KennDavid Designs

11/29/2016

One of the sexiest sofas I've seen. The Grosverner Sofa by David Linley of London.

11/21/2016

daily design beat
by KennDavid Designs

I've not yet been to Marfa TX but have been fascinated and obsessed with this art mecca for years now - well over a decade actually. I think I see a spring road trip on the horizon for me to finally make the pilgrimage to the art mecca and maybe head out to Sante Fe as well. New Mexico is a magical place I haven't visited since the late 80's when I went to school at UNM in Albuquerque. Oh - and the book mentioned in the article needs to go on my Christmas wish list - hint hint Joy Bortle / Mom :)

If everything is bigger in Texas, Marfa is the exception. A new book examines the homes in this art-focused desert city, where less is best.

11/20/2016

daily design beat
by KennDavid Designs

Diane Von Fursteburg expertly captures the mood and motivation of the success of the New York fashion industry. She makes no apologies for NYC's commercial success, claiming after all that people buy what they love which is a great compliment to any designer.

http://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/new-next-new-york/

11/16/2016

daily design beat
by KennDavid Designs

It's going be interesting to see how The Donald manages his domestic and international businesses while running the country. Here is a list / map of his US properties which are quite impressive.

Donald Trump has built his reputation on real estate. Tapping into public records and drawing from estimates of the current value of Trump's assets, here is a factual look at what our future president owns in America.

11/15/2016

daily design beat
by KennDavid Designs

You all know that I love designers who not only think outside the proverbial and overstated "box" but those who push us to re-think the entire landscape that encompasses interior design. Paola Navone is one such artist. As quoted in the article, "It is in Thailand where Navone first encountered one of her favorite words, Tham Ma Da. Thai for “everyday,” it embodies her ability to find beauty in ordinary, often unremarkable, things." Enjoy!

Tham ma da: The Adventurous Interiors of Paola Navone, a new book by Surface magazine’s Spencer Bailey, showcases the Italian designer’s eclectic, vivid work.

11/14/2016

daily design beat
by KennDavid Designs

This is restoration done with respect. To my eye, the minimalism speaks volumes.

Mexico City’s topography spans the remains of a drained lake, several waves of concrete urban sprawl in a valley surrounded by mountains, and the hard black volcanic grounds that lent inspiration to one of the city’s best examples of modern architectur...

11/07/2016

daily design beat for the decorista
Kenneth Rascher and KennDavid Designs

THIS! It reminds me of the work of Christo and Jean Claude but is in fact a tribute to Mexican architect / artist Luis Baragan as imagined by Estudio 3.14. Talk about taking charge of the conversation! Bravo!

Blasphemy turned Barragn, courtesy of a beautiful magenta wash.

10/30/2016

daily design beat for the decorista
by Kenneth Rascher and KennDavid Designs

This article appeared in last weeks NYT T Magazine, which I happened to miss due to being in the hospital. Thrilled to have found it in my in-box because I am a big fan of the heady work created by Junya Watanabe. For a time he was the right hand man to my all time favorite designer Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garcons. She recognized his talent and created his own division unde the auspices of the Comme company. Smart move. He anticipated the olive drab army trend about a decade before other designers took heed. I see many influences in the current Spring / Summer 2017 collection but they are all translated into a voice that is decidedly his own. Enjoy!

The designer rips apart and reconstructs fashion with obsessive intellect. In a rare interview, he illuminates the ideas behind his radical clothing.

10/29/2016

daily design beat for the decorista
by Kenneth Rascher and KennDavid Designs

It's been a minute since I've posted as part of my "design a day" focus. Feels good to be back and sharing, what I consider to be (in my humble opinion), interesting design related articles. This one really caught my attention because I love how artist Dana Barnes has taken her fashion knowledge into a whole new direction working with textiles as art. I'm in love with her rope/knot sculptures. I mean who couldn't find inspiration working in such a magnificent space?
On another note, thank you to all who have "liked" my page - I'm nearing 300 (would love to get it to 500!) and would appreciate if you would share, "like" and tell me what you think about the articles I post.

On Forsyth Street, Dana Barnes and her team of artisans create vivid, knotty textiles next to stone walls that once housed thousands-year-old rituals.

09/12/2016

daily design beat by Kenneth Rascher and KennDavid Designs

Fusing together functionality and good design is a challenge all of us face, interior designers included. My thoughts are moving towards a dual purpose sofa in my main use living space. I need something comfortable to lie down on and watch TV with a blanket and hot tea on the nearby table. The weather is after all turning towards evening spent inside cocooning in my sanctuary. But from a design point of view my room is equally about the marriage of style and function. And while my budget would currently love to stay in the Idea category I'm thinking an entry level West Elm Shelter Sleeper sofa might give me the versatility to dress up or down in a relaxed manner. I've used the brand before but haven't in several years so my quality concerns stem from my many year working with top end producers. Any thoughts design afficionado's? Corey Damen Jenkins does your new line only come in leather or with COM / fabric options? I love your aesthetic! Cheers all and thanks!

I've slept on a lot of sofa beds and sleeper sofas in my day. You really can get a good night's sleep and have a stylish sofa. Here are our top picks.

08/31/2016

daily design beat by Kenneth Rascher and KennDavid Designs

I'm a firm believer that spaces should incorporate both new and old seamlessly into a coherent whole. Re-upholstery can transform an existing frame into a brand new treasure that is also environmentally conscious. The other secret to a room that makes one feel at home and relaxed is a high / low mix inclusive of both personal and curated treasures. Treasures stand out when pared against less significant "stand out" pieces. Barbara Barry gave me two wonderful design tid-bits early in my career; give the eye a place to rest and always have a point of view! That I have in spades. What are your go-to spots for antiques and vintage?

Decorating / August 30, 2016 Six Online Sources for Antiques and Vintage Big Daddy is one of our favorite sources when shopping in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Bonus — they also have an extensive online inventory for those located elsewhere. Big Daddy offers a wide range of antiques and…

08/29/2016

daily design beat by Kenneth Rascher and KennDavid Designs

Today marks the first day of school at the newly rebuilt Sandy Hook Elementary School. This project should serve as the standard bearer for how we use thoughtful architecture to create centers of education that allow our youth to excel. In my dreams I see a day when American schools are given the same resources we give to our stadiums and concert halls and that teachers and educators are given the same status as athletes and rock stars. A return to a time in our history when communities took pride in their schools and libraries as the bedrock of the our democracy. Enjoy this lovely article which demonstrations how, together, we can do better. Every neighborhood deserves and elementary school like Sandy Hook.

The first students will pass through the doors of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School on August 29.