Maya Romanoff’s DIFFA “Dining By Design” Tablescape & Dining Room Vignette
Maya Romanoff, the leading manufacturer of innovative wall covering and surfacing materials in the world of design for more than four decades, is a name that is synonymous with luxurious elegance and shimmering beauty. So it was no surprise to see the Romanoff name associated with an exquisitely designed table setting and dining room vignette that captures the very essence of timeless, refined elegance (photos below).
The Maya Romanoff decorated tablescape and dining room exhibit were created in support of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA) “Dining by Design” event recently held in Chicago.
DESIGN NOTES
Boxes: Weathered Metals Gilded Pewter. Napkins: Fabricadazzle. Placemats: Beadazzled in Leaf Rain Taupe Silver Leaf. Tablecloth: Gilded Cloth Silver.
DESIGN NOTES
Chandelier: Beadazzled Geode Disco. Mirror: Callisto. Table Base: Meditations Sea Salt. Wallcovering (behind drapes): Anniversary Collection Half Plaid. Wallcovering (behind mirror): Beadazzled Leaf Rain.
DESIGN NOTES
Sheer Drapes: Anniversary Collection Sheers Snowflake.
About Maya Romanoff
When Maya Romanoff was living the ultimate student experience of the 1960s at Cal Berkeley, he probably never imagined his studies would lead him to where he is today: artist, inventor, and director of the Maya Romanoff Corporation.
Romanoff’s post graduate travels to countries such as North Africa and Paris cemented his developing philosophy that art should be an integral part of everyday life. In turn, employment at the couture houses of Paris spurred his interest in textile design. Enter Woodstock, and Romanoff’s discovery of the intriguing technique of tie-dye, lead to the production of amazing fabrics that swept tie-dye into the realm of couture. These early explorations of fabric and art sparked his life-long fascination with using common materials to create uncommon art.
The Chicago based company is unique in that it fosters a sense of community and artistic expression that is rare in today’s corporate world. Throughout the company’s evolution Romanoff’s founding vision of transforming modern design by combining ancient artistic techniques with the latest production technology has held strong. Pushing technological boundaries has allowed Romanoff to turn his affinity for organic beauty into marketable, avant-garde surface coverings.
Read More »9 Favorite Design Miami/ 2010 Highlights
The Decorating Diva.com’s 9 Favorite Design Miami/ Exhibits
1. Netscape installation by Konstantin Grcic, with backdrop of Design Miami/ temporary structure designed by Moorehead & Moorehead.
Designer of the Year Konstantin Grcic swinging on his design installation commission (exclusive to Design Miami/), “Netscape” – which was one of my favorite design installations at the fair. 
2. Kiki Van Eijk glass design “Dream” at the Venice Projects booth. Dream, is one of seven elements Kiki has rendered in glass that depict the elements of life.
3. Jean Royere at Galerie Patrick Seguin. The very definition of elegance and beautiful design. This was my favorite designed booth.
4. A perennial favorite, Cristina Grajales Gallery, is a must see at each Design Miami/ fair. Two of my favorite pieces are Sebastian Errazuriz’s organic book shelf “Metamorphosis”, and Hechizoo’s woven metal rug (gold-plated silver, steel and tin, and available for $400 SQFT).
5. Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s exhibit of ethereally beautiful design was captivating. From Marcel Wanders’ gilded “Bon Bon” chair to Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta’s delicate “Fragile Future” (Real Dandelion clocks, bronze and LED lights surrounded in Plexiglass.)
6. The Gallery Kreo exhibit delights the senses with extraordinary pieces from various designers including former Design Miami/ Designer of the Year recipients, The Campana brothers; current Designer of the Year, Konstantin Grcic, Hella Jongerus (leather flowers and Coffee Table Mini Swatch – the very essence of beautiful design); Alessandro Mendini (Bisazza tiled Tavolino is stunning); and Studio Wieki Somers (Frozen Cabinet – in pink is exquisite).
7. Hugo Franca at R 20th Century. Gorgeous organic design sculpted by Franca from the Pequi tree in a lush setting created by landscaping designer Raymond Jungles that captures the beauty of nature in its many forms.
8. Todd Merrill’s exhibit had a divinely curated collection of antique and Twentieth century furniture. Including some pieces by Joseph Walsh, Neal Small and Michael Coffey.
9. Gallery Seomi’s exhibit highlighted various Korean designers including Bae Sehwa (beautifully formed “Steam-14” sofa-shown below), Kim Dongwon, Jang Jin, Choi Byunghoon and Bahk Jongson.
Design Miami/ Structure and “Netscape” Installation by Konstantin Grcic
Design Miami/ Designer of the Year, Konstantin Grcic looking upon his installation, “Netscape”. The Design Miami/ temporary structure designed by Moorehead & Moorehead allowed for an intense play of lights and shadows creating an interesting and ever-changing display as the Sun moved throughout the day.
Design Miami/ 2010, in Miami Beach, is open to the public from December 1 – December 5. More information about the design fair can be found at Design Miami/ blog.
Read More »3 Design & Entertaining Books for the Book Lover on Your Holiday Gift List
Stealing Magnolias: Tales from a New Orleans Courtyard (Our book review)
Four Florida Moderns: The Architecture of Albert E. Alfonso, René González, Chad Oppenheim, and Guy Peterson (Our book review)
New York Parties: Private Views ( Our book review will be out soon, but in the meantime we wanted to make sure you put this fabulous book on your gift list! )
Read More »70 Park Avenue Hotel New York
{ Series: Inspired by Hotel Design }
Lobby of 70 Park Avenue Hotel is inviting in a relaxed, elegant and understated glamorous fashion.
Intriguing wall sculpture graces the lobby of the 70 Park Avenue Hotel.
Lobby sitting area captures the graceful, sophisticated and glamorous style essence of 70 Park Avenue Hotel.
A stylish chandelier reminiscent of an haute couture confection gives the 70 Park Avenue Hotel a welcoming glow .
Comfortable, chic styled guest room dressed in an elegant combination of freshly, updated 1930s glamor decor with just a touch of contemporary designed furnishings.
Beautiful design symmetry can be noted in the headboard, side tables, lamps and mirrors.
Love, love, love the light turquoise table lamp and the side table/night stand – simply elegant and beautiful evoking an aura of sophisticated, yet effortless, glamour.
The warm neutrals and soft textures of this occasional chair beckons hotel guests to grab a fabulous novel and a delicious cup of coffee and curl up for an enviable evening of reading and relaxing.
A welcome design surprise: Sliding mirrored door replaces the typical hinged door one expects.
DESIGN BACKGROUND: 70 Park Avenue Hotel guest rooms and lobby were designed by renowned interior designer, Jeffrey Bilhuber of Bilhuber & Associates (clients include Anna Wintour, Iman and David Bowie, Mariska Hargitay, and Paul Wilmot).
My accommodations at 70 Park Avenue Hotel were provided courtesy of Brizo.
Read More »Art Deco Opulence The Eden Roc Hotel Lobby & Bar
{ Series: Inspired by Hotel Design }
An architectural icon in South Beach, the Eden Roc hotel, was originally designed by the visionary Morris Lapidus, and recently underwent extensive renovations. The newly updated hotel lobby and bar design are a nod to Lapidus’ design vision (heavily influenced by Art Deco, Hollywood Glam (think Liz Taylor & 50s starlets), luxury, and just a hint of over-the-top style borrowed from movie set decor) and continues to inspire those who love design.
South Beach Art Deco icon, Eden Roc Hotel (lobby and bar).
Opulent, deco inspired furniture, decor and design at the Eden Roc ion South Beach, Miami.
Detail view of Eden Roc bar. Gorgeous design mix of Art Deco, and Glam Modern.
Read More »Chez Josephine Restaurant-Color & Decor Inspiration
Room Decor & Color Inspiration: Chez Josephine, New York City
Chez Josephine, located in New York City’s magnificent theater row, is renowned for its vibrant, warm and inviting atmosphere, lively music, and its delicious French bistro style cuisine. Its decor also captures the swinging, festive and jazzy mood of 1930s’ Paris. 
Decorated with rich reds, deep blues, golds, striking greens, exotic furniture pieces, mirrors and chandeliers that leave a memorable mark, and, of course, artwork and theater posters depicting the amazing, talented and inimitable, Josephine Baker –namesake of the restaurant created in her honor by her sons, Jean-Claude and Jarry Baker.
I was introduced to Chez Josephine by Jamie Goldberg of Gold Notes (fantastic kitchen design blog) last February. Jamie had coordinated a fabulous and fun evening at Chez Josephine’s for a group of us who where in New York City to attend the Brizo sponsored Jason Wu Fall 2010 fashion show. 
I was so smitten with Chez Josephine’s cuisine, which is absolutely delish, the joyous atmosphere and by the restaurant’s decor that when I had a chance to return to New York city in May for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair I made a point to add dinner with my husband at Chez Josephine to my agenda.
There are three breathtakingly detailed painted exotic wood doors in the upstairs dining room that give the room the feeling that we are thousands of miles away from New York City – having dinner in some faraway exotic and fabulous locale. The velvet wall coverings in rich red and opulent blue give the room and extraordinary depth and warmth.
This detailed view of the doors shows off the colors that are part of the dining rooms color scheme: gold, red, green and blue.
Chez Josephine’s upstairs dining room with view of blue velvet wall covering.
Detailed view of blue velvet with gold patterned wall covering and deco style light sconces.
Another beautifully patterned painted wood door.
Arched wood door painted in golden tones.
View of downstairs dining room. Love that chandelier! And live music is always on the menu at Chez Josephine. Music is one of the five design elements for creating the perfect sensory experience at home.
Striking artwork depicting Josephine Baker, in jewel tone greens, fiery reds, pinks, yellows, and blues set against a deep, ruby red velvet wall covering for high contrast and dramatic effect in the downstairs dining room.
Detailed view of the stunning chandelier. Here the red in the chandelier contrasts nicely with the blue ceiling tins.
If in New York City, make a date to visit Chez Josephine for a memorable dinner.
Read More »Blue Crystal Rock Chandelier
{ Inspired by Art }
Spectacular crystal chandelier installation at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC.
Jacaranda Tree Color Scheme
{ Series: Inspired by Nature }
This beautiful photo of the Jacaranda tree was submitted by Florida-based kitchen and bath designer and the editor of “Kitchen and Residential Design” blog, Paul Anater. Paul writes:
St. Pete is filled with them and they bloom in March. It’s usually too cold for them in Tampa though there are a few stragglers. It’s always just a few degrees warmer on this side of the Bay and they really thrive. The older neighborhoods in St. Pete are jaw dropping when these things are in bloom.
The Jacaranda tree blooms are indeed beautiful and I find that you can’t go wrong selecting a color scheme for decorating your home – if you look to nature for color inspiration. Though I am using Pantone based colors here, you can go to any paint store, show them a photo of your nature inspired color palette, and they should easily be able to create your dream color scheme in an instant.
Resource: Pantone
RELATED
- Orchid Tree Color Scheme
- Kitchen Designer Paul Anater’s profile on Spotlight on Design
- Design & Colors Inspired by Nature
The Vintage Laundry Shop
{ Series: Inspired by Home Decor Store Design }
Blue Room: Display of reworked vintage furniture and vintage crystal and chandeliers. 
Haute Pink Room: Display of fantastic collection of vintage clothing – some even vintage couture.
Self-professed “linen addict” LeAnn Stephenson is the founder and owner of The Vintage Laundry a vintage shop (and the recent recipient of the “Poppies” award for Favorite Vintage Shop) that offers beautiful reworked vintage
furniture and lighting, as well as fabulous flea market finds and heirloom linen pieces.
The Vintage Laundry can also be found online at etsy. The Tangerine Dreams vintage linen towels is one of many lovely finds at LeAnn’s etsy shop.
LeAnn’s blog, “The Vintage Laundress” is a delight to read, and her fabulous “Want it Wednesdays” is appointment reading.
- Twitter:The Vintage Laundress on Twitter
- Facebook: Fan The Vintage Laundress
Images copyright of respective owners.
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