designer customers: david bromstad

We’re huge fans of David Bromstad and his HGTV show, Color Splash. Coincidentally we both “moved” to Miami recently and had the opportunity to meet at our store opening.

Following are a few thoughts he shared with us.

Who’s the most influential person to you as far as design goes?
My biggest influence in design would have to be Phillipe Stark. His innovative way of taking and combining styles and colors is absolutely sublime.

What are some of the aspects that define Miami’s design culture?
Miami has a design style all its own. It’s fresh and hip and not afraid to take chances and push the boundaries of design and color. The South American influences are undeniable. We are the only tropical city in the United States, its call the American Riviera for a reason. Hot, sexy and sultry.

What are some of your favorite spots to visit in Miami?
The beach has always been a place to relax and let the creative juices fly. Some of my best ideas come from laying in the hot Florida sun listening to my ipod. My new favorite place is my work studio. After years of working in San Francisco I was unable to have a work studio to create sculptures, lighting and artwork. I rarely leave. I think setting up a cot would be a wise idea!

What are some design trends you foresee?
If I had my crystal ball out, which I often do, and was looking to the next year or 2 of design trends, I would say that global influences will continue to make a mark in design. Going “green” with organic and environmentally products will bring in a more subtle, earthy design sense and color palette. On the flip side I see innovation with new and fantastic materials and colors. Consumers these days are savvy and smart and want to see amazing and inspiring products. The colors as well will be fresh. Purples, magentas, oranges, lime greens and yellows are those color splashes to complement the earthy base colors coming from the organic color influences.

Color is definitely your trademark—what color is your personal favorite for spring? I never thought I would say this would be my favorite color but magenta is my new obsession. I find it sexy, sultry and just plain happy! Combined with acid yellow!? YUMMY?

What’s a fast, inexpensive way to update one’s home?
The fastest way to update your home is to rearrange your furniture. This will cost you absolutely nothing but a little manpower and creativity. Top if off with new throw pillows and you have transformed your room for very little. Another way to give your home a new life is through paint. Instead of painting all 4 walls of your room, which is in an all day project, try doing a feature wall in a stunning color. Black, red, grellow, orange, purple, magenta, I could go on for days the possibilities of color. I prefer an earth and health friendly VOC free paint like Mythic. (In Chicago, see Michelle at the eco paint boutique Colori.)

You recently viewed the CB2 spring collection in person, any favorites?
That’s an unfair and evil question! The minute I walked in to view the new collection and store I was blown away by everything! The thought and love that went into each product was abundantly clear. I’m obsessed! Ok, if you’re going to put me on the spot I will narrow my store wide obsession to a few fantastic items. The parlor sofa in that yummy grellow is so fantastic I can’t even contain myself. Don’t be surprised if this ends up in my bedroom. Sexy, sleek and did I mention the color? Perfection! The knitted pouf in lime green! Its so textural and delicious and the price? Again genius! The grrrl rug. 80s fabulous personified! I’m loving this rug more than I love my car! The alpha floor lamp. So fantastic and stunning, and huge! I love the statement is suggests….”I’m not afraid of design!”

Can you give us any hints regarding the upcoming season of Color Splash? The upcoming season of Color Splash Miami will be sexy and fabulous! With a whole new cast and crew, we will be featuring local artisans and craftsman that make Miami one of the most creative places on earth. The new season should air sometime in July! We are still in the early stages of the series, but I have a feeling this will be the strongest season yet! Also look for the light sculptures in my studio - super colorful and utterly different from anything I have ever created.

Thank You David!

designer customers: lonni paul

You never know who’s going to walk through CB2’s orange doors—especially in Los Angeles.

Recently Lonni Paul, LA based interior designer and HGTV Design Star runner-up, came shopping for a modern Hollywood loft she was working on.

She chose an array of merchandise for the project—city slicker and peekaboo tables, big dipper floor lamp, lounge shag rug, toro barstools, cord pillows, an abstract mobile and many tabletop items. We were anxious to see the final “reveal”—check it out below.

photo: Doug Hill

We were so impressed with Lonni’s work that we couldn’t help but ask her a few questions.

Is there an object or person that changed how you think about design?One of my first clients had a very traditional home which is not my personal style. Working on that project made me change the way I think about design because I realized good design makes any style beautiful. Especially if you think outside the box and throw some contemporary accessories and art in the mix. Also, Phillipe Stark is such an inspiration to me. Everything he does changes the way I think about design.

Is there something outside your field that inspires you? Fashion and art.

What’s the most overlooked detail in a room design? Scale. Many times people buy something for a room because they love the piece but they don’t consider how it relates to other pieces already in the room—or even the room itself.

Future trends? I believe in the near future “green/eco-friendly” will be a necessity and the norm.

Thank You Lonni!

Thanks to cristina, store manager west hollywood, for this submission.