Carlos Scarpa: Modernism in Detail

In celebration of Nest Studio's release our new Step Series line, this week we look back in time to highlight the breathtaking work of Italian architect, Carlos Scarpa, 1906-1978.  Scarpa is often admired as a hands-on sculptor within his architectural work juxtaposing materials and textures and combining time-honored crafts with modern manufacturing processes.  Scarpa's commitment to detail and craft is something we aspire to emulate in our new Step Series.

Well-known for his distinctive use of materials, landscape and history, Scarpa approaches architecture through the experience of building materials and their sensory properties.  Scarpa's work merits careful attention, for he more than any other modernist architect celebrated ornament and decoration.

In his renovation of a 14th century castle, The Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, Italy, Scarpa retains the original Gothic character of the castle and yet juxtaposes and reconnects spaces with distinctly modern elements.  Scarpa's sensitive consideration of materials and details is an example of how tradition can inform modern design.

Scarpa's appreciation of craft often led him to revel in the smallest of details.  For example, the brass supports under the riserless stairs of the Olivetti Showroom or the "viewing device" at the Brion Tomb and Sanctuary focusing the viewers gaze by means of a small metal element embedded in a vertical slit within a concrete wall.  

The Brion Cemetery, perhaps his most well known work, is a tranquil landscape and a place of collective contemplation.  Pushing architectural detailing to its limits, Scarpa devised complicated mechanisms and hinges, suspended heavy materials on fine supports, and interlocked rough and smooth materials in ornate compositions.  The result is a meditative landscape that is other-wordily.  Scarpa states:  ". . . I wanted to show some ways which you could approach death in a social and civic way; and further what meaning there was in death, in the ephemerality of life . . ."

Check out the @neststudiohardware Instagram feed this week for more of Carlos Scarpa's work.  A sampling is also below:

Check out next week's blog featuring the work of architect Lilly Bunn.

Introducing Nest Studio's New Step Series

Nest Studio is proud to announce our new Art-Deco inspired Step Series line.  The Step Series evokes the influence of the pre-Colombian ziggurat and has a universal appeal.  Its bold geometric forms and modern shapes make the Step Series knobs, pulls and handles perfect for a variety of applications.  Available in three standard finishes:  antique brass, satin brass, and polished nickel, the Step Series can also be fabricated in custom finishes and sizes.  Nest Studio hardware can be ordered from our online shop or from one of our showrooms.

Check out our blog and Instagram feed tomorrow to learn more about Italian architect, Carlos Scarpa, one of the design inspirations of the Step Series.

Urban Farmhouse Reveal: The Playroom

Hi Everyone. So for the past few weeks I've been showing you the final product on our Urban Farmhouse project. So far we have tackled the Kitchen, Living / Dining Area, Master Bedroom, and Master Bath.  Today, let's take a look at how the Play Room turned out.  Here is the design board we created.

And here are some shots of the final product. I love how playful and bright this space is.  Though buying from big box stores tends to be easier when you're designing a space (since things tend to be in stock and aren't one offs), it's nice to introduce a little vintage too. The rug is a vintage piece we got on Etsy and the art is something we sourced at one of my favorite LA vintage stores 45-Three Modern Vintage (see my post about shopping LA here).  The space is stylish without being fussy and hopefully it will grow with its inhabitants.

Stay tuned next week as we take a look at a fun little boy's room.

Design Crush: Ken Fulk

Happy Design Crush Monday!  This week we are spotlighting the magical work of event planner, interior designer, and bon vivant Ken Fulk.  Fulk's work is always stylish and sometimes over the top combining antiques, modern art and taxidermy.  Known for designing interiors and parties with panache, his projects elicit a rich sensory experience and unfold like a movie.

If you haven't had the pleasure of attending a Ken Fulk event or visiting one of his spaces, Pottery Barn released a stunning new Ken Fulk Collection.

Check out the @neststudiohardware Instagram feed this week for more of Ken Fulk's work.  A sampling is also below:

Check out next week's blog featuring the work of architect Carlos Scarpa.

Modern Office Space

Hi, it's Kate Cabiltes!

I bookmarked an office tour of a space designed by Meredith Heron featured on Style Me Pretty several years ago and I keep coming back to it. Meredith's timeless style is evident in her office makeover which resulted in a finished space that is energizing and yet sophisticated. This Toronto interior designer used neutrals and jewel tones to fill this room. With velvet chairs and a sleek white table, a bold textured look is achieved. She placed several cowhide mosaic rugs in various patterns on the already carpeted floor, a smart trick to separate a room into various work areas. By adding a large fiddle leaf fig, the energy in the room expands dramatically, creating a vibrant area to get work done and also worthy of spending time with colleagues or clients as needed. 

Here's how to get the look in your office...

Scalloped Ceiling White Light via Target

Hadley Nested Boxes via Home Decorators Collection

Round Fiberglass Dining Table via BizChair.Com

Chevron Rug via Kathy Kuo Home

Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree via Target

Goldfinger Lounge Chair via Jonathan Adler

Inspiration Image via Style Me Pretty

- Kate