When it comes to creating the illusion of space in a small room, designers are divided. Some turn to color, some to the floor, and others to oversized furniture. However, there is one part of the room that is arguably the most influential of them all: the window or rather your window dressing.

According to top curtain designers, you can accentuate the size of your small space with one deceptive trick and the results are completely transformative. But what exactly does this curtain idea involve? Here, designer Gemma Moulton reveals what you need to know.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Bevan)

Window treatment ideas are a particularly easy way to add height and stature to a room when placed correctly. Although fitting into the wall above (rather than the window frame) will inevitably be more difficult, the results are completely transformative, says Gemma.

The East London Cloth designer, who has just launched her first online curtain-making course with Create Academy, explains that a curtain (or blind) will add the illusion of height to the window but that's not all.The trick will also allow more light in when pulled, meaning your room will appear brighter and consequently more spacious.

Interior designer Louise Bradley similarly urges you to seemingly increase the scale of the window (and the size of your room) by thinking about your curtain pole placement.

(Image credit: Villa Nova)

The pole should be slightly longer than the window itself, ensuring space for a generous stack back of the tailored fabric, Louise says. This interior design tip not only accentuates the space but also exhibits a luxurious feel within the room and softens the space to create a bespoke aesthetic.

However, the designer warns that while this window treatment idea works seamlessly in some rooms, it is less suitable in other spaces.

(Image credit: Villa Nova)

We would always position the pole to scale with the window; however, the higher it is placed, the more it would extend the window, Louise says. Therefore, if you are not looking to extend your window, it is best to avoid practicing this secret in certain rooms.

Were re-evaluating our curtain placement at the next available opportunity.

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This designer-approved curtain tip will create the illusion of space in a small room - Homes & Gardens

For many of us, the new year is a time to rethink our homes. And while we, at H&G are very switched on to the interior design trends, a new look is not always about embracing the latest fad. In fact, sometimes, it's just about switching up some of our existing furnishings, while indulging in the odd new splash of pattern or color.

There is something rather wonderful about the opportunity and optimism that a new year offers,' says Tricia Guild of Designers Guild.

'In many Nordic countries, they find the blanket of snow that invariably covers the landscape in January with its pristine whiteness a perfect time to re-set and re-focus, which feels like a very worthwhile exercise even with the absence of snow.

'The last couple of years have taught us so much about our quality of life, how our homes are our havens, how time spent outdoors in nature can be life-affirming, how our families and friends are vital to our well-being its important to hold these values close as we look forward to hopefully, a more "normal" year.

'I, for one, will be making a few changes at home to reflect a new mood that feels hopeful and optimistic.'

Here, Tricia shares interior design tips on how she creates a fresh feel for her rooms.

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

'Wallpaperis a wonderful way of adding character and atmosphere to a space this season, papers are rich and decorative. I love the clashing mix of pattern on walls, furniture and at windows and accessories. Floral details and tactile textures are definitely a winning combination and feel right for now.

Jaal wallpaper, Designers Guild

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

If you like a more restrained style take a look at two gorgeous graphic papers that we have reissued from our very first collection Jaal (above)and Shaqui (below) had pride of place in our Village collection and now more than 50 years later and in new colorways they are absolutely gorgeous.'

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

'Theres nothing like a new throw and cushions to refresh and recharge your living space. I love to have different sets of accessories that I change regularly. Some I have had for ages, while others are new and its exciting to mix them up for a different feeling.'

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

'Change pictures and photographs around this is a great exercise and means that you really notice your pictures, art and photographs in a new way. Moving them around and hanging them on different walls and brings a different energy that is noticeable.'

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

'Why not add some color to tired walls it really need not take an age or be expensive to simply paint a wall or two in a room of your choice. The difference a shot of your favourite color will make to how you feel about home is quite wonderful.

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Designer Tricia Guild reveals how she will be updating her interiors for 2022 - Homes & Gardens

Beauty YouTuber Song Ji-ah, also known as FreeZia, has been facing intense backlash after dozens of luxury designer items she flaunted were exposed as fake. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

A "Dior" tube top Song Ji-ah wore on Netflixs hit dating show Singles Inferno turned out to be a 16,000 won ($13) knock-off from an online mall. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

YouTuber Ham Yon-ji is from the conglomerate family behind Koreas food giant Ottogi. She is known for showing luxury items and shopping sprees. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

YouTuber Cheeu is known for her luxury haul videos. In this video alone, she shows off 80 million won worth of products from designer brand Gucci. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin of conglomerate group Shinsegae has built a following on Instagram with his image of a wealthy yet down-to-earth businessman. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Song lives in a high-end apartment that has a view of the Han River, which flows through the center of Seoul. In Korea, homes that look down on the Han River symbolize wealth. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Song wearing counterfeit "Van Cleef & Arpels" earrings on "Single's Inferno." [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Song's official instagram account is known for showcasing luxury fashion. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

A screen capture from YouTuber Aura M's video on designer bags for men [SCREEN CAPTURE]

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]

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Luxury, lies and life with a 'gold spoon' - The Korea JoongAng Daily

By 2015, designers and architects Gita Ramanan and Shezan Bhojani had realised one thing - they wanted to go beyond merely designing to build a whole home solutions ecosystem, and this led to the birth of Design Cafe, a D2C home solutions brand in the same year.

The startup has so far raised $57 million in total funding, and counts the likes of Fireside Ventures, Westbridge Capital, and Sixth Sense Ventures as its investors.

Design Cafe is over 900 employees strong, has a revenue run rate of Rs 180 crore, and is targeting a run rate of Rs 600 crore in booking value in the next two years. It has helped design and deliver about 150 homes per month in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Thane, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

The startup has over eight experience centres, and a 35,000 sqft factory in Anekal, an industrial area in the outskirts of Bengaluru. By this quarter, the team is expanding to Pune and Mysore as well. They are also looking at new centres in existing cities, as well as expanding to Delhi NCR and some Tier II cities (10 cities in total).

Gita and Shezan, Founders of Design Cafe

The pandemic-led work from has democratised and opened markets for the housing and home solutions sector, thanks to the work-from-home culture catching up.

The startup follows an omnichannel model that helps consumers build the homes that they want, in the style and specifications they feel most comfortable with.

Design Cafe does this by offering end-to-end solutions starting from designing, manufacturing products to installing them.

Technology has helped the startup provide a wholesome experience to their customers, by providing more options in a timely manner within their budgets. Virtual reality (VR) specifically, helps customers visualise the designs in their private spaces.

While Design Cafe is not a first mover in the space, and has competition from players like Livspace and Homelane, what sets them apart is the designer point of view.

He adds they were aware that the skill sets of interior designers and architects werent simply available to everyone. We knew if we were to set up a home ourselves, we wouldnt be able to afford our own services, explains Shezan, adding that hiring a good designer is not only tough but also expensive.

Also, while designers struggle to execute on the clients' needs and requirements, it is equally frustrating for customers to get what exactly they wanted.

This meant a large problem needed to be solved and it rightly matched our ambition, says Shezan.

In retrospect, the whole idea of Design Cafe was created by Gita in 2010 during her Indian School of Business (ISB) scholarship stint. I was laughed out of the room as many believed this to be an unviable idea that they said was unscalable, says Gita. This nevertheless did not stop the duo from starting their architectural firm.

We realised entrepreneurship is something we definitely wanted to explore, recalls Gita. Subsequently, they went on to design over 500 projects across the country in sectors across residential, hospitality, retail, commercial, and institutional design. This continued for the next 10 years, which helped them develop a comprehensive understanding of the market.

The turning point came in end 2014, when a customer came to the couple and requested for a home to be built for Rs 15 lakh. We also started realising that people we had initially worked for were no longer coming to us because by then our work had been published in architecture magazines and journals. We had started doing homes worth Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore, and they were giving references, says Gita.

By the time the duo realised that they had skill sets that could create incredible value for people with smaller homes, that client bracket was suddenly elusive.

The couple also realised that the industry was standardising. Builders themselves were looking at ways and means to create properties that were catering to the new evolving and emerging middle class. They also saw that there was rapid digitisation and the number of people in the middle-income group was significantly rising.

We decided to create a standardised module on the backend and bring in our design sensibilities to the forefront. With that idea, we brought in a few tech people to build the module and the prototype, says Gita.

The first product the team had built was a tech solution, where consumers could design their own rooms, kitchens etc. They could pick modules, finishes etc. They could pick a layout of the room they were designing in a minute.

Information as shared by Design Cafe team

It was this prototype that the team took to Kanwaljit Singh, Managing Partner and Founder of Fireside Ventures, in 2015. Speaking of his investment in Design caf, Kanwaljit says,

To be successful in this space, there are many factors in play. The founders needed to have strong design sense, the ability to engage and understand what the customer wants and also understand the life cycle of building a home.

The key factors that played a role here was the ability to execute and build large scalable platforms. And we saw all of this in the founders of Design Cafe.Kanwaljit explains also the pandemic has democratised the market and the industry, making it easier for people to look at brands and options online.

"The consumer wants newer options, better options that suit their needs in every way possible," adds Kanwaljit.

While the team raised their first round of funding based on this prototype, they knew they had to change the product. After close to 300 meetings with customers, they realised that while consumers wanted a solution like this, they also wanted a final approval from a designer or an expert.

We shifted our model such that the designer would meet with the customer to understand what they wanted, and later feeded that into the system, explains Gita.

By 2017, the team realised they needed their own setup. We knew that to scale and grow, we needed to manage end-to-end, adds Shezan.

However, the market has its challenges and there are several moving variables and parts. Shezan explains it was then they realised that to give a complete end-to-end experience and solution, they need to manage the different elements like designers, artisans, workers, plumbers, electricians etc.

This means standardising and training them, making them realise and understand what the customer wants and needs. This meant building standardised modules and ensuring that the people are trained well. It is about providing all kinds of labour with the right job security and decision-making skills, explains Shezan.

A 2020 RedSeer report states that the Indian online furniture segment is pegged at $25 billion, growing at a CAGR of 15-17 percent on the back of increased digitisation, newer business models, and rapid urbanisation. In fact, the online furniture industry in India constitutes only 15 percent of the organised market, growing bullishly at 80-85 percent.

This shift is also because online-first (D2C) brands have gained over 30 percent share of ecommerce, which will grow to 45 percent by 2025.Shezan says,

The pandemic has shown us that we can manage processes, teams and work in an online and hybrid environment. Design Caf was an early entrant in the space of creating designer homes with a touch of exclusiveness and class. Home has now become the centre of work and family life, and this is where every consumer is looking for the best options when it comes to doing up their dream homes, this is the edge that the founders have focused on. We are confident that the need for good homes is here to stay forever and the fact that Design Caf blends all aspects of home design with tech, is why they have grown and built their large client base across India."

The team is now working to expand its base and presence across different parts of the country.

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How Design Cafe is looking to disrupt the $20B home solutions space with design and tech - YourStory

There can't be many people who would be excited by a for sale sign outside an enormous neglected church. Dean Keyworth and his husband Gavin Hilton saw the decommissioned church and decided it would make the perfect renovation project. They were looking for a second home near the coast and the church was situated in a quiet village, almost as far north as you can go without crossing the border into Scotland. That was 14 years ago and unfortunately things didn't go to plan. Their offer was outbid and Dean and Gavin continued their search.

In 2018, the pair discovered the church was back up for sale again and that it had been barely touched in the interim. 'This time I wasn't going to let it get past me,' says Dean and he set about making plans and finding out what was possible given that the former church was a Grade II-listed building, built in 1821.

It turns out that with flare, creativity and bravery in equal measure quite a lot was possible. And the dramatic results of Dean's church renovation project make it one of the world's best homes.

There's plenty here to inspire anyone who's taking on a major renovation project. However, the building's creative transformation is packed with ideas that would transfer just as well to smaller projects, especially for those looking for kitchen ideasbefore embarking on a refit.

Interior designer Dean Keyworth took on this neglected building, which consisted, he says, of just 'one huge main room with seven-metre-high ceilings, and an old bathroom with a tree growing through the wall'. Dean, who set up Armstrong Keyworth and is a past president of the British Institute of Interior Design, has brought the former church back to life in style, He added his signature colorful vistas and quirky talking points, all the while retaining the essence of the original space and period features.

We've picked our favorite corners of this unusual conversion. Here are some of its most inspiring design elements.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

A kitchen in a choir stall - why not? We're definitely singing its praises! Looking for smart kitchen cabinet ideas? These elegant grey-blue cabinets were handmade by 1909 Kitchens, and Dean added the unusual distressed mirrored splashback. An island breakfast bar was also built into the scheme and a door opens to a Juliet balcony to make the most of the room's elevated position bringing great views and extra natural light. A curtain in Balangan fabric by Manuel Canovas provides an additional splash of colour.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

Dean came up with a palette of burnt orange, green and caramel that he uses throughout the project and that works equally well in the old and new parts of the building. Anyone looking for kitchen color ideas, take note: Dean's mezzanine kitchen is a masterclass in color blocking.

The striking tongue and groove paneling is painted in Craig & Roses Russet to contrast with the units, but to echo the downstairs dining space, while the Robert Langford chairs at the breakfast bar are covered in Scottish leather and Armani Casa fabric in green, in keeping with the palette. A glass balcony was added to the existing mezzanine, but the couple were adamant that the central space would stay as one area. 'I hate it when you see gorgeous stained-glass windows cut in half with floors, says Dean. An expert was called in to restore the windows to their original glory.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

Dean kept the full height of the central living space so that its original features, including the stained-glass windows, were not compromised in any way. The framed mural is Marine Au Soleil Couchant from Papiers de Paris.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

Dividing the property's central space into zones has given each area its own identity, and also helps to create a more intimate, cozy look and feel. Of course, if you're looking for living room ideas, you can't go wrong by grouping your sofas around a fireplace, as Dean has done here. The green footstool is bespoke and Dean bought the antique cupboards on either side of the fireplace from a local auction house. Both the rug and fireplace were online auction buys. The dark wood and Gothic styling of the fire surround make it the perfect choice for a former church.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

Although there's room for friends around the smaller dining table in the mezzanine kitchen, a more formal space like this is just perfect for entertaining a crowd. If you're thinking of dining room ideas or of reconfiguring a dining area, your starting point should be how many diners will you be entertaining, and how often?

This mahogany dining table seats 14 people with ease and was a bargain buy from a local auctioneers. The large mural across the back of the space is India Couleur by Ananbo, and the orange tone has been picked out in the woodwork. The couple brought some antiques with them from London but like to mix in mid-century pieces and buy furniture specially, or in the case of the huge antique bookcase borrow from friends.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

A calm scheme of grays and off-whites ensures the main bedroom is a relaxing retreat essential for any bedroom ideas. The bed headboard is covered in Pierre Freys Reglisse. The table lamp is by Justin Van Breda. In the doorway is a a treasured painting by daughter Georgia, along with modern art made of margarine tubs by Hani Najm.

It's a very restful space now, but Dean found out that his plans to build a whole new floor for the master suite and spare bedroom in the loft initially gave his builder nightmares!

Our builder was great, but to strengthen the floor sufficiently, we needed three steels of 12 metres each,' says Dean. 'He admitted to me later that hed had sleepless nights over that one.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

Sometimes when it comes to pattern it's best to go for it in a big way. Daughter Georgias room features Charlotte Gaisfords prints on the walls (The Countess), and headboard fabric (Tsarina). By tying the busy scheme together with a calm, light green shade for the woodwork it becomes a winning combination

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

Among the great bathroom ideas worth copying from Dean's new loft suite is a 1930s sideboard upcycled to hold double sinks. A metal grid shower screen divides the large walk-in shower.

(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)

The spectacular wallpaper in the downstairs bathroom is Pierre Freys Alleluia, which is based on a Gothic design from 1830 and so ties in with the age of the former church.

It's easy to talk yourself out of choosing a special wallcovering based on its cost, but a little luxury goes a long way and if you find exactly the right bathroom wallpaper, as Dean did here, then it will make a big impact even in the smallest room in the house.

Feature / Stephanie Smith

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9 beautiful design tips worth borrowing from this converted Georgian church - Homes & Gardens

Houseplants have been keeping a lot of us company during the pandemic, and the good news is theres a plant for any home, big or small, well-lit or not.Theres also a virtual jungle of stylish containers in which to show them off.I love incorporating plants into our interior spaces, says designer Mel Bean of Tulsa, Oklahoma, both for the sense of life that they contribute, and for their help in improving indoor air quality. I prefer significantly sized plants in large containers rather than many small pots. It creates a dramatic impact while feeling sculptural rather than cluttered.Beans go-to shop is Bloomscape, which offers a range of simple pots, in muted hues, made of 80% recycled ocean plastic. There are handy wheeled saucers for larger plants, and bamboo stands that adjust to fit the pot.Other great options in planters and stands:IDEAS FOR SMALL SPACESClever shapes, like a smooth-sided planter that can serve as a bookend on a shelf, can solve limited-space issues.Its unique, interesting, and an especially innovative idea for anyone who lives in an apartment or smaller space, Better Homes & Gardens lifestyle editor Jennifer Aldrich wrote recently in the magazine.A sea-green, hand-glazed finish on Holistic Habitats Pita bookend planters gives them an artisanal look. And Urban Outfitters pair of bookend vessels also serves a dual purpose; the terracotta glaze gives them a nice look on a shelf.Miijmoj Design turns a cantilevered oak board into a bookend, and adds a cylinder vase, which can be filled with an air plant or single stem.Pedestal planters literally and figuratively elevate your greenery.Brooklyn, New York-based Tortuga Living has collaborated with Farrah Sit, founder of Light + Ladder studio, on the Platform Vessel collection. The concrete and stone terrazzo bowls and planters in various sizes were inspired by Bauhaus architectures geometric forms, and can be used indoors or out.Chen-Yen Wei and Hung-Ming Chens Story Planter, a series of rising containers, can be paired with their Story Bookshelf so plants and books are showcased together in a vertical stack with a compact footprint.It was not an easy task, though it appears really simple, Hung-Ming says in a studio mission statement. We hope people see it as a quiet, functional sculpture.Or simply use a small tray table, like Smith & Hawkens black steel-framed one with a removable wooden tray top.

CONVERSATION STARTERSMany planters are art pieces themselves. Jonathan Adlers Muse Dora Maar planter was inspired by the French poet, painter and muse to Picasso. A modernist carved face encircles the cement vessel; filling it with a tumble of feathery ferns, or a tall slim tree, would add another dimension to the profile.Midcentury-modern designer Arthur Umanoffs 1961 r attan and steel planter might be a chic addition to a room with a similar aesthetic. And the warm, wavy texture would look wonderful in a contemporary boho-inspired or maximalist-themed space as well.Textured or fluted ceramics, especially in a matte finish, can elevate even the most basic houseplant. Youll find affordable options in Targets Opalhouse and Project 62 collections.At Lightology, Kenneth Cobonpues faceted, oxidized metal Boulders planters bring a masculine, midcentury vibe to the table.Brittany Farinas, principal at Miamis House of One design firm, has been exploring botanical art, like a preserved-moss wall in one recent project.There are endless possibilities when designing with preserved moss, she says.Not only does it bring life and vibrancy to the home, but it acts as a conversational piece.Farinas worked on the moss feature wall with the team at Miamis Plant the Future. The design studio also runs a shop offering wood forms like burled balls or driftwood troughs that can be filled with moss. The gnarled, weathered specimens with tufts of green peeking out of the crannies are natural objets dart.Wall planters are a fun way to play with houseplants. If you have a motley collection, popping them onto a wall can evoke an indoor jungle or conservatory vibe. If you go with a more curated assemblage - say, cacti, succulents or one type of trailing vine youll create an artsy, architectural look.Holistic Habitats Romy wall planter collection features curvy cylinders of white ceramic, melding sculptural art with the greenery you place in them. Then theres the Geo, with a slim circle of copper cradling the clay pot; its a living sconce.SELF-WATERERSSwedish company Wetpot offers a self-watering pot that makes sure you dont over- or underwater. A terracotta planter, available in two sizes for either a couple of smaller plants or, perhaps, a potted fern, sits inside a reservoir of hand-blown glass; fill the reservoir, and plants will take in what they need.Eli Manekin of Loop Living has designed a thoughtful collection of self-watering planters that hang elegantly from the wall or ceiling on wooden rods, knobs or loops.FLEXIBILITYArhaus Miramar pots conjoin a roomy bowl and a tall cylinder, so plants can be transferred from small first home to roomier digs as they grow.A bar cart makes a clever plant table that can be moved around to catch the sun. Ferm Livings slim, powder-coated steel planter box, a bestseller on 2Moderns site, comes in hues like rose, gray and olive; filled with greenery, it could serve as a pretty room divider.Hanging macrame planters have a 70s vibe. Options available online include Hays cool Phanta hanger, in black, green or blue, and made of recycled material.Or make your own. At http://www.kenarry.com youll find instructions for a simple structure that can be adapted to any size pot. At http://www.hellonest.co theres a slightly fancier one, but it still uses just three knots. A video walks you through the process.

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From the Garden: Pots and perches to show off your houseplants in style - pressherald.com

The number of pending contracts for homes in the U.K. was up 7% in January compared to the previous year, according to a Monday report from Rightmove.

In addition, the average listing price of U.K. residences ticked up by 0.5% in January, compared to the previous month, as a shortage of homes for sale continued to drive price growth. New listings dropped 21% last month, compared to 2020, the data showed.

More: London-Based Interior Designer on Creating Luxury Layouts

As well as the current lockdown motivating buyer demand again, the restrictions have also been a factor in limiting new supply, leading to some modest upwards price pressure, Tim Bannister, director of property data at Rightmove, said in the report. These are strong signs that new buyer demand is not facing a cliff-edge after March 31.

That date marks the end of the stamp duty holiday in the U.K. that has saved buyers of homes under 500,000 (US$695,175) from having to pay the levy. For buyers of more expensive homes, the tax break amounts to 15,000 in savings.

It remains to be seen if this momentum will be enough to make up for the removal of the stamp duty savings that are benefitting many buyers and have been adding a sense of urgency to the whole market, Mr. Bannister said.

About 100,000 buyers, or one in five, who agreed to buy a home last summer still have not completed the deal and could lose out on the tax savings, according to the report.

More: London-Based New Development Expert Says Builders Need to Offer More

U.K. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering extending the holiday six weeks, which could mean tax savings on between 120,000 and 160,000 additional transactions, Rightmove said in a separate news release Tuesday.

Sellers who agreed to a sale last year...are now desperately trying to get their deals over the line, Mr. Bannister said. The delays have been a result of the huge number trying to go through, along with the many challenges of the people involved in the process working from home. If there was a six-week extension, it should give the majority of the sales from last year the chance to complete in time.

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U.K. Home Deals Rose 7% in January Year Over Year - Mansion Global

Welcome back from a long holiday weekend that, for many in the U.S., saw startlingly low temperatureswelcome or not, an excuse to sit inside. (Perhaps an apt moment to take a lesson from the cohort of South Korean homebodies vlogging about the simple pleasures theyve cultivated at home.) As the industry returns to desks this week, stay in the know with our weekly roundup of headlines, launches and events, recommended reading, and more.

BUSINESS NEWS

Zillow Group has entered into a $500 million agreement to acquire ShowingTime.com, an online scheduling platform for home showings. With a network of nearly 1 million agents across the U.S., the platform is poised to augment Zillows engagement in new and existing markets.

Monroe, Michiganbased furniture manufacturer La-Z-Boy has announced that Kurt Darrow will retire from his position of president and CEO after more than 40 years of service at the company, reports Furniture Today. Darrow will remain chairman of La-Z-Boys board of directors in a nonexecutive capacity, and former chief financial officer Melinda Whittington will succeed him as CEO.

Louisville, Kentuckybased virtual staging startup Stuccco has announced a $500,000 seed round. The company, founded in 2015, targets homeowners and real estate agents to provide e-designs starting at $499.

As reported by CNBC, despite a 15 percent slump in demand in Q2 of 2020, Danish shipping mogul Maersk just reported a 16 percent year-on-year increase in revenue for Q4, to the tune of $11.3 billion. A striking resurgence of demand came toward the end of last year, as global supply chains recovered from pandemic-related shutdowns earlier in the year, hitting the company with an unprecedented surge in demand, both from a rise in consumer spending and a mass restocking on the part of large retailers.

Cond Nast is refusing to pay its $24 million rent on its 1.2 million square feet at One World Trade Center. According to Business Insider, a statement from Conds owner, Advance Publications Inc., says the company is in discussions about bringing the lease in line with current market conditions and its ongoing needs at One World Trade. In response, Ben Branham, on behalf of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the buildings owner) has said, These companies are entirely capable of satisfying their legal obligations, and the Port Authority has strong rights to enforce full payment.

This week, Best Buy Co. notified store workers that it would be cutting some jobs and reducing hours as the big-box retailer adjusts to a surge in online sales. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company saw a 23 percent rise in sales in the Q3 of 2020, with a large portion of those gains owed to online orders, which nearly tripled in the U.S. in Q4. Best Buy has not yet disclosed the extent of these cuts, but one formerly full-time employee told WSJ that his once 30- to 40-hour work week would now be capped at 28 hours.

LAUNCHES, COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

Television retailers QVC and HSN have announced 63 new home and culinary brands that they will roll out this year as part of their Big Find initiative, which launched in 2019 as a way to promote new entrepreneurs. The group introduced new categories in the 2020 edition, including home decor, home innovation, electronics and culinary.

Hologram Tom Dixon at Stockholm Design WeekCourtesy of Tom Dixon

As part of the launch of his new Cloud collection, British designer Tom Dixon deployed a 24-hour activation at Stockholm Design Week to accompany his line of hand-beaten aluminum vessels, vases and platters. Due to the current restrictions, Dixon was unable to travel, so he turned up in a hologram.

HGTV star and interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn is launching a new television series, Mind for Design, where he will navigate projects across a spectrum of budgets and scopes. The show will find a home at the forthcoming Magnolia Network by Chip and Joanna Gaines, with streaming available through Discovery+. Last week, Flynn released a preview of the show by way of YouTubeto view the trailer, click here.

Designer J. Randall Powers has released a collection of window and wallcoverings through Hartmann&Forbes, a six-part line of checks, stripes and classic plaids.

Decorative fabric wholesaler Fabricut has introduced leather into its arsenal, offering a variety of hide sizes in a broad array of colors. Many of the companys furniture options are also available in leather upholstery.

A plate from Fabien Cappellos collection with HemCourtesy of Hem

Global design brand Hem has released the latest piece in its limited-edition decorative accessories collection, curated in partnership with Modern Design Review. In collaboration with Mexico-based French designer Fabien Cappello, the collection is made up of a series of unique glass offcut plates in a bright palette of high-contrast colors.

The NY Luxury Design Fair (formerly known as the Architectural Digest Design Show) has announced the launch of the first annual Editors Choice Awards, which will recognize outstanding products across nearly 20 categories. Submissions will reflect the wide range of products on exhibit, with close to 20 categoriesfrom lighting and kitchen and bath to furnishings and residential interior design. The fair and contest will take place September 9 to 12 at the Javits Center.

The Bay Areabased Good Future Design Alliance has launched a Colorado chapter with dedicated resources to help elevate environmentally sustainable and ethical design practices.

Paint company Behr has announced its 2021 Color of the Year: Canyon Dusk, a warm and dusty blush.

CALENDAR UPDATES

Be Original Americas will host its second annual Virtual Student Design Fellowship from June 2 to 25 for an international group of current university students. The 2020 program saw participation from more than 3,400 students across five continents, and will again be virtual and free of charge.

SHOWROOM REPRESENTATION

Italian appliance manufacturer Fulgor Milano has announced an expanded partnership with Pinnacle Sales Group Inc. for product distribution in the Northeastern U.S., adding to the 20 states where Pinnacle already distributes the brands products.

The Luna counter stool by Taylor ForrestCourtesy of The Beck

Pieces by New Yorkbased furniture designer Taylor Forrest are now available at The Beck, the Hudson Valley showroom and shop owned by interior designer Ana Claudia Schultz.

RECOMMENDED READING

Increasingly, home insurers like Chubb, Pure and AIG Private Client Group are playing a larger role in home repairs, reports The Wall Street Journal. As part of their due diligence, insurance companies are putting their risk-management specialists to work, having them evaluate clients properties and recommend and secure contractors to make upgrades. From installing app-controlled water and temperature sensors to alert homeowners of possible threats, to providing art preservationists who can develop escape plans for valuables, insurance companies are raising the bar for their wealthy clients.

In the late 19th century, France became a locus of Japonisme (the country's interpretation of Japanese aesthetics), which indelibly shaped all modern design henceforth, writes Nancy Hass in T: The New York Times Style Magazine. For more than 40 years, [Japonisme] inspired the furthest reaches of the design world: tea sets by Herms, silver and cloisonn centerpieces by Boucheron ... lacquer dressing screens by the Irish-born, Paris-based architect and designer Eileen Gray, jeweled brooches by Lucien Gaillard, glass by Ren Lalique, and wallpaper designed by the legendary art deco interior designer mile-Jacques Ruhlmann.

In a new series from The Wall Street Journal titled Thats Debatable, the publication tackles a gamut of issues, from scented moisturizers to Color of the Year trend announcements. This week, WSJ takes a look at a growing interior design trend: the double dining room table. Increasingly, for residences that have the space, designers are incorporating two dining tablesthose in favor claim it adds functionality to an underutilized space, while naysayers find the look impersonal, introducing an unnecessary hierarchy to the room.

CUE THE APPLAUSE

The National Kitchen & Bath Association has announced the winners of its 2021 Design + Industry Awards, which recognizes professionals whose work is elevating kitchen and bath design. Best Overall Kitchen was awarded to Chicago-based Summer Thornton; Best Overall Bath went to San Antonio, Texasbased Shea Pumarejo of Younique Designs; and first place for Contemporary Kitchen, Large went to Vancouver-based designer Madeleine Sloback. To view the award ceremony, click here.

Home linens brand Parachute has announced the first recipient of its Home for Dreams mentorship and grant program: Taylor Long, founder and creative director of size-inclusive swimwear brand Nomads Swimwear. The initiative was launched to support Black-owned, product-centric businesses by way of capital and business advisory.

A chandelier from Kalco Lightings award-winning Redding collectionCourtesy of Kalco Lighting

Las Vegasbased brand Kalco Lightings Redding collection has been named to this years 30 Most Innovative Kitchen & Bath Products award, given by Better Homes & Gardens: Beautiful Kitchens & Baths.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

NYCxDesigns The Magazine is now accepting submissions from New Yorkbased creatives. Until March 15, entries will be accepted across the categories of Tools, Collections and Inspirations. To learn more or submit an entry, click here.

In partnership with the New York Knicks, website platform Squarespace has announced its fourth annual Make It Awards, which grant $30,000 to four New Yorkbased entrepreneurs. Nominations will be accepted until March 12. To nominate an entrepreneur, click here.

Homepage image: Wallcovering from the J. Randall Powers collection with Hartmann&Forbes | Courtesy of Hartmann&Forbes

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The Magnolia Network has a new star, Tom Dixon is a hologram, and more - Business of Home

A LIMERICK interior designer is set to take the limelight as a new judge on the RT show Home of the Year.

Suzie McAdam, born and bred in Castletroy, is one of two new judges on RT favourite Home of the Year

After spending her secondary school years studying in the Crescent Comprehensive, Suzie moved to Dublin in 2005 to chase a career in architecture.

However, Suzies natural talent in art and her creative streak, made her turn more towards interior design: I moved away from architecture as I realised I was really drawn to colours and textures and the internals of the building appealed to me more than the building itself.

From there, Suzie has built a successful business in Dublin. Then, in the summer of 2020, she was contacted by RT to take part in this years Home of the Year. She was a bit apprehensive at first as she had just given birth to a baby in the springtime, but the opportunity beckoned her and she couldnt say no: I was a big fan of the show, Ive been watching it for years. I love seeing peoples homes, as it is what I do in a way," she told the Leader.

This years show has homes from all over the country, and Suzie says the standard is impeccably high: "I was really impressed with the level people had gone to. Ireland is not really known for its interior design but I definitely think were packing a punch when it comes to style, influences and creativity.

Suzie says the show had set criteria when it came to judging. The homes had to have a clever design, creativity and functionality. Suzie had to push her own stylistic choices aside and bring a fresh set of eyes to the judging panel. However, the main thing Suzie looked for in the homes was individuality: Homes should reflect who we are and what we love.

Suzie got the chance to travel to Limerick to judge a house for the show and said she welcomed the trip home to see her family.

I really miss Limerick actually, particularly the people. There is a humour in Limerick that is so distinctive. You dont get it anywhere else, not even in Galway or Clare. They have a kind of friendliness that isnt too much, it's got a perfect balance of wit, humour and kindness.

Suzie gave a last piece of advice for budding home decorators in Limerick as well, the most important thing, I think, is to be brave. Interior design is a medium that allows you to make bold and bright choices. You dont need to be afraid of beautiful things. You can make mistakes, you can always repaint something, I think its always better to experiment.

You can catch Suzie on Home of the Year with the first episode airing on RT One television at 8.30pm this Tuesday.

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WATCH: Limerick interior designer joins judging panel on RT's Home of the Year - Limerick Leader

Home Design

The modified Greek Revival farmhouse is the brainchild of architect Zoe McManus and interior designer Holly Gagne.

The minimalist range hood drove the placement and thickness of the cantilevered shelves in the kitchen, which also features zellige tile from Ann Sacks. The mermaid ink drawing is by local artist Paul Timmons. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

The Barretts wouldnt be that family. The one that demolishes a long-standing house on a sleepy street to erect an out-of-character replacement that would make the neighbors groan. Although Renee and Jeff Barrett favor a contemporary aestheticthe empty-nesters raised their three kids in a midcentury-modern home in Concordthey were too sensitive to make that mistake. We like design and wanted to have fun, but the neighborhood couldnt support contemporary, Renee says.

Instead, they hired architect Zoe McManus and interior designer Holly Gagne to conceive an airy interior within a traditional shell. The new dwelling supplanted a tired house just a block from the harbor on Rocky Neck in Gloucester, an area the couple love as much for its proximity to the water as for its funky, art-colony vibe. McManus designed a modified Greek Revival farmhouse with a wraparound porch that adheres closely to the original buildings footprint. It was a three-dimensional chess game, McManus says. Still, she successfully incorporated three bedrooms, a mudroom, and an office into 2,310 square feet.

Sourced from Lindas Barn in Strafford, NH, an Oushak rug provides a neutral pattern in the living area while the abstract painting by local artist Sallie Strand adds a pop of color. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

The offices sliding-glass bran door was a cost-conscious compromise to installing a full wall of glass. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

The result is anything but constrained. The open floor plan flows from the entry, around the central stair, and into the kitchen and living area. They wanted all the rooms to relate to each other and feel as big as possible, McManus says. Even Renees office feels a part of the action thanks to its transparent barn door. The glass provides privacy without isolation and doesnt interrupt the natural light. Overall, the house lives large. Were a tall family and we feel comfortable in every room, Renee says.

The design also makes the most of the seaside locale. Windows catch snippets of water views between surrounding homes without staring at their faades straight on. The kitchens back wall is solid to avoid an eyeful of shingle, while the office and the dining nook are located in windowed corners with less cluttered sightlines. You get the ambiance of Rocky Neck, McManus says. The colors and materials used throughout the home enhance this coastal flavor. The scheme is inspired by the oceans many shades of gray, blue, and green, Renee says. I saw an article recently that said gray is out. Well, it isnt if you look out our windows.

Scalloped wall tiles offer a playful touch in the powder room. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

Taking cues from the organic theme and Jeffs interest in woodworking, the couple chose character-grade, quarter-sawn oak floorboards from a mill in Vermont. Richly stained, rift-sawn oak cabinetry in the kitchen plays off the floors and grounds the space. The dark color provides contrast and depth, but doesnt feel heavy since there arent any uppers, Gagne says, referencing the single stretch of shelving on either side of the minimalist stainless steel hood.

A family trip to Italy during the design process informed the backsplash itself. Renee was inspired by the tactile quality of Italian tiles and marbles, which led to the taupe-y gray, hand-glazed terracotta tiles, Gagne says. Renee confides she initially envisioned much more colorful specimens, but that Gagne gently steered her toward neutrals. I enjoy that tile every day, the homeowner says. The beauty lies in its imperfections.

Gagne went neutral with the cushions on the adjacent banquette, too, so that Renee could showcase her collection of colorful pillows made from global textiles. The team commissioned local woodworker Andy Tolliver to craft the dining table using two slabs of Japanese elm connected by a river of dark blue epoxy. The family eats here and also uses the area for working and hanging out. Pre-COVID, neighbors climbed in to talk and drink wine; it was like the old-fashioned kitchen table, Renee says.

The living area, just beyond the dining nook, is outfitted with a comfy sectional for lounging. The wood stove, a must-have for Jeff, is the focal point. Gagne balanced the off-center stove with the wall-hung television and a cantilevered shelf. It looks so simple and obvious now, but we went through so many permutations, Renee says about the arrangement. A sitting room with a more symmetrical setup that boasts four fuzzy chairs around a rattan table occupies a niche behind the sectional. While theres no wall between the two spaces, the sitting room feels private. Its all about being cozy, Gagne says.

A Phillip Jeffries wallcovering lines the backs of the custom bookshelves in the sitting room. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

In the couples bedroom, woven Roman shades allow privacy from the neighbors and lend a coastal touch. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

Brushed-gold and lacquered-brass fixtures warm the primary bath, which boasts two vanitiespainted Benjamin Moores North Seaby Newbury Cabinetry. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

The vanity in the hall bath, also by Newbury Cabinetry, sports coats of Benjamin Moores Rushing River. They had fun exploring color in the baths, interior designer Holly Gagne says of the homeowners. / Photo by Jared Kuzia

For true privacy, the couple retire to their bedroom upstairs. Gagne designed built-ins for efficiency and combined elegant marble surfaces with splashes of blue in the en suite bath. The punch of color is coastal but not cute, she says. The hall bath follows suit with a vanity painted green.

The family, who sheltered together in their new home last spring, are delighted with it, as are the neighbors. The prior owners daughter stopped by to see the house and loved it, Renee says. Thats a big compliment.

ArchitectZoe McManus

CabinetmakersAndy Tolliver Woodworks; Newbury Cabinetry

ContractorRobert E Cahill Construction

Interior DesignerHolly Gagne Interior Design

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This New Gloucester Home Draws Inspiration from the Colors of the Ocean - Boston magazine