LK Design published again in Inspired Home Omaha

“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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.