Designers on design

This month we've done something a little different — a “best of” theme — and invited our designer panelists to look back over the past year and tell us about the designs, designers or concepts that really made a lasting impression or even went so far as to provide a bit of inspiration. What follows is the abbreviated version. Visit the Designer Insight blog at homeaccentstoday.com for their complete responses and Web links.

New York has inspired me this year! I've been here almost every week and so I was able – for the first time in my life – to explore not as a tourist, but as a local. I really feel the vast congregation of cultures and styles in Manhattan, plus being in the capital of American fashion, have inspired me to a new level. — Barclay Butera

I visited a coffee shop this summer and noticed coffee mugs for sale, offered in a variety of unique shapes. I was impressed with the packaging and design as well, so I got the information off the package and traced it down to a design studio where a link led me to their whole mug series. I have to say that this, the Miam-Miam label, has been one of my favorites. — Bense Garza

1) New York finally has a Frank Gehry Building. It's pretty wonderful … in glass and in the evenings the play of colored lights can be mesmerizing, bouncing around the wonderful mountain-like form of the building. 2) 7 World Trade Center. Well, it's about time we have something where the Towers were, and it's really a beautiful building, too … by David Childs of SOM. 3) One of the most incredible things I saw this year was by a designer I know, Hilda Haithcock, who designs all the interiors for Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in N.C. It was for the area in their new cancer ward where people were getting chemo, and she used Womb chairs. If you've ever curled up in a Womb chair, you know how aptly named it is. You can see her design on the Knoll Web site. 4) The Stacking floor lamp (part of the David Rockwell Collection by Leucos). It is sculpture, light, elegant and colorful… and I need 20. The lamp's stacked cylinders of colored glass form a radiant decorative column. — Babette Holland

Both wallpaper and metallics have ruled the decorating trends of 2007. The gradual pull away from the modern white walls, floating shelves and the unfortunate framed posters has given way to the reintegration of wallpaper in the home. The new wave of wallpapers out there is boldly patterned, big and beautiful with a focus on sophisticated prints. I especially liked the trend of gilded wallpapers which have followed the lead from fashion and furniture. Metallics are dramatic, and whether I use it in shiny paint, gleaming wallpaper, home accessories or my own accessories, it is one of my favorite ways of adding a touch of elegance. The company Graham & Brown is one of the largest purveyors of innovative designer wallpapers. — Doug Wilson

Going to have to go with the recently renovated Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard (in Los Angeles). This place simply makes me feel good. Not just because of the beautiful full bar, but the fact that it was decorated with such a refined hand. No pink and black hyper-Deco on this period eatery, though parts of the flamboyant exterior of the structure might make one think the interior follows suit. Instead, beautiful panels of walnut and sublime insets of brushed brass cover every surface. Soft lighting from elegant sconces, beautiful flowers everywhere, every seat in the place is cozy, private, yet not too much. Good design. Good food. Good celeb sightings. Good job!— Mark Schomisch

When I began the complete renovation of my apartment this summer, I started with the kitchen and was thrilled to finally find the refrigerator of my dreams! The Liebherr model #CS1350 is tall, thin, has plenty of room and an icemaker to boot. — Paul Thompson

I consider myself an Aman-junkie: a person addicted to anything Aman Resorts have to offer. They consistently design and operate the most luxurious, relaxing and best designed hotels in the world. My husband and I have been to most of their locations and we even chose Amanusa in Bali for our wedding. I am always inspired by the beauty of their locations, the perfection of their interiors and the superb effort that goes into their creative hotels. — Sandra Espinet

1) Designer: Ian Schrager — The Gramercy Park Hotel project is amazing ... but most inspiring is that Schrager was obviously brave enough to break the mold of his own successful business model in order to satisfy his design instinct. 2) Design Concept: Modern Mass Appeal — Who would've guessed that “mod” as in mid-century, Danish and just plain modern would become so mainstream? I love seeing America's acceptance of the modern design concept. Big box retailers have not only bought into modern and clean design, but continue to increase the size of the category on their floors. 3) Designed item: Koziol Products & Fixtures — This German plastics manufacturer continues to produce the most inspiring and thought-provoking products I've ever seen. — Greg O'Neal

Greg O'Neal

Sandra Espinet

Paul Thompson

Mark Schomisch

Doug Wilson

Babette Holland

Bense Garza

Barclay Butera