Last week was pure design craziness, and it was so worth it. I flew in a jet-plane to NYC for Blogfest 2013, and spent five amazing days just being ‘Vicki in the City”. Mr. B gets a medal for taking care of business at the Casa. (Although, I will say this… he doesn’t have a green thumb and a clue as to where the vacuum is, the shiny metal box by the sink is called a dishwasher, and dirty clothes…well let’s not go there). The Blogfest was too much fun, and we spent two packed days meeting the elite of the design world, touring Kravet corporate, and generally making new friends and catching up with old ones. This all took place while my feet became two over-sized balloons attached to legs that haven’t ached that much since I had a personal trainer named Hans (Note to Self: Do not wear pointy toed, high heeled, one size too small shoes when you are a “girl about town”). Some of the highlights were meeting Thom Felicia, Alexa Hampton, Jonathan Adler, and Aerin Lauder. On a side note: Thom and Alexa were so “down to earth” and funny. Of course, I absolutely love a great sense of humour….it’s a definite prerequisite in this business.
So onto the “Belle of the Ball” the Kips Bay Showhouse, since I am all about the details I spent more time looking at the finishing touches, while snapping away at random elements that caught my eye. With 100+ designers/bloggers all vying for that “one great shot”, I decided to focus on any photo I could take without a random arm, leg or partial body in it.
Speaking of finishing touches, and one of the Kips Bay sponsors, I am honored to be a judge for the adorne Collection from Legrand, and a just launched Pinterest Challenge. Take a look at my inspiration board for the adorne Beautiful Switch Pinterest Challenge for ideas. Legrand has the most innovative, and amazing light switches, wall plates and outlets that help complete the look of any room in the house, and they are launching a Pinterest Challenge to give away pinned items from the collection along with $500. to Lowes. It’s going to be great fun, and since so many of us are “Pinterest Obsessed” it’s a great way to showcase your creativity using their fabulous products. For more details visit http://www.legrand.us/adornechallenge.
Enter today to win some fabulous prizes and showcase your creativity. So start pinning today!
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
The first room I entered, I just loved the lightness of this space, and the simplicity of the accessories. The house didn’t have much natural light, so the neutral palette let the furnishings shine…
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
Yes, I am obsessed with detail and this doorknob was just gold glam…
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
Kristen McGinnis designed this space, and while the walls had a sheen that you usually only see in lacquer, it was actually highgloss paint. The real focal point was the ceiling which was “fauxed” gold leaf over wallpaper. It was beyond gorgeous…and I think anyone who walked into this dining room had the same “jaw dropping” reaction that I did.
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
I loved this bar nook, the assymetrical shelves will allow the future homeowners to highlight a piece of artwork.
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
I think the success of any Showhouse relies on the ability to inspire us, and I certainly was. I adored the patterned sheer shades, paired with be-ribboned panels in Shantung silk.
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
This space designed by Barbara Ostrom was utilized to perfection, from the desk to the library of well worn books…of course an honorable mention goes to that fabulous chair.
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
A collection of well-read tomes adds visual interest…
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
Sometimes pictures speak a thousand words…
Courtesy Kips Bay Showhouse
A perfectly styled coffee table….in a perfectly designed room.
I think most importantly the Kips Bay Showhouse benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Kips Bay, who empower, educate, feed and prepare children for a better tomorrow. Over the years they have served over 12,000 children with their programs and financial support, and the Kips Bay Showhouse has been the cornerstone fundraising event for this great organization. I would like to recognize the amazing designers who donated their time and money to make this all important event a success…
P.S. My blog is currently going through some updating and I hope you’ll like our new look…
Cheerio!
