2009 Spotlight on Design Panel Share Their Favorite Designers
My favorite designer would have to be Jonathan Adler. He encapsulates everything I believe about taking risks in design, stepping outside the box, even if that means taboo subjects, like his banana sculptures. And his talent in sculpting? Amazing. He has the ability to move over multiple kinds of design in this broad and completely new way. I have his book, and not only is it a great resource for eye candy, but a complete mood pick me up as well. His bold colors and strong lines scream and challenge you to be happy, and nothing else. (Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs )
I don’t actually have a favorite because I love a little bit of all designers. If I had to pick one I would say Jonathan Adler.
( Sayeh Pezeshki of Sorting with Style and The Office Stylist )
From history, I find myself fascinated by designers or architects that worked in the Beaux- Arts, Neo-Baroque/Neoclassical, and/or French Baroque (Neo-Baroque) styles of architecture and design. One of my favorite buildings is the Chicago Theater (architects C.W. & Geo. L. Rapp).
From modern day (and perhaps something a little more practical, yet still romantic and glamorous)- I really like much of the work done by HGTV celebrity designer Candice Olson. I actually used to watch her show years ago (before she landed the spot as a judge on design star) and I was disappointed when for a period of time it was rarely on the air. I am happy to see that her show “Divine Design” is back on regularly. ( Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel )
I’m too new in the business to have strong opinions on one or another. Right now I find them all fascinating.
( Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor )
My favorite designers are Philippe Starck for his embrace of whimsy, Frank Lloyd Wright for his ability to bring order from chaos, Barbara Barry for showing that a clean line isn’t necessarily a sterile one, Sarah Susanka for emphasizing the “home” in home design and Ingo Maurer for proving time and again that an everyday object can be made into art. (Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design )
Bill Sofield, he once said: “Whether it’s lacquer or Lucite,” he says, “my work is grounded in craft and materiality.” I appreciate and can relate to this particular statement as well as his view on taxidermy. Clodagh for her versatility,life enhancing designs, and materials. Steven Gambrel for his polished restraint. Kelly Wearstler for her fearless approach. (Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture and Frou La La )
Excerpted from the following Spotlight on Design interviews:
- Sayeh Pezeshki of The Office Stylist & Sorting with Style
- Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel.com
- Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor
- Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs
- Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design
- Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La
