Tonight, at the San Francisco Design Center, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco will join up with artists and designers to host Discarded to Divine. Works of art and home decor will be created using discarded and donated clothing. Kravet will host the VIP party and the main event starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are still available, so I hope to see you there!
My first feature in California Home + Design Magazine is here! Check out the April issue now!
Ten days ago, my team of IDI and ASID Student members participated in our first ever Designer Runway. Our concept was Vampires/True Blood. Thinking we were unique and different, we had our fingers crossed for the best. Little did my team and I know what we were in for. As team 17, the last group to walk the runway, all 16 teams ahead of us were not only experienced Interior Designers, but veterans of Designer Runway. The concepts were fabulous and the five props allowed were incredibly built and designed. My team and I had no idea when they meant props, that this became Project Runway with Tim Gunn.
Let me back up for a minute. Each team is given fabrics from a designer showroom at the Laguna Design Center. From there, the teams have to create their design/costume in 90 minutes with no patterns or sewing machines. This is not an exaggeration when I say we were the only team that had thick upholstery to work with. Every team had light silks and taffetas that made creating a dress and costume that much easier. I was tasked with making the bustle on the skirt, and thank God, the judges actually complemented that part, since I had no idea what I was doing. In the end, we were excited we participated and didn’t get the lowest score. We left knowing what to expect next time. I am not going to lie and say I wasn’t a little embarrassed of what we had to show compared to the rest, but it was all about the experience and seeing the other teams beautiful creations. Maybe they will let me join them next year… 
Monday was a fabulous day at the Pacific Design Center. So many showrooms, so little time. If only it were closer to home. I barely touched the Green Building.
The Blue Whale was six levels of heaven, but who would have guessed that my first stop of the day would have been my most inspiring stop, David Sutherland. I am not sure if it was the cheery dog trotting through the store that put a smile on my face, or all the wonderful linen textiles with a subtle sheen of silver metallic, but Spring was definitely in the air. The outdoor furniture with Perennials fabrics made me want to plop down, put up my feet and order an umbrella drink. Unfortunately, there was no bar in site. I am definitely a fan of the Perennials. The quality is so fabulous that you could use it indoors, truly.
The show stopper for me was this subtle yet sheik fur area rug. And if you’re thinking of the overused cow hide, your wrong. I didn’t have a change to ask what fur it was, but this was no cow I’d ever met and it was almost as soft as rabbit. The small stitched tiles definitely indicated longevity and little shedding with such a supple fur. I could spend hours on this rug. My birthday is coming up and if anyone is wondering what to surprise me with, here’s a hint (my husband will be surprised too and not in the same way):
This past week I have been pouring over the new digital magazine from LONNY called Trad Home. Have you seen it?! LOVE IT! http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/19-trad-home/pages/1
This isn’t your usual design magazine full of advertisements of various furniture stores or interior designers, but real pictures and articles that actually inspire and embrace the “new traditional” versus the conventional traditional style. My favorite piece is the video article “Jonathan Adler versus Charlotte Moss.” Two iconic designers sharing their visions in a casual dialogue between the two. Who wouldn’t be excited to start a mood board after watching this? If you haven’t seen it yet, read it. Then, read it again.
Yesterday I stopped over at my new neighbors’ home to check out a light fixture that they were giving away. Although the fixture didn’t work for my room, I fell in love with their new chandelier that replaced the one they were giving away. I’d never seen anything like it (and now kicking myself for not taking a picture of it). It was the most colorful and bright chandelier I have ever seen. Almost three and a half feet high with colors of red, blue and purple crystals. It was amazing. They bought it at an auction not knowing if it would work. And it did. And if it didn’t, I am sure they would make it work. I can’t imagine the room without it now. They already had a dark wood dining table with chairs that were understated which really let the chandelier take the starring role of the space. I am now inspired to ask my mom for the chandelier she offered to me 2 years ago. Although, my dining area is more casual, I love the look of something unexpected. To top off my visit, I was asked to help with paint selection for the rest of the house. There were about 6 swatches on the wall in the taupe and gray color scheme, think Restoration Hardware. I am keeping my fingers crossed they pick my favorite!
Coincidentally, Guilt Group is having a chandelier sale today. Could there be any better timing?
Interior Design Magazine Editor at Large Dwell Studio COCO COZY Kelly Wearstler – My Blog My Life Lonny
