Designer Spotlight: Eskayel
Brooklyn, New York: After graduating with a BFA from Central St. Martins of London in 2003, Shanan Campanaro has developed a vibrant studio practice and exhibition schedule, has received significant support from the New York Foundation for the Arts, and has worked as a senior designer in fashion textiles and graphics in New York City.
In the sring of 2008, she launched a line of bespoke wallpaper made to order. The surge in interest prompted her to launch ESKAYEL at the Brooklyn Designs Juried show in May 2009.
Since her launch of Eskayel her work has gotten critical acclaim and been featured in the New York Times, Interior Design Magazine, House Beautiful, Luxe interiors, and Daily candy.
Special Designer Offer: Use code NL0707 to receive 20% off Shanan's pillows!
Independence Day Sale! 20% Off Everything!
Designer Spotlight: Heather Lins
Madison, Wisconsin: Heather Lins launched her eponymous home textile line in 2008 at the New York International Gift Fair. She was one of three winners selected to exhibit via the "A+: Young Designers Platform" competition for up-and-coming designers. Trained as a graphic designer, Lins brings a conceptual approach to home textile design. From the typography of eye charts to scientific diagrams, she uses images that are easily recognized but unexpected in home textiles.
Special Designer Offer: Receive 20% off Heather's Eye Chart Pillow! Use CodeNL0405 at checkout!
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Designer Spotlight: Urbancase
Seattle, Washington: Darin Montgomery, a third generation craftsman and metal sculptor, founded Urbancase in 2002. His design philosophy is to create furniture and objects that contribute to a simpler, pared back lifestyle focusing on basic aesthetic elements and functionality. His wife, Rachel Illingworth, grew up in Tasmania, where she received a BFA from the University of Tasmania and is an internationally exhibited printmaker -- a show is currently scheduled for April in Australia. The Subway Cushion and Subway Getaway Blankets were inspired by a trip to Berlin, where they spotted military blankets at a flea market. They liked the idea of using an item that was intended for utilitarian purposes as an item of comfort.
Q+A with Darin Montgomery:
Q: When did you first realize that design was something you wanted to pursue?
A: Whether I was decorating my room, sketching my dream apartment, or selecting the perfect handle grips for my bicycle, I can't rememer a time when I wasn't thinking about design. My parents were very encouraging and gave me the freedom to make my own aesthetic decisions at an early age. Even so . . . I think my Mom may have questioned that freedom when she had to paint over the black walls I left in my bedroom when I moved out.
Q: When did you first begin working in sustainable/green materials and why?
A: I don't think it was a conscious decision and it's not something we necessarily think about when working on a design. It's more about the materials we respond do. We don't connect with synthetic products in the same way we do natural materials and as a result I believe it leads to more sustainable practices.
Q: What inspires you?
A: For design inspiration, I (1.) scour files at the Library. It's a great source for ideas that may or may not have been successful and most likely won't make it into a recently published design book or magazine. (2.) Collaborate. (3.) Have a conversation with anyone who is doing something they feel passionate about.
Q: What music are you currently listening to?
A: Black Angels, Husky Rescue, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and Elvis Perkins.
Q: What is your favorite travel story?
A: Having cold meat, cheese, break, and a cheap bottle of wine on the veranda of a scrappy hotel room overlooking the rooftops of Paris with my wife.
Special Designer Offer: Receive 20% off Urbancase's Subway and GetawayBlankets! Use Code NL0315 at checkout!