I thought I would start this like a fable, because while I was shopping the historic areas of Andalusia, I imagined I was in a scene out of ‘Arabian Nights’ in a magical land far, far away… No one starts their quest in search of the smallest chair, the concept seems absurd. Some search high and low for the perfect accent piece and others might go to the depths of the earth for the perfect piece of art to sit on a random pedestal. But I propose to those people that this find is so adorable that it too should be held in the same regard and integrated into their life.
Though this chair is smaller than normal, its character is worth its weight in gold. Its perfect blend of leather, nails and wood would be an absolute insult if it came super-sized. Designer Hassan Ben Yaich, ecstasy for his creation translated through his poor English to my even poorer Spanish. He told me he loves to blend traditional Moroccan designs with the intensity of their African neighbors to the South. Thus his designs take a new strategy intergrating passion and form.
When sitting down with him, he commented on the intricate nature of traditional Moroccan furnishings. He prefers a more free flowing approach. Pointing to an engraved plate he motioned what he was talking about. Looking at the rigidity and complex nature of it, I realize he wasn’t just being lazy, but rather combined the beauty of both worlds. “I am African” Yaich stated proudly, and his designs depicts his love for his motherland not just his mother country.
But this is not only the story of a noble furniture designer who ties together the richness of his homeland with leather, wood and nails. This the story of the smallest chair whose intergrity puts it down in history as one of the fairest finds of the land…
For more information on the design of Hassan Ben Yaich contact us at info@jiimports.com.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 7/19/06
Labels: Decor
New treatment of color is tossing coordination out of the window. Last year designers boasted the easiest way to evoke the feeling of chic in your décor was to create a monochromatic palette. Others said that the easiest way to use color in your house is to pick one accent color and combine it with neutral tones. “If you are scared of orange pair it with your beige.”
But we are seeing a new trend in color coordination that breaks away from this attitude-- splashing color through rooms with a vengeance. “The more color the better!”-- is the battle cry as they daringly put hot pink next to chocolate, sky blue next to grass green. Oh the delicious horror, though color theorist might clutch their overpriced books, tisking at color combos.
What are these color renegades doing? It is possible that they are so wrong they are right. Mixing patterns and colors, using colors for intensity rather than shade, these theories are in the designer handbook too-- they are just in the back of the book. When studying this concept we see that it isn’t splashing color haphazardly but rather it has its own set of rules. The easiest strategy to achieve a multicolored wonderland is to have your own colorful antidote to go with your color story. So when your traditionalist friends are appalled at your choice of putting bright yellow, next to cobalt blue, you can look them straight in the eye and say “I was feeling very French Riviera,” and watch their sentimental hearts embrace your new found sense of color. After all, why should shabby chic have all the fun of putting nonsense together to create nostalgia?
More information on up-and-coming color trends can be found in the Jacobs & Ismail Imports trends and source guide available fall 2006.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 7/14/06
Labels: Decor
They ignore you with their cold exterior yet they intrigue you with their artistry. Though they nurture your security, they still manage to be beautiful. When I happened upon the doors of Nerja I was just trying to escape the boring scenery of the nearby village of Torrox Costa. When the terrorism of tourism became too much to bare, I ran for the hills, and near those hills I found myself in the heart of a bustling city.
Function over beauty is what most Americans strive for. Does the door open? Does it keep the cold out and the warm in? Does it keep intruders at a distance, or can it accompany your Shloman Shield TM? Well if holds all of these characteristics then that is as far as most take it. Some might even dress it in designer wood, or glass to keep up with the Jones, but the doors of Nerja are not just merely to impress they are a symbol of centuries past. And because Andalusia is known for its wrought iron and wood works, it is a part of their future.
The artistry runs the gambit from simple to elegant, fearsome to awe inspiring. The inhabitants of the ornate buildings do not even match their beauty-- natives and tourist schlepping about it flip flops and t-shirt--and yet the buildings retained their majestic integrity. And though one might get caught up in the activities of Nerja--low cost leather on sale, paella for only 6,95 euros-- a glance from the corner of your eye is enough to catch your attention.
The wrought iron details can be translated into everything from door handles, to lighting fixtures. And though most don’t think to match their interiors with their exteriors, the art of Andulusia might just be the solution to combine security with beauty.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 7/11/06
Labels: Decor
After jumping through hoops and agreeing to an absurd disclaimer over intellectual property rights, what should have been a quick stumble, turned into a grand expedition into the world of Spiridon. This Belgian design firm showcases everything from sofas to museum quality pieces, but what originally caught my attention when wandering aimlessly through Selfridges-- one of my favorite shops in London-- was their lighting fixtures. One might need to at least bench-press about 180 to actually pick up one of these masterpieces, as they do not slack on the quality of their glassworks. But once you actually behold it, you realize you are in the presence of greatness.
Unfortunately they are very tightlipped about their origin and history, letting the works speak for itself. And I have full intentions on pouncing on them for details and juicy bits of design knowledge at the next Planete Meuble this Fall in Paris. But for now all we can do is gaze lovingly at the intricate design patterns, and the way they make lighting magic.
For more information on Spiridon visit their website at http://www.spiridon.be/. This is one company we will keep you posted on for fall market.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 7/11/06
Labels: Decor