While I’m in NY I will be dishing out design tips with Kim Fernandez and Betsy Karetnick on Sirius Satellite channel 112 Martha Stewart Living Radio.  The show will be live starting around 7:30am Eastern Time Friday March 28th.  If we have time, we’ll be taking calls to offer design advice - I hope to hear from you!

Chandeliers

Finding the perfect chandelier for my place was key to defining my dining area.  After months of dust, I can finally see the design coming together (although construction is not complete).  I chose this light fixture because of its simple shape, but more importantly I needed a large light that was not too bulky.  The large scale of the fixture (49") will work well with the scale of the large library table which will sit under it and act as my dining table.

In a previous post I shared my secret for creating large crown moulding.  Because the room is 40’ x 25’ all elements have to be large in scale. By using 2 pieces of baseboard and one piece of crown, the custom crown adds an important detail to the space.  The proper finishing and caulking will create a seamless look.

Friday
You may have noticed a new element to my site, KBTV.  For now, we’re just having fun taping day to day things in the office.  Eventually, I hope to do video blog entries on days I want to share more than photos.  Keep checking back as we plan to add more video soon!
Have a great Easter weekend!

Monday

It’s amazing what window treatments can do to a room. One of my trademark design details is the use of men’s suit material as drapery fabric. To me, the soft wool falls perfectly while framing the view. Window treatments should never overpower a window, but soften the edges of the window frame.

Jose installed 7 pairs of draperies. It is important that the drape barely hit the floor. For this to happen, we install them 1/4” shorter knowing that the fabric will give and become the perfect length in a few weeks.

To keep the pleat in line, we tie the bottom of the drape (below). The tie stays on for a week to help keep the fabric in its shape.

Friday

I’m back in LA enjoying great weather. It has been a busy week catching up on projects. We are in the process of doing the A.Rudin showroom for westweek again.

On the homefront, well let’s just say I’m now moved in and sleeping on a mattress. I feel like the shoemaker who has no shoes. But, like my mom says, these are good problems to have.

I’ll be celebrating my birthday on Sunday. I want to thank everyone in my fan club for sending great gifts and cards. It was such a surprise to receive notes from all of you! I think our mailman lost 10 pounds carrying up the mail to my office

A special thanks to Linda and Theresa for sending over the bouquet of cookies above. Delicious!

My dad, who retired a few years ago as a chemist, is now taking art classes. He sent me this drawing of Oliver and Benson. It is great to see him develop an amazing talent- he captured their personalities perfectly. I now know where my artistic side comes from. Thanks Dad, you’re the best.

Friday - New York

The chandelier hunt went well today. I was able to find 2 chandeliers for the entry to my new place (below). You may have read in an earlier post that I am installing a handpainted wallpaper with greens and golds. To add a vintage twist, I found these 2 brass fixtures which will work great. They’re shown with white bulbs, but with clear ‘night-lite’ bulbs, the effect when they’re turned on will look amazing.

I had to make a pit stop at one of my favorite stores, Lobel Modern www.lobelmodern.com where I fell in love with these brass chest seen below. With my new place, I’m steering away from silver finishes and bringing in more brass. I like the warmth of brass and the way it works with the age of my building.

For my guest room, I can’t decide between these 2 Austrian glass chandeliers.  Any thoughts?

Thursday - New York

Tonight I was invited to preview Tommy Hilfiger’s Fall 08 Collection. Working in a fast pace city, it only makes sense to start thinking ahead to what to wear in September. It was a fun event and I picked a few nice pieces to fill my closet...now, if I could just find light fixtures to fill my new place - I need 9 chandeliers!

Light weight grey wool with shots of bright yellow is the hot look for fall. This palette has inspired me to upholster my bedroom walls in a light grey wool fabric and accent with yellow lamps or pillows. I find fashion influences my design as I gravitate toward a well tailored interior.

The grey suit (5th from left) was one of my favorite selections of the night

Katie Krell with me at the event. Katie works with me on my product lines.

The best briefcase for me is more like a duffle bag. That’s why this bag will be perferct for me. I can throw client binders, fabric swatches and keep rolled-up blueprints sitting on top between handles.

Tomorrow is light fixture day in NY for me - I’ll be sure to post what I find.

Wednesday - New York

I left Chicago yesterday for meetings in NY today. A lot of good things are coming down the pipe to share. The beginnings of my furniture line are taking shape and Chicago was very productive, although very cold. Now that I’m in NY, I’m working on a specialty bedding line that will be announced soon. It is very exciting. While I’m here I’ll try to do some shopping for my new place, which is still under construction (but looking better). Hopefully by the end of the week, the dusty part will be finished. I need to find a chandelier for my home office.

While in NY, I am staying at the newly renovated Gramercy Park Hotel. Originally opened in the 1920’s and host to many famous bohemian artist, the hotel has been completely redefined by Ian Schrager. The look pays respect to its bohemian past, while mixing old styles in new ways. Also, the art collection is amazing.

Hanging in various areas of the hotel are works of art by Damien Hirst, Richard Prince, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Gasquiat and Andy Warhol.

My room is designed in a bold color palette and is a mix of old and new. It feels like the Bohemian days from the early 1900’s, a great inspiration for my product line.