Showhouse Showcase: Part 1. Custom Continental

We've been working with Jute Home (jutehome.com) for a few years now and were honored to be included in the most recent of their showhouse endeavors.  In designing the Kitchen and Family Room at the San Francisco Designer Showhouse, Alison Davin specified our Metro Sconce, but wanted to add her own signature twist.  As a dedicated client, she knew we'd be up to the challenge of customizing to her needs, even if in a time crunch! We're in love with the European design, as well as how she incorporated the pewter shade instead of glass.  If you haven't been, be sure not to miss this one!

Photo by Patricia Chang.

Digital Low Down

It's a digitally synchronized world – and that's certainly reflected in our brand new website. Built using responsive web design, the site adjusts for your viewing pleasure whether on desktop, phone or iPad. So no matter if you're in the office, on the road, or at a job site – and regardless of your device of choice – you can enjoy easy access to product information, imagery and much more.

We were thoroughly impressed with the premise behind responsive design and all that it offers for ensuring brand consistency in a digital web environment. For the last year and a half we've had two sites – our website in Flash with all the bells and whistles, and in addition, our Mobile site in HTML with basic product information, but little else in terms of installation galleries, videos or other information.

Now, everything is at your disposal, all in one place – regardless of how you choose to view. There were several key goals for the re-design which have been achieved, as well as a number of other improvements that will further enhance usability.

Below are a few highlights:

· Flash format – our site will no longer be based in Flash which will allow users the complete brand/website experience on computer or mobile device

· Adaptive/responsive design – the website will scale itself to properly fit the device being used so that all information is easily accessible and tailored to the screen size the user is working with. This will allow increased functionality and usability when mobile.

· Search function – our product collection will have a more thorough search functionality including search by sku# and multi-stack filtering to narrow results. Click here to find the product search and filter options.

 

· Improved usability – we've added direct links to many product resources from each individual product page as well as from a footer that lives on every page regardless of where you are in the site.

· Social involvement – users will now have the ability to post directly to Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter accounts from any product page or portfolio picture. Our Social channels will also be easily accessible through links provided at the bottom of every page.

 Let's sync up!

A Conversation with Darryl Carter

Darryl Carter, Inc., Washington, DC www.darrylcarter.com

(1) What UECo light do you like to use the most, and why?

Of course I love all of the fixtures. Some are more transitional than others. I have a special affinity for the Shaw pendant. I consider it to be a very refined and atypical industrial fixture that suits a variety of settings. The only company it requires is a primitive table and a large canvas. Additionally, it is named after the Washington, DC neighborhood in which my new retail store resides.

(2) Your six picks of favorite UECo lights:

Shaw

Gwenwod Hang

Beckett Wall Sconce

Lafayette series

Altamont

Chisholm Hall

(3) What is your design philosophy?

Simple does it. 

(4) What is something people may not know about your firm?

You could say that I’m an architect at heart, and I have a hypersensitivity to a very subliminal engagement with the interior space that begins with its infrastructure. A substantial foundation supersedes afterthoughts of frivolous embellishment.

(5) What is your favorite part of the home to design, and why?

Kitchens and baths - both in a similar vein because they each present such opportunities to avoid the obvious through the insinuation of found furniture pieces rather than regimented cabinetry - - and because these are both places of such respite.

(6) Three design resources you can’t live without:

Travel - - A large collections of interior and architectural books from all over the world - - A sensitivity to ALL things in passing.

(7) Best design tips you’ve learned from experience:

Listen – Listen and Listen

(8) What do you collect?

Intaglios, watches and globes

(9) What are your favorite paint colors to use?

A handful of favorites from my line Darryl Carter Colors by Benjamin Moore include: For wall and trim surfaces - Bancroft White / DC-01 - - Leland White / DC-25 - - - For accents/doors and furniture transformations - Pinecrest Gray / DC-21 and Bayard Blue / DC-24 and Phelps Black / DC-22

(10) What are your favorite design books?

The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture - - The Bill Blass Estate Catalogue by Sotheby’s, and of course my books - The Collected Home and The New Traditional.

Big Ideas, and Ideas Worth Spreading

http://tedxcharleston.org/

Charleston is home to many things, but has recently become home to it's first TEDx conference to be held Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

And we're proud to be connected – Dave Dawson, President/Founder of The Urban Electric Co. was chosen from over 150 nominations to join a select group of 14 speakers who will share their individual ideas on Reinvention.

TEDx was created by the prestigious TED organization as way to satisfy its growing popularity and get its message of "ideas worth spreading" and TED–like experiences at the local level and to an even larger audience. Anyone, anywhere in the world is invited to host a TEDx event, but the application process to become approved and granted a TEDx license is no easy task.

For Charleston, Curator Edith Howle jumped at the opportunity and worked closely with Principal Ingredient owner Igor Jocic to brand and present "Charleston, the City of Reinvention" to it's eventual solidification as "TEDxCharleston Reinvent".

Our local favorite, Charlie magazine announced the full speaker list on March 12th, read more about each speaker in the article. 

Beyond the very high quality of speakers, TEDxCharleston is much meant to be an opportunity for people to discover and uncover people who are unknown to the community at large. All of the 'talks' will be taped and streamed in the TED tradition with the hopes that TEDxCharleston talks will inspire continued conversations all over the world.

The TEDxCharleston "day", May 15th will be complete with exceptional and inspirational dicussions, live music performances, amazing culinary experiences and a few libations to close the day. Should you want to apply to attend, time is running out – deadline is April 1!  Click here for more details.

A Conversation with Audrey Drought

Audrey Drought Design, Inc., Houston, TX, www.audreydroughtdesign.com 

(1) What UECo light do you like to use the most and why?

With its versatile style, the Linc wall sconce has been a favorite for years. Masculine or feminine, contemporary or traditional, this heirloom quality fixture is exquisite. Let alone the style, it provides an adequate amount of light source for any application.

(2) Your six picks of favorite UECo lights?

In no particular order, my favorites would be:

Anson Ribbon

Erddig Floor

Gunston

Linc

Rosenbloom

Venetian V.1

(3) What is your design philosophy?

To place an emphasis on unique architectural details, proper scale, functionality and timeless creative influences so that the fundamental principles of design are implemented into every project successfully. 

(4) What is something people many not know about your firm?

Audrey Drought Design, Inc. was formed when I was the age of 26 using a collateralized loan to fund the start up, which was subsequently paid off within four months, and we have been debt free ever since. The company continues to thrive, with only a limited number of employees, and has been fortunate with national and international projects. Regardless of the project scope, I meet with every client and oversee all aspects of the process for a successful outcome. 

(5) What is your favorite part of a home to design and why?

Any area of the home that includes unique architectural features is an added bonus to design, as these elements enhance the creative touch provided by the design team. 

(6) Three design resources you can't live without?

Accounting software program StudioDesigner, loyal trade workrooms and, most importantly, my exceptional design leader that works with me every step of the way. 

(7) Best design tips you have learned from experience?

Having a Designer at the start of every project will benefit long term. With all the details, from the appropriate junction box location for wall sconces to the mounting height of a drapery rod, these costly mistakes can be eliminated at the beginning when hiring a professional designer. 

(8) What do you collect?

I like unique cheese plates, which always seem to be good conversational tools during gatherings with friends and family. 

(9) What are your favorite paint colors to use?

The art of selecting colors is a combination of what works best for the space and exceeds client expectations – way too many favorites to select just one! 

(10) What are your favorite design books?

Design books that feature self-made Interior Designers who have succeeded and are making a name on their own.