NeoCon...Think Big...and they did!

Oh hello!

What do you get when you put hundreds of furniture venders, thousands of designers and decor enthusiasts together  under one roof? NeoCon 2012  (www.neocon.com)  of course!

This year's theme was "Think Big." This was my first year to attend and I was drained after leaving!  This is a three day event packed full of venders, presentations and seminars.

NeoCon is a mecca, a destination - the largest exposition and conference for commercial interiors in North America.

 So what did I get from this year's NeoCon?  A few things...

Trending

• Bright colors (not excluding White)  bright Green and/or Orange seem to be most popular
• Sleek, clean design focusing on functionality and ergonomics.
• Customization of work-spaces
• Floor covering panels
• High-back chairs
• Oh yes...and men's bow ties!

Couple Points of Interest


--Moving Murals www.movingmurals.com
These amazing LED murals move in "True Definition."  I was blown away with the detail and realism of these murals.  You need to check this out! Oh...and there is audio as well!


--Miliken Floor Covering www.millikencarpet.com
As mentioned above floor covering is a "happening" product to have.  Miliken takes it to another level by incorporating Design and Color through their new Color Wash.  

Color Wash is the latest collection that highlights Milliken’s contemporary and advanced methods of reimagining the floor plane, while illustrating large scale, continuous and seamless gradation with nuanced color change.


Good day!
--D. Charles

FORM...Art and Floral...What a Show!

Oh Hello!

When my good friend Angela Bryant from Abryant Gallery asked me to attend Form: Art + Floral, I was intrigued.  I love art and I love flowers...so what better show to go to? The show at the Loft on Lake was a juried group-exhibition made up of ten artists and five florists sponsored by Natural Beauties Floral, Reenie Rose Abryant Gallery and Kristine Aletha Weddings.

Form was exactly what the title says "Art + Floral."  An artist submitted an original work and then a florist interpreted that piece into a floral arrangement.

The artwork and accompanying floral arrangement are on exhibit to show the dialogue that happens through the art of interpretation.

The artists and florists at this show were amazing!  Their creations and interpretations were awe inspiring. To see the original piece of art an then how the florist saw it through the creative eye of floral arrangement was fascinating.

I've included a few pictures of the event.  I also listed the artists and their contact information, please have a look at their websites...you''ll be inspired.

Angela Bryant-www.abryantgallery.com
Robert Burnier-www.world3ideas.com
Tom Burtonwood-www.tomburtonwood.com
Young Cho-www.young-cho.com
Helen Maurene Cooper-www.hmcooper.com
Robin Dluzen-www.robindluzen.com
Loreen Hospodar-www.reeierose.com
Sam Jaffe-www.samjaffe.org
Mike Nudelman-www.mikenudelman.com
Morgan Sims-www.morgan-sims.com

Natural Beauties Floral-www.naturalbeautiesfloral.com/

Reenie Rose-www.reenierose.com/

Abryant Gallery-www.abryantgallery.com

Kristine Aletha Weddings-www.kristinealethaweddings.com

Good Day!

--D. Charles

DIY - Bookcases with a Pop!

Oh Hello!

I was recently needing some bookcases. I didn't want to spend very much money and while visiting Target I saw these bookcases...only $20 each!  For convenience and time I picked up a couple of them.  They are very basic 3 shelve bookcases that are more functional than design.  However I was just needing a basic bookcase for storage.

I decided they needed a little pop!  So I found some great wrapping paper and picked up some spray adhesive from a local store.  I took the back off and applied the paper.  I trimmed the edges and nail the backing back on.   

After a little de-cluttering and dusting I now have two great little bookcases with just a touch of design.  This is a very easy 20 min project.  Sometimes in design it is just the litle, simple things that a can make a world of difference.  Give it try on your bookcases and send me your pics!  anothur.decor@gmail.com

I really liked this design!

I took the backing off and applied a spray adhesive

I lined up the upper right corner as my reference point.

Viola!

Good Day!
--D. Charles

Embellish your Home with "Boutique"

Oh hello!

In one of my previous blogs I wrote about 5 of my favorite things at the One of Kind show held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.  The Boutique Home booth surely caught my attention with the extravagant fabrics, bedding and embellished pillows.  I knew instantly that this boutique would be a true home decor adventure!  

In the midst of samples, fabric books and a pair of pink glasses, owner Shari Cornes welcomed me with a bright eyed smile.  Boutique Home creates couture bedding, drapery, canopies, headboards and upholstery.  It is one of the last true European boutiques in Chicago.  They have an incredible showroom on the first floor and a sewing room downstairs for the team of seamstresses. Not only do they design and create these incredible pieces but also do full installation.  Intense detail and embellishment is a true niche for this store. 

Boutique Home has an outstanding library of fabric. They buy their fabrics directly from the mills, from literally around the globe, cutting the cost drastically for the customer. 

Boutique Home is now in the process of opening a second store in Geneva, Illinois.     

Shari has been designing since her adolescence.  With having a fashion designer Mother and an artisan Father, design and style is second nature. 

Shari's design process is definitely unique.  After determining her clients' needs and wants, she personalizes the designs with the use of color, texture and pattern.  The designed pieces are beyond expectations.  

Please enjoy the following photos. 

 

For more photos and information please visit Boutique Home at
 http://www.boutiquehomeonline.com/ 

Good Day

--D. Charles

Anothur Decor Facebook...do you like me?

Oh hello!

Well I just started a Facebook page for Anothur Decor!  Over the next few days I will continue to build the page and begin posting.  Feel free to to friend me! And be sure and tell your friends about the new Facebook page and blog. I really want to help create a community of people who have an interest in home decor and to have an open forum to share, discuss and inspire.

Click the Facebook Badger to the Right!

Good Day!
--D. Charles

One of a Kind...My Fab 5!

Oh Hello!

There is nothing like finding that perfect gift or home decor piece. That is exactly what I found at the One of a Kind Show and Sale http://oneofakindshowchicago.com. This is the event's 11th year in Chicago and has more than 600 artisans from around the country selling their crafty goodies.  This was an amazing demonstration of  fine art, sculpture, jewelry, food and furniture.  With every turn I discovered beautiful and unique pieces... Feast your eyes on some goodies below.  

I encourage you to visit their websites...You will be inspired and impressed! Plus, you may purchase their goods for this upcoming Holiday Season!!!

The Elizabeth Element
Eco-Friendly Tree Stump Furniture & Decor
TheElizabethElement.etsy.com
Elizabeth brings function and art to stumps!

J. Diemer Artisanry
Handmade Bird Cages
http://www.handmadebirdcages.com
J. Diemer creates the most beautiful, jewelry quality birdcages I've ever seen!

Boutique Home, LLC
European Inspired Couture Bedding & Drapery
http://www.boutiquehomeonline.com
Shari and Alberto bring couture European style and pop to the home!

Sublime Rockers-Kevin DesPlanques
Wood Sculptor & Furniture Designer
http://sublimerockers.com
Kevin creates the most unique and smooth rocking chairs I have ever sat in!

Michael Szabo
Water Works
http://szaboworks.com
Michael creates incredible water work sculptures that are absolutely fascinating and elegant!

Good Day! ...Happy Holidays :-)
--D Charles

One of a Kind...Sounds Interesting

Oh Hello!

So I keep hearing all the buzz about the One of a Kind Show and Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago http://oneofakindshowchicago.com.  I've been told I must go see this!  Without much twisting of my arm i'm planning to go to the One of Kind show Saturday.  I'll report back and let you know all about it!

Good day
--D Charles

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Oh Hello,

I had a chance to visit my friends at my favorite florist, Marguerite Gardens (http://www.flowerpowerchicago.com  or margueritegardens.blogspot.com) this past weekend.  I asked to be shown the process of creating a simple, yet elegant centerpiece. And with the holiday's just around the corner, I thought I should take notes and share with you the 1,2,3s of making a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece.

This arrangement is what they call "low and moundy." A low arrangement will allow you to keep the centerpiece on the table and still be able to have conversation without it blocking the other guests.  Having this in mind, the arrangement is made to look round, like a mound; that way no matter what angle you look the arrangement you can enjoy it's full beauty.

So let's begin...

We used a a clear glass cube vase, one Ti Leaf, Hydrangea, three Roses and a little Queen Ann's Lace.

Overview of Steps

1. Prep the Ti Leaf and place in glass vase
2. Cut the Hydrangea and place in glass vase
3. Cut Roses and arrange within Hydrangea
4. Cut Queen Ann's Lace and sparingly place in arrangement
5. Enjoy!

We used a simple cube vase for our arrangement. 

Step One

Prep and Place the Ti Leaf

Cut the stem and approximately 2-3 inches off.

Shave stem to same level as the leaf.

Gently massage the leaf. 

Roll the leaf.

Gently place rolled leaf in vase and release.

Add water.

Step Two
Prep and place Hydrangea

Cut stem to appropriate length.

Place in the vase.

Step Three
Prep and Place the Roses

Place the vase to the edge of the table and cut the stem accordingly.

Place Roses within the Hydrangea, almost as if they were growing from the Hydrangea.

Step Four
Prep and Place Queen Ann's Lace

Cut and Prune the Queen Ann's Lace.

Place the Queen Ann's Lace around some of the edges as well as within the Hydrangea.
This will give it a full organic look.  It will also add another layer of texture to the arrangement.

Tada!

Good Day

--D Charles