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Brazilian Modernist Design: Expression, Structure, and Nature 

Brazilian Modernist design emerged in the mid-20th century as a defining architectural movement that responded to modernism with a bold, local perspective. Innovators such as Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi, and Lúcio Costa challenged rigid formalism through expressive geometry, material clarity, and deep integration with Brazil’s natural environment. Characterized by sweeping concrete forms, light-filtering structures, …

German Fachwerkhaus Design: Structure, Craft, and Form

German Fachwerkhaus design is rooted in centuries of regional tradition and practical construction. Commonly found in towns and villages throughout Germany, Fachwerk, a traditional timber-framing technique, was developed as an efficient method of building with local materials, including oak, clay, and stone. Over time, it evolved into an architectural language defined by rhythm, balance, and …

French Provençal Design: Elegance and Charm

Rooted in the southern countryside of France, French Provençal design balances timeless refinement with rustic comfort. Inspired by the architecture and interiors of traditional rural homes, this aesthetic evokes the soft patina of age through handcrafted materials, muted colors, and lived-in textures. From worn stone floors to antique ironwork, these spaces embody a relaxed elegance …

Traditional Japanese Design: Quiet Balance 

Traditional Japanese design is rooted in cultural values of harmony, humility, and connection to nature. From the thoughtful proportions of architecture to the quiet restraint of interior finishes, every detail is selected with intention. Natural materials like cedar, bamboo, stone, and rice paper form the foundation of this style, while sliding Shoji screens, low platforms, …

Peruvian Andean Design: Material and Meaning 

Peruvian Andean design is shaped by its mountainous geography, layered history, and a deep respect for material culture. Influenced by Indigenous traditions from the highlands—most notably the Quechua and Aymara peoples—this style emphasizes reciprocity with the land, geometric expression, and functional craftsmanship. The design language is informed by centuries of building techniques, artisanal practices, and …

The NeoCon and Design Days Edit 2025

As the design world gathered in Chicago for NeoCon and Design Days 2025, The NeoCon and Design Days Edit offers a curated preview of materials from participating brands—highlighting the textures, tones, and innovations shaping today’s commercial interiors.  This collection brings together a balance of grounded palettes and elevated finishes, designed to support the evolving needs …

Egyptian Revival Design: Monumental Forms

Egyptian Revival design honors the legacy of one of the world’s oldest civilizations through a modern lens, celebrating architectural grandeur, geometry, and symbolism. First gaining prominence in Europe and North America during the 19th century, this style was fueled by a fascination with archaeological discoveries and a reverence for the monumental beauty of ancient structures. …

Mexican Hacienda Design: Rooted Warmth

Mexican Hacienda design is a celebration of place, culture, and craft, born from a rich blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Indigenous building traditions. Historically developed for agricultural estates throughout Mexico, haciendas were constructed using regional materials like adobe, stone, and hand-formed clay tile, shaped to withstand heat while inviting in light and air. While …

Evolution of Food Court Design

Once known for fluorescent lighting and fast food chains, the traditional food court is evolving into something much more dynamic. Across shopping centers, airports, universities, and mixed-use developments, food courts are transforming into design-forward, hospitality-driven destinations that prioritize both experience and variety.  At the core of this shift is a rethinking of layout and flow. …

Finnish Sauna Design: Ritual, Stillness, and Wellness

Finnish sauna design is one of the oldest wellness traditions in the world—an integral part of daily life in Finland, where the sauna is seen not as a luxury, but as a necessity. With over two million saunas in a country of just over five million people, this design ethos is rooted in ritual, simplicity, …