Front + Center

front+center

Katalin Farnady’s furniture creations focus on modern, geometric forms. She photographed them in DC’s Mellon Auditorium (above), where neoclassical interiors remind the designer of historic buildings in her native Budapest. Pictured: The Ball Base Center Table combines a round metal pedestal with a matte-black top; the sculptural Cube Dining Chair is upholstered in ruched leather. PHOTO: JENNIFER HUGHES

TRENDSETTER

ARTISTIC APPROACH

Katalin Farnady’s private-label collection marries modern lines and Old World soul

Katalin Farnady never dreamed of designing a furniture collection, though many of her industry colleagues urged her to give it a go. Until one night in 2019, when she opened her sketch pad. “In 10 minutes, I had 40-some pieces drawn,” recalls the Annapolisbased interior designer. “It was in me all along, but I never let it come to the surface.”

In March, Farnady Furniture was born. A collection of 25 table and chair prototypes—many handmade locally by Niermann Weeks—expresses the designer’s eclectic, modern aesthetic. They also offer a nod to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences of her native Budapest. Lighting, mirrors and sculptures are in production, while plans are underway to expand color and fabric options. And in June, Farnady will unveil her creations in EJ Victor at High Point Market. For details, call 443-822-3248 or visit farnadyinteriors.com.

A sense of the unexpected animates creations by Katalin Farnady (left). Clockwise from top, left: the Curved Coffee Table, in black metal and off-white wood; Squared Up and Rolled Up Dining Chairs, with velvet seats and bronzed-metal bases; and the Julia Console, in matte- and high-gloss black wood.

Why did you decide to design furniture? I try to incorporate one-of-a-kind pieces in my work, but they’re not always easy to find. And creating furniture gives me an opportunity to tell people who I am as a designer.

What went into your collection’s DNA? I like forward-thinking, I like modern and I like the unexpected. But there’s always a base you have to touch upon. For me, that’s Art Deco and Art Nouveau. I can trace back many of my pieces to architectural details such as a window frame, gate or front door in Budapest.

Where do you find design inspiration? I find inspiration in travel, art, fashion—pretty much everywhere. I am also drawn to geometric forms. For example, swim noodles drifting together in the pool led me to design the Rolled Up Dining Chair. I love the architecture of it.

Who are your console tables named after?

I wanted to do something that represents me as a mother as well as my three teenage daughters, Emma, Julia and Adele. The pieces capture their personalities.

How did it feel to send your creations off to

High Point? When I first went to High Point 20 years ago, I was blown away by the products and people talking about their designs. Never did I imagine I’d be

BUZZ-WORTHY

DESIGN DEBUTS

New industry additions make their mark on the local scene

▲ BLU DOT, the popular online furniture retailer, has opened its second East Coast storefront—after the New York flagship—in Georgetown’s design district. The airy, 6,100-square-foot showroom is the brand’s 12th brick-and-mortar location worldwide. It spans two stories, showcasing a full line-up of competitively priced contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories—all designed in the company’s Minneapolis studio. In 2018, Blu Dot received a prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for product design. 3333 M Street, NW; bludot.com

▲ DESIGNER LIBRARY was launched in 2019 as a road-based service bringing a curated collection of brands to designers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Then on April 5, co-owners Janine Guerin and Chad Mitchell opened a chic, 1,700-square-foot Georgetown atelier where they now showcase textiles, wall coverings, rugs, furniture and lighting to the trade. Designers and their clients can view samples and shop for products made by Arte, Elitis, Marika Meyer, Porta Romana, The Vale London, Travers, Made Goods and Marc Philips, to name a few. By appointment at 1667 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; designerlibrary.com ▲ PILLOW PUNK, a new venture by Rockville Interiors, allows decorators to design throw pillows for projects online, with pricing updated based on customizable selections ranging from fabric and filling to piping and trim. Pillows in an array of styles are handmade in the company’s workshop, with a five-business-day turn-around. Pillow Punk is currently targeting local designers, but the to-thetrade-only program will soon be marketed nationwide. pillowpunk.com —Julie Sanders