The Faces of Kips Bay Decorator Show House...

We all know the highly anticipated Kips Bay Show House will be covered by bloggers, press and design media before you even have the chance to walk through the green doors. You can easily see the beautiful professional shots of each room and outdoor space covered by the NY Times. I wanted to delve into something a little different. How about showing off the beautiful faces of the designers that created such amazing spaces for this Show House.

Andrew Suvalsky

Barbara Ostrom

Christopher Peacock

Joan Dineen

Eve Robinson

Felicia Zwebner

Louis Jon Garcia-Maldonado



Mariette & Brooke Gomez

James Huniford

Jack Levy

Judy King

Kathryn Ireland

Kristen McGinnis

Monica Rich Kosann

Nievera Williams

Robert Brown

Sara Story

Stephen Mooney

Town and Gardens, Ltd.

West Chin

This year's Kips Bay Show House has an eclectic mix. Almost as if some of the designers received the same memo for this year's Met Gala. There are a few rooms that will seem to have a punk theme and others that reflect almost an archaic sensibility. You will need to attend to make that decision for yourself. I just love knowing the faces behind the talent that came up with some incredible designs for this year's show house. Let us know which rooms inspired or perspired you?

 

XOXO

Barbara V.

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"Glamorizing Busy"...

Victoria Beckham in Glamour Magazine and as our image of glamorizing busy.

Last week I was chatting with my friend and interior designer, Amanda Gates of AB Home Interiors. I've been on this 'glam' kick lately and shared with her some pretty awesome experiences I've been having. If you've been following my blog posts you'll see I've been attending glam events, meeting glamorous people and sharing a few glam up and coming movies I hope would inspire designers to incorporate glam into their lives and projects.

Salvador Dali Les Montres Molles, 1968.( His Last Painting.)

While chatting with Amanda she mentioned two words that got my ears to perk up, "Glamorizing Busy." Now I'm sure she did not mean this to be a good thing as our conversation touched on designers venting on social media how busy they are with no time for fun. For me I saw it as a spin on designers, well, venting how busy they are and squeezing in time for fun.

This is not my typo. "Even Google needs a spelling lesson." (Inside Joke for a friend reading this)

Let's face it, you are damned if you do and you are damned if you don't. People will read into your "I'm busy" posts in different ways. Some get peeved that your venting about how busy you are with your current 48 projects all due for installs soon. (Yes I read that on Facebook) Some may get jealous at all the fabulous events you are attending and wonder how are you fitting work in? Now I like that idea of glamorizing busy and showing off your capabilities to do both!

This cracks me up every time I read it.

We all strive for balance. I love when designers share the mixture of both. Tobi Fairley is doing it best at the moment. She has gotten more real on this topic and has shared it candidly in her blog posts. What I'm really diggin' is that more and more designers are starting to go this route as well. They are truly glamorizing their busy lives as they are making a conscious choice for it to be that way and so am I.

Need  I say more?

For me I strive to recognize my priorities in order to play by the rules of working hard and playing harder. It's time to embrace our new normal. We are all busy. For some busy is an understatement. If you are going to lay it out there for the world to know how busy you are or will be, glamorize it. Yes, glamorize your busy and evoke a sense of inspiration in others. It shows you are alive and enjoying your life. You are living your passion! You can go hard or you can go home. 

Spring Market at the D&D Building, New York May 15th

IFDA Take A Seat Event, New York May 16th

Brimfield Antique Market, Brimfield, MA May 16th & 17th

 Glamorize your busy by attending a few of the events listed above. You bet I am squeezing in all these great events on my calendar. Share your experience on how you are able to fit both work and play together. It may not be harmonious, but at least it will be glamorous.

Xoxo

Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe!

Practice what you preach...

Every mentor lives to hear these words.

"Pick your Pro" is a quote I live by when it comes to learning anything about anything. Whether in life or in business, I'm not a person who seeks guidance from consultants or gurus. (Just not my style.) I put much value into mentors and pros in their specific fields of expertise to learn from directly. So when asked to commit to three BlogTalkRadio shows, Live with Viteri Style, I thought best to practice what I preach and learn from a pro. Who knows what it could lead to once the show ends. So who do you think was my mentor?

"How you doin'?"

Who did you expect, Martha Stewart? To know me is to know I say it like mean it. I've watched and listened to all the design shows out there and I could not relate to many of them. When it comes to Wendy Williams and her style of show, I gravitate to this women. She is real, blunt, honest giving and driven. Her success in radio lead her to four tremendously successful years on TV with two more years in contract. That is a mentor!

The incomparable Wendy Williams

Now I don't know if the design community is ready for someone with this much personality, but I'm putting all my chips on the table. I can't compare myself to this fabulous lady, but I will say this, you don't get called out on TV twice by Wendy if there wasn't a connection and boy did we connect! There's video of this validation actually, but thought best to share it on my social media pages. 

Wendy Admirer (Me) and The fabulous Wendy Williams

 I was honored to meet her in our glam office at her TV studio last week. She rewards you uncontentiously. Having a one to one conversation with her is exactly like it is on the show. It's authentic communication with similar interests and humor. I did not have to blatantly ask how do you host a great show, it was just obvious after speaking with her. You have to be you and connect with an audience that gets you.Whether it be on radio or television.

It's Live! CLICK  HERE TONIGHT!

So as I strive for my dream to connect with interior designers on my own authentic level, I plan to put on a great show for you tonight. (Tonight is the 3rd show- wow that was fast!) I am looking forward to connecting with interior design enthusiasts that are interested in something a little different. So tune in this evening for a 30 minute live show and feel free to call in. That will just make you my special guest. If you missed any of the shows, no worries, it's recorded. The link will be shared on all my social media pages. 

THANK YOU WENDY! 
Wendy, I wanted to personally thank you for making me feel comfortable in my own skin. The very first quote above this blog is about you. "Because of you I didn't give up."

XOXO

Barbara V. 

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe!

Movie Night for Interior Designers...

Let's make it a movie night!

I know Interior Designers can be inspired by movies, but can you remember the last film or TV show that inspired you recently? How about a film that sparked a new trend in interior design? Time to make it a movie night to find out what's going to take over in design trends.

Remember what this film did for interior design?

 Back in 2003 one film not only sparked the clean and sophisticated look of white, but created a staple color in our modern day kitchen cabinetry. The movie, "Something's Gotta Give", broke the barrier of trend and set the standard of classic. Almost a decade later, white interiors are continuously being introduce and have no indication of going out of style.

Something's Gotta Give caption shot of modern country living in the Hamptons.

White cabinetry and concrete counters are still in vogue in the North East.

So what films/TV shows will ignite the next signature look of interiors? I'm getting giddy over a few conversations I'm having with my design clients and interior designer friends. The word on the street is glam! Yes honey, a dab of sparkle here, a pinch of glitz there and we are spinkleing a bit of glam into our interiors.  

Just the right amount of livable glam. Dining room design via Interior Designer, Libby Langdon.

 Let's plan a movie night in the comfort of our home. Grab the popcorn, maybe a chenille throw blanket and call your glam squad. The new HBO film: Behind the Candelabra, staring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon will definitely set the tone for over the top glam design. From mirrored pianos to 14K gold faucets, there will certainly be enough inspiration to incorporate into your new projects.

Behind the Candelabra photo shoot for Vanity Fair.

Now a night out maybe a great time to dress up a little and embrace old Hollywood glam. This year's remake of The Great Gatsby is a given. Staring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carry Mulligan and Joel Edgerton. The original 1974 flick is still a classic in interior design, but the new film with it's unconventional style and cinemaphotography will surely inspire an affluentential appeal.

2013 set design from The Great Gatsby film.

Mark your calendars for Nicole Kidman's potrayal of fashion icon, actress and royal, Grace Kelly in 'Grace of Monaco'. Expected to hit theaters in December 2013, it will be eye candy to interior designers wanting to taste a bit of regal design.

Film caption of Nicole Kidman in Grace of Monaco.

Regal interiors of a princess in waiting.

Nicole Kidman uncanny resemblance of the late Princess, Grace Kelly.

Enjoy your night at the movies or movie night at home. Inspiration doesn't always have to come from travel. The art of film is a viable resource for interior design inspiration. I truly believe glam will now be a feature in our modern day interiors of living. Clients that may see the films listed above just may expect it from you. Here's to movie night!

Share with us your list of films that have inspired your interiors. It might be time to make movie night sooner than later. 

XOXO
Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe! 

Designing a Glamorous Life Event...

I always preach about "Picking your Pro" and going directly to the source to get educated. I know many designers, including my clients find it difficult to make time to do so. If there is a topic that intrigues you, block time for it and make it happen. That's just what I did when I attended last week's glam event hosted by Niedermaier and presented by keynote speakers, Interior Designer, Ally Coulter and Holiday House Founder, Iris Dankner.

Glam Interior Designer, Ally Coulter, me, wearing my pink trench in support of Holiday House and Holiday House Founder, Iris Dankner

 I love glam and to many it can mean different things. I personally feel hiring an interior designer starts the process of living a glamorous life. The designer is the point person to introducing an new lifestyle in general, but how fab to gain a client that wants a little glamor in their life. Where do you get your inspiration?

Packed house at Neidermaier for Designing a Glamorous Life event.

Ally epitomizes glam. If you look at her most recent work just for Holiday House alone, you know you are getting a front row seat to old Hollywood. Her love for old Hollywood movies sparked her passion for glam interiors. She mentioned her approach to a project starts with the movie playing in her mind. She can walk into any room and create scenes, just like in a movie. She visualizes what people are doing in the room, what they are wearing, how they are interacting and designs around that story.

Ally Coutler Design for 2011 Holiday House

Ally Coulter Design for 2012 Holiday House

Badgley Mischka Gown, worn by Ally Coutler

Couture Gown, by Badgley Mischka

Designing a glamorous life is not just for the affluent. Iris shared a great example of how everyone can live a glamorous lifestyle. Since this blog is written specifically for interior designers and design enthusiasts, I'm sure you are all familiar with the high/low project or getting the look for less. Iris mentioned adding small touches like a sparkly glass chandelier to what would have been a beautiful space can now become glamorous. This is attainable at any price.

Kitchen designed by Iris Dankner. Her glam choice are the chandeliers to add that little sparkle.

I can not express how important it is to attend events such as these when it comes to gaining knowledge to the world of interior design we are now living in. It's ever changing. Even if glam is not your preference, it is vital you make the effort to pick your pro in areas you want a new perspective on. In this case glam was mine and I was not alone. I was thrilled to take clients with me to this event who shared in the same interests. Remember these events are also a fabulous place to connect!

Ally Coulter & Rio Hamilton of Niedermaier

Glam Lifestyle Leader, James Andrew

Start marking your calendars for the next event that is not to be missed. You must attend this year's Holiday House and HC&G (Hamptons Cottages & Gardens) event taking place on June 23rd through July 21st. The list is out on the design industry's 22 designers. Here is the full list:

Ally Coulter Designs

Deb Landis Design

Decor by Guillaume Gentet

Design House

Donna Livingston Design

Duneier Design

Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors

Fawn Galli Interior Design

Huniford Design Studio

Inson Dubois Wood

James Michael Howard

Libby Interiors

Lynne Scalo Design

Mabley Handler Interior Design

Marshall Watson Interiors

Richard Mishaan Design

Steven Dubner Landscaping

Susan Glick Interiors

The Design Studio

Thom Filicia

Timothy Brown Studio

Tracy Anderson Method

The Opening Night Gala takes place on Saturday, June 22nd. I hope to see you there in your Hamptons best. Remember all proceeds from the event will go to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For ticket information please visit: www.holidayhousedesignshow.com 

Let us know if you are attending by sharing your comments here. We look forward to seeing you.

XOXO

Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe!