THE FASHIONABLE LIFE CATCH WHAT DESIGNER BENJAMIN ORTIZ CAN’T SEEM TO LIVE WITHOUT
RUSSIAN MODEL ANNA RODRIGUEZ’S NEWLY STYLED APARTMENT SEE WHAT’S HOT NOW!
CONTENTS
APRIL 2015
VOLUME 23
NUMBER 3
DEPARTMENTS 2
FROM TOP: The master bedroom of one of the various prestigious clients of Benjamin Noriega Ortiz Design. ON THE COVER: The sparkling living room of another one of BNO’s clients. BOTTOM: The Pig Table from MOOOI.
WHAT’S HOT Dispatches from the world of design
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IN THE SHOWROOMS
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CLIENT RESEARCH
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NEWS FLASH
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SEXY STAIRS
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SHORTLIST
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ENTRY RENDERING
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LIVING ROOM RENDERING
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BAR RENDERING
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MASTER BEDROOM RENDERING
What’s new to the trade
Get the scoop on the Rodriguez household
What we’ve found on our travels to Puerto Rico
What you need to know for your new staircase
The 12 things innovators Benjamin Ortiz and Mary Howells can’t live without The Rodriguez family opens their doors to their new Puerto Rico home Socializing, gathering, entertaining and more A new approach to the at-home bar
See what all the fuss is about in the Rodriguez home ELLEDECOR.COM
WHAT’S HOT 2
1 / EAMES MOLDED PLASTIC ROCKER Charles Eames famously said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” With the molded plastic, fiberglass, and wood shell chairs—as well as the wire chair—the Eames have created a universal response to what everyone wants from a chair: a simple, gracious form that fits any body and every place. 25W x 27D x 26.5H, costs $568. 800-320-3145 ; www.hermanmiller.com 2 / PRECIOUS METALS The aim is to focus more than ever before on the quality and value, glamour and “”luxury”” of Kartell plastic, presented with new, exclusive and brilliant metal finishes in colours including gold, bronze, silver, gun-metal grey and copper. The metallization process used by Kartell is a cutting-edge and highquality process, the result of major research and investments to obtain an impeccable result in terms of appearance, touch, resistance and strength of the varnishes used. 26.5 W” 27” D 28 H ” and costs $760. 816-286-1051; kartell.com
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3 / ORCHID Declared as one of Elle Decor’s new up and coming artists, Emily Rickard’s new collection, Orchid is both bright and happy. Her new collection is inspired by the many colors reflected in her orchid garden at dawn. It is a great new addition to any home. 29.5” W x 13” H. and costs $200 each 347-435-9592; emily.rickard.blogspot
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4 / NAUTILUS SOFA, No designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames, and chairs, tables and cabinets that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy. The function was to make it comfortable,” he has said. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.” W 92”, D 47”, H 41”and costs $12,000. 514-933-0711; 1stdibs.com 5 / PAIR OF FRENCH BERGERES Pair of directoire-style French bergeres in kidskin lacquer with all of the original gilded elements and upholstered in beautifully light khaki denim, finished with bone leather welt, circa 1940. 25” W x 24” D x 35-1/2” H and costs $8800, pair. 212.966.1500; www.aerostudios.com
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IN THE SHOWROOMS 2
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THE TABLES OF TODAY 1 CONSOLE PIPE SHOW, Van der Straeten’s furniture is instantly
Doors, top and sides with 45 degree edges. Top in American walnut, oak
recognizable from the way that contrasting materials, bold variations of
dyed white, coke oak, white matte lacquered or RAL color range open
form, defiant volumes are pure, elegant lines are combined with perfect
pore or matte lacquered. Interior and backside in American walnut.
proportions. The great precision and meticulous attention to detail
Doors and sides in mirror effect steel folded with diamond shape.
with how the pieces are made, are also clearly tangible. 70” x 12.5” x
Pushpull opening system. 5”dia x4” H and costs $800.00 per one. 212-
29.5” and costs $ 2,500. 212-586-5511; www.ralphpucci.net. 2 GEM is
228-7337; www.riflessisrl.it. 4 ARIA SIDE TABLE Paul Mathieu’s new
a family of angular lights, tables and mirrors which all take inspiration
table becomes the perfect table both aesthetically and functionally. Not
from the facets of cut gemstones. Each product bears indentations of
only is it a great side table, but it is perfect for a game of chess. 20” x 20”
sand from its making. Instead of filing these away for a smoother finish
x 17.5” 909-947-0139; ralphpucci.com. 5 ORIGAMI COCKTAIL TABLE
Corbett has embraced the rough and textured feel. Made from nickel-
from Dongia brings a whole new element to your design. This metal
plated aluminum its hexagon shaped table top takes inspiration from
cocktail table in a hand rubbed patina finish on exterior and a mirror
the facets of cut gemstones. 20” W x 20” H x 22” EXT and costs $933.00.
polished finish on the interior, will be the next big highlight of every
626-336-4511; corbettlighting.com. 3 STEEL SIDEBOARD CUBRIC
home. 30” x 30” and costs $1,430 0207-811-30-86; www.donghia.com
All products and services available to the trade only.
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CLIENT RESEARCH
THE IN’S AND OUT’S OF THE RODRIGUEZ FAMILY Anna was born in Kazan, Russia. She went to college in England and got her degree in marketing with a minor in art history from Cambridge. She then became a model for Antonio’s company. She enjoys spending her time traveling, experiencing new cultures, hiking, and going to fashion shows to keep up on all the latest styles. Antonio is a trade representative for a multi-billion dollar company called Inditex. Inditex is one of the top clothing companies in the world. They own lines such as Zara and Pull & Bear. Antonio enjoys hiking to keep fit, The two met through their work and they married two years later. After three years of marriage they had their daughter Malia. She 06 ELLEDECOR.COM
is now ten years of age and is a little daddy’s girl. Malia loves traveling with her parents and participating in as much as she can. The family of three are an international family gathering from all corners of the globe. They have moved from country to country for Antonio’s profession. They enjoy traveling from city to city taking family trips and going on hikes. They are huge La Furia Roja soccer fans and enjoy attending their soccer games together on the weekends. The family is looking forward to spending their time in Puerto Rico and getting to know the Puerto Rican culture better.
NEWS FLASH PLANTATION VILLAGE One of the many complications to overcome with the apartment at Plantation Village is its floorplan. The angles created an interesting obstacle to overcome. In some cases, like the bar, the angles were flattened, whereas in others, such as the study, the angles were accentuated. Another obstacle to overcome were the location of the windows. Seemingly picked at random, the windows would not make sense unless looking at the whole building at once. Trying to ensure that the natural light could extend to as much of the complex as possible created yet another challenge for designers to handle. On the first floor is located all of the more private areas including the daughter’s room, the study, the laundry room, and the master suite. Having the private areas on the same floor as the entrance created a clash of public and private space. As a solution the entry was designed to draw people in and up the
stairs to the public areas of entertainment. On the second floor is located the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, the bar, the guest bedroom, and the outdoor terrace, shown above. The second floor encourages movement and continuity to encourage the guests to roam amongst the living room, dining room, the bar, and to go out onto
the terrace and enjoy the scenic views. Multiple sizes of seating arrangements were placed to host the entourage of people that will be occupying the space for positive conversation and mingling.
FLOORPLAN
LOWER LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
ENTRY
BAR
LIVING ROOM
STUDY DAUGHTER’S ROOM
MASTER SUITE
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KITCHEN GUEST SUITE
DINING ROOM
PATIO
NEWS FLASH MUSIC AND DANCING Music is a very large part of the Puerto Rican lifestyle. It is constantly playing in the streets and in the shops, and at night you can hear it blasting from the clubs and bars. It is a part of everyday life in Puerto Rico. It is a way to show off your skills, tell your emotions and communicate the news. Reggaeton is the current popular style of music in Puerto Rico. It is a mixture of Jamaican Reggae with Spanish hip-hop and rap. Raggaeton is very much the modern version of the salsa. It is about the pulsating of the beat and the people dancing to it. It keeps people moving. Some of the most popular Reggaeton artists from Puerto Rico are Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee and Calle 13. Traditional music from Puerto Rico consists of a variety of different types of music including the Bomba, the Plena and the Jibaro. The Bomba originated from Africa and made its way over to Puerto Rico through the slaves on the sugar plantations. The Bomba is described as “a dialogue between dancer and drummer”. It is deeper and thicker than the other types of traditional music. The Plena, which is often grouped with the bomba, was derived from ceremonial music, and was originally used as way to spread the news throughout the country. It highlights the Guiro, or guitar, as the star of the show. The Jibaro focuses more on passionate vocal parts than the instruments. Traditional music typically uses instruments such as the cuatro, maracas, a guitar, panderos, and drums. The Salsa is a very sexual dance; the music is very similar. The Salsa is about the push and pull of the rhythm, moving back and forth with the pulse of the music. It is about telling a story of love. Salsa, strangely enough, didn’t originate from Puerto Rico but from the Puerto Ricans living in New York. The Salsa is a mixture of big band jazz and Latin rhythms. It consists of a lot of footwork and sassy hip movements. Some of the most famous salsa artists are Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente and Mark Anthony.
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SEXY STAIRCASES 1 1 / TUCSON MOUNTAIN RETREAT Influenced by the desert surrounding it this staircase creates a beautifully illuminated path to follow. Designed by Dust Architects for a couple in Arizona, the firm wanted to illustrate the scarcity and frailty of the balance in the desert. 2 / THE MOMO STAICASE AT THE VATICAN The Vatican commissioned Giuseppe Momo to build a staircase in 1932, that would become one of the most photographed pieces in a museum of all time. The Spiral Staircase, also called the Momo Staircase or the Snail Staircase, is composed of two iron staircases that curve in a double helix. Ironically it was created in a time before the double helix became a symbol for science, DNA and subsequently, all human life.
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3 / ROYAL STUDS: JOUIN MANKU RENOVATES FORMER LOUIS XV FARM The design challenge was not just to preserve the rigorous beauty of the period architecture and the royal equestrian spirit but also to bring safety up to contemporary standards, the former being the purview of France’s historic-monuments authority and the latter conforming to the exigencies of the country’s strict restaurant hygiene regulations. Simplicity was the key. Jouin Manku used predominantly natural materials and only a handful of them at that: oak, beech, quartzite, brick, zinc, blackened steel, brass, saddle leather. “We aimed for elegance and grace that’s not too refined, not too perfect. Not Disneyland” Manku says. 4 / LA FLORESTA RESIDENCE BY ALVENTOSA MORELL ARCHITECTS The simple minimalism of this staircase makes the stairs appear to be floating. The minimalism is in keeping with the tone of the rest of this beautifully modern residence. The owners of this residence was worried about the depletion of natural gas and wanted to create as little amount of impact on the environment as possible. 5 / INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE BY JEAN NOUVEL (ACROSS) A multi-story glass atrium is wrapped with a steel staircase featuring exposed elevator lifts on the interior. One of the main reasons behind the construction of this institute was to create a destination devoted to the relationship of the Arab culture with France. The light streaming in through the windows, reflecting off of the steel steps as the students move along with the hustle and bustle of everyday life is what is truly magical about this space.
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SEXY STAIRCASES
06 ELLE DECOR
SHORTLIST 1) GOLD SHOES
These shoes add a skip in my step and pick up my day no matter how bad it may start off.
2)GHOST CHAIR
The idea of taking something classic, such as the Louis IV chair and modernizing it, especially in such a light and seamless way is revolutionary.
3)TIBETAN SHEEPSKIN RUG
No home is complete without a rug like this, they are a standard in my life.
4) ABYU LIGHTING
These lights are a pride and joy in my home and the homes of those who I work for.
5)THE FURNITURE BIBLE
BENJAMIN NORIEGA ORTIZ 12 THINGS HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Starting out working for John Saladino, Benjamin learned the importance of the things both old and new. Today he owns his own firm in New York, BNO Designs. Benjamin is known for emitting a sense of openness and light throughout each of his projects. He has a regally modern twist in his work. He combines the best from both the past and the present. He and his husband Steven Wine have started a new store called Abyu Lighting, in New York, designing couture lighting fixtures.
The Furniture Bible is a staple every designer must have in their library.
6) HONUA VASE
The masterfully crafted vases are an artwork in themselves.
7) MARIE ANTOINETTE
Such a beautiful and classy lady in her day as well as our own.
8) TRACIE MARTYN
This magical product does miricals for my complexion.
9) BATTERY GARDENS
It is the perfect place to spend a sunny morning reading the latest issue of Elle Decor magazine.
10) REN HOTELS
My favorite hotels to stay at are the Ren Hotels, specifically the one in Miami, FL. It is truly a dream.
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11) SUSPENDING REALITY
My new book describes my life’s work and the process that I go through with each project I am faced with.
12) K FLAM AND ASSOCIATES WINDOW COVERINGS
These sheer and gossamer drapes add a softness and mystery to a room that astounds me.
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SHORTLIST
1 1 / STAR MAP
Constellations have always been a passion of mine. I love the way the old school star maps look.
2 / CHOCOLATE CROISSANT
The best ones are in this tiny little cafe near the Eiffel tower. Plus, bread and chocolate, it doesn’t get better than that.
3 / KED’S CHAMPION SHOES
Both comfortable and classic, enough said.
4 / FREE STANDING TUB
Bubble bath candles and good book is exactly what you need after a stressful day.
5 / BOTANICAL GARDENS IN BATH
Botanical Gardens in Bath. Home to one of the famous Palladian bridges; one of four in the whole world.
6 / POPCORN 2
Whether it is right after work, at the movies or a midnight treat, popcorn is my go-to snack food.
7 / SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
One of my favorite chick flicks, Sleepless in Seattle is my sweet indulgence filled with love, comedy, and most importantly, New York.
8 / DUCATI
MARY HOWELLS
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12 THINGS SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
With style described as “simple elegance”, Mary Howells designs classically beautiful interiors with a modern twist. Howells actually started out as a Psychology major at Utah State University. She had always been interested in architecture and had grown up around construction sites, but had never considered Interior Design as her chosen profession until she found the Interior Design program at Utah State. She quickly fell in love with design and delve right into the program. She is currently a Junior and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2016.
9 / SKETCH BOOK
I never go anywhere without my sketchbook in my bag. I have to have it on hand for any thoughts or ideas that I need to jot down or sketch out.
10 / SALADINO STYLE
Hands down one of the most helpful books that I have in my library. Saladino goes through all of the elements of design listing the importance of each one.
11 / BARCELONA CHAIR
One of the most beautiful and functional chairs. My home isn’t complete without one.
12 / BLACK LEATHER JACKET
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Some of the fastEST and best looking wheels that you can find on the streets.
A classic leather jacket will turn any outfit from better to best.
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SPOTLIGHT l FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Origami Cocktail Table in brass by Donghia; donghia.com 014 ELLEDECOR.COM
Long Abstraktes Bild by Gerhard Richter, priced from $608,000; sothebys.com
Annodized metal panneling, in sheets of 3’ x 3’; jonathanadler.com
Large Globo Box by Jonathan Adler, priced from $398; jonathanadler.com
Nureyev Bust, Heroic, by Richard MacDonald priced from $32,000; 1stdibs.com
ENTRY l STYLE SHEET
Bespoke Global does it again with their latest light, the Physilia Chandelier. James’ Physalia chandelier pays homage to the ethereal beauty of the Portuguese man-of-war, whose long tentacles sway effortlessly through the deep ocean waters. With his attention to detail, James manages to capture in this piece the poetry in motion of this majestic animal. This piece was chosen as the focal point of the room, bringing light and intrigue to the room. “It brings movement to the room and it is a great conversation starter.” says Mary Howells.
MARY HOWELLS
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“Mine is a preoccupation with light and space; not abstract space, not scaleless space, but space whose order and definition are related to light, to human scale and to the culture of architecture. Architecture is vital and enduring because it contains us” ― Richard Meier
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT l LOGAN, UT l UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
PUERTO RICO
PLANTATION VILLI AGE
COMPANY Bespoke Global l RETAIL $5,000 l INFO http://bespokeglobal.com
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SPOTLIGHT l FRESH PERSPECTIVE
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nspired by the stormy sea, Couture Nautilus was chosen for the living room. “ It brings sophistication and comfort to the room. It is the perfect place to mingle with friends, drink your morning cup of tea, or cozy up and read a book beneath the sun streaming in from the patio doors behind it.” says Howells. Nautilus can be found at Ralph Pucci for $16,000. for more information go to www.ralphpucci.com
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PUERTO RICO
MODERN C OMFORT
LIVING ROOM l STYLE SHEET
Chinese 19th century green glazed parrots, priced from $800 each; graciestudio.com 12 ELLE DECOR
Square bar coffee table by Fran Taubman, priced from $11,000; ralphpucci.com
A pair of wood carvings on metal stands, priced from $1,800 each; graciestudio.com
Omni Splatt pillow in yellow, priced from $224 each; timorousbeasties.com
Black Cumulus by Abyu Lighting priced from $7,150; bespokeglobal.com
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SPOTLIGHT l FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Porcelain Line Series vases by Holly Hunt; www.hollyhunt.com
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Small Original Paintings by Emily Rickard, Voted as “Next big artist by Elle Decor emilyrickard.blogspot.com
Elemental No. 6 by Studio PGRB priced from $1,800 each; www.studiopgrb.com
One More Barstool by Phillippe Starck, priced from $450 each; http://www.dwr.com/
Alahambra wall tile by Elitis http://www.elitis.fr
BAR l STYLE SHEET
Andrew Atroshenko is a romantic impressionistic Russian artist. Born in 1965 in the City of Pokrovsk, Russia, Andrew became part of a gifted child program at the Children’s Art School there, and was later accepted at the St. Petersburg Academy of Art, one of the world’s most prestigious art schools.
MARY HOWELLS
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“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” ― Winston Churchill
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT l LOGAN, UT l UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
PUERTO RICO
SIMPLY ENTE R TAI N
COMPANY Oeno Gallery l RETAIL $16,000 l INFO http://oenogallery.com
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SPOTLIGHT l FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Wingback Chair by Tom Dixon, priced from $4,900. www.tomdixon.net
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Small Original Paintings by Emily Rickard, Voted as “Next big artist by Elle Decor emilyrickard.blogspot.com
Light Shade Shade by Moooi priced from $1,800 each; www.moooi.com
Pig Table by Front for Moooi, , priced from $2,000 each; www.moooi.com
Nuvolette Wall covering by Fornasetti, priced from $300 a yd http://www.elitis.fr
MASTER BEDROOM l STYLE SHEET
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PUERTO RICO
MODERN L U X U RY
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panish Street artists Anarkia, Flantl, and Berlin, were hired to create a work of art for the Rodriguez’s master suite. Antonio Rodriguez wanted the group to create a cusom screen with one of Antonio’s favorite places in Spain. The mural is from a street nearby Antonio’s childhood home in Barcelona, Spain. The mural could be viewed from Antonio’s bedroom window, and reminded him that we all wear masks. The mural has inspired him in his marketing job.
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