Interview with B&B's Kevin Woodard

As Design Week kicks off in Milan for the 50th annual Salone Internationale del Mobile, Jennifer Micocci Interiors presents Kevin Woodard, Regional Sales Manager of B&B Italia with the latest for 2011... and stay tuned for photos of new B&B products later this week!

1. Q:  What is B&B’s inspiration this year for the showroom design?

   A:  As always the showroom during the fair is done more in a gallery style to highlight the new introductions.  However, the layout will be driven on a “unique seat” theme with offerings on creative lounge seating that can add a special touch to any room.
2. Q:  What are a few of your favorite pieces that have been added to the B&B collection, which will be showcased during Fuori Salone? 

   A:  There are many great pieces but one of sheer drama and beauty is the Landscape 2011.  It is a 10 year special anniversary version that builds on the simple elegance of the original chaise.  As the only American industrial designer to work with B&B Italia, Jeffrey Bernett has a poetic touch that really translates into what clients are looking for.
3. Q:  Which new Maxalto piece is a must have?

   A:  From Maxalto the piece that offers great comfort yet a tailored look would be the Lutetia sofa.  With its blanket stitch details, offering a sartorial flair, and the clean wood base, the sofa truly can reflect an elegant modern interior or a more transitional environment.   
4. Q:  Will Moooi be showcasing anything especially extravagant at this year’s show?

   A:  Moooi continues to shake up the design world [with] Marcel Wanders fun approach to interiors while expanding on their collection of lighting, like the Raimond light that looks like fireworks in the sky.
5. Q:  Who are some of the new and notable designers currently working with B&B?

   A:  Although he has worked for B&B Italia in the past, Vincent Van Duysen would have to be considered a notable designer now working with the company again.  With the introduction of his Surface tables, Vincent has started a new chapter with the company.  The tables are a brilliant homage to a Piet Mondrian painting and Donald Judd artwork.  With his creative and intelligent approach to design he is a notable designer indeed.

       

Fès… Part II: Gardens

Fès = interior courtyards galore!!  They are magnificent and romantic and lush, with lemon trees, magenta flowers and unique cactus.  The green of the gardens are often enhanced by the blue Moroccan tile work, “Fès blue,” each piece chiseled by hand are found on the floors and walls, along with a central fountain or pool, always laid out in a symmetrical design.  There is a feeling of peace in these gardens, an oasis away from the busy streets… It is the beautiful surprise behind the doors.

The mystery of Morocco, a visit to Fès. Part I: Porte

Part I: Porte

These modes of ingress for a designer can be viewed as a statement piece for the home.  It’s no wonder that the Moroccans say that behind a beautiful door is a beautiful home.  The mystery of Fès lies beyond these heavy, wooden structures, which embody a rich Moorish influence, while most also demonstrate the Islamic religion, with beautiful Arabic calligraphy inscriptions.  A repeated design, also found on the rich bronze doors, is typical, while the doors always fit beneath an archway, creating a grand entrance.

I HEART YAKY

Along a busy street in the center of Rome, just a few blocks from Largo Argentina, a little oasis of Chinese splendor can be found.  Yaky’s (www.yaky.it) collection of Asian antiques, predominately hailing from the Qing period (1644 – 1912), is mixed with rare found objects as well as modern furniture-- leather trunks, petrified wood tables, painted cabinets, bronze figurines and apothecary cabinets.  This great shop has the ability to construct reproductions and custom pieces of the utmost quality, and an important aspect of Yaky’s ethics is that all pieces have been authorized for export by the Chinese Cultural Heritage Ministry.  This dedication to heritage definitely shines through…  

An Italian Celebration: B&B Italia

While paying homage to today’s 150^th anniversary of the unification of Italy, I also wanted to celebrate the Busnelli family for regaining control of their company, B&B Italia.  The company, founded by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli in 1966, lost majority share of the company in 2002, but now the company is back in the right, entrepreneurial hands!  Here are some of my most favorite B&B Italia pieces that I could use over and over again…

Patricia Urquiola’s Criniline Armchair with High Backrest, polyethylene weave

Loto Simplice Collection tables and stool

Febo Chaise from the Max Alto Collection 2009

Mida AC Collection 2010 with red lacquered interior with a sleek 270 degree door rotation…

Clean + Classic = “George”

Illuminazione

A few years ago during a summer trip to Puglia, specifically in Polignano a Mare (near Bari & so beautiful), my friend, a local, introduced me to one of the best kept secrets ever… the amazing pendants, sconces and lamps of Peppino Campanella.  I toured Campanella’s studio/ warehouse and awed at the colorful rocks/glass he uses for his pieces, as well as the extraordinary custom fixtures and sculptures that he does for special projects.  My next spa project or even an intimate residential foyer will be brought to life with the help of Campanella’s lighting…

Beautiful kitchen… lovely details

Way too big for Roman apartment standards, but I am loving the stark contrast of the white marble and cabinetry against the dark paneled, custom island in this airy kitchen.  This temporary kitchen is by Inspirations Kitchen & Bath of ATL and designed for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Luxury Living Show.  Lovely!