Furniture that makes you feel good with Austin Allen James

This Summer at Las Vegas Market, artist and product designer Austin Allen James unveiled his new collection of art, case goods, lighting, and soft goods with Stylecraft. This week we caught up with Austin for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of art and functional product design, how you know when the work is finished, the pursuit of universal beauty, and why he is glad he didn’t know anything about the business of art and design before committing to it.

Can retailers survive a rise in DTC brands?

Online shopping and cheaper, faster shipping options have facilitated the rise of DTC brands, and with online shopping continuing to grow, it makes sense that DTC would grow, too.

ASID releases 2023 economic outlook report

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is excited to announce the release of the 2023 Economic Outlook Report – the third installment in ASID’s annual Outlook Research Series, sponsored by Sherwin Williams.

This report delves into the current state of the economy during a pandemic-recovery period and following a brief recession in 2023, equipping the design industry with insights to inform and prepare practitioners for future shifts and trends.

Key takeaways include:
National employment has bounced back from its initial sharp decline in early 2020 and is now above its pre-pandemic peak.
In general, most major cities have excess office space in their downtown areas, though vacancy rates have fallen somewhat as some workers return to the office.
Residential construction felt the effects of the fallout from the pandemic but quickly recovered.

ISFD extends 2023 Pinnacle Awards® deadline to August 3

Are you planning on entering the 2023 Pinnacle Awards? The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) announced they have extended the 2023 Pinnacle Awards entry deadline to August 3. To be considered for the industry’s highest design honor, product designers, manufacturers or students must enter the 2023 Pinnacle Awards on the ISFD website. Winners will be announced during the High Point Market, the industry’s highest profile show, at the Pinnacle Awards Gala on Monday, October 16 in the Loft at Condon Yards. Tickets will go on sale August 1.

 Contardi’s archi-decorative aesthetic code chosen for the interiors of Hoxton Rome

Conceived specifically for Hoxton Rome, Contardi’s lamps skilfully deliver the mid-century modern style the designers wanted. The custom-made suspensions have a geometric structure with a dark bronze finish – in harmonious contrast with glass globes, as the dominant shapes that add a space-age touch to the environment.

The Shade Store expands its collection with Alexa Hampton

From New York City to Hangzhou, China, Alexa Hampton’s project portfolio encompasses luxe,  beautifully layered urban apartments, expansive town and country residences, private airplanes,  and yachts. Newly inaugurated into the Architectural Digest’s AD100 Hall of Fame and a member  of the Elle Décor A List and House Beautiful’s Top Designer list, Hampton translates the classical  principles of good design and decoration into some of today’s most elegant, enduring, and  functional domestic landscapes. 

Luxury Tile and Stone Company, Walker Zanger, Hosts Grand Opening of Costa Mesa Showroom on August 3

This cutting-edge experience will feature a captivating new concept, curated exclusively by Walker Zanger, culinary delights from Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Tesla test-drives. Alongside the excellence of their innovative showroom, guests will enjoy exclusive entertainment with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 

Designer Maria Khouri Haidamus reimagines Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Jordan asked Gracie, a family business that has been crafting hand-painted wall coverings since 1898, to create a bespoke interpretation of its enchanting Linda’s Garden mural for the women’s lobby bathroom. Reimagined to capture the spirit of the Jordan Estate, the mural includes oak and citrus trees, flowering dogwood and kites and an egret—wildlife all found across the 1,200-acre Jordan Estate.

Jennifer Farrell designing on and off television

Jennifer Farrell, a renowned celebrity designer and television host, has captivated audiences with her shows and designs for over two decades. She gained national recognition as the host of the long-running series Find & Design and currently hosts popular shows like Million Dollar House Hunters, Find Me a Beach House, and Most Amazing Homes.

Having the Pinterest house won’t make you happy and other design lessons with Wendy Glaister

Wendy was an early adopter of Houzz, advertising on the platform as far back as 2015. She still attributes much of her success to Houzz, and specifically being an early adopter. For a designer getting started today, they may not have as much success on the already saturated platform. It may behoove them to get experimental and trailblaze a newer platform. Find the place in the Wild West that doesn’t already have a populated boom town and become the mayor.