West Hollywood, California (PRWEB) May 04, 2013

In designing Skewers, one of the newest restaurants at Los Angeles LAX Airport, interior designer Thomas Schoos drew on his own experiences as a frequent traveler to craft a unique dining experience. I wanted it to be a real restaurant that just happens to be in an airport, said Schoos.

Schoos, who travels extensively designing restaurants, hotels and private homes in the U.S., Asia and Europe, is familiar with the challenges facing air travelers. His own experience and insight leads him to believe that imaginative interior spaces and amenities are the future of airport design. Todays travelers are jaded and savvy, according to Schoos, and are not easily impressed by architecture. When it comes to airports, most people are been there, done that, says Schoos. Travelers arent looking to be impressed; they want a break, a relief, a diversion. And they want to be comfortable.

Skewers, the fourth restaurant Schoos has designed for celebrity Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, is part of a concerted effort to change the atmosphere at LAX, which is undergoing one of the largest modernization programs for any U.S. airport. Besides Morimoto, the effort includes other celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck, whose Express restaurant debuted at the same time as Skewers. According to L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "These new eateries are just the beginning of many more dining and retail options coming to LAX in the near future." (http://s.tt/1nhlu) Besides just providing new food choices, these venues bring distinctive interior design elements into the terminals, while also providing space for passengers to escape from the stresses of air travel.

Schoos believes this design approach is part of an inevitable trend in the evolution of airports. In the early days, airports were grand and futuristic, embodying the optimism of the new space age. Architects like Eero Saarinen constructed dramatic structures that resembled science fiction sets, with soaring ceilings and large open spaces. As the century lumbered on, however, air travel became more commonplace and crowded, and what was once modern became austere and depressing. Instead of being exciting, airport interiors began to seem like part of a dehumanizing cattle drive.

The antidote to this, according to Schoos, is imaginative interior design, which can bring personality back into these functional public spaces. One of the most obvious means of doing that is by adding a variety of distinctive restaurants. In the case of Skewers, Schoos wanted to get away from anything that resembled fast food, like plastic or Formica. Instead, he incorporated natural textures, such as rough rebar and reclaimed wood, along with fresh colors like wasabi green to suggest new vegetation. In a nod to practicality, floor tile is installed to allow for heavy use and easy clean-up; however, the tile features a hardwood design which provides a natural, homey feel.

Besides soothing natural textures, Schoos felt it was important to divide the space to accommodate different types of travelers. Up front, an easy-access area with a view of the terminal accommodates travelers in a hurry, while a more secluded area provides more intimacy for those with time to kill. To create this separation, Schoos bent rebar rods to form a wall and ceiling and attached reclaimed wooden planks intermittently, allowing for a flow of air and light. According to Schoos, these aged wood planks bring a sense of warmth and charm with their honest wear-and-tear, something one does not ordinarily associate with airports. (Wolfgang Pucks Express Restaurant also makes use of reclaimed wood -- more evidence of a trend toward organic textures in airport design.) The overall effect is more that of a sophisticated gastro-pub rather than a cafeteria or fast food establishment.

Like the dcor, the food from Chef Morimoto is decidedly un-airport-like, with all freshly made-to-order selections prepared in an open kitchen. It will still be fast, however, thanks to the quick-grill nature of the Japanese Kushiyaki and Kushiage cuisine. These traditional dishes consist of small bites of meat, seafood and vegetables that are either grilled or deep fried on skewers (hence the restaurants name).

Schoos believes American airports will increasingly turn to interior designers, celebrity chefs and professionals from the hospitality industry to re-think and upgrade aging airport terminals. As Schoos points out, certain airports overseas are already ahead of this trend, incorporating such ideas as indoor gardens, museums, iPad libraries and even ice skating rinks to humanize and bring color to airport environments. According to Schoos, this is the kind of vision and imagination that is needed in the U.S. to transform the passenger experience and create the successful airports of tomorrow.

Thomas Schoos Bio: Thomas Schoos is known as designer of some of the most successful hospitality venues in the U.S., ranging from Tao Restaurant and Nightclub at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, which has been the top-grossing restaurant in the U.S. every year since it opened in 2005, to Searsucker in San Diego, voted by Open Table as the second most popular restaurant in the country in 2011. Schoos has partnered with celebrity chefs like Iron Chef Morimoto and Top Chefs Brian Malarkey to design numerous restaurants in many cities, with dozens more planned. This year, his design for Morimoto Mexico City was named one of two finalists in the Hospitality Design Awards for Fine Dining.

Read this article:
Interior Designer Thomas Schoos Designs New LAX Restaurant for Iron Chef Morimoto

Fan Facebook Questions: Becoming an Interior Designer
How did Candice get her start in the industry?

By: OfficialWNetwork

Continued here:
Fan Facebook Questions: Becoming an Interior Designer - Video

I'm probably asked 10 times a month to recommend an interior designer.

Frankly, I'd feel more comfortable recommending a dentist. After all, dental care follows a tried-and-true approach -- for the most part.

Interior design, let's just say, does not.

Sure there are some tried-and-true rules of design -- balance, scale, rhythm -- but there's a whole lot more that goes into creating a space -- and an entire spectrum of talent to choose from.

"For me," says Portland interior designer Terrance Mason, "education has to be behind a designer. A decorator might be comfortable with furniture and draperies, but they don't get into the basic design concept of space planning and reshaping a room or designing a kitchen and bathroom."

For Mason, good design follows function. Without function, it doesn't matter how good a room looks.

So how do you find a qualified designer? I asked Mason, of Terrance Mason Interiors, and Susan Grady of Grady Interiors for advice.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Look online, says Grady. Check the websites of professional organizations such as the Northwest Society of Interior Designers, the National Kitchen & Bath Association or the Oregon chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association. Some of these regional and national organizations have links to their members' sites, which contain project portfolios. It's an easy and private way to take a look at a designer's work and also see the firm's size and history, and learn a little about the designer's personality, Grady says.

Or start by asking someone who has hired an interior designer. says Mason. Ask about the experience -- the good and the bad.

Excerpt from:
What you need to know about selecting, working with an interior designer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Leading multichannel retailer HSN has partnered with award-winning interior designer Alexa Hampton to launch Alexa Hampton Home, her first-ever textile collection on May 2 on HSN, HSN.com and via HSN Mobile. This exclusive line of quality home decor elements reflects Alexa's distinctive, sophisticated style and a design aesthetic that is clean, elegant and smart.

Alexa Hampton Home will feature bedding sets, headboard covers, sheets, throws, bath, and window treatments. While the styles are tailored, the collection will feature neutral and blue animal print bedding; luxurious jacquard weave bedding collections; and foundational textile pieces in a range of colors including yellow, sage and wine. The entire collection is priced under $200, including the seven-piece bedding sets.

"Sensible, gorgeous design shouldn't be unattainable," said Alexa Hampton. "Together with HSN, my goal is to offer customers elegant and luxurious decor that is warm, fun, and accessible to everyone."

Considered one of the most well respected interior designers working today, Alexa is revered for her talent and luxury home decor design knowledge. She is a perennial fixture on Architectural Digest's AD100, House Beautiful's Top Designer list and is a member of Elle Decor's A-list. Alexa's work can be found across the globe in numerous apartments, large residences, private airplanes and luxury yachts.

"Alexa is an accomplished high-end interior designer who can transform a space with marvelously creative designs, while still embracing her practical side as a working mother of three," said Anne Martin-Vachon, Chief Merchandising Officer for HSN. "Her approachability, vast knowledge of interior decor and elegant designs are sure to inspire and delight our customers. We look forward to Alexa joining our growing roster of talented designers."

Alexa Hampton will debut her new home collection on HSN on May 2 and return with new assortments in August and October. For more information about the Alexa Hampton Home collection on HSN, please visit http://www.HSN.com and join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

About Alexa Hampton: A perennial member of Architectural Digest's AD100 and House Beautiful's Top Designer List as well as a member of Elle Decor's A-list, Alexa Hampton's work is classic, traditional and eclectic. Her involvement in design goes far past her position as President and featured designer of Mark Hampton LLC, she is on the board of trustees for the New York School of Interior Design, the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the Institute for Classical Architecture. She was one of three inaugural designers who launched Gilt Groupe's Gilt Home Design Boutiques, serves on the design board of MyDeco.com and was the only ever female cast member of "This Old House." Over the years, Hampton's work has been featured in many national and regional shelter and design magazines. In recent years, Hampton received an honorary PhD from Moore College of Art and Design, was awarded Cosmopolitan's Fun Fearless Female Award and Connecticut Cottage & Gardens' Design Innovator Award. This past January in Las Vegas, Hampton was the first women to receive the Design Icon Award at the World Market Center. Hampton is also the author of the critically praised book The Language of Interior Design, and she is a contributing columnist for The Wall Street Journal's Saturday "Off Duty" section.

About HSN:HSN is a leading interactive multichannel retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in Health & Beauty, Jewelry, Home/Lifestyle, Fashion/Accessories, and Electronics. HSN broadcasts live to 95 million households in the US in HD 24/7 and its website -- HSN.com-- is a top 10 most trafficked e-commerce site, featuring more than 23,000 product videos. Mobile applications include HSN apps for iPad, iPhone and Android. HSN, founded 35 years ago as the first shopping network, is an operating segment of HSN, Inc. (HSNI). For more information, please visit HSN.com, or follow @HSN on Facebook and Twitter.

Read this article:
Renowned Interior Designer Alexa Hampton Debuts Her First-Ever Textile Line Exclusively For HSN

Tobi Fairley, Top Interior Designer, 2013 Design Bloggers Conference
Interior Designer Blogger, Tobi Fairley, Shares Blog Tips and Design Advice What is the best design advice you were given? For more on Tobi and all of her ...

By: LampsPlus

See original here:
Tobi Fairley, Top Interior Designer, 2013 Design Bloggers Conference - Video

FilAm Interior Designer Featured in Pasadena Showcase House of Design

By: Kababayan LA

See the rest here:
FilAm Interior Designer Featured in Pasadena Showcase House of Design - Video

Shelly Preziosi Interior Designer - Boca, Raton Florida - House Dressing Interior Design
Our clients are all unique, with specific needs, budgets, and desires... and so are their spaces. YOU CAN WORK WITH US IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS... design online...

By: Chibi Moku

More here:
Shelly Preziosi Interior Designer - Boca, Raton Florida - House Dressing Interior Design - Video

NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) -

"Baby Boomers" arrival to the senior years is creating more interest in something called "universal design." It has a lot to do with barrier-free living. East Texas News talked to an award-winning interior designer and author who is in Nacogdoches to promote the concept.

Ynthia Leibrock is the rock star among interior designers.

The internationally known expert on barrier-free living is in Nacogdoches during Fair Housing Month promoting universal design.

"Universal design means design for all people," Leibrock said.

It's an idea Leibrock wants future designers, like the ones learning at Stephen F. Austin State University, to use automatically on all projects.

"They allow a person to build a new home, raise a family in the home, and then age in the home and never have to be transplanted," Dr. Mitzi Perritt, an SFA Human Sciences professor, said."I'm not trying to encourage people to target a product for elderly and disabled people. I'm encouraging them to design one product that works for people of all ages and abilities."

The tall, very able-bodied woman has more than 200 barrier-free ideas in her home. She said they don't require "tight grasping, pinching, or twisting."

Need an example? How about a walk-in, sit-down shower for young and old alike?

"I don't need a seat in this stage of my life, but it's great to be able to put your legs up, you know if you want to wash your feet," Leibrock said.

Read this article:
Award-winning interior designer touts 'universal design' at SFA

Here's some of what's happening this afternoon in entertainment headlines:

Molly Ringwald releases jazz album; actress Besedka Johnson dies; Kenny Rogers to be inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame; Disney begins layoffs; and more.

Actress Besedka Johnson, whose film debut was two years ago in 'Starlet' at the age of 85, has died at age 87 in Glendale, California after suffering complications from a bacterial infection.

Kenny Rogers is among this year's batch of inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Layoffs at Disney have begun; 150 employees are being let go ironically as the company's stock hits a record high.

Justin Timberlake's latest album 'Suit and Tie' remains at the top of the Billboard charts for the third consecutive week.

Writers of E! Network's Fashion Police are suing Joan Rivers for back pay.

Celebrity interior designer Nate Berkus is engaged.

See the original post:
Molly Ringwald releases jazz album; actress Besedka Johnson dies; interior designer Nate Berkus engaged; more - P.M ...

Lizette is one of a select group of Bay Area Interior Designers given the opportunity to design a reserved lounge seating area for ten called The Lounge Act.

(PRWEB) April 08, 2013

Polished Chaos: The juxtaposition of structure with randomness blended in a manner that creates provocative beauty out of the interplay of two perceived opposites. The lounge environment will be framed by a structure allowing the space to feel like a living room in a home. Bold geometric wallpaper will be balanced by an original Klari Reis sculpture: an antique apothecary rack holding dozens of apothecary bottles filled with meandering bright layers of her signature epoxy polymer. A modern and tailored armless sectional will provide seating around a custom designed coffee table featuring a series of four different borderless video loops projecting down onto the tabletop. Creepy crawlers on high speed, swarm of moths to a light, shattering effects, and a voyeuristic street view from above all provide a dash of discord to the organizational elements in the space. The room will be anchored by a bold rug and feature a piece of artwork overhead hanging from the beams of the lounge structure. The adept mix of chaos with structure mimics Lizettes residential design expertise of playing up textures, materials, colors, patterns and light to create bespoke living environments that reflect the dynamic personality of the clients for which each space is masterfully designed.

Young and passionate, designer Lizette Bruckstein burst into the San Francisco interior design scene less than ten years ago. Forgoing the traditional route of apprenticing in a prestigious design firm, Lizette founded her high-end residential design firm, Lizette Marie Interior Design, right out of design school. In the years since, Lizette has evolved into a well-respected designer with loyal list of clients that span San Francisco to the peninsula. Lizettes philosophy is simple, to create custom spaces for her clients that are a reflection of the clients best self. From provocative to playful, colorful to serenely neutral, Lizettes designs are expertly crafted as she plays up the use of scale, texture & pattern. A big proponent of custom design, incorporating it into floor coverings and case goods, Lizette strives to give each space she creates its own signature focal point. Her use of color and geometrics in large-scale projects has also garnered attention from local and national shelter magazines, as she was most recently featured as one of the San Francisco Chronicles Stylemakers in their weekly spotlight article.

When not designing homes locally, Lizette has turned her eye to the international market, most recently completing a series of high-end turnkey units in Jakarta similar to San Franciscos One Rincon. Her other recent project of note is a full-scale renovation in Pacific Heights that is slated for national publication later this year.

Lizettes portfolio can be viewed online at http://www.lminteriordesign.com.

Krista Coupar Coupar Consulting 415-260-9215 Email Information

Visit link:
Interior Designer Lizette Bruckstein of Lizette Marie Interior Design to Participate in the Opening Gala of the ...