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(BAD) Blog About Design

(BAD) Blog About Design

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Q & A: Nying Zemo Rugs


http://www.nyingzemo.com/

Recently, I was able to interview Simmy Pappachen, Shalini Acharya, the brains behind Nying Zemo and artist Joseph La Piana, designer of Nying Zemo’s Joseph La Piana collection. Nying Zemo is a rug company that works with artists and designers to create custom high-end Tibetan rugs. I find Nying Zemo rugs original and full of creative energy. Each rug has its own voice and is the perfect conversation piece in any space. 


1. What emotions do you hope your rugs will communicate with the viewer?
Simmy - That they have something really special. Our pieces are real art work sold in Limited Editions. The best quality in high-end Tibetan rugs.
Shalini - As each rug is a unique piece of art, a rug should resonate differently for the individual viewer but ultimately evoke a sense of inspiration.
Joseph - I hope that the viewer feels a sense of calm and peace and transported to place of complete relaxation and luxury.
2. Explain how the Joseph La Piana collaboration came to place.
Joseph - Having worked with many top designers, Nying Zemo was familiar with my work and wanted to offer their expertise in the translation of art in another medium to their customers.

3. Explain the inspiration for the Spring Bloom Breeze Abstract rug from the Joseph La Piana collection.
Joseph - The Spring Bloom Breeze is inspired by one of my actual photographs which I refer to as photonastic, which is the study of light formations. The photograph was taken in East Hampton in the spring. The image is the reflection of the incredible saturation of color on the surface of pond.

Spring Bloom Breeze
http://www.nyingzemo.com/

4. Who would you like to collaborate with to create a rug in the future?
Simmy - When artist’s find out about Nying Zemo and how we work, they generally want to work with us. We had started on a project with famed photographer Peter Beard Studio. A tapestry quality piece from one of his pieces. The project is now on hold. We would love to do more special projects like that.
Shalini - Nying Zemo is open to collaborating with up and coming artists as well as already established ones.

5. What is the most important part of creating a Nying Zemo rug?
Simmy - Nying Zemo rugs are art pieces right off the Gallery walls. There is a lot of time attentions detail and quality control that goes into making each individual piece.
Shalini - There are really two critical parts to each Nying Zemo. The first is of course, the artists and their designs. They are what makes each rug so unique and why people love owning them. The second is the art of hand-knotting the rugs in our factory in Nepal. This is what makes the rugs a true luxury product. The quality of the craft combined with the quality of the art is what makes Nying Zemo so special.
6. How long does it take to develop and design a Nying Zemo rug?
Simmy - It can take a few months to a couple of years to curate a collection with an artist but it takes about 2-4 months to make a custom rug.
Shalini - The designing part varies greatly depending on whether we are translating an existing piece of artwork into a rug or if an artist is making a design specifically for a rug. Once we have a design, it usually takes about two to four months to complete a rug and have it delivered to our customer.
7. What types patterns and colors inspire you when you are designing rugs?
Joseph - The incredible thing about working with artist the rugs become an art form through their own work which sets us apart from designing which is a conscious act of creating.

Geometric Abstraction IV
http://www.nyingzemo.com/

8. Your slogan reads “A beautiful rug makes a beautiful life.” Why do you believe a beautiful rug makes a beautiful life?
Simmy - It’s simple. We make beautiful high quality pieces that last forever and make great heirloom pieces. Of course our rugs are Good Weave certified and we give a portion of our sales to ABC Nepal (anti-trafficking NGO).
Shalini - Life is supposed to be enjoyed. We should all be lucky enough to surround ourselves with beautiful things. A life filled with beauty can only be beautiful.

9. What should someone look for when buying a rug for their home?
Simmy - In my opinion, for any major purchase, you must first love it. Choose a rug size that complements the furnishings in the room. A carefully placed rug will anchor the space and create a defined area. A small rug that is sized to have furnishings around it. Or choose a rug that's large enough to outline the perimeter of your space.
Shalini - The main thing that someone should look for when buying a rug for their home is finding a rug that suits their personality, it should say something about them. Rugs should be a statement piece in one’s home.

10. What do you have in store for Nying Zemo in the future?
Simmy - Nying Zemo is a high-end luxury custom hand-knotted Tibetan rug maker. We are now working on custom high quality hand-tufted pieces so everyone can afford a Nying Zemo rug.
Shalini - We are currently creating a line of high quality hand-tufted rugs. We felt like this was a necessary step in order to reach the consumer base who loved our rugs but felt that the hand-knotted collections were out of their price range. We want our customers to be completely satisfied with their purchase and to buy the Nying Zemo rug that suit them.

Gustavia Harbor Abstract
http://www.nyingzemo.com/

Create This Look With A Nying Zemo Rug:
Rug: Black Structure Nying Zemo, Chair: Holly Johnson Antiques, Pendant: Hedge




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Thursday, January 5, 2012

Fashion Meets Brutalist Design

Look 1
http://maciejratajski.blogspot.com/2011/08/fk-yeah-brutalism.html

The Monument, Villa-Lobos Park, Sao Paolo, Brazil is an example of Brutalist Architecture. The clean lines and raw concrete material of the structure are the core of Brutalism. What fascinates me about this structure is the large overhang. It is extremely functional as it protects the stage from the elements, yet has a remarkable form. The seating that spans the outside of the stage has built in stairs, which is a unique design element and allows for easy access to the stage.

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this Brutalist structure in your home is to bring in neutral colors, concrete, and minimal clutter. Neutral colors can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Concrete can be brought in through tabletops and sculptures. Minimal clutter is all about pieces that have modern finishes, and not too much details. The 1940s Steel and Rush chair is by Colette Gueden and from Alan Moss. The Rush seat and back are in the same color family as the structure. The Steel frame has clean lines, as does the structure. The 1960s winged Brass Brutalist chandelier is by Feldman Co. and from Dolce. The chandelier’s jagged edges resemble the structures cracked surface. In addition I choose the chandelier because, it is in the true spirit of Brutalism. The 20th Century lime green glazed bowl is by Otto + Gertrud Natzler and from Archer. The simple finish and rich green color resembles both the grass and simplicity of the structure. The brown rim of the bowl is in a similar color family as the structure. The vintage 1970s abstract Ceramic bust is from Showplace Antique + Design Center. If you look at the structure’s overhang you will notice solid grayish stripes running horizontally. In between the stripes is a brownish color. I choose the Ceramic bust because, it mirrors the variation in color of the structure’s overhang. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The delicate vertical stripes mirror the structures seating and stairs.

Dress It Up This Way:

This look resembles aspects of both the structure and featured home look. The black leather and wool bomber jacket with curved shoulders is by Rick Owens. The jacket’s clean lines greatly resemble the clean lines of the structure. The knee length pleated herringbone wool skirt is by Mulberry. The skirt’s pleated design, and Yves Saint Laurent  shoes resemble the structures stairs and seating. The leather Edie purse is from J. Crew. The mint colored purse and Paloma Crystal sunglasses resemble the grass.

Look 2
http://www.interiorarcade.com/

This fascinating room is designed by architect Guilherme Torres. The room is the essence of Brutalism because, it uses concrete, the furniture has angular forms and the structural materials of the building are exposed. The blue sofa has many patterned pillows on it. The patterned pillows break the clean minimalist design and give the space more color and warmth. The textured rug has a rough surface which is quite popular in Brutalist spaces. The low hanging chandelier is a smart idea because, of the high ceilings. In addition, the low hanging chandelier provides effective light which lessens the need of a table lamp. 

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this Brutalist space in your home is to bring in a gray color palette with a splash of color, concrete, and texture. Gray can be brought in through tabletops, furniture and paint. Concrete can be brought in through chairs and sculptures. Texture can be brought in through rugs, pillows, and plush materials. The 1960s jeweled crystal and Chrome pendant is by Lobmeyr and from Decorum. The pendant’s beautiful crystals resemble the chandelier used above the desk. The pendant’s clean lines and simple form resemble the overall look of the space. The 1960s ribbon chairs are from Robert Dickson and Lesley Rendall. The chairs white color and form resemble the desk chair and lamp shades. The silver frame resembles the exposed building materials. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rugs striking color add an element of surprise. In addition, the rug’s texture resembles the vast array of pillows on the sofa. 

Dress It Up This Way:

This look resembles aspects of both the space and featured home look. The outfit is from the Spring 2012 collection by Louis Vuitton. The bold blue color is in the same color family as the sofa, the gentle flowers resemble the patterns on the pillows. The white sunglasses  with gold detail are from the Spring 2012 collection by Louis Vuitton, they resemble the rug and desk chair. The white paper box-style leather clutch bag is by Maison Martin. The simple clutch and Satin Charlotte Olympia pumps mirror the overall simplicity of the space. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.







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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Finding The Right Area Rug


http://www.elledecor.com/image/tid/6333?page=6

Placing an area rug in a room is a brilliant way to introduce color and texture. In addition, rugs anchor a space. Choose an area rug that has some of the colors already used in the space. You don’t want to introduce a new color in the area rug, instead you want to enhance some of the colors already used in your space. Area rugs should be placed in a space to define areas. For example, if you have a large living room, placing two area rugs can create an anchor for two different seating sections.You can add as little or as many rugs to your space as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Space's I'm Loving: Part XVII

http://www.elledecor.com
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's open layout, modern design, and unique furnishings

I'd have to say this is one of the most beautiful beach house kitchens I've seen. What I like about this kitchen is the open layout. A beach home should feel open, and allow for unobstructed views of the outdoors. The kitchen features several different seating arrangements for added functionality. I spend most of my time entertaining in the kitchen, so this design would be the right fit for me. The modern furniture keeps things looking clean. I live the mix in woods, and stones. The two hand bar stools are the focal point of the bar. I'm not the biggest fan of the lighting, it needs more of a pop. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.mariallado.com/
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's mix in furnishings

This space is the definition of eclectic design. The space features pieces from all different periods. When you have a space that has so many different styles the walls should be painted white. You don't want the space to feel too busy or the design to conflict. One piece that I'm not a fan of is the square pedestal to the left. As the bottom of the pedestal the paint is beginning to peel off. It detracts from the space, and makes it appear dirty. I also would have liked to have seen the brown armchair to the left being reupholstered and painted at the bottom. Do you like the space? What would you change or improve? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://interiorsbyolatz.com
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's bedding and area rug, and the idea of painting the space one color

Aside from the headboard, the bedding is the focal point of the space. It's bright, features a strong graphic pattern, and ties the different colors found in the space together. What I like about the bedding is that it brings a Moroccan flair into the space. The area rug is wonderful. I love all the different shapes, and prints. Painting a space one color sets a base for space's that want color, but also want to feature bolder pieces. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.lonny.com
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's modern design, area rug, and darker floors

Not having upper cabinets is something that is becoming more and more popular in contemporary homes. By not having upper cabinets, one eliminates clutter, and the space opens up. The area rug brings some much need color and texture into the space and softens the modern look of the kitchen. Because the walls and most of the pieces are white, a darker floor really makes a statement. It also makes the cabinetry stand out. If the floors were stained a lighter color, the white cabinets would not be such a focus. Do you see yourself cooking here? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Living Luxuriously On The Waterfront

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Nestled between the trees, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, sits a 1923 mansion. With a beautiful tan stone and white façade, with mint green shutters and meticulously groomed lawn, the mansion is at once grand, but inviting. (ABOVE) The grouping of shrubs adjacent the fountain separate the open lawn by defining the space. The semi-hipped roof allows for the instillation of windows. (BELOW 1) A breezeway connects the two structures and a large driveway accommodates guests. The touch of shrubs on either side of the front entrance soften the driveway and home. (BELOW 2) The shrubs at the edge of the pool deck define the space. The balcony is functional as it permits entertaining on the deck and below. The ivy softens the black iron fence. (BELOW 3) The stone pool deck is modern and contrasts with the traditional architecture of the mansion. The green tiled pool bottom complements the beautiful green lawn. The black arm chairs feature a design that resembles the iron work of the fence

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1
http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2
http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this mansion in your home is to bring in neutral colors, metals, and subtle details. Neutral colors can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Metals can be brought in through vases, sculptures  and light fixtures. Subtle details can be brought in through a unique pattern and an unexpected item. The 1980s Milo Baughman, originally upholstered arm chairs with a gold base, are from Talisman. I choose these arm chairs because, they are in the same color family as the tan stone and white façade of the mansion. In addition, the soft lines on the back of the arm chairs mirror the windows grille pattern. The vintage 1960s brass ceiling lamp, is from Rewire LA. The ceiling lamp resembles the lush landscaping and shrubbery. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug is in the same color family as the pool deck, the black pattern on the rug resembles the iron fence and lounge chairs. The 1970s bronze figurative sculpture, is from Talisman. The sculpture's intricate details and rich movement resembles the iron fence. The 1960s porcelain plates are from Vandekar. They remind me of the beautiful tile found at the bottom of the pool. The 1940s Barry Reid vase is from Sam Kaufman Gallery. The rich blue color of the vase is in a similar color family as the window shutters. In addition, the cracked design of the vase resembles the balcony deck floor. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.


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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Fashion Meets Design: Classic + Retro Mix


The street style outfit, and Office inspired both the fashion and design picks. The office is very retro, but has classic elements. The rug, doors, and flooring are very classic. The design picks reflect both the retro and classic mix of the office. The street style outfit reflects the space. For the fashion picks, I played with a classic fit with pattern and solid color. A patterned top that reflects both the street style outfit and painting. The blue sandals reflect the colors from the painting.


The street style outfit, and Living Room inspired both the fashion and design picks. The Living Room's architecture is very classic, I love the moldings and the furnishings are very retro. The red coffee table adds that punch of color. For the design picks, I choose pieces that are featured in the space. For the fashion picks, I choose patterns, and colors that are found in both the street style outfit and space. The sunglasses that the model is wearing sort of remind me of the Vistosi scones in the space! 

  

The street style outfit, and Dining Room inspired both the fashion and design picks. The Dining Room is simple and retro. I absolutely love the area rug. It looks like stone. I also love the built in shelving. The sculptural glass bowl in the design picks, resemble the architecture of the shelving. For the fashion picks, I tried to pick up the different patterns and colors from the space and street style look. The dress features a fantastic beaded, center design. This design mirrors the painting hanging in the space. The shirt reflects the fantastic area rug. 

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Space's I'm Loving: Part XXIII

http://31.media.tumblr.com
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's vintage furniture and accessories 

This phenomenal office space features furniture that dates back to the 1950s and 60s. I love the simplicity of the pieces. My favorite piece is the desk. I love the ability of having shelving on the opposite side. Pops of color are brought in through the area rug. The furnishings in this space are fitting for the architecture. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.pinterest.com
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's furniture pieces and accessories as well as stone work  

Bringing stone into a home can be quite challenging. Add too much and the space can be quite cold, add too little and it does not make enough impact. By placing a super cozy area rug, as well as cloth armchair, the space feels warm and inviting. I love the swivel tubchair, and Benni Ourain area rug. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.elledecor.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's architecture, as well as unique furniture and accessories. 

This space has an incredible architecture. The original windows, built in cabinets, and plank floors bring that sense of elegance and originality into the space. To complement the originality of the architecture, the designer of this space brought pieces that hold their own, yet work well together. My favorite pieces are the console table and dining table and chairs. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://cdna.tid.al
Why I Love This Space: I love this space's wood paneling, lighter furnishings, and ceiling fixture. 

The wood paneling in this space is remarkable. It grounds the room, and brings so much warmth and texture into the space. Wood paneling in a space can go incredibly wrong if not done correctly. It can either look dated, or it be overpowering. To soften the wood paneling, the designer of this space placed lighter colored furnishings. I love how these pieces pop against the wood. The ceiling fixture brings a pop of excitement into the space! Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.


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