Who is ready to quit their job and open up a wine shop in Greenwich Village? I see one hand, Carlo Orrico, a young maverick sommelier. To want to do something is one thing and then to make it happen at this caliber is another, especially during this economic climate. Carlo Orrico found an amazing location on Craigslist, a 600-sf retail space located next door to a Jonathan Adler boutique, quit his job, scouted the perfect architect, and began the design process of his dream store, a wine shop called Le Vigne.
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It’s seems more likely these days to hear about a design boutique closing it’s doors rather than opening them. But when you play the game right you win, and this is exactly what designer Nina Freudenberger, owner of Haus Interiors, has done. This recession-friendly boutique in the popular NoLita, NYC sells a finely curated selection of high quality decor, at — get this — under $300.
Haus Interiors is also a full service interior design firm made up of a collaborative team of designers. So while shopping don’t forget to inquire about one of the killer design consultation packages which start at $200. Based on the design of this store and the selection of products, you just know Nina has amazing style. Where did she get her style, you may ask? Well I’d bet she was born with it, but her BFA in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design and experience with the prestigious Kondylis Design helped, I’m sure! In 2007 she went on to start her own firm, Haus Interiors, and has since gained clientele such as Downtown Records, home of Santagold, MOS Def, Amanda Blank, and Gnarls Barkley! Your style must be rockin’ if you can pick up that type of client!
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This spread, House Rules, in the September 2009 issue of Wallpaper* really captured my attention. Wallpaper* is one of the most influential magazines in my collection and it has been since I discovered design. One of my all time favorite designers, Suzy Hoodless, was the first interiors editors at Wallpaper*. She has gone on to create Suzy Hoodless Design Consultancy, and has become a tastemaker of the UK.
The talent behind Wallpaper* didn’t stop with Suzy, but has escalated to new levels through the years, and is at the top of it’s game with the talent of Benjamin Kenton, Deputy Interiors Editor. After attending many lectures organized by Wallpaper* during Architectural Festival, Benjamin Kenton, was inspired at one of the lectures after a discussion on Parker Morris Housing Standards. These standards have been mandatory in the UK since 1967, but just last year more generous standards were introduced. The Parker Morris standards set the rules of how one should live within their home to maximize space.
Benjamin Kenton designed a 3-D diagram, with stylized measurements, to create a modern take on these standards. This seems a little ironic because we all know Wallpaper* is not known for following standards. At first glance, I didn’t realize this was a fabricated set rather than an actual interior. I thought the lines drawn on the floor were a great way to divide spaces in an open floorplan and I just loved the annotations spelling out the measurements, details, and the description of the spaces. I then realized this was the “ideal house” spelled out!
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You know what they say about a room with a big hand?!
No, I am not going there! These surprises in design are what you keep you coming back for more! Do you ever wonder how things that seem like they would be so wrong together can look so right. I guess just that right amount of wrong is right! It’s this play of scale, volumes, and proportions in design that I think is key to creating strong and memorable environments. Large portraits and photography become life-like and create strong stories and often times humorous tales. Oversized objects and furniture keep spaces lighthearted and friendly and they scream “come play with me.” Getting out of your head is always good and I feel like these spaces allow you to go above and beyond the constraints of everyday thinking. They really activate that imagination and allow you to let go of your inhibitions. Take a closer look at some great plays on scale and proportion.
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Editor’s note: Please welcome our newest contributor, Annie May of Yolksy. She is a writer, interior designer, and an overall inspiration. Learn more about Annie on our About page.
Design is not just about making spaces look amazing, but it’s about bringing rooms to life and telling stories through environments. The emotions created and stories fashioned within the space should evoke strong memories that will carry on. Studioilse is the champion of creating brands that are modern and emotional that can be smelt, heard, and felt. The transformation of Kettner’s Restaurant and Bar in London is just another example of their fine work. They returned Kettner’s to its former glory of a once famous meeting place of many great writers and actors. These theatrical roots are expressed through the dramatic interiors full of glitz and glam, classic sophistication, elegant extras, and that modern vibrant flair.
“We wanted to return Kettner’s to its rightful place for all kinds of people of all ages, to have fun,” says Studioilse’s Ilse Crawford. “We’ve created different worlds within the space to suit different times of the day and different occasions, and to revive its slightly risqué Bohemian culture as a central Soho Landmark for generations to come”. Each room in this space is alive and takes on it’s own character, check out the leading ladies!
Let’s take a tour of a few rooms, shall we?
This lovely table sure does stand out in the crowd! Wonder who she’s waiting for…oh the suspense?
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