May 26, 2015
I am just back from an amazing trip to New York and I must say: “the thrill has not gone!” Even though I am probably in New York at least several times a year the city continues to excite me. For this trip, I was invited by Spain’s Marble and Quartz Company Cosentino to be to be part of their 2015 Trendspotters Team. Five other interior designer/architects and I, will be working with the Cosentino Design Development team to spot trends and look at developing new products and provide insights into the industry. See below the fabulous group at Cosentino’s Kips Bay Kitchen:
Christopher Kennedy (Palm Springs, CA); Drew McGukin (New York); Theresa Casey (Toronto); Steffany Hollingsowrth, ASID, NCIDQ (Santa Fe, NM); Denise McGaha (Dallas TX); Cheryl Kees Clendenon (Pensacola, FL). Photo courtesy of Jack Lane.
Some of the highlights of the trip was meeting with the group to hear each person’s take on their local trends and style. Then off to Hearst Publication’s Group to meet with Editor-in-Chief Newall Turner regarding the current and future world of design publications in print and on-line. This leader of Elle Décor, House Beautiful and Veranda charmed us with his Southern down-home point of view and also intrigued me by telling us that they hope re-launch of Metropolitan Home as a collectors item magazine. I can’t wait! Our other big event was the Kips Bay Decorator Showcase House - started in 1973, the house benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Cosentino was the lead sponsor and provided the countertops for Christoper Peacock’s stunning custom kitchen. I have admired Peacock’s work, especially his attention to detail and his custom hardware for years, so it was great to meet this unassuming man and talk about our shared passions. Touring the house was great fun, not least of which to see how beautifully all the guests were dressed and to meet the Canadian designer Philip Mitchael who wowed by installing 250 pieces of his personal art collection up the five flights of stairs salon style.
An amazing start to what promises to be a fruitful and exciting year ahead. Here are some of my pics from wandering around the city:
Left: Love this amazing metal work I saw on my first walk north of the Meatpacking District!
Right: The new Whitney Museum Stairwell designed by Renzo Piano.
On the left, Isamo Nuguchi “Paris Abstractions" 1927, opaque watercolours - pen and ink and graphite pencil on paper at the Whitney Museum.
Left: Bergdorf Goodman: furniture from the 30's decorating the men's department.
Right: Bergdorf's again - in the ladies handbags I noticed this gorgeous lamp that reminds me of Barovier Toso from Italy and well could be!
Left: Kips Bay Detail. Saw these wallpaper covered books on a shelf. My inner craftsperson wants to do this!
Right: At the end of every day exploring, you need a sweet treat. My latest favourite is a french cafe at Lincoln Centre. Yum Yum.