Dear Diary {Chapter 6}

5.23.12

What a busy, whirlwind trip I have been on . . .  I think I need a vacation from my (work) vacation.  Looking forward to heading to the mountains with I get back.

This morning we all ventured over to Kravet's main offices - our Host for this fun event.  Now that I have spent a little time with the Kravet family I have a whole new appreciation for what they bring to the industry.  They were all so approachable, informative and inspiring actually!

   They are a fourth generation, family owned business founded in 1918 by Samuel Kravet

I found this video that says it all !

Their space was amazing.  The high ceilings, old windows, wood floors.  But beyond the beautiful work space was the talent.  We were shown from start to finish just all the detail involved in some of the fabrics I look at every day . . 

I enjoyed every minute talking with true creatives.

This whole week has been something I will never forget!

Back to reality.

Dear Diary {Chapter 5}

5.22.12

It was such a wonderful day today.  After my visit to  Kips Bay yesterday, (which was like walking though a virtual magazine, each room was like turning a page, showcasing spaces by designers I have read about and followed for years) today I learned a thing or two about the print side.  I have subscribed to and received Veranda, House Beautiful, Elle Decor and Traditional Home for as long as I can remember.  This day was nothing short of a thrill to meet those people responsible for my page turning joy and what drove me to do what I do.


Before, and still after, Pinterest came along,  I would find a day to slowly pour through each page, reading every word.  When I first started in my career,  I would study the works of some of my favorite designers.  I hoped their creativity would rub off when I came across a design dilemma.  I also hoped I could spot a "look" they had so skillfully achieved and use that as a tool, when working with a client for visual direction.   My clients would also bring me their tattered pages in the hopes I could create a look with a similar vibe.  


I love the "feel" of a beautifully photographed and printed magazine.  I collect them and fill the bookcases in my office, chronologically of course.  I love to tell the story of my 40th birthday, when I checked into the newly opened Weston Hotel, here in Charlotte, with some 80 back issues for the weekend.   I propped myself up in the heavenly bed, ordered room service, and went through each one taking the pictures I loved and (with clear sheet protectors of course) creating my inspiration binders - about 12 in all.   I still have those in my office and when it gets crazy with kids, work and life I am tempted to make a reservation to do it all again.  So thank you to my husband, kids and dogs for my little 2-day guilt free disappearing birthday act. . It was a great present.  No big noisy party, just peace and quite doing what I loved.  


Today I headed over to the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower, the world headquarters of The Hearst Corporation, home to numerous publications (Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Marie-Claire, Harper's Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, Seventeen, as well as those we were there to get to know better).  Even though it was foggy,  I could visualize the view of Central Park through all the sky-high windows.  When the fog started lifting, our attention could not be re-directed from center stage.  It was amazing to meet the Editors-in-Chief of the magazines I have loved collecting over the years.  Kate Kelly Smith, SVP Publishing Director, the Hearst Design Group, opened with the story behind our host, Kravet Inc.  Cary Kravet was on hand, along with his sister Lisa.  Getting to hear about his family owned business was more than enlightening.  Soon Beth Greene,  executive Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Branding for Kravet stepped up to welcome us all and introduce us to . . .

Veranda - Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro, and Publisher Jennifer Levene Bruno

House Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Newell Turner

Elle Decor Editor-in-Chief Michael Boodro

Dara Caponigro of Veranda gave us a look inside their May / June issue and brought with her two top designers, Timothy Whealon and Darryl Carter.  Newell Turner of Better Homes and Garden was joined by their new wave designers Jon Call, Jill Goldberg and Michael Herold.   What I loved more than anything was hearing their stories.  Open, candid and real.  It was a sheer delight to hear these seasoned, established, amazing, sought-after and widely know designers face the same issues the rest of us RLD's (real-life-designers) face.  The headaches, the insane requests, the delights, the countless hours - often unnoticed - the joy of seeing your vision come to life, and the happy tears of a happy client.  I realized more and more that following my dreams is worth every 17 hour day.

The Elle Decor's Modern Concept House was our next stop . . . Michael Boodro was our host on hand.  This was Elle Decor's second year creating a concept house and timed to coincide with the International Contemporary Furniture Show and Kips Bay (what a time to be in the City!)  The space is one among nine townhouses at the Dillon on 53rd Street and 9th Avenue and assembles 8 international designers to create one-of-a-kind contemporary looks.  We received an advanced tour and private reception. . . nice!

Elle Decor's site . .  click here

The Dillon 

425 West 53rd Street

New York, NY

I was most anxious, after checking out the sketches on line, to see the outdoor space, as I am working with three clients at the moment on theirs . . .


Michael Tavano created this space with all the personality and fun he is known for.
Known in Manhattan social circles for his outrageous and fanciful table-scapes.  He blogs on entertaining on his just-for-fun website At Michael's Table

A shot from Michael Tavano's site . . .

I loved the colors and accessories I noticed in both the "Sanctuary" by Lee Kleinhelter and the "Great Room" by Anthony Todd

Lee Kleinhelter has an Atlanta boutique in the Buckhead neighborhood called  Pieces.  These beautiful metal "Sea Urchin" art pieces are also available through us at Lucy and Company and I have always loved them, especially against the dark backdrop Lee chose.  She founded Pieces in 2004 when she saw a gap between high-end antiques and mass produced items (don't we all !!!) 

Anthony Todd continued the cohesive look in the concept house with his dark wall color.  I love the large scale art piece and great mix of new and vintage.  His design firm, based in New York, was founded in 1995.  With his "less is more" approach he has attracted high-profile clients who appreciate and gravitate toward his flawless aesthetic.

I could not put this bedroom out of my mind.  The graphic explosion of color drew me in from the moment I came up the stairs.  Christopher Coleman was responsible for this !  Graphic simplicity of clean lines, mixing shapes and sizes . . .  you could say that.

Being that there were at least 10 people in this study area . . .I opted to snagged this pic from 

The New York Times.

photographer Christopher Stuman for The New York Times

Katie Leede is responsible for this beautiful bedroom with it's plum's and sea foam.

She seeks to reveal through her work each client's unique take on color.  Per the bio page on the Elle Decor Concept House site . . . "She has been featured in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda and Traditional Home, as well as numerous blogs.  In 2010 Traditional Home nominated Katie as one of the "Ten Young Designers to Watch" and in 2011 House Beautiful sited her as one of the "Ten More Designers who create a Global, Sophisticated Look."

Per my take . . . her bohemian touches in this room really spoke to me. I loved the watercolor textiles, the little bit of glimmer in the pillow, the distressed mid-century chair, the romantic bed canopy, the jar of paint brushes and tubes of well used acrylics.  She was there to enhance my vision even more.  It was a beautiful space !

Well worth the visit . . . this concept house !

The Decorating and Design a.k.a. D & D Building was stop no. 3.  Home to some 120 showrooms, it's NY's premiere design center.  For over 40 years this space represents over 3,000 leading manufacturers dedicated to offering the very best in furnishings, fabrics and resource information.

I stop by almost every time I head to NY.  The showrooms are big and overflowing with the newest and brightest.   Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunswig & Fils were were we headed.  We were treated to a chat between Alexa Hampton and Anne Maine, Editor-in-Chief of Traditional Home.  Both women were completely engaging and real.  Alexa Hampton was hilarious, I think we will all agree.  I did enjoy a glimpse into of her childhood - running through the D&D building with her acclaimed father, the late Mark Hampton.  For a moment I thought of my 8 year old at home and how she loves nothing more than to run around my showroom.   She's a lover of words (like "Effulgent"- shining brightly or radiant and "Sanguine" positive or optimistic), the traditional style, and overall down-to-earth outlook.  She admitted her kids brought her back to reality, and she "had some work done" on her eyelashes !  But the best advise "only work with people with whom you see eye to eye!"  As the theme for the day was the "A-Ha" moment . . . that more than resonated with me!

We also met Keith Granet the author of "The Business of Design, Balancing Creativity with Profitability," a read for a day it isn't all about pretty !

After wandering around and stopping by Brunswig . . .

. . . our final stop was the New Baccrate Showroom . . .

Now this space - we were the first to see . . . just put some all white tables and gobs of white flowers and let me have another wedding.   What a pretty space.  Vincente Wolfe hosted our gathering with all his elegance and charm. Champagne, and a bunch of really cute waiters . . . Nice end to our day !

May favorite quotes of the day . . .

"I run my business with full transparency" - Timothy Whealon

"If you ally yourself with people that understand and love what you can do it can help you succeed" - Alexa Hampton

"I live in a gated community" (referring to roping off her living room from her kids) - Alexa Hampton

"I read the New York Times every morning.  I don't want to loose perspective on the world" - Newell Turner

"Do you want to have sex in there or have a party in there" (on master bedroom design) - Newell Turner

Dear Diary . . {Chapter Four} Part One.

5.21.12

My adventure in NY continued with Day One  of the main purpose of this trip.  Today was the first day of "Blogfest 2012."  What is that you say ?   Well, it's a three-day jammed-packed adventure for designers, design junkies, bloggers, tastemakers and creative folk.  Today I was able to put a face (and personality) to bloggers I have come to "follow" over the years.  Hosted by Kravet, Hearst Publishing, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils.  This year's magazine sponsors included Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Interiors,  New York Spaces and Veranda.    We gathered to celebrate the industry, get a look inside the world of textile designers and manufacturers,  ever-changing styles, how technology can transform your interiors, a really comfortable bed, designers I have loved and followed for forever, and what I am realizing more and more, the importance of social media.  I made some new friends and when I get it together and catch up on a bunch of new and exciting projects . . . will try and figure out this Twitter thing !!!

We kicked off the three days with a private tour of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House  2012 (40th Annual)  This year they did something a little different.  The "house" was actually two penthouse units in the Aldyn at 60 Riverside Boulevard on the Upper West Side.  6,000 square feet of divine!  Currently on the market for a mere $15.9M and $16.9M each boasts 6 bedrooms with panoramic views, not to mention huge wrap around outdoor spaces and a roof top pool.

The amazing detail in the designs I was privy to were too numerous to include all 31 designers involved, but  I do want to show off a few.   Beyond seeing the Best of the Best, being able to actually meet and talk to these designers in the flesh was even more memorable.  Margaret Russell, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest welcomed us which was a thrill and set the tone for the beginning of our 3 day event.

Here's a few of my favorite rooms and favorite designers. . 

Thom Filicia

Wins the award in my book for best color (and amazingly executed).  I spoke with him, and was surprised to find it was not a spray lacquer application! That's a good paint crew for you!  It's Ben Moore High Gloss Oil, rolled and back brushed !  My advise - don't attempt yourself.   Not only is the color to die for, the high gloss does the trick with trying to make a small space seem bigger . .  bouncing all that light around.    Get yourself a great painter then sit back and watch him sand between about 5 coats . . Gorgeous !

1.

Love the rug . .  want one .

Safavieh, pattern Henninger in Thom Filicia's collection

www.thomfilicia.com

After speaking with Margaret Russell and Thom Filicia, I began wandering through (what I would later refer to in my head) my new NY digs.

Todd Romano

The transition from Thom's yummy green to Todd Romano's Eggplant dining room was perfect.  The window light was strong and for this room I loved that the color made it a little more intimate.  The large artwork was a must, and the giraffe sculpture was by far my favorite accessory.

2.

3.

www.toddalexanderromano.com

One of the prettiest living rooms was a collaboration between . . 

Bunny Williams, Inc.(also event's chair)

Brian McCarthy Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates

 . . . who dedicated the room to their mentor, teacher and friend Albert Hadley, who passed away in March . . .  The touches they brought to the space were sentimental with a touch of humor.  I learned red was Hadley's signature color, which I did not know.   We were all gifted a "Don't Forget" memo pad - which was so fitting .. (it's funny, I can't remember what I had for breakfast, but I distinctly remember something a blogger said in a post a while ago about "finding an actual piece of paper from Albert Hadley's famous "Don't Forget" notepads in a design book and how it was the equivalent of owning a piece of Elvis' sweat...)

Tapestry - Le Corbusier from Jane Kahan Gallery.

4.

www.bunnywilliams.com

www.bjminc.com

www.dkda.com

I rounded the corner into a kitchen I would have no problem cooking in !

Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams for

St. Charles

Your kitchen not that big?  Your view not that spectacular, me either, but who says you can't add some of the wonderful touches.  Take a look

www.stcharlesofnewyork.com

Alexander Doherty

What I loved the most about Alexander Doherty's space was the pure "art" of it all.  Every single thing in the room was a piece of art.  From the wall application, to the furniture choices and colors, to the actual canvases and framed pieces.  We spoke briefly about the cerused oak paneled walls, which I loved.  It added such warmth and texture.    I was told the red lacquered mid-century piece was Robsjohn Gibbons - love that !

www.alexanderdohertydesign.con

Raji Radhakrishnan

This "private office" Raji created for a would-be art curator.  Very carefully created and beautiful, I especially liked the white venetian plaster walls and all their glossy elegance to capture the depth of the art  showcased.

6.

www.rajirm.com

Brian Del Toro

So personable . . enjoyed meeting Mr. Del Toro . .   LOVED this room, wonder why. . you know how much I love blue.  A lot of little details I added to the file cabinet I have going on in my head . . 

First thing I noticed and had to touch, touch.. were the walls.  Venetian Plaster base with a stucco overlay.  Love the grid pattern, Love the color.  Also think the choice in sofa and pop color of green are perfect.  Sofa blends in with walls calling more attention to the walls and all the interesting art and accessories.

To be continued . . . . 

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Information:

Date:

May 16th - June 14th

Hours:

Mon - Sat 11 to 5

Tues & Thurs evening until 8

Sun 12 to 5

Location:

The Aldyn Residences

60 Riverside Boulevard between 62nd and 63rd Streets

Tickets:

$30 and can be purchased at the door.

for More Information:

www.kipsbaydecoratorsshowhouse.org

While I wanted to take all my own pics to capture, for me, the details I loved . . . with 100 bloggers in the room it wasn't so easy !  So thanks to all those wonderful images out there . . (a lucky few were able to capture whole room shots) . .  I would like to share . . and thank you for helping me to savor the visual !

Photo credits mostly me, with the exception of those numbered.  Photographers: 1. &  2.

Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic;  3. Trevor Tondiro for the New York Times; 4. Nicole Gibbons for So Haute; 5. Alexa Stevenson for Design culture Cleveland; 6. Nicole Gibbons for So Haute