London Design Festival Day Two Highlights (BlogTour 2011 London)
My dream kitchen at luxury kitchen brand Poggen Pohl’s showroom. I think this kitchen was designed with me in mind! I do look at home in it, don’t I?
My fantasy bath designed by Jaime Hayon for Toto- two words: Modern Elegance.
Stunning and vibrant textiles by Boehme at Tent London.
At Origin I fell head over heels for this wool felt hand-crafted necklace modeled by the designer, Danielle Gori-Montanelli. Simply amazing!
Terence Conran’s Butler Wharf penthouse (now turned into an office suite) outfitted with some of the pieces from his new collection for Mark and Spencer (including the blue sofa pictured below). Terence lived there for ten years before moving on to another home. This place has the most amazing views of the Thames.
At Design Junction I spied this super sexy chair with a slit in the back. Paul Anater and I couldn’t resist giving the chair a try. Turned out to be as comfortable as it was sleek. Here’s a more detailed view of the chair’s design:
Related: London Design Festival Day One Highlights
Read More »London Design Festival Day One Highlights. (BlogTour 2011 London)
Nigel Coates Lounge at Victoria and Albert Museum for London Design Festival.
Dale Chihuly Chandelier.
Dress created by Murray Moss (of MOSS gallery fame). His inspiration piece was the fireplace mantle and mirror.
BlogTour 2011 London Edition
Designer bloggers and writers are social creatures by nature. We love attending the numerous markets year-round from the traditional stomping grounds of High Point to the luxe high-end design mecca of Design Miami to Manhattan’s sophisticated Architectural Digest Home Show. You’ll see us milling about at swanky cocktail parties and laughter-filled dinners at chic restaurants, oohing and ahhing over the design fixtures, furniture and various other decor – it’s our passion- we love beautiful design; our very worlds revolve around it and we love talking about it, and writing about it. So it really didn’t come as too much of a surprise when I found out that fellow design lover and friend Veronika Miller, of the popular interior design hub, Modenus, had conceived the idea of BlogTour 2011 London over one of those many dinners we attended during market.
In March we were all in New York City for the Architectural Digest Home Show and as has become our tradition we all met for dinner. Still fully energized after attending the AD/DIFFA cocktail party we headed out to an intimate after-party dinner at the exotic Barbes’ restaurant off of 5th Avenue. There we chatted about the wonderful design discoveries we had come across as we walked the show. The conversation eventually turned to the impact Social Media had on our respective businesses and on the design industry as a whole. During dinner Veronika spoke with Cynthia Bogart, the Editor of The Daily Basics, regarding the high energy buzz on Twitter and Facebook that had been generated by design bloggers.
Inspired by her conversation with Cynthia, the success of her Architectural Digest Home Show sponsored Tweet-up, and a very encouraging conversation about duplicating that success on an international scale with MMPI’s (Merchandise Mart Properties Inc) Troy Hanson provided the spark that gave birth to Veronika’s concept for BlogTour. Veronika’s idea was to create design tours powered by the social media influence of a select group of passionate design, lifestyle and travel bloggers. So Modenus, in collaboration with MMPI and MyDeco, organized BlogTour 2011 with the first event to take place in London during London Design Festival.
BlogTour 2011 is being sponsored by several prestigious design companies including Blanco, Samuel Heath, Victoria and Albert Baths and Wallunica . The event will be covered by The Decorating Diva along with the following distinguished contingent of UK and US design and lifestyle bloggers:
- Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design.
- Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence.
- Bob Borson AIA, LEED AP, of Life of an Architect.
- Michelle Carangi of Holley & Gill.
- Leslie Carothers,social media maven, of The Kaleidoscope Partnership.
- Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (ABCD!) of ABCDdesign.com.
- Andie Day of Design for Life™ and Andie Day’s Blog.
- Mae Hacking of Here in This House.
- Meredith Heron of Sashay.
- Michelle Jennings Wiebe, ASID, of m{pression.
- Elise Jones of Here in This House.
- Jonathan Legate’s blog.
- Mollie Magill of Robin Baron Simplifying Fabulous!.
- Tamara Matthews-Stephenson of Nest by Tamara.
- Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS, of The Kitchen Designer and Scandinavian Kitchens.
Summer Cooking Give Away – 40″ Precision Series Grill from Capital Cooking
The interior design blog Modenus has just served up an amazing summer give-away that will have grilling foodies doing summersaults! They’ve teamed up with Capital Cooking to give one lucky Modenus reader a 40” Precision Series Grill (similar model pictured above) valued at $7700. What’s even better than a chance to win this great grilling machine? The opportunity to enter your name for this give-away once a day during the duration of the event which runs through May 17th! Details at Modenus.
Read More »Pantone Color of the Year 2011 is…
the gorgeous “Honeysuckle” (Pantone 18-2120). LOVE this color and I’m so excited to see a move toward a more fun, confident hue. But then again I tend to be somewhat biased toward pink-leaning hues…
According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute, its Color of the Year for 2011 was selected because “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going.”
For more information on the Pantone Color of the year visit their website.
Photo Credit: Pantone Color Institute.
Read More »Designers & Architects: Tile of Spain Wants You!
Cevisama 2010 – Pamesa Ceramica’s “Mood”
More specifically, they want to offer four interior designers and architects the fabulous opportunity to join them for an eight day architectural journey (February 4th through February 12th, 2011) of Spain’s world renown design and architectural attractions. Did I mention that those lucky designers and architects will also be attending Cevisama, the International Ceramic Tile and Bath Furnishings show – to include tours of the booths and tile factories? Of course, designers and architects can not be sustained by beautiful design and architecture alone, so Tile of Spain is planning a cultural immersion that includes samplings of Spain’s unparalleled gourmet treats and culinary confections. Want to know more? Below is the preliminary tour itinerary:
- Feb. 4 Leave the United States for Madrid, Spain.
- Feb. 5-6 Travel to Zaragoza by Spain’s Alta Velocidad Española (AVE), a high-speed train network which is on track to become the world’s biggest network of ultra-fast trains. Spend a couple days exploring the culture and architecture of Zaragoza.
- Feb. 7 Travel to the remote town of Teruel for a glimpse of extraordinary Mudéjar architecture.
- Feb. 8-11 Off to Valencia, the business epicenter of Spain’s ceramic tile industry and the venue for Cevisama 2011. Spend time at the trade fair while also touring a ceramic tile factory. Additionally, the group will have a guided tour of Valencia’s City of Arts & Sciences, a monumental complex designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.
- Feb. 12 Depart for the United States via Madrid, Spain.
Reign in Spain 2010 Tour Participants
Designers & Architects: I know that you’re busy (holiday season, projects, what-not), but don’t procrastinate! The deadline is looming, December 1, 2010. I made it easy- here’s the: 2011 Reign in Spain Details and Entry Form.
High Point Fall 2010 Highlights
Palm Beach fresh and sassy, effervescent elegance from Lilly Pulitzer Home.

Hickory Chair featured beautiful, updated classic furniture designs by Alexa Hampton, Mariette Himes Gomez, Suzanne Kasler and textile designs (like the exquisitely upholstered “pom-pom chair” shown on top left) from Susan and Kate Hable of Hable Construction.
Snug Furniture’s organic, warm modern styled wood sofa and coffee table’s natural beauty inspires.
Timeless elegance defines Serge de Troyer’s bone wine cabinet.
Bella Luna’s magnificent desk and chair- the rest of their showroom is equally as divine..
Organically inspired luxurious bedding and decorative pillows from textile designer Aviva Stanoff.
Global Views’ inspiring showroom is filled with exquisite international design finds ..
Stunning designs from designers Stephen Gormley (lighted crystal coffee table) and Christian Lyon (end tables, sofa) for Matsouka International.
Edmee International’s decorative pillows captivate with their understated romantic elegance.
DB Sources decorative accessories are attention fetching.
Pendant lighting from Nuevo in voluptuous curves, and modern feminine shapes.
Dransfield & Ross’ table top decor and linen collection comprised of beautifully detailed linens and sculptural napkin rings inspired by iconic architecture from around the world.
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Enchanting, exotic treasures from Syria, Morocco and the Middle East fill the magical showroom of Wunderly.
Vagabond’s vintage decorative paper clips in sculptural forms inspired by nature.
Bungalow 5 shines with furniture and lighting pieces with a modern twist on the Hollywood Glamour style.
Bungalow 5 Bamboo mirror, open cabinet, and lighting in a fresh, updated Hollywood Regency design.
Exotic finds at Tozai.
Floral Art Workshop: Simple Modern Masterpieces
DIY Flower Arranging Workshop – Designing Modern Floral Masterpieces
Learn how to make contemporary floral arrangements with orchids. DIY floral arranging workshops are all the rage, and you too can learn how to make exquisite flower arrangements. Celebrity floral designer and founder of Floral Art, Jennifer McGarigle is offering several floral workshops (perfect for the creative DIY-er) throughout the year. Details for her next workshop below:
- 6:30 – 8:00pm, Thursday, August 12th, Simple Modern Masterpieces (Submerged orchids, textured leaves, and grasses – Vision Glass vases featured.)

Class Schedule
- 6:30-8:00pm on Thursday, August 12th: Simple Modern Masterpieces
- 6:30-8:00pm on Thursday, September 16th: Rose Inspirations
- 6:30-8:00pm on Thursday, October 14th: Bulb Bliss
- 6:30-8:00pm on Thursday, November 11th: The Modern Wreath
- 6:30-8:00pm on Thursday, December 8th: Holiday Entertaining on a Budget
About Jennifer McGarigle of Floral Art

Celebrity floral designer and founder of Floral Art, Jennifer McGarigle is renowned for her exquisite designs and innovative sensibility. Inspired by architecture, fashion and interior design, Jennifer has developed a distinctive style – fresh, fashion forward and immediately recognizable.
While her work continually evolves, her approach remains consistent. Whether designing for individual clients, luxury brands, or celebrities (Katie Holmes, Giada de Laurentiis, Ryan Seacrest and Jerry Bruckheimer are among several of Jennifer’s floral design fans), she translates their personal style and vision into flowers and event décor.
In 2009, Jennifer expanded into designing and manufacturing furniture. With the essence of nature reflected in each piece, she brings Floral Art’s compelling sensibility to modern home furnishings and accessories.
Related: Jennifer’s tips on creating easy, beautiful floral arrangements.
Read More »Umbra You Design Awards – August 15th 2010
Umbra will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary on August 15th- coinciding with the New York International Gift Fair. At the event, the Umbra You Design winner will be selected from among three finalists. Below are the design entries that will be vying for the title of Umbra’s You Design Most Creative:

I think the Cupcake Tier is adorable, and the Mon Faux Foyer is elegant, but my fave is the Bear Can – just too cute!
Details: Umbra You Design
Read More »How-to Decorate Workshop with Designer Kimberley Seldon
Design school for Non-Professionals
November 13, 2010 – November 14, 2010
You have all the talent you need. Complete a two-day intensive learning workshop and you’ll also have the know-how!
Part 1: Designing the Foundation (Saturday)
…- Floor Plans & Elevations
- Furniture & Area Carpet Placement
- Lighting for Task & Mood
- Flooring & Ceiling Treatments
- Building a Budget
Part 2: Decorating for Success (Sunday)
- Defining your Personal Style
- Fabrics & Colour Schemes
- Window coverings
- Style like a pro
- When to get help
- Resources
More information and event location regarding this decorating workshop is available at Kimberley’s Facebook page.
About Kimberley Seldon of Kimberley Seldon Design Group
Kimberley Seldon is an internationally renowned designer, author, speaker and television personality. Kimberley’s home decor products have graced the pages of “O” magazine and her designs have been showcased in “House & Home” among other prestigious design and lifestyle media.
Kimberley has hosted her own series on Home and Garden Television (HGTV), “Design for Living with Kimberley Seldon” (currently airing on Wealth-TV in the United States as well as 65 countries worldwide). Kimberley is a regular contributor of design columns for various Canadian print media, is the Decorating Editor of Canada’s Style at Home magazine, and the author of the home design book “500 Ideas for Small Spaces”.
Kimberley’s first line of upholstered furniture, Kimberley Seldon for Brentwood Classics is available across Canada at select retailers. Kimberley appears regularly on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) in the United States with her line of Home Décor Products, ‘Kimberley Seldon Home’ and “’Kimberley Seldon Concierge Collection ‘.
View Kimberley Seldon’s design portfolio on The Decorating Diva.
Read More »

