“Lester Katz of LK Design brought a contemporary flair to the room with velvety textiles, warm woods and sleek metal finishes. But the pièce de résistance is a flocked wall covering with a fern leaf design on a gold metallic background. ” -Inspired Home Omaha
Here is a link to the article that was publish this month in Inspired Home Omaha. -http://www.inspiredhomeomaha.com/article/20130503/HOUSETOHOME02/130509815#velvet-rich-retreat
The Hammer Museum is an art museum in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, California operated by UCLA’s School of the Art and Architecture. The museum’s shows are focused on key-single artist and thematic exhibitions of historical and contemporary art. Recently they opened an exhibit focused on the evolution of graphic design. Below is a very brief summary of their exhibit and a little information on the history of graphic design.
The exhibit covers everything from posters, magazines, books, information design, branding, typography, storefronts, to film and television titles. One thing is clear, which many people probably don’t know, print isn’t dead; the methods to the madness certainly have though.
The first form of graphic design came as cave art dating back as far as 30,000 BC. Then came writing, most notably the Egyptian hieroglyphs. From there we have many branches, including books, maps, playing cards; the list could go on forever until finally we come to what we have today.
Now, graphic design has become an important part of everyday life. It communicates messages (road signs), influences our decisions on what we buy, and conveys information for us in a way that is easier to digest (infograhics, pie charts).
One of the most recent developments has been the importance of good design in presidential campaigns. It is no doubt in my mind that the involvement of the art community in President Obama’s campaign played a significant role. As design progresses it will be interesting to see what other facets of life will be influenced in such ways. Check your blogs people!
Like I said, this is a very brief history of design meant to spark your interest. There are many great resources online regarding the history of graphic design but if you want an in-depth look, a college course would be ideal.
When starting a new business it is important to have branding that accurately represents whom you are. This includes your name, overall design, logo, or any other feature that identifies your goods or service as distinct from those of other businesses. Having a cohesive, well-designed logo, paper goods (Stationary, business cards, envelopes, etc.) and website will help distinguish your business when going up against more established competitors.
It may be tempting to buy your logo from the bargain bins on the internet but it’s important to realize that the money you put into your branding is like an investment. You are investing in the success of your company and proper branding can result in higher sales, a more positive public perception, and a higher sense of value.
LK Design is now proudly offering graphic design services including branding. Whether you are just starting out or looking to “renovate” we can help distinguish your business from your competitors.
When choosing materials for your next project, be sure to consider rapidly renewable materials. These are materials that have a harvest cycle of 10 years or less. Using rapidly renewable materials rather than non-renewables, which include fossil fuel-based plastics, or slowly regenerating resources such as old-growth lumber, may reduce the environmental impact of your project by lowering its impact on the climate.
Going green doesn’t have to be at the expense of style in any way. Hartmann & Forbes is an amazing company that creates beautiful wall coverings and window coverings from renewable materials. They use cork, bamboo, reed, banana stems, animal hairs, and other rapidly renewable resources in their products. There are many other companies that utilize these materials as well, so your options are not limited.
Knowing a little more about these materials may help in your decision. While the information on all these materials could fill a library, here is a little bit about one of the most popular resources, bamboo!
•Bamboo is a fast-growing grass used in flooring and furniture construction. You can choose between different colors, patterns (vertical and horizontal), hand-scraped textures, and more. Strand woven variety is 1.5 times harder than red oak. Bamboo plywood and veneers can be used to manufacture kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, countertops, and much more.
Below is a picture of wall covering and window coverings by Hartmann & Forbes. The looks alone are enough to sway one to the green side. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have questions about any of these materials or where to buy them.Soure: https://www.hfshades.com/installations-tear-sheets
Neoclassical style is a timeless and elegant decorating style. Tiring of the Rococo style, craftsmen of the 18th century turned for inspiration to Classical art. The movement was stimulated by archaeological discoveries, by travel in Italy, Greece, and the Middle East, and by the publication all over Europe of works on the Classical monuments. Upholstered, gilded chairs and sofas resemble thrones and exemplify a certain Napoleonic grandeur. Classical carved urns enlivened and provided structure for garden layouts. It is one of the most influential and popular themes in home decor. In its purest form it is a style derived from the architecture of Classical Greece and Rome.
Neoclassical furniture is simple yet geometrical. The furniture and flooring is typically dark wood and could also feature marble or stone. The furniture legs are often turned and fluted in reference to classical architectural columns. This style was paralleled in France as Louis XVI style. The most notable designers in this area are Chambers and Stuart, and the more famous Adam, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.
Neo-classicism provides a grand statement with an element of restraint.
Art Deco is a diverse artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s. Deco influenced a wide range of areas in design including architecture, interior design, industrial design, fashion, jewelry, graphic design, and fine arts. Art deco’s linear symmetry was a distinct departure from the flowing asymmetrical organic curves of its predecessor style, art nouveau. It is a style that is considered purely decorative.
Art Deco furniture is streamlined in design. It is modern and sleek but comfortable. Many designs of furniture are made with a flat bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Decorative black lacquered panels are used as room screens. Highly lacquered wood frames are upholstered in lustrous white leather. Woods used include exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple veneers. Upholstery is commonly velour, giving the stark form comfort and a sensuous hand.
Many Art Deco pieces mesh well with contemporary and modern styles. Furnishings, accessories, and prints of this style are a perfect way to add some personality to your space.
Art Nouveau took hold around the late 1800’s into early 1900’s. The movement embraced a philosophy that focused on design in ordinary life. From the outside in, everything could be styled. Artists desired to combine the fine arts and applied arts in even the most utilitarian of objects. For many Europeans, it was possible to live in an art nouveau-inspired house with art nouveau furniture, silverware, crockery, jewelry, cigarette cases, etc.
Art Nouveau pulled inspiration from natural forms such as weeds, grassed, insects, and even seaweed, things that had previously been overlooked. The whiplash curves and sinuous lines that are associated with the styles are based on the living world. The furniture of Art Nouveau was designed according to the whole building and made part of ordinary life.
The style was influenced strongly by Czech artist, Alphonse Mucha. He produced a lithographed poster, which appeared on 1 January 1895 in the streets of Paris promoting the play Gismonda. It popularized the new artistic style and its creator to the citizens of Paris. Initially named Style Mucha, (Mucha Style), his style soon became known as Art Nouveau.
The stylized nature of Art Nouveau design began to be disused in favor of more streamlined, rectilinear modernism. This was cheaper and thought to be more faithful to the plainer industrial aesthetic that became Art Deco, which we will cover in next weeks article.
Biedermeier is an influential style of furniture design from Germany during the years 1815–1848, based on practicality. During this time, the people of Europe were enjoying more peaceful times. This lead to an increased focused on homes and their interiors. The style is a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire Style. Around 1896 Biedermeier style enjoyed a revival period and influenced the Bauhaus and Art Deco periods. Although the style has continuously influenced European architecture and design, it is enjoying a second revival in the U.S.
Today, the Biedermeier style is increasingly popular. The clean, simple lines and honest, functional form that characterize the style pair well with modern styles. On your next project, consider Biedermeier style pieces to fulfill your desire for furniture that is both beautiful and functional.
Dr. Christopher Dresser was one of the most important and influential industrial designers of the nineteenth century who continued to be of great inspiration long after his lifetime. Philosophers and designers of the Modernist and Art and Crafts movements found great inspiration in his work. Egyptian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Moroccan influences were evident in his carpet, textiles, ceramics and furniture. Pure, sleek metalwork and glass designs, his housewares were as advanced as any Modernist housewares of the mid-twentieth century. Click through the gallery below to see some of his amazing work.
[galleria gallery_id="623" width="400" height="400"]
Each year, the United States Department of Energy designates October as Energy Awareness Month. During Energy Awareness Month schools around the U.S. undertake energy efficiency and conservation activities. Using energy wisely makes sense – both for the environment and for economics, and with the winter heating bills arriving soon families would be wise to incorporate a few of the ideas learned. Public agencies, utilities and major companies offer many programs for exploring energy options. Check around for special rebates on energy efficient products this month as well.
Want to know few ways you can participate?
• Check out your lighting situation. LED and flouresent light bulbs have come a long way and have many benefits. They require less electricity, they don’t get hot, and they lost much longer. This month bulbs are often given away through public programs or priced with great rebates.
• Watch your water usage. If you have dripping faucets, you could be wasting gallons a day. Fixing one is usually an easy task. There are many DIY sites that can show you how to remedy this.
Consider using a 2-stage toilet. Less water for #1, more for #2. I don’t know why these aren’t more common.
• Use natural lighting! On sunny days during the winter, opening up your curtains can make a big difference in warming up your house. It may also keep you from having to turn on the lights inside. On cloudy cold days keep them shut.