Blogfest Continued...

We're baaaack in Beantown (starkly reminded by the complete absence of sober cabbies - and patrons - upon our arrival at South Station), after a jam-packed day and a half in the Big Apple for Blogfest 2012.

What could beat a morning spent on the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower, especially once the fog lifted?

We had an awesome morning as we listened to the editors of Veranda and House Beautiful, and the designers they showcased, including Darryl Carter, Timothy Whealon, and Boston's own Jill Goldberg (of the to-die-for South End shop Hudson).  We loved hearing how completely down-to-earth these folks are, and related so fully to much of what they discussed (lamented?) in terms of the client-designer relationship and process!

From Hearst Tower, we were whisked to the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept Showhouse in Midtown Manhattan.  As in the Kips Bay showhouse the previous evening, I have to say my most fave rooms were the darkest.  There is just something about these sleek, airy, and contemporary spaces that makes me want to retreat into the coziness of a dark walled sitting room (of which there were two).

Here I am with Lee Kleinhelter, of the superior home shop and site Pieces Inc (we've always been fans), in her "sanctuary", which was my personal favorite in the showhouse.

With its stark walls, and pops of gold, yellow, and white (with a healthy dose of natural texture thrown in here and there), Lee's room is fierce.  As are her yellow shorts.  Seriously.

Upstairs our other favorite space, perhaps unsurprisingly, features a similar color scheme.  The black grasscloth wallpaper provides a stunning contrast to the tall windows on the northern wall, and the painted closet doors are super fun.

Designer Nina Freudenberger provided a unique treatment on the ceiling... a series of pendants, from Restoration Hardware.

Any outdoor space in a Manhattan apartment is inherently coveted and awesome, but Michael Tavono completely rocked this terrace.  Being perhaps overly and anally attached to symmetry in design, I loved the dining space with its matching opposite yellow walls, mirrors, light fixtures, etc.  Loved.

I soooo need to get this terrarium from Restoration Hardware (and a miniature elf to live inside and squeege the glass on humid days).

What we dubbed the "legoland" bedroom... ("put yourself to bed, kids.. I'll be on the terrace regaining my eyesight")...

Really?  On the toilet?!

After a fabulous lunch of lobster rolls at the Lee Jofa showroom, we were treated to a hilarious and rousing panel with Alexa Hampton and the editor of Traditional Home Magazine, Ann Maine.  I either want to be Alexa Hampton, or just spend copious amounts of time with her over wine.  Loved this gal, and so grateful to her for addressing what I like to call the "nipple flush mount lighting problem", but more on that later...

Huge thanks to the Kravet family (incredibly kind and down to earth people who really know how to put on a valuable event) for extending us this opportunity!

Deb and Becky
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