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How Did We Design the Darvin Furniture Anniversary Catalog Cover Photo?

November 14, 2018 | By Chad Esslinger


When Darvin Furniture enlisted my help to design the Cover for the 2018 Darvin Furniture Anniversary Catalog, it was hard to say ‘no’ when I was told the centerpiece item for the photo shoot was going to be from one of the hottest furniture categories on the market – motion furniture. In creating this room design, I utilized all the resources available in Darvin’s showroom to complete the look.

98th Anniversary Catalog

98th Anniversary Catalog Cover

Motion Furniture
Motion Furniture is a huge trend whose popularity is continually growing. The trend, which is rooted in the furnishings’ abilities to be adjusted and easily manipulated, can create the perfect seating position for any user. Add the convenience of power motion at the touch of a button to the list of comfort measures, and it’s not hard to see why it is becoming so popular.

Cover Breakdown

Featured at the very center of the room on the Anniversary Catalog Cover is a handsome sectional (E) by Cheers Manwah. I have always enjoyed creating spaces that bring the family together. I like to start with a sectional because they are both beautiful and functional, comfortably seating the entire family. This particular sectional is a fashionable gray model that is especially popular with a consumer that is often drawn to neutral colors.

Cheers Manwah Sectional

Cheers Manwah Sectional

Tables/Rug
Adding to both the impact and the functionality of the room are the three tables (B, H, K). All from the same Magnussen – Proximity Heights collection, I love the modern lines of these accent tables, their warm wood finish and bronze metal hardware add a distinctly casual feel to the room.
The Feizy area rug (F) featured in the room pulls everything together and it provides subtle color and sheen changes that deliver a modern and classic look. The textures fit perfectly into this industrial-chic setting.

Magnussen Tables

Tables by Magnussen

Accenting
The geometric sculptures (A) coordinated perfectly with the furniture hardware, and I liked how they reflected light in the space. The texture of the Trisha Yearwood lamp bases (C) pair perfectly with the brick walls, the warm bronze accents coordinate with the other metals in the space, and the bright white shades literally brighten up the room.
I love bringing in nature whenever possible (D), as well as a subtle pop of color. This muted blue vase with fresh eucalyptus does just that. These vases (I) give the space a needed emphasis of brightness to reflect what is happening on the walls. The vases also function to bring in nature with more fresh eucalyptus. I love decorating with books (G), they give a space some additional color, texture, and a level of instant sophistication.

More Impact
I like large clocks (J) and I really enjoy designing them into a room. This one, by Uttermost, had the perfect modern look and open design to let the texture of the brick wall show through. Adding additional impact to the room is a tall houseplant (L), which is a must in a large open family room or basement.

Chad Esslinger

Chad Esslinger

Chad Esslinger is the principal and lead designer of CHAD ESSLINGER DESIGN in Downers Grove, IL.
A University of Illinois graduate who spent two decades designing and developing products for the world's
leading wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers, Chad has been operating CHAD ESSLINGER DESIGN since 2011.