Robin Baron Design

Most architects these days use computers to create blueprints rather than drawing them up by hand. As practical as that technology is, there is something so wonderful about the craftsmanship that goes into crafting the traditional blueprint. This sentiment came over me last week at the Architectural Digest Home Show when I spotted Cleveland-based industrial furniture designer and artist Kevin Busta‘s Birds on Wire panels, below.

Busta silkscreens images of birds and other animals on vintage blueprints, melding his industrial aesthetic with a sort of dreamy nostalgia for the days of architectural yore. Busta will also create custom pieces from your own blueprints; a great re-purposing idea if you do have some vintage blueprints that were passed down or spotted and “had-to-have” at a flea market. I think that this is a wonderful way to turn your personal history into art!

In honor of the late and great Elizabeth Taylor, inspiration for today’s Daily Design comes from her 1963 classic film, Cleopatra. The movie is a visual delight, glittered with period costumes, dramatic make-up and inspiring sets and furniture.

Many of the over-the-top Egyptian furniture designs wouldn’t translate so well today–can you imagine sitting down at the dinner table in a massive King Tut-style throne chair? However, the Egyptians did craft their own version of the Greek Klismos chair that has made a comeback as of late.

To incorporate a little Elizabeth Taylor-in-Cleopatra style into your own home, try one of these modern Klismos chairs that echo the glamour and power of Egyptian royalty.

• Donghia Klismos Dining Chair
• Restoration Hardware Klismos Side chair, for outdoors
• Ethan Allen’s Modern Glamour Klismos Side chair
• West Elm Klismos Dining Chair

Architectural Digest‘s annual Home Design show at Pier 94 in New York City is a must-see for anyone who loves good design, industry or non-industry folks alike. The show opened today for trade and editors only, and will be open tomorrow through the weekend to the public.

My staff and I hit the show bright and early, Robin Baron Design totes in hand to hold all of the materials that we would gather from our favorite vendors. We swept through the show, snapping pictures, taking cards and measuring dimensions. Here are a few shots from the most memorable booths from this year’s Architectural Digest Home Design Show:

The New Traditionalists: Though this was one of our first visits at the Home Design Show, after sitting on this gray distressed leather sofa, we didn’t want to leave! This is really a lifestyle brand that blends new with old, fusing elegance with feeling. We also love these guys because they take extra care to reduce their environmental impact.

Db Glassworks and Jerilyn Virden Ceramics had the most exquisite, organic pieces. I have these two tagged for future projects!

Electrolux teamed up with color-queen Ghislaine Vinas for this incredibly glamourous kitchen vignette. The Chanel print, chartreuse wallpaper and stainless steel mini bar combo are very Sex and the City, don’t you think?

At the end of our tour, we headed over to DIFFA’s Dining by Design exhibit, a showcase of designer tabletop installations. The room is magical and our clear favorites were those designed by Kravet, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. Each of these really hit the mark in representing its brand while creating inviting, high style dining spaces. Which would you prefer to dine at?

Donna Karan with Lenox and Neiman Marcus: Paired down and elegant. Tres chic!

Kravet’s exotic space is beyond original and oh-so-cool. I especially love the cut outs in the table and the curves of the furniture legs. After an amazing meal here I would just want to curl-up with the luscious backdrop fabric.

This is Ralph Lauren at it’s best: classic American with a twist.  The light fixtures alone transport you to a summer eve in the country where you dine al fresco with family and friends. They really went all out in crafting a country store set to house this incredible dining space.

Getting your home ready for the holidays is both fun and stressful!  It’s critically important, though, as it sets the stage (and mood) for any gathering.  Here are five tips that work for me.

1. Stock up on extra dinner and salad plates. With more people at your home for the holidays, you probably don’t have enough plates for everyone.  Simple, white plates mix in beautifully with ones you already own.  A set of 12 plain white plates sell for less than $60 at Crate + Barrel.  Or if you love “the hunt” as much as I do, head down to the flea market or your favorite local antique shop to add vintage or antique plates to your table settings.

2. Seating is everything…there’s nothing worse than not having enough for everyone you’ve invited!  For Thanksgiving, I called A.J. Fritz (718-361-0499) who has been in Long Island City for decades.  I ordered 14 chairs for my dinner and now I’m always prepared!  At $41 per chair, you can’t beat the price or the lead time!  You can select from ultra-suede, velvet, or vinyl seating in many colors…you can even choose the frame colors.  They are the best buy in town!

3. Head to Michaels for everything you need to create wreaths, garlands, holiday cards, and decorative tables.  With beautiful paper, ribbon and a calligraphy pen, create place cards for your guests.  Go wild!  Michaels is the perfect place to get anything you need to put your stamp on the holidays.

4. Stop by your local fresh tree stand for free (sometimes they charge a small fee) pine trimmings…the scent really captures the season!  Feel free to be inspired!  Make homemade potpourri with cinnamon and cloves.  Trim and wire the pieces together to create an elegant centerpiece around giant pillar candles or use it to adorn your gift wrapping.  The possibilities are endless.

5. Buy a good mix of seasonal fruits and vegetables to spice up your holiday décor.  Artichokes, pomegranates, tangerines, and squash look rustic and add a seasonal burst of scent and color to any arrangement or tablescape.

Be inspired and have a joyful holiday!

Halloween…I love and hate it, if you know what I mean!  It’s so much fun for me and my family, but it’s always so much work!

This year, we decorated our house and had a block party on our street.  Afterwards, my kids went trick-or-treating with their friends (yes, they are finally old enough…I can’t believe it!).

My husband and I went to the Halloween Parade in the Village with our friends and we had a blast!  The costumes were creative and exciting…even in the rain.  The best part about Halloween is that it inspires us all to think creatively…and have fun all year long!

Last night my daughter and I were watching Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime when a fantastic line caught my ear.  The main character said, “You know how people say you are what you eat?  I think that we are where we live.”  I couldn’t believe she said that…actually, I couldn’t believe I didn’t think of that myself! It really sums up my whole philosophy!

For years I’ve been saying that our homes are not only a reflection of us, but that they also help us be who we want to become.  The reality is that they truly do affect us in many profound ways and should be treated like a priority…it’s amazing what something as simple as painting our walls a new color can do to our spirits!  The key is to make it fabulous and luxurious for you—it’s personal…and that’s the beauty and fun of it!

We are where we live—I really couldn’t have said it better myself!

Clutter! It’s a dirty word…literally!  Not only does it make you feel overwhelmed, but it can actually prevent you from focusing on your goals and responsibilities.  Whether in Feng Shui, or common sense, it diminishes good energy.

Clearing clutter in your living areas, closets, and workspaces will let energy flow more freely, allowing you to think clearly and operate at an optimum level.  Here are a few simple routines to stay clutter-free: (Continue Reading..)

Prepare your home for days like today…it was a scorcher in NYC!  Plan on keeping you and your home refreshed by using these simple guidelines:

1. Install solar shades like Phifer’s Sheer Weave in the sunniest part of your home or office space.  They look great and keep your home cool by blocking up to 95% of the summer’s dangerous UV rays.  They’ll also keep out the glare while keeping your beautiful view in the daylight! (Continue Reading..)

As an interior designer, I’ve done many kitchens, so I know firsthand how a kitchen is the center of a home.  It’s the one room that most people feel reflects their personality most.  It is the heart of the home, a gathering space that is used for much more than cooking.

An Upper West Side townhouse, Photographed by Fabio Carli

Sitting around reading the Sunday New York Times, I found myself surprised by Michael Pollan’s “Out of the Kitchen, onto the Couch”.   (Continue Reading..)

In mid-July, Mikelle Terson and I joined forces for “Bubbles and Baubles”, a trunk show (and champagne cocktail hour!) showcasing her fantastic, colorful, and spiritual jewelry.  Mikelle’s story is so unique and all-inspiring.  After a gymnastics injury left her unable to compete, she turned to yoga instruction.  Coincidentally, she was also into collecting antique pieces and reworking them into jewelry for herself.  She got noticed!  After several strangers stopped her on the street, she decided to sell her work at a yoga convention.  Thus, Mikelle Design was born!

(Continue Reading..)