A Retail Wonder
From the digital portfolio of Japanese design firm, Wonder-wall INC, this exquisite retail design has more style and nerve than any American shop I’ve seen. The unique layout of the space offers it’s shoppers an experience with-in an experience. By creating several product display area’s the company has created a map for customers to travel.
The brand, And A, has created this store to delve into the menswear world. One of the key words for the design concept of this store is “decorative”. The entrance is like an introduction to various zoned areas giving the impression as if there are several individual shops within this shop.
The various zones are divided by glass partitions with printed Greek style columns to parlay with the idea of “fake” vs. “real” with decorative Greek columns against the back wall . The color palette base is black and gold. The shelving units are sunken in the wall to frame the products like artwork.
Wonder-wall’s treatment of the space goes against what we in America classically define as retail. The store displays individual items for it’s consumers to droll over and keeps it’s stock in the back in order to give the idea of individuality and promotes customer service and interaction between the customer and the sales associate.
These round tables almost become portals in which the goods are on display. The mirrored shape in the ceiling encloses the space and continues the theme of unique product sales. This theme is also seen along the shelving display wall where product is displayed like art also promoted unique characteristics to what is most likely mass produced apparel.
A key element in the space is this X-form walk way that takes the customer through the space and deposits them in different areas of interest. Wonder-wall has creatively engaged the end user, or customer by almost forcing them through this clear tunnel. By doing this the shopper will see all the product on the floor while being directed there subconsciously.
Because this is a men’s wear store the repetition of the corintian order of columns makes perfect sense as classic greece was ruled by men. The translation from traditional to modern is seemless and lets the interaction in the space become more appriciated.
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February 9, 2010 No Comments
Design Right Now Online Magazine Launching this February!
Launching this February is my new Online Interior Design Magazine that will be featuring work from new talent and cutting edge design in furniture, Interior, Architecture and product design. The main goal of the magazine is to promote emerging design talent which might not have any other outlet for exposure. The first issue of the magazine will cover a great new lighting designer with an eye for modern style, an interior designer whose work reflects more than just Design Right Now but what’s happening in Russia and textiles that will turn any piece of furniture into a show stopper.
These images are previews of content that is in process and are subject to change. Bookmark this page and come back Sunday, January 31st 2010 to see the first full issue of the new Design Right Now Magazine.
January 3, 2010 No Comments
Dining by Design Chicago 2009
Dining in the Dark – Table with heavy black themes made for dramatic spaces and great designs. Clockwise starting on the left: A dark setting with a great ceiling light fixture, Interior Investments by Gensler Chicago and Dining by The Dobbins Group
This years Dining by Design event in Chicago which is held by DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting Aids) was a complete success. Over the coarse of three days we wined and dined while talking shop with design professionals from all over the Chicagoland area. I had the pleasure of working on the Harrington College of Design Table which allowed me to walk the floor at this great industry networking event. The table this year had a very creative edge. I have organized the table by the trends that were most relevant. Thursday night started the event with my favorite evening of Cocktails By Design. This is always the best night of the event because everyone has completed their tables and just want to have fun. I always enjoy this evening because everyone is talkative and fun. Drinks and appetizersare served and the party begins. Thi year I was lucky enough to have friends volunteer at the event and they were alot of fun to party with.
Warm Country – Another popular trend was dining in warm, friendly environments Top Left: The Merchandise Mart Design Center designed by Scott Arthur Yerkey, Sponsor table Gabbiano Winery and crowd favorite from Richar Interiors INC
Dining Under the Stars – This very popular design theme was seen in several dining spaces. Here are a Handful of designs that really spoke to me. Top Left: Patio Dining from Stephanie Wohler Design, This dining space reminds me of the television show Brothers and Sisters on ABC designed by Melissa Edelman and another fun space from Soucie Horner LTD
More Outdoor Dining – left a showcase of artwork from Kathy Taslistz, Top Right: from the minds of RL Home and a modern designer balcony scene from the folks at Vesta Hearth and Home for CS Interiors.
White Light – Visions of white take hold of these visionary spaces. Left: Kohler designed by Susan Fredman Design Group, Le Soupir Amoureux from VOA for Artistic Tile and Gasp! by Harrington College of Design Students.
Top Left: Sponsor table from Elit by Stoli, Leopardo by Interior Architects and Allsteel by Epstein International
November 15, 2009 No Comments
Get Shafted
The adaptation of former miner shaft, Krystyna creates a 7000 sq. m. multi functional community center featuring an glass bottom pool and amazing performance spaces. This reimagined structure is located in Bytom, Poland where you can’t find anything else like it. Designed by architects Przemo Lukasik and Lukasz Zagała with the support of associate architects Rafał Dziedzic, Agnieszka Szewera, Katarzyna Mazurek and Dominika Marek for their client GC Investment.
The color and light that these renderings give off are immaculate. The absolute hues that create real to life shadows from the figures who barely exist in the space. I particularly enjoy this space because the mood it gives off and the chandelier is nice too!
I’m not sure if this is exactly possible but I like it. The Glass bottom pool actually floats in the work out space create a connection between the two. If this is structurally possible I’d love to see it in person.
For more from the minds behind this project check out the Medusa Group Portfolio on Behance.
October 23, 2009 No Comments
A Chicago Pied A Terre by Donna Michelle
The award winning designs which encompass the portfolio of Donna Michelle celebrate timelessness. Each unique design reflects the lifestyle and the thoughtful interpretation of the client’s vision. Every design is rooted in the desire to create an environment that is intimate in personality and considerate in execution. The goal of Donna Michelle is to help each of our clients discover what it means to live well. Donna Michelle Mouw, President, with over twenty successful years of experience, established her award winning firm in August of 1995. (info and photos courtesy of donnamichelle.com)
October 3, 2009 No Comments
Sets from the New Melrose Place
If you haven’t been watching the modern update of the 90’s classic you have been missing out on some great design. The courtyard building has been updated as well as the interiors. The building has more attention to detail and modern additions like a built in bar. Gone is the rusty old charcoal bar-b-que, enter the new high tech gas powered grill. The Spanish architecture has been added to in a good way.
Ella’s PR Firm offices are a stunning world of white and light.
A lunch scene in Downtown L.A.
The use of modern architecture is nothing new to the series but this house makes a great backdrop for the shot.
Classic rounded arches have been popular in the series due to the buildings exterior but this time around the arches are more exagerated and can be found in everything from the doors to the closets. The attention to detail on the new Melrose Place, from the decor to the architecture has really made the show step up a notch. Only thing that seems out of place would have to be the piano in Sydneys place, I don’t remember her banging out any tunes on the original, back stabbing, black mail and treachery? Yes but Mozart not so much.
September 29, 2009 No Comments
Five Top Interiors on Rate My Space
“This condo is in an historic 1902 publishing company’s old offices. (The historic Lippincott Publishing Company) We essentially bought a white empty box of 1900 sq ft and had to do everything from scratch — including bring up the plumbing and electric. We worked with an architect to design the space, but much of it was our own design and ideas. Did all of the decorating myself. And while proud of it, would appreciate some thoughts, help, ideas on how to improve it. I enjoy decorating and design – but its just a fun hobby” – Craig Hamilton Owner
“Urban living space in downtown Philadelphia” – Matt99
“I fell in love with Bali and all its beauty, so I designed my entire beach house with Indonesian elements. From stone and wood carvings to daybeds and sheer canopies, Bali influence is everywhere you look. Since it’s our vacation home, and sticking to the budget was essential, we decided to import a container of teak furniture, marble tile, sinks, doors and art from Bali.” – BoBendana
“Sleek and high style living room.” – ATLANTADON
“A soothing green family great room that accomodates the adult gathering and yet is still kid friendly.” – jacsmom
September 26, 2009 No Comments
The W Hotel – Lakeshore, Chicago
A perfect play on the Fire and Ice concept; the interiors at the W Hotel Lakeshore Drive in Chicago offer it’s guests a unique interior experience. The cool tones in the lobby and lounge areas are well mixed with the contemporary furnishings to create a modern vibe well maintaining a comfortable and friendly environment. The restaurant is the antithesis of bringing hot color and style into a dining atmosphere. The courageous use of color and technology in order to create a column of six foot tall fire is design genious.
September 25, 2009 1 Comment
Unique Fabrics from North of the Border by J. Ennis
While working for a New York City fabric company, James Ennis realized there was a similar need for high quality fabrics in Canada. In 1972 he started J. Ennis Fabrics, a textile company that caters to the Canadian consumer’s needs. 36 years later, J. Ennis Fabrics sits at the forefront of the wholesale textile industry, supplying fabric throughout North America. Although they’ve grown in size, their ideals remain the same. Their continual commitment to providing the highest quality products and services ensures that they exceed expectations, enabling their clients to attain their visions.
September 22, 2009 No Comments
Accustical Tiles from OFFECT

Photos and INFO taken from the OFFECCT
Above, Scrunch and Below, Village Accustical Wall Tiles; These Tiles are designed to be used as lightweight sound absorbers in the upper frequency range (500 Hz and above). These panels help reduce disturbing reflections of environmental sounds such as voices, telephones etc. This Product carries The Swan Eco-Label seal of approval. All parts incorporated in a product have to be approved by the Swan in order for the product to bear the Swan eco-label. The Swan is the official Nordic eco-label, and the logo demonstrates that a product is a good environmental choice.
September 10, 2009 No Comments






























































