Studio M

Designer Notes: With this kitchen, it is all about modern, sleek contemporary finishes to play up reflective surfaces. The espresso cabinets are complimented by elongated hardware to create that contemporary feel. Glass paneled pantry doors add a unique feature and another element of reflective materials to the space.

 Designer Notes: Contemporary, spa, and zen-like are all words I’d use to describe this icy blue bedroom. A dynamite custom tufted headboard creates a plush feel and becomes the focal point of a room.

Designer Notes: This dining room is all about custom, custom, custom. The multicolored table becomes the central focal point in the room, while the wall of niches is a unique way to bring funky accessories in, while making them architectural.

Designer Notes: When it comes to a master bathroom, it should be a place of refuge. This bathroom was designed to make the end user feel completely relaxed. A space like this proves that contemporary can feel warm.

About Michelle Jennings Wiebe

Michelle Jennings Wiebe, ASID, is the President/Principal Designer of the premier interior design firm Studio M Inc., based in Tampa, Florida. Studio M specializes in luxury residential design, but is also well known for their sleek commercial interiors. While she is considered an expert in new construction, Michelle thrives on taking any space and transforming it into both living artistry and functional desirability. Her passion for interiors is to “develop livable works of art that are timeless.”

As a graduate of Florida State University, she received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Prior to and upon graduating, she was an Assistant Designer for Gail Olsen Interiors in Clearwater, Florida. She founded Michelle Jennings Design Studio Inc. in 1991 (later changing the name to Studio M Inc. in 1999.) Her portfolio of almost two decades includes the recent completion of Signature Place, a two hundred and forty four unit luxury condominium tower in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

About Studio M

Studio M is a full service interior design firm located in Tampa, Florida. Our company has over twenty years of industry experience in both residential and commercial design. We also specialize in new construction projects including concept development and construction management. Whether big or small, we have the resources to manage any size project. Studio M will customize our services to meet your specific needs.  We take pride in giving each client the time and attention needed to successfully complete each project.

We work with each client to help design an interior that reflects not only their taste and style but also their specific lifestyle, values, and accomplishments. Studio M thrives on taking any space and transforming it into both living artistry and functional desirability. Our passion for interiors is to “develop livable works of art that are timeless.”

 CONTACT

• Website: Interiors by Studio M
• Blog: Interiors by Studio M Blog
• Twitter: @StudioM_
• Facebook: Studio M Interiors

Lisa Canning of Creative Consulting

Lisa Canning, Toronto-based decorator and broadcast personality, has a penchant for chic, contemporary, and personalized interiors. She specializes in designing modern interiors for both commercial and residential spaces.

Lisa transitioned from the world of fashion design (she’s a graduate of the acclaimed School of Fashion at Ryerson University) to decorating after her appearance on the popular Home and Garden Television (HGTV) series “Marriage Under Construction”.

Her decorating projects can also be seen on Slice TV’s Beautiful People, HGTV’s Green Force and Much Music’s Much 911.

Tell us about your  business.

I am a Toronto based interior decorator and blogger. Right now I’m launching two new blogs: “Condos by Canning” and “Kids by Canning”.

What inspired you to pursue this business?

I’ve always had a creative drive:I painted through high school, studied fashion in university, and worked in prop styling [all of which] naturally led to [decorating] interiors. I appreciate design in all disciplines-I’m constantly evaluating things though a design lens.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere! A great hang tag, a cool font…sometimes, I’m inspired by the most innocuous of thing. I’m most inspired by my city, Toronto, it is eclectic, vibrant and pulsing, there’s always something going on here.

Tell us about a favorite home decorating or remodeling project.

The house I designed for the first season of HGTV’s “Marriage Under Construction”. While my design aesthetic has evolved quite a bit since then, it will always be a favorite home decorating project as it is where I got my start.

What’s your favorite color.

This is a hard one as I love color! Right now, I am in love with Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray (HC-165) . It’s a light blue with a hint of gray- I just used it in a master bedroom and it is so soothing. I also love Benjamin Moore’s Bahaman Sea Blue (2055-40) an aqua which is vibrant, and exciting, a color full of energy!

What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?

• I know it’s not an item per se, but paint is always my number one decision in a room. You can make such an impact with little investment with the right color.
• Good textiles give detail to a space- they are like great adjectives in a paragraph- they help to develop the room’s personality.
• Quality pieces mixed with bargain finds. I started my career working with clients with very limited budgets, and even then I always counseled to splurge or not compromise on one item.
• Lighting with personality. I love photography stands and gourd lamps.
• Fresh flowers. I’m not into plants as I think they can look unruly if not maintained, but a fresh bunch of flowers is such a luxury.

What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?

My son’s nursery. I love that it feels baby, but not too baby. It’s a room he can grow into and grow up in. I based the decorating scheme around a DwellStudio bedding collection(my splurge) and painted the walls a neutral gray-beige with inexpensive curtains in a marine blue. Graphic art and eclectic frames keep the nursery hip and fresh- I could spend all day in there!

Who are your favorite designers?

Kelly Wearstler (gutsy), Jonathan Adler (whimsical), Ryan Korban (glamorous!).

What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?

My personal style has definitely evolved over time. I was definitely a lot more DIY in the past-while I appreciate resourcefulness, I now also appreciate the skilled trades!

I think my clients would describe my design approach as fresh, modern, youthful and colorful. I’d say a big part of my design style is taking a personal approach. I really try to understand how my clients think, eat, play and work. It’s great if their space looks good, but if it doesn’t work with how they live it’s not a successful design.

Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” -  do you have one?

We bought our home not long ago so not yet!

Describe your dream room.

My dream room would be a “dream deck”. I’d love to do a huge deck complete with an outdoor kitchen and water feature. Oh, and it would include a canopy bed with white sheets.

What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites?

• KITKA Design Toronto- Gorgeous photos, Scandinavian style.
• Arren Williams Design Lab- Toronto stylist always full of great insights
• The Selby – I am always inspired by how people live- this is a great website featuring homes of interesting people from around the world.

What are your favorite books, design shows and/or magazines?

• HGTV’s Marriage Under Construction (OK, I am biased, I was on it!)
• Canada’s House and Home Magazine
• Canada’s Style At Home Magazine
• The Interior Design Course by Tomris Tangas
• The Comfortable Home by Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

Do you have a decorating, design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with The Decorating Diva.com readers?

Don’t be afraid of color. Maybe aqua walls aren’t for you, but a pillow or drapes in a saturated color can be just the thing that takes your room from blah to hurrah!

Contact Details:

• Website: Lisa Canning
• Email: info@lisacanning.ca
• Twitter: @lisa_canning
• Blog: Lisa Canning’s Blog

The Decorating Diva, LLC would like to thank Lisa for sharing her fresh and inspired designs and her terrific decorating tip on the fearless use of color with The Decorating Diva.com readers.

Amy Butler

Amy Butler is a creative designer known for her sophisticated, yet relaxed modern approach to printed fabrics and products for home, fashion, and craft. Through her books, website, and patterns for sewing, Amy has helped to inspire a new generation of young women to “find their own style.”

Her uniquely fresh print-on-print design approach is apparent in all of the products under her brand, and a personal commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability keep her international business blooming!

Amy works from her studio in Central Ohio with her husband, cats, and a small staff of amazing friends.

Tell us about your business, Amy Butler Designs.

I have a design business with my husband David, we work from our home studio in Central Ohio. I create textile designs for sewing and home decor fabrics, and I have a full collection of fun sewing patterns focused on fashion and accessories for you and your home.

Over the past four years I have slowly expanded my product mix to include wall art, organic bedding and towels, hand made rugs, stationery, craft and how-to books, home office and fashion bags. It’s been a journey, learning and growing through all of the changes in the business and I am so thankful I get to work alongside my amazing studio mates, without them, this would not be possible. One of the best parts about our business is watching everyone grow, it’s incredible, I’m so blessed.

What inspired you to pursue this business?

I’ve always been creative, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist. I learned a lot from my mom and grandmother and I have always received support from family and friends. After I met my husband, David, at design school we knew that we wanted to make our love for art and design into our livelihood. I am so grateful that I have had all of the opportunities that have come my way. Now with a full fledged business the thrill to create something new, and by hand that will touch people’s lives is very exciting.

We’re not motivated by money, it’s a hunger to stay innovative and keep making and creating. My personal creative time and business creative time are one in the same. There is a wonderful overlap in how I feel fulfilled, all of my personal interests feed into my creativity in the studio and vice a versa. I never live the same day twice so I feel fresh and alive every time I approach a new project. I know that makes a big difference and explains why I feel so satisfied with what I’m making.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

My inspirations continue to evolve; it’s interesting to see what excites me next. I’m fortunate to live with another artist who shares similar passions. I love working on my home and garden and antiquing and hunting for special finds always lights a creative fire for me. I fill my wardrobe with odd bits of clothing from vintage to affordable designer… I love looking at fashion and experimenting with my own pieces.

Nature is my never-ending resource for color and design inspiration. I love spending time in my garden in every season. I’m a plant collector and I love the intricate designs in flowers and foliage as well as the amazing color combinations.

Travel also jump starts a lot of ideas for me. I have traveled all over the world in the past few years, to many places that have been Mecca locations for me such as India and Indonesia. I’ve always been inspired by ethnic textiles, culture and colors and to actually visit places I’ve researched and dreamed about has completely enriched my life.

Tell us about a favorite decorating or remodeling project.

Ahhhh, my new kitchen! We just finished it ( well almost, we still have to add tile to the back splash ) but for the most part it’s been up and running for eight months now. The kitchen is the most important room in my house, especially now since we opened up the space so everyone can hang out with me while I’m cooking.

David designed the entire project so the room is extra special. He created gorgeous natural wood finishes and warm stone surfaces and loads of space to spread out, and put my friends to work at the cutting boards. He thought of all the little extras and used every inch of space for storage and ease of use. He also had to accommodate my ever growing dish collection.A girl can’t control her love for entertaining with fun dishes right? He’s sweet, he lets me get away with it as long as I keep cooking for him.

What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?

Casual, warm, eclectic and vintage modern. It’s evolved and has also stayed the same. My heart of heart passions and visual loves never change, but the places I’ve lived, people I meet and places I’ve travelled have all influenced my creative eye and tastes.

Describe your dream room.

I’m ready to do this tomorrow! Really most homes and spaces you’d find in Australian Vogue or British Elle Decor magazine where folks combine vintage modern pieces with eclectic textiles and antiques. I totally relate to the lifestyle in Australia ( and England ); I love their perspective and wanton use of color, print and texture.. all in a very warm and sophisticated way. Right now I’m in between deep cozy violet or navy blue and or tropical greens. I’ve got a thing for Kelly green these days…. orange and hot pink too but I don’t think I can talk David into it.

Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” – do you have one?

Oh, many. Who doesn’t ? Ya know, most of these purchases tend to happen at IKEA. I think I get hypnotized by the fun Danish names and find myself bringing home something because it’s cute. We tend to “repurpose” these items as quickly as possible.

What’s your favorite color or paint swatch?

That changes daily! I love color and obsess about it constantly. Currently, my favorite wall color ( or one I’m toying with painting in my family room ) is a luscious deep navy-esque blue by Ralph Lauren; number: RL IB96 called “Arcadia Blue”.  It reminds me of the background color in my “Midnight Water Bouquet” fabric.

What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?

Ooooh, fun question.

1. My new Artaissance Wall art (Art That Fits).  I had the artwork placed all over my house for a photo shoot, and I love living with it.
2. My Room and Board couches. I just recently placed them in our family room the ” tree house room ” and they are the perfect conversational couches. Great for hanging out with friends, watching TV and the cats love napping on them. Everyone wins.
3. My Eames rocking chair. I’ve always loved rocking chairs since I was a little kid. This rocker is comfy and smooth. I love turning out all the lights at night, putting on my headphones and mellowing out to music with my IPod. I usually fall asleep in the rocker, so that means it’s working…
4. My two new IKEA wicker rocking chairs. Because when it comes to rockers more is more. These rockers are a design masterpiece, and at $138 each you can’t believe the price and value. They are gorgeous. We have them placed at our big picture window wall in our tree house room where we are currently staring at wild birds and our pretty Christmas tree. We call this area the “time waster” or  “procrastination alley” It’s dangerous, I find myself there every morning wanting to sip away cup after cup of coffee. It’s beautiful.
5. Our nature collection. Dave and I have a huge collection of bits and bobs from nature. Pretty shells, stones and feathers from vacations or our backyard. We circulate them throughout the house and change them out constantly in our feature vignettes.

What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?

It’s the room at that time with the most people and cats.  I love my house. It’s my home for life. It’s just perfect for Dave and me, and the way we live. With an open floor plan, the entire top floor feels connected and that’s where we spend most of our time. All the key living spaces are here; the kitchen, tree house room and living room with entry.

Who’s your favorite designer?

David Butler of Art of the Midwest. He also happens to be an incredible songwriter,singer, and drummer in his rock band the Black Owls. Of course, he designs all the cool band logos and graphics!  Check them out at Black Owls on MySpace. You’ll be smitten too!

Do you have a decorating design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with thedecoratingdiva.com readers?

Yes. I have to tell you about my best friend Kevin Reiner who is an incredible designer. Oh my,  you have to check out his website, Firmly Planted, it’s gorgeous! He’s such a massive talent, I’m so proud to know him. I’ve witnessed Kevin renovate and lovingly design homes for himself and clients.

The biggest tip I can offer up is one of Kevin’s. He’s so smart and organized. When he is preparing to renovate and demolish or deconstruct a home or room,he packs everything. I mean everything up and stores all of the art,home decor, kitchen and bath items in clear plastic tubs and places them in storage until the renovation is complete.

He only keeps the necessities on hand and moves out all of “life’s clutter” to both protect it and keep your living space sane while all of the construction is going on. This way you’re not on top of all your belongings that you don’t need right away and it helps you manage the dirt and stress that’s involved in this process.

The other beautiful thing that happens is that in the end, you realize you don’t need so much stuff, and you end up not missing all of the pieces and moving them on to someone else who needs them or will love them. Dave and I are saving money to finish the renovation on our home. We want to complete our bathrooms, bedroom and guest room. Our goal is to use the “Kevin technique” and make our transition a sane one.

What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites- and why?

• Design Sponge – Incredible design for life can be found here, from great interiors to amazing recipes.
• Decor8 – Holly is a creative fire and I love her point of view and resources for craft and home.
• SFgirlbybay – I love Victoria’s style and beautiful photographs, plus personally, she has great taste in music.
• Ecosalon – great style with sustainability in mind.
• Enjoyco.net – An amazing new web site and blog created by my very talented friend Monique Keegan. Monique also has a beautiful shop just down the street from my house ( dangerous! ) her style is vintage. natural, earthy, modern and sophisticated… she has gorgeous taste and a personality plus to boot!

What are your favorite books?

There are too many! Here’s a few.

• Isle Crawford’s Sensual Home
• Bohemian Modern / Living in Silver Lake
• The Greater Perfection, the story of the Gardens at Les Quatre Vents
• Garden & Cosmos, The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur
• India in Words & Image

Contact Information

• Website: Amy Butler Design
• Shop Amy Butler Art: Art That Fits

All images copyright of respective owners.

The Decorating Diva LLC would like to thank Amy Butler for sharing her inspirational, joyful, creative nature, her richly patterned and beautifully colored designs from textiles to printed artwork, and her wonderful design recommendations and decorating tips.

Maarten Baas

German-born, Dutch bred design prodigy, Maarten Baas, has captured the attention of the design world with his boundary-less approach to design – refusing to accept a clear and distinct demarcation between what is art and what is design. The multi-award winning Baas,the most recent design honor bestowed upon him was “Designer of the Year at Design Miami 2009”,  believes that the long-held design maxim “form follows function” is outdated and should be relegated to design memory.

Acting as a design iconoclast isn’t a goal he has set for himself, all Baas wants, is to free design from artificially imposed boundaries. Telling “Design Miami” that the only boundaries that can be placed upon design are those imposed equally upon all living creatures: “Every day there are only 24 hours in which that day has to happen”.(Source: Design Miami)

Maarten Baas commission piece (exterior view)  for Design Miami 2009.

Interior view of Maarten Baas designed wardrobe commissioned for Design Miami 2009.

Baas the Early Years

Maarten’s fresh and bold approach to design has not gone unnoticed. At the young age of 18, while studying at the prestigious Design Academy Eindhoven, Bass designed the “Knuckle” candleholder. The “Knuckle” was quickly recognized as outstanding design, and was sent into production. Baas’,earliest and most industry-reverberating recognition came at the age of 24 with his “Smoke” series. The “Smoke” collection of furniture and decor is composed of several pieces that have been charred,and then sealed in a clear epoxy coating.

In 2004, his “Smoke” chandelier was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, his “Smoke” chair was on display at the “Nest” exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum, and at Moss Galleries where Baas’ international acclaim was sealed. At the Moss exhibit of “Where There’s Smoke…”, Baas, “without fear or reserve, torched the classical designs of Gaudi, Eames, Rietveld, Sottsass and the Campana Brothers among many others.”(Source: Maarten Baas) His fearless approach, gained the attention of the Groninger Museum. They decided to turn over some of their most obscure collections of antique furniture over to Baas. Much like the mythical Phoenix that raises from the burning ashes, these long forgotten antique furniture pieces where raised from the ashes of obscurity and onto a splendid rebirth, at the hands of Baas.

The Baroque armchair reproduction from MOOOI (photo on left) for the Maarten Baas “Where There’s Smoke…” collection. The design for the chair from the  “Where There’s Smoke…” collection (right) is inspired by Gerrit T. Rietveld’s Zig Zag chair.

Some of the “Smoke”  furniture pieces are reproductions of famous mid-century modern pieces produced by Marcel Wander’s design company MOOOI. Other “Where There’s Smoke…” collection pieces are in the private collections of Philippe Starck, Craig Robins and Lidewij Edelkoort.

The Emergence of Studio Baas & den Herder

Maarten Baas’ continuous battle with artificial boundaries set upon design gained strength with the establishment of Holland based Studio Baas & den Herder. With the assistance of Bas den Herder and a team of ten assistants, Baas was able to increase the production quantity of his unique handcrafted works.

Never losing sight of his design ethic, Baas conceives the idea and then works in close collaboration with his team to birth and nurture the idea from inspiration to conception to production. This tightly woven collaborative sense of design community enables Baas to meet the unending demand to create unique commissions for hotels, museums, private collections, galleries and other establishments.

Baas furniture collections from left to right: Clay chair, The Chankley Bore, Plastic Chair in Wood, Sculpt Dining Chair, and Hey, Chair be a Bookshelf. The “Hey, Chair be a Bookshelf” is a composition of various furniture pieces which have been collected from second hand stores and then assembled into one piece creating a new life and function for each piece. (Design Miami 2009)

In 2005, Baas’ designs for “Smoke”, “Sculpt” and “Treasure” were an integral design component for the Ian Schrager led redesign of the Gramercy Park Hotel. Maarten’s handmade pieces can be found in the rooms, and his “Smoke” billiard table and “Sculpt” furniture pieces are on display in the Gramercy’s lobby.

Yellow Dining Chair (Left) from the “Treasure Furniture” collection. The “Treasure Furniture” collection utilizes furniture factory scrap and waste to give life to a new piece of furniture.

Setting Design Free

At Design Miami 2009, Maarten Baas, “Designer of the Year”, was asked the following question:“‘Does design imply the idea of products that are necessarily useful?” His answer provides tremendous insight into his creations:

“ That comes back to the definition of design. To make it easy you could say: once it’s for use, it’s design. But even that is not a definition which covers all situations.

What would happen if you would use a Mondrian painting as a serving tray, or you hang a serving tray on a wall, and never use it? You can discuss for hours about it…” (Source: Design Miami).

Indeed, what happens when we no longer accept our preconceived notions and are open to a design world that doesn’t dictate that which is appropriate and that which is taboo?

Sources for this article.

• Maarten Baas Website
• Design Miami Interview with Maarten Baas, “Questions excerpted from an interview with Charles Eames in conjunction with the 1969 Musee des Arts Decoratifs exhibition ‘Qu’est-ce Que Le Design?’”

Design Talent Across The Web & The Globe

We’ve received many requests to create a site wide compilation ( a quick comprehensive guide to interesting designers, artists and home decor shops) similar to two recent compilations that were published: 8 Interior Designer Firms You Need To Know and Spotlight on Design Stars By Topic. We listened and here are the interviews and profiles of our favorite designers and artists that we’ve had the pleasure to showcase on The Decorating Diva, LLC over the last twelve months.

Artists

• Ellen Blakeley of Ellen Blakeley Studio is an award winning glass mosaic artist and ceramicist. Her most recent artistic project transforms shattered window and industrial glass into awe-inspiring glass mosaic tiles for home and more.
• Kristen Stein is an award-winning Contemporary Artist living in Suburban Philadelphia.  Kristen’s works are currently available on a variety of online venues and boutiques and galleries throughout the US.   
• Tamar of Nest Pretty Things, a graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of Design, creates pretty, one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Home Decor and Furniture Designers

• Amy Butler is a creative designer known for her sophisticated, yet relaxed modern approach to printed fabrics and products for home, fashion, and craft. Through her books, website, and patterns for sewing, Amy has helped to inspire a new generation of young women to "find their own style."
• Founder and surface design specialist, British born, Annette Taylor-Anderson set-up ATADesigns in 2005. She is renowned for her bold statement graphic designs as featured in the press and magazines, both in the UK and Internationally; Her designs break the boundaries of tradition, in true London style.
• Katie, owner of furniture & home accessories boutique Coco Målé, is an investment banker turned interior designer who was raised amidst stacks of interior magazines, with an interior designer uncle, a mom who spent half her life at auctions and a dad who imported stone from Libya and Pakistan, it’s no wonder that she acquired a passion for interiors.
• Becky Mack, Lea Bryan, and Alexis Phillips, of Sideways Shop, are three friends who share a love of architecture, design, and art. Several years ago, they began collaborating and assisting one another on individual home projects. These endeavors, often fueled by many pots of coffee, ranged from stone retaining walls; bathroom additions; landscaping;deck work; painting; and window coverings. Now, they’ve migrated to salvaging some incredible furniture and designing pillows.
• Christine Skaley, founder of Pillow Throw Decor, enthusiastically expresses her love of fabric and creating unique designs, ” Fabric fascinates me! I could work so much faster if I didn’t stop so often to admire the fabric I’m working with. Colour, texture and even the sound of fabric is what keeps me up all night and gets me going again in the wee hours of the morning.”
• Maybelline Te is the editor of “Frou La La” blog and the Creative Director of Snug Furniture, a modern furniture company launching in May 2010 at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Snug Furniture is a collaboration between Maybelline and a business partner. They both grew up in the furniture business and met at a furniture showroom. If people had each other at “hello”, they had each other at mortise and tenon joints.

Interior Design

• Trend Funnel’s President and Co-Founder, Mary Elizabeth Beal can’t remember a time when interior design was not a part of her life. As a young girl in elementary school, Mary Elizabeth found her interests were quite different than her peers. “I don’t remember using money for candy, toys or clothes” she says. “Around eight years old, I began saving so that I could afford home décor items like bedspreads and artwork… expressing myself in the decorated environment around me.”
• Heather Bourgeois,design blogger, interior design student and Decorative Product Specialist at Sherwin-Williams, is the creative dynamo behind the attractive and visually engaging design blog, CreateH.
• Posh Living, LLC’s founder Kerry Ann Dame’s twenty year interior design career was launched in a spectacular fashion – working under the tutelage of design doyenne Lynn von Kersting at her renowned design firm Indigo Seas in Los Angeles, California.
• New York based interior design firm Doryn Wallach Design,  founded by designer Doryn Wallach,  specializes in residential and commercial spaces, both large and small.  Doryn’s  forte is mixing styles and materials to achieve a stylish, comfortable environment by mixing traditional with contemporary, using bursts of vibrant color as focal points, and employing interesting, unexpected treatments that are visually exciting.  Working closely with her clients,  Doryn is extremely adept at helping  them articulate what they truly want in an environment, and to keep the design current yet timeless.
• EJ Interiors, a Dallas-based interior design firm, headed up by Emily Johnston, designs creative and captivating interior environments for residential and commercial clients. As a full-service design firm specializing in creating unique and distinctive interiors, EJ Interiors, offers a wide range of design services including decorating, new construction, design coaching and color consulting.
• North Carolina based design firm Interior Concepts by Wanda S. Horton founded by award-winning interior designer Wanda S. Horton, specializes in both commercial and residential design projects. Wanda’s favorite projects are those which allow her to collaborate with the homeowner, infusing their style preferences into their spaces, while allowing for her guiding hand to help the project come to completion.  “I bring, with me, a bevy of resources and people, with whom I’ve had great experiences and relationships.  By allowing me to do what I do best, the client receives the benefit of an enjoyable and beautiful project, with the assurance that we’ll be there to see it through.”
• Los Angeles & Orange County,California based interior design firm Jill Seidner Interior Design, led by principal Jill Seidner, specializes in commercial and residential interior design projects. In addition, Jill Seidner Interior Design, provides on site design consultations (for specialty needs such as color consultations and space planning), and virtual interior design services including an affordable complete room design package.
• As an award-winning design firm, Kimberley Seldon Design Group, led by principal designer Kimberley Seldon, boasts more than 15 years’ experience in full-service interior design projects. Kimberley Seldon Design Group specializes in projects which range in scope from residential estates and urban lofts to commercial contracts and country houses.  Kimberley Seldon Design Group’s clientele extends through Canada and the United States
• Connecticut based design firm, Olga Adler Interiors, provides full-service design, kitchen and bath design, decorating, renovations and home color consultations as well as custom-designed furniture, cabinetry and rugs to clients internationally: from Olga Adler Interiors’ home base of Fairfield, Connecticut to points across the United States and internationally. 
• Interior designers Kerry Ann Dame and Layla Altman, owners of the South Carolina based interior design firm Posh Living, LLC,  focus on creating “homes that are warm, personal, stylish and practical”. Posh Living LLC’s expansive 3,500 square foot showroom offers everything from custom furniture to flooring material to designer fabrics and trims.
• Amanda Moore founded her New York based design firm re:place in 2001. Since the design firm’s inception Amanda and her design team have “specialized in contemporary sustainable design, family homes and nurseries” with a focus on using “recycled, found, natural, and environmentally friendly materials…to keep clients in harmony with the world that surrounds them”.

Kitchen and Bath Design

• St. Petersburg, Florida based kitchen and bath designer, freelance writer and founder of the popular kitchen and bath design blog “Kitchen and Residential Design”, Paul Anater can be found designing exquisite kitchens without boundaries, as he commented to us, “I do design work locally, remotely and virtually.”  Paul is also a regular contributor to a number of design websites and art publications.
• Committed to providing unsurpassed excellence in design, Lori Carroll draws on an outstanding education and notable experience in both residential and commercial design.  As a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers since 1989 and a member of the International Interior Design Association, Lori continues to keep updated on current industry developments.  An extensive portfolio of both local and national award-winning projects further demonstrates her talent.
• Fu-Tung Cheng world renown, award winning designer-craftsman, speaker, author, artist and founder of Cheng Design and Cheng Design Products, Inc. brings an organic, balanced, Earth friendly, and aesthetically pleasing approach to his design work and products. Well known for his extraordinary artistic, sculptural work with concrete (from entire homes to sinks) , Fu –Tung has fused art with function resulting in one-of-a-kind kitchen and bath elements.
• Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS is an NKBA-certified kitchen and bath designer and a freelance design journalist. Her articles have appeared in Signature Kitchens & Baths Magazine, Fine Homebuilding, BobVila.com, KitchenBathIdeas.com and many others.  She is also a regular contributor to Kitchens.com, where her Sensible Style blog appears each month. 
• As one of the leading experts in kitchen design, Matthew Quinn has worked around the world to provide his clients with original, memorable kitchens and baths. Function is amply addressed, but so are aesthetics and comfort.
• Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD, owner of Susan Palmer Designs, has been designing award-winning custom kitchens & baths for more than 25 years. When Susan approaches a new design project, she does not impose a specific “style” of design, rather, she looks to each project for inspiration. As she states, ”I am merely the vehicle to achieve the client’s dream — the final signature belongs to them.”
• Susan Serra is a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), CAPS  (Certified Aging in Place Specialist), USGBC (United States Green Building Council) member and NKBA. Susan is an award winning designer and the principal of Susan Serra Associates, Inc.,  for nearly 20 years. Her design work is widely published in online and print shelter publications and she is a frequent source for the media on kitchen design issues.

Office Design

• The Office Stylist is a daily blog that shares tips, products and advice on how to live well at work. From the best, tasty snacks to keep at your desk to chic office supplies to how to transform your personal workspace Sayeh Pezeshki, author and founder of Sorting with Style, shares what you need to know to live big at work, wherever work is.

Outdoor Living

• Marcia Blake is President & Creative Director of Outdoor Interiors®, a full service design firm specializing in creating spectacular outdoor environments, and a Design Consultant for O.W. Lee, a leading manufacturer of finely handcrafted casual furniture. Her collection, Outdoor Couture® by Marcia Blake consists of luxurious throw pillows, outdoor drapes & table runners which has garnered rave reviews for dramatic, yet comfortable outdoor accessories.
• Vic Walker is a Senior Industrial Designer at Dimension One Spas, and has designed consumer products for over 15 years. Walker’s skilled background in biomechanics and ergonomics has helped him create and redefine many features and products in the hot tub industry. With more than 15 patents, Walker is passionate about his continual quest to improve hydrotherapy experiences for consumers.

Lovely Creatives { Style & Design Best of the Web Mar. 12, 2010 }

DIYMaven shares her lovely crafting and nicely detailed tutorials.

Jackie Blue Home is edited by the very talented and multi-disciplined designer, author and design biz entrepreneur, Jackie Von Tobel. This is a long time favorite that guarantees fresh inspiration to get your creative juices flowing.

Hello Lucky – stationery that’s so very pretty that it’ll make you want to ditch digital correspondence, grab a stylish pen and start writing little notes of appreciation to all you know.

{ STYLE & DESIGN – BEST OF THE WEB}

What is The Decorating Diva.com’s Best of the Web?

It’s about bringing attention to the very best and most fabulous design, decorating, entertaining and style sites on the Internet.

The criteria is simple – We look for value to the reader, engaging content, originality and creativity. Each week we will select the most outstanding sites that we find or that are submitted to us for review. You can submit your design and style nominations to bestoftheweb@thedecoratingdiva.com.

Spotlight on Design Stars By Topic

Home Decor and Furniture Designers

• Amy Butler is a creative designer known for her sophisticated, yet relaxed modern approach to printed fabrics and products for home, fashion, and craft. Through her books, website, and patterns for sewing, Amy has helped to inspire a new generation of young women to "find their own style."
• Founder and surface design specialist, British born, Annette Taylor-Anderson set-up ATADesigns in 2005. She is renowned for her bold statement graphic designs as featured in the press and magazines, both in the UK and Internationally; Her designs break the boundaries of tradition, in true London style.
• Christine Skaley, founder of Pillow Throw Decor, enthusiastically expresses her love of fabric and creating unique designs, ” Fabric fascinates me! I could work so much faster if I didn’t stop so often to admire the fabric I’m working with. Colour, texture and even the sound of fabric is what keeps me up all night and gets me going again in the wee hours of the morning.”
• Maybelline Te is the editor of “Frou La La” blog and the Creative Director of Snug Furniture, a modern furniture company launching in May 2010 at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Snug Furniture is a collaboration between Maybelline and a business partner. They both grew up in the furniture business and met at a furniture showroom. If people had each other at “hello”, they had each other at mortise and tenon joints.
• Becky Mack, Lea Bryan, and Alexis Phillips, of Sideways Shop, are three friends who share a love of architecture, design, and art. Several years ago, they began collaborating and assisting one another on individual home projects. These endeavors, often fueled by many pots of coffee, ranged from stone retaining walls; bathroom additions; landscaping;deck work; painting; and window coverings. Now, they’ve migrated to salvaging some incredible furniture and designing pillows.
• Katie, owner of furniture & home accessories boutique Coco Målé, is an investment banker turned interior designer who was raised amidst stacks of interior magazines, with an interior designer uncle, a mom who spent half her life at auctions and a dad who imported stone from Libya and Pakistan, it’s no wonder that she acquired a passion for interiors.

Interior Design

• Posh Living, LLC’s founder Kerry Ann Dame’s twenty year interior design career was launched in a spectacular fashion – working under the tutelage of design doyenne Lynn von Kersting at her renowned design firm Indigo Seas in Los Angeles, California.
• Heather Bourgeois,design blogger, interior design student and Decorative Product Specialist at Sherwin-Williams, is the creative dynamo behind the attractive and visually engaging design blog, CreateH.
• Trend Funnel’s President and Co-Founder, Mary Elizabeth Beal can’t remember a time when interior design was not a part of her life. As a young girl in elementary school, Mary Elizabeth found her interests were quite different than her peers. “I don’t remember using money for candy, toys or clothes” she says. “Around eight years old, I began saving so that I could afford home décor items like bedspreads and artwork… expressing myself in the decorated environment around me.”

Kitchen and Bath Design

• St. Petersburg, Florida based kitchen and bath designer, freelance writer and founder of the popular kitchen and bath design blog “Kitchen and Residential Design”, Paul Anater can be found designing exquisite kitchens without boundaries, as he commented to us, “I do design work locally, remotely and virtually.”  Paul is also a regular contributor to a number of design websites and art publications.

Office Design

• The Office Stylist is a daily blog that shares tips, products and advice on how to live well at work. From the best, tasty snacks to keep at your desk to chic office supplies to how to transform your personal workspace Sayeh Pezeshki, author and founder of Sorting with Style, shares what you need to know to live big at work, wherever work is.

Spotlight on Design Interviews

2009 Spotlight on Design Panel Share Their Favorite Designers

My favorite designer would have to be Jonathan Adler. He encapsulates everything I believe about taking risks in design, stepping outside the box, even if that means taboo subjects, like his banana sculptures. And his talent in sculpting? Amazing. He has the ability to move over multiple kinds of design in this broad and completely new way. I have his book, and not only is it a great resource for eye candy, but a complete mood pick me up as well. His bold colors and strong lines scream and challenge you to be happy, and nothing else. (Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs )

I don’t actually have a favorite because I love a little bit of all designers. If I had to pick one I would say  Jonathan Adler.

( Sayeh Pezeshki of Sorting with Style and The Office Stylist )

From history, I find myself fascinated by designers or architects that worked in the Beaux- Arts, Neo-Baroque/Neoclassical, and/or French Baroque (Neo-Baroque) styles of architecture and design. One of my favorite buildings is the Chicago Theater (architects C.W. & Geo. L. Rapp).

From modern day (and perhaps something a little more practical, yet still romantic and glamorous)- I really like much of the work done by HGTV celebrity designer Candice Olson. I actually used to watch her show years ago (before she landed the spot as a judge on design star) and I was disappointed when for a period of time it  was rarely on the air. I am happy to see that her show “Divine Design” is back on  regularly.  ( Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel )

I’m too new in the business to have strong opinions on one or another. Right now I find them all fascinating.

( Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor )

My favorite designers are Philippe Starck for his embrace of whimsy, Frank Lloyd Wright for his ability to bring order from chaos, Barbara Barry for showing that a clean line isn’t necessarily a sterile one, Sarah Susanka for emphasizing the “home” in home design and Ingo Maurer for proving time and again that an everyday object can be made into art.  (Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design )

Bill Sofield, he once said: “Whether it’s lacquer or Lucite,” he says, “my work is grounded in craft and materiality.” I appreciate and can relate to this particular statement as well as his view on taxidermy. Clodagh for her versatility,life enhancing designs, and materials. Steven Gambrel for his polished restraint. Kelly Wearstler for her fearless approach.  (Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture and Frou La La )

Excerpted from the following Spotlight on Design interviews:

• Sayeh Pezeshki of The Office Stylist & Sorting with Style
• Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel.com
• Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor
• Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs
• Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design
• Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La

Design on Spotlight Stars Share Their Favorite Room

I’d say the bedroom. It’s my sanctuary and where I find peace and can really relax.

( Sayeh Pezeshki of Sorting with Style and The Office Stylist )

My living room- as a newlywed/ new entrepreneur the design and furnishing of it is still ongoing but it is the perfect combination of formality and relaxation- pulling from my favorite “Old Hollywood” influences.

( Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel )

My sewing room.  It houses 10 of my 12 different sewing machines. It’s like one big toy box!!!

( Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor )

I love my bedroom, it has all of my favorite pieces and lush, comfortable textures. From my white shag rug, to the many bed sets and fleece blankets and throws, or my furry white pillows, or the heavy chocolate brown floral curtains, I never have a loss of eye candy. The wall color is Halcyon Green by Sherwin Williams, and it’s the perfect, relaxing blue green.(Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs )

My favorite room is my living room. I live in a small space and have since before it was cool to do so. My living room gets pressed into service as an office, a TV room, a hang out room and a place to entertain friends. Its multi purpose nature forces me to be efficient and find ways for that room to pull off being everything it needs to be without looking like it. I love the idea of hiding things in plain sight.  (Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design )

I’m a nomad for the time being. When I am back from Florida for the holidays,I hope to move into a rental home in Hickory, North Carolina. Before I moved here three years ago, I stripped my room off in my father’s house (in Philippine tradition, one doesn’t leave the family coop until marriage but that’s slowly changing now). Gave most away.

The only photo of my favorite room is from a Cebu magazine published in 2003. I designed the platform bed with an upholstered leather headboard and nightstand. Fuss free. Later on, I had the bed refinished in Wenge, installed brushed aluminum cubes as night stands and a bookcase, modern chandelier, an opium bed to replace a rattan chair and ottoman. White walls,wood parquet ceilings and hardwood floors. I was over-stimulated at the factory all day and had a crazy social life. My simple bedroom was a welcome reprieve. It was the perfect place to do yoga and meditation with Tulsi, my guru on Saturdays and Pilates with Michel, thrice a week. A place of restoration and growth.  (Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture and Frou La La )

Excerpted from the following Spotlight on Design interviews:

• Sayeh Pezeshki of The Office Stylist & Sorting with Style
• Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel.com
• Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor
• Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs
• Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design
• Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La

In-Review: Design Miami 2008 Highlights

Design Miami 2009 opens to the public on December 2nd 2009. In the meantime, here’s a few of our favorite images and reports from last year’s amazing show. {Stay tuned for our Design Miami Coverage starting Dec 1, 2009).

Design Miami 2008 in one word: Impressive. A must see for the design aficionado. Not just for the designs exhibited but for the breathtaking structure that houses said exhibits. The Design Miami exhibition structure was created by the New York-based architectural firm Aranda/Lash, and sets the tone for the outstanding and innovative design finds housed within.

Exterior "lace draped" entry – Design Miami Exhibit Hall and detail view of "structural lace"

Beyond Organic: Design in the State of Nature is the first Design Miami in-house curated exhibit. This exhibit is a stylish nod to the role nature has in design.

GLASSLAB performed live outside, creating unique and beautiful glassware. They captured the attention of the press, and the general public as they demonstrated the age-old technique of glassmaking.

Tom Dixon‘s installation of heavyweight furniture created through the industrial process of flame cutting steel. The furniture was designed and created for the grounds of the 14th century Sudeley Castle.

One of my personal favorite’s was the Al Sabah Art & Design Collection. The Bokja design collection by the very talented artist/designer team of Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri is pictured below. Their fresh, colorful approach to design married with the artisanal traditions of the East creates a unique, original piece of furniture with a story of its own. The Bokja collection is housed in a Design Miami satellite location on 40th NE street. You must make time to visit and enjoy this amazing visual experience. Actually, the entire experience at Al Sabah’s exhibit was extraordinary. From the beautiful music, incredible fragrances and delicious Middle Eastern treats created an environment that delighted, enticed and seduced the senses. Like I said, you have to make Al Sabah Art & Design Collection a must see on your Design Miami/, Art Basel and Art Miami excursions this week and over the weekend.

Industrial Organic Chic by Sebastian Erranzuriz from Cristina Grajales Inc (New York). The images speak for themselves. Mr. Erransuriz is a tremendously talented artist that has captured and fused the beauty of nature with the hard reality of industrial materials like glass and steel. My favorite pieces are the bamboo plant wall shelf "Bilbao"- absolutely ingenious design and the rooted tree table base. I like the duck lamp for its surreal beauty and the fashion in which the lamp mimics the duck’s posture (had it had a duck head).

David Wiseman‘s collage chandelier and wall sculpture. Beautiful. Inspiring.Captivating. Ground-breaking. Just a few words to describe this work of art. Take it in for yourself at R 20th Century‘s exhibit booth.

Campana Brothers at the Albion Gallery Exhibit Booth.

Chandeliers from XYZ Designs at the Contrasts Gallery Exhibit Booth.

Jousse Enterprise presents Rick Owen’s Stag Benches and Table Base.

Priveekollektie showcases the "Cliclounger set Miami" designed by Alexander Pelikan and the "Fredersen/Miami" wingchair by Joe Kranen and Johannes Gille.

Matthew Marks Gallery Roy McMakin Domestic Furniture.

The Decorating Diva Best of Design Miami 2008: Exhibit Booth Design

Sebastian + Barquet (New York & London) -The Decorating Diva winner for Exhibit Booth Design at Design Miami/ 2008.