DESIGN DISPATCH: Jason Todd Bailey from Salone del Mobile 2013

Jason Todd Bailey is an architect and licensed interior designer working and living in Atlanta GA.  JasonToddBailey.com  His project range from residential to commercial and always end up fabulous (well just fabulous enough to still be regarded as having the utmost taste).

 

CZ Jason, My design cohort and BELLISSIMO travel partner, what was your overall impression of design week and the Salone De Mobile 2013 in Milano?

JB I have reached furniture design overload! It’s the largest infusion of design in beautifully designed spaces.  DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN  It is difficult to explain, but Italians seem so connected to their environment and appear to take design as a birth right.

CZ Can you tell us of any interior trends you foresee popping up in fancy décor homes in the near future from what you saw at the fair?

JB Cardboard furniture and design products were everywhere.  I love the concept but question the longevity of the material.  I also noticed many mid-century design forms in a majority of the exhibits.  At a certain point it was hard to take Milan and Salone De Mobile all in, I’ve found that red wine helps.

CZ What was your favorite, absolutely must have item you saw during design week?

JB BIG Doors with little door insets… These weren’t at the fair but I loved them.  …and another trip to Italy

CZ Is there anything you could do without?

JB Over the top fluff.  Roberto Cavalli home is an example, it was like Baroque and Riccocco with a pinch of bad taste.  Surprisingly Versace home had some really nice pieces.

CZ Any tips for those planning to attend next year, about the fair? about Milano? about Italy? about the airport?

JB Comfortable Shoes!  A lot of espresso helps.  Patience! and plenty of relaxation and gelato.  Slow down and look at all the WONDERFULL.

CZ What was the best exhibit?

JB The Scandinavian and hand crafted items stood out.  I really enjoyed the Zona Tortona exhibits.  Don’t just spend your time at the fair, the whole city is alive, and you can even be inspired by the architecture.  Keep your eyes open.

CZ Tell us about your travel, what’s the best place you ate at in Milano?  Where did you find the best gifts for others and yourself?

JB I loved the Italian restaurants on the Navilgli. It was my first real Italian pizza, … and yes it is much better.  Also don’t forget to shop, not that its that hard to remember.  I had to acquire something from Vivienne Westwood, though British, you still can’t shop there in Atlanta.

CZ And…  You know I have been lusting after the Gufram cactus for years now (and I have to say I think it’s a trend there were so many)  Do I have your permission? Don’t you think it will work perfect in my dining room?

JB Well it has been around for awhile but is being reintroduced in limited editions, of black, red, and white.  Yes you have my permission, if you can find someone to buy you a $7,000 foam cactus.

CIAO!

Jason Todd Bailey ASID