If you’re an avid reader of KFL you’ll remember my visit, last March, to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York. An edgy website by the name of Modenus* had a little contest in which you could win a spot on one of their world famous blog tours. Naturally I had to go all out, no holds barred! The challenge was to take a creative photo of one of the designated sponsors.
Whoever garnered the most votes won the spot. Sadly, it was not I but I did have fun trying and I’m pleased to say I finally have my chance to participate in a Modenus adventure! I will be traveling to the Big Easy with a very select group of design and lifestyle bloggers. We will get an insider’s view of Nola Style, visiting design showrooms, shops and KBIS.
Yes, this year the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is being held in New Orleans so I will be there to cover it all. All the magic will be happening from April 16-20, four very busy days. And because I believe in paying it forward (at least a little) I will be offering you, my precious reader peeps an opportunity to win a little something-something. Details to follow...*Modenus is a networking platform and resource catalog for the interior design community. Design professionals and anyone else passionate about interior design can connect in our forums, find inspiration in our daily blogs, Before & After submissions and live event coverage. Modenus is free to users and very easy to use.
FURNITURE HIGHLIGHTS DAY 2 OF AD SHOW
I can hardly believe I've already been back a week! I say that but at the same time so much has happened in the past week it seems like it was a month! Things are humming back at the shop. Our larger new location has been a great help allowing us to increase production of custom cabinets. Right now we're working on some very slick custom vanities for a high profile, and very busy, builder. We also are in the midst of creating a few custom furniture pieces for one of our favorite clients who has recently moved to Miami. In addition to this the spring has brought new projects of various types and it looks like we're gearing up for a busy summer. That is typically our busy season. When the snowbirds fly north we get busy so that it's all done when they return.I do, however, owe you one more post about the Architectural Digest Home Design Show I attended in New York. Without Further ado here are my favorites from day 2.
Ok so there's a story that goes with this next one. Show sponsor, Modenus, is holding a contest for the most original, interesting photo in which you had to include yourself and a product. This is why I'm planking. Later I was to find out that only certain booths qualified for the pic. You'll see my real entries at the end of this post. If I make the top 100 (we'll find out on the 7th) I'm going to ask you all to vote for me so I can go to London on the Blogtour. Deal? Ok, thanks. I knew I could count on my peeps.
AD SHOW, DINING BY DESIGN
Saturday it was back to the show, this time with my sister Pam and Diva Daughter Sabrina in tow. The first day I pretty much covered the kitchen related section. On the second day, I wanted to focus on custom furniture, the Dining by Design exhibit and my entry for the Modenus contest (yes I'm still trying to find a way to get on a Blogtour!). I took loads of pix and I have lots to share but today I want to show you the amazing creative table settings at Dining by Design. This exhibit is actually a fund raiser for a worthy cause, DIFFA. Here's what they're all about: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the country’s largest supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventive education for those at risk. Merging care and commerce, supporters of DIFFA come from all fields of fine design and the visual arts, including: architecture, fashion design, interior design, photography and consumer product design.
In this recurring springtime event, high profile designers as well as design students get to make a statement for the cause by decorating 10' by 10' dining rooms. The only requirement is that the dining space accommodates 10 people. The results were truly spectacular, made twice as nice because of the message behind the beauty. Check it out.
I could have spent all day meandering through these dazzling dining environments but there was so much more to see of the show! Next post: Custom furniture and creative photography at the Architectural Design Home Design Show 2012
DAY ONE AT ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST SHOW
Day one began with a little networking at the Marys and Mimosas event sponsored by Modenus. This is where I was hoping to meet some of the other bloggers. I did run into Veronika of Modenus and Linda Merrill of Surroundings as well as meeting Saxon Henry for the first time. Of course, Mimosas and Bloody Marys were on the menu but the temperature was hot, hot, hot and I just couldn’t at 11AM! Tasty treats were also on hand for those who were so inclined. Everyone was very friendly but I couldn’t weight to tuck into all the enticing displays.
First off I roamed the area featuring kitchen related products and there were some really awesome offerings. Reclaimed wood is THE thing in flooring. I loved the finishes at Tennessee Wood Flooring. Wouldn’t this be awesome in a kid’s room? This company’s products are stained through and through, well at least a couple millimeters so that sanding and repairs won’t compromise the finish color.
I also fell in love with a company called Manhattan Forest Products whose tagline is “reclaiming New York City”. That’s exactly what they’re doing. Their flooring and wood paneling is made from wood reclaimed from the old Coney Island boardwalks, the old wood water towers that used to top many old buildings among other places. If it’s old wood in New York City, they can make magic with it. Just think, your floor could be “green” AND have its very own story.
Of course I’m always on the hunt for interesting cabinet designs and these cabinets by Rutt certainly fit that criteria. These are made of Sapele Mahogany and Rutt wants you to know that they will provide you with “chain of custody certification” when you purchase cabinets from them. No, it’s not a warrant for your arrest, rather it’s a trail of proof that green practices were employed in the manufacture of your cabinetry from start to finish.
Now you remember Think Glass. I wrote about them here. The painted glass is beautiful in person. The paint is not on the surface but is, in fact, embedded between layers of glass! Stunning.
Many appliances were on show including Sub Zero Wolf, ULine, Best and Liebherr who has a kicking 48” refrigerator freezer that is half fridge and half freezer. I love the symmetry of it and the fact that their products are a TRUE 24” deep with no muss, no fuss. I enjoyed chatting with ventilation hood specialists at ModernAire and at Faber regarding a tricky design dilemma I’m working with at the moment. 
Compass Ironworks are iron forgers in with old world attention to details and I got to see a demo on the spot. Yes it was hot.
I also enjoyed one of the featured events of the day which was a talk entitled: Globe Trotting: Inspiration Through Travel. Yes, I agree that incorporating artifacts and mementos from our travels, wherever they may be, certainly make for unique and personal interiors. It was a special treat to hear Juan Montoya speak as a part of the panel.All this crazy fun to be continued tomorrow but tonight my sis and I will see the Merce Cunningham dance company. The production is called “4 Walls Doubletoss Interludes” and if you know anything about modern dance this is a very big deal indeed.
NEW YORK BOUND FOR AD SHOW & ARTEXPO
Happy Monday peeps! Looking forward to a great week visiting New York City’s home of fashion, art and design events, Piers 92/94. I’ll be arriving Wednesday evening in time to attend opening Trade Day at the Architectural Design Show. I’m really looking forward to seeing many fellow bloggers and designers I met through the Blogger 19 Fashion Week event sponsored by Brizo and also meeting others who I follow and admire for the first time. Look for updates and coverage of my unique take on all the action.
Friday I’ll be heading over to the other pier for ArtExpo NYC so that I can indulge in my other passion, art! As an added bonus you’ll get a “teenager’s take” as I roam the city that never sleeps with my 16 year old "diva daughter" in toe (spring break). It should be fun. Don’t forget to check back!