Intense Colors
If the “Soaring ‘20s” are finally launching, what better fuel to put in your rocket than the vivid vibes of a resonant color? Pick one. Let it light up your home or wardrobe. Feel the feelings!
Jeffry Weisman
Weisman chose dramatic Venetian red as his favorite color right now, shown on his Casablanca console. “The glow of the color draws you in and is happy. We love it in paint, in velvet, and in lacquer. It’s classic and modern.” See our article for more designer-favorite colors.
Ozwald Boateng x Poltrona Frau
London-based fashion designer Boateng and Italian home brand Poltrona Frau teamed up to create a complete lifestyle collection. Included is the Chester armchair (shown in radiant yellow), a contemporary take on classic club seating. “For me, the evolution of tradition is imperative. Otherwise, it risks becoming obsolete,” says Boateng.
Betsy Wentz
Inspired by a family trip to the West Indies, Pittsburgh-based interior designer Wentz chose YInMn-Blue, discovered in 2009, as her favorite color. “The colors were so vivid–from the sky to the water to the sea turtles–the whole place is really special.” This living room she designed features a breathtakingly blue lacquered ceiling and area rug. See our article for more designer-favorite colors.
Arte
Luxury without excess was the jumping-off point for this wall covering inspired by Japanese minimalism. This pattern’s name, Anicca, means “changeable,” and the uneven lines in its three-dimensional velvety texture are irresistibly tactile. Check out our Déco Off article to see more of what we loved at the recent event.
Schumacher
After a legendary career in fashion and design publishing, former Elle Décor Editor Marian McEvoy retired to her Upstate New York house to center her life on art and craft. Her medium-scale Thistle Vine linen textile, based on her original illustrations, is also available as wallpaper. To the trade.
Playful Designs
We get gorgeous glimpses of that ever-elusive work-life balance when we let ourselves play. The heart leaps, the soul sighs a happy sigh, and we feel refreshed. Design helps us keep our mood aloft in between our R&R sessions.
Shoppe B
Designer Brenda Friday’s Lawrenceville store is a haven for creatives. Read more about the six artists who appears in this photo in our article on Shoppe B.
Ceremonial
Connect with all the magic of the complete visual spectrum! Read about it, smell it, taste it, and contemplate it with the wonderful offerings at this Point Breeze boutique.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Did you know that late artist Keith Haring spent some formative years in Pittsburgh in the late ‘70s? Support from local teachers and institutions set the stage for his art-filled life. A bit of his work in jigsaw puzzle form may spur us on to our own next-level creativity. Available in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
House of Nunu
With a simplicity that speaks volumes, this curvy vase in ice blue can house buds or foliage in both ends, a sort of head-to-tail display in borosilicate glass. It can also be used as a candle holder and centerpiece.
Pierre Frey
The Carnet de Voyage print textile by artist Emily Jackson for Pierre Frey fairly beckoned us from the showroom window. It evokes Matisse yet is completely original. Jackson says it’s designed to create a sense of optimism and joy.
Creative and Colorful
Does your heart beat a little faster when you see something fresh and beautiful? Do you love the feeling? Us too. We’re always on the hunt for designs that engage and refresh.
Beginner Ceramics
Jesse Hamerman returned to ceramics after a 21-year hiatus. His re-engagement with clay was a joyous revival of personal creativity. Approaching each piece “like a beginner,” he means to evoke light-hearted, happy, inclusive feelings. His delicious colors recall the dizzy euphoria of the 1980s and we’re absolutely here for that good time!
Fredericks & Mae
Give yourself a few minutes a day to burnish your own creativity with chalk or watercolor. You’ll feel like a kid again, with a little extra vim and vigor for everything else in your life.
Carabella
Designer Lisa Todd loves to layer pattern on pattern and color on color. The happy game she plays brings effervescence to your after-work and weekend wardrobe. Available in Oakmont.
Story by Stephen Treffinger and Keith Recker
