Tiffany Lamp Record, a New Digital Renovation Platform, Behr’s Unusual New Project, and More News This Week
Between collection launches, architecture announcements, museum openings, and more, it’s hard to keep on top of all the news in the design world. Enter the Weekly Roundup, AD PRO’s regular callout of developing, overheard, and confirmed news that’s worth noting. Consider it our way of keeping you even more in the know.
Tiffany Lamp Breaks Record at Christie’s
In a week full of design sales, several lots achieved impressive prices. One of the most remarkable? A 1903 Tiffany Studios Pond Lily lamp at Christie’s, which Daphné Riou, head of the house's design department, called “a technical tour de force.” The lamp shattered its estimate of $1,800,000–$2,000,000 to achieve a final price of $3,372,500—a new world record for Tiffany Studios. Talk about good lighting.
Block, a New Digital Renovation Platform
One of the cofounders of mattress start-up (and subsequent entrepreneurial poster child) Casper, which endeavored to revolutionize the mattress-buying process, is now looking to apply that same disruption to another pain point (is that enough startup-speak for you?): Renovation. Block, founded by Casper’s Luke Sherwin and Koda Wang, formerly of Huffington Post and Rent the Runway, is a digital platform for renovating, connecting builders to homeowners, and providing all-inclusive packages and ready-to-go designs to simplify the renovation process. By streamlining timely aspects like layout, materials selection, co-op approval, and permits, Block reduces the average renovation time by over 50 percent of the New York average—saving an estimated 25 percent of renovation cost. While the company is launching in the New York area with two bathroom designs (“classic” and “contemporary”), it has plans to expand to new regions and areas of the home. Homeowners can get an estimate here, while contractors and builders can submit applications to work with the service here.
Behr Gets into ASMR
Ah, nothing quite as relaxing as the soothing sounds of . . . paint? If you frequent certain corners of the internet, you may be familiar with ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos, a genre that evokes relaxation through certain sounds. Well, an unexpected company has decided to get in on the phenomenon: Paint company Behr this week launched a new ASMR series featuring the sounds of painting. “Seasoned DIYers will recognize the satisfying soundtrack of the painting process,” explains Behr CMO Jodi Allen. “Paint and color are a great way to create more soothing and restful moments in your home. The colors featured in this video were handpicked by Behr color experts to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility in any space.” We’re not sure watching paint go up before install day elicits quite the same feeling for designers, but hey, to each his own.
Paloma Contreras Decorates Brunschwig Showroom at Dallas Design Center
Merry Christmas to Brunschwig & Fils. The fabric company got the gift of a makeover thanks to Houston designer Paloma Contreras, who redecorated its space in the Dallas Design Center this week. “You all know how much I love a chic ikat, so I’m especially obsessed with the new Avera print, which I used on the walls and drapery,” Contreras gushed in an Instagram post showing off her design. The Brunschwig and Kravet teams fêted Contreras at a brunch, where fellow designers such as Dallas-based Denise McGaha came out to see the space.
Sight Unseen Hosts Garage Sale
Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Good news: Sight Unseen, maters at finding cool and beautiful things, have teamed up with Passerbuys to put on a holiday sale at New York’s Canal Street Market. Offerings will run the gamut of design, food, fashion, and art (all under $200), and all proceeds will benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, which seeks to end mass incarceration in the U.S. December 15 and 16, 265 Canal Street, New York.
McKinnon and Harris Opens in Richmond
Attention Virginia designers: Outdoor furniture resource McKinnon and Harris has opened its newest showroom, on the grounds of a new international headquarters and workshop, in Richmond. The 65,000 square-foot building comprises 60,000 square-feet of workshop space and a 5,000-square-foot headquarters and showroom—joining production and sales under one roof. “There is a tremendous amount of complexity unseen in our furniture construction—a piece of McKinnon and Harris appears utterly simple but so much goes into making it seamless,” explains president Will Massie. “We applied that same level of intricate, yet hidden workmanship to our new Richmond space, which is why it looks so edited and seemingly effortless.” 1722 Arlington Road, Richmond.
Watson Smith Opens a New Showroom at theMART
One of the Chicago Design Center’s oldest tenants is upgrading: Watson Smith has just unveiled a new space that triples its showroom square-footage. The showroom, which previously had 1,600 square feet of space to show its various flooring options, now boasts 4,800 square feet on the Merchandise Mart’s sixth floor. The new space will also host Doris Leslie Blau and Chilewich, both new lines for Watson Smith (this location is Doris Leslie Blau’s first outside its Manhattan showroom). 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 622, Chicago.
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