DESIGN OF THE MONTH: Miles of Isles

Chances are that when you travel, you don’t want to stay in a place that looks just like your own house. And staying in a sterile hotel room can make you wonder just what city you're visiting. That’s why we were drawn to this beautifully designed property on the Greek island of Mykonos: it’s comfortable, with every convenience you’d want – and yet there’s no mistaking that here, you are very far from home. If you want to learn about terrific design, come with us as we tour this home. 

(Photo: Villa Drakothea )

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Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011

Kemble Interiors - LibraryIf you want to peek through an interior designer’s eye, the best place to go is to a designer show house. The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club is hosting their annual fundraising Decorator Show House and it promises to be a visual treat for the senses. This year’s Show House is located in a neo-Federal mansion in New York’s Upper East side neighborhood. Its original owners included clothier, Maurice Brill, and John Hay Whitney, former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom and financial titan. Current owner Disque D. Deane - a real estate investor and philanthropist - has generously offered his home as the site of the 2011 Kips Bay Decorator Show House.

The mansion interiors boasts of deep golden Norfolk-pine paneled rooms in its original design. Designer Celerie Kemble envisioned for the library a lighter mood and updated it to more contemporary tastes (see photo above).  Using a bright spring palette, she added bursts of color around the room. Above the fireplace is British painter Hugo Grenville's Still Life with Equestrian Figure, suffused with a sunny glow. The tête-a-tête seating is custom-upholstered in vivid pink and the surrounding armchairs and sofa in cream fabrics, creating an airiness of what would have been a somber library. Crowning the room is a stunning skyscape in verre eglomise by Miriam Ellner, made from gilded glass of gold leaf and blue tones. 

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Twilled: Rev up with Reinvention

It's springtime, and we're all eager for a fresh start and a change of pace---in our designs, in our businesses, and in ourselves. We can learn about how reinvention can inspire us from New York designer Bill Scroggie, who reinvented his successful design business in order to meet the demands of the new economy.

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Enamel Escapes the Egg

Kristi Sword - Squiggle Tear Post Enamel EarringsWhen most people think of enamel jewelry and objects they think of a few specific associations: Faberge eggs, cloisonne and cheap charms in bright, pure colors beloved in the 1980's. This framing places enamel in one of three categories, controlled and regal, bright and garish, or simple and cheap.

Thank goodness these perceptions are wrong! Today's enamelists are making elegant and contemporary work which break down these walls.

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Wedding & Event Planning...Fresh Ideas for Planning and Design

As in any industry, the best event planners know it is important to stay abreast of the latest trends, tips, techniques, and technology in their field. Industry expos and showcases are excellent ways to pursue this, particularly when the organizing body brings together a robust series of presenters and speakers.

The 2011 Best Events Food, Decor + Event Design Experience in New York hosted several excellent speakers, including a kick-off keynote by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and a presentation about the design work of his eponymous firm by Adam Aleksander.

Chef Geoffrey Zakarian on the Food Network

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