PERFECT HOMES MAGAZINE ( Editor Stan Israel) by Stan Israel | Page 54

Hollywood glamour AKDO’s new luxury mosaic, Allure, brings Hollywood glamour home And then there was light Hermès launches lighting collection at Salone del Mobile Hermès chose the spectacular late 18thcentury Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan as the atmospheric setting in which to launch the fourth edition of its home collection, Hermès en lumière, which includes lighting for the first time. Hermès presented three LED lighting collections and although each was very different in form, all exhibited the brand’s DNA with finely crafted materials and frames elegantly wrapped in their signature leather. The Lanterne d’ Hermès was designed by the French light scenographer Yann Kersalé. A modular light with a rechargeable battery, it takes its cues from sailing or old carriage lamps, and can be used indoors or out. Pantographe and Harnais, inspired by an architect’s drawing implement and Hermes’s equestrian heritage respectively, were both designed by Michele de Lucchi, whom Hélène Dubrule. The large articulated floor light, Lampadaire Arche, from the Pantographe range is particularly refined with its slender frame, double-dimmer system, and silk twill shade. It even features a leather-covered flex. Also on display were new re-editions of a chair, console and bench by Jean-Michel Frank that were first designed with Hermès in 1924. The brand’s collaboration with French designer Philippe Nigro continues apace in the form of the Curiosités d’ Hermès, a series of three furniture pieces inspired by the “cabinets of old” and created to “bring surprise and unexpected delight”. These are based around the indulgent daily rituals life such as taking care of one’s shoes, afternoon tea and cocktail hour. Created from exquisite materials, such as ebony-finished pear wood, graphite Porosus crocodile and ebony Bosphore horsehair in the case of the Club Bar. For more information visit: www.hermes.com AKDO is an international stone and tile brand that has been quietly importing the finest globally sourced stone, tile and mosaic to the U.S. for years. Known by architects, designers and industry insiders throughout the luxury kitchen and bath world for its products, especially its sumptuous and refined natural stone mosaics, AKDO offers its collections to-the-trade through the top boutique tile showrooms. AKDO’s innovative new collection, Allure, takes its cues from classic Hollywood Regency style but has its own particular modern glamour that is distinctively fashioninspired. It consists of four geometric mosaic patterns, with interlocking field patterns and borders crafted of natural stone. Striking mirror-enhanced versions are accented with astonishingly tiny, hand-cut bits of mirror in blends of bronze, pewter and silver tones, all cut by hand and channel-set like gems into these refined patterns. The all-stone versions speak to refined taste and feature tiny slivers and circles of contrasting stone colours. Whether in mirror or stone, these delicate accent chips, about the size of the stones and baguettes in actual jewellery, create Allure’s uniquely subtle texture. The effect is also reminiscent of the crystal or palette detailing found in couture gowns. The mosaics may be used for eye-catching backsplashes, walls and for creating “rugs” inset into fields of matching marble tiles. Stones include Calacatta and Carrara Bella marbles from the Italy’s Tuscany coast and suga ry-white Thassos from the ancient mountain ranges of Turkey. These materials from antiquity, mixed with gleaming mirror and set in thoughtfully wrought patterns, make for timeless interior decoration, whether in a kitchen, bath, entry, spa, bar or pool cabana. Noted interior designer Young Huh will be featuring the Allure collection in her upcoming installation in America’s most prestigious designer showhouse, to benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in Manhattan, opening in late Spring. For more information visit: www.akdo.com The Finishing Touch Known for bespoke furniture and home accessories that are as innovative as they are functional, Linley is staying true to its philosophy with the release of the limitededition Grace cabinet which debuted at this year’s Masterpiece art, antiques, and design fair in London, which took place on June 26 through July 2. jewellery box and compartments intended for storing cosmetics, hair accessories, and perfume. The cabinet’s large mirror is accompanied by a built-in lighting system specifically designed to produce the ideal setting for its owner to apply the finishing grooming touches before heading out for the evening, and the piece features an integrated stool topped with grey quilted leather. The one-off piece stands more than 5 feet tall and has a gold-plated frame. The handcrafted cabinet’s grey eucalyptus veneer and curvaceous shape evoke the facets and patterns of diamonds and other precious gems that gave inspiration to the piece. The interior houses designer David Linley’s characteristic secret drawers, as well as a removable The London-based brand will launch the one-ofa-kind Grace cabinet alongside a Linley lounge chair, crafted from a single copper panel and lined with grey nubuck leather, and a five-panel screen with a woven marquetry design. Pricing for the chair and screen will be released at the fair. For more information visit: www.davidlinley.com