Thingz Contemporary Interior Design Blog

In the case of The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire, the Arizona State Capitol’s loss is clearly Scottsdale’s gain. Designed in 1954, the Spire was way ahead of its time, which is actually very characteristic of many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs. Rejected for being too radical in the ’50s, the awe-inspiring structurefinally materialized in 2004 at his old office at the Taliesin West Promenade. More than half a century later, the Spire remains very much avant-garde, a testament to Wright’s imagination and artistry.  And as it’s location is just mile or two from our Scottsdale showroom, the Thingz Scottsdale team gets the opportunity to see it often!

I recently saw a magazine spread featuring one of our client’s homes.  It is always a thrill when we see some of great contemporary furniture and lighting from Thingz in a magazine!  It is especially thrilling when the house is as beautiful as this one.  We will likely feature a spread of this home once we secure some photos from the owner but until then I thought that instead we would discuss the projects brilliant architect Bing Hu.

Known as the greatest American architect of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright designed more than one thousand projects, more than 500 of which were completed. More than an architect, Frank Lloyd Wright was a writer, inventor, interior designer, and educator. He wrote 20 books and innumerable articles. He was also a popular lecturer in the US and in Europe. His life was interspersed with controversies and tragedies, but he lived to the ripe old age of 92 well-decorated, awarded and celebrated.

Already successful with its condominium ventures in Phoenix, Optima then decided to carry out the tradition with Scottsdale. Optima condominiums are known for luxurious sophistication, beautiful architecture and gracious urban living. Camelview Optima has remained true to the name it carries. A now popular landmark, the development evidently comprises some of the most architecturally fascinating properties in Scottsdale. With the buildings’ abundantly glass exterior, they look striking from near or far. Modern and elegant, Camelview Optima has become the benchmark in opulent living in the area.

As true connoisseurs of contemporary design and modern architecture, we at Thingz cannot help but get excited with new places that appeal to our unique interior design sensibilities.  I was particularly struck when I recently visited the relatively new Scottsdale W Hotel with it’s chic contemporary feel and sophisticated class.  Reviews of the Scottsdale W Hotel have been overwhelmingly good. As soon as it opened for business, it quickly established itself as a hip and trendy haunt with its impressive pool and bar scene, as well as its other features, physical and otherwise.

Tables have been used in history as far back as civilized history has existed. There have been evidences of the furniture being used even during the time of ancient civilizations from Egypt, Greece and Rome. These were simple in appearance, a slab of wood supported by four legs. Their main function has remained constant throughout history, as a means of supporting objects placed on top them or as a working surface. As time progressed, tables have become more sophisticated in terms of appearance and functionality, to accommodate the growing needs of the user. It is during this time that designers such as Noguchi are being celebrated for their important contributions in designing pieces of modern furniture that reflect the generation of consumers as well as giving a new meaning to the term table.

From the earliest records of history, the use of a chair was reserved only for members of royalty or nobility, making it a status symbol for several millennia. It was only during the 16^th century did its symbolism and appearance change dramatically. The chair had become more affordable and available for a greater number of people. Over the next few centuries, with the advancement of technology and discovery of new materials, chairs had also become more comfortable and durable. During these times, it had also become important to recognize the designer as well as the piece. Recognizing the efforts of these designers and their work is important in order to progress and design better chairs for the users. The designers Charles and Ray Eames have helped shape the field of modern furniture design with their piece the Eames Chair.

The field of furniture design is continuously changing and developing. New trends and designers are being discovered and celebrated. Even during this time of plenty, where new materials and technologies are constantly being added, it is still important to look into the past and appreciate the works that have come before, to learn what made them work and popular during their time. There are those that have designed pieces that have lasted through the ages. The architect Mies van de Rohe is one such important figure as he has greatly influenced the propagation of modern furniture as we know it today.