Mercury Mosaics

Mercury Mosaics is an incredible handmade tile studio based in Minneapolis. They are not necessarily "new" but definitely a resource that cannot be overlooked. LLD worked with Mercury Mosaics on the 2007 Showcase Home Kitchen, where we designed a backsplash with the help of Mercury Mosaics' owner, Mercedes Austin. The backsplash was created to mimic a tile fireplace surround that was original to the 1889 house.

We created a custom design that will not be recreated. Ever. (Unless we want to, I suppose). Now that is custom! See www.mercurymosaics.com for the great variety of designs and styles that their talented studio can offer.

Visit www.lisalanasadesign.com for more photos and information on this great 2007 Showcase Home kitchen and our award-winning Minneapolis Interior Design studio.

PaperStone for Countertops

For those of you who haven't heard, PaperStone is one of the latest and greatest in countertop materials. It is made from recycled paper (beer cartons, to be exact) and can be used in any kitchen or bath application. The colors are a palette of rich and almost suede-like tones that are great for a variety of spaces. The black looks like soapstone, the gray,like concrete. One very nice thing is that any fabricator who works with Corian can fabricate this stuff. No special equipment required! Another great feature is that undermount sinks can be used, no problem.

You have got to take a look at this product, and all the other recycled and sustainable building products out there.

http://paperstoneproducts.com/products.shtml

Mid-Century and Danish Modern Furniture

In searching for some unique desks for our office, I ran across Spinario Design, an exceptional boutique in NE Minneapolis that specializes in Mid-Century and Danish Modern Furniture and accessories.

Spinario Design is located in the Bottling House near the corner of 13th and Marshall. Hours are currently limited and by appointment but make sure to stop over of you get a chance. It's as though you just stepped into a classic Sean Connery/007 film and I'm sure you'll hear (or utter) at least one comment about "My parents (grandparents) had one just like that!"

www.spinariodesign.com

People seem to find themselves in the design world for many different reasons. For me, its the visceral reaction from an object, color or composition, so perfectly executed, that can make you weak in the knees. A truly timeless, elegant, functional design like this desk just takes my breath away.

Whether you see it as fantastic (like I do), terrible, or simply retro kitch, Spinario Design is giving it a new life in Northeast.

clipped from www.spinariodesign.com

Welcome to "Latest and Greatest!!"

We are excited to start this new forum, intended to showcase the never ending world of new products, ideas and projects.

We want to tell the world about the most amazing new materials, design theories and manufacturers that we are exposed to, as well as the great new things that we are doing in the Lisa La Nasa Design, Inc. studio and a few of my own rants. Stay tuned for the LATEST AND GREATEST, at least from our perspective!


Visit www.lisalanasadesign.com to learn more about us!