Elle Decor....the A-LIST

By now you have all heard about the new Elle Decor A-List. All of our favorite designers are on it, and just in case you had not heard, designer and blogger Grant Gibson made it onto the 5 designers to watch list! (Yay Grant!!!!)

There was a bash to celebrate all the who's who of design last Thursday at the McGuire Showroom in the New York Design Center. Almost all of the 30 A-Listers were in attendance including Jeffrey Bilhuber, Eric Cohler, Robert Couturier, Steven Gambrel, Suzanne Kasler, Victoria Hagan, Charlotte Moss, Joe Nahem, Alex Papachristidis, Thomas O'Brien, Miles Redd, Stephen Sills, Michael Smith, William Sofield, Steven Volpe, Bunny Williams.........um...need I say more? It was a little bit of design heaven.

Thought you might enjoy a few pictures....

Grant Gibson looking sharp in classic black and white, the always chic Margaret Russell, and the oh-so-talented Mr. Miles Redd.

Margaret with Steven Volpe of San Francisco

The most luscious Peonies ever.

Stop on over here for all the scoop on the A-LIST!

Party on Elle Decor!

City of Angels: Keynote Panels at the PDC

My trip to LA was primarily to attend the Keynote Panel discussions being held at the Pacific Design Center. The first Panel was moderated by Margaret Russell of Elle Decor. The Panelists:

• Mayer Rus, Design and Culture Editor of the Los Angeles Times Magazine. Mr. Rus was formerly the Design Editor of House and Garden where he was also known as The Testy Tastemaker. He is also the author of the blog From Rus with Love.
• Patricia Shackelford, whom we all know and love as Mrs. Blandings.
• Michael Bruno, founder and president of 1stdibs.com, leading online resource for high-end antiques.
• Vicente Wolf, Top designer for the last 35 years, and more recently blogging on his Vicente Wolf Blog.

The discussion centered on the rise of Social Media and was titled: Giving Design a Voice in the Digital Age, Navigating the New Media Landscape.

As you can imagine, bloggers are at the forefront of the social media phenom along with Facebook and Twitter. Designers are being told by the powers that be that they need in interactive internet presence, whether a blog or a Facebook connection or both. The panelists discussed the merits and drawbacks of each and all, how to start, why to start.

The reasons stated were as personal as the personalities. Patricia was looking for a community, or as she so aptly put it, her "people". She shares anecdotes about her adventures in decorating her own home as well sharing lots of design information and resources.

Vicente Wolf started his blog to share information, especially about the challenges of doing the business of design. Interestingly, Mr. Wolf admitted a real lack of interest and know-how regarding his use of computers. He let us in on the fact that he tapes his posts which are then transcribed by a staffer to his blog. His view is that computer use can stifle the creativity of a designer to a degree...in this instance he was referring to CAD.

Mayer Rus' enthusiasm for computers was less than one might think as well. He was as entertaining as you would expect if you were familiar with his Testy Tastemaker column, boldly stating mind altering substances were his way of coping with email. I have to say, he was hilarious. Do check out his blog as you will be able to get your own fix of his irreverent humor....something I have sorely missed since the passing of HG.

Michael Bruno was the only panelist without a blog, but his website, 1st dibs has become not just an online antique resource. It is also an internet magazine. There are stories about who's who in the design industry regularly updated on the 1st dibs site in the Introspective Magazine.

All of the panelists agreed that blogging has had an affect on print media and that the way print and online media work together is still in it's infancy. There are many people working hard to try and find a path that leads to prosperity for everyone. The rules are changing constantly. And Margaret brought up the very important point that it is crucial to keep up. Elle Decor has launched their new website, which will act as Elle Decor's online presence and will be offering many more interactive features than what is available through their print magazine. It is a much more immediate form of communication and can be updated accordingly.

The panel discussion was recorded, and Vicente Wolf mentioned on his blog that he is trying to get ahold of it for everyone to see. I will let you know as soon as it is available!

The afternoon panel was moderated by Editor at Large's Sophie Danielson. Panelists included:

• Michael Bruno of 1st dibs.
• Ronda Carmen, Founder of All the Best blog.
• Vanessa de Vargas, Interior Designer and blogger for her blog Turquoise and Apartment Therapy.
• Brian Patrick Flynn, Designer and Founder of Decor Demon.
• Brad Ford, Designer and Founder of Design Therapy.
• Jillian St. Charles, Vice President and Site Director of HGTV.com.

This Panel discussion revolved around essentially the same theme: How does one navigate social media to enhance one's business and brand identity. These panelists have all taken on the internet to create a more interactive forum with the hope that this forum will result in more design business, more sales, and more information for existing and potential clients. The bonus for us? We get a lot of ideas, information, inspiration and entertainment that is immediate!

Ronda Carmen is spinning her popular blog off into a new business called All the Best Portfolio which specializes in brand building and marketing for the design industry.

Vanessa de Vargas offers online design services (a new design phenomenon for many designers!) for those clients that have a restrictive budget or who live anywhere in the world.

Former television producer turned designer, Brian Patrick Flynn has taken his skills with the camera and turned his sights to creating "Webisodes" of design How-tos soon to be found on his blog Decor Demon.

Top designer Brad Ford shares his passion for design and insider information on his blog Design Therapy.

And Jillian St. Charles shared with us the differences between the HGTV television channel and the features from the website. There is a lot of info on there...so check it out!

Great discussion and food for thought from both panels.

The main thing I took away is that it is a good idea to get involved online. But not necessarily in the expected ways. Many are using social media in new and creative ways to enhance their primary business' or to create a new business altogether. Social Media is a primordial soup and it is going to evolve exponentially in the coming years. It's a good idea to evolve with it!

City of Angels: Margaret Russell at WS Home

The beautiful Margaret Russell of Elle Decor at WS Home

Hi all! I am back from Oregon (more on that later!) and ready to tell you my LA stories! I have to say I made the mistake of not making plans sooner for my trip, as I could have fit more in, but the trip was busy and informative none the less!

West Week was in full swing at the Pacific Design Center, and there were Keynote Panel discussions being held to discuss the rise of social media as it pertains to the design industry at large and to print media in particular. I wanted to attend as many of the panels as possible.

I arrived at the Farmer's Daughter Hotel Tuesday afternoon in time to freshen up before Christian May of Maison 21 picked me up for a party at WS Home for Margaret Russell of Elle Decor. She was in residence to sign her wonderful book, Style and Substance, The Best of Elle Decor (which I posted about HERE).

Before I go further, I just wanted to give you one of the best pieces of news I had during my stay in LA! Margaret Russell told me that Elle Decor now has officially launched their new website!!! (previously Elle Decor was part of the point click home website) The new website is full of exciting new features including a comprehensive LookBook with photos from all of your favorite editorials. You can also explore design destinations around the globe, and get expert design advice in the Home Design 101 section. There are sections on Design, Remodeling, Shopping, Celebrity Style, Entertaining, as well as a Resources section. I am told there is much more to come as well. So have fun checking it all out!

So...back to the party! It was such a fun evening for many reasons. I had not been to a WS Home store in a very long time. There are only two in California: Beverly Hills and Palo Alto. It was a treat to see everything in person and very nice to know that the catalog and website show off how beautiful the inventory is in person. The other reason the party was so great is that I finally got to meet blogger friends from all over the country, and in one case from overseas. I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked, but here are a few people you might recognize:

Moi, Monelle Totah (Vice President of Design for WS Home), Patricia Shackelford (Mrs. Blandings) and Christian May (Maison 21)

It was such a pleasure meeting Monelle Totah of WS Home. She was charming and so very gracious. She is the reason WS Home has such beautiful things! You can check out Monelle's beautiful San Francisco flat on the Elle Decor website HERE! Such a great home!!) And Patricia of Mrs. Blandings was out from Kansas City. She was just like her blog: so nice and welcoming, smart, interested and savvy...not to mention classically beautiful! And Christian May of Maison 21...the perfect host: handsome, witty and so much fun!!!! He made my stay in LA the best (more with Christian later!).

Ronda Carmen of All the Best, Scot Meacham Wood of Tartanscot, me again, and Christian May

Ronda Carmen of All the Best was there all the way from the UK. We time for just a quick "hello" but there were so many people, it was difficult to chat. Next time! My friend Scot from Tartanscot was down from San Francisco looking as debonair as usual!.There were so many there that I could not get pictures of! It was so great to get to meet Andrea Borda Stanford, Design and Style Editor for C Magazine in person as well. She is chic, down to earth and beautiful all in one!
(BTW....the latest issue is fantastic...you might want to run out and get it before it is gone....just sayin').

As the party was winding down, I was chatting with Megan of Beach Bungalow 8, and who should walk by but Eddie Ross and partner Jaithan. We gave each other that immediate warm blogger hug that bloggers in touch over the years give upon first sight. We all decided to go to dinner so we could continue the conversation. As per Megan's fantastic suggestion, we went to El Carmen...home of the best tacos and tequila in LA (250 kinds of tequila at last count!). If you are ever in LA, you have to stop in.....if for no other reason than to see the interior, which houses the best collection of Mexican Wrestlers painted on black velvet I have ever seen. Killer. Kudos to Megan as our guide. It was a riot!

El Carmen photo via Yelp

El Carmen photo via Yelp

After dinner, this girl was off to the hotel to rest up for the Keynote panels the next day. Stay tuned!!!

Trip to LA: Arrival

The Farmer's Daughter Hotel

I have to apologize for the lack of blog posts this week! I have been away in Los Angeles for West Week at the Pacific Design Center. So much was packed into two days, and I have so much to tell you!

I drove down from Sacramento with a bit of nervous anticipation...sort of similar to how I felt when I drove down for my high school reunion only a few weeks before. After all, I would be meeting a passel of blogger friends in person for the very first time. What would they be like? Would they be just like how I imagined from their blog persona's? I had been corresponding with many of them before my trip to make plans to meet up.

Christain May of Maison 21, Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8, Patricia Shackelford of Mrs. Blandings, Ronda Carmen of All the Best, Eddie and Jaithan from the Eddie Ross blog, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti from A Bloomsbury Life, Brooke from Velvet and Linen , the Style Curator and Scot from Tartanscot were all there, not to mention all of the design and media stars (Here a name, there a name....just dropping everywhere!) . I have to tell you, it felt as if we had really already met and known each other. It has seemed that way for all of the great bloggers I have met before. Chalk it up to one of the many benefits of blogging!

I have so many pictures for you. First, let's start with checking into the hotel where I stayed: The Farmer's Daughter Hotel. It is so called because it is right across the street from the old Los Angeles Farmer's Market. I remember going there as a kid and being fascinated by the taffy pulling machines. It was always such a treat. It is so different now with major shopping like venues like the Grove popping up in next door in an area that was once old bungalows.

Check-in

I had looked at hotels close to the PDC and The Farmer's Daughter seemed fun and in the right "price range" pour moi. I totally got a kick out of it! It was very "urban farm " with concrete floors and reclaimed lumber. Rustic contemporary with a splash of color.

Lobby

It has a very relaxing vibe as soon as you walk in the door. It seemed as if I had teleported to the Napa Valley wine country. It was fun and low key. Quite perfect for families.

Patio between the hotel and Tart restaurant

The Farmer's Daughter goes all out to provide a down home feel. Lemonade and BBQ potato chips are available in the Lobby anytime. There was wine and cheese service in the evening. It shares a patio with the Tart restaurant which was so cute! And generous to boot. They share their recipes online for things like Fried Green Tomatoes and Bourbon Berry Cobbler. They also have their own blog HERE.

Lemonade in the Lobby

I got to relive my childhood memories when Christian from Maison 21 and I walked over to the Farmer's Market for a glass of wine before he whisked me off to the first event of the week: the William Sonoma Home party for Margaret Russell of Elle Decor.

More on that next time!

Sweet Hearts

Gumps has so many beautiful Valentine's Day gift ideas! What better than flowers, chocolates and champagne? But there are so many other ideas as well. The bedside clock with pretty red crocodile case, and notice all of the jewelry in the background? I certainly did!

It's almost here, that most sentimental of holidays. And there are plans to make, however big or small, to show those sweethearts in your life that you love them. "Sweetheart". It is one of my favorite words. Especially when it is broken down into it's parts:

"Sweet":

• amiable, kind or gracious, as a person, action, etc.
• dear, beloved, precious
• fragrant, perfumed
• pleasing to the ear, making delicate, pleasant or agreeable sound, musical

"Heart":

• The center of total personality, esp. with reference to intuition, feeling or emotion
• The center of emotion
• Capacity for sympathy, feeling, affection
• Spirit, courage or enthusiasm

Gumps has beautiful Victorian inspired Valentine's Day cards, sweet little heart shaped chocolate boxes, and lots of goodies behind the candy counter.

I have a few sweethearts in my life: my husband (of course!) and my daughters (naturally), my Mom (always remember your mother!) and my sweet dogs (maybe a little strange, but many of us do love our dogs to distraction!). There is always someone who needs a hug, or some small show of appreciation. This day gives us an opportunity to express it.

So many sweet hearts!

I was in San Francisco last week at Gumps for a book signing for Margaret Russell's wonderful book: Style and Substance. While wandering about, I got so many Valentine's Day ideas!!! Really, there were so many sweet hearts, I was all smiles.

Loved these heart cookies! Perfect for any sweetheart.

What is so nice about Gumps is that they truly think of everything. I found something for everyone on my sweetheart list!

Beautiful heart shaped soaps wrapped in black and white toile paper, or red,or white, from Gianna Rose Atelier.

Rose bouquets...so real!!

I had thought these flowers were brought in fresh for the book signing event. But upon closer inspection realized they were imitation! I was so fooled. I am not fond of faux flowers, but these looked so authentic, I would definitely change my mind. The roses in the pictures above were also faux. Hard to believe!

These peonies, also faux. They really did look so real! Beautiful soap gifts with their own bamboo stands. So pretty.

Love Sonnets, Bronze "key to my heart" paperweight, and more chocolate hearts.

Sweet note cards, and more bronze hearts pierced with Cupid's arrow. In the background, Murano glass hearts and crocodile picture frames (put in a picture of your sweetheart and you!)

Check out the Gumps website HERE for more information and pricing. There are lots more ideas there too!

Many may not think they have a sweetheart for a Valentine. But I say, just show someone, anyone, that you love, or simply like, them. It does not have to be a romantic love. Remember when you were in 1st grade and everyone gave each other those funny little boxed valentine's cards with cartoon characters? My girls decorated shoe boxes to take to school with slots cut out of the top to put in their cards and heart-shaped lollipops. What smiles and goods feelings there were, all kept in a simple shoebox. Everyone smiles when they are given a little something that shows someone cares.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!!!

The Stars Were Out Last Night

Margaret Russell, the star of Elle Decor, and as well as author of the newest addition to my library, Style and Substance, was shining at Gumps in San Francisco last night. Always beautiful, always gracious, Margaret was there for a book signing party.

Style and Substance has been one of my "go to" resource books since it came out. Each chapter is organized by room, and since it is a compilation of the best from Elle Decor, it is simply the book I pull from the shelf first when looking for inspiration for my design projects. And now it has been signed. Sigh...I am one of those who loves to have my favorite books signed whenever possible.

It was wonderful to have a chance to chat with Margaret. There are brilliantly big plans in the works for Elle Decor, particularly exciting for all f us design groupies! So keep an eye out and an ear open in the months to come. I promise to keep you posted!

And the party was packed with other stars from the City by the Bay. Designers Jay Jeffers, Ken Fulk, Scot Meacham Wood (also of Tartanscot!), Claudia Juestel, Gary Hutton, George Brazil, and Furniture designer Paul Benson were there, just to name a few.

The setting was perfect. It is always so much fun to wander through Gumps. Everywhere you turn, there are perfect little scenes that give you ideas, and wonderful gifts for the special ones in your life. (Stay tuned for my blog post in the next couple of days...lots of Valentine's Day Goodies!!)

Delicious bits of things to eat (the miniature Beef Wellington's were fabulous!), good wine and great converstion all made for a a stellar evening.

My good freind Jori, made the jaunt to San Francisco with me. She is one of those people that has fun wherever she goes, and seems to know everyone within minutes.

Here she is with designer George Brazil and furniture designer Paul Benson. George and Jori go way back, and you may remember the genius of Paul Benson from this blog post where his beautiful bar cart is shown off.

I had a chance to chat with Jay Jeffers who is deep in the middle of multiple projects right now. Charming and handsome, he is one of the designers I love to watch.

My good blogging buddy Scot Meacham Wood (Tartanscot) was there. He is always so much fun! Scot just had an amazing trip to NYC where he met up with lots of favorite bloggers like Eddie Ross, Habitually Chic's Heather Clawson. Claudia Juestel of Adeeni Design Group was also on hand. Claudia is a wonderful designer who is a master with the exotic.

I wish I had had more time to show you more of the beauty at Gumps, but I did take a few shots.

There is a sculptor by the name of Gary Stevens that I was quite taken with.

This is an alabaster sculpture he did that I thought was so beautiful in this vignette. The stone was so thin and fine! I understand that Gary is a mathematician as well, which explains his precision and fine detail.

These wood sculptures are also by Gary Stevens. Some look like continous ribbons. Brilliant!

Also showing were these perfect wooden vessels by Philip Moulthrop. Each one a small masterpeice. To read more about Philip and his family history of woodturning craftsmanship, click HERE.

I also had the pleasure to speak with Marta Benson of Gumps, who was excited about the new direction Gumps is taking with tableware. Gumps is well known for it's tradition of offering the best in fine china, crystal and placesettings. Alway beautiful, always the best. But Gumps has been changing over the last few years. There is a powerful trend towards beautiful but more casual entertaining and Gumps is the place where you will be finding young, fresh, and casual table settings that will be fun and usable everyday. I am looking forward to it all!

Such a fun night! Thanks to everyone at Gumps, Margaret Russell and Elle Decor for a great evening!

What Is In That Box?!

I had a delivery at my house last Friday. And there were two very curious canines ready to help me open two largish boxes. There was a label on the outside from one of my favorite retail websites. But pups can't read....so they were anxious to get them open.

Two of these cross-leg stools were inside! I was in need of some extra seating in my living room and had been searching for some affordable stools for awhile. Originally I was hell bent on finding a pair of these:

Photo from Style and Substance by Margaret Russell from Elle Decor

A pair of Jean-Michel Frank stools like this white one used by Albert Hadley . And mind you....I have not given up the search. But I need something in the meantime.

So Nullah and Cooper kept me company while I opened my boxes. They were very patient and did lots of sniffing and playing with wrappings.

They stood a watched while I moved them and inch this way and that.

So here they are, and here they will stay....until I can track down a pair of Jean-Michel Frank stools in my price range. I saw a stool "in the manner of" Jean-Michel Frank that was priced at over $5000 in my online search, so I do not think my new stools will be going anywhere soon. (Perhaps I can have something made.....always an option.)

But I do think Cooper approves.

Thank Goodness for Elle Decor

Elle Decor December 2009 Cover

After the very sad news today about the closure of Metropolitan Home, all I could think of was holding on tight to what we have left. There is nothing out there quite like Metropolitan Home for modern design, and perhaps it will make a comeback in another form after the economic dust settles. You can be certain I will be holding on to every issue I have ever had of what has been a classic in the world of shelter magazines.

But there is a ray of sunshine here. Elle Decor is holding it's own quite well. In fact Margaret Russell has been able to keep advertising dollars at a healthy rate and it seems the magazine will grace our magazine shelves for the foreseeable future.

I hope you all had a chance to hear the interview with Margaret Russell over at The Skirted Roundtable last week. It helps to see just how Ms. Russell is able to accomplish what she has: keeping a magazine fresh and current over the years while maintaining it as a profitable business. Check it out HERE.

So here is a little taste of what's coming up in the December issue of Elle Decor. It is going to be exceptional I assure you!!!!

Can we ever see enough of the work of Miles Redd?! I can't. If this New York City hallway for a young family is any indication, this feature alone is worth running right out and buying a copy. Drama!

And for all of you Charlotte lovers, we will get to see Ms. Moss' getaway in the Colorado Rockies. I will be stoking my fireplace, making a cup of Chai tea and settling in for this issue. You may not see me a for a day or two.

You will also be seeing:

~ the Manhattan home of Phillip Gorrivan

~ An upstate New York Home by Ernest de la Torre

~ 12 things Simon Doonan cannot live without

~ Trend alert: plaid is making a comeback in a BIG way (Mr. Tartanscot, you were definitely on to something!!)

~ What's Hot: McAlpine Home Collection from Lee Industries and Shelia Bridges new bedding for a start.

Elle Decor, thank you for fighting the good fight and providing content with something for everyone. You never disappoint and we look forward every month to your fresh ideas and insightful view of the world. We are rooting for you.

And to Metropolitan Home,

Metropolitan Home, the December 2009 issue will be it's last.

you will be sorely missed.

P.S. Thank you so much Anons for the correction!! I was given incorrect info on that one! I apologize.

So Many Books....so Little Time

I am having one of those weeks: busy, busy, busy. But lately, I have been seeing and hearing about so many good books, it gives me pause! I tell myself, "I will never have time to read them." Then I tell myself, "I will FIND the time for these lovelies!"

Kelly is coming out with a new book about the use of color in her work. Not yet published, but I am looking forward to seeing this one!

Ah....Mr. Hicks. Need I say more? I will let Mr. Drucker fill in:

"The Hicks book is THE book of the season." —Stephen Drucker, Editor in Chief, House Beautiful

And many of you have heard about THIS new book. Elle Decor is celebrating it 20th anniversary. And to liven up the festivities, the best of the best has been put into this gem of a book by Elle Decor Editor and Chief, Margaret Russell.

I promise to give my thoughts on the books, as soon as I manage to get them in my hands. And if you already have, please let me know what you think!!!