MEET OUR MEMBER COLUMN- Introducing Lisa Walker Brown

Happy September

Let's Get To Know
Member Lisa Walker Brown,
Chief Operating Officer
of
Everick Brown Designs
With a Little Question & Answer Session...  

What inspires you day in and day out? 

I’m inspired by the artistic climate. There seems to be an electricity in the air around being independent and creating your own path.  Today, I am particularly inspired and excited about seeing more people of color represented in the world of art and design - in museums, in magazines and media, on corporate boards and on panels. Diversity is finally being seen as an asset. That inspires me to keep soaring. 

What do you do?

I am a partner and COO at Everick Brown Design (Everick is my husband) and Co-Founder of Objects & Accents, our home décor accessory business. O&A is in retail stores in Los Angeles, Cliff Young Showroom at 200 Lex. and is a turnkey service for interior designers finalizing projects or prepping for photo shoots. 

Why are you great at it?

I grew up in Los Angeles and was surrounded by artists living creatively, whether it was visual arts or production. It seems everyone in LA is connected to the arts and entertainment industry one way or another, my family is no exception. Additionally, my grandfather, an artist, opened the first art gallery in LA owned by an African American so I’ve been surrounded by art and artists my entire life. I think what makes me great is my ability to connect with people and help deliver their vision. Our clients come to us for the Everick Brown aesthetic and our job is to enhance their environment and bring their vision to life through that lens. 

find Lisa on Instagram

Everick Brown Designs

@objectandaccents

Why did you join IFDA? 

Because David Santi harassed me! LOL To connect with great talents and great minds in the industry. The IFDA group is made up of incredibly generous and friendly people. The mixers are terrific fun and everyone is open to help, educate and share their insight. I always feel like I can go to any member and seek advice and counsel and they want the best for me. It’s not a competitive environment. We all know there is plenty to go around and we are stronger together. 

How can we learn more about your business? 

Let’s have lunch! You can see examples of our work at everickbrown.com and check out objectsandaccents.com if you are interested in unique, artisanal home décor – we can assist in accessorizing any design project. 

Little-known fact about you?

Everick and I grew up together in Los Angeles, attending k-12 together. Then, went our separate ways to college.  We reconnected at a high-school reunion. 

available through objectsandaccents.com

THE MEMBERS OF IFDA NY CHAPTER PROFILED, MEET J. RANDALL

MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE

IFDA NY CHAPTER:

Introducing J. Randall

Pavarini Design, Kips Bay 2015 

What inspires you day in and day out?

I am constantly inspired by industrial and mechanical design and fascinated by technology.  As you see in fine automobiles and Swiss watches, great design takes on great style. Day in and day out, I am inspired by superior mechanical design where not only is the design based upon function but it transcends functionality and becomes style.  Companies like Ferrari, Panerai and Porsche have the concept DOWN!

What do you do?

I manage companies and projects. I am a partner and COO of Pavarini Design, a renowned interior design firm, where I manage Operations and Project Manage all construction jobs and renovations. I am a trained interior designer with close to 25 years of experience and also am part of the Design Team which designs all aspects of our interiors and product lines.  I am also part owner and Director of Operations for The Original Lawn Furniture Co. (www.OLFOutdoor.com), an outdoor furniture company that Charles Pavarini III and I started in 2016.  Further, I am involved in all business strategy development, bidding and client communication along with execution. Beyond that, I dedicate significant time and resources to charity.  In particular, I work with Charles in various fundraising endeavors for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, Bailey House, and The Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC).

Why are you great at it?

I am dedicated and THIS side of O.C.D.  I think of EVERYTHING, ALL the time! Details matter to me, and I TOTALLY get how important design details can be for great style and also functionality.  Having lived through renovations on many occasions and seen all that can go wrong, I am extremely persistent with follow-up and painfully organized (to some) so that I can plan exactly what will happen in a day to keep projects on course.  Nothing matters to me more! I even joke about having a family and how difficult it would be for me to end a day at a specific time to be a father: I don’t know how I could go for hours without checking my email and keeping it all moving!

Pavarini Design, Kips Bay 2015 

recent projects,

Fairfield County, Ct. (above); Miami (below)

Why did you join IFDA?

The people.  I have found an incredibly generous and inclusive group of people who understand how all of us can work together within our industry, and with other similar industries, to make a big difference in business.  Within IFDA, there are members of all kinds within manufacturing, sales, design, business ownership, craftsmanship, etc. who bring a wealth of information and insight into the business of Interior Design so that WE are not alone.  It feels as though the resources and opportunities are infinite within IFDA, and I have only benefited from my relationship with IFDA and its members.

How can we learn more about your business?

I encourage you to visit our website www.pavarinidesign.com —it’s to re-launch in the next 30 days. I also encourage to follow our Facebook and Instagram feeds, which I author. (Facebook/Pavarini3) (Instagram/PavariniDesign)

Little-known fact?

I have a NEED for SPEED.  From owning and driving powerful sports cars to racing through the Italian Alps on downhill skis, I have a penchant for any activity that involves SPEED.  Interestingly enough, when in water, I’m happy swimming, kayaking or paddle-boarding. Water is the ONLY thing that slows ME down!

Please follow along on social media...

Instagram: PavariniDesign

Personal Instagram: RandallDesign

Facebook: Pavarini3

Personal Facebook: Randall Tarasuk

IFDA SELECTS takes ICFF By Storm, Awarding Best In Show in Ten Categories, May 2016

Today, we are fortunate to have the talent of new member Catherine Ruvolo here on the blog.  We are grateful to Catherine for her time and effort documenting our day at ICFF with IFDA Selects.   Let's give a warm welcome to Catherine as we include her with the all-volunteer core of industry talents in our New York Chapter. Please follow#IFDASelects on social media for updates.

ICFF Best in Show winners from IFDA New York Selects:

May 14-17, 2016
by Catherine Ruvolo, IFDA member

The mood was set and our senses were immediately stimulated as we entered the 28^th annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair Design show. Designers, architects, retailers, manufactures, and merchandisers come to this design hub every year from all across the globe. Both veteran and inaugural booths take the stage while they show their  latest display of contemporary furniture, seating, carpet and flooring, lighting, outdoor furniture, materials, wall coverings, accessories, textiles, and kitchen and bath for residential and commercial interiors. Among the team of judges include legendary interior designers, artists, and architects. We joined forces to choose the best of the best at the show, across isles of beauty and inspiration. Follow us and tune into who we voted as "Best In Show". These designers and manufactures were one of over 500 exhibitors who débuted their latest product to the creative masses. Every inch and corner you turned hosted more and more design fuel for the soul.  
Judges included--

Rose Ott, Iliada Bass, Justin Shaulis, Amy Figueroa, Stacy Garcia, Michelle Slovak, Debbie Viola, Lisa Blecker, Catherine Ruvolo

                The winners of the 2016 ICFF Best in Show: 

Flooring

Judge: Rose Ott

SHORE | Flooring and innovative Rugs

Founders Louie and Gill

This young duo is right out of the Royal College of Art in London. After graduating two years ago, they developed floor covering woven out of silicone cord (one of the most environmentally friendly products). Their products are hand woven, waterproof, UV resistant, non-slip, easy to clean, and extremely durable. Not to mention; they will turn heads of everyone who experiences them!

Kitchen

Judge: Amy Figueroa

GALI | compact kitchen prototype

Student Designer Ana Arana

We were gaga over this kitchen pro-type designed by Ana Arana, an Architecture and Design Student from Spain. This compact unit is not only visually interesting, but this is THE kitchen of the future. Cook top, several storage options, mini fridge, and sink all designed into one beautiful unit. She nailed this kitchen design! Judge Amy calls this winning design “creative, innovative, efficient, and compact tiny kitchen. It is amazing for single occupancy living with a very clean lined, modern feel”. Bravo Ana!

Decorative Accessories

Judge: Amy Figueroa

ADD+ | Bruno Lamoureux| ADD+ Packs

Designed to give the home furnishings world a qualitative alternative and functional décor, Add+ has redesigned and reinvented how we can live in a space. These malleable and interactive wall units allow us to limitlessly create wall units and systems.  This is a “creative, fun, custom, modern, decorative accessory that is easy to install and adds character and conversation to any space”.

Textiles

Judge: Michelle Slovak

Jude | Jude Cassidy Textiles| Hand woven Irish Textiles 

This young talent left us appreciating the beauty of hand craft and attention to detail. From Saintfield, Ireland, Jude Cassidy is the voice and visionary for this luxurious, yet subtle and soft textile line. We were honored to award her Best in Textiles as this was her first appearance at ICFF. Interior Designer, Michelle truly loved the product for their “elegant hand woven, innovative combination of fibers including hand painted gold foiling”.

Wallcovering 

Judge: Lisa Blecker 

Fliepaper | By: celebrity photographer Don Flood| Astek Wallcovering

His wall coverings will truly make any wall a work of art! From Magnified beetles, iconic architectural elements, and colorful florals, Don Floods photo printed wall coverings are show-stopping. These bold designs are simply inspired by unexpected found objects, then printed during an eco-friendly process. “This L.A. artist’s work is innovative, unique, flexible, and customizable”.

Innovative Booth  

Judge: Catherine Ruvolo 

Larose Guyon | Audree Larose and Felix Guyon| Objects and Luminaires

This creative couple took their first trip from Canada to ICFF this season! Their booth gave the most minimalist, yet impactful and powerful stage to their stunning lighting and decorative objects. This cascading paper installation created the perfect moment for their trend-setting pieces.

Art

Judge: Debbie Viola   

Frates | Doug Frates| Blown Glass

How could we not highlight this American based pattern, blown and colored glass artist? His custom, one of a kind pieces are sure to entice any viewer from all angles. Artist and judge Debbie calls these masterpieces “innovative and creative use of color, form, and pattern.  His art branches from sculptures, to shelves, to unique installations”.

Bath

Judge: Justin Shaulis

THG and Vitraform | Sink faucet and Mirror| Paris

The show was blooming with trend setting bath design and new forerunners, but TGH in Paris stole the show with their sleek and classic design in their sink, faucet, and mirror trio. Shaulis was inspired by this revolutionary piece and “aspirational luxury. The tangible price point is just one of many reasons this bath design is on trend and sophisticated brand collaboration”

Lighting

Judge: Iliada Bass

Veronese Paris | YSA| Tristan Auer

We were awed by the lighting exhibits at the show, however, this piece truly inspired us. Taking the functionality of lighting to the next level, this piece is the epitome in art and function working in harmony. Iliada coins this piece best in show thanks to its “layering of textural glass in a sophisticated way. They married LED technology with classic Murano influenced techniques”.

Furniture

Judge:Stacy Garcia

Suite NY |Marble Table| Angelo Mangiarotti 

We were wowed by this beauty. We adored her intriguing shape, strong presence, and clean lines. While we were catching so many glimpses of beautiful design during the show, this table took the cake. Suite NY never seizes to disappoint us! “The contract of material choice and playfulness of its design” kept us                going back for more”.

This years’ ICFF show was filled with luscious materials, inspiring designs, and trend setting concepts. We were honored to present these awards to the best in Show this year. All of their different stories and backgrounds are utterly exciting, but all come to share the common goal to captivate their audience and pave the way to an even richer design world!

Bringing the Scoop After An IFDA NY Members-Only Tour of Kravet's Studios in New York City

 Barbara Barry's Chalet new collection for Kravet Couture

New Developments for Kravet Fabrics: 

What We Gleaned from our Studio Tour

 in New York City

written by IFDA NY Chapter's Hermine Mariaux

photographs courtesy of  Kravet

Chalet collection with Barbara Barry

Last week, members of the New York Chapter took a private tour of the Kravet fabric studios here in New York City.  It was an 

exclusive event where we were able to witness textile creativity in the making at its best and most exciting. Highlights of the tour include these new developments --

 1. Big surprises at Brunschwig & Fils with a collection moving  into a more exotic new look in richly deep colors and an abundance of sumptuous beading and embroideries.

2. A revival of large scale “Indiennes” –prints first created by the French after imports from India and the Spice Route reached the West.

“Worn” velvets, yarn dyed and stried add unexpected patina.

3. Kelly Wearstler, the British designer and one of Kravet’s star licensees, preparing a 5th collection of neutral textiles, focused on textures of the natural world. Stunning new furniture finishes, among them a slate gray and a nude lacquer are stand-outs soon to be featured throughout Kravet’s showroom universe. 

4. Aerin Lauder, Lilly Pulitzer, Jan Showers and Echo are other brands in the works by a company whose creativity seems without bounds.

5. Barbara Barry, another high performing designer at this reading introduces her latest “Chalet” collection in Kravet Couture. Rendered in the soft colors of Edelweiss, alpine streams and winter grays, her subdued palette expresses the natural beauty evocative of the mountains.

Check out these images from Barbara Barry's collection 

with Kravet Couture, very beautiful indeed!

antler tiebacks

IFDA Select returns for The AD Home Show with hand-picked judges who name Best In Show in many categories

IFDA SELECT is back at it again utilizing their bevy of 

industry experts and designers 
this time to walk the 
Architectural Digest Home Show 
and honor Best In Show in many categories. 
It was a busy weekend with both the AD show and the adjoining 
Diffa's Dining by Design both happening simultaneously.  
Please take a look at the brands honored 
with awards and in various categories below:

Decorative Accessories:
Zelouf & Bell Decorative Screen                   

Product: Branch Screen Booth: 309

Judge interior designer, Julie Schuster

Hand Cut Marquetry – made of 5,000 year old bog oak – creating a natural wood horizon. Limited edition of three. The screen will be featured “playing with tradition” in Dublin Castle.

Innovative Booth Design:                   

Brendan Ravenhill, Calico Wallpaper &

Booth Name: “Black Metal”              

Chen Chen + Kai Williams Collaboration

Judge, Interior designer, Andrea Brodfuehrer            

This year’s AD Home Show features a spectacular array of exhibitors and innovative product but the “Black Metal” booth immediately drew me in and kept on pulling me back. Collaborations between artisans are an age-old practice but it’s a rare privilege to experience such cohesive excellence. Calico’s wallpaper creates an explosive backdrop for Ravenhill and Chen Chen + Kai Williams’ designs. The individual products are articulated like object matter in the space – everything is concurrently clear, electric and magnetic. The natural science of product display at this level is pure innovation!           
Kitchen:                                 

BlueStar Refrigerator

Product: BlueStar full size refrigerator (new product)

Judge: Interior Designer, Gregory Allan Cramer

Stainless steel interior and built in ice maker. 

This new product will be in production in Iowa, this year.
Art:
Delah Brucilli

Product: Beneath the Surface Booth: M24

Judge: interior designer, Catarine Wright

I love the free forms created by allowing the paint to run freely on the canvas. Delah’s sensibility in color is superb and each viewer feels the freedom in their own particular way. 
 Flooring:
Artistic Tile

Product: Kauri

Judge interior designer, Stacy Garcia

Beautiful interpretation of petrified wood. Unique colors and pattern. Inspired by wood found only in New Zealand. Glazed and highly polished porcelain tiles showcase an updated high-design wood-like pattern.

Wall Coverings:

Michele Varian

Booth: #203

Judge: design agent, Dwayne Clark

Michele Varian is a domestically made textile and wall coverings manufacturer based in NYC. She is looking to diversify her exposure into showrooms and to the trade nationally and internationally.

Furniture: 

Koket

Product: “Desire” (Small Settee with Hammered Bronze Frame) Booth: 600

Judge: journalist, Hermine Mariaux

Very graceful beautiful design. Unusual scale – handsome handcrafted frame.

Good story: the settee appeared in “50 Shades of Gray” the movie.

Bath:

Brizo Rook Faucet

Judge:  interior designer, Claudia Tejeda

Product: Rook Faucet

Original use of mixed metal

Lighting:

David D’Imperio

Judge: interior designer, Deborah Martin

The architectural elements of this lighting fixture resonated with me. It features LED technology coupled with an anodized finishing process of the aluminum material it is made of. Designed and fabricated by former graphic designer and art director who left his job to do this. The fixture as lots of dimensionality and suspended over a long dining room table would look like a piece of jewelry. It’s faceted aspects reflect light beautifully.

Textiles:

Lance Wovens

Product: Woven Leathers

Judge: interior designer Andrea Algaze          

Lance Wovens 30 year-old company that has evolved their product into new fresh applications. Leathers made, dyed, washed in Italy and custom hand woven. Maybe used for many applications: pillows, rugs, wallcovering and upholstery.