August 17th, 2011
The ultra-modern Hoerboard Scomber mix DJ stand
Admit it – you’ve entertained dreams of telling your boss at your day job to go fly a kite, just so you can jet off to Ibiza and DJ the summer club circuit. It’s ok, we all have. Perhaps that dream was never more appealing than now, considering that the ultra-modern Hoerboard Scomber Mix DJ Stand is just a few thousand bucks ($2,330 once fully customized, to be more precise) away from being yours. Read the rest of this entry »
August 15th, 2011
The Styleture editorial team is a big fan Entra Magazine, an online publication that takes you inside exclusive residences created by some of the world’s top architects and designers.
Entra Magazine May/June 2011 issue
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April 4th, 2011
Advances in tile technology have been wowing us for a number of years, and this year is no exception. Inalco, the Spanish tile manufacturer, has created a line of ultra-thin tiles in varying sizes that may just revolutionize the use of tile in design.
At 4mm thick, the tiles are lighter in weight and more versatile; opening up many more design options. Wondering how they fare as far as longevity compared to their thicker brethren? Not a problem – these tiles are just as resistant and sturdy as more conventional tiles.
Producing these ‘slim’ tiles actually causes less harmful emissions to be released in the environment. Using less water and other raw materials is another reason the tiles are green. Consumption of dyes for each square meter of tile is reduced by almost 60%, again – leading to less use of raw materials. Emissions of sulphur, nitrogen and carbon monoxide compounds are reduced by between 30-50% during the manufacturing process. These are not trivial figures.
The beauty of using these ultra slim tiles means that the seams between them are virtually non-existent; providing the cleanest possible look for walls and floors. Grout lines become less a part of the visual experience as you barely even notice them. These tiles are the physical equivalent to the horizon – you know the end is out there somewhere, you just can’t quite see it.
Available through Hastings Tile & Bath www.hastingstilebath.com
January 10th, 2011
Why are companies suddenly so eager to rep Brooklyn?
Lately there has been a flurry of media attention being given to the hub of art and culture that is Brooklyn, New York. From national dailies to independent bloggers, everyone is trying to find out if “Brooklyn” is turning into a brand. With companies such as ABSOLUT Vodka, Starbucks and Ford Motor Company all utilizing Brooklyn in their recent advertising campaigns, one wonders if these large corporations only want their piece of the “Brooklyn Gold Rush.”
Avi Abel is President of Watermark Designs, a Brooklyn-based manufacturer of decorative plumbing fixtures for more than thirty years. A driven and passionate third generation business owner, Avi recently offered his perspective of what it means to be a Brooklynite and tells us what effect this trend stands to have on the Brooklyn design community.
Avi Abel, President of Watermark Designs
In a recent New York Times article, writer Steve Stern stated that “Small restaurants and large companies…are lining up to hitch their wagons to Brooklyn’s D.I.Y. chic…It’s not that Brooklyn artisans are going corporate, but that corporations are Brooklynizing.” Why are so many businesses and large corporations trying to tap in on Brooklyn’s popularity?
Avi Abel: I think businesses are attracted to Brooklyn because it offers a distinctive brand personality that embodies the Creative Class. Businesses, by nature, are in a constant, feverish search to retain their market share, and they know they can only accomplish this by evolving their brand. Thus, they’re tapping Brooklyn because Brooklyn epitomizes evolution. Over the past few years, Brooklyn has gone from being in the ‘shadow’ of NYC to becoming a destination in its own right — attracting artists, students, young families and furniture designers. It has become more and more clear that Brooklyn itself plays muse to many creative types, and businesses are anxious to tap into that power.
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January 4th, 2011
When you think of Los Angeles, books and literature are probably not the first things that come to mind. Possibly sun, beaches, earthquakes, riots and even screenplays enter your imagination, but certainly not bound hardcover classics that create an atmosphere of intellectualism and sophistication. Maybe not even pulpy paperbacks that sell for a shiny quarter at Goodwill.
So perhaps it comes as a surprise that there is currently a trendy movement occurring in Los Angeles that has seen the marriage of books and bars. That’s right – drinking establishments that have lined their walls, and shelves, with everything from hardbound classics and modern novellas to law encyclopedias and philosophical tomes. Actually, alcohol and the written word have a close correlation and long history; among the famous writers who were heavy drinkers include Hunter S. Thompson, Tennessee Williams, Charles Bukowski, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway.
As for the current trend of styling everything from dingy dives to stellar speakeasies with books, well, it may be just that – a trend. But while it’s around it’s worth ordering a cocktail and soaking up the chill library-esque atmosphere that some of these L.A. bars are working hard to recreate:
The Wellesbourne
The Wellesbourne in West Los Angeles
Picture brass reading lamps, a bar menu printed on textured paper, oversized bookshelves jammed with books and guest checks issued in miniature novels, and you get an idea of the detail that went into designing this literary bar. With a cozy fireplace and plenty of comfy seating, you can easily while the night away until last call. 10929 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 (West L.A)
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November 23rd, 2010
Regular visitors to the site (the two of you) may have noticed that we’ve recently added a newsletter sign-up form on the right side of the page. Some time in the near future the loyal readers of Styleture will be able to receive Styleture posts, interior design news and more directly to your inbox. So go ahead and sign-up – you know you want to!
September 30th, 2010
Are you a fan of Styleture on Facebook? If not, what are you waiting for?! Go to facebook.com/styleture and “Like” us!
Starting in October we’ll be starting a new feature on our page called Fan of the Month. What this means is any Facebook fan that uploads a photo to our Wall of an interesting interior design has a chance to be featured on our page with their very own tab. If you’re fortunate enough to have your submission chosen we will profile you or your company on our page for an entire month. It’s a great chance for everyone to learn a little bit more about the design aficionados that make up the Styleture community.
Styleture Fan of the Month
