Behind the Scenes with James Rixner: Colombo Mobili

This is the story of James Rixner and his new project: Mansion in May showhouse.  The largest room in the Blairsden Mansion, constructed in 1897-1903 in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey benefiting the Morristown Medical Center. 

This week we interview another participant whose fine italian furniture will add drama and flair to this grand room.

 Colombo, a family of cabinetmakers from Meda, an area where wood craftsmanship conquered top quality and good taste. Always with an eye towards European styles, that have been the basis of furniture manufacturing throughout history, and that remain a source of inspiration today.

Questions:

1. Colombo entered the US market 25 years ago. What has helped the family operated brand to grow to now having its own showroom at 200 lex? 

- It has been an idea from Adriano and Gabriele Colombo: they understood the importance of having a strong presence in the US market.

2. If you could name 3 things Colombo is known for what would they be?

· Customization capability

· French polished products

· Handmade Inlayed  Products

3. What are some of the products you plan to showcase at the Mansion in May show house.

·       127 commode

·       591 console

·       354M bench

·       LA-5009 table lamp

4. What do you hope to accomplish by teaming up with designer James Rixner and how will this help the brand in the long run? 

We are honored to be involved in James Rixner interior design. We hope that this partnership will be very profitable for both sides.

5. What can we expect in the next coming years for Colombo Mobili? 

The new showroom is just opened, so the main focus is the area of New York. We have plans to expand our presence soon in other states.

________________________________________________________________________________

Mansion in May will be open to the public May 1st, 2014.  Restoration and decorating work at the mansion is proceeding rapidly. “With over 30,000 square feet of house and 53 interior design spaces to complete, our designers have a short time frame in which to translate their concepts into beautiful reality,” said Hofmeister. 

 

Mansion in May is the preeminent designer show-house in the New Jersey-New York area, attracting over 25,000 visitors to the event, typically held every other year. As a fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center, the event is known for presenting the area’s most unique and historic mansions, restored through the work of top interior and landscape designers.    

General Admission

Self-guided tour (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours)
Hours: 10am - 3pm, every day in May
Last ticket sold at 3pm

Ticket Pricing

$40 per person, February 1 - April 30

$50 per person, May 1 - May 31

Purchase Options

Online: February 1 - May 31

In Local Stores: April 1 - April 30

At the Door: May 1 - May 31

Sources:

www.GCTMarketing.com

www.jamesrixner.com

www.colombomobili.com/

www.mansioninmay.com

Follow us on:

Behind the Scenes with James Rixner: Christopher Guy

                                                                   

James Rixner is taking on a new show-house project: Mansionin May.  The largest room in the Blairsden Mansion, constructed in 1897-1903 in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey benefiting the Morristown Medical Center.

INTERVIEW:

1.What is the showroom’s design style and how does the furniture being used for the Mansion represent the brand?

The first word that comes to mind is "Glamor" The showroom ranges in style from Art Deco, Regency, to mid-century modern. The best way to describe the showrooms style is a contemporary mood with traditional values.

                                                       

2/3. Describe the brand and the service it provides.

Originally known for a wide range of decorative mirrors, the Christopher Guy brand grew into a collection of upscale upholstery, seating, dining tables, sofas, headboards, office furniture, lighting & a private fabric label. Christopher Guy's signature design details include the patented “Chris-X” (pronounced kris-krôs) leg design as well the “Silk Cut” upholstery & wood detail.

 Influenced by film, performing arts and the human form, the glamorous & alluring brand reflects a contemporary mood with classic values. Christopher Guy is the creator of the world’s most fabulous lifestyles. 

4. What are you most excited about for MIM?

The Grand Salon promises to be the most exciting room in the Mansion. The marriage of James Rixner’s innate talent to conjure spaces that are elegant and at the same time livable along with the sculptural qualities of the Christopher Guy items will be a feast for the eyes!

5. What happens to the products when the show ends?

All the items will be for sale. And we hope that because the public is able to view the items first hand it will encourage them to buy the items.

To visit the showroom:

________________________________________________________________________________

Mansion in May will be open to the public May 1st, 2014.  Restoration and decorating work at the mansion is proceeding rapidly. “With over 30,000 square feet of house and 53 interior design spaces to complete, our designers have a short time frame in which to translate their concepts into beautiful reality,” said Hofmeister. 

 

Mansion in May is the preeminent designer show-house in the New Jersey-New York area, attracting over 25,000 visitors to the event, typically held every other year. As a fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center, the event is known for presenting the area’s most unique and historic mansions, restored through the work of top interior and landscape designers.    

General Admission

Self-guided tour (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours)
Hours: 10am - 3pm, every day in May
Last ticket sold at 3pm

Ticket Pricing
$40 per person, February 1 - April 30
$50 per person, May 1 - May 31

Purchase Options
Online: February 1 - May 31
In Local Stores: April 1 - April 30
At the Door: May 1 - May 31

Sources:
www.GCTMarketing.com
www.jamesrixner.com
www.christopherguy.com
www.mansioninmay.com

5 Must Have Accessories For Designers on the go

Technology

Interior designers and Architects check out these gadgets that will make your life a little easier. Our lives are a bit different then most, we often deal with construction sites where there is no electricity, large plans and paper that we need to be scanned yesterday, and more often then not need a measurement of some oddly shaped room. 

I researched and found 5 gadgets that could help with those issues.

1. Premium Solar Charger 

- Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones Approx- $29.99

2. Doxie Flip Scanner

This portable flatbed scanner is made to work anywhere, small enough to fit in a bag or large pocket, it features battery power and flash SD memory, so you can use it without the need for a computer.  Approx--$150

3.Structure Sensor (attention Architects and Interior Designers)

Using the sensor and your iPad, you can measure the three-dimensional space in any room, automatically capture three-dimensional models of everyday objects, and even simulate physics on top of the real world. Approx- $380

4. Handpresso Hand-Held Espresso Maker

If you dislike Starbucks as much as me but find yourself in need of an espresso on the go, this device is it.  Approx-$78.00

5. Pocket Smart Measuring String

A string that gives precise measurement even around a curved surface can really save time and energy. $12.00

sources:
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.forbes.com/