What’s In A Word?
Credenza.
The Annex Credenza from Gus Modern
What is it? If you ask most people, it’s a piece of furniture you usually find in a dining room where you can store glassware, utensils, table linens, etc, or even place food on before serving. A credenza, buffet or sideboard as others would call it, is an extremely versatile piece that can add much needed storage to a home.
The history of the credenza, however, is much more interesting than its uses today. In existence since the 19th century, credenzas found their way into the homes of kings and other nobility where they were actually used to prevent poisoning schemes. The food would be placed on the credenza where it could be inspected, tried and deemed free and clear of poison by an official taste tester. Trust was gained and fears alleviated in this public display and ritual surrounding the food and credenza.
Vial of Arsenic
In Italian, the word for trust is credenza which is what we still use to this day for this popular piece of furniture.
You may not suffer from toxicophobia, but that doesn’t mean a credenza isn’t right for your space 
Click here to check out the great credenzas, sideboards, buffets and cabinets Vastu carries.
Trends from Milan 2012 – Upholstery
It goes without saying, but the Salone Internazionale del Mobile furniture show in Milan is an exciting experience for everyone who attends, especially those who are in the design and interiors industries. For Eric Kole and Jason Claire, it’s a chance to see what’s new from well-established manufacturers and to see who’s new in the world of design.
This year they came back with some new lines for the store (more to come on that later) as well as several trends to share with you all. Here’s a small recap…
Trends from Milan 2012 – Rugs
So far we’ve discussed colors, lounge chairs and cocktail tables from the 2012 Salone del Mobile in Milan. Today’s trend has to do with rugs.
Jewel-toned and distressed
The rugs at the show were deeply jewel-toned and monochromatic. What was most interesting about them, however, was the way in which they were distressed. Many looked almost threadbare in the treatment of their surfaces. Regardless of how “worn” the rug was, though, there was still a beautiful color or pattern visible.
Distressed Rug
Jewel-toned rug in the background
If you’re one to keep your furniture fairly neutral, a vibrant rug is a great way to bring color to a room.
There’s just a couple of trends left from Milan. Check back with Design Clique to see what it is!
Trends from Milan 2012 – Color
Today’s trend from Milan deals with color!
At the Salone del Mobile, Jason and Eric noticed a definite trend towards manufacturers using deep, rich, saturated jewel-tones. Think pure indigo or vibrant ruby reds. These colors were seen everywhere too. From rugs and wall coverings to upholstery fabrics, vendors in Milan were not afraid of color.
Check out more colorful photos from Milan!
Herman Miller Summer Sale 2012
We’re a week away from an exciting event that we love to be a part of each summer! Next Friday, June 1st, marks the beginning of the Herman Miller Summer Sale and your chance to take 15% off great classics from design masters like Ray & Charles Eames, Isamu Noguchi, George Nelson as well as famous Italian designs from Magis.
The sale runs June 11th. Pre-orders are being accepted now.
WHAT:
15% Off – The Herman Miller Summer Sale
WHEN:
June 1 – June 11, 2012
WHERE:
Vastu
1829 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 2009
Trends from Milan 2012 – Lounge Chairs & Cocktail Tables
La Citta dei Saloni = Milan
About a month ago, Vastu co-owners Eric Kole and Jason Claire had the pleasure of attending the 2012 Salone Internazionale del Mobile furniture fair in Milan. They came back with great ideas, loads of inspiration and possibly even some new products for Vastu. The other thing they brought with them was a good understanding of some trends being established at an international level.
Over the next few days, I’ll go over some of those trends (along with gorgeous photos from the shows) so you can get some inspiration and maybe even introduce a few of those concepts in your own home designs.
Today’s trend from Milan is a two for one deal.
Click to read what we learned from Milan!
Spring Open Studios from the Mid City Artists
A press release recently went out about this fun event held twice a year:
“Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 19 and 20 when twenty-one artists who are part of the “Mid City Artists” collaborative, will open their studio doors as part of The Mid City Artists Spring Open Studios Tour. This bi-annual event in DC’s “Mid-City” – in and around the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods – offers a special opportunity for art-lovers to take a peek into the artists’ creative process, connect personally with artists and learn more about how and where they make art, and purchase art as well. The participating artists represent a great diversity of work, including drawings, sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs and mixed media.”
Here at Vastu, we’re pleased to house studios for Mid City Artists Brian Petro and Colin Winterbottom, the former of which has a show currently hanging in our showroom.
So come out this weekend, explore the neighborhood and meet and support some local artists!
Vastu will be open on Saturday, May 19th from 11am-7pm and Sunday, May 20th from 12pm-5pm.
Download a walking map of the studios here.
New Art Exhibit: Brian Petro
Brian Petro is no stranger to Vastu. As our art director, and resident artist, he works to find amazing art to hang up in our gallery and this exhibit is all from him! Taking pieces from his Supermarket Series and his Roman Series, Brian shows us the broad range of styles he’s able to work in.
Supermarket Series
“This series incorporates supermarket and bodega window signs (often found in nearby dumpsters), spray paint, polyurethane, oilbar, spray adhesive, and oil paint on sections of wooden doors. I love resurrecting and honoring rubbish into a style that warms and cheers the heart, and evoke humor and joy from images of simple items we enjoy every day.”
London Broil & Bananas - 36.5" x 80.5"
Roman Series
“This body of work simplifies the complexity and range of the Romans’ ability to glean psycho/social/artistic developments from other cultures abroad, and condense and improve them to create an existence much greater than the sum of its parts. The distant stares and stark composition of the sculptural busts evoke the focused cogitation of melding and merging the many facets of the ancient Roman way. Each artwork is an original photographic polymer transfer on acid-free archival paper utilizing images captured on film and printed with a 4 color press. “
Roman Youth, Red/Blue - 24" x 32"
WHERE:
Vastu
1829 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.8344
WHEN:
[UPDATE] May 14th, 2012 – July 15th, 2012 July 22nd, 2012
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