Lifestyle

How The House of Pontovi Blends Art and Functionality in Every Piece

Published

5 months ago

November 21, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: House of Pontovi

By: Andi Stark

The House of Pontovi seamlessly combines art and practicality in its custom furniture. Since the company has been founded, it has created visually stunning, functional pieces for notable clients, including the TransAmerica Pyramid and Maria Shriver’s residence. By offering a “one-stop shopping” experience, clients work with the same team from design through fabrication, fostering deep customization.

“We’re creating experiences that last, with pieces designed to suit our clients’ tastes and lives,” says CEO Stephen Taglianetti. This integrated approach ensures every piece meets Pontovi’s high standards, allowing control over production timelines and materials while reducing project costs by 15-20% on average.

Functionality as Art

Pontovi believes furniture should serve a dual purpose. Each piece is crafted for functionality while acting as a unique work of art tailored to complement a client’s space, from private residences to large commercial projects. For instance, its work on the TransAmerica Pyramid incorporated mid-century motifs blended with modern ergonomic enhancements, creating a collection that honors the building’s heritage while maintaining relevance.

The company’s extensive material palette allows for truly distinct creations. By working with woods, metals, and composites, the company offers clients customized pieces designed to last. “Every material has a character,” Taglianetti notes. “It’s our job to respect that while meeting a client’s needs.”

Sustainable Design Practices

As more consumers demand environmentally conscious products, Pontovi has prioritized sustainability. The company sources certified materials and uses waste-minimizing techniques in its California workshop, repurposing scraps into smaller items or prototypes. Wood is sourced from certified forests, and water-based finishes minimize environmental impact.

The House of Pontovi also uses computer-aided design (CAD) to optimize material use and reduce waste. CAD software allows precise visualizations and adjustments, which has helped the company reduce its carbon footprint. Furniture brands with sustainable practices have seen a 25% growth in consumer loyalty since 2021, a trend Pontovi is tapping into.

Currently active in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, Pontovi is expanding into major metropolitan areas such as London and Dubai, where demand for high-end custom interiors is rising. The company aims to reach new markets while retaining its commitment to local craftsmanship, working closely with artisans who enhance its signature aesthetic. This balanced approach allows the brand to adapt globally while offering personalized designs for each client’s culture and vision. As Taglianetti puts it, “We want our pieces to resonate globally but still feel personal to each client’s vision and culture.”

Educating Clients for Informed Design

A key feature of Pontovi’s work is client education. It fosters a collaborative relationship built on transparency by guiding clients through design choices, material options, and project feasibility. Each client receives CAD renderings and status updates through an online portal, providing a clear view of the process.

Surveys indicate that 85% of Pontovi clients report a better understanding of the design process, resulting in stronger client retention and repeat business. Taglianetti highlights this approach, saying, “Educating clients about their options isn’t just part of our service—it’s part of our identity.”

Notable Projects and Industry Recognition

Pontovi’s portfolio includes high-profile projects like the TransAmerica Pyramid’s redesign, which combined new and classic design elements. The company’s work with SHVO Properties and clients like Maria Shriver and Charlie Puth further demonstrates its ability to meet exacting standards.

In 2023, Pontovi was nominated for the International Design Excellence Awards, and partnerships with top architects and designers continue to bolster its reputation in luxury design. These collaborations illustrate the company’s consistent ability to meet high standards in sustainability and luxury.

With meticulous processes and a focus on design and sustainability, Pontovi’s vision for blending art with function exemplifies furniture that enhances the character and story of any space.

Expanding with New Showrooms in Beverly Hills & Miami

The House of Pontovi is excited to announce its expansion with new showrooms and ateliers in Beverly Hills and Miami, along with a representative location in San Francisco. Clients are invited to schedule a visit to explore Pontovi’s latest custom designs and experience their craftsmanship firsthand.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofpontovi/

Website: https://www.pontovi.com/

Inquiries: [email protected]

Pontovi – Custom Bespoke Furniture*Beautiful Interiors* Furniture Engineering

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

10 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.