Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

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Casper accused of misleading investors, Amazon gives COVID bonuses and more – Business of Home

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

This week, we celebrated Prideperhaps a little differently than usual, but nonetheless championing the boundless ways that people find connection. And with the holiday weekend on the horizon, BOH wishes you a warm and relaxing July 4th. Until then, stay in the know with our weekly news digest, including business headlines, launches and events, recommended reading and more.

BUSINESS NEWS

Direct-to-consumer mattress company Casper is grappling with some legal trouble: The sleep industrys former unicorn is facing a lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading investors leading up to its February IPO by withholding critical figures on narrowing profit margins. While Casper denies the foul play, theres no denying that investors are disappointed in the returns from the bed-in-a-box disruptor. According to Bloomberg, when the company went public, it closed its first day with a market capitalization that amounted to less than half of the $1.1 billion it was valued at in a private funding round in 2019. Flash forward a few months, and Caspers market value has plummeted to $337.2 million.

On June 29, High Point, North Carolinabased Fine Furniture Design announced that it will close its U.S. offices and distribution operations after more than 18 years of manufacturing, as reported by Furniture Today. The company is known for its two collections with Veranda, as well as its detailed, handcrafted case goods and upholstered furniture. As it winds down operations, the manufacturer will accept orders on stocked inventory while supplies last.

Following a surge of orders during the coronavirus pandemic, Amazon announced that it will pay $500 million in one-time bonuses to employees, front-line workers, delivery drivers and some contractors, reports The Wall Street Journal. Those in part-time positions will receive $250, full-time employees $500, and leaders at Amazon and Whole Foods $1,000.

The Grand Tours flagship retail shop in Palm Beach will close as co-owners Caroline Rafferty and Julie Cummings pivot their focus toward the home goods brands growing e-commerce presence and to-the-trade showroom. The move reflects changing shopping patterns in the pandemic era; since launching the online portion of the business last July, 70 percent of The Grand Tours business has come from online and trade sales.

Hospitality startup Sonder has raised $170 million in a series E round of funding led by Fidelity, Westcap Group and Inovia Capital, reports Forbes. The San Franciscobased company, valued at $1.3 billion, leases and renovates apartments in desirable urban neighborhoods, renting them to customers through Airbnb, Expedia and its own siteand the model seems to have adapted well to the COVID-era collapse. Sonder directed its marketing toward those displaced by the virus, and while some painful cuts were made in the early days of the pandemic, the occupancy rate has returned to its pre-pandemic level of near 80 percent.

Facing a slow recovery from the coronavirus-ravaged retail landscape, Macys is laying off approximately 3,900 corporate staffers. The cuts represent about 3 percent of the companys total workforce (excluding seasonal employees), adding to the 2,000 corporate employees who already lost their jobs in February, reports WSJ.

In a wave of controversial press over Facebooks underwhelming response to hate speech, a number of major brands have pulled millions of advertising dollars from the platform. According to The New York Times, the growing list of boycotters ranges from Ben & Jerrys and Coca-Cola to the Clorox Company and Unilever, but the financial pressure from the pandemic puts smaller companies in a tough spot. As business ramps back up, many will go under if they dont generate sales: Facebook is a double-edged sword. You dont want to support it, but you have to use it in order to reach a large audience, says Jason Dille of ad agency Chemistry. While no major home retailers have pulled their ads yet, the movement spotlights the evolving landscape of ethical consumerism in the age of Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and climate change.

LAUNCHES, COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

Domino is launching a new podcast, Design Time, in which editor in chief and host Jessica Romm Perez sits down with design visionaries to explore the emotional side of design. The first episode will debut on July 2, featuring guest (and Domino cover star) Kelly Wearstler.

Perigold, Wayfairs luxury off-shoot, has onboarded nearly 100 additional design brands of note, trade-focused companies like Visual Comfort, Bernhardt Design and Simon Pearce will now sell through the e-commerce platform.

Pillows from Casa Brancas debut lineCourtesy of Casa Branca

Interior designer Alessandra Branca has launched a new brand, Casa Branca. Infused with healthy doses of color, it features fabrics, table linens, wallpaper, lighting and accessories in patterns inspired by travel and exploration.

Design Miami has launched a new e-commerce platform, Design Miami Shop. In partnership with 52 galleries from around the world, the online marketplace offers more than 800 pieces of 20th- and 21st-century design directly to collectors.

Norwalk, Connecticutbased Diane James Home, known for its luxury faux-floral arrangements and plants, has partnered with Aerin Lauder to pair its high-end botanical creations with vases and cachepots from her home and lifestyle brand, Aerin.

Pieces from Feathers new furniture lineCourtesy of Feather

Feather, known for its hand in disrupting the furniture rental sector, has launched its own home decor collection. With more than 200 pieces of furniture manufactured exclusively for its customers, the private label items join the hundreds of offerings from the sites partner vendors, including West Elm and Leesa. In addition to its in-house collection, the New Yorkbased brand has expanded the categories of rental items, introducing rugs and artwork to its rental platform.

The Venetian decorative lighting manufacturer Studio Italia Design has been rebranded as Lodes, marking a new phase for the company as it commemorates its 70th anniversary.

SHOWROOM REPRESENTATION

Benjamin Moore paints and stains are now available through Ace Hardware stores across the country. Ace is now the only national retailer offering the brands products and color sampling program, which allows for in-home wall testing.

CALENDAR UPDATES

Cersaie, the worlds largest exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings, has announced the cancellation of its 2020 show, which had previously been postponed until November. The next edition will be held in Bologna, Italy, from September 27 to October 1, 2021, accompanied by an immersive digital experience.

Christies auction house has reopened globally and is once again hosting live auctionsfrom Geneva to New York to Paris, events will be taking place beginning in the next few weeks, the soonest of which is a pre-sale exhibition in Hong Kong, opening July 4.

How this Missouri designer’s flat fee frees him up to be creative – Business of Home

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

The 50 States Project is a yearlong series of candid conversations with interior designers we admire, state by state. Today, were chatting with St. Louisbased Jacob Laws, who launched is eponymous firm six years ago, and recently made his first big hirehis partner, Michael Feldman, as the firms COO. He shares how coming from a creative family influenced his career, the way his billing encourages creativity and camaraderie, and how winning a prestigious award brought him exciting new opportunities (and challenges).

Tell me about St. Louishow did you come to start your business there?I am St. Louis born and bred, and my family has been here for generations. But my path to design was this really lovely fairy tale story of me letting out my inner Picasso on my parents walls at age 4. I was young and my parents wanted me to have an outlet for my creativity instead of ruining things, so they enrolled me in art classes at the Saint Louis Art Museum. One of the first classes I remember takingand I was youngwas on architecture in St. Louis.

St. Louis has such a rich history of architecture. You might get this wonderful French-Norman chateau out in the country that was built in the 1930s as a familys country estate, but in the city you have these Second Empire and Italianatestyle townhouses that are just out of this world. The city is so old and spread out and when all of these different areas converge, there is this melting pot of architectural styles that make up not just the metropolitan area, but also the surrounding counties. I was always asking my mother to drive me up and down city streets like Portland Place and Westmoreland Place, wondering what it was like to live in a house that was like a museum. I was that weird kid that didnt want to go outsideId rather talk to my aunt about her new window treatments.

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?I come from a relatively creative family, so they were always very supportive of my creative pursuits. My Uncle Phillip, my moms younger brother, was an amazing architect and interior designer, and I was just in awe of him. Some summers or spring breaks, I would go shadow him in Los Angeles or New York. I was too young to actually work, but I could peek around his life and work. He was always a hero of mine.

Thats amazing. I feel like so many people say, I didnt know this career was possible.Totally. I did, and it was just a normal thing to me. I would have these adult conversations with my friends who were my own age, and they totally didnt get it, so I started to talk to adults about the things that would eventually become my profession. I wanted to talk shop before there even was a shop.

How did you set out to pursue design?I went to college for art with a focus in art history, but it wasnt centered around interior design. During the classes at the art museum [as a kid], I was like, I love this, so this is what Ill start doing and well see where it takes me. After school, I owned a T-shirt company where I did all the designs myself. Then I started working for another firm; when the design director there left, I became their senior designer. I was there for seven years, then went out on my own six years ago.

How did you know it was time?It was just a gut feeling. There was this pivotal momentI was working on a project that was super high-stress, very intense, and it literally put me on Xanax. It was a family that moved to St. Louis from Los Angeles, and they needed everything done within 32 days. That was back when I was like, I can do anything! I dont need to sleep! And I just bit off way more than I could chew. I was doing it all on my own [and there came a] moment when I was like, If Im doing all of the work on my own, I can do this on my ownand under my own scheme, the way I want them done and branded.

I thought about what my life would look like if I told my business partner I was going to go out on my own for about a day and a halfand then I actually did it. I didnt plan on doing it, it just kind of happened. I was like, You know what, I think its time for me. And the next day I went to the bank and opened a business account and just started from there, working out of my house.

A condo renovation for an out-of-town clientCourtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

How did you find those early clients when you started on your own?I had a lot of very loyal clients, and luckily by that point I had been published enough locally that a lot of people knew my name. Honestly, about 90 percent of my business is referral-based. For instance, one of my favorite clients, whose house my architect and I completely dismantled, added to and rebuilta friend was having tea at her house and saw my work (she had seen my clients house before the renovation), and was like, You know, were thinking of doing A, B and C at our house in the city, give me his number. And that turned into what is now a three-and-a-half-year-long project that Im still working on.

Thats amazing.I absolutely adore these clients. Theyre wonderfulvery private, but hysterical. Theres a funny side-note story, if I can go on a tangent. So Ive been imprisoned at home for like three months longer than anybody else because I slipped down the marble front steps of that clients house when they were icy, and I shattered my ankle in three places.

Oh, no!I literally could not get out of bed for a month and a half. My last follow-up appointment with my surgeon was two days before everything started shutting down, so Ive been at home for way longer than the COVID isolation. Needless to say, I am tired of looking at every single wall of my house. I was finally at a project all day yesterday placing accessories and rearranging things that have been delivered during the isolation period, and Im like a kid in a candy store. I dont have to wear a boot on my ankle, so Im just like, Im putting on Guccis and Im getting out of this house! I couldnt wait.

An alluring kitchen in gleaming shades of gray and whiteCourtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

So you started your own firm five years agoand it was just you for the longest time?It was just me.

What did that look like? How are you doing these big projects by yourself?Well, I am a control freak, so thats how I do it by myself. It was never a messy or disorganized operation, because Im a very organized person, but it just was overwhelming. I couldnt see the forest through the treesit became normal for me to have eight balls in the air and to be spreading myself so thin that I didnt even realize how stressed I was.

Last summer, I officially brought on my boyfriend, Michael, as the COO of Jacob Laws Interior Design. The firm was at such critical mass, workload-wise, that I either had to redevelop my operations or stay like a mom-and-pop shop and be OK with that. Its been a transitionIve had to let go a little bit and delegate, and thats been hard. Even if its something that I dont know how to do, like back-end operational stuff, and even things that I dont want to do, Ive had that do-it-yourself mentality for so long that its just kind of embedded in me.

So its just the two of you?Ive had interns and assistants [as needed], but my first real hire is my second-in-command, who is Michael.

Laws helps clients who arent already collectors discover what art resonates with them. The artists proof photograph by Michael Eastman was the starting point for this great-room renovation.Courtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

What made him the right person for the job, and how did you decide to jump into business together?Michael and I started dating the summer I started my firm, so he saw it grow from its infancy. He was there for it. He went to Emory and worked for mortgage companies in Atlanta for 16 years before coming back to St. Louis, because hes from here too. So he could see from an outsiders perspectiveand as someone who knew how things should be run from a professional standpointhow things were not working. For the longest time, I was like What do you mean? Ive got this! But he could see the stress and the toll it was taking privately.

How do you divide up the work now?Im doing exactly what I was born to do. Im the creative. I design and source everything, and Michael [handles] back-end operations. It works welland is something that maybe should have been done a long time ago.

If you have a new client, for example, do you take that meeting together? Or are you still spearheading that part of the business as well, like the onboarding?Weve been taking those meetings together so that Michael can learn that end of the business. To me, the first meeting with a client is kind of like a first date. Some clients arent good for me, and Im not good for some clients. Of course I would like to say yes to every project, but at this pointand Im lucky in this regardif it isnt going to be creatively fulfilling for me, I probably wont take it, because Im working on projects right now that are so special and that [do bring me] real happiness. It just isnt worth the extra stress to cram something else in there [that wont be meaningful].

A chic master bathCourtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

A condo kitchen with lustrous finishesCourtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

Left: A chic master bath Courtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design | Right: A condo kitchen with lustrous finishes Courtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

How do you decide what to say yes to, or what you have the bandwidth for, or whats going to be the right fit?Intuition? I know that its not a one-size-fits-all thing for designersand believe me, five years ago I would say yes to everything. Id be like, OK, you have a $10,000 budget and a 10,000-square-foot house? Ill do it! Thats an exaggeration, but I really would try to figure out a way to make it happen. Its trial and error, and again, Ive had really loyal clients and a lot of my business is referral-based, so in the beginning, before we even really meet clients, they know what theyre going to get with me.

And what do they get? What is working with you like, and what is the process that you go through with your clients?I think I make it fun for them. I like to educate my clients along the wayto give them the opportunity to know what theyre choosing, why Im selecting things, and why the pieces that Im selecting are important to the overall feeling and design.

I would imagine theres a lot of storytelling you have to do to make that work. Totally! One of the things I love about our industry is that what Im doing is essentially creating a story within a space. Thats how I perceive design: telling a story and creating an atmosphere. I think that its my responsibility to take my clients on this ride and let them see what the end results are going to look likeor at least have an idea of what theyve gotten themselves into, in their minds eye.

How big are your current projects, and whats the scope of work youre typically taking on?Most of the homes Im doing right now are pretty substantial. Like I said, St. Louis is an old city with amazing turn-of-the-century architecture, and those houses are quite largeanywhere from 8,000 to 11,000 square feet. And then two other projects are about 5,000 or 5,500 square feet.

Thats not to say I wouldnt work on anything smaller, because design kind of transcends space. Thats something that I am always trying to promote: It doesnt have to be a huge, expansive space to lend itself to a project or a creative vision. But most of our projects right now are pretty big.

A new development Laws completed last year features a large-scale botanical wallcovering.Courtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

Is most of your work in those historic neighborhoods?I was doing a new-build project in Chicago last year, as well as helping a friend whos still building her house in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Im all over the place these days, which really happened after winning the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in 2018.

How did that come about, and what did that change about your opportunities?It wasnt planned at all! St. Louis was once the second-largest garment district in the nation after New York, and the garment and fashion industry created a lot of jobs in the Midwest. Im on the board of directors of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, which works to create jobs here againweve already opened two factories ... for knitwear, which is awesome. And because of the designers that the fashion incubator here supports, two of our first class of designers were both up for FGI awards in 2017, so I went to New York for the awards ceremony at Cipriani and was just blown away by the other designershousehold-name designersthat were there in support of FGI.

Another Fashion Fund board member is very involved in FGI here in St. Louis, and when it came around in 2018, she told me that she nominated me for the home design and product design category. And I was like, But I dont have a product linewhat do you mean? So I took custom pieces that I had designed myself for several different projects, and those became a capsule collection, so to speak, that was presented to the FGI board in New York. I knew that I was a nominee, so we went [back to New York for the awards ceremony]the whole family packed up and went to the big city. And then I ended up winning!

What was that like?It was just this wonderful moment professionally that pivoted my expectations for what the future could beand what it will be. It made me see things in the far distance as not just a pipe dream, but tangible things that could actually happen, and that were really happening in that moment. It was that right time, right place [experience] when you feel that yes, this is what Im supposed to be doing, this is where I need to be going.

So is that collection in the works?Its still in the wings. I started taking meetings [and have mentors] pointing me in the right direction as far as what kind of collection to create and how many pieces. But with retail being what it is right now, is there a place for us in the market? And if there is, where is that place? When I started out, I was creating a luxury high-end collection, and we were talking about Bergdorfs or the fifth floor of Bloomingdales in New York. Thats how Kelly Wearstler started her product line, and where I saw myself. But the way things have changed, who knows? Maybe we take a beat, step back and revisit it in two years.

A kitchen renovation for a client Laws calls a breath of fresh air.Courtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

In your design work, how do you approach billing?Thats one thing were working on now. Ive always charged a design fee instead of billing hourly because it was easier that way. It isnt necessarily a set fee, but depending on the scale and the budget of the project, I establish a design fee and then that client basically has direct access to me and my product lines for the duration of the project. I have designer friends who only bill hourly, but to me that seems very complicated; I dont want to have to be timing my conversations with a client and be billing them every time we talk. To me, that makes the relationship and connection that Im building with my clients, who do become friends of mine, seem a little forced or fake. Like, Youre paying me to be your friend so thats the only reason Im listening to you kind of thing. I feel like I have more freedom to create when Im not thinking about billing all the time.

Do you charge markup for the product youre installing as well?Yes, we do charge a markup, which depends on the project, the budget and what vendor were using. We dont use an across-the-board markup.

Do you ever get pushback from clients on how you charge?No, because were really transparentand also, some clients dont want to know. They couldnt be less interested: That is why we hired you; we just want you to do your thing and we dont want to know or need to know. And I get itits like, I didnt tell my surgeon how to fix my ankle. Thats been the mentality and the attitude of most of our clients. Its, This is your game, youre the boss. But if they want to know, Im open with them.

If I say, My fee for this project is $100,000, I cant remember the last time someone was like, Well, Im not going to pay that. And if that was the case, I probably wouldnt take the project because that just sets the tone for the entire project. Like, if this client doesnt see my value, then theyll nickel-and-dime things throughout the entire project, it makes things more stressful, and it takes double the time because then youre going to have to go back to reselect, negotiateand sometimes there just isnt room in a markup to negotiate. A price is what it is.

How did you land on your feeand for someone whos looking to make the switch from hourly to a fee, how did you start to map out what the right number was?It depends on the scale of the project, but I know now how much time Ill be investing in a project after the first couple meetings with a client. If it is a total renovation where were gutting the 8,000-square-foot house down to the studs, I know that thats about a year-and-a-half to two-year project. And thats a lot of time out of my life. So its just kind of a matter of setting a standard of what youre worth and what your time is worth

A living space in a 1948 home renovation Laws completed in Ladue, MissouriCourtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

You said you know what the fee should be after the first couple of meetings. When in the process do you bust out a contract and start talking money?Thats easyit just depends on the client. Some want to sign a contract within the first hour that youre meeting with them. They want to get down to business; theyve already decided that they want you to work on the project with them, and theyre all about the bottom line. Other clients want to hang out and shoot the breeze, and like I said, its kind of like a first datetheyre trying to feel you out and youre trying to feel them out, and you just want to see if youre going to vibe.

With the flat fee, do you get stuck when you have indecisive clients?That can be frustrating, because if youre going back and reselecting, youre like, Ugh, I [already] designed this whole project. Luckily, that doesnt happen often.

What are your biggest overhead expensesdo you have an office now that its the two of you?When Michael became COO, he was very opinionated about the fact that I needed a studio. It got to a point where I was working on such large projects that every surface in the house was covered in samples. My beautiful Saarinen table, you couldnt even tell it was there. I had a printer plugged in on the kitchen counter. And for a designer to live that way is a little soul-crushing. Looking back, I dont know why I dragged my feet for so longit really was the fact that I just was not used to changing the way I was doing things or delegating responsibility. It was a matter of me letting go and saying [to Michael], OK, you know better, youre seeing this from another perspective. What do you think I need to do? Now, we have a great studio in the St. Louis design districta converted loft in a former Model T factory, with the old car elevator still in place! Were on the fourth floor and we love it; the space is fantastic and it gets great light.

Has it changed the way you work?Oh, totally. I mean, I love our house again. And it has completely changed the day in, day out. I work out of trays, so Ill have like an old bracelet that I love or a piece that I bought on vacation that Ill be inspired by, and Ill put that in a tray with some fabrics and kind of wrestle with what needs to be edited for a few days. Those trays are sitting around the office, along with stacks of samples or fabrics. Now, theres a designated place for a messa beautiful mess, but a mess. Weve been there for not even a full year, so its still kind of new to me. Its a totally new way of workinga new world.

The home was originally designed by midcentury architect Eugene Mackey for himself and his family.Courtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

You said youre thinking about changing the way you charge. What would that look like? I am the kind of person that wants everything to be in place and right now, but with the restructuring of the business, in order for the firm to grow to where we want it to be, it just isnt all set in stone yet. For one project Im working on right now, weve charged our design fee, but Im also keeping track of my hours so we know which way of charging is more beneficial and more cost-effective, or where we make more money. But Ive found myself forgettingI will fall into a rabbit hole of looking at rugs online or something, and Michaels like, How long did you do that for? And Im like, I dont know, an hour and a half? So it really is hard to changethe way Im researching, even.

I was going to say, would a switch like that change the way you have to work in a lot of ways?For me, I think so. It would change my motivation. Right now, the way I charge with just a flat design fee, it gives me more space creatively to not have to worry, Did I charge enough? Am I being compensated for what Im doing appropriately? Is it worth it to totally change, to reinvent the wheel for myself? What were doing right now is kind of like trying on different hats.

Would you see growing and adding different employees? I would love to add additional employees. It would be great to oversee different designs but also be able to delegate responsibilities so that I have more time for other things. Which is, again, something Im still working on: a nice life-work balance.

When you figure that out, you call me back.I will give you the formula! Im still trying to figure it out myself. When youre somebody like us, so used to working all the timeeven if you dont mean to be working, youre kind of working. Michael and I travel a lot, and we spend the end of every summer on Cape Cod. Even when were walking up and down Commercial Street in Provincetown, Ill bop into some new store and end up shopping for a project.

Another master bathroomCourtesy of Jacob Laws Interior Design

Do you text off-hours with your clients? Are you 24/7 available?I try not to be, but Im really bad at it. So yes, I do text after-hours. That was something that even my therapist was like, Unless its an emergency, I dont take your calls. And Im like, I know, but its different! But how is it different? I try not to be text-happy with a client on the weekends; its just a matter of professionalism. At the same time, thats hard for melike I said, I become friends with my clients, and Im not charging them to be their friend. The lines become blurred as far as the whole texting thing, especially because clients will have ideas at 8 p.m. on a Sundayand I will too! But I will also screenshot something so that I remember to come back to it on Monday.

What keeps you inspired right now? What is something in the design space that youre most excited about?Going anywhere. I kid you not. History, art, architecture and travel are the things for meits a driving force behind my creativity. Not being able to travel right now, I have 100 percent felt a difference in my soul.

To learn more about Jacob Laws, visit his website or find him on Instagram.

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How this Missouri designer's flat fee frees him up to be creative - Business of Home

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Moorish Revival lamps, cast iron bank, lithograph: What are they worth? – oregonlive.com

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

In the antiques and collectibles trade, the most common answer to the question of any objects monetary value is What a willing buyer and a willing seller agree on. Condition, age, quality and rarity all come into play in that answer, but the market is the final decider.

This month, a pair of Moorish Revival lamps and an antique coin bank will likely find eager buyers. The Japanese cloisonn vase is also collectible, though its damaged condition makes it less appealing. The stoneware pitcher and lithograph, while attractive, are perhaps more valuable as family keepsakes.

The snakes, birds and perhaps dragons in the design of your lamp are unusual and very appealing to collectors of objects in this style.Courtesy of the collector

Q. I inherited these two floor lamps from my father, who lived in New York City. They are 6 feet, 3 inches tall with 11-inch square bases. Some of their wiring has been re-done, and Ive attached a photo of the original plugs and bulb containers that were removed.

S.M., Seattle

A. Your pair of floor lamps appear to be American, in the Moorish, or Oriental Revival, style, and probably date to around 1920. The style was popular in the early mid-19th century and then again in the early 20th century, and reflected a Western fascination with Middle Eastern and Far Eastern design elements. The snakes, birds and perhaps dragons in the design of your lamp are unusual and very appealing to collectors of objects in this style. At auction, you might see this pair sell for $600-$900, but they might well bring significantly more if avid collectors are bidding. A retail dealer specializing in such items, or perhaps an interior designer, might ask $3,000-$5,000 for such a pair of unusual lamps.

This cast-iron bank was made by the A. C. Williams Company of Cleveland, Ohio.Courtesy of the collector

Q. This is a cast-iron metal bank that my father had since he was a child probably at least 80 years. One of the families his father worked for in Stamford, Texas, gave this to him. I dont see any identifying marks on it and it weighs about 14 ounces. Its about 5 1/2 inches long and 3 1/5 inches tall. The only other one Ive ever seen is in a museum display in Dodge City, Kansas, at the Boot Hill museum. I hope you can give me a bit of insight into this treasured piece.

E.M., Lake Oswego

A. Your cast-iron bank was made by the A. C. Williams Company of Cleveland, Ohio. This company made cast-iron toys and banks as part of their wares from 1905 until about 1938. In the 1920s it was the largest cast-iron toy company in the world. Your toy probably dates to 1910-1920. At a toy auction, it might fetch a sale price of $30-$50, though examples have brought significantly more. A dealer specializing in antique toys might ask as much as $100-$150 if it is in the original painted finish.

This pitcher is almost certainly American, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century.Courtesy of the collector

Q. I have had this stoneware pitcher for over 50 years. There are no markings on it, but someone told me it might be a late 19th century item. It is 9 1/2 inches high and 5 1/2 inches across the top opening. Thank you so much for helping out

S.B., Dansville, New York

A. Your pitcher is mold cast stoneware, with an applied handle, in a Bristol glaze, with relief cobalt profile bust decoration of a gentleman and a lady. Bristol glaze was first created in the 19th century in England and produces a smooth white glaze on stoneware. This pitcher is almost certainly American, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. At auction, you might expect a sale of $50-$70. A dealer specializing in American ceramics might ask $100-$150.

Your vase is a Japanese cloisonn vase, from the Mieji era, and probably dates to the first quarter of the 20th century.Courtesy of the collector

Q. This large vase came to me from a family member and I would like to know if it has any value today. It measures 24 inches tall.

L.C., West Linn

A. Your vase is a Japanese cloisonn vase, from the Mieji era, and probably dates to the first quarter of the 20th century. It appears some of the cloisonn is gold stone or tea gold cloisonn, which is made by mixing copper crystals or aventurine glass with the enamel before it is applied. If it were undamaged, it might sell at auction for $300-$500 and carry a retail price tag of $900-$1,200. However, condition is important to collectors; and the damage to the rim and particularly the enamel of this vase could reduce those numbers by half, if not more.

This is not an original painting but a color lithograph of the original painting titled Garden Bouquet, by Mae Bennett-Brown (1887-1973).Courtesy of the collector

Q. We have had this painting for many years and would like to know something about the artist and if it is at all valuable. It measures 20 inches wide and 23 inches deep with the frame and 15 inches wide by 19 inches deep inside the frame. The artist signature is M. Bennett Brown.

C.J., La Pine

A. This is not an original painting but a color lithograph of the original painting titled Garden Bouquet, by Mae Bennett-Brown (1887-1973). This litho was probably published by Henry B. Sandler Co. Inc., of New York City, around 19401942. Born in England, Brown exhibited her work in Derby, Leicester, London and Nottingham, England. She moved to Boston in 1921 and became a member of the North Shore and Rockport Art Associations in Massachusetts. She painted many shore scenes and landscapes, but specialized in bright floral still lifes. At auction, this might sell for $20-$40. A print dealer in a retail shop might ask $100-$150.

About Todays Collectibles

The values discussed for items featured in this column were researched by Portland appraiser Jerry l. Dobesh, ASA, an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers, with a specialty designation in Antiques & Decorative Arts. His services include providing appraisals for estate tax, charitable contribution, insurance scheduling and loss, and equitable distribution needs.

To find an appraiser, contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America. Estimates suggested in this Collectibles column are for general information purposes only and cannot be used as a basis for sale, insurance, or IRS purposes.

To have items considered for inclusion in future columns, please send us your high-quality images, preferably at least 300 dpi, 1Mb in size and in jpeg format. Photos must show each object in its entirety and must be clearly focused and well lighted to show detail. If there are any maker's marks, please include an image of those. Include measurements and information about the condition of the piece.

Send to: carolynpatten@gmail.com

or to: Todays Collectibles/Homes & Gardens The Oregonian 1500 SW First Ave., Suite 400

Portland, OR 97201

Please include your name and town, along with contact information; phone number or email address. Contact information will not be published. The Oregonian will retain usage rights of the photographs for its print, marketing and online media.

Carolyn Patten, carolynpatten@gmail.com

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Moorish Revival lamps, cast iron bank, lithograph: What are they worth? - oregonlive.com

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Home of the Week: An interior designers home, inside and out – The Globe and Mail

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

John Bingham/John Bingham

204 Donlea Dr., Toronto

Asking Price: $2.499-million

Taxes: $9,501.27 (2019)

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Lot Size: 29 feet by 135 feet

Listing Agent: Susan Krever, Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited

The kitchen/dining space has mahogany-stained wood cabinets, a central island dividing the space and a wall of windows with a walkout to the rear yard.

John Bingham/John Bingham

If youre wondering what inspired the design of 204 Donlea Dr., detour around to the back of the house, through the lush garden and explore the potting shed with the bell-shaped roof. This was one of the first new things Dana Mallany and her husband built when they bought the house 28 years ago, long before they undertook an extensive renovation of the former bungalow in 2007.

We loved the potting shed, we wanted the house to relate to that in some way, said Ms. Mallany, and so the cedar shingle cladding that wraps around the houses new second-floor borrows from it. The four-walls coverage of the cedar was intentional for another reason.

I have a lot of trouble with builders houses when its just a faade, and the back and sides are completely forgotten, she said, a quick look up and down Donlea finds newer-build homes that have such inch-deep stone faades and stucco for the rest. It says something about our society that houses even have faades. Of course we want a beautiful front, but we live in the back yard and the back should be as attractive as the front.

The house was designed by architect Mark Franklin, president of Baldwin & Franklin Architects Inc., with extensive input from the couple (Ms. Mallany works as an interior designer). I had a wish list I started with an image file Id collected for 30 plus years. It was about a year-long process, working out the floor plans and the look of the house and sourcing product and so on, before finally getting down to building. Ms. Mallany had been working in commercial interiors such as health care offices and had been developing an aesthetic that would be conducive to healing, she said. Thats how people describe the house when they come in, they say its so calm, it brings in its own healing energy.

Listing agent Susan Krever agrees: I think its the most tasteful and interesting house Ive ever listed.

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There are three bedrooms upstairs, a master suite at the rear of the house and two spare rooms.

John Bingham/John Bingham

For an area that has seen its share of boundary-busting renovations that squeeze every inch of square footage out of a lot, 204 Donlea is surprisingly modest: the two floors above grade are a little less than 2,000 square feet with another 1,000 square feet in the basement (currently a mix of workshop/office and storage and laundry).

We tried to not over-create the space, I believe you can design well without supersizing, Ms.. Mallany said. This house isnt larger than it needs to be, so the quality can be higher.

Down the side of the house is the front door with its rectangular panes of frosted glass that illuminates like a Japanese lantern, said Mrs. Mallany, just inside is another set of windows on the wall opposite that look into the rear garden.

The entryway/foyer is larger than youd expect and sits in the middle of the main floor next to the central staircase with doorways to the living spaces on either side. I wanted the entrance to feel like a room itself, it doesnt feel grand but it has its own function and its not just to pass through. I wanted the stairs to feel wider as well, to be more comfortable in their scale sometimes we eat breakfast in the hall, we sit on the stairs, she said. Whats missing intentionally is a powder room and a closet.

There is no closet because Dana Mallany wants 'to see the cloth of the jackets.'

John Bingham/John Bingham

I didnt see [a powder room] as being so essential, theres not a lot of privacy in powder rooms, and I also didnt want a closet because I wanted to see the cloth of the jackets; I really love textiles, she said. A row of sturdy pegs helps with that display (there is a closet and mudroom just below the staircase in the basement).

To the left the main living room, a 17-foot-by-17-foot room with oak floors and a large wood-burning fireplace and tall windows opening to the front yard.

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To the right is the kitchen/dining space with mahogany stained wooden cabinets, a central island dividing the space, and a wall of windows with a walkout to the rear yard.

The steel-framed industrial windows here are repeated throughout the house in different formats, their rectangular panes of glass also reflects the French-style doors of the potting shed, and they enable some of the most impressive detailing.

I had numerous pictures of that industrial steel window in different settings, and [Mark Franklin] has those very windows in his office, Ms. Mallany said, The sills are deep, that was a decision we made as we went along: I like thick walls, but its still a contemporary space, so I wanted the drywall return to wrap the window with a plain-wall finish. A closer look finds the craftsmanship that allows such deep sills without window-framing trim to cover up any flaws. The simplicity was really important: the frames are black and the black recedes so all you see is the garden.

Breakfast is sometimes eaten in the hall, on the stairs.

John Bingham/John Bingham

In another rebuke to builder basics there are no white ceilings in the house, and the kitchen especially is not white. There are 12 colours throughout the house, it was a horror for the painter who must have thought shell put in two or three. Ms. Mallany said. This kitchen is a kind of kind of a brown eggplant they may appear kind of peach, on the ceiling elephants breath.

Theres an overuse of white, beige and grey, that neutral palate, she said. Its easy, but its a kind of chromophobia. The house is a combo of masculine and feminine and I wanted to bring back colour.

There are three bedrooms upstairs, a master suite on the rear of the house, and two spare rooms (one a very tiny space). None of the rooms are exactly the same, particularly the dormers. The house has a flat roof, so while dormers were not strictly speaking necessary, Ms. Mallany wanted uniqueness.

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Square boxes can be dull, but you dont want to over embellish them. Thats a funny story: when we were constructing it, the site guy was starting to straighten the walls and take out the dormers. I had to call the architect and say wait, wait, put those back.

The industrial frames continue, but now the windows on the front and rear walls have an arch in the transom that adds curvature, which is accented by those extra-deep sills and the inward curving dormer. That arch was really [Franklins], which I thought was brilliant, Ms. Mallany said. Thats why its important to hire an architect, they have the training to scale the eye to properly proportion and scale a house. The deep-set oval windows, which provide visual interest from the street, assist in keeping those rooms from becoming cut-out boxes.

The living room is a 17-foot-by-17-foot room with oak floors and a large wood-burning fireplace.

John Bingham/John Bingham

So much of this house is about avoiding bog-standard approaches: unlike most new-builds that have central air condition and HVAC, this house has flat-pack AC units in the second floor and radiators for heat throughout (a product imported from Britain). The doorknobs, too, have a specific intention.

Its a living finish, it ages as you use it: we have mostly bronzed finished downstairs and a lighter silvery finish white bronzed upstairs, Ms. Mallany said. These touches, she says can be explained in part by works such as Alain de Bottons, Architecture of Happiness, which suggests even something as simple as a doorknob makes a statement about buildings feeling. The product is Rocky Mountain Hardware and it has such a weight, like fine cloth when you know the difference.

Ms. Mallany says they 'live in the back yard, and the back should be as attractive as the front.'

John Bingham/John Bingham

Ms. Krever said the house has been challenging to market because it fits in-between what some buyers expect out of Torontos Leaside neighbourhood. The renovation is more than a decade old, but remains timeless, and while maybe not the house for a family with four children, it might fit another kind of bill.

People who are working through this pandemic are seeing this is a good time that if the right house comes along they are ready to go for it, Ms. Krever said. The clients who were going to downsize [to condos], they are the ones rethinking: Sharing elevators, using shared gyms? People realize more space is going to be necessary.

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Thats what Ms. Mallany wants too, but more space to garden.

Its been tough decision to sell, its been years in the making. My husband retired at the end of May so we dont need to be in the city as much, she said. Wed like to move to a quieter place, we want more land and a new project too.

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Home of the Week: An interior designers home, inside and out - The Globe and Mail

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Home Tour: A Green Apartment With A Fashionista’s Dream Walk-In Wardrobe – Tatler Singapore

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

The living room of an apartment designed around the owner's stylish wardrobe

Mr Shopper Studio designed a sartorially driven apartment that takes cues from the owners stylish threads; the walk-in wardrobe serves as a home office, too

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Most interior designers will tell you that compact city apartments present more of a challenge than sprawling urban projects, even if there are far fewer rooms to makeover. This is because creating a rich aesthetic in a petite space, and finding a balance between form and function, takes real skill. When Mr Shopper Studio was tasked with redoing this two-bedroom apartment in the newly constructed Boutique at Bartley, the firm put one of its most talented designers on the job.

(Related: Home Tour: This Stylish Apartment Combines Pastels With Playful Accents)

Our primary aim was to create a luxurious home for the client, says Sean Hafiz, lead designer on the project. We wanted it to encompass not only her design brief, but also her personality and lifestyle and to make a statement in different areas of the home; we wanted to create a sense of excitement as you enter each part of the house.

The owners main request was to create various ways to display her collection of clothes, bags and accessories throughout her home, while creating an Instagram-worthy effect in various areas of the apartment.

(Related: Tatler How-To: Design A Walk-in Wardrobe That's Decor Goals)

There is a real flair and panache to this dwelling, and a charisma that hits you from the moment you step inside. This is partly due to how the designers have incorporated wallpaper and prints in nearly every room, bringing a playfulness to the otherwise sleek and minimalist interior.

Designers tend to think that darker tones make a space feel smaller, says Sean. But I think that a mix of wallpapers in various dark tones and textures makes it feel a lot cosier. Wallpapers are taboo to most Singaporeans and designers as they are afraid the climate means they wont last long. But with the right treatment and the right kind of material, wallpaper can last years.

(Related: 11 Feature Wall Ideas That Will Instantly Transform The Look Of Your Rooms)

Apartment owners usually have one key gripe: a lack of storage space. But it takes a particularly skilled interior designer to find a way to incorporate cupboards and shelves that do not make a room feel more cramped.

The most difficult room to design was definitely the living area, says Sean. We fashioned the TV console in such a way that the storage areas and the main TV wall are divided by a display shelf. It also helps to separate it from the storage areas. Built-in LED lighting helps to create visual continuity throughout the space and brighten the home.

(Related: How To Improve Your Wellbeing With Good Lighting Design In Your Home)

In an apartment such as this, with unimpeded views across Singapore, the window areas tend to take centre stage to capitalise on the stunning vista. But the team at Mr Shopper Studio wanted to ensure that what was inside the apartment was as memorable as the glittering skyscrapers outside.

In the bedroom, the eye is drawn indoors with contrasting patterns on the bedlinen and accent cushions, a rug imported from the US, and a customised, tropical-themed headboard that takes pride of place in the room. It features wallpaper from Cole & Son and mirrored panels on both sides to create a sense of expansiveness within the room.

(Related: 6 Inspiring Ways To Design Your Bathroom)

The walk-in wardrobe, in particular, is a standout fixture. Sporting a pair of polished, gold-framed glass doors, it was designed to resemble a fashion boutique; a long rug placed in the centre recreates the look of a catwalk. This self-enclosed area also houses a desk so it can function as a home office.

Altogether, the apartment is a beautiful amalgamation of textures and patterns, resulting in a stylish space both the design firm and the owner are proud of.

(Related: 4 Easy Ways To Organise Your Wardrobe At Home)

Led by Ken Lee and Kate Deng, the studio aims to create stunning homes tailored to each owner. It has a team of over a dozen like-minded designers who are driven by their shared passion for interior design; the practice has unveiled amazing makeovers for more than a hundred homes to date.

Mr Shopper Studio33 Ubi Ave 3#05-72 Vertex Tower Amrshopperstudio.com

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Home Tour: A Green Apartment With A Fashionista's Dream Walk-In Wardrobe - Tatler Singapore

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Gaming franchise lights the way to artistic expression – Gulf Today

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

Dubai-based Lebanese interior designer and artist Pierre Abboud.

Nabidad Khan, Features Writer

Dubai-based Lebanese interior designer and artist Pierre Abboud came up with a unique Blizzard Lanterns idea, based on some of the popular characters from the Blizzard franchise. One of the best artists in the Middle East, his work has received a warm welcome and has inspired his fans in the United Arab Emirates.

Pierre Abboud introduced his artistic project Blizzard Lanterns during the Holy month of Ramadan. The art installations featured six exclusive lanterns that represent Blizzard Entertainments blockbuster franchises. Pierres fulfillment always stems from his passion for art and the diversity of medium he uses. These range from sculptures and paintings to installations and interior design.

In an interview with Gulf Today, he talks about his passion and drive to create art.

Here is what he said:

Would you like to share the idea behind the Blizzard Lanterns project?

This project is truly unique. The work of art features six exclusive lanterns that represent six of Blizzard Entertainments key franchises including World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Overwatch, StarCraft, Diablo, and the multi-franchise Heroes of the Storm. Throughout my career as an artist, I took inspiration from many places. I never imagined that gaming would inspire me to create such a cultural crossover. When you look at Blizzard games, you will see that every title has its own identity and magic. Every character has a strong message to deliver. The stories that these titles bring forth really connected with me stories of struggles, finding a place to belong to and doing what is right. Add to that the stunning designs, the deeply built universe, and the lore.... All this inspired me to build a physical bridge to the Middle Eastern culture in the form of lanterns.

Is Blizzard Lanterns your first gaming-inspired project?

Yes, it is my first gaming project, but probably not my last. I enjoyed discovering the wider world of Blizzard characters, learning more about the philosophy of each game, and diving deeper into this imaginary world, yet very real, in its own way.

'Heroes of the storm.'

Tell us something about your passion for art?

I see art in everything I do, in our everyday lives, in creation, in destruction, in happiness and sadness. There is not a moment that I do not think of a new artwork or a project. Art is something that is born in your mind and imagination at first, it then reaches its maturity as you play with it in the planning process. I believe that every creation has its beauty and its purpose, concept. The most important part for me is to see a deeper meaning in what I do. I am very passionate about sustainability, and you can see that by looking at my earlier projects. I worked closely with Masdar City earlier this year on creating the worlds largest mosaic made from recycled materials that made its way into the Guinness World Records. I enjoyed working on this project and it was one of the most rewarding experiences as it supported the sustainability cause, something I find close to my heart. I also enjoy discovering new forms of art and finding my inspiration within new fields, such as gaming.

Have you had formal training in the field? What inspires you?

Different things inspire me. When it comes to different projects and different types of work, I get inspiration that comes with what I do.

In Murals, space becomes my hero, and the painting can radically alter the sensation of spatial proportions creating a three-dimensional and illusionistic feeling.

In Exhibitions & Events, my focus turns around designing innovative, attractive, and functional spaces and installations that appeal to the right target audience and leave the desired impact. In Interior Design, my work revolves around understanding and capturing the psychology, mood, and emotional needs of the client, conceiving an interior that evokes positive feelings and subtle emotional signals. Painting and Sculpting are my ode to love and feelings and a privileged time where I dive into myself and yield to the free expression of what cannot be said in words. In every piece of art, there is a flirt between light and shadow that became a cornerstone and signature of my work.

What kind of material do you use when you make sculptures?

I do not have limitations and I use a mix of different materials when it comes to creating sculptures. For my Blizzard lanterns, I used a mix of metal, wood, glass and plywood.

Would you like to share something about your future projects?

I am always working on something. I am inspired by using recycled material or trash art. I believe there should be no waste out there and everything can be put to better use because there is beauty in everything that surrounds us.

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Gaming franchise lights the way to artistic expression - Gulf Today

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Bolton-based interior designer partners up with Bents Garden Centre – The Bolton News

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

A Bolton-based interior designer has partnered up with one of the North West's biggest garden centres.

Allyson Houghton founded her brand Allumi two and a half years ago, selling candles, wax melts, diffusers and wellbeing products.

Her range is now on sale at Bents Garden Centre at Leigh End, Glazebury, which attracts more than a million visitors each year.

The brand forms a part of her company Ideas Interior.

She was approached by Bents after one of the store's buyers smelt one of Allyson's fragrances in a friend's home.

Allyson said: "She loved it, asked where it was from and then contacted me about having the range on sale in the store.

"It was an absolute dream come true.

"Although lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, my business is mainly online and so I've been kept busy."

All of her handmade products are produced using natural ingredients. During lockdown she even handed out hand-creams to front-line workers.

Allyson said: "When I started out with Allumi, I wanted to create a natural range that could be used safely at home by anyone with allergies and around children and pets.

"I've extended the range over time and am still adding new products.

"I'm proud to say that everything in Allumi is British-made."

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Bolton-based interior designer partners up with Bents Garden Centre - The Bolton News

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Netflix: 10 of the best new shows and films to watch in July – The Irish Times

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

Unsolved Mysteries

July 1stWho else but the producers of Stranger Things would dare drag the 1980s cult-classic series Unsolved Mysteries into the 21st century? With most hit podcasts and documentary shows concentrating on cold case true crime stories, its only right that the genre originator, Unsolved Mysteries makes a comeback. The show featured gruesome crime cases, paranormal happenings and unexplained phenomena. From introducing its viewers to the chupacabras and the skunk ape to more serious matters like disappearances and violent crime, its appeal was that of a sensationalist tabloid.

Crimewatch may have kindly advised its viewers not to have nightmares whereas Unsolved Mysteries positively encouraged them. Sleep-deprived children everywhere were regularly haunted by the image of Robert Stack staring down the lens, unblinking and unwilling to offer a solution or resolution to any of these terrifying ordeals. Its no surprise that this latest iteration will be without a host as it takes on a more modern documentary-style format but the intention of the series remains the same, appealing to armchair sleuths to help solve these outstanding sometimes outlandish cases.

July 1st

From the creators of Queer Eye comes this emotionally driven series that sees couples who have yet to walk down the aisle achieve the weddings of their dreams. Eight couples from different backgrounds and sexual orientation are aided by a trio of wedding experts who help with the planning of the proposal to the actual ceremony itself. In the tradition of Queer Eye, the show is as much about this team of professionals as it is the participants. Interior designer Jeremiah Brent, fashion designer Thai Nguyen and chef Gabriele Bertaccini all showcase their particular talents and involve themselves in the couples stories, becoming invested in their passions and regularly tearing up as they pull off these idiosyncratic celebrations in record time.

It may feature surprise weddings that take place within a week but Say I Do is the antithesis of the frankly demented, heteronormative car-crash that is Dont Tell the Bride. There are no football themed nuptial monstrosities, exorbitant stag parties or tasteless trips on vomit-inducing roller coasters for these couples. Say I Do is a lush, romantic affair shot in a warm, gauzy haze that encourages its viewers to get swept up in the fantasy rather than consider the less than perfect reality.

July 2nd

The thoughts of a ninja-esque crew of avenging nuns roaming around may fill any ex-Catholic school-goer with a certain type of dread but the cartoonish Warrior Nun concerns itself with more metaphysical issues than some errant typos in the missalettes. Adapted from a comic book of the same name, the story revolves around Ava (Alba Baptista) a feisty 19-year-old who is haunted by dreams of her own death. When she wakes up in a morgue with an artifact embedded in her back it looks as though these night terrors have become a reality. This religious McGuffin is a calling card for the Order of the Cruciform Sword, a team of young nuns who fight demons on Earth to prevent it from being submerged into hell.

Ava must learn to juggle her new found responsibilities as part of this group of powerful women with her ordinary life of boyfriends and parties. For all its dramatic bluster, Warrior Nun is Buffy in a new cute habit. These young gun-slinging, razor-toting nuns may prove to be a guise too far for Irish audiences but their highly stylised battles and weaponised antics should appeal to film fans and Manga devotees alike.

July 8th

This illuminating documentary charts the life and career of flamboyant Puerto Rican astrologer and sometime actorWalter Mercado. Mercado was no twee wooly jumper Russell Grant type; the Liberace of fortune-telling wore a giant bouffant hairdo to match his elaborate garments and extravagant jewels. A true phenomenon, he wowed his audience, reaching over 120 million Latinx viewers who regularly tuned into his readings. With guest appearances from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eugenio Derbez, the documentary seeks to understand Mercados unique appeal, how a gender non-conforming, spiritualist became a permanent fixture on daytime television. With his daily affirmations and inspirational messages he evolved into something more important than just an astrologer, with his concentration on love and positivity, he became a symbol of inclusivity and acceptance within Latin America.

July 10th

The Old Guard is the latest Netflix action movie attempting to capture the streaming success of surprise hit Extraction. Starring Charlize Theron, its a superhero yarn that centres on a warrior Andy (Theron) who is the head of a secret mob of immortal mercenaries who have been covertly protecting the mortal world for centuries. When their abilities are accidentally exposed during an emergency mission, Andy must eradicate those who wish to control, replicate or capitalise on their powers.

July 17th

With The Witcher on hiatus and Game of Thrones becoming a distant memory, Cursed is the newest epic desperate to acquire a slice of the lucrative fantasy fandom. A twist on the Arthurian legend adapted from Frank Millers novel, it tells the story of Nimue played by Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why) a young sorceress who is sent on a quest by her dying mother to deliver an ancient sword to its rightful owner. She teams up with a teenage mercenary named Arthur (Devon Terrell) and together they attempt to locate Merlin and reunite him with Excalibur. In this re-imagining of the myth, it is Nimue who learns to wield this magical sword in the face of invading forces who have destroyed her village and to protect her from the ominous intentions of King Uther Pendragon, Arthurs father.

July 21stBack for a new culinary adventure, this season Street Food is heading to Latin America where it will explore the cuisine of six countries including Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The vibrancy and traditions of the food culture within places like Oaxaca, Salvador and Buenos Aires are delved into as local market stall holders and small restaurateurs explain the history and heritage behind their best known dishes. Created by the team behind the wildly successful Chefs Table series, Street Food is a passionate, authentic look at how food is the common language that binds communities, the moveable feast that is passed down through generations.

July 22ndNamed after the crudely Xeroxed pamphlets that warned about the dangers of New York which were pushed into tourists hands in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Fear City is a docu-series about the hold that organised crime had over Manhattan at this time. Its a look at how craven and corrupt the city had become during the 1970s that led to abject poverty for most of its citizens and the arduous task the FBI had of dismantling the five mafia empires who were at the height of their powers during the 1980s.

July 24thThis sequel to the hit teen rom-com sees Noah (Jacob Elordi) and Elle (Joey King) trying out a long distance relationship as Noah heads off to Harvard. Its decision time for the couple as Elle grows close to a new classmate and is distracted by her dreams of going to college with her best friend, Lee as Noah quickly adapts to the freedoms of college life including his budding friendship with the seemingly perfect Chloe. With the original film becoming a sleeper success, due to its almost genteel storytelling, the off-screen romance of its leads and its cross generational appeal (John Hughes muse Molly Ringwald appears as Noahs mother) Netflix will be hoping that its audience is ready to pucker up once more.

July 31st

Season one of this comic-book caper was a runaway success with 45 million viewers streaming the story making it second to Stranger Things as Netflix most watched original series. Created by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance and Gabriel B, The Umbrella Academy is an ambitious dark dramedy that revolves around a dysfunctional family of adopted super-hero misfits who reunite to solve the mystery of their fathers death. Its all star cast, which includes Love/Hates Robert Sheehan and Junos Ellen Page, will return as the Hargreeves siblings endeavour to reunite with each other and figure out the cause of the disruption that gave season one its shocking cliffhanger finale.

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Netflix: 10 of the best new shows and films to watch in July - The Irish Times

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How Interior Decorator Desiree Busnelli’s association with B&B Italia prepared her to launch JECHIJO Bespoke Design – International Business Times,…

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

If there is one lesson that most legendary entrepreneurs share, it is to "Pursue your dreams, relentlessly." Your success depends on what you do every day, consistently, and not what you do sometimes. Luxury interior decorator, Desiree Busnelli's journey is a close resonation to this lesson.

From being a nurse to a luxury lifestyle, and decor consultant, Desiree's eye for fine luxury and design never left sight. Here's a sneak peek into her journey from traveling around the world for collaborations with renowned designers, and to launching her own company.

Doing what she loves

It certainly was a pursuit of happiness for Desiree Busnelli, as she overcame one challenge after another, but never gave up. Busnelli battled a life-changing stomach surgery in 2007, which left her in a body cast for over four months. Determined to be resilient, she made this a turning point in her life and chose to pursue her dreams of becoming a luxury consultant finally.

As she dived into designing, Desiree already had experience in real estate and knew that this would help her progress. "As children, we were five girls, and I was the oldest daughter. As I grew, I was fascinated with exquisite things. My grandma, Kathleen Leavitt, who also was an interior designer, would take me along to her showroom in Bellevue, Washington. At just ten years old, I was awestruck with the luxury street of dreams, and simple things like elegant, modern bathroom setups. This interest to explore opulence stayed and grew as I traveled more and developed a worldly sense of culture."

Never, say never

If being an entrepreneur is tough, being a woman entrepreneur is double the challenge. Being a 'stay at home mom,' and juggling responsibilities, Desiree made sure to embrace all the roles before her. Working alongside the elite CEO, Emanuele Busnelli, and his team of B&B Italia over the last decade, Desiree was able to nourish her passion for fine aesthetics and charming decor. "After years of persistence, I developed the expertise required for chic and contemporary designing. I strongly believe that nothing happens overnight, and it takes eight to ten years of hard work if you are aiming at becoming the best."

B&B Italia went over to design sophisticated hotels around the world. And soon, Busnelli independently founded the JECHIJO Bespoke Design Company in the suburbs of Milan, Italy.

"If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down and march towards your dreams. It is very important that you enjoy and love what you do every day. I'm a realist, and I constantly ask myself if what I'm doing makes me feel good and if I can do it every day. What keeps me going is to try and make people happy by creating a positive space - either by knocking down dormant walls or by building vibrant new walls.

The world could possibly never get enough of inspiring women like Desiree Busnelli, who have followed their dreams. Despite being a high-end lifestyle consultant, Desiree is rooted and does her best for the community. Through her charitable collaborations with organizations like Miracle Babies, Voss World, and similar, she is a constant source of hope and positivity.

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How Interior Decorator Desiree Busnelli's association with B&B Italia prepared her to launch JECHIJO Bespoke Design - International Business Times,...

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On the move in Wilton: preschool, tile showroom – The Wilton Bulletin

- July 1, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

There is a plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission to convert the former Vallin Galleries on Danbury Road to a tile showroom.

Photo: Jeannette Ross / Hearst Connecticut Media

There is a plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission to convert the former Vallin Galleries on Danbury Road to a tile showroom.

On the move in Wilton: preschool, tile showroom

At its meeting on June 22, the Planning and Zoning Commission opened a public hearing for both the Apple Blossom School and a retail tile store.

The school is seeking to move from its present location at 440 Danbury Road to a building at 416 Danbury Road that it would seek to convert under the adaptive use zoning rules.

Architect Rob Sanders explained that the applicants want an easily accessible location near the current school. At the new site, they would like to establish a one-way loop entrance that makes it easier for parents to drop off their children.

Since the children dont all get dropped off at the same time, because different age groups start at different times, this would not present a traffic issue, he said.

The school offers programs with infants, toddlers, nursery preschool, and mixed-aged kindergarten children. Summer camp at the school will began June 29 and will run until Aug. 21 for children ages 2-7 years old.

As for the building itself, there will be some changes to the exterior that include replacing a window and moving a door.

The applicants are proposing a long-term lease to plant their roots, Sanders said.

There was no public comment and the public hearing will be continued on July 13 to discuss any further details.

A public hearing was also opened for an application submitted by Bruce Darbandi to have a tile retail store at 516 Danbury Road, which is an adaptive reuse of the former antique shop, Vallin Galleries.

The plan is to have a showroom on the main floor and office space on the second level.

One area needing improvement is the lower parking area. The proposal includes a 20-foot-wide paved driveway along with a gravel parking lot to include five parking spaces. There will also be a lamp to provide light to the main building.

As for the design and landscaping for the property, Kate Throckmorton, landscape architect wants to keep it simple and neat.

Before the project can move forward, it will need to be finalized with the Inland Wetlands Commission. The public hearing will be continued on July 13.

New applicants Erskine Associates, LLC at 134 Olmstead Hill Road is seeking to complete a project that will convert an existing free-standing cottage to accessory dwelling unit. There is a scheduled public hearing for this on July 13.

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On the move in Wilton: preschool, tile showroom - The Wilton Bulletin

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