Favorite Technology/Media, Holidays

5 Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Co-Workers

The office is doing Secret Santa this year and you have no clue what to get your co-worker – Look no further we’ve got 5 great holiday gift ideas that we think you will love!

 

1. Behance Action Journal – Nothing inspires creativity more than a blank canvas and those action steps to achieve your goals. This action journal comes in three different colors for about 17.50 each.

 

2. Flowers in a Can – Who would have thought? A bouquet of flowers conveniently grows in this can just by adding a little bit of water and sunshine all for about $15.00.

 

3. Tervis Cup – Have a thirsty co-worker? These Tervis smart cups are AWESOME and come in many different sizes. Microwavable & dishwasher safe, customizable, keeps liquid cold or warm and 100% unbreakable all for about $15.00-$20.00.

 

4. Maraca Headphones – For the co-worker who needs a mid-day jam session. These headphones are sure to bring out anyone’s inner dj.

$15.00 on Gilt Groupe Black Friday Super Sale.

 

5. Twinings Tea – What a wonderful way to start the morning with a warm cup of tea infused with fruits, mint, and spices.

What ideas do you have for your co-worker gift exchange?

 

 

Current Projects, Uncategorized

Current Projects: Johnny’s Atomic Ranch {Part 3}

For the third and final chapter of Johnny’s house transformation, we proceed to the dining nook in the kitchen and the foyer/stairwell.

 

The only thing that changed in his space was the light fixture.  In making your style mark on a space- nothing is as easy as switching out that builder basic lighting which can often date the house.  We chose this pendant from Arteriors- and it’s egg yolk yellow interior casts a beautiful warm glow when it’s illuminated. We re-purposed Johnny’s existing leaning bookshelf from the living room and put it in the nook.

 

In the foyer- another lighting surprise! This simple lantern looks like an updated version of a classic colonial fixture- but makes a dramatic impact when you arrive.

Last but not least- something you can try too! Paint that oak stair rail black (with an oil-based paint) and it modernizes the stairs instantly.

Thanks to  Johnny for sharing his home on the blog!

-Brittany

Photography for this series taken by Lauren McKay

Current Projects

Current Projects: Johnny’s Atomic Ranch {Part 2}

 

From the Living Room, we continue on to the adjacent room-formerly known as the formal dining room…

     Johnny knew from the onset that his rarely used Dining Room would become a DJ Den/Listening Lounge and I loved the idea. Why are we paying for rooms in our house that don’t serve a purpose?

 

 The key to starting the transformation was changing out the lighting- as the Tuscan and drippy chandelier was not grooving with his wishes for a Mid Century Modern aesthetic.  We selected the chandelier from designer George Kovaks– and had it installed right after the walls were painted.  I like how the ceiling medallion is traditional and goes with the bones of Johnny’s house- almost highlighting the juxtaposition of styles.  

 

 

Walls are Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter- the perfect art gallery like hue as it receives other colors very well.  The plush felt-like carpet tiles we installed easily were budget friendly-the custom color mix was inspired by Johnny’s artwork from American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (shown in the image above, at left). We kept his Ikea wall storage because they are a perfect storage solution, but we had a local Stainless Steel fabricator create the DJ table which features a removable cord management trough.

So for the occasional dinner party- equipment could be moved for bar-height dining. Or everyone could just gather round for buffet style dining.  I can easily picture a Superbowl party- the perfect place for a spread of Hot Wings and Man food.  Or even better- a Mid Century House party with “shaken, not stirred” drinks and Johnny at the turntables.    

 

 Check back tomorrow for part three/the finale of Johnny’s Atomic Ranch!

-Brittany

and P.S. Window Treatments in a dude’s space?  Yes! They provide the perfect finishing treatment in this room and modern hardware keeps it sleek…

Also: Johnny’s art collection is eclectic- check out some artists used in his home here & here

Current Projects

Current Projects: Johnny’s Atomic Ranch {Part One}

 

In his initial inquiry for some design help, our client, Johnny admitted the following: “I currently have several pieces of camping chairs I use as living room furniture.”  Johnny had moved from a 500 square feet apartment in NYC to a 3 bedroom house in North Raleigh.  And the space was beckoning to be infused with his personality!

  I asked him to do his homework and bring a few inspiration images to our meeting.  When he arrived, he placed this book (pictured above) on our conference table, saying “this is what I want!” We perused the images together and I was a little hesitant knowing that Johnny did not own a mid century modern ranch- but rather a more traditional Colonial home built in 2004. Below: the dramatic fruits of our efforts- it’s amazing what a bold paint color can do, don’t you think? 

 

     We utilized a primary color palette and used mid century modern finishes- like chrome, lacquer and walnut. The symmetry of a pair of bachelor’s chests in red lend strength and balance to the fireplace wall.

  
 
Stay tuned as the transformation continues tomorrow in the dining room…

 

 -Brittany

 

Current Projects

Current Projects: Inside the Beltline Kitchen Remodel

 

Another current project to inspire all those remodelers out there. Brittany partnered with Robert Taylor of Taylor Build to design this kitchen. Special features include hand made terracotta tiles from Portugal and a custom pantry cabinet painted black with cream leather hardware from Spinneybeck Leather.

 

 

 

Have you ever thought about black cabinets in the kitchen?

 

all images: by Everest Agency

Designer Profiles

2011 Fall Introductions from F. Schumacher

Looking for a some Fall inspiration?

Check out the latest  fabrics from Schumacher. As a part of the 2011 Fall collection designer Martyn Lawerence Bullard(above) gives a new spin on the exotic prints and large scale patterns, which are inspired from his travels. I just love the bottom left Pasha Paisley in Sky.  

Burnt orange is making a comeback and so is velvet, so watch out! Patterns make a statement in any room when done in the right proportions.

All Images from F. Schumacher Website

A Closer Look Series

A Closer Look: Dorothea Lange

Two of my favorite art pieces that will adorn the walls of the Chancellor’s House are by Dorothea Lange.  An influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist, Lange was best known for her Depression-era work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Lange’s photographs humanized the consequences of the Great Depression and influenced the development of documentary photography. 

File:Lange-MigrantMother02.jpg

The two photographs we selected are from the Gregg Museum’s Collection at NCState University.  They depict scenes of depression-era North Carolina, including a tobacco barn and country store.

Lange’s photographs are haunting and beautifully-crafted works of art.    We’re honored to include them as part of this project.

File:Lange car.jpg

-Robert

image 1: wikipedia.org

image 2: rvision.com

image 3: wikipedia.org

Current Projects

Current Projects: Groundbreaking at NC State’s Kappa Delta Sorority

 

 

The Kappa Delta Sorority became the first Greek organization at NC State University to break ground on the very first privately-funded chapter house within the Greek Village. Yesterday’s attendees included: current members of the Eta Upsilon chapter, KD Advisors Beth Collawn and Laura Helton, NC State Faculty & Staff, and key members of the building team.  Carl Winstead of  Winstead Wilkinson Architects, Spence Harrell of WT Barker Construction, Graham Smith the landscape Architect, Karen of Capstone Bank , and Design Lines’ own Molly Simmons and Ashley Thompson were on hand to officially break ground. 

 

 The Greek community at NC State is slowly transitioning from the Greek Courts into the Greek Village in an effort to create more of a cohesive community.

(Above)  Current KD women standing at the site of their future home, what an accomplishment for a chapter who colonized less than a year ago.

 

 

 

(Above) The NC State Director of Greek Life  John Mountz, Carl of Winstead Wilkinson Architects, Molly and Ashley talking about the project.

 

Molly and Ashley are excited to work with the building team to create a multi-functional and technologically advanced home that will become a beauitful structure for Kappa Delta and for the future of the sorority.   Stay tuned as we develop the color scheme and mak  interior selections.

 

All images taken by DLL

A Closer Look Series

A Closer Look: Abie Harris

As the Chancellor’s Residence at NC State University nears completion, I wanted to take a moment to recognize Abie Harris, a local artist whose works will grace its walls.

Abie had a long career as the Campus Planner for NC State University.  Now in retirement, he is a tireless and prolific artist creating a variety of works on paper ranging from large abstract drawings to dreamy vignettes of Raleigh.

The Chancellor’s Residence will have a total of 6 works by the artist, including a large mixed-media drawing based on Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations.

Harris created numerous pieces in this series, which feature abstract interpretations of Bach’s music organized in numerous areas of dense linework.  Sometimes, these works are created in real time, as part of a performance with musicians.

Abie’s beautiful and poignant work shows that a second career can shine as brightly as the first.

Thank you Abie, we look forward to hanging your work at the end of this month!

For more information on Abie Harris and other local artists, visit the Roundabout Collective in Raleigh.

-Robert

image 1: virtual pianist

image 2: rebus works

image 3: ncartblog.org

image 4: pasinfonia.org

 

 

A Closer Look Series

A Closer Look: In Honor of Steve Jobs

“Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer, that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

-Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the former CEO of Apple, passed away this week.  As part of Apple, he was responsible for creating the first commercially-successful line of personal computers in the 1970s.  More recently, Apple has become synonymous with incredible product design.  In honor of Steve Jobs, here are my favorite examples of product design from the last 100 years – a list topped by the I-Phone.

File:IPhone 4 in hand.jpg

I-Phone: The first version was released in 2007 and quickly became one of the most popular phones in the world.  The fifth generation I-Phone comes out this month.

Valentine typewriter by Olivetti: Olivetti made some amazing typewriters, but The Valentine is my favorite  by far.  This typewriter would certainly make the dull task of typing a bit more enjoyable.

Michael Graves Teapot by Alessi:  Michael Graves, and architect based in Princeton New Jersey, is known for his whimsical designs and contributions to post-modern design.  This tea pot is one of the best examples of his work.

Henry Dreyfus Telephone for Western Electric:  Sometimes, design is so perfect that we can’t imagine the world without it.  Take this simple phone deign that became one of the most important products of the 20th century.

Kodak Bantam Special:  Just one example of Kodak’s innovative camera designs that brought photography to the masses.  It was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague in 1936.

 

Marc Newson X for Ford:  Just one of Marc Newson’s Many ifluential designs, the X Car unfortunately never made it into production.  But its innovative design may give us a glimpse into our future.

 

-Robert

image 1: apple

image 2: wikipedia

image 3: studio international uk

image 4: bed bath and beyond

image 5: Yale Art Gallery

image 6: Design Icons

image 7 & 8: BLAAAG