Jewelry Makes the Outfit!

In Design School one of the best adages I learned about Interior Design was “A room is like an outfit” and “If a room is like an outfit, then lighting is the jewelry”. I always tried to keep this analogy in mind…It all needs jewelry, but not too much! Of course a crystal chandelier epitomizes this idea of jewelry and traditionally has provided the perfect accent and “sparkle” to beautifully appointed rooms.

A variation on Windfall's "Balance" chandelier featuring topaz crystals available at Moura Starr.

I recently learned about the Windfall Company in Munich, Germany who has gone about re-imagining the idea of a crystal chandelier on a massive scale. They have managed to build a bridge from the past to the 21st Century using the traditional crystal in new ways.

A Windfall concept for a Mosque in Sheffield, England-not realized.

The company is the brainchild of German Clarissa Dorn and Dutch born Roel Haagmans. Both parties brought a vast knowledge of lighting and chandelier design when they formed Windfall in 2004. The idea of the company was to “explore the contemporary potential of crystal chandeliers”.

Clarissa Dorn and Roel Haagmens, the Principals of Windfall in Germany.

You won’t find Windfall’s products featured in magazine ads or see their work in most domestic showrooms however they are represented by Moura Starr in New York and Los Angeles. Windfall’s work has caught like wildfire with global high-end retail and commercial clients such as Cartier, Roberto Cavalli and numerous hotels world wide. They have also completed commissions in numerous private homes throughout the world. All of their work is custom and is designed per project.

A Windfall creation in a Roberto Cavalli store.

The most instantly recognizable of the company’s designs is the “Balance” chandelier which at first resembles a traditional chandelier, but upon further examination has no frame and is suspended using nearly invisible means, where each “candle” becomes independent, but allows the piece to work as a dazzling unit.

Windfall's "Balance" chandelier in context.

In doing my research for this post I noticed that fellow local blogger Katie Denham featured one of Windfall’s pieces in her post here.

I think the jewelry analogy is quite appropriate to the work that Windfall does as they have been asked to outfit every Cartier store around the globe with variations on their Balance chandelier.

A chandelier done for a private commission in Bukarest.

I admire Windfall’s approach to the idea of a chandelier, and since they are a relatively young company, look forward to what they will bring to the market next.

David Hansen

A Touch of Blue

I have had a lifelong love affair with everything “Holland”, and more recently with Delft tiles.

On a trip to Munich in the late 90’s I found myself absolutely mesmerized with the most sumptuous “bath” I’d ever seen. It was a bathing room in the Badenburg Pavilion on the grounds of the Nymphenburg Palace. Imagine an entire room with walls and ceiling all in Delft tile, not to mention the elaborate faucet fixtures in what I am sure was 24k gold. Transom windows were perfectly positioned, allowing the tiles to glisten and sparkle in the sunshine. The bath itself was monstrous in scope… and divine. A large indoor pool if you will, and really out of this world.

Since that time, I’ve ventured out with more practical uses for Delft tiles. In my design “past” before Ashfield Hansen, I’ve used them as a fireplace surround in an East Coast sitting room done ALL in blue and white and as a baseboard in a kitchen room with strong olive green walls. I would love to do a “firebox” in Delft but unless the fireplace was purely decorative, the tiles would only end up with a “sooty” covering, altogether hiding the glorious color. We have yet to design a “bathing pavilion”, but I’m not giving up hope; even if it’s for me.

In my research on Delft tiles, I’ve discovered that … “Delft tiles have been produced in Holland since the 16th century. At the time, the tile culture flourished in The Netherlands and the Delft tiles were used for interior design on a large scale”.

Another point of interest, as for the color, would be that Delft tiles are found most frequently in blue and white. It’s true that the shade of blue influences the ambience of the décor; where pale powdery tints create an airy ethereal or cool mood; deeper values soothing and serene. The brighter blues range from vivid and acid and electric for powerful, playful or dramatic. Dark blue/black shades create an authoritative look for a feeling of dignity, stateliness or polish. I’ve often paired Delft tiles with blue and white Export Porcelain which makes the tiles look even more fabulous… if that’s possible.

Barbara Ashfield