong Kong, Aleksej Sabirullov of Russia, and Akin Bacioglu of Turkey.

Model name: NUBE Chair Designer: Tomas Alonso Reason: The project was cutting edge even in how it reinterpreted tradition; its reference to the classical Thonet chair and its use of curved wood is refreshing in form, colour and proportion. The modular structure of some of its parts and the introduction of contemporary lines make the Nube Chair a new item. We also took its feasibility and construction stability into consideration.

Model name: IRI Designer: Paolo Cappello	Model name: ASKEW Designer: Daniel Fintzi

Model name: ALSO Designer: Akin Bacioglu	Model name: (0.5)C Designer: Ricky and Tommy Yuen	Model name: BLIZZARD OF AUGUST Designer: Alexey Sabirullov

International Contemporary Furniture Fair features hip storage

Multifunctional casegoods with bright touches of color add visual interest and storage to small living spaces. Recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair introductions are sure to appeal to young consumers who want to be organized, but still have fun with their furnishings.

	Condotti trunk desk from Flou opens to reveal a functional office space. With an exterior that is covered in leather with a bas-relief pattern, the unit's interior features a pull-out desktop and ample storage space. Also available in this contemporary furniture collection are a trunk wardrobe, bedside table, wall mirror and dressing table.
	Herman Miller's The Lifework™ Portfolio Collection comprises contemporary furniture that offers practical, efficient work solutions developed in response to the growing range of activities occurring in the home. Originally designed by George Nelson, Nelson desk features swag legs, cable access for wires and colorful dividers for easy organization. It measures 39 inches wide by 28.5 inches deep by 34.5 inches high.
	Made from 100 percent pre-consumer waste wood, Mio’s Naked Line of contemporary furniture comprises stackable, formaldehyde-free, MDF units with powdercoated, sliding steel doors. The colored doors can be mixed and matched to the customer’s preferences.
	Designed by Antonio Citterio and Toan Nguyen, Kartell's Flip folding trolleys can be used as carts or tables, and are easy to store when not being used. Available in transparents crystal, orange and blue, and opaque black and white, Flip features acrylic trays and chromed steel frames.
	Akemi Tanaka's Ori cabinet was designed specifically for small living spaces, such as a foyer or hallway. A narrow door on the right side and a large door on the left side both conceal storage space, while a cut-out between the two offers storage or display space. Ori measures 24 inches wide by 12 inches long by 36 inches high.
	Designed by Jacob Marks, Skram's Lineground one-drawer nightstand features a solid rift-cut white oak exterior and stack-laminated, rift-cut white oak drawer faces. The piece measures 22 inches high by 22 inches wide by 16 inches deep, and is customizable in material, scale and configuration.
	Axis media cabinet from Made® is a sleek, low-profile storage unit that features three sliding doors, three adjustable shelves and brushed stainless steel legs. Constructed from walnut (shown) or rift-sawn white oak, Axis measures 80 inches wide by 21 inches deep by 22 inches high.
	Dylan Gold's Twist modular storage system for Link Studios features five cubes, one of which rotates on three axes so it intersects the adjacent horizontal cubes. Measuring 69 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 32 inches high, Twist is made from vertical grain amber bamboo cubes mounted on an aluminum stand. It also is available as a wall-mounted unit.