Renovation Diary: Almost Done

There are more Blogfest photos to share, but I thought it was about time I gave you an update on the renovation. We are living in and loving the new space...just fine tuning things. I'll share some interior shots next week, but thought I'd leave you this weekend with some outdoor photos, in hopes that all of us will enjoy the great outdoors!


The front shutters were finally hung this week. And, the rain is keeping things looking lush.

 The completed side entry, which is keeping us and our deliveries dry.

The shot above would be much prettier without the basketball goal....but it's too heavy for me to move and....showing it as it is.... is just "keeping things real"!!


For any of you who have experienced a renovation, you know that euphoric feeling when you realize...we're basically done!


Wishing you and your families a fun-filled, sun-filled Memorial Day Weekend! I'd love to hear what you've got planned!

Blogfest 2012: Behind the Kravet curtain

On our final day of Blogfest, we were given the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Kravet Inc and see where the magic happens in designing and manufacturing their stunning fabrics. They shared their concept boards and samples. We even learned which top designers had new lines under development.

And while the fabrics from Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils are all noteworthy and covetable....what really struck me was the talented group of people who make this company hum. This is a family owned company and you could feel the pride, enthusiasm and passion inside the walls. Just like a delicious meal begins with the best ingredients and is made with love....these stunning fabrics are made with the best materials and most definitely made with love.

Everything below is being developed and will be in showrooms in approximately 3-18 months.

Can you believe the fabrics in this last photo are outdoor fabrics under development? They're so pretty, you could use them on a kitchen banquette or dining chairs.


I know there are a number of fabrics I'd love to use in my own home. See anything that YOU like?

Blogfest 2012: Kravet+Hearst

Day Two of Blogfest 2012 began on the 44th floor of Hearst Tower, which has been in this exact location for over 100 years! To be in the building where the creative juices flow at these venerable shelter magazines is just incredible!

Our blogging community is like a little virtual village of like minded design enthusiasts....so, one of the joys of Blogfest is the opportunity to meet and mingle with those who we "follow", email and admire online.

Pretty Pink Tulips, Bright Bold & Beautiful, Well Appointed House & Lisa Mende Design

Kate Kelly Smith, SVP Publishing Director, Hearst Design Group gave us the background on our host company, Kravet Inc., as well as updated us on all the recent accolades bestowed upon House Beautiful! As you can see, tweeting during the event is encouraged!

Beth Greene, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Branding for Kravet...aka "The Mastermind behind Blogfest"!

Jennifer Levene Bruno, Publisher of Veranda, introducing 
Dara Caponigro, Veranda's phenomenal Editor-In-Chief. 

Dara walked us through the May/June issue of Veranda and introduced us to top designers, Darryl Carter and Timothy Whealon, whose projects grace this month's pages (Timothy's project is on the cover). Darryl's road to design included a previous life as an attorney, while Timothy did a stint on Wall St before finding his passion in design. So, for all of you out there wanting to make a career change....let them be your inspiration!

My personal thanks to Dara for being so approachable and giving us insight into the projects included in this month's issue.

Next on the agenda was an incredible panel of "Next Wave" designers (Michael Herold, Jill Goldberg & Jon Call) with House Beautiful Editor-In-Chief, Newell Turner. Our topic was "A-Ha" moments and how the magazine choses projects to be published. 

They always ask themselves..."Would I want to be there?" and look for a unique point of view. Newell showed us scouting photos and then how a project came to life in an actual magazine photo shoot. They work hard not to tamper with a designer's vision or a homeowner's lifestyle. They just try to bring in the best lighting and take the space to the next level with flowers and tablescapes.

One of the biggest rewards in blogging are the friendships that are made. I'm always thrilled to spend time with my real life blogging pals, Lisa Erlich of Hamptontoes and Sue De Chiara of The Zhush!


Thank you Hearst & Kravet for a truly memorable day!

Blogfest 2012: Kips Bay

Blogfest 2012 kicked off at The Aldyn, the site of the 40th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House. For the first time in its history, the Show House is taking place on the Upper West Side in 2 stunning and modern 6,000 square foot penthouses.


The designers chosen this year are truly the "best of the best". Imagine my surprise at seeing Charlotte Moss next to her room, "Behind the Hedges" discussing the photography and wall treatments. 


Other designers include: Alexa Hampton, Jamie Drake, Bunny Williams (also this year's Show House Committee Chair), Brian del Toro, Thom Filicia and Todd Alexander Romano, to name a few.


As you might guess from the first photo, the entry way was covered in Scalamandre's iconic red zebra print.


Ready to take a quick tour?

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House is open 7 days a week through Thursday, June 14th. In addition to amazing rooms and ideas, your visit helps support the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Clubs, providing a safe haven for 12,000 talented young people throughout the Bronx.

Oh, and yes, Margaret Russell, editor of Architectural Digest stopped by to welcome us all. (Personal thrill!).


Hope you're week is going well....I'll keep the updates coming!