Archive · 2014 – 2018

Designer Notebook

Notes from Robin on design shows, sources, awards and the ideas behind the work. Kept from the original site as a record of the studio and gallery over the years.

December 12, 2018

The Home – A Place for Art December 2018

This past fall I had the privilege of participating in two prestigious Chicago art events – the annual River North Fall Gallery Walk in which I designed a pair of room vignettes to feature a local artist’s paintings – and SOFA Selects, where I had the honor to select highlights of their 25th anniversary exhibit […]

October 22, 2018

ASID Illinois – 2018 Design Excellence Award

Recently, the American Society of Interior Designers – Illinois (ASID Illinois) held its annual Celebration of Design and Design Excellence Awards. I was honored to receive first place in the Kitchen by a Small Firm category for a recent project in Michigan. The Design Excellence Awards recognizes design professionals that are either members of ASID or IIDA Illinois Chapters […]

July 10, 2018

The Home – A Composition July 2018

The summer months are a time to savor longer days and a slower pace. It is also a time to embrace the outdoors and relish the abundance of open-air musical performances. As my workday is immersed in a visual world inside, the opportunity to hear an orchestral performance on a beautiful summer evening provides the […]

May 10, 2018

The Home – A Place of Elegance May 2018

Elegance is an important term in art, design, and interiors. It can describe many things, but by definition it is a word that describes something notable in its expression – it is something beautiful and refined, something that holds a special essence – a presence that often defies explanation, but just is. In our living […]

March 29, 2018

The Home – An Experience March 2018

An array of special “things” awaiting placement in a new space – a blank canvas soon to become a home. In our modern culture, as we assess the changing landscape of our world through smart phones, social media, e-shopping, and try to foresee what this and future generations will value – the idea of “the […]

February 10, 2018

Paris Design Week: January 2018

It is one extraordinary week in January, amidst the cold isolated days of winter, that Paris welcomes designers from across the globe to explore the new introductions for interiors. It is a time to gather with colleagues, to view the collections and meet the creative forces behind the beautiful fabrics and furnishings that will shape […]

November 13, 2017

ASID Design Excellence Award: Fall 2017

Design can live in the abstract world – creating concepts and exploring a myriad of solutions, self-critiquing, analyzing, and refining – all may be occurring before an idea or drawing is even presented to a client. When designs finally reach client approval and are ready to move forward, a tremendous sense of gratification and accomplishment […]

September 11, 2017

Fresh Perspectives…RTD Website 2017

A component of design is analyzing, rethinking and repositioning a viewpoint. Taking what is – and imagining it in a new way. Thoughtful change and reorganization on a small scale can be impactful. One of my great loves is to rearrange things – be it furniture, accessories or art work in my own home, studio […]

May 10, 2015

Where does inspiration come from……how do project ideas develop?

Where does inspiration come from and how do projects develop are common questions to complex and abstract processes. Design ideas and inspiration can evolve from unique challenges that push us towards new ideas. Solutions are not always simply found in our library or in the isolation of searching the internet or sketching at the drawing […]

December 3, 2014

Design exhibits: London September 2014 (The experience)

This past fall, London felt saturated in design with numerous shows and exhibits scattered throughout the city …… Decorex, designjunction and Focus 14, along with a special show at the Victorian & Albert Museum…..creativity filled the city for nearly two weeks. Designers from all over the world were there to exhibit and to attend. The […]

November 24, 2014

A look back at design in 2014

With the year coming to an end, now seems like the perfect time to recap the design highlights of 2014. From Paris to London, all the way back to Chicago, the year has brought a worldwide tour of emerging trends and innovative styles. Join in on the journey. Maison&Objet, Deco Off, Paris Flea Market (Paris) […]

November 17, 2014

We’ve moved!

Robin Thomas Design is pleased to announce the launch of a new studio. Please find the address for the new studio location listed below. As part of the new space, Robin Thomas Design will soon be introducing a gallery of custom-made design pieces from around the world. Stay tuned for more updates over the coming […]