Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Hard at work for 2014

Sorry for the radio silence. We've been hard at work putting together the new catalog. Hopefully we can share some sample spreads in a bit. Until then...check out our Facebook cover and profile picture for a taste...!

Meanwhile, we've been in three more magazines. Two regarding High Point and one for hospitality design.

Our new Geo Pop Bowls and Trays were listed as one of the best of show. These baskets are colorful and huge...ranging from 14.5" diameter all the way to 35.5" diameter. They look fabulous as a wall hanging.

Home Accents Today also used one of our chisel planters to illustrate the hot Black trend. The cylinder is now sold out, though we still have Rectangular Chisel Planters. Of course, we have many other black pieces such as Shell Chisel sculptures, Poppy Vases, Geo Pillows, and more.

Hotel Design, in an article about the changing nature and look of hotel lobbies, shows a lovely example of our ever popular Wall Play™ in the background.








Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Congratulations to our Marathoners!

Darren and Jose both completed (yet another) Chicago Marathon this past weekend. It was a lovely day for a run (or for watching a run...there was a Gold Leaf contingent out there to cheer them on). We are proud of them both.




Making Discoveries while Cleaning House

We are not quite done with the 2013 trade shows. High Point Market starts October 19. We actually sent our crack Trade Show Team(tm) out there to set up a few weeks early. We decided that being exhausted from working days and days straight making everything perfect when the show opened was no way to go through life. So this time, we're out early...setting up...coming home to rest up...then going out again to see all you lovely people.

Before Allan left, he decided to wreak some order on his office. Allan's office is a swirling mass of creativity and projects. He has cut outs and drawings on his walls (and desk and, occasionally, floor)...there are samples for review and prototypes for exploration. There are also catalogs and magazines galore. During this clean up he found some press that we had not noted before! 


In June 2012, Canadian House and Home showed our Mason Jars in a feature about summer styles.  Flowers & was looking forward to spring in their February 2012 issue and appreciated the natural look of our Manzanita branches for one of their arrangements. Finally, close to home, Chicago magazine's Home and Garden issue focused on great lighting options of which our basket lanterns were one.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

It has begun...

Under a cloak of secrecy and intrigue we have begun work on the 2014 catalog. Our Warehouse is stuffed to the gills with new product. Flashes of light can be seen under our loading doors. Mysterious sounds emanate from the aisles as space is created and built for photos and our showroom. Our graphic designers gird their loins and buy coffee by the drum to prepare for layout....

Well maybe not that extreme but our neighbors may well be wondering what we're building in there. We're very excited about our new offerings. Keep an eye on this space for some previews over the next few months.


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

More In the News...

Gold Leaf Design Group continues to be found in the most interesting of places. First we found ourselves in the great home decor/travel/design/entertaining/culture magazine Anthology courtesy of our friends (and April 2013 Featured Customer) at Flora Grubb. She took our Large Polyhedron Sculpture and paired with tillandsia for a great table piece.

Then the November/December issue of Hobby Farm Home goes to show that our metal Firewood Holders remain popular. As they say in certain quarters..."Winter is coming" so be prepared *and* elegant.




Friday, October 4, 2013

Vote for Us in the Best of the Year Awards!

We recently completed a design for JCJ Architecture. They were commissioned to design the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Hotel and Casino, which is situated along the Rio Grande. The design, inspired by the Texas landscape, called for vivid colors and textural contrast throughout the hotel. Our mission was to create a series of divider screens reminiscent of fiery Texas sunsets. We think our Sun-Kissed dyed hardwood arrangements succeed admirably! We and JCJ Architecture were so pleased with the result that we've entered it into the Interior Design Best of the Year Awards. The first round curating is done by YOU! If you are an Interior Designer, Architect, Industrial Designer, or in a similar field, please give us your vote!

Did you know that you might have already SEEN our Sun-Kissed Dividers? Hospitality Design magazine declared them a work of art by including them in a feature on...well..Art! We were also pleased to see our incredibly versatile Rubber Woven Wall Art in their article on Recycled Earth-friendly products. Waterproof, durable, great indoors or out and alone or in multiples, we have been happy with how much notice these pieces have been getting.




Friday, September 6, 2013

Help Darren support Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN)


And now...we turn the bully pulpit over to Darren for a short word....



Many of you know that I am a runner, and that I am a marathon runner.  This year I am training to run my 9th Chicago Marathon.  Running a marathon truly is an amazing feat of physical and emotional endurance.  It is a transformational experience.  Completing the 26.2 mile race pushes you past what seems humanly possible and has you view life differently.  The positive impact is felt throughout our business and relationships.
This year I have dedicated my Chicago Marathon to a local AIDS services organization.  I am running to raise money for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).  TPAN provides education and outreach, HIV testing, support, counseling and advocacy for people at risk or living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area.  For over 25 years they have been providing these services on a truly grass roots level. 
This will be my second year running to support TPAN.  I have chosen this organization, not only for the great work they do, but because of how they do it.  Every dollar raised through our fundraising goes directly to providing services.  Last year a small group of runners raised enough money to purchase a mobile testing unit to travel to the most underserved areas of Chicago.  It was incredible to be a part of an effort that produced a very tangible result.
This year I am committed to raise half of what is needed to operate this unit for the first year.  I am committed to raising $8,300.00.  This is a huge goal, and I hope that you will consider making a donation.  I know that the majority of you are not in Chicago and will not feel the direct impact of TPAN’s services.  Supporting TPAN supports the promise of what is possible for not for profit agencies everywhere.  In a time when many organizations are cutting services, TPAN continues to broaden its scope and breadth of programs.  This is largely due to their direct fundraising model and grass roots efforts.
Making a donation...
Thanks to those who have already donated!  If you haven’t, please visit my web page and consider making a donation.  I truly appreciate it.

Custom Art for the Villa?

We recently created some custom wall art for Lori Michelle and her team at NGP Interiors Studio. The project is a high end apartment resort in Orange County California. Our client fell in love with our Custom Verdigris Wall Play™ design seen in our 2012-13 catalog so we provided them with their very own version tailored to their dimensions. What do you think?



We love making your visions come true. With your ideas and our design and construction expertise, we create custom pieces that work in harmony with the environment. Talk to us about YOUR project.


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Gold Leaf Design Group on Home Accents Today Cover

Why yes...those *are* our Blue Antigua Metal Filigree Lanterns  (and Antigua Filigree Votive and Painted Burlap Votives elegantly displayed on the cover of Home Accents Today's August 2013 issue. Words can't explain how excited we are!

Also, in Home Accents Today's Portfolio WHITE HOT accents, you'll find our naturally inspired Spout Vases. Going monochromatic this season creates a luminous setting and allows for pops of color. These vases can be used to showcase floral arrangements or stand alone as a striking organic sculptural piece.



Friday, August 9, 2013

Hospitality Design | Black and White Trends

As seen in decor magazines or from our previous posts, black & white/monochromatic color and geometric patterns are trending in interior design. From chevron curtain panels to bold geometric statement pieces, black and white is in and we're loving it!

Hospitality Design's May 2013 trend spread set out to highlight 5 intriguing accent art pieces. We hit number 4 with our splendid Beehive Cream Wall Play™! Our Beehive Cream Wall Play™ offers endless creativity, versatility, and easy installation.


Speaking of B&W...see some more of what Gold Leaf Design Group has to offer at our website.

1. Geo Pillow Covers in Cream and Black
2. Resin Spout Vases in White



Monday, August 5, 2013

Modern Make Over!

We've graced the pages of quite of few interior magazines but our most recent appearance is in Riviera Interiors Modern Luxury winter 2013. We're always excited to see our products in print.

Gold Leaf is a part of a spread that shone light on designer James Denton and his latest full retreat design project which included our Organic and Full Moon Cream Color Wall Play™in the dining room, adding an unexpected touch to the wall. We like how Denton kept a simple palette and played with textures and shapes. The mature all white decor makes for a sexy urban, chic bachelor pad. Groovy Baby! #CanYouBelieveAustinPowersIsOver15YearsOld

Check it out below!


See details and more of our Wall Play™ on our website.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Where on Earth is Gold Leaf?

Gold Leaf Design Group can be found all over the world, in the most unexpected places. Recently, our intrepid Reps Tom and Shelley Carl journeyed to the rocky cold shores of inhospitable Hawaii. Here's their report...
Aloha, we brought 10 catalogs ( had to carry an extra suitcase just for catalogs, etc) along with us and probably needed about 20, so these photos show all we have left of Gold Leaf...
Let's take a look at the photos...


Yep. Looks pretty darn inhospitable. Hope the hardship wasn't too much for you both! We'll see you in Las Vegas.


Darren DeMatoff on TV!

KoniTV.tv, that is. Back at the HD Las Vegas show Darren took some time to show the folks from Koni around our award-winning (Best Curb Appeal!) exhibition space. Take a look. See our lovely custom arrangements. Hear Darren work his magic. He's Internet Famous! Even though they got our website address wrong, we're very excited and proud.

KoniTV.tv is the online hospitality design channel from the well regarded Koni Corporation, hotel supply company specializing in soft goods.


Monday, July 15, 2013

Congratulations to Design Group Carl Ross

Design Group Carl Ross indulged their Inner Diva and created this winning cool guest room for Boutique Design West. The task was to "Design a full-service, glitz-and-glamour hotel room (excluding bath area) that even the most provocative diva can call home." We're always pleased to have our stuff used in such a chic way!



Friday, July 12, 2013

See Gold Leaf Design Group at AmericasMart Atlanta!

Today's our first day in Atlanta and we're ready to show you the goods! Exhausted from the set-up but excited nonetheless. Come by, we look forward to seeing you! (High Design 1st floor, Building 2W, Booth 115)

Pick up a copy of July's Home Accents Today, our Grenada Furniture is featured on the GEO POP page, a page dedicated to market trending geometric inspired designs. Our aluminum Grenada Furniture adds magnificent texture to any landscape. Powder coated in black then hand-polished to expose highlights while leaving recessed details, these sculptural furniture pieces will maintain their luster inside or out. See dimensions and more photos of our Grenada side table and bench on our website.



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Setting up shop in Atlanta

Our exhibition space has been designed. Our products for showing selected. Everything has been boxed up and shipped. Now we are busy unpacking, assembling, and getting ready to receive you all. It is AmericasMart Atlanta! From July 12 – 16th, you can find us in High Design 1st floor, Building 2W, Booth 115. Come by to see our latest products, talk to us about custom projects, and find special tradeshow floor only specials. We hope to see you there!

But if not...you'll have another chance at the end of July in Las Vegas...or in mid-August in New York as we take our show on the road. See our tradeshow schedule for more details.


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

With Great Pride we were in Pride

We all love a parade and we especially love the Chicago Pride Parade. Some of us were down to see it this past weekend and got an unexpected surprise...on the sumptuously decorated float for Wilmette's Chalet Nursery bobbed our Stainless Steel Ball Sway. What an explosion of botanical wonderfulness! Congratulations to them on such a great looking display. 


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Now on Lifetime...

Devious Maids....starring our Stainless Steel Spheres....
oh and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Dania Ramirez (Premium Rush), Susan Luci (All My Children) and others...

Based on the Mexican TV show Ellas son la AlegrĂ­a del Hogar, Devious Maids is a comedy-drama that will be premiering on Lifetime shortly (though you can see the first episode online now. Our good friend (and Oscar-winning) Joel Klaff of Workroom Inc, is part of the production design team. He sent along an image of the sumptuous estate where the show is taking place showing our 26-inch brushed steel spheres floating delicately in the pool. 

Gold Leaf Design Group's 26-inch brushed stainless steel spheres on the set of Devious Maids

Friday, June 7, 2013

BEES. HIVES. AND WALL PLAY IN INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE.

We draw our inspiration from nature but sometimes that also leads to questions such as...Why do Bees make hexagons? It seems like an oddly specific shape. Why not something simpler like circles or squares? 

We’re not the only ones who have wondered this, in 36BC Roman soldier/scholar Marcus Terentius Varro suggested that maybe honey combs were hexagons because it could hold more honey for the least amount of wax. On the surface, this seems a bit off since a circle contains the most area for the least perimeter. The key is to think of not a single shape, but multiples. A honeycomb made of circles would have a lot of wasted/trapped space. You need something that nests well together so that you can get the most impact in the smallest space. Hexagons fit this bill nicely. The only other shapes that do it as well are squares and equilateral triangles and out of those three...the hexagon holds the most honey. You can read more at the NPR Science blog.

Speaking of hexagons and honeycombs and getting maxiumum impact, did you see our Bee Hive Wall Play in Interior Design’s Spring Market Tabloid? This latest addition to our Wall Play™ art line offers the durability, endless creativity and versatility you expect. Not just for vertical surfaces, we like to use them to add inexpensive splashes of color and texture almost anywhere. Beehive comes in black, cream, and goldleaf.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Now appearing on Design NY cover

Design NY magazine
One of our sales representatives spotted one of our Metal Filigree Lanterns on the cover of Design NY, a once a year magazine dedicated to presenting the "most splendid design developments of the region". It appeared as part of the living room in a modern farmhouse home in Amherst New York. The design of the house is a lovely example of rustic design coupled with eclectic and artistic elements.
Metal Filligree Lantern

Friday, May 10, 2013

Back from High Point Market

We're still unpacking from High Point Market. As always, it was equal parts exciting and exhausting.

It is great talking face-to-face with customers both old and new. So much of our time is spent in our creative walled garden in Chicago that tradeshows sometimes feel like the only social interaction with you all that we get. (Though now with our new Showroom...maybe we can see you more often!)

We also were excited to see our products outside of our exhibition space whether it was in the HGTV twitter feed or in the three macro trend exhibitions presented by High Point Markets and WSGN-HomebuildLife. We had a lot of people coming up to us having seen those juried exhibits. We had products in all three trends and had more than any other company. #keepingscore

One of the highlights for us was the BBQ at Toad Alley and sales meeting we held for our disparate and scattered sales representatives.

Our next two tradeshows are the HD Expo in Las Vegas and America's Mart in Atlanta. Take a look at our tradeshow schedule on our website for more information. We also just added the Las Vegas Market at the end of July. We hope to see you there.


Friday, April 19, 2013

Gold Leaf Design Group at the Renaissance Hotel

We were recently at the Renaissance Hotel in Chicago's theatre district...not to relax and take in a show, but to work! We were doing an onsite installation of our Pivot and Cube Wall Play™. It was a great design by Meg Prendergast from Gettys. The art seems to explode and be escaping from its confine above the escalator. Take a look!

Pivot and Cube Wall Play installation
On-site installatiion of Pivot and Cube Wall Play™

While there, we scoped out the lobby...like we do...and were pleased to find a few of our Unique Artifacts throughout. The Wall Hanging is also by Meg, the other arrangements are by Oni Lazarus, A+O Design Studio.

(From L to R): Icon Vase, Gemini Vase, Aluminum Crystal Sculpture, Metal Wood Grain Wall Hanging
We really think they tie the room together.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Ahead of the curve at High Point Market...

Gold Leaf Design Group is showing its vision!  The International Market Center + WGSN-Homebuildlife, continue their education series to inform market attendees about three macro trends that will influence home dĂ©cor a year in advance. We assisted with their displays by providing sample products reflecting the trends. You will find these displays throughout the market.

Brass Crinkle Trays

Neo-Geo
showing in Transportation Terminal

"We must accept that the Earth is no longer just dirt and rock, but also plastic, cement, and man-made materials. The WOW-factor of nature inspires design and brings a sense of “the monumental” to interiors."

Look for our:

  • Brass Crinkle Trays
  • Crater Vases
  • Quilled Hexagons
  • Rock Sculpture Lights
  • Shell Chisel Wall Sculptures

Bee Hive Wall Play

New Digital Aesthetic
showing in IHFC Green Lobby

"As more time is spent viewing life through the lens of a smartphone or tablet, the way these machines “see” and the way we see is becoming intertwined. Infinite pixelization, a fading of edges, and designs that seem to on infinitely are key."

Look for our:

  • Bee Hive Wall Play™
  • Sculpture Vases
  • Origami Fabric
  • Wire Cubes

Vent Rubber Wall

Next Nature
showing in Suites at Market Square Lobby

"Nature integrates into our interior environments. Boundaries between humanity, technology, and design are redrawn as we find architecture winding through the forest and furniture growing like plants."

Look for our:

  • Metal Echiveria
  • Rubber Wall "Vent"



Want to know specifics about these themes? The color and design trends? You'll have your chance in just a couple weeks at High Point. We'll see you there!


Friday, April 5, 2013

I am Gold Leaf: Rachel



The first person you will see upon walking in the door at Gold Leaf Design Group is Rachel Lafontant. As a Customer Service/Claims Specialist she spends much of her day assisting customers, resolving issues, and making sure that all of our customers are entirely satisfied. 


FAVORITES

Favorite season: Summer

Favorite Band/Singer is: Abba, Bruno Mars, The Jackson 5

Favorite quote is: Just Do It!

Favorite Book The Four Agreements by Miguel Angel Ruiz  and Women Who Run with the Wolves by EstĂ©s Clarissa Pinkola

Favorite movie: Avatar, Colors, Visual Effects, Preserving Nature

I would have liked to have met: Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Theresa

Favorite TV show: Project Runway, Rachel Zoe Project, Bloomberg Game Changers & Bloomberg Risk Takers

Favorite adjective: Thankful


TRIVIA

My oddest job was: Working at the Field Museum of Chicago at the Monet/Degan showing visitors how to operate the tape recorder for the exhibit.

When no one is looking, I... Enjoy eating a mango

No one would guess... I love to read books

My top three hobbies / interests... Tennis, Caribbean Artwork, Attending Art Festivals

I wish I had more... Time

My ideal day would include: Being at the beach, Drinking coconut and eating seafood

How many tattoos do you have? None

How many scars do you have? None


EITHER / OR

Peanut butter...Crunchy or Smooth? Smooth

Talker or Listener? Talker

Pencil or Pen? Pen...a blue pen

Elvis or Beatles? Elvis

Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla




Buckingham Fountain...Hancock Building...and now...

Sure to become the greatest tourist destination since the Sears Willis Tower...we are pleased to announce that the much anticipated Gold Leaf Showroom has finally arrived!

The showroom has all of our current collection on display in glorious 3-D technicolor for your perusal. There will also be an area designated to promotional products as they become available. You can even have the opportunity to see our production department assembling and creating custom projects for Hospitality and Commercial orders.

We welcome all of our registered customers to schedule a visit. If you haven't registered at our website, beat the rush and do so today! Call Joe with any questions or to get an appointment.




Friday, March 8, 2013

It's still cold out...

...but our firewood holder is still hot. As Lee mentioned on our Facebook (btw have you visited us there?) we get some snow in Chicago. For those fortunate to have a fireplace, the cold and the snow invites a roaring fire. Country Living magazine featured our firewood holder in their Fresh Picks section in February.

The look of cut and stacked firewood helped inspire our lumberyard floor vase. The intricate repetition of the growth rings, showing the history of the tree is reinforced with the repetition of circular forms. For those of us who don't have a fireplace, perhaps this will suffice. (Fun trivia fact born from bitter experience...s'mores toasted on a gas oven burner...disappointing at best)




I am Gold Leaf: Denny

Hidden behind this curtain of green and brown Kuwa is Denny, You may have talked with her on the phone. You may have received emails or faxes from her. She solves problems, she fills out orders. Her day starts early –  7:30am – and she always has candy on the desk for revitalizing the energy levels of diligent Gold Leaf-ites. (Leaf-ers?). Let's get to know her better...


FAVORITES

Favorite season: Spring

Favorite Band/Singer is: I have many: Beatles, Crosby Stills & Nash, Moody Blues, CCR

Favorite quote is: Again I have several...
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough" — Mae West
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger" — Friedrich Nietzsche
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage"" — William W. Purkey

Favorite Book This is hard since I read A LOT. Harry Potter (all), Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris  Radish (ladies this is a great read)  and The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Favorite movie: The original Star Wars

I would have liked to have met: Gilda Radner

Favorite TV show: NCIS

Favorite adjective: Sweet or Excellent


TRIVIA

My oddest job was: Taking care of 12 sheep (6 were lambs), 2 horses and 4 Angora rabbits for a week

When no one is looking, I....Sing and dance

No one would guess.... I have MS

My top three hobbies / interests...I make cork birdhouses, golf, white wine

I wish I had more...energy and free time

My ideal day would include: A walk on the beach in the pacific northwest with my dog (when I get another one)

How many tattoos do you have? None

How many scars do you have? 10+


EITHER / OR

Peanut butter...Crunchy or Smooth? Smooth

Talker or Listener? Talker

Pencil or Pen? Pen

Elvis or Beatles? This is hard since I like them both, but the edge goes to the Beatles

Chocolate or Vanilla? CHOCOLATE





Monday, March 4, 2013

White as Snow

Our white marble Marigold plate was featured in the March issue of House and Home magazine. It is food safe, but we also like them for floating flowers and candles. We like the simplicity of natural white marble and have expanded our exploration of it into other products from the very large (12 or 16 inch diameter!) and simple David Marble Bowls to the meticulously hand-carved Jali marble trays.





Speaking of white simplicity, the white driftwood sculptures we showed at the New York International Gift Fair caught the eye of interior designer Laurie Gorelick who was reminded of the New England coastline. She also liked our ceramic zinnias and sea flowers. Of course we think she has excellent taste.