Is Bigger Really Better?
Mark Veltman for the New York Times
The New York Times had an article last week titled “Relax. There’s Plenty of Room” by Steven Kurutz. Apartment Therapy highlighted it and posed the question “Is Bigger Furniture Better?”
When it comes to interior design, the short answer is “no”. However, this doesn’t mean that smaller is a more suitable choice when choosing furniture for your space either. You need to find the happy medium and go with pieces that are in the right scale for your home and lifestyle. Read more
In Case You Missed It: Showhouse Showdown
If you missed Vastu co-owner Eric Kole’s epsiode of Showhouse Showdown, then you’re in luck.
HGTV finally has the episode, “Loads of Layers vs Less is More”, online! Enjoy!
As Seen On Eric Kole’s Showhouse Showdown
We know you’ve been waiting to see pictures of Eric’s rooms since his episode of Showhouse Showdown premiered on September 12th. Especially if you weren’t able to catch it or DVR it. Well continue on below to see photos of Eric’s designs and a list of products shown in each room!
Brian Petro’s Showhouse Debut
Vastu art dealer, Brian Petro was recently on tv alongside Eric Kole. Okay, well, Brian wasn’t physically there, but some of his art was!
In charge of finding new and exciting art and artists to showcase in our showroom, Brian has been a friend of Vastu’s for quite some time. He occasionally has exhibitions in our space and you can even seee him at work during one of the many open studios that occur throughout the year.
For his episode of HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown, Eric used three of Brian’s pieces from his Grocery series. They beautifully adorned the wall in the family room and looked great next to the Finland Sectional and Bowie Swivel Chairs from Steven Anthony and the Saarinen coffee tables from Knoll.
Read more about Brian Petro’s Grocery series in this past Design Clique post and be sure to stop by Vastu as Brian is offering 30% off of any purchase of work that’s in his studio. Call for appointments – (202) 270-7352. The studio is here at Vastu – 1829 14th street, NW, Washington DC. Hours are 11 am to 7 tues-sat, sunday 12-5.
Vastu Fan Shoutout: Hope M. & Jason H.
Last week we received a couple of emails that just made our collective day and put a big smile on Vastu co-owner Eric Kole’s face.
The first was from Hope M. of Rochester, New York. While watching Eric’s premiere episode of Showhouse Showdown, she was so inspired by his design that she submitted the following comment on our website:
“I just watched HGTV’s ‘Showroom Showdown’ on 9/14 and had to write to let Eric know that he got robbed. I wasn’t surprised by the end results of who ‘won,’ given the demographics of the area. But I wanted Eric to know that at least 1 viewer thought his design was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. From the fireplace and stunning furniture selections to that headboard (oy.,,,) and sublime graphic tree wallpaper to the citrus slices and grocery art, I was literally jumping off the couch. Even my dogs got into it! I would have bought that house in a minute. Actually i would have MOVED that house to a much cooler location! Thank you for providing a much-needed breath of modern, clean, fresh design. Someday when I’m rich, I’ll hire you! Peace out, Hope.”
"Sublime Graphic" Spring Blossom Wallpaper
In a follow-up email, Hope continued with:
“I truly was drawn to your ideas and thought the spaces you created were so simple and sophisticated, yet still fun and very livable. I’m an avid interior design junkie and this is the first time I’ve been moved enough to want to contact the designer.”
Comments like these let our designers know that they’re doing something right! And even though Eric didn’t win his individual episode, Hope’s messages really did make him feel like the winner. Thanks Hope!!
The second message we received last week was from a recent Vastu client, Jason H. of Arlington, VA. He had ordered a custom Cosmo Bed by Steven Anthony and when he received it, he had this to say: Read more
Spring Blossoms for Your Walls
A clear winner from HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown, based on all the calls we’ve already received, is the Spring Blossom Wallpaper Eric Kole used in his master bedroom. Sold in 4-roll sets, measuring a large 78.75″ W by 118″ L (that’s roughly 6.5 feet by 9 feet, 10 inches).
In using this specific graphic, Eric was evoking the cherry blossoms that DC is famous for and that people come from all over the world to see in the spring. It’s a great way to add interest to your walls without the use of paint and can definitely be an unexpected and fun design element.
While Spring Blossom wallpaper does come in its standard size, it can be scaled up or down to fit any wall in your space. For pricing on this and other products you saw in the “Loads of Layers vs. Less is More” episode on Showhouse Showdown, give us a call or visit us today!
Eric Kole’s Showhouse Showdown
Hey Design Clique readers! First we’d like to thank you for watching Eric last night in the premiere episode of Showhouse Showdown on HGTV. We had some great comments on our Facebook page and had fun following the conversation on Twitter (via #ShowhouseShowdown). While Eric didn’t win this episode, we don’t feel down at all. We love the relationships we have with our vendors and being able to show you how we use their products in a well-designed space (if we do say so ourselves) on a national stage was awesome!
Stay tuned to Design Clique in the next few days as we’ll be sharing some great info on the products used in Eric’s showhouse like the EcoSmart Firebox 1200DB or the fabulous Blossom Wallpaper as seen in the master bedroom!
Showhouse Showdown Premieres TONIGHT, 10PM
TONIGHT!!!
Make sure to watch as Eric battles it out on the season premiere episode of HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown!
Not only will you see the Vastu co-owner in his element (designing fabulous spaces), but you’ll also get to see how one of our own uses many of the same products you can get here at Vastu!
So tonight at 10PM, gather your friends and family around the TV, or set your DVRs, and cheer on Eric and Vastu!
Last Night at the Apartment Therapy Meetup: Trendspotting
Zoe Feldman, Eric Kole and Alex Sanchez talk trends (courtesy of The Painted Room)
Many thanks to everyone who showed up last night for the DC Apartment Therapy Design Evening panel discussion on Trendspotting. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the group conversation from everyone on the design trends we love, hate (and love to hate). While we did do some live-tweeting of the event, it didn’t come close to one particular attendee D. Harris (@aposhgirl on Twitter). We blame it on trying to juggle a beverage in one hand and a smartphone in the other, but that’s neither here nor there…
And so with Harris’s permission, we give you a recap of last night…in Tweet-form. Read more
Stoking the Flames
Stix Fireplace by EcoSmart
This morning in DC was a little chilly, which only served to remind me that summer is just about over.
And while it’s been great and fun, I can’t help but get excited for Fall! The air smells different. There are some great holidays right around the corner. Fall clothing brings rich textures and colors to outfits everywhere. And there’s always the opportunity to cuddle up with your loved one under a cozy blanket, preferably by a warm fireplace.
Fireplaces are great in that they can serve as a fully functional heating source, a beautiful design element in your space or both! Regardless of how they’re used, fireplaces (in all their shapes, sizes and styles) bring a touch of character and romance to your home.
Check out how Vastu’s designers have incorporated fireplaces, originally existing or not, into their designs! (Pictures Below) Read more
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