Spotlight

Opulent Minimalism

Designer Vladimir Kagan features unusual product pairings in museum exhibit.

When noted furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, Vladimir Kagan Design Group, Inc., sought inspiration for his post-millennium room setting vignette at the American Craft Museum's Living With Craft exhibition, he turned to two unexpected sources: window treatments and laminates. "I see the post-millennium as both minimalist and opulent," said Kagan. "The room derives its syntax by creating tactile contrasts-it's meant to stimulate, challenge and elevate the spirit." Kagan choose Wilsonart® Decorative Metals from Wilsonart International, Temple, TX, because he wanted a metal wall, but never thought he would find a suitable lightweight, flexible material until he came across Wilsonart AlumaSteel. "There was a terrific choice of fine-tuned finishes-the selection is amazing. We found just the right finish from all the shiny, satiny, bronzy and brassy options," he said. "I was inspired by the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, where the exteriors were covered in titanium and Wilsonart helped me achieve that same look in my vignette at the American Craft Museum." GOSSAMER CONTRAST In contrast to the cool look of the stainless steel wall, Kagan wanted a gossamer swirl of fabric that would create a backdrop for the sofa. He chose Luminette Privacy Sheers® fabric by the yard from Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, Upper Saddle River, NJ. He choose two colors: Sea Spray, a pale celadon reminiscent of a palette from Tibet, and a steely off-white. The continuous swath of swirling fabric was wrapped around a piece of PVC tubing suspended from the ceiling. Kagan's creativity in his completed design won the praise of fellow designers. "That Vladimir chose to use these products in non-traditional ways so effectively shows how innovation in product design gives designers the tools they need to heighten their creativity," said Susan Aiello, president of the American Society of Interior Designers' (ASID) New York Metropolitan Chapter, and organizer of the Living With Craft exhibit.

More Spotlight Articles   Hunter Douglas sponsored Kagan's exhibit, which features the interesting contrasts of cool metal finished and swirling fabric. The room's tactile contrasts are meant to stimulate, challenge and elevate the spirit.