History of Furniture: Alvar Aalto's Tea Cart

For my series of posts I call "Hisotry of Furniture," I usually cover an era or time period, or style movement. But this time, I would like to focus on a specific piece of furniture from a period. When we think of iconic mid-century design, names like Eames previously seen here, and Breuer previously seen here, often surface—but in the Scandinavian design tradition, few names are as revered as Alvar Aalto. Aalto’s work seamlessly blends modernism with organic form, and few objects capture his ethos as elegantly as the Tea Trolley 901 and 900, commonly known as his bar carts.

Alvar Aalto's Tea Trolley 901

Alvar Aalto designed the Tea Trolley 900 and 901 in 1936 for the Paris World’s Fair (Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne). Working closely with his wife, Aino Aalto, who was also a significant design force, the trolleys were part of a broader vision of bringing warmth and humanism to the functional, and often cold, lines of modernism.

Crafted for their company Artek, the bar carts represented an intersection of function, form, and local material culture. Drawing inspiration from British tea culture and Japanese architecture—which Aalto deeply admired—the design combines Finnish birch wood, ceramic tiles, rattan, and linoleum with soft curves and an unmistakable Scandinavian restraint.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who leaned into the industrial aesthetic of steel and sharp lines, Aalto emphasized natural materials and flowing forms. The Tea Trolley 900 is perhaps the more decorative of the two: featuring a tiled tabletop surface and a wicker basket, it’s a functional yet graceful object, originally intended for serving tea or cocktails. The Tea Trolley 901, on the other hand, is a simpler, more utilitarian version with a slatted wooden tray and a linoleum surface.

Alvar Aalto's Tea Trolley 900

Both trolleys ride on oversized, wood-rimmed rubber wheels—a signature feature that makes them instantly recognizable. This attention to detail not only adds charm but ensures the cart can be easily maneuvered, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

The Aalto bar cart is more than a serving trolley; it’s a statement of design philosophy. At a time when modernism often meant mechanization and metal, Aalto’s use of natural materials and gentle forms introduced a more human-centered approach. His bar carts exemplify his belief in the psychological and emotional impact of design.

Moreover, the piece speaks to a deeper cultural narrative—a celebration of hospitality, simplicity, and function, all central tenets of Nordic living. In today’s interiors, whether minimalist or eclectic, the Aalto bar cart fits with quiet confidence, often acting as both a conversation piece and a functional element.

Today, the Aalto bar cart continues to be produced by Artek--you can buy the 900 here or the 901 here--and remains a staple in design-conscious homes, hotels, and museums. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility—used as a drinks trolley, side table, or even a mobile plant stand. Its elegant lines and material warmth ensure it never feels out of place, even in contemporary interiors.

Happy designing!

How To Freshen Up Subway Tile

In light of one of my recent posts about types of backsplash materials seen here, let's take a deeper dive and look at one of the most enduring choices. I am sure everyone is familiar with the traditional subway tile. Most often seen in white, sometimes in a gloss finish, this tile can look right at home in certain designs (especially vintage bathrooms) but can be a bit overused these days. The standard installation is to create what is called a "running bond" layout, where the tiles are laid horizontal and the grout lines line up with the middle of the tile below and above it.

If you still like the look of subway tiles but want a new perspective, you can try the following alternate tile layouts!

Instead of a running bond (or half offset), you can opt for a third offset, which is where the grout line of the tile above and below falls about a third of the width of the tile.

But if you don't want any offset, you can create a much sleeker, modern look by using a horizontal stack bond where all the grout lines and tiles are lined up.

Tile by MSI

by RWB Designs

For a twist on this layout, you can turn the tiles so they run vertically!

by Kristen and Joe Cole via AD

Tiles by WOW Tile

And for a twist on the twist, you can combine this vertical layout but use a half or a third offset!

Happy designing!

Choosing the Right Refrigerator Style For Your Remodel

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or replacing an old appliance, choosing the right refrigerator style is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but also for functionality. Today’s refrigerators come in a range of configurations that cater to different styles (some come with the capability of taking panels to match your cabinetry so the refrigerator effectively disappears), kitchen layouts, and design preferences. From classic top freezers to high-end French doors with multiple drawers, let’s break down the pros and cons of each style.

1. Top Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
The top freezer is the classic refrigerator design, with a freezer compartment on top and a refrigerator section below.

Pros:

--Affordable: Typically the most budget-friendly option.

--Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to more complex models.

--Compact Size: Ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

--Simple Design: Easy to operate and maintain.

Cons:

--Less Ergonomic: You'll need to bend down frequently to access fresh food.

--Limited Features: Often lacks advanced features like water dispensers or adjustable shelving.

--Less Stylish: May not suit modern or high-end kitchen aesthetics.

Best For: Traditional kitchens, rental properties, budget-conscious homeowners.

2. Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
This style places the fresh food compartment at eye level, with the freezer drawer below.

Pros:

--Ergonomic Design: Easier access to frequently used fresh food.

--Better Organization: Freezer drawers often include baskets or compartments.

--Modern Look: Sleek and updated design options.

Cons:

--Heavier Freezer Drawers: Can be difficult to open and sort through.

--More Expensive: Typically costs more than top freezer models.

--Less Freezer Access: Less convenient if you frequently use frozen items.

Best For: Home cooks who prioritize fresh food and want a slightly modern look without going full high-end.

3. Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Overview:
Split vertically, with the freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other.

Pros:

--Easy Access: Eye-level access to both fridge and freezer.

--Narrow Doors: Great for tight kitchen spaces.

--Extra Features: Often includes water and ice dispensers.

--Ample Shelving: Plenty of organized storage options.

Cons:

--Narrow Compartments: Hard to store wide items like pizza boxes or large platters.

--Less Energy Efficient: Uses more power than simpler models.

--Frozen Food Storage Can Be Cramped: Narrow freezer compartments can get crowded quickly.

Best For: Households that use fresh and frozen food equally, kitchens with limited space for wide-swinging doors.

4. French Door Refrigerators

Overview:
Features two side-by-side refrigerator doors on top and a bottom freezer drawer.

Pros:

--High-End Look: Very stylish and popular in modern kitchen designs.

--Spacious & Flexible: Wide shelves for large trays, party platters, and full-width items.

--Energy Efficient: Only open half the fridge when retrieving items.

--Convenient Storage: Good combination of fridge visibility and freezer capacity.

Cons:

--Pricey: Typically more expensive than other types.

--Requires Space: Wide doors need room to open fully.

--Freezer Drawer Can Be Disorganized: Items can get buried or hard to reach.

Best For: Large families, frequent entertainers, and high-end kitchen renovations.

5. French Door with Multiple Drawers

Overview:
An extension of the standard French door model, this style includes additional drawers—usually a flex zone or secondary fridge drawer—between the fridge and freezer.

Pros:

--Ultimate Customization: Separate drawers can be set to specific temperatures.

--Family-Friendly: Dedicated snack or drink drawers are easily accessible.

--Luxury Appeal: Sleek, modern, and often feature-packed.

Cons:

--Very Expensive: Among the most costly refrigerator types.

--Takes Up More Space: Larger footprint and requires more clearance for drawers.

--Can Be Overkill: Features may go unused for smaller households.

Best For: Gourmet kitchens, design-forward homes, or families who need hyper-organization.

Your refrigerator is more than just an appliance—it’s a functional focal point of your kitchen. Whether you’re seeking efficiency, luxury, or a balance of both, there’s a refrigerator style that can complement your kitchen design and meet your daily needs. When we are designing your kitchen, I always consider your layout, cooking habits, storage needs, and design preferences before recommending choices. So if you're considering a new kitchen, give me a call and we can explore appliances and features!

Happy designing!

A Country Manor Kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned.

One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering.

From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal.

To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life.

Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way.

All photos above by Bernardo Grijalva. Before and after photos below...

If your kitchen needs a new look, give me a call!

Happy designing!

Know Your Chairs: The F300 by Pierre Paulin

I have posted about French furniture and interior designer Pierre Paulin and his wonderful creations previously here. Not all of his pieces are still in production but thankfully Danish furniture company GUBI, started in 1967, just reintroduced one of Paulin's iconic designs. So for this installation of Know Your Chairs, let's look at the refreshed F300 chair!

Created by Paulin in 1965 and released by furniture manufacturer Artifort that same year, the first F300s were produced in fiberglass or injected polyurethane, allowing for contoured ergonomic comfort while maintaining a visually light expression. GUBI says they have responsibly upgraded the production of the F300 for the 21st century, which is now crafted in Italy from the engineered polymer HiREK®, made using industrial plastic waste. Retaining the durability of plastic, HiREK is lightweight and resistant to UV, weathering, and pressure. Most importantly, HiREK produces a smooth, high-gloss surface without requiring additional finishing processes, perfectly replicating the performance and aesthetic of the original materials while minimizing waste created during production.

I love how, despite the fact that the chair references a certain, sleek, man-made aesthetic, it still managese to present an alluring organic shape. And I really love how the uphosltery creeps down the legs a bit...

Like so many pieces of furniture from Europe in the mid-sixties through the seventies, many Paulin pieces showed up in sci-fi films and television shows (the Paulin Ribbon chair was a staple on "Space: 1999" and even had a cameo in "Blade Runner 2049") and the F300 is no exception! It appeared in the film "Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" and on several episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

You can now have your own Pierre Paulin F300 chair from GUBI or Design Within Reach, available in two colors for the frame and many fabric and leather color options for the upholstery.

Happy designing!

Wallpaper Obsession: Calico Wallpaper

My new wallpaper obsession: Calico Wallpaper, not to be confused with the chain of fabric stores called Calico, is a wallpaper manufacturer started by Rachel and Nick Cope in New York. Their designs are marvelous. And I really love their collaboration with English lighting and furniture designer Lee Broom who created a dramatic, swagged, draped image. Just gorgeous...

This is a pattern called Eden, shown in Ginger, Hyacinth, and Mulberry colorways (additional colorways available).

Atmosphere feels like clouds and fog...here it is in Dusk, Lustre, and Moonlight.

This delightful pattern of artisan-drawn faces is Muse. Available in many colorways but shown here in Ada, Coco, and Simone.

Souvenirs and objects from around the world are the focus of Particulaire. Colors; Bazaar, Memento, and Origin (others available).

I love the sweet Impressionist landscape in pastel crayon of Memoir. The colorways Canopy, Expanse, and Wind really shift the feeling...

Happy designing!