Gus Modern Furniture Sale

For immediate release January 12, 2009


GUS* MODERN LAUNCHES CONSUMER PROMOTION TO SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD
BANKS


Gus* Design Group Inc. (www.gusmodern.com), a seven year old Toronto-based home
furnishings manufacturer, today announced the launch of its “Keep On Giving!” promotion,
which will offer North American consumers a discount on modern furniture when they donate to
local food banks.

From January 15 to February 15, consumers that bring 3 non-perishable food items into a
participating Gus* retailer will receive 15% off the regular price on Gus* Modern Essentials
upholstery, dining, storage, lighting, and accessories. Collected food will be distributed by
Bobby Berk Home and donated to Food Bank For New York City.
The Gus* Modern furniture collection is characterized by clean-lined upholstery and functional
dining, lighting, and accent pieces, all inspired by mid-century classics. The promotion will
apply to all pieces in the Essentials line, (which consists of in-stock furniture in a variety of finish
options) including the new Jane Bi-Sectional and the faux-bois Timber Table,

“We wanted to do something more meaningful than a typical post-holiday sale”, said Gus* co-
founder Amanda Schuler. “This promotion gives consumers an opportunity to get a price break
on that beautiful new sofa, and help their community at the same time.”

Gus Modern Furniture is available in New York City at Bobby Berk Home 59 Crosby Street New
York, NY 10012 646-233-3438 www.bobbyberkhome.com

Customer Relaxation and Meditation at Bobby Berk Home

Customers can't get enough of the new Organic SeaCell Emotion Mattress from Magniflex Italy. This mattress features memory foam made from Aloe Vera and caster oil and covered in an organic removable cover made from Sea Algae. (Alexandra Thompson, world famous photographer is shown here in our Soho Showroom relaxing on her favorite mattress.)

Julian Lesser

THINK TANK | Julian Lesser
07Oct08

words and photography by Christopher de la Torre

Julian Lesser wants to be interesting and compelling. Revealing but not too revealing. He wants for his work to be worth something. But not just in a ledger. This Astoria-based artist has a gift. He’s modest but not shy when it comes to his art. His acclaimed collection, “Future Gardens and Other Destinations” recently opened in Upstate New York. Some of the same work will be descending on SoHo in

December. He’s no stranger to experimentation. He likes a good challenge. He thinks of New York as home. But to Lesser, life is fragmented. To Lesser, we are all ripped apart inside by ideas and emotions. And when the Molecule recently asked the young painter to bring us in a little bit closer to his art, we found a bit more in the process.

UM: What was a typical “day in the life” at the Lesser homestead growing up?

JL: Good question. It changed from day to day. Things would be normal for some time and then they’d completely get out of hand. When it was normal it was nice. Our family was very safe, very loving. We enjoyed cooking together, traveling and learning together. My mom is an artist as well. When I was a boy I would spend time drawing and painting in her studio. She always encouraged my creativity. Like I said, the good times were good. And then there were the bad times. Difficult. Stressful. There were times when we were in financial crisis and had to move from where we lived. Times my parents weren’t happily married and my brother and I were forced to weather the storms from the sidelines.

UM: How has living in New York affected your art?

JL: Living in NYC has made me realize that I was meant to make art. I grew up in Westchester and went to school in the Hudson Valley, which has a very vibrant artistic community. I was able to focus on my art in the mountains of New Paltz. Then I moved to NYC after graduating from college. I engaged my art in the city while finding a way to survive. I often wished I could quit everything and just paint, but quickly realized the city wasn’t supportive of my kind.

In a sense I’ve always lived in NYC. We would often come to see family or do other things, so I felt like a New Yorker early on. The city inspires me. Not only my art, but my drive. Every day is inspiring and challenging. Every day is a day to create something new, to strive to be bigger, better, stronger. New York City makes you want to succeed. You can’t be passive in any way. It’s fast and rough, and makes you explore your motives and inspirations and goals, your soul.

UM: More and more creative types are relocating to Astoria. How is it living in Queens as an artist?

JL: There is so much energy, very much like the energy you find in the city. And it’s very close – a quick train ride – so I don’t feel like I’m missing parts of the art community. But being here gives me peace and quiet too. There’s also a sense of community you might not find in Manhattan. It allows me the space I need without worrying about whether or not I can afford to eat. It’s ideal here. I get the space I need to create my work and I’m slightly removed from the social distractions of the city, so I’m not always tempted by sex or partying. Well, I still do get distracted sometimes. I’m not a prude. Besides, some of those city activities are part of my inspiration.

UM: What comes to mind when I say the word “bodies”?

JL: Bodies of water. Bodies of land. Collections. Mass groupings of a particular thing. The human body, which in itself is a massive collection of cells and neurons. Bodies are collections, groupings, families. Bodies…it’s really a huge word that can relate to so many things. It relates to my work, I think. It’s an overview of a larger picture, an umbrella with thousands of layers below it. My work is a final image with thousands of layers, ideas and emotions below it, peeking through and lying underneath. A body of work, bodies of work…it’s a very artful term.

UM: Your work has taken several turns with respect to media. Ink, acrylic, mixed. Is there a clear progression? Introduce us to your personal artistic evolution.

JL: [sighs] I’m an experimenter. I love to try new things. I feel like I’m at a place where it’s working, like I don’t have to experiment with materials as much, but now I can focus more on content. My multimedia work comes from the need to create a history and substance. The textures. The layers. I have a process where I create layers and history first, then work with my content. Painting without exploring is of no interest to me. My paintings are journeys, small adventures. Still life is of no interest to me. I’m more interested in creating a history or finding a problem, then figuring out how to visually resolve them in a painting.

UM: You recently had a successful opening in upstate New York.

JL: The opening was great! The show had 51 pieces in it, my largest show ever. I created the body of work over the course of 3 to 4 months. Friends, family, art buyers and others came. I sold 12 pieces opening night. I hope the show continues to sell. It’s showing through November 2nd. I dedicated the show to my nephew, Nathaniel Lesser, who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at 4 months back in early July. Whenever I got tired I remembered what, who I was working for. He was my motivation.

UM: You have a show coming up in SOHO.

JL: The show is at Bobby Berk Gallery. Bobby and I have been acquaintances for many years. We know a lot of the same people and share many friends. He has always had an interest in my art but didn’t have a space until early this year. It wasn’t until recently that he decided that my work would suit his space. He invited me to show a past collection of my work – it’s actually there now. He loved my new work and thought it would look great in the space. Of course I agreed.

We’ve grown our friendship and developed a business partnership, promoting his space and showing my work. The opening is December 11. The show is called “Escaping Manhattan: Future Gardens and Other Destinations Continued.” It will be some of the work from my most recent exhibition, “Future Gardens and Other Destinations,” as well as additional work I will complete over the next few months. I’m very excited about it.

UM: You were recently almost set on fire.

JL: Yes I was. Two cars in front of my apartment were parked next to a heaping pile of garbage on the curb. The blaze was bright and crackling and woke me up. I’m lucky one of those cars didn’t explode. I sleep naked so I would have really been fucked if fire had come through the window, or if I had to leave my apartment in a hurry. Since then I’ve been sleeping in shorts.

UM: In “Future Gardens” you fuse city structures with organic images.

JL: The collection is about traveling to cities, gardens and other landscapes. It’s about escaping New York and finding more. Of course I can’t leave right now…there’s too much going on. So, I decided to take a trip in my mind, to create my own adventures. While doing that I’ve found time to relax and reflect in my studio, or on the subway, or in Central Park. I made these paintings all over the city.

UM: Many of your human figures appear fractured. How did this style originate?

JL: As most of my work originates, without initial intention. This started with sketches and spills that were uncontrollable. But it felt right. Soon I realized it was a way to show self-reflection. To show all the sides of the people I was portraying. We are all fragmented, scattered, ripped apart inside by what we want versus what we need; what is right and what is wrong; how we feel versus what we think. The fragmented figures represent the daily internal and external struggles each and every one of us goes through as humans.

UM: What’s next?

JL: What’s next? Ha! Make more art. Keep exploring this crazy, overwhelming inspiring world we live in. There is no next except this! This is what I must do: self-explore. Try to figure out the way we all fit together. Do I make a difference? Do any of us make a difference? What’s the point of being here if you aren’t going to contribute in the best, most eager way you know how? We all must do our part to contribute whatever it is we have to offer the world, to make a difference. To inspire each other. To make this existence worth a damn.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

Bobby Berk Home Featured Artist: Julian Lesser

Bobby Berk Home is proud to announce our latest featured artist, Julian Lesser. Julian's work is available for purchase at our SoHo New York City location as well as at www.bobbyberkhome.com.

Note from the Artist:



Purpose:

I paint because I must, because I have to. I want to create beauty and express myself in this world where so much is forgotten and falls by the wayside.

I do my best not to forget or ignore. Painting is record-keeping; it is a cataloging of time. It’s a proof of my effort to live and of time spent. Therefore, my purpose as a painter is one of self-preservation and self-expression, with a desire to create a record of time and change the world.

I want to touch the world. I want to make an impact on the earth. When I was a boy, my vision for change was so grand and overzealous; I set myself up for failure. But now I see that things must happen in small waves. Changing the world means starting with myself. I must begin with one small painting, but still think about filling museums.

Think big, start small… think big, act real.

Gus Modern Furniture now at Bobby Berk Home Soho

Bobby Berk Home and Gus Modern is proud to announce the addition of Gus* Modern Furniture to our New York City locations wide selection of modern furniture, bedding, and accessories. We couldn't be more pleased to be featuring the Gus Modern Carter Sectional, Jane Sofa, and Addison Sofa & Ottoman. Also, the Chunk Dining Collection, Delano Chairs, Return Bench, Pawn Stools, Bishop Table, Euclid Ottoman, Gus Modern Light Boxes, plus many more great furniture designs from Gus Modern.

Bobby Berk Home partners with Ecotots

Ecotots design and manufacture a high-quality, full-line of environmentally friendly, real wood modern furniture and furnishings for kids which assemble quickly and easily without any tools or hardware. Some pieces of our furniture also disassemble for easy storage and transport. All of Ecotots products are made from renewable FSC Certified Smart Wood®, and are available in a variety of eco-friendly, UV finishes.

InmodernTM and EcototsTM are not typical ready-to-assemble furniture for many reasons. First and
foremost they produce all of their furniture from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified,
formaldehyde-free PureBond® wood, (not from particle board made with formaldehyde and
adhered paper or hollow-core veneered methods like most RTA manufacturers). Like all of the
furniture manufactured by The Simple Furniture CompanyTM , their four InmodernTM as well as their two
EcototsTM collections, require no tools to assemble. In addition, every piece in their collections
carries the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ecolabel. The ecolabel ensures the wood has been
independently certified by SmartWood® as meeting the standards set by the Forest Stewardship
Council for environmentally responsible forestry. In addition, no materials or procedures used in the
creation of InmodernTM or EcototsTM furniture interferes with the overall environment or the health of
its inhabitants. And the fact that their entire furniture collection requires no hardware - screws, bolts,
nuts or glue - to assemble allows it to remain truly "green".
Why they're Green:
Certifications/affiliations:
Rainforest Alliance Certified
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified
SFC (Sustainable Furniture Council) founding member
Authorized manufacturer of Columbia Forest Products Purebond® wood
Purdue University School of Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing alliance
Member: 1% for the Planet
Member: GreenAlliance
How They're Green:
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited
100% formaldehyde-free birch plywood
Eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-based stains
UV cured finishes minimize greenhouse gases
No tools or hardware required for assembly
Ships flat to conserve packaging and reduce waste
All materials sourced in North America
Wholly designed and manufactured in USA
Member of the SFC (Sustainable Furniture Council)
Lifetime construction guarantee

Designers Eye Debuts

Designer´s Eye, founded in 1997, is a textile design company with all design and production
in Sweden. You can find our woolen products in upmarket interior decorating shops and designshops all over the world. With a functional approach, we bring color coordinated building system of textiles to the home and office. Our design are contemporary Scandinavian with clean lines and unique patterns. Products range from blankets and pillows to room dividers and table wear in various combinations of color. With an emphasis on quality and design, the collection
is a three-time recipient of the Excellent Swedish Design Award.

While putting your toddler in the middle of the forest is probably not the smartest thing in the world, bringing the forest to their room might just do the trick. The Amenity Nursery Collection has just been released, featuring some lovely nature inspired and environmentally friendly products to green your toddler’s crib.

Nicole Chiala and Kristina de Corpo opened the L.A. based Amenity in 2004 to bring their modern, high quality, nature-inspired designs to the broader market. They just released a series of nursery products for you and your little ones to enjoy, all of them made from organic and sustainably sourced fibers.

Their range includes organic cotton based blankets to keep him warm; hemp-based stretched prints for hanging on the wall; recycled plastic bottle fiber filled pillows for them to play with; crib sheets and skirts, bumper covers all made from natural fibers and water-based dyes. For more details on their products check out Bobby Berk Home. Their products are available now.

Spot On Square Baby at Bobby Berk Home

Modern Pride

Who says contemporary design can't be kid friendly? Sure, it's sleek and spare (read: wonderful), but it also can be whimsical and inviting. Take the classic Eames rocker or the rainbow-hued Nelson ball clock, which seem like they could have been created with children in mind.

Spot on Square's new collection of kids' furniture further proves this theory. The elegant, clean-lined pieces feature playful flared feet and a refreshingly thoughtful construction. The dresser doubles as a changing station; the toddler bed has high sides near the headboard to prevent falls and an open lower half to facilitate tucking in, and so on. The items are also a sound environmental bet: All come in a choice of recycled or reclaimed MDF coated with non-toxic white paint or MDF mixed with natural-colored birch or bamboo.

Surround him with all those good influences and you might just inspire the next Saarinen or Starck.

Eight icons of design have joined forces with Orange22 Design Lab to launch the firm’s Blank Canvas Project. Get these great designs at Bobby Berk Ho

Collaborate, create, and give back...responsible design.
Eight icons of design have joined forces with Orange22 Design Lab to launch the firm’s Blank Canvas Project. All of the super high-profile designers, including Yves Behar, Kamin Rashid, MIlton Glaser and Massimo Vignelli, have created new editions of Orange22’s indoor-outdoor, eco-friendly Botanist furniture. Botanist matches each designers royalty to a foundation or charity of their choice.

“When we began thinking about the Botanist Blank Canvas project two years ago, we knew we wanted to produce more than furniture. Botanist is about entrusting our colleagues – each of whom we admire, to do what they love and give back in the process. Botanist is simply a unique business model that serves as a catalyst to empower design for positive change,” says Dario Antonioni, founder of Orange22.

Creativity empowered for positive change.
Botanist is a winning formula, because while the project has produced breathtaking furniture, it will also effect positive social change. Orange22’s original Botanist line features intricate surface patterns cut with water-jet technology. Each sleek, metal form begins its life as a Blank Canvas.

“We designed the structures to be strong and versatile enough to sustain any pattern we could imagine,” says Antonioni. “Now, the industry’s most celebrated designers will do the dreaming. Consumers are embracing design more and more each year and now with the Blank Canvas program they purchase furniture products with the knowledge that they too will be making a difference.”

2008 Blank Canvas Participants
Yves Behar - Fuse Project, San Francisco

Margo Chase - Chase Design Group, Los Angeles

Milton Glaser - Milton Glaser, Inc., New York

Kahi Lee - Kahi Lee Lifestyle, Los Angeles

Karim Rashid - Karim Rashid, Inc., New York

Joe Ricchio - Ricchio Design, Seal Beach

Massimo & Lella Vignelli - Vignelli Associates, New York

Claude Zellweger - One & Co, San Francisco

New York Spaces Magazine and Bobby Berk Home

Check out this great article in New York Spaces featuring the Gus Modern Organic Resin Baskets.

Q Collection Junior Organic Crib Bedding

Solid Fitted Crib sheets by Q Collection Junior
52"L x 28"D x 8"H

100% organic cotton – certified by Control Union. These solid color fitted crib sheets, made with organic cotton sateen, are a staple of any nursery.



* packaged in its own matching cotton drawstring bag
* fits standard crib mattresses
* available in Cream, Sky, or Wheat
* care - machine wash warm, normal cycle, tumble dry low, do NOT bleach. Wash before use.
* AZO-Free colorants
* elimination of heavy metals in dyes

Talon Duvet cover by DwellStudio

Not for the faint of heart, the bold styling of the Talon Bedding Collection makes a can't-miss statement with the cutting-edge, contemporary flair that has become synonymous with the Dwell Studio company. A fresh manila background hosts a dramatic, Oriental-inspired pattern yarn-dyed in a dark grey Ink.





With the DwellStudio duvet set, you'll receive one Talon duvet and one pair of standard shams with a flanged contrasting border. Additional standard shams are available for purchase separately. Tailored piping on the duvet adds a refined touch. Pair the Talon duvet with DwellStudio Edge Sheets for a thoroughly modern ensemble.





Those with contemporary tastes don't have to sacrifice classic comfort. Our Talon bedding is woven from 100% combed Egyptian cotton with an indulgent 320 thread count. And you can bid adieu to costly dry-cleaning -- easy-care DwellStudio bedding can be machine-washed and -dried for the ultimate in low-maintenance care.





For nearly a decade, the DwellStudio company has been delighting consumers with an eclectic, intriguingly designed collection of home textiles. Whether you're looking for refined table linens or ultra-soft bedding, you'll find the perfect offering to suit your individual tastes. The Talon bedding set is a striking example of DwellStudio's dedication to wholly unique, artfully woven home fabrics.

Bobby Berk Home SoHo Opens

Bobby Berk Home is proud to announce the opening of our SoHo Nyc showroom. Our latest showroom is located at 59 Crosby Street, NY, NY 10012. 646-233-3438.

Magniflex SoyGreen Geo-Ethic Mattress

To create a unique product in harmony with nature and man, we use soy as our principal ingredient, one that is natural and comes from the earth itself. It may be superfluous to explain what soy is, but perhaps not everyone knows the reason for whic h millions of people worldwide use soy as their primary source of protein.

As a fiber,soy is composed of long srands of amino acids, the same amino acids that produce enzymes that are essential for the body's well being.

Our Soygreen covering, treated with microcapsules of soy protein, emits these beneficial properties during sleep for the entire body's benefit.

In addition to its rejuvenating properties, Soygreen is a pleasure for the eyes and to the touch.

Comparable to fine silk, soy fiber is very soft, luminous and lustrous. The internal structure of the Soygreen mattress is Ecogreen. Grooved on both sides of the mattress with deep-set channels, this unique core allows for increased air circulation throughout the mattress, assuring that you sleep in your most comfortable position and in a dry and hygienic environment.

Ecogreen is a natural material infused with essential plant oils known for their anti-rheumatic properties.

Once again, man and nature are together like leaves of the same tree, like cells of the same body, all part of the earth.

Mattress core treated with essential oils:

* Mattress height 10" (25cm)
* Orthopedic Ecogreen core
* Two side construction
* Superior breathability
* Recyclable



Soy fiber ticking:

* Regenerating microcapsules of soy protein
* Amino acid release
* Soft to the touch
* Removable and washable
* Ecological

DwellStudio Alphabet Crib Bedding

Create a letter-perfect nursery with our Alphabet Crib Bedding from Dwell Studio. In a refreshing, contemporary style, this baby bedding set uses décor-friendly, earth-based tones to display the alphabet in a fun, unique way. The large block letters serve as a visual stimulus for baby, helping to promote cognitive development and providing an entertaining diversion.

Woven from 100% combed Egyptian cotton, this luxury nursery bedding sets itself apart from ordinary versions with an unusually sumptuous 320 thread count, ensuring that your little one enjoys the same level of comfort as you. The bedding pieces can be machine-washed and -dried for easy maintenance, retaining their vibrant coloring and softness with multiple washings.

Outfit your nursery with the entire Dwell Studio Alphabet Crib Bedding Set, or select the crib blanket, boudoir pillow, and fitted sheet individually. The individual fitted crib sheet and boudoir pillow feature an oversized alphabet pattern, while the crib skirt and fitted sheet included in the crib set arrive as shown. The padded crib bumper includes decorative ties that attach securely to the crib slats to ensure baby's comfort. Complement the Alphabet baby bedding set with the matching bibs and burp cloth, combining everyday convenience with whimsical style. At bath time, the Alphabet hooded towel keeps baby fashionably warm.

A sister brand of Dwell Studio, Dwellbaby was founded in 2002 with a distinct focus on luxurious, contemporary crib bedding and nursery accessories for today's pampered baby. Dwell believes baby products should be well-designed and aesthetically pleasing, as well as durable and comfortable. These visions are beautifully exemplified in the Alphabet nursery bedding collection.

DwellStudio Chinoiserie Duvet Cover and Shams

* Materials: 100% cotton percale, 320 thread count.
* Cases: 100% linen trim detail.
* Care: Machine-wash warm, rinse cold, tumble-dry low.



Bring a touch of the soothing outdoors into the bedroom with the nature-inspired Chinoiserie Bedding Set from DwellStudio. This avarian masterpiece portrays a variety of birds perched on branches, all depicted in lifelike detail using vivid earth tones. A creamy pearl background rejuvenates any space with a clean, fresh feel. Ideal for outfitting a rustic mountainside cabin or any casual, relaxed space.





To ensure your ultimate comfort, the Chinoiserie bedding collection is woven from only the finest percale cotton with a silky-smooth 320 thread count. The coordinating French-back pillowcases boast a refined linen trim. Decor-friendly colors blend nicely with your existing bedroom decor.





Combining plush luxury with everyday practicality, this easy-care Dwell bedding can be machine-washed in warm water. Rinse with cold water, tumble-dry low, and iron as needed. The Chinoiserie duvet set includes one duvet cover and two standard shams with the matching bird motif. Choose from Full/Queen or King sizes. Round out the Dwell bedding ensemble with individually sold French-back pillowcases, available in Standard or King.





Founded in 1999, DwellStudio prides itself on maintaining rigorous standards of quality and design for their collection of inspired home styles. From luxury bedding to fine table linens, each of Dwell's products reflects the same devotion to premier materials and time-honored craftsmanship, beautifully reflected in the Chinoserie bedding collection.

Soft Blocks by Q Collection Junior

Soft Blocks (Set of three) by Q Collection Junior

100% Organic cotton fabric and fill - certified by Control Union. Stuffed with fluffy organic cotton and machine washable. Do not put stuffed toys in a crib or near an area where an infant may sleep.
* Set of three blocks
* 3", 4.5", and 6" cubes
* made from recycled pieces of solid and patterned bedding - colors and combinations may vary
* care - machine wash warm, normal cycle, tumble dry low, do Not bleach. Wash before use.
* AZO-Free colorants
* elimination of heavy metals in dyes

Q Collection Junior

Q Collection Junior™ is the newest member of the Q Collection® family. And, like most new babies, its arrival was eagerly anticipated. But certain things can't be rushed. Like healthy babies, which is what this story is all about.

You see, since our beginning, Q Collection has been known for creating beautifully designed furniture and textiles that are safe for people, safe for the planet. Creating the same thing for children, especially infants, was unusually challenging. But we're proud to say we now have an entire line of children's furniture and bedding made to the standards you've always known us to maintain. We feel it's been worth the wait, and hope you share in that feeling.

Q Collection Junior's entire line of children's furniture and bedding is made to the toughest environmental standards anywhere. Everything we do is designed to eliminate anything harmful or toxic in the products themselves, or in the way they're made. It is the reason we exist. Truth is, no furniture company does more than Q Collection Junior to protect our children and their planet than we do.

But that's just part of Q Collection Junior's story. We think the look and functionality of our products are just as important as their health and safety. After all, if you are inviting our products into your home, and into your child's room, they should be beautiful, elegant, and whimsical.

And while Q Collection may be known for our furniture, Q Collection Junior goes even farther, with a line of organic baby bedding made to the same exacting standards. Our thinking was simple - why go to such lengths to design a healthy, non-toxic crib if babies were going to sleep on bedding made with harmful materials? So we've made sure that you have a choice of bedding that is as healthy for your child as our furniture.


After all, at Q Collection and Q Collection Junior, we don't just sell products - we sell peace of mind. People Safe. Planet Safe.

DwellStudio

DwellStudio was founded by Christiane Lemieux in 1999 in an effort to bring modern textile design to the world of bedding. Christiane got her start in the textile world along side Bobby Berk while they were both at Portico Home. Christiane was soon joined by Jennifer Chused, and later by Christiane's husband, Joshua Young. The company quickly established itself as a leader and innovator in the bedding market — and has expanded to a fuller offering of home furnishings products, including dwelltable and dwellbaby. With a unique sense of color, an unwavering commitment to quality, and always remaining a step ahead of the crowd, dwell continues to create its own distinctive interpretation of home furnishings design. Following on the success of dwell's adult collections, dwellbaby was launched as a separate brand in 2002. Since its beginning as a select collection of crib bedding, the line has grown to include crib accessories, stuffed animals, bibs, towels, and stroller accessories — and remains the distinctive, modern voice in today's baby market. We think products for babies should be well designed, aesthetically pleasing, and able to work seamlessly within the parent's home. We think all babies should be dwell babies….let them begin in style. The Partners: Christiane Lemieux is the founder and Creative Director of dwellstudio. Before bringing her textile expertise to bedding design in 1999, Christiane was the Design Director of Portico New York, a luxury home furnishings company, and a fashion designer at Isaac Mizrahi and the Gap. Joshua Young joined the dwell team in 2001 as the President and CFO, managing dwell's financial and business operations. Joshua comes from a distinguished background in finance and real estate development as VP at The Related Companies and as VP in the Real Estate Finance Group at Chase Manhattan Bank. Jennifer Chused joined dwell in 2000 as a Partner. Having previously worked for companies such as Donna Karan, VH-1, and ROOM, as well as working as a fashion stylist for top publications, she brings a unique design sensibility. In addition to her creative role, she oversees sales and marketing.

Litto Kids

Litto Kids stylishly designed Manhattan crib has a striking European contemporary flavor. It’s uniquely designed head and back board utilizes Zebra wood stained in walnut and is supported by a secure polished steel frame (rust protected). The rails are painted in white non-toxic paint and are fixed to provide support and stability. We’ve added platform style mattress support for added comfort and convenience.

Back-to-School Bedding Ideas

I thought I would throw out some affordable modern bedding ideas for your kids that are heading off to college.

Inhabit Bedding offers many great designs at prices anyone can afford without compromising any quality. Their Soak, Nourish, and Rhythm Collections are bright modern collections that all will love. You can also pick up coordinating pillows and wall art to go with them.

Right now at Bobby Berk Home the Bellus and Oxygen Collections are on sale!

Space Saving Ideas

Hey NYers!

Mash Studios has some great space saving ideas in the form of wall mounted furniture. Their LAX collection includes a wall mounted headboard, wall mounted shelving unit, and a wall mounted desk with shelf. These items are great for our small spaces in NYC, bt are BIG in style.

Blackle

In the name of energy conservation, Google is powering a search engine by the name of Blackle. It has been shown that for a given monitor, the energy required to drive a screen displaying light images is greater than that of one displaying a black image. On your own, the energy savings from using Blackle are small, but multiplied by the number of Google users worldwide the effects are substantial. Based on the average number of queries received by Google on a daily basis, the result is a global savings of 8.3 Megawatt-hours a day.

We "heart" www.iheartluxe.com

For those of you who don't already know the ultra luxe new Women's dalily luxury blog they are the hottest new blog out there. Daily updates about fashion, design, travel, and beauty keep you upto date on all the latest trends. Check them out!

Denver Design Center

Denver Design District
Announces Our New Access Policy
• You are welcome to browse our 46 showrooms ... anytime!
• Purchasing through designers, architects and builders
• Designers available to assist with purchases
• Learn more about Design Connection (click here)

Rocky Mountain region’s premier resource for fine furnishings for home and office.
• 40 Wholesale Showrooms.
• 6 Wholesale/Retail Showrooms.
• Merchandise available through Interior Designers, Architects and Builders.
• More than 1,800 different lines.
• Fine furnishings for home and office.
• Unique custom products.

Fabric, Furniture, Floor Coverings, Window Treatments, Wall Coverings, Lighting, Accessories, Art, Antiques, Patio Furniture, Building Products, Hardware, Kitchen, Cabinets, Plumbing Fixtures, Ceramic Tile and Stone, Contract

Access/Admittance for Design Professionals
Members of the trade are welcome with their wholesale credentials. Designers, architects and builders may also register as a member of the DDD to avoid the necessity of showing their credentials each time they visit.

Please call 303-733-2455 ext. 21
with questions regarding
• Admittance
• How to apply for membership
• The benefits of membership

Location
595 S. Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80209
Conveniently located near I25 and Broadway. Directions to the DDC.

Hours of Operation
9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Henredon and Baker open 11-4 on Saturdays

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Articulated Wall
The DDD's Landmark
Designed by Herbert Bayer, the 85 foot tall sculpture is a major
Denver landmark.

SEVILLE’S SOLAR POWER TOWER

Rising out of the Andalusian countryside like a gigantic obelisk, a 40 story concrete tower surrounded by fields of photovoltaic panels is is the first stage of Europe’s first commercial solar power station , which recently went into operation in a sunny region outside Seville, Spain. The eye-popping spectacle bears more than a passing resemblance to Sauron’s Mordor Lighthouse in Lord of the Rings - only shiny, happy and sunny, rather than dark and fiery. Dumb analogies aside, there’s no way that our meager words do justice to the sheer awesomeness of the project, so you’ll just have to check out the photos and video below.


The first stage of the solar power station, known as PS10, is a 300ft tall tower surrounded by 624 solar panels which will produce enough energy to power 60,000 homes. There is also a secondary component, known as Sevilla PV, which is a photovoltaic power plant composed of 154 panels, which will generate enough electricity for about 1800 homes.

Here is how the tower works: the solar panels, a 120m2 mixture of mirrors and photovoltaics, track the sun throughout the year, reflect the energy of the sun to solar receptor at the top of the tower. Water passes through pipes at the top, and is heated enough to turn it into steam by the solar receptor, which in turn passes through a series of turbines to produce electricity.



It is a sight to be seen. The area around the tower becomes so bright, that it actually illuminates the water vapor and dust that is in the air. It becomes necessary to wear sunglasses while you are there. Indeed, the image with the sunlight being thrown into the air? it’s not photoshoped.

This tower, while not a new technology (see CESA-1), is part of a series of projects whose final aim is to provide enough green energy for 180,000 homes, or most of the population of Seville. The final project, able to produce over 300MW, will include a series of towers, two more of which are being built, and standard photovoltaic power plants, as well as a mixture of newer parabolic solar collectors which will be installed at a later stage. The entire power plant will be operational by 2013. And here’s the most impressive part. The entire development, once it’s operational, will generate zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking of sunshine, BBH now has new great modern bedding from Inhabit Living. It's called Ailanthus in Sunshine, and it is great to brighten up your home.

La Lumiere is a skyscraper development that is due to commence construction in early 2007 in Leeds, United Kingdom. It is a second phase to the redevelopment of a Royal Mail sorting office which has already seen a 65 m tall former Royal Mail office reclad to become apartments called West Central. The construction of Lumiere will comprise of two towers of a height of 54 storeis / 171 m and 32 storeys / 112 m both of which are to be clad in glass with the taller tower to be predominantly blue and the smaller tower to be of a reddish texture. The developer behind the project is KW Linfoot and the buildings designed by Ian Simpson will comprise of a mixture of apartments, offices, shops, cafes, restaurants and a Winter Garden. The building that is due to be complete by 2009 could potentially become the tallest building in the United Kingdom outside of London a whole 6 feet taller than the current tallest building Beetham Tower (including Beethhams 20m decorative fin on top of the building, which is not solid). On July 21 2006 it was made official that building of these towers would commence in 2007 after councilors gave the proposals approval for construction.

Canadian Design keeps getting better and better

Gus Modern Design Group does it again with their Delano Chair! Black or White leather for only $900

Inhabit at Sundance Film Festival™

Inhabit was featured this year at the Sundance Film Festival™. Their amazing new Inhabit Wall Flats were used in a viewing room. The great think about these wall flats is that there isn't any major issues installing them. They stick right to your wall and you can paint them any color you want. They really add that something different to your home.

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

The new Cosmopolitan project in Vegas is turning out to be quite spectacular. Stunning if I must say.
Completion: 2009
Condos managed by Grand Hyatt
Hotel managed by Cosmopolitan
Conventions managed by Hyatt
1.8 billion dollars or more.
Footprint: 330,000 square feet
6,660,000 square feet of development
41,000 tons of structural steel
750,000 cubic yards excavation
Two hotel and condo towers rising 600 feet (180 meters)
2,000 condos 1,000 hotel rooms.
250,000 square feet of convention and meeting space
79,000 square foot casino
360,000 square feet of retail
12 restaurants
1,800 seat showroom
5-acre pool deck
3,910 car underground parking garage

Here is a quick link to their site http://www.cosmolv.com/

New Modern kids furniture at BBH

I was at ICFF(International Contemporary Furniture Fair) this week and ran into my great friends at Oeuf NYC. They have the most beautiful new kids line coming out called The Sparrow Collection, by Oeuf NYC.

It has a beautiful modern crib, toddler bed, dresser, night stand and wardrobe. They come in White, Grey, and Rose. They will start shipping in July, but you can pre-order on www.bobbyberkhome.com by calling 1-866-965-9793.

Why Organic?

Gentle on skin and the environment

Conventional agriculture destroys biodiversity and renders the soil barren.

More than 2.3 billion pounds of pesticides are used each year on US farms alone. Unfortunately, pesticide use is steadily increasing, in the US and worldwide. In conventional agriculture, chemical pesticides are used to eliminate all other plants and unwanted insects. This also kills the beneficial micro-organisms that normally bring nutrients to the soil, making it necessary to add synthetic fertilizers. As pests build immunities, the soil becomes stripped of nutrients and the need for more chemicals increases, creating a spiral that eventually leaves land barren and unable to grow.

Organic farming brings balance to the field and strength to the plant.
The philosophy of organic farming is about bringing life to the soil, and managing the balance of a diverse ecosystem. When left alone, insects and plants in nature keep each other in check by thriving off of one another. Organic farming uses this diversity to its advantage, and keeps fields in balance using natural predators against pests. Without chemical treatments, the plants grow stronger, and are better able to fend for themselves. As a result, organic fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants and nutrients, and organic cotton fiber is stronger than conventional cotton.

"All natural fiber" isn't necessarily chemical-free.
The conventional processing of cotton textiles relies heavily on chemicals, many of which are acutely toxic, and classified by the World Health Organization as hazardous. Our groundwater is increasingly polluted by wastewater from textile manufacturing. Traces of these chemicals can remain in fabrics, even after washing. This can cause an array of health problems that affect the nervous system, respiratory system and the skin, including; head-aches, dizziness, and irritations to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as difficulties with sleep, concentration and memory. Some chemicals are stored and collected in the body, called bioaccumulation. These chemicals attack and weaken the immune system.

Pesticides used on conventional cotton end up in our food.
During ginning, the cotton plant is separated to utilize its different parts. Cottonseed oil is commonly found in snack foods like potato chips and cookies. And the cottonseeds themselves, high in protein, are used to feed beef and dairy cattle. Fortunately, organic cottonseed is being sent to organic dairy farms as feed. So when you purchase organic cotton, you are also helping to provide the much needed chemical-free seed to organic dairy farmers.

One great way to support change is by the consumer choices you make.

http://www.bobbyberkhome.com offers many different brands of Organic bedding like Amenity Living

Do your part to save our environment.