We were recently presented with the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Windows by Design: Farrow & Ball for DIFFA where one designer from each of the 14 markets nationwide designs a window vignette for their local Farrow & Ball showroom. We gladly accepted and began brainstorming!
The theme given was "Cure & Comfort", with cure relating to DIFFA and the cause behind it and comfort relating to the upcoming holiday season, filled with warmth, friends, family and love. DIFFA is Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. It raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that provide treatment, direct care services, preventive education programs and advocacy for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. We were also required to use and highlight Farrow & Ball products.
We were also limited by space at the Boston Farrow & Ball showroom, only being able to make our vignette within a 30" depth. Our goal was to make an eye-catching, bold statement on a vertical, flat surface.
We began by having the talented team at Furniture Design Services create a sturdy wood backdrop, spanning the width and height of the showroom window as a blank canvas to create our design on. We then used painters tape to create graphic black and white stripes.
We completed our design by hand-making 100 paper cranes out of various red colored Farrow & Ball wallpapers and floating them at staggering heights in front of the neon words. We focused on the red colored patterns as it relates to the red ribbon, which is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. The Japanese refer to the crane as the "bird of happiness" and it has become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.
Our completed window design was unveiled on December 1st, which was World AIDS day. In addition, Farrow & Ball will donate $1 to DIFFA for every social media post tagged #FaBforDIFFA. We were so honored to have been asked to participate and hope our window can help raise awareness for an amazing cause, as well as spread some love during this holiday season!
