Tina Komninou’s work exudes an elegant, joyful style. One could only imagine that walking into a space that she has designed would be a life-affirming moment; one where the perfection of imagination and simplicity converge. As a designer in Greece, she certainly has the constant support of history, great architecture, and amazing scenery, so to stand out amongst all that beauty, takes formidable talent. She also has vast experience and influence from her education in London and work in New York. It all melds into a form of expression that becomes the envy of all of us across the globe! Listen to our California to Athens conversation, then click here to see her work!  

Design Pods: Great Design should be seen AND heard!

Episode #4 - Tina Komninou - Based in Athens, Greece. Creating internationally coveted interiors with unparalleled style.

Through the pleasure of speaking with and corresponding with Thomas Darnell, he imparted much of what inspires him, but what was most fascinating were the clues his wife, Nicole, sent when she gave us some images to accompany this interview. A view from their living room window in the South of France, a picture of the two of them moving a magnificent seascape he had completed, and a picture of Thomas in a hammock with his dog. These were very personal photographs, in a way, and not the typical insight that we expected, but they truly did round out the picture of what inspires this astonishing artist. He finds beauty everywhere and relays it to us through his paintings. Open and warm, he discussed how profoundly his first wife shaped his direction, encouraging him to follow through with his dream of becoming a fine artist after her too-early death. Sharing that as frankly as he does, along with the happy references to his second wife and children, shows a man who honestly appreciates his life. And this is revealed in his crazy-beautiful work. He takes small and simple beauty and blows it up to give us all an intimate appreciation of that object.  We see more because of Darnell's work. We see what he sees and it is so incredibly beautiful. It is a gift from a great talent who has found all his inspiration from his home, family, and garden, his never-forgotten past and his full embrace of the present. Visit www.globaldesignpost.com to see an article about Thomas with the images he and Nicole sent of his latest masterpiece, its direct inception, and the supporting joys that continue to fuel his life-affirming work. Also included is a YouTube video that he created to reveal more of what motivates his long hours in the studio. To hear Thomas' podcast interview on Design Pods (The Global Design Posts' podcast series), click and listen while you browse the images.

Episode #3 - Thomas Darnell - A fine artist and purveyor of exquisite beauty, this American ex-pat lives a coveted life in the South of France

Best known for her six years as lead designer on ABC's hit show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Kim is a “force” in every aspect of her life.   She was tapped by ABC television at the age of 24, when most of us are in still in learning-mode!  With energy wattage and creativity beyond that of a mere mortal,  she led the team of 25+ designers and carpenters to design over 150 homes in 46 states!  The popular show averaged an incredible 12-17 millions viewers each episode.  Kim thrived under the "extreme” pressure, fueled by the creative process and driven by the "good" their work delivered for so many across the country.  She now runs her own thriving interior design business in Austin and appears on a many stages as a motivational speaker and on several TV design shows.  Through her experience on the show, Kim saw first-hand how much design matters and changes lives.  So, in 2013, she partnered with Touch A Life in Ghana to build a therapeutic art center for children.  This work touches her in a deeply personal way;  "I hear from one of the kids every day.."   Article about Kim Lewis on GDP  click over to learn more and see her work   

Episode #2 - Kim Lewis - lead designer on ABC's Extreme Makeover

Steven is the kind of designer who sweeps you off your feet. Charming, warm and self-assured, he instantly instills confidence that he will make your project that way, too. Having had the pleasure of speaking with him on several occasions, he revealed an unusual number of talents. He is, at his core, an artistic performer. With his background in dance and musical theater, he has brought forth a set-designer’s flair for the dazzling and the nuanced understanding of a client’s needs that surely developed from years of auditions and ensemble performances.  Intrigued? We were. Listen to our conversation and then click here to see!

Episode #1 - Steven Favreau: Showman on today's world design stage

Design Pods is a new way to be inspired, learn and connect with inspiring interior designers, artists and creatives. Listen in on our conversations and see images of their amazing creations as we take you around the world of interior design to meet them.  Get insider sources, tips and hear behind-the-scene stories. Contact us with ideas or questions: designpods@globaldesignpost.com.

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Design Pods: Great Design should be seen AND heard!

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