From The Detroit News:
Hope you can join me at the event.
Table Tops Luncheon
Come Experience exquisite Table Tops designs by Metro Detroit’s Tops Designers. This event will feature an exquisite display of over 30 premiere table top designs with guest speaker, Mariette Himes Gomez, an internationally acclaimed designer.
when: Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
ticket prices: Friend: $75/person, Combination Patron Party and Luncheon ticket: $175/person
where: Pine Lake Country Club
3300 Pine Lake Road
West Bloomfield Township, MI 48324
why: To benefit the many programs of Variety that improve and enhance the lives of children in need in our community.
rsvp: Contact Variety office by phone at 248.258.5511 or e-mail at
who: Metro Detroit’s top designers will showcase exquisite Table Top Designs. The event will feature guest speaker Mariette Himes Gomez, internationally acclaimed designer.
Tickets include food, beverages, lecture & valet parking
I was recently invited by the RJ Thomas showroom at the Michigan Design Center to participate in the March Madness event. Twelve designers in six showrooms went head-to-head to create their own interpretations of a theme starting with three similar basic furnishings.
The Apple of Our “I”
A relaxed and inviting family room designed for today’s modern family that borrows inspiration from the world of computer technology.
The room setting is a family room. The Webster definition of “family room”, shortly after WWII, “is a space designed to be a place where family and guests gather for group recreation like talking, reading and watching TV”. All of those tasks can be done today, but have expanded with the help of computer devices. Now, we can watch a movie, talk and skype Aunt Betsy in Denmark, research a term paper, write a speech, read a book, all while playing a friendly game of angry birds together.
Todays modern family has iPads, iPods, iPhones, and a few I don’t knows. Sure TVs are still around, but the “I”can double as that function.
The function, as well as, the color scheme of these devices influenced this family room. Inspiration from these devices is reflected in the color scheme of gray, silver, and white. The texture of the silver beaded curtain and chandelier mimics the metal textures of the computer components. Also, the featured etagere becomes a calming art piece with the repeating of the white wooden spools. This piece would also, be great to display a book collection or other collected pieces of the family. The featured chair is softend with a yellow, green chenille throw.
Relaxed wood finishes warm the space, while the comfy sofa is accented with punches of color, in yellow and of course, green Apple.. Photos of today’s modern family accent the tables, along with the featured crystal lamp.
Lastly, a family room would not be a farmily room without a fireplace. The fireplace was built on site in a white gloss finish. Since, we could not install a gas line or a chimney, metal zinc sculptures emulate a fire. The fireplace is an architectural focal point in the space, which brings a family together to reflect on the days events.
The family room is not just a family room, but is quickly becoming the everything and everyone room.
Photo by Beth Singer Photography
Past meets Present. The “new vintage” space borrows from the timeless designs of Art Deco, Beaux Arts, Danish Modern, and Jean-Michel Frank.A mixture of antiques, recycled, locally produced art and new pieces, along with expressions of history in Detroit, make this a sophisticated, warm and relaxing space.
The space was challenging due to the angled walls and the size (13x7x13x5) of the room. Inspiration began with the antique salvaged apartment doors that were installed as the room divider between the angled walls. The doors also, became an art piece with the room numbers, locks, and replaced round, glass tiles for the transom, adding to this focal point. The goal then was to incorporate antiques, and local art from Michigan to add those “green elements”.
The Venetian hand painted walls highlight the photography of Detroit’s abandoned Central Train Depot (architectural detail photo), and the abandoned Lee Plaza Hotel (with the damaged piano), still depict beauty thru the decay. A bronze figure sculpture, and an organic shell-like glass bowl were created by local artists, which welcome the feeling of “life” to the space. An Art Deco antique console table reflects the warmth of wood, while highlighting the crystal sparkle of the light fixtures and mirror. The finishing touches of an antique camera and microphone encourage the conversation of photography and music, but also evoke a sculptural artistic feel.
Keith Emmerich Photography
