The Salone del Mobile: For many insiders, the Milan design fair is THE trend barometer

From the 17th to the 22nd of April, it was time again: The Salone del Mobile opened its doors and hosts of international buyers, designers, architects, journalists, design fans and the stars of social media stormed the Milan Exhibition Center. The fashion metropolis of Milan has long since become a design mecca, and the Salone del Mobile is regarded by industry insiders as the most important design fair worldwide. Thus it’s no wonder that alliances are being forged between the furniture and fashion industry. An absolute eye-catcher is the now expanded cooperation between the fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana and the kitchen appliance manufacturer Smeg. The colorful world of the Italian design duo pours over the entire Smeg range and colorful and wildly patterned refrigerators, electric kettles, cooker hoods come out.

The colorful world of Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana pours over the entire Smeg range

But not only the exhibition center Rho Fiera Milano attracts attention during the Salone del Mobile. The whole city wooed by the fad of this ‘design happening’, which even calls for industries that have only little to do with design. Including the car brand Audi with a grand entrance in the middle of Milan’s city center. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès rent elegant palazzi where they present their home collections. Even classic furniture brands such as the Scandinavian label Gubi have long recognized that it enhances media attention when – instead of in one of the exhibition halls – you present your own collection in the dignified ambience of a palazzo. Bottega Veneta has been showing its home collection in the 18th-century Palazzo Gallarati Scotti on Via Borgospesso for three years now. I can only recommend a trip to this extravagant location to any Milan visitor.

Bottega Veneta has been showing its home collection in the 18th-century Palazzo Gallarati Scotti on Via Borgospesso for three years now

The special feature of these palazzi is not only the sumptuous furnishings: ceilings decorated with stucco, Baroque paintings, lavish décor, impressive Murano chandeliers are the witnesses of a bygone era, at the doors of which ordinary visitors usually knock in vain. These venues – some still privately owned or under the supervision of foundations – are often open to the public only during special events. State apartments, like the one shown here, always put me under a very special spell. With the result that they unfortunately distract one (me ;-)) from the essentials. Because something new, groundbreaking or even award worthy was not to be discovered at the exhibitors.

The Scandinavian label Gubi at the private Palazzo Serbelloni

Parallel to the Salone del Mobile, the parallel event Fuori Salone takes place in the area around Via Tortona, where international designers present their designs. Here former factory and warehouses, hidden backyards and lofts become temporary exhibition and party locations. The event has now cult status and resembles a promising contact exchange: Here, quite a few young talents have been hired by established designers right from the spot.

Appaloosa: The newest member of the luxury bed-collection by Hästens

Every two years – including 2018 – EuroCucina will be showing the latest kitchen trends. And the Salone del Bagno presented the novelties in the bathroom area. Both in the kitchen and in the bathroom – as in previous years – wood was clearly the trend material. So the solid wood kitchen is no exception. Very chic I find the relaxed look, in which wood is combined with marble or natural stone. Let’s start with EuroCucina: While German manufacturers such as Nolte and Leicht are following this trend rather hesitantly, there is no one among the predominantly Italian suppliers who work without wood. The fingerprint-absorbing glossy front does not even play a minor role. Wood is clearly the star, from which companies like Team7 or Riva1920, which have always bet on the natural material, profit. And gladly rough and haptic in the natural tone of the respective wood species. The classic marble colors black and white, but also green or brown conquer the kitchen world. And that looks mega (!!!) chic.

I found that to be an eye-catcher: Futuristic bookshelf – of course made of wood – on a rough concrete look (by Mogg)

Conclusion Salone del Mobile:

Although the 57th Salone del Mobile – with 1,841 exhibitors in 22 halls and 434,509 visitors – reported a plus of 17%, the innovative was lacking. Wood is an indispensable part of the bathroom and kitchen. Star designer Matteo Thun, who designed the ‘Icon’ table for Riva1920, told me: “Wood is the answer to the loveless minimalist design of the 90s.” I think he’s right.  BvH

At the Riva1920 stand there was a lot of traffic as in previous years. The table tops – giants from old wood roots, which are elaborately salvaged and processed – were a highlight

The new sofas

The manufacturers still rely on shades of green and velvet as material as to be seen at the both of Poliform

Curved velvet charme by Marelli

Flexform sofa design with colored piping

Italian sofa expert Baxter presented a collection of suede leather

Wrinkled designs from Laura Meroni

XXL sofa in shades of gray from Meridiani

Sofas in all shapes: Oval – here from Living Divani, curved, L-shaped or round

Classic sofa design – like this one from Gervasoni – was more the exception

Minotti showed on his 70th anniversary on large screens the diversity of its collection

In the meantime one needs a little break, out in the sun

Not much new in the Milanese design firmament

The industrial look for the kitchen…

…reinterpreted by Diesel Living

Even the modern kitchen look (by AR-TRE Cucine) does not stay without wood

Arrivederci hob: Here the hotplate is integrated directly into the marble worktop

Kitchens are gray now

The country kitchen (by Snaidero) celebrates a comeback…

…gladly in combination with natural stone such as marble (kitchen by Häcker)…

…and in shades of gray. Kitchen by Cucine Lube

Revival of the country style presented by Scavolini: I like it!

Practical: Extractors – as here from Siemens – are directly integrated in the ceramic hob

Beautiful, oval dining table with round marble base by Roche Bobois, Paris

The latest bathroom trends

The industrial look also conquers the bathroom as here from fashion designer Diesel for Scavolini

Bathroom impressions from Cielo…

…also with industrial chic

I like this oval mirrors very much…

Bathroom fittings now show their colors: Washbasins in blue-gray, pale pink, slate gray or chocolate brown (by Cielo)

I find the bidet and toilet very elegant in this stone gray

Many dream about it: The view from the bed to the bathtub

Integrated gym in the bathroom: “Gym Space” by Mattia Pareschi

Impressive exhibition stand with a green inner courtyard at Poliform

A view into the old palazzi

The Scandinavian label Gubi presented its collection in the dignified ambience of a palazzo:

The Palazzo Serbelloni…

…with a fairytale ambiance…

At the Palazzo Bovara, the Italian Elle Decor curated the exhibition “On Life – Millennials at Home” with more than 40 design partners and Google as main sponsor. The question was asked how the Generation Y of “digital natives” shapes its domestic life

In the courtyard of Palazzo Bovara, Elle Decor designed this magnificent, temporary garden

Louis Vuitton also presented the collection “Objets Nomades” in the dignified rooms of a Milanese palazzo …

…including these two seat models in wicker look

Hermès is now designing tiles and presenting a colorful range of tiles in a Moroccan look. The large tiled halls provided the background for selected pieces of the new home collection. Very cool!

Contact Salone del Mobile

salonemilano.it

More MyStylery design- and interior stories you can find here.

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Black and white is coming in: here at Versmissen, which, with man-made wall sculptures, drew the visitors’ attention to this stand

Finally, it was time again: My favorite interior trade fair – the “Maison et Objet” in Paris – presented the interior trends for the upcoming autumn-winter season to the expert audience for five days. I must tell you honestly that after this long-running rainy summer I am far from being receptive to the cold season. I would rather be thinking about new garden furniture for my country house than to write about warming materials and the new autumn colors.

At the Maison et Objet, international exhibitors present the new living trends in eight halls on 130,000 square meters

The good news is that as soon as I enter the exhibition grounds with the endless halls and the seemingly thousands of exhibitors, I immerse myself in the world of goods offered to me. The offer makes it easy for you to adjust to the cold season – which I couldn’t change anyway. So: bye bye summer and welcome autumn. For example with a candle in the spicy scent “Cidre” by the Irish manufacturer Max Benjamin. With this I choose a cuddly plaid in wool or cashmere from Elvang from Denmark, sprawl myself in Tibetan lambskin pillows by the Dutch brand “Lifestyle Home”. I arrange the whole thing on a dark green velvet sofa, as I have seen it at Versmissen. Sounds cozy, doesn’t it?

Europe’s largest interior trade fair did not have much new features. For the coming season, the exhibitors are relying on already established materials such as velvet, brass, fur

With a few accessories and handgrips, the new season can be perfectly staged in your own home. It is not necessary to replace the complete equipment. I love walking through the forest, collecting chestnuts, acorns, moss-covered branches and gold-colored leaves, and making a small arrangement with them. Simple ingredients – great effect. And indeed: I now enjoy the change of the seasons, rejoice in the soothing colors and think: Autumn can come.  BvH

I like this ensemble of glass flacons in browns and blues alot – seen at Pols Potten

Loving the floral patterns on the lampshades – they remind me of paintings of old masters

Yellow is the new trend …

… very nice in combination with black …

… seen at Asiatides

So retro – so chic: The pineapple lamp foot by Asiatides makes the 1950s resurrect

The chandelier is reinterpreted: Instead of a large candelabrum, many individual (and gladly also different) lampshades merge into an illuminating eye-catcher

A blue and white peacock chair: très chic!

Funny decoration idea: Fully loaded minibus with baskets and suitcases made of bast

Again popular in the lamp segment: porcelain shades in nostalgic shapes like here at Bobo Boom

Light up!

Trendy glass lamps in round shapes …

… for example these ones by the Polish brand Schwung, are still in trend

The new romantic – I like it!

Spookily beautiful: An almost floating bust made of spring-like tulle under a glass bell

Living in industrial style is still very much in demand. But where put the bicycle? Here is the solution!

One of the major interior brands is Eichholtz from the Netherlands. Eichholtz has recognized the retro trend and has revived the 50s and 60s with ice cube containers in pineapple form …

… couch tables with ears bunch-shaped feet …

… dainty armchairs in a bamboo look …

… lamps made of bronze-colored palm fronds in brass, a material that is gaining importance

Florida feeling with mouth-blown retro lamp feet: Sometimes in bright colors …

… or in elegant nude tones

Portugal has been an interesting market for innovative furniture design for a number of years, such as the Mambo label …

… which incorporates Portugal’s famous tiles in its furniture design

Almost a sculpture, which in any case takes a lot of space: Sink from an XXL natural stone

Nature – a wonderful, inexpensive supplier for autumn decorations

The photographic wallpaper – here as a light installation – is experiencing a comeback as here at Flamant

Autumn leaves in a different experience: the wall lamp is made of bronze and glass

Are they real? Yes, though no more alive: Stuffed flamingos as decoration objects

Miami style by Jonathan Adler

Autumn can come with this cozy leather sofa from “Lifestyle”, fur plaids and cuddly pillows in the colors of autumn: cognac brown, fir green and granite gray. Beautiful accessories such as the candle holders made of brass

Lush Gobelin pillows by the Spanish manufacturer Becara

Beautiful items for the laid table in autumn nuances

The interior scene is based on the color palette of the fashion industry with the just-hottest bordeaux, green and berry tones

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The mellow vineyards of the Santa Rita Hills and the Hilliard Bruce estate*

In Santa Barbara, California, 20 miles from the sea, lies the 250-hectare winery Hilliard Bruce, which is surrounded by the Santa Rita Hills. The big bronze gateway opens for appointed visitors only. Past many rosaries and herb gardens, the palm-lined driveway leads to the house of the couple John Hilliard and Christine Bruce, an in Tuscan-style built villa with adjacent horse stables. Since 2004, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are cultivated here – in fact, personally by John and Christine.

The rippling fountain and palm-lined paths welcome me

A stylish mixture of fabrics and materials in the living room – Interior design by Christine Bruce

MyStylery: John, you led the domestic shipyards from Houston for ages, later engaging in the art scene. What caused a Texan tradesman to grow wine in California?
John Hilliard: I had a serious kidney disease, including two kidney transplantations and chemotherapies. I am a fighter, I survived, and I knew, that this was not everything my life had to offer. And as Christine and I had always been passionate gardeners, the idea of growing an own winery arose. At first the plan was Texas…

I love the antique furniture in a mix with modern country style

The ancient door handles – now used as a decoration – come from France

MS: … not the classic area for winegrowing really…
JH: Exactly. When we came here for the first time, we instantly knew that this was the right place. We benefitted from the cool breeze of the pacific. The grapes can be cooled naturally over night and, by the way, are only harvested in the early morning hours and after sunset to keep the aroma of the grapes during the process.

John Hilliard with poodle Wig relaxing on the sofa in the living room, which is also used for wine tasting

MS: Christine and you, both of you are certificated gardeners and also created the parks and orchards. But isn’t winegrowing on a new level?
JH: Especially in a country, where everything is “organic”. We do not take stock in these biodynamical methods. We pit on sustainability and traditional agriculture.

John and Christine infront of the painting “Monkey” by the American artist Donald Roller Wilson*

MS: What does that mean?
JH: We bear in mind the ecological principals, including organisms in their environment. Our winery is completely solar-powered. A specific aquifer waters the vines to save water. We comply the “SIP Certified Standards”, an independent control system, which is incentive for us. And we only grow 50 hectares of wine, so that we can keep the project small and the quality high.

Christine’s piano with a view into the rose garden

Christine Bruce sits down with us, grey-bluish paint on hands and check shirt.

CB: Sorry, I just had to paint a table for the kitchen.
JH: Christine has an incredible sense for interior. She arranged the house and the hall for the winetastings and chose colors and fabrics. The horse stables were also built to her specifications.

In this newly built hall the wine of Hilliard Bruce is produced

MS: Christine, you studied music and were a successful keyboard player in R&B bands. An unusual career for someone who is a horse breeder and vintner today.
CB: I grew up in the countryside and loved playing in the garden since I was a child. When I could not see anything at night, I took a lamp and placed it next to the patch. For me, there is nothing better than the smell of fresh mint, the living nature and to work with my hands.
JH: We are here now and happy. Our life motto comes from the german-american author Robert Green Ingersoll, which is also printed on all our wine labels: “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.”  BvH

The main entrance next to the horse stables

The oak barrels from France cost $ 1,200 a piece and after five years they have to be exchanged for new ones

Floating islands keep the lake algae-free

Tip:

The beautiful tasting room is open by appointment only

Contact Hilliard Bruce:

2097 Vineyard View Lane,
Lompoc, CA 93438,
USA
+1 305-979-2601

www.hilliardbruce.com

Photos marked* and featured pic by Jeremy Ball, www.bottlebranding.com

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The manor of the Fritzen family was built in 1801 by the German noble family Freiherren of Hammerstein

Who does not dream of it? Living in a beautiful country house, with lots of space for the family, surrounded by endless nature and a large garden with old trees. This dream came true for Austrian interior designer Simone Fritzen and her husband. Since 2003, the couple, with their four children and dog Amy, live in a 200-year-old mansion in Schleswig-Holstein, a one hour car ride north of Hamburg. Previously, the Fritzens had their home in the Hansestadt. How do established urban people become convinced landlords? MyStylery visits the north!

Simone Fritzen: “My guiding principle is to meet my customers, their wishes and the object, taking into account the budget.”

MyStylery: Many dream of living in the countryside. You took the step. Was it planned for a long time?
Simone Fritzen: My husband is a hunter and always had the vision of country life. Then we found this oasis of calm through an auction house. When I first entered the house being pregnant, I knew immediately: This is it. Not visible and still located in the middle of the village. My husband lured me with the argument to be able to make a beautiful house even more beautiful. He has plenty of room for tinkering and – most importantly – a plug for his lawn mower. And for children, there is nothing better than to grow up in the countryside and in the midst of nature.

What a wonderful view from the living room into the garden!

MS: Was there any major redevelopment effort or were you be able to move in right away?
SF: We’ve made some spatial changes. Where before was a bird aviary, today is the kitchen. The floors were sanded, walls were trowelled and dyed. And then all this ravaged wallpaper. It had to go away. (laughs)
MS: From my own experience, I know that rural life requires a different organization and logistics than life in the city.
SF (laughs): Oh, yes. As a mother you will be the chauffeur of your children whose school is 45 minutes away from here. Almost everything is done by car. You have to compromise. As a passionate chef, I also follow my passions here, cooking jam, puzzling around in the garden. That fits.

In the beginning of the 19th century the Freiherren of Hammerstein commissioned the Danish architect C.F. Hansen with the design of the mansion

MS: You used to accompany international projects as an interior designer. Do you miss this?
SF: I’ve been working from my home-office for years and am still on the road. Right now I am planning for a real estate broker. At first she was interested in my furniture design. Now I organize the entire object for her. The most beautiful thing about my job is that I see many interesting houses and always adjust myself to the customer and the object again and again.
MS: You’re dealing with a demanding clientele. Does it follow your opinion or does it want to make its own decisions?
SF: This is always different and requires a lot of fingertip feeling and empathy. I remain true to my principles. Firstly, a Tuscan country house does not fit into the metropolis. And secondly, never do everything new. Things that are special to the costumers always get their place.

View into the dining room

MS: Sounds simple, but it is not. What should be considered?
SF: In principle, you should pay attention to where you step. And this in the truest sense of the word: I would otherwise have stepped on a painting of Chagall lying on the floor in a London apartment of a customer. (Laughs) Another customer first commissioned a swimming pool, had an excavation pit excavated, which then was subsequently reprocessed. Instead he now wanted a billiard room. As an architect, you always live with the spontaneous decisions of your customers.
MS: What is important to you in your own four walls?
SF: I love colors, a passion that was shaped in my time in England, where I studied color theory. The furnishing is a certain casualness. I do not like it when everything is so sterile and stereotyped. Furnishings is linked to a story that tells something about its inhabitants. It is authentic. Like our home.  BvH

“I love colors, a passion that was shaped in my time in England”, Simone Fritzen says

Soon it will be Easter, as evidenced by Simone Fritzen’s decorations

About Simone Fritzen:

Grown up near Kitzbühel, Simone Fritzen studied interior architecture in Rosenheim. After a year in England, where she worked with color theory at Coloroll, the Austrian went to Hamburg. She knows how to pad chairs and distress furniture. S.F. worked for well-known architects and realized hotel and boarding house projects, among other things such as the “Madison” in Hamburg and Berlin, as well as the “Elbflorenz” in Dresden for the interior installer Holger Stewen. As an independent interior designer, Simone Fritzen looks for an international clientele. She designs furniture and specializes in high-end fabrics such as Rubelli, Pierre Frey, Osborne & Little, Nobilis and Nina Campell.

Beautiful porcelain painting by Simone Fritzen:

Since for years multi-talented Simone Fritzen has also been a porcelain painter

The Danish architect C.F. Hansen, a well-known architect of his time, built whole streets in Hamburg and various mansions with classical facades in Schleswig-Holstein according to the Italian model of the Palladio villas

The wardrobe is guarded by hunting trophies

The corridor with zebra skin on antique tiles

The large kitchen was designed by Simone Fritzen in collaboration with kitchen builder Hecker. Eye-catchers are the red Panton chairs

Next to the kitchen the playroom of the children, where Simone also supervises the homework of the kids

The gray lacquered wooden kitchen table lit by Tobias Grau lights

Doggy Amy, a Parson Russell Terrier

Simone Fritzen mixes the old and new: The antique secretary is Viennese Biedermeier and was a wedding gift from Simone’s father

The fireplace corner with a black and white fashion photography by Philipp von Hessen

Classically elegant with modern elements is the furnishing in the house of Simone Fritzen

Soon it will be Easter, as evidenced by Simone Fritzen’s decorations

Large wing doors frame the magnificent viewing angle

Simone Fritzen discovered the golden wall-holder at Holger Stewen, beside it a zebra photograph from a Hamburg gallery, the side-lamp with the orange-colored glass base is made of Murano glass

Beautiful view …

… and love to detail

The studio of the Interior Expert …

… on the wall a black and white photograph of the “Wilde Kaiser” in Kitzbühel, Simone’s Austrian home

From the white-lined corridor on the first floor, which is also used by the Fritzen boys as an area for car racing …

… the children’s and bedrooms are separated

Daughter Emma’s room

The guest’s bathroom

The room of Simone’s youngest son Willem

The neo-classical entrance portal

Magnificent is the rosery, which has accurately cut bushes, from which you have a view to the orangery with its original metal windows

From the city to the countryside: Simone Fritzen and her family fulfilled this dream in Schleswig-Holstein

Contact Simone Fritzen:

simone@fritzen-interior.de

Merken

Merken

The post At home with Interior Designer Simone Fritzen appeared first on My Stylery.

Summer can come with colorful tableware from Pols Potten

Twice a year the interior fair ‘Maison et Objet’ in Paris opens its gates for the expert audience: The M&O is the platform for thousands of international buyers, interior designers, architects, shopkeepers and lifestyle journalists who flood the fairground with its eight exhibition halls. Even though the mood in September 2016 was rather dampened due to the terrorist attacks in France, the response to the show this spring is a lot stronger and brighter.

Colorful pillow parade! Cotton pillows by Van Verre

For many years I visit the Maison et Objet and I do that always with great enthusiasm, as it is the most diverse and informative exhibition of its kind. While the ‘Salone del Mobile’ in Milano showcases large design brands of the furniture industry, the Maison et Objet shows all areas of living, decorations and furniture designs, home accessories, textiles, fragrances, the world of the child, tableware. Every time I ask myself how the exhibitors and designers create a new motto, a pioneering theme, within a period of less than six months.

No longer so fluttery, but still beautifully colorful – butterflies under a glass hood

A challenge that has to be faced by the fashion industry as well. Both industries benefit from the seasons and the associated materials and colors. But convincing customers to buy a new sofa or new tableware requires another, in my opinion, greater persuasiveness of the seller and the needs of the customer than buying a new dress or a bikini.

Green is still very trendy

The good news: color green – which I already discovered on the last Maison & Objet as a trend – remains. Videlicet in all its nuances, from delicate lime green to bright petrol to elegant fir green. For spring and summer 2017, the industry has yet another motto: Color, color, more color. The whole Maison et Objet presented itself in a single color noise. What could be more beautiful during this gray season? BvH

The colorful world of the French company Asiatides

Chic: Black and yellow play of colors

Very popular are velvet sofas

I really like those brass door handles in the form of parrots and trees. Handwork from India

For (luxury) children: retro plane as (day) bed from Magical Furniture

Rosé-colored velvet sofa by Bruccs in front of matching flamingo wallpaper. So retro, so cool!

Color, color and more color: carpets of Italian Seletti

Classic wicker sofa by Gervasoni in front of a cute flower wall

Green, green, green

I love the green glasses. They make you want to spend some summer holidays

Outdoor furniture by Missoni homecollection

Colorful ceramic beetles as a decorative element at the Portuguese designer Mambo

A petrol-colored sofa as an eye-catcher on the stand of the Dutch manufacturer Versmissen

Color by nature: multicolored fowl

Different shades of orange by Versmissen

The Jonathan Adler collection is always good for a colorful surprise

Brit-Chic by Jonathan Adler

The whole Maison et Objet presented itself in a single color noise …

… as here at the booth of Fancy

Each glass is unique: glass art by the Italian designer Carlo Moretti

Trash or art? Armchair for friends of stuffed animal formations and for fans of extravagant living designs: Flamingo chair of the Belgian label AP …

… Also available in the variants wild boar …

… penguin …

… bunny …

… and swan

Color, color and more color

The product range at Maison et Objet includes not only decorations and furniture designs but also home accessories, textiles, fragrances, the world of the child …

… and tableware. This one is from Lifestyle homecollection

If you do not have enough books, you can now stick them on. Wallpaper on the stand of Venetia Studium

Lampshades made of peacock feathers: How wonderful is that?

Also an installation idea: chandeliers at a branch

Original: This iron table was made from an old oil drum

In last September there has been a noticeable drop in visitor numbers: 40% fewer trade visitors than in the comparative months of the previous years. There hasn’t been a trace of this in January 2017

African Delights

After so many popping colors here’s something soothing for the eyes: art from Africa

The Spanish Fernando Otero specialized in art from Africa: colorful wedding hats from Namibia …

… wooden masks from the Ivory Coast …

From the Congo: former seat mats for guests, today a decorative wall decoration

… bronze heads from Benin. Ethno-Chic is always ‘in’

Contact Maison et Objet

www.maison-objet.com

Merken

Merken

Merken

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The US Residence is located in a white Wilhelmanian-style house in Berlin-Dahlem

Today is Thanksgiving, which, for many Americans, is the most important of all family celebrations. And for Kimberly Marteau Emerson, the wife of US Ambassador John B. Emerson, this is the most important time of the year. I met the professional lawyer in her residence, a white Wilhelmanian-style house in Berlin-Dahlem. As a member of the board of directors of Human Rights Watch, she is heavily involved in the struggle for human rights and equality of women.

“I dedicate a lot of time and energy to human rights, which is important to me and is part of what makes me tick.”

MyStylery: Kimberly, what is so special about Thanksgiving?
Kimberly Marteau Emerson: Thanksgiving was originally celebrated in the 17th Century by the Pilgrims, refugees who were some of the first immigrants to come to the New World. Native Americans had helped the newcomers survive in this strange land called America. Thanksgiving was the Pilgrims’ way to say thank you. It is parallel to what is happening right now with the refugees in Germany. They are experiencing big changes and learning in a new world with the help of Germans who are volunteering and assisting them.

Sitting area and fireplace in the US Residence

MS: What does Thanksgiving mean to you and your family?
KME: To us, it’s the most important holiday of the year, a uniquely American holiday, where everyone comes and cooks together. The central idea is to break bread and be together. Being grateful for what we have and giving back to those who have less. This year we are focusing on the refugees, and we are making donations to the ‘Berliner Stadtmission’ and ‘Doctors Without Borders’ (Médecins Sans Frontières). Christmas is a fantastic holiday, too, but you have to keep trying to find the real meaning of Christmas and not let it get too materialistic and commercial.

Family dog Ginger, a Golden Retriever, welcomes me

MS: Right now everyone in the residence seems to be very busy …
KEM: That’s right. We are hosting three different Thanksgiving dinners this week, so the kitchen is prepping around the clock. It will be especially wonderful to share this holiday with our German friends.

On the coffeetable is the artwork ‘Love-Hate’ by the Berlin artist Mia Florentine Weiss. The embroidered cushions on the chairs are a homage to Berlin and Los Angeles

MS: A Thanksgiving dinner without a pumpkin pie is not conceivable. Tell me about what makes your pie so unique.
KME: This pumpkin pie is one of my family’s recipes. It’s about things you can find from the earth. The secret is the right balance of spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. They give pumpkin pie a kick. Otherwise you can’t bring out the complexity of the pumpkin. And you should try to add your personal twist, too.

The table is already set: “We will have three different Thanksgiving dinners with approximately 150 kilos of turkey this week and every person is somebody we know and like personally.”

MS: What is yours?
KME: I prefer a little extra cinnamon. And for the topping I only use freshly-made whipped cream.
MS: Sounds great! What do you miss most about Los Angeles and your life in the US?
KME: Well, I miss my family and my friends, even though I have made some wonderful friends here. Also, the beach and the beautiful weather. What I really don’t miss is the driving in L.A. and the permanent traffic jams. (Laughs)

On the piano: family photos and memories

MS: What do you like most about Berlin?
KME: Berlin has something really meaningful because of its history: It’s only been 25 years since the fall of the Wall and before that, the Cold War. I love the creativity of Berlin and the people I meet here. The mix of new and old, before and after. The way it faces its WWII history. It’s a beautiful, green city with edge and grunge. It’s like New York in the late seventies, it offers you so much space to grow and is still affordable. Berlin is a cool place.

The Livingroom: Remarkable is the beautiful wooden ceiling

MS: Your daily schedule is really packed. Do you still have time remaining for your family and hobbies?
KME: I have less time for everything, but I love reading books, even if it takes awhile. I spend time with my kids, and it’s a priority to go see my girls playing soccer. They actually attend a lot of events with us, which makes going even more fun. I make time to play tennis. It’s not just a hobby, it’s about health. And John and I try hard to keep up watching the TV series ‘Homeland’, where one scene of the last season was shot under the Berlin Reichstag in the subway station. Great, right?

Library and small dining room

MS: Absolutely. I am also addicted to ‘Homeland’. Beside this, can you remember the last time John and you spent an enjoyable evening together, just the two of you?
KME: Yes, a month ago we went to an island for one week to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We had dinners on empty beaches, with nobody else around. Honestly, we couldn’t remember the last time we did anything like this. But we also realize how lucky we are to have had that luxury. Now we are back at work and really are dedicated to helping the less fortunate during the holiday season. That’s important for us.

The Obamas and the Emersons

MS: You are already the so called Ambassadorable. Could you imagine becoming an Ambassador yourself?
KME: (Laughs) I have some background in foreign policy and foreign affairs. I got a Masters Degree in French Private Law and spent two years in France. I worked as an official in the US Information Agency during the Clinton Administration. Obviously to have this opportunity would be an enormous honor, but right now it’s not something I think about. Right now I am supporting John to do the best job possible.

The Emersons are art enthusiastics. In the residence they have assembled and brought together a collection of abstract and representational artworks in a variety of media in collaboration with the US Department of State’s office of Art in Embassies. Here the painting ‘In every city’ by Martinez

MS: John’s term formally ends on January 20th in 2017 …
KME: … but fortunately there’s still a year left and we have many things to do. We have enormous affection for Germany and especially for Berlin. This is an important chapter in our lives. We are not ready to leave yet. BvH

This Interview was first published November 25, 2015.

Kimberly Marteau Emerson and me

Contact:

www.hrw.org

Merken

The post At home with Kimberly Marteau Emerson appeared first on My Stylery.

Classical elegance at Eichholtz: I am a fan of the small, velvet green armchairs with fringe bordures

I just came back from Paris, where I went to the trade fair ‘Maison et Objet’, where I researched the newest interior trends, furniture- and accessories-brands for you. Even though I have been to this fair for almost ten years now the impressions still remain amazing: Almost 3.000 exhibitors presented their collections in eight halls on 121.500 (!) square meters. The most known furniture brands like Gervasoni, Ligne Roset, Flamant, Grange, Jonathan Adler and Andrew Martin are represented here as well as the home collections of fashion designers like Ungaro, Ralph Lauren, Cavalli, Missoni or Fendi.

Playful and opulent are the interior accessories, like here at Asiatides, which you can order at my interior shop

I always head to my personal favorites like Asiatides or Versmissen first, because they offer unique, antique items, which are quickly sold out. Moreover I also order furniture and extraordinary interior-accessories for my interior projects. I love to discover new brands. In goose-step and after an exact ‘pattern’ I run through the eight halls and each time I think what the odometer would say after the day.

Available in all variants: Retro light bulbs and illuminants

Especially in hall I, which always intrigues me with its ethnic-eclectic chic I have found a lot of special and individual newcomers. This season’s motto is called ‘wild’: amidst a more and more technological defined world we start to reflect increasingly back to the beginning and nature.

One of the most innovative brands is Sempre from Belgium; they exclusively make their products from natural or recycled materials. Here a wooden bench with linen upholstery

Of course, the rather minimalistic, Scandinavian design is also an essential representative of the motto and therefore takes an important influence on our homestyle. Many companies like Bleu Nature and Sempre almost exclusively work only with natural materials: Wood, fur, stone and wool. Still very current is also the so-called ‘industrial look’: industrial design paired with shabby chic.

Sempre also has a very inspiring fair stand: dive in, submerge and getting new ideas. Wonderful!

My impression though was that the political turmoils and new social unfoldings influence our way of living and the words safe haven and cocooning gain a whole new importance. I have seen incredibly much opulence. A comeback of the baroque forms with lots of splendor, gold and glitter. Maybe a demonstration for the wish for something familiar. A longing for warmth in the big, cold world. BvH

See for yourselves:

Quite something: posh chandelier over baroque velvet armchair

Mirror cabinet and I in the middle

Some exhibitors present their almost extravagant elegance and take you on a little time travelling journey

After I have developed a great preference for the minimalistic modern trend, my big weakness for the opulent style, velvet-covered sofas and gold-coated mirrors with baroque details newly awakened. Strange, isn’t it?

I have to have this golden sofa! Gorgeous!

A cool understatement with chrome and suede made by Eichholtz

In love with these pretty pink roses!

Very cool: Ceiling lamps à la Sputnik!

Too much isn’t enough could be the motto at Eichholtz

Trend 1: Retro

Elements of the 50s and 60s experience their revival and find themselves in a lot that I’ve seen on the fair, for example on this table leg …

… here again as a diningtable. And a comeback for the peacock chair!

Beautiful arrangement with retro vases

Floor lamp in the stylish 60s look. I’ll take it!

How about an occult décor-item such as this raven on a skull?

Magnificent: Antique books and little treasures underneath beautiful glass covers

Great idea and amazing effect: light chains in big light bulbs arranged in simple glass vases

Currently super trendy are pendant luminaires in different shapes, but all made out of glass! So chic!

… Here is another variant …

Wowwww! This ceiling lamp! If only I had room for it …

Trend 2: Glass-Shades

… And again as tribute to the 50s! Very elegant isn’t it?

Wallpapers are still very trendy. Elegantly staged at the fair stand of Wall&Déco

Beautiful furniture-design by Munna from Portugal

Natural materials also at Gervasoni’s …

… and again Gervasoni: love the lampshades. They look like Ufo’s

Eyecatcher: Antolini Bath-Design made in Italy

What an lavish arrangement!

Illuminated hat-parade!

I don’t know where to look first …

Trend 3: Opulence

Presenting exceptional interior accessories underneath glass covers is still en vogue

Busts: not marble but wood

Glass antlers and details arranged on a lambskin

A new label from Poland with a “schwungvoll” German name …

… which creates industrial design. Amongst other things these flower boxes in shabby chic-style

Candles in gold rush from Lifestyle Home Collection

New décor idea: tortoise shell – looking deceptively real but made from polyresin

Big like: these lampshades made of rattan from Lifestyle Home Collection

This arrangement is getting me in the mood for summer

Also new is this limited ‘Madagascar’ edition of the high-class candle label Baobab. Inspired by the African island the scented candles are being wrapped with colorful bast. Handmade unique models in nine different scents

Trend 4: Back to nature!

The gorgeous, Moroccan Berber carpets might have been in every interior magazine by now but still can’t be missing on Maison et Objet

Atmospheric light for a cozy summer evening with lanterns from Morocco

…Moroccan interior design by Zenza

… including matching cushions

The concrete tile is a traditional classic, which just celebrates a comeback. This trend inspired the Israeli label Beija Flor to design their deceptively real synthetic adaptions, useable for floors and as wall or table decoration. MyStylery loves patterns!

TIP:

You can obtain many of the displayed articles at my interior shop ‘BIRGIT VON HEINTZE INTERIORS’. For more questions you can contact me at contact@mystylery.com

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Keld Mikkelsen and I – However, my dress is not by ‘Day Birger et Mikkelsen’

I still remember the white tunica I bought at the end of the 90s in a boutique in Hamburg: rich embroiderie, a bit ethnic and by the Danish label ‘Day Birger et Mikkelsen’. One of my absolute favorites, which I wore with jeans, in the office or at partys and which accompanied me for many years. Don’t you have a retro piece like that in your closet too?

Here we go! The new spring-summer collection 2016

I therefore looked forward to my interview with founder Keld Mikkelsen even more. Meanwhile there is a whole lifestyle concept behind his brand: Dress like ‘Day Birger et Mikkelsen’ and live like ‘Day Birger et Mikkelsen’ – they have a home collection as well, designed my Marianne Brandi, Kelds partner. And there is also a second line, called ‘2nd Day’, plus an accessory collection. Keld and Marianne travel between St. Barth, Lugano and Copenhagen. What still drives someone like him after all those years in the fashion industry?

Keld Mikkelsen: “St. Barth is more a holiday thing for us, never a working area.”

MyStylery: Why don’t you just spend your days relaxing on the beautiful beaches of St. Barth, Keld?
Keld Mikkelsen: That would be too boring for me, not inspiring enough. St. Barth is rather for holidays, I don’t work there, I’d rather relax there.
MS: Is it your first time in Berlin?
KM: No, I visited Berlin already 4 or 5 times, coming in and out, mostly for ‘Premium’, the fashion-fair, even though I don’t like fairs very much.
MS: Why don’t you like fairs?
KM: (laughs) Too many people, too noisy, too packed and too exhausting.

Girls, don’t look so serious! After all you are wearing fancy clothes by ‘Day Birger et Mikkelsen’!

MS: You’ve lived a long time in Asia and describe yourself as nomad and cosmopolitan. What fascinates you about the Far Eastern culture?
KM: In India, I met inspiring people and an impressive culture full of diversity. I love the traditional saris with all the embroidery and the craftsmanship. The world is my muse.
MS: What is the new collection about?
KM: It’s retro yet modern, sharp yet soft, Scandinavian yet ethnical. We want to create an effortless sophisticated look. That’s why we call our new collection the New Bohemian.

One of my favorite pieces – casual and elegant

MS: The collection was designed in the design centre in Lugano, right?
KM: We had to make a decision and we wanted to survive, that’s why we moved our design centre with the brand management and creative part to Lugano, but we are still a Danish brand with our complete logistics and our Showroom in Copenhagen. I am proud to have this kind of organization in a small way, we aren’t a huge company.

Retro yet modern? Yeppp!

MS: How did you get into the fashion business?
KM: My first job was at a gas station. Later I worked at a music store, before I was offered a job for the fashion label Vero Moda. There was no fashion industry in Denmark 20 years ago, so this was a challenge and luckily became a bestseller. When we started our own brand in the 90s the US Vogue wrote that Day Birger et Mikkelsen is so different. Day was a niche, we are very big in Scandinavia and England. We follow our heart and we still love what we do.

I am absolutely addicted to shoes: I can’t have enough – and yes, these ones must be in my collection!

MS: You started the business together with Malene Birger …
KM: Malene was my first designer and I loved the idea that people thought we are a family. We had the vision to create fashion which one can use. For example brands like Yamamoto or Dries van Noten are not suitable for everyday use. Our style was always relaxed – and still is today.
MS: Don’t you fear running out of ideas?
KM: I don’t run out of ideas. Travelling around the world is my inspiration. I work a lot although I am 57 now and sometimes I get sick of people not listening to me when I try to make clear where we want to go.

Keld Mikkelsen: “The typical ‚Day‘-woman mixes and matches the brands.”

MS: Together with Marianne Brandi you have started the ‘Day home collection’.
KM: Right. We started with pillows. My wife is the creative designer who has the ideas and inspirations. The interior industry is very different to the fashion business.

Keld Mikkelsen: “We have established as retailers with our online-shops for the new generation.”

MS: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
KM: (laughs) In ten years? I hope my daughter is overtaking and being a partner of the business.
MS: Do you have any advices for her?
KM: You can sell everything everywhere, but you have to tell a story so that people know you and the collection. The consumer must always be sure that there are people behind ‘Day’ who love their jobs. And you have to be alert every day that the business can kill you. BvH

A perfect dress for my next holidays: It works on the beach and in the evening, an important aspect when packing my suitcase

The little black dress with valance: girly and sexy

Chic layering in pastel! Spring, when are you coming?

Contact:

www.day.dk

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Pure idyll: Since one year Claudia Weidung-Anders resides in Klostergut Besselich in Urbar near Koblenz with her showroom ‘Home & Dogs’ *

Do you know that feeling when you enter a shop thinking, wow, how beautiful, I wanna have it all! Such a burst of buying power came over me when visiting ‘Home & Dogs’ in the Klostergut Besselich, a noble manor near Koblenz in southern Germany. Lovingly arranged and decorated for Christmas, Claudia Weidung-Anders – wife of popstar Thomas Anders – presents her assortments. Here, two- and four-legged friends will find everything their hearts desire, from a dressing gown to the dog lead. A conversation amongst dog owners and interior fans with tea and biscuits (dog-shaped, of course).

Thomas and Claudia Anders with mongrel dog Summer on Klostergut Besselich. The popstar supportes his wife with her company ‘Home & Dogs’

Room fragrances and scented candles adjusted to the Christmas season

MyStylery: It smells lovely in here – and clearly not of dog food …
Claudia Weidung-Anders: Yes, right? We just unpacked the candles with Christmas scent. They provide a good feeling of space.

At ‘Home & Dogs’, the visitor awaits Christmas atmosphere

MS: Originally it was your business idea to prepare own dog food. Sounds like a pretty big endeavor…
CWA: True, it took a while until I found the right partners. But the suffering of my dog drove me on. Summer (dog’s name) had an intolerance to conventional dog food and thus stomach and digestive problems. Our food is made with a gently cooking method in a 100% foodquality and is free of gluten and grain. The varieties are very well appreciated, the dogs love the food.

Lets dogs’ hearts beat faster: Savory treats – gluten and wheat free – by ‘Pepper’s Choice’. Or how about baked liverwurst bones by ‘Omas Hundekekse’ (grandma’s dog biscuits)?

MS: Now your product range includes things for dog and owner. How did this idea about such combination come about?
CWA: Actually, my customers put me up to this. The dog’s mat should be compatible with the furnishing. The maritime Sylt- (German island) and modern country house looks are currently trendy and very popular. And I love to be at the fairs, tracing beautiful things. Much inspiration I get on our journeys. We travel a lot.

The ‘Home & Dogs’ dog basket series ‘Classic luxury’ is equipped with washable covers and matching ball and playing-bone of the same material

MS: Certainly one of the reasons why, in addition to a large selection of baskets, ‘Home & Dogs’ even offers a dog travelling bed.
CWA: Right. But even dog leads are an important issue, and I’ve been searching for matching items for a long time. Bling-bling with rhinestones is completely out of the question (laughs).

Here only the Advent decoration glitters: Christmas feeling for dogs and owners in the ‘Home & Dogs’ Showroom

MS: Summer is a mongrel dog, which you got from a Spanish pound. Which dog would you not want have?
CWA: I basically like all dogs. In fact, animals from the animal welfare are particularly close to my heart. Especially the mixes are often the most fantastic characters. I Love Weimaraner, they are so pretty, but motion and time-consuming. That has to be considered when a dog comes into the house. Dogs should be kept appropriately regarding their species.

The dog food is available in eight varieties with resealable lids and in three different packaging sizes. The bestsellers: ‘poultry with rice’ and ‘beef with potatoes’. Yummy!

MS: Absolutely. Apropos: ‘Kangaroo with pumpkin’ or ‘horse with carrots’ sound rather exotic: Has a two-legged ever tried ‘Home & Dogs’ dog food?
CWA (laughs): Yes, I myself. I gotta know what I’m selling.  BvH

Did you already get an Advent calendar for your doggies?

Claudia Weidung-Anders has adapted to the needs of both dog and owner. Whether round, square, with border or exit: The range of baskets and dog beds serve all sleeping-preferences

“Dog leads – for example by Cloud7 – should be practical and look good at the same time. The leather must be durable and soft in the hand.”

Nice items for the bathroom from ‘Amélie & Mélanie’

The mistress will find cozy homewear and pretty decoration. Help, what should I get?

… presented in a beautiful countrystyle-look

New to the assortment are the cashmere-collections from ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘MAP Ibiza’ for the mistress. I go for the comfortable casual wear by ‘Cornelie Weiss’

I admit it, for my two four-legged friends Franz and Willi – a Labrador and a Parson Terrier – it’s always got be the best. That’s why I just belong here!

This cozy cushions would look great on my sofa

Tip:

On all Saturdays of Advent, the ‘Home & Dogs’ showroom has open from 11:00 – 17:00 o’clock.

Okay, I take the wooden dog-decoration, too

Contact:

Home & Dogs
Claudia Weidung-Anders
Klostergut Besselich
56182 Urbar, Germany

Open from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 13:30
Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Email:
info@home-and-dogs.com

From the dog lead to the basket – the range now includes more than 500 different products, which can also be ordered via the online shop

Bye bye, Klostergut Besselich! I’ll be back

Online-Shop:

www.home-and-dogs.com

More about Klostergut Besselich:

www.klostergut-besselich.de

Featured pic by Nikolaj Georgiew

Photo marked* by Klostergut Besselich

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