Life

Blogfest Recap: Lilly Pulitzer Preview and Barbara Barry

Possibly my favorite event of Blogfest was the Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa preview. A preppy girl at heart, I melted walking into the showroom. There were so many patterns and colors  — the tassle-trim wallpaper border around the room with the chevron rug and all of the florals — and yet they played off each other so well. The showroom even featured a giant turtle that had a Lilly-patchwork motif modge-podged onto the shell!

Following the preview of the collection we had a very Lilly-inspired lunch in the showroom, complete with pink lemonade — a nod to Ms. Pulitzers juice-days. Given my penchant for spilling, I was quite nervous to be eating around all those gorgeous fabrics and show furniture! 

I finished the day listening to esteemed designer Barbara Barry present her new collection for Kravet called Indochine. She came off incredibly intelligent and passionate, and I loved hearing about where she draws her creative inspirations from.  I was sad to have to duck out early before the rest of the festivities but am incredibly grateful for such an amazing two days meeting great designers, creatives, and bloggers.

Life

Blogfest Recap: Kips Bay

My first stop on day two of Blogfest was at the Kips Bay Showhouse; it was my first time so I was really excited to see some of the amazing designers featured. I’ll be the first to admit that not all of the rooms were my cup of tea, but that’s what’s so interesting about this event — there really is something for everyone, from traditionalists to modernists and everything in between.

I had two favorite rooms, and one of them definitely fell into the “hip” category: the stereo lounge designed by Brad Ford. I’m always looking for ways to hide electronics but this design beautifully embraced the stereo speakers and equipment and made it the focus of the room. The round white speakers almost looked like art on the walls, and I loved how a record player was actually built into the giant wooden coffee table.

Another one of my favorite rooms was on the opposite end of the decorating spectrum, total femininity and opulence, designed by Amanda Nisbet. The pink wall coverings and loud artwork were bold choices with an already ornately trimmed room.

And how about this flooring? It’s all in the details…

Image 1 and 3 via Brad Ford

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Blogfest Recap: ELLE Decor Modern Life Concept House

Stop number two on my whirlwind in New York for Blogfest was at the ELLE Decor Modern Life Concept House where we got a sneak peek of the designs. When I first walked in I was like a moth to the flame zooming towards this luxurious leather chair in a bright olive-green paired with stacks of design books on immaculately styled shelves.

Design was just one element of the spaces, the tables were set and the bureaus were styled — the rooms were all about the details. In the swanky 70s style living room with shag carpets they were setting the mood with the TV on — The Graduate was playing in the background.

And in the kitchen a black and white color palette and simple graphic art set a soothing tone that would certainly let the food stand out (I am on the hunt for those salty prints!). I loved the designer’s practical calling card, a big bowl of matches to grab and toss in your pocket.

Life

Blogfest Recap: Hearst

I’m back from Blogfest and am almost fully recovered; chatting with so many amazing bloggers  and designers can really wear a girl out! But I have lots to share and thought I would start with first part of conference held at Hearst Tower. The opening lunch hosted by House Beautiful was gorgeous — peonies were the unofficial flower of the event, everyone was taking advantage of their short season. And do you see those giant bags on the chairs? These were the swag bags of all swag — magazines for days and my favorite freebie, a copy of the new book, House Beautiful Blue: 360 Ways To Decorate With Blue. I already started to pick through it on my train ride back and it’s beautiful.

Following the delicious welcome lunch and after making lots of new friends (whose blogs I’ll share later in the week) we listened in on a panel discussion with Hearst editors Newell Turner of House Beautiful, Dara Caponigro of Veranda, and Mark Rozzo of Town & Country. All three were incredibly gracious and very open when talking about magazines’ relationship with blogs, they all agreed that there’s a place for both mediums in the space. In fact, they called on bloggers for being the beat editors that find trends and sources in the places that big magazines don’t have the time or staff to cover. My favorite moment of the day was when Newell Turner proclaimed he maintained a no-diva policy at House Beautiful, he doesn’t waste his time on that — which is probably why the magazine has such a down to earth feel to it.

Then we capped off the day with some champagne before we were whisked off to the ELLE Decor Modern Life Concept House … more on that tomorrow!

 
 
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