Bridget Beari Design Chat

Bridget Beari Picks - Pop Phone!

2012-01-31T04:59:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the Native Union Pop Phones! They take your cell phone, iPad or computer and allow you to hook up a retro phone for talking. Cell phones can be a hard to talk on for a long period of time. The other great thing is they say it cuts out 96% of the cell phone radiation!!

They come in cool colors!

Blinged out in gold and silver!

I haven't tried hooking the phone up to the computer or iPad yet.

They even make a bluetooth version! The Pop phone and the Moshi Moshi phone are designed by French designer David Turpin. The Moshi Moshi box is beautiful with Japanese drawings on the inside cover. Nice!

I like the orange! Love the Retro feel and so easy to use!

Or the blue? but only if I had a white phone. At only $15.00 it is a great present for those hard to please teenagers. All the stars are using them - check out Native Unions Facebook - Mel B, Orlando, Lenny Kravitz, and more! They even have a new video item. Check it out.

Native Union

Did you see Mildred Pierce?

2012-01-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

I just rented last season's Mildred Pierce from HBO. Of course I knew nothing of this until the Golden Globes. They changed the story from the original 1945 film but it was quite addictive like Downton Abbey.

One of the most interesting pieces was the making of the film. Filmed mostly in NYC but made to look like LA. The interior design in the houses was interesting as well. Mildred redecorates the Beragon Mansion. Also the costume designer talking about how women in the 30's had 4-5 dresses - house dress, work or church dress and evening dress. Interesting how that would never work now.

Evan Rachel Wood plays a real vixen!

The original film in 1945 stared Joan Crawford. It was more of a murder mystery but I loved the houses especially the beach house. This beach house was much more elaborate than the HBO one. Watch them both! A real treat!

Favorite New App for my iPad

2012-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is my new favorite iPad app:

Penultimate

It is a hand writing, drawing and sketching app.

It is perfect for lists on lined paper:

Drawings or Sketches on plain paper:

Or floor plans on graph paper:

You can import photos, create notebooks, share and email notes!

All you need is a stylus:

Amazon

Calling all Animal Lovers!

2012-01-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am asking all my readers who are pet lovers to lend me a hand. I need more pet names, dogs, cats, or horses for my wallpaper line and another paint line. I had many comments about pets I omitted on the last paint chart so now is your chance to have a paint color or wallpaper named after your little friend.

All you have to do is leave a comment with your pets name and send a photo to bridgetbeari@mac.com

I also need a one word description of your pet so I can match colors and personalities.

We will announce the winners in February as well as create a scrapbook with pictures of the animals with their color!

You can send a photo of you and your pet if you'd like.

Don't delay! It should be a fun!

An always remember to......

Bridget Beari Travels to NYC!

2012-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

My long weekend trip to see clients in NYC turned into a food extravaganza! We hit the jackpot on some old tried and true restaurants and some new finds. It snowed Saturday so we were not sure we wanted to brave the weather to go outside the hotel but we are so glad we did.

We have tried before to get into Babbo's with no luck but this time we were lucky and it was worth the wait.

located at 110 Waverly Place

This is a Mario Batali restaurant. Below is the review from Gourmet!

Here is his cookbook and he also has one just of the restaurant dishes.

The line was 20 deep when we got there but my fast as lightening husband grabbed us the last seats at the bar. It was standing room only all night.

I felt like Rachael Zoe ( she went there for her anniversary in one of her episodes) and next time we come to NYC we will make reservations weeks in advance.

Can you see our cute bartender/waiter George in the back? So knowledgeable and fun! He made great recommendations all night: ( and yes I blew the raw diet for this one!)

The bar was actually a fun place to eat.

We started with the calamari even though I really wanted the octopus. The spicy calamari was wonderful very puttanesca like. You can see my glass of red wine in the back.

Followed by Pumpkin Ravioli, rapine with garlic, red snapper followed by the chocolate hazelnut cake. We were so excited the photos stopped and the eating continued. I'll try to be better next time with the pictures.

Another find was this Camomile infused Grappa - wonderful with the dessert. We are trying to find this Virginia - it may be a challenge.

Made by infusing chamomile blossoms in Nebbiolo grappa. Its calming qualities also aid digestion. A delectable digestivo created from a traditional recipe of the Langhe region.

If you have the chance to try Babbo's jump at it. It was that good.

Feeling Fabulous!

2012-01-19T04:21:00.000-08:00

This is a great little book about "How to be Fabulous." With all the dreams and big ideas I have been working on lately I needed a little light under my fire and this book was just the ticket!

Essentials of Fabulous

“No one is born fabulous,” author Ellen Lubin-Sherman writes. “You have to decide to do it—to transform yourself into one of those amazing creatures that infiltrate our lives and ignite our dreams with their swagger, energy, pizzazz, and soigné charm.” The Essentials of Fabulous guides you to set yourself apart in this “whatever” world by paying scrupulous attention to detail. It shows you how passion, enthusiasm, attitude, superior manners, and a terrific personal style will catapult you right into the fabulous pantheon.

I found this little book by reading Patricia Gray's blog http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com I love that the social media world opens us up to new worlds and ideas. Thanks Patricia!

I think this a book I will read and refer to over and over. I would love to hear Ellen speak and she even has a blog to follow! http://essentialsoffabulous.com/category/blog/

Check it out!

Washington, D.C. Color Consulting - Architectural Color Consultation

2012-01-17T04:12:00.000-08:00

Check out Bridget Beari Colors over on the Painted Room blog!

Washington, D.C. Color Consulting - Architectural Color Consultation

Thanks so such to Jean for connection and the friendship from twitter. She's practically a neighbor being from D.C. I hope we can collaborate on some upcoming projects and talks!

Bridget Beari Picks!

2012-01-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Another new feature for 2012 is

Bridget Beari Picks!

Let me introduce you to Brook Farm General Store!

http://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com/

Brook Farm General Store is a small shop on the south side of Williamsburg, Brookln. Their goal is to be a real general store with a modern twist. They sell items from around the world but also have their own line called Tourne.

I stumbled upon them because I am always looking for that perfect white ceramic dishware. I love a heavy solid white plate. Clean and simple almost vintage. Here's their plate:

I am making a special trip over to their shop this week while I am in NYC seeing clients. This might be the perfect dinner plate.

I loved this flatware made with wood handles. Perfect for my Mexico job.

The chargers are FAB!

They even had an old fashion thermos! I love to keep soups hot while I'm traveling on the road. That might be perfect gift for the next holiday season.

I can't wait to see what else they have in the shop but for those who can't make it to NYC, you can order online! Wish me luck on finding that perfect white plate!

Bridget Beari UnCooks!

2012-01-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is another of our new features -

Bridget Beari Uncooks

It will follow my 6 months of raw vegan diet as well as give you great recipes from all the fabulous raw bloggers and websites!

Well I've been raw vegan for 2 weeks now. I'm feeling great but as the cold weather hits, it is hard not to want something hearty. Salad are cold!!!

I love this website Rawmazing. They have great recipes and tips for raw cooking. Here is one of my favorites!

Sweet Potato Mushroom Sliders!

My husband is not a big nut person so if I can find a recipe with more veggies than nuts he loves it. I made a yellow cheese from acorn squash the other day and I put it on everything!

Grind the Pumpkin seeds into flour

Mix Mushrooms, onions and add to sweet potatoes

You need a dehydrator for this recipe. About 5 hours so you need to make them in advance.

Yum! Thanks Rawmazing for another great recipe!

Sweet Potato Mushroom “Sliders”

1 large clove garlic
1 medium sweet potato
16 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped (approx 1 cup)
1 cup pumpkin seeds ground into flour
1/4 cup nama shoyu
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 tablespoon rosemary (fresh, chopped fine)
Cracked Pepper

For Serving:

1 Avocado
Sprouts
1 Tomato

1. With food processor running, drop in clove of garlic and let run until the clove is finely chopped.

2. Add peeled sweet potato that you have cut into larger chunks. Process until finely chopped. Remove mixture to bowl.

3. Chop (individually in food processor) the mushrooms, and onions. Place in bowl with sweet potato garlic mixture.

4. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well blended.

5. Drop in mounds on non-stick dehydrator sheet. Spread to 3″ circle.

6. Dehydrate at 145 for 1 hour, turn down heat and continue to dehydrate for another 3-4 hours, removing to mesh screens part way through. You want to make sure these are still moist! Do not dehydrate to dry. Serve with avocado, tomato and sprouts.

*Makes 30 “sliders”

I love these girls too!

Sexy Bitches Like it Raw!

Resolutions 2012

2012-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is my motto for 2012!

My resolutions this year are about 25% personal and 75% Bridget Beari. I am ready to start this year off with a bang even though the loss of both my parents this year has been hard. Nothing like being an orphan in your 40's. Enough of that... I clearly have some mediating to do on this topic!

Here are my resolutions:

1. work on Lulabelle's skin: She is a rescue dog and although I have had Sharpei's in the past ( Beari and Baron) Lulabelle has the most sensitive skin. I have changed her diet to completely corn, wheat free and no meat only salmon but I have decide to start her on a new holistic program! She still has some hot spots that I would like to get rid of. Since she is the spokes dog of Bridget Beari Colors, she better look her best. She has photo shoots people!

2. I am back on my raw diet. January - June is my goal but I would like to continue to eat this way forever. I have done this before and felt the best I have ever felt. It did not hurt to lose weight too. 15 lbs. would be nice. It has been 7 days so far and I already feel better.

I love my new found websites for helping keep it creative.

Oh She Glows

and rawmazing

3. Brush up on my high school and college French and Italian. I really need to learn Spanish because of the Mexico interior jobs but I have so many years of the other 2 under my belt I don't want to lose it. I am also pre -planning for a trip to Paris in 2013 and I just put my name in the hat for BlogTour 2012 in London/Paris or Milan. What good timing!

4. Now we turn to Bridget Beari: The first change will be to the blog.

New features including:

Bridget Beari Friends. Showcasing all the wonderful people I meet in the design world. Our first feature was 1 week ago where we introduced you to, Ginger Brewton. Ginger Brewton Interiors

Bridget Beari's Back Room: a place to view some great bargains. It was such a hit as a post. I decide to add it permanently. Back Room post.

Bridget Beari Cooks or Uncooks: follow my raw and vegan recipes. I'll introduce you to all the cool raw people, the Vitamixer, the dehydrator and the juicer!

Bridget Beari Picks: finding the coolest products and letting you in on the deals!

Bridget Beari Chats: You've been asking for it and I'm bringing it back! Q & A's are back!

Bridget Beari Travels: Where she goes nobody knows but you'll be right there with me. Hippest restaurants, relaxing hotel rooms, luxurious bathrooms, and more.

Bridget Beari Tips: Cleaning and organizational tips. Plus monthly calendars on garden and household chores. My friends have been asking for this one like " how often to you change your air filters or the baking soda in your refrigerator" I'll give you all the answers to keep your house running smoothly.

Bridget Beari Show: follow us on Vimeo at the Bridget Beari Show where we will be doing at least 2 video a month on a variety of topics.

Bridget Beari Show

5. Complete the BOOK!! Finally pick a publisher and get it out. It is a great complement to the paint line so I would like it to be out soon. Photography set up starts next week so we are off an running! We are not sure on the title so that is still a surprise even to me but I will let you know.

6. Meet with the wallpaper manufacturer to discuss taking my patterns and turning them into wallpapers! A Bridget Beari exclusive product as of now. Again another complement for the paint line!

Some of the designs lend themselves to fabrics so I have been to talks with some manufacturers about producing those as well but as a branded product.

I'm going for it this year as you can tell. Katie bar the door!

7. Marketing the Paint Line:

- partnering with another major retailer - talks in the works

- adding a sales representative to get the product out to stores and designers faster

- new label for the cans

- making a video ad

- selling the paint online

- BBD Colors and FPE to sponsor some major design events

- getting on the talk circuit as a speaker on color. I did 2 talks on color last year with tons of success so more are on the books for this year. I hope to have the book out and a retailer to sponsor it. It will be a real book tour! If anyone is interested in sponsoring please contact us.

- keep pushing on press for Bridget Beari Colors ( Virginia Living magazine article just came out this month and 2 blogs! )

Bridget Beari Colors

8. Keep coming up with funky press ideas for Bridget Beari Colors. We have one coming up that is sort of on the same line with Farrow & Ball's wallpapering of a brownstone. Watch for it! It should be outrageous!

9. I have already submitted 3 houses for publication but my favorite house in Richmond is finally ready for photography and it is a good one! Definitely worthy of Arch. Digest or Elle Decor status!

And let's not forget ol' Mexico house! It should be ready this year too!

10. And finally, I would love to increase my twitter following! So if you are not a follower please add me.

I want at least 3000 fans by the end of the year!

@bridgetbeari

Whew!! I have a lot to do for 2012!

Goodbye 2011 and Hello 2012!

2012-01-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am hoping that 2012 will be an even better year for Bridget Beari Designs and Bridget Beari Colors!

Here's a recap on what happened:

January trip to Puerto Rico, St. Barts and Virgin Gorda

I met a multitude of Design Superstars:

Charles Faudree and Mary Douglas Drysdale @ the Richmond Symphony Design House

Thom Felicia @ Highpoint Market

Barry Dixon

Barbara Barry was one of many @ Blogfest in NYC. I also made some great new design friends and I can't wait to see them all again this year.

Not to mention Design Bloggers Conference in L.A.

Multiple trips to Tulum Mexico where I am working on a client's home.

I'll even remember the lovable contractor - Roberto! He loved taking my advise as you can see.

The creation of a new drink - Pink Poppers at the Beach.

Birthday dinner at Enoteca and Can Can with my best friend Meg.

Christmas decorating in July

The launch of Bridget Beari Colors with Fine Paints of Europe! A huge accomplishment!

But who could forget Joe falling through the wall while creating the display.

Bridget Beari Candles!

The launch party and the creation of the Bridget Beari Show on Vimeo and You Tube.

Debut Party of Bridget Beari Colors in Fine Paints of Europe from Susan Jamieson on Vimeo.

And 3 houses on Christmas tours - Wheeww! It was a busy year!

While we did many things, there are so many more to accomplish! We are so grateful for all our new friends and supporters!

Check back later this week for a list of our 2012 resolutions!

BBD Friends Series #1: Ginger Brewton

2011-12-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is a new Bridget Beari Series called "Bridget Beari Friends" These will be profiles of all the wonderful designers, manufacturers, craftspeople, and shopkeepers that I have had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with.

Our first guest is Charleston South Carolina designer, Ginger Brewton of Ginger Brewton Interiors

Ginger and I became friends at one of the conferences I attend annually and have kept up with each other. If you follow the BBD blog you may have seen us doing our Flea Market shopping in NYC.

Here are a few questions we asked Ginger and she was kind enough to answer our request:

1. How did you get started in the interior design business? I have always had a love for houses since I was little. My mom and I used to drive around looking at houses and I think that's where the obsession started. I worked for an interior designer in college (although I was a fashion major) and then eventually moved to NY in 2004, to pursue my dream working for a designer in the city while going to New York School of Interior Design.

2. Are you originally from Charleston, SC? No, I was actually born and raised in Greenville, SC. During college I spent a few summers in Charleston, and then moved here once I graduated.

3. How has being nominated by House Beautiful as a designer to watch changed your business? What year was that 2009? It has been amazing to receive the recognition and the support from such a reputable publication. House Beautiful has had an an incredible following and impact on the design world. The impact on my business, after being named a designer to watch in 2009, was stunning. My visibility as a designer immediately broadened to a new audience. This has allowed me to expand into areas outside of South Carolina which has been wonderful. I still have people telling me a friend of a friend said they saw me in House Beautiful, so it's great to hear the feedback and feel the support from people I don't even know.

4. What would you say your design style is? or do you have one? I definitely have a personal design style, which is extremely diverse . I love the simplicity and lines of modern pieces but I love to mix them with antiques or more traditional pieces. I love neutrals, but I have to have pops of color; or vice versa. It's a balance thing for me - the ying and the yang.

5. How large is your firm? Do you like it that way? Currently it is myself and an intern/assistant who work in the office. I have an amazing group of subs that I really trust and can rely on. I would like to expand but still remain a small boutique firm, and plan to always remain that way. I like working one on one with the client and really getting to know them. I don't ever want to be that person that meets with them in the initial stages and then hand everything over to someone else.

6. Where do you find inspiration? Travel, travel, travel, magazines, Photography, fashion. I think inspiration is all around us. You just have to open your eyes to see it. Did I mention travel?

7. How do you decorate your house for Christmas? I have been given an ornament every year since I was born from my mom, so it's always wonderful to decorate the tree with ornaments from the past. I always have a live tree, but next year I am thinking about having an all white tree! It's not for everyone, but I think it would be fun!

8. Your designs, or the ones I've seen, are very organic. Are you affected by the green movement? Are you a nature girl at heart? I definitely think the green movement is important and I hope in the future to be able to work with more clients and vendors that are green conscious. Again, I think it all relates to a balance - I love a big city and the access it gives you to everything, but I also love a small town and the warm, fuzzy, secure feeling it brings.

9. What's your favorite design app? Pinterest! It almost borders on obsessive, but if I have any down time I'm on it.

I follow her. Her boards are amazing!!

10. What's your "go to" color for 2012? or fabric? or wallpaper? I am getting ready to re-vamp my guest room in Newman by Bridget Beari! I love, love, love this color. It's inviting and cozy, and will look stunning against wood tones, gold accents and pops of color. This is definitely my go to gray! As far as fabrics, I'm loving Martyn Lawrence Bullard's line for Schumacher; and for wallpaper I love anything bold that makes a dramatic statement.

Don't you love that she is using Bridget Beari Colors! Thanks for the support.

11. Goals for 2012? I would love to see GBI continue to grow into different markets, as well as expand into different areas of design. A couple of assistants and a larger office would be nice too.

12. Designer Pet Peeve? Scale is definitely something I find very important in design, which can make or break a room. I don't believe in many other "rules" of design - we all have different ideas and processes, which is what makes the world go round and all of our designs unique.

I can't wait to take a trip to Charleston and visit. Thanks so much Ginger for a quick glimpse into the GBI World. We can't wait for the Charlotte and CT jobs to be published. If you are not familiar with her work, check out Ginger's website and her weekly blog, Inspired Design

Bridget Beari Colors Launch Party!

2011-12-27T14:55:00.001-08:00

Bridget Beari Patterns!

2011-12-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

Working on the Bridget Beari Brand has created some wild designs in various forms. Here is one that might look good as the inside of the book cover or the back of my business card?

What until you see the awesome fabric designs!

Christmas Wish List

2011-12-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

These are the things I hope are under my tree! What's on your list?

Happy Holidays Bridget Beari Designs!

#1 Hunter Tote Bag in Orange

#2 Gucci Ipad cover

#3 Rachael Zoe Python Bag

#4 Gucci Wallet

#5 Vera Wang Necklace

#6 Cartier Tank Watch

#7 Williams Sonoma Mixing Bowls

Christmas Decorations!

2011-12-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

Check out Bridget Beari's Southern Living Christmas decorations!

Planning a visit to Chicago?

2011-12-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

If you are planning a visit to Chicago this winter, check out this hotel!

The latest Ian Schrager hotel is in Chicago, the Public. Ian is the founder of such hip hotels as the Delano in Miami. This hotel is a little different. For one it is not on the Miracle Mile but in a quiet neighborhood. It was the original home of the famous Pump Room, a celebrity hangout in the 1950's.

Public Chicago

Most of the interiors were done by Ian himself with the help of architect Anda Andrei. Infused with wit - the clock runs backwards

Love the orbs in the Pump room.

He sees the lobby as a community office - self serve mentality

The 285 rooms are a mix of cozy and hip.

Room service comes in brown paper bags. Chef for the restaurant is Jena Georges Vongerichten.

Tongue and cheek portraits by Dutch photographer, Hendrik Kerstens. Curlers with Coca Cola cans instead of pearls grace this portrait. Love the mix of architectural moldings with raw wood columns.

I love a clean modern bathroom!

Ian Schrager, hotelier

Holiday House #2

2011-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the Fan Holiday House Tour here in Richmond. I had 2 houses on the tour. This is the first one:

Most fan houses are row houses - long and narrow with doors connecting each parlor. In this room we hung the mirror on the doors to give the room more wall space.

Persimmones and Magnolia leaves for decoration.

Custom Bridget Beari Hall closet armoires!

I love simple greenery for holiday decorations. I even like them as the dry out.

I hope everyone had fun on the Fan Holiday Tour!

Christmas Decorating!

2011-12-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

The first round of holiday decorating is done - 1 house tour down - 2 to go this weekend!

Here's the results of last weeks efforts. A Classic Old World British Holiday theme!

Pomegranates and Ilex Berries

Stephanotis and Cabbages

Magnolia Leaves

Garland on staircase

Client's Nutcracker collection!

Lilies and Cranberries

Red balls and Boxwood wreaths

Our British themed tree with the London scene below.

Buckingham Palace!

Magnolia Garland - love the gold color of the leaves

Love these cool limes!

Guess the BBD Color?

2011-12-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what Bridget Beari Color this is?

No. 29 Squash!

The talk around the dinner table!

2011-11-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what people talk about around the Thanksgiving dinner table? Well, this Thanksgiving the topic was " Ballroom Jeans" which my mother in-law thought were about dancing not literally room in men's jeans. The marketing for these jeans is genius, retro and clever!

How could you forget the slogan "Flexible jeans so you can crouch without the ouch!"

I didn't really know this was a problem for men but what do I know about men's private issues. So after a very involved conversation and many iphone googles, the dinner table could at least agree that the marketing is brilliant! Maybe Bridget Beari Colors needs a funny slogan: "colors that really stick to the wall" ?? Naaa! I'd better stick to my design job and leave the slogans to the pr people.

Color Personality Quiz

2011-11-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

My talk on the Bridget Beari Color Rules at the Rhome event was a roaring success! The audience was thrilled and that has fueled my enthusiasm for finishing my book on Color. The only thing I did not include in this talk was the Color Personality Quiz. Many in the audience were interested in taking this so I promised I would add it to the blog this week. Thanks to Renovation Style for the inspiration for this quiz.

What Color are you?

Question #1: What room in your house is in need of a makeover?

A. Kitchen
B. Bathroom
C. Living Room
D. Bedroom
E. All of the Above

Question #2: What is your favorite comfort food?

A. Mac and cheese
B. Fried Chicken
C. Ice Cream
D. Soup and crusty bread
E. anything delivery

Question #3: What season makes you the happiest?

A. Spring
B. Fall
C. Winter
D. Summer
E. All year

Question #4: What is you guilty pleasure?

A. flipping through magazines
B. Facebook and Twittering
C. Watching Reality TV
D. Singing in the Shower
E. Window Shopping

Question #5: What type of shoe best describes you?

A. ballet flat - small and delicate
B. Cowboy Boot - tough ass kicker
C. loafer - classic
D. tennis shoe - comfy and worn in
E. Stiletto - sexy and wild

Question #6: Favorite past time activity?

A. Watching You Tube
B. Exercising
C. Gardening
D. Hot baths
E. Reading magazines

Question #7: Favorite Trip Destination?

A. Africa - safari
B. Italy - cooking classes
C. England - history
D. Mexico - Surf Camp
E. any Beach- lounging

Question #8: If unexpected guests call to say they are coming in 2 days do you....?

A. freak out and get nothing done
B. get the house ready before doing anything else
C. forget about it until 2 hours before they arrive
D. No worries the house is always ready
E. Thrilled - start cleaning and set up as you feel like it

If you answered with more A's: Your color is " Red"

- you love springtime but you are intense with a fun side
- comfort and homey is your design style
- mix red with tan for warmth and white for contrast
- remember that red is a great accent color

No. 23 Max-a-Million

Bridget Beari Designs - interior design

If you answered with more B's: Your Color is "Orange"

- you have a fiery fun side
- you love food
- mix orange with muted browns for a more natural look
- pair with greens and lighter corals for warm look
- balance hot colors with cool colors

No. 20 Dukey Pukey

Mona Ross Berman - interior design

If you answered with more C's: Your Color is "Blue/Green"

- you love nature and have a cool edge
- you pick items that have a timeless nature
- pair with pastels for a soft palette
- mix with rich tones for a punch

No. 45 Bellagio Blue

No. Maddy Tingy

Mona Ross Berman - interior design

If you answered with more D's: Your Color is "Gray"

- sophisticated and serene
- you love a neutral palatte
- you like adventure too
- can go muted for a softer look or pair with jewel tones for a luxurious look

No. 32 Newman

Kitchen from Traditional Home Magazine

If you answered with more E's: Your Color is " Yellow"

- fun, bohemian vibe
- whimsical side
- pair with oranges and citron for a warm look
- pair with white and gray for graphic look

No. 29 Squash

Bridget Beari Designs - interior design

Now that you know your color personality look around your own home and see if that color is represented. If not, you may want to start incorporating that color into your interiors. Have fun with color by experimenting with the BBD Color Rules and conquering your fear of color!

Winners of the Big Candle Giveaway!

2011-11-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

And the Winner is........

Debbie House of Atlanta!

We are sending another candle out to the second place winner but I know she'd kill me if I mentioned her name on the blog...you know who you are!

Bridget Beari Colors Launch Party!

2011-11-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Bridget Beari Colors Launch Party was Friday night at the Rue. It was a great night. Fabulous food from Jeffery at Hazel Ruth, beautiful flowers from Jonathan Janis, monogram BBD cookies from Westhampton Bakery, David Whaley's beautiful poster, graphics and more!

The walls of the Rue are painted in 5 BBD Colors - Joe's Java, Pig Pie, Velvet Paw, Pia, Maddy Tingy, and Echo on the ceilings! They were the stars of the evening.

Clients, design friends, friends, contractors, architects, garden designers, artists were all in attendance.

Jeffrey the caterer with Anne Wilkinson, lighting designer from Shades of Light

Beautiful orchids and food display from Jonathan - yummy pate!

There's Stephanie, the owner of the Rue! Blond in the black dress and Rick Holtz from Holtz & Son painting contractors.

Me with Sarah Rowland, my fabulous graphic designer and collaborator on many things and Steve Humble, a client.

The crowd!

Food table! John from Fine Paints of Europe in the background. He gave a wonderful toast to me and the BBD brand!

Our custom cookies with the BBD logo! Yummy too!

Our custom candles! Thank you to Sherma and Joe for the video and photographs!

Cookies! Many complements on the champagne too - Perrier Jouet, grand brut. My fav! We drank every last bottle!

Me with the girls from the Rue! The Rue looked great - thank you girls for all your hard work!

The star of the night - BBD Colors! The fan decks were flying out of there!

Thank you to everyone you came and those from all over the country who sent well wishes when they could not attend. It was everything I hope it would be to launch this wonderful new chapter for BBD! I am very grateful and humbled by all the wonderful and kind comments from everyone. The toast were lovely and heart felt especially Joyce's, a client from 15 years ago, cute story of how I came over to pick colors at her house - Classic!

If you missed a chance to purchase a deck, we can visit the BBD color website in order to purchase one!

R Home for the Holidays Event

2011-11-12T03:21:00.000-08:00

Come hear me talk this Wednesday at the R Home for the Holidays event with Grace Bonney from Design Sponge. I'll be talking about ... guess? PAINT COLORS! Come hear the 4 key Bridget Beari Rules on Color.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

········· 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ·········

Plant Zero
3 East 3rd Street

Lunch, talk and two late-morning seminars: $27 Lunch and talk only: $17

Join Virginia native Grace Bonney, founder of one of the most influential design blogs, Design*Sponge, and other Richmond designers for a morning of DIY and home design know-how at Plant Zero.

Bonney doesn’t think design should have to come with a degree or a high price. She began her blog in 2004 and along with her new book, Design*Sponge atHome, she wants to give all of us the design fundamentals we need to make our homes beautiful.

Sign up for two out of a choice of four seminars before Bonney’s talk, with subjects from the Design Process, and Do-It-Yourself Redos, to Working with Color, and Holiday Floral Design, and then stay for Bonney’s talk, lunch and book signing! Or just come for Bonney's talk and lunch.

Net proceeds to benefit the School of Richmond Ballet’s need-based scholarship fund.

photo by Johnny Millier

Visit ticketstobuy.com for tickets — Reservations are limited

Call 355.0111 with questions or more information.

·········

Presented By:

Community Sponsors:

Renovation Bootcamp – Color Dilemmas

2011-11-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

Listen to my interview with Robin Siegerman on renovation Bootcamp!

We are talking about Bridget Beari Colors which launched last night with a huge party and big success. Lots of pictures and videos to come.

Renovation Bootcamp – Color Dilemmas

Our new BBD Colors Website!

2011-11-07T11:15:00.000-08:00

Check out our brand new BBD Colors website!
Only 5 days until the launch party

We are getting great press - Did you see us on Yahoo news!
I haven't sent the fan decks out yet but I hope to get them out this week with a brochure.

So if you have pre-ordered then your decks should be out in the mail this week.

Thank you to everyone for their enthusiastic response to the colors and your
your continued support.

I can't wait to see everyone at the party Friday night!

Today at La Diff!

2011-11-05T03:23:00.000-07:00

Come here me talk at 5:00 at LA Diff for the Shockoe Design District Day!

I'll be talking about how to pick paint colors and how to combine colors for a fabulous interior. I will also be showing off the BBD Colors!

Three other designers will be talking at 12, 2, and 3:30 on all different topics like " How to Mix Styles" and "Sustainable Design"

There will be giveaways too - BBD candle, gift certificates for paint etc.

Come out and see me. It will be a fun day!

11 day countdown to the BBD Color launch!

2011-11-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Oh No Mr. Bill! Happy Halloween!

BBD Giveaway!

2011-10-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first BBD Giveaway! The office is crazy these days getting ready for the BBD Color Launch Party. I wanted to have something at the party that people could take away that would remind them of Bridget Beari so I collaborated with my favorite candle maker, Kobo for the perfect Bridget Beari fragrance. I love a good candle.

Kobo Candles

Kobo Candles are recognized by their decorative exterior packaging. Their scents are fabulous.

These are all soy candles. Made in the USA.

Here is our packaging to match our new paint decks.

The BBD candle scent is Quince, Ginger and Rose - Beautiful but subtle. Clean with just the perfect level of fragrance.

This is what quince the fruit looks like:

This is the flower - pink, white and red!

So if you leave a comment below and " like " Bridget Beari Colors on Facebook, we will put your name in the hat for the drawing of this exclusive candle on November 11th, the launch party date, here in Richmond.

If you miss out on the giveaway, you can buy a candle from BBD ( just send us an email) or stop by the Rue in Richmond to pick one up!

Check out the new images for the paint line!

I love what happens when BBD collaborates - Fine Paints of Europe, Kobo Candles! Who will be next?

New Store in Town

2011-10-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

I've driven by this shop a dozen times on Cary Street but this time I stopped in for a peak and I am glad I did. I will keep this shop on the Bridget Beari list for finds!

Stop in to:

Bohland & Graham

( right next to Acacia)

Antiques, fine art and home furnishings

Great French mirror

Plant stand

Prints

Knife Boxes

Chest

Jugs - the 8 within the crown means how much they hold

English crest lamp

Large gold frame mirror

Twisted wood candlesticks

Posters, Brochures and Banners!

2011-10-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the poster, brochure and banner design!

What do you think?

Paint fan decks are on sale at the Rue or online at Bridget Beari Designs!

They're here!

2011-10-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here they are: the Bridget Beari Colors fan decks.

The first 5 just arrived from Holland for approval - I'm thrilled!!

Thank you to Fine Paints of Europe for this amazing opportunity.

Bridget Beari Colors Store Display

2011-09-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Joe and I worked yesterday on the first store display for Bridget Beari Colors. This is the Richmond store

The Rue on Grove Ave.

My display is on the opposite side of the Fine Paints of Europe display.

This is the wall in the store before we started. The wall is painted my color:

Joe's Java

This is Joe working on my painterly stripes to show off 5 of my colors:

Mr. B

Stinky

Max-A-Million

Verdi

Piggy

Here is the work in progress. We only had 1 big accident that day when the ladder slid down this angled wall with Joe on it and smashed into the opposite wall - Opps! I was suppose to be holding the ladder.

The things Joe does for Bridget Beari! Black and blue for the cause.

Photos of jobs I've done in my colors.

The blank spot is for the big BBD Color poster of me and Lulabelle. It is on the way.

You can see the hole in the wall from the ladder on the left side.

A few more accessories to come for the table - the fan decks, signature candles, super cute dog beds etc.

Notice the old fashion paint brushes in the paint cans. They are hand made and someone already made a comment about them from the poster.

2 more weeks until the first 100 fan decks are here. The launch party is November 11th. I hope you all can come to party at the Rue and say "Hi! " Even Lulabelle will be there.

House Beautiful Article

2011-09-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

I was honored to see I was included in the October issue of House Beautiful. I attended Kravet's Design Fest in NYC back in May and they asked us " What is the one thing in your home that makes you the happiest?"

To my surprise there I was #1. There are so many reasons to be happy at my house. It was my favorite house when I rescued it from 80's decor. I love my antiques that I so carefully picked or inherited from my mother but the one thing that makes me happiest is my animals - 3 dogs and 3 cats to be exact. All are rescue animals.

When I received a call about a Sharpei that needed rescuing I was concerned about what I would find. To my shock she had no fur but her fun loving personality was there so I took her on the spot. A change of diet and she was almost back to normal, although she still has sensitive skin issues.

She is so funny and every day she and her brothers and sisters make me laugh. These photos are from a photo shoot with Amanda Jones. Lulabelle is such a camera hog! How could you not love that face?

She is so memorable that she will soon be the star of the Bridget Beari Paint color line!

Thanks to House Beautiful for including me in this list.

Rachel Zoe's new collection!

2011-09-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

I think everyone knows how much I love Rachel Zoe! If only I could get my hair to look like hers I would "Die!" Her new collection is FAB. I just can't decide what to buy. What would you buy?

I love faux fur - this is totally me!

Banana's for the capes!

Who can resist a killer jacket!

Maxi dresses are my new BFF.

Faux fur jacket

Black tie top

Halter black dress

Python bag - Christmas list item for sure

Now if Rachel would only call me to decorate that new big house of hers! Call me - I'd die!

Day at 1stdibs!

2011-09-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a week - earthquakes, hurricane Irene, no power, no internet, power lines and trees down for a week! Although I am still not completely together, I am glad to have internet today. I started with a client search for antiques. I was overwhelmed with all the wonderful things on 1stbids! Check out what I found:

A 1780's Neo-Classical Italian painted hall bench - crossed boughs within a guilloche border.

1920's USA antique wrought iron tables with marble tops

19th century Japanese lacquered secretaire desk

late 19th century Italian Barque style bone inlaid walnut 2 door bibliotheque

1930's Italian Art deci Pale Green carved alabaster lamps

18th century Arte Povera Bureau Bookcase 1740's Italian

English George II Green Lacquer Bureau Bookcase by Giles Grendey

Italian Parmigianno Credenza 18th century walnut

18th century Italian white Carrara marble fountain from northern Italy

1930" Italian scroll limestone benches

21st century Italian blue urn lamp bases

20th century European hand carved Continental corner cabinets with a muted distressed painted finish

1930's Italian style painted and silver gilt fragments

late 19th century French Napoleon III carved giltwood rope twist stool

1780's Italian pair of Silver gilt console tables

19th century Italian carved marble panels. The original property of William Randolph Hearst

1940's Italian Murano glass lamps

20th century Belgian ottoman

1930's Italian primitive carved wood and iron chandelier

20th century Italian painted and parcel gilt stools

1775 Italian Rococo daybed - Tuscan region

1920's Italian wood chandelier - empire style

1920's Large Exotic Italian Plant form chandelier

1940's French gate in the style of Gilbert Poillerat

19th century restored French exhibition urn on pedestal thought to have been used at Versailles

French oak, walnut, cherry and sycamore parquet flooring - 20th century

Pet Life Radio Interview

2011-08-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

A big "Thanks" goes out to Cynthia from Interior Design Hound for this great blog post on me and the Bridget Beari Colors. Check out the website:

Interior Design Hound

Also listen to my radio interview on Pet Life Radio

We are beginning the countdown to the big launch in October!

Faux Marquetry

2011-08-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working with Erika this week on a faux marquetry floor design for a client. It was quite a process with stencils, polys and stains. I have been working with Erika for a while now for most of my faux work - murals or wall treatments. She is so talented!

Erika Vaden Decorative Arts

This is the before shot of the foyer

The process of sanding, taping and marking the design.

The stencil before the medallions!

Adding the medallions

First coat of poly

Final coat of poly. The floor looks fabulous. I can't wait for the Fromental wallpaper is be hung!

Birthday Cake!

2011-08-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

With my birthday coming up on Friday, I am trying to decide on a cake. It made me think of the video at Jean Jacques Bakery. The chef shows me how to create a chocolate ganache cake.

Check it out!

Bridget Beari Back Room

2011-08-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Bridget Beari Back Room! These are items that were ordered for show houses, made from left over remnants or just did not work out. We want to find a home for these goodies so we are selling them in a new tag on our website. If you have any interest in these product or need dimensions, email us at bridgetbeari@mac.com

Happy Shopping!

Exterior light - $150.00

Pine Mirror with grey green finish - $100.00

Iron Decorative scroll work - $200.00

Bamboo shelf - $550.00

Tall bar table - $250.00

4 - silver/gold ceiling mount lights $195.00 each

2 - Circa sconces in bronze - $95.00 each

Antique chair with zebra print - $65.00

Zebra print clover shaped ottoman - $450.00

Large Glass candlestick - $45.00

2 end tables in honey maple - $150.00 each

1 extra large bracket - $55.00 - SOLD!

David bust - $35.00

Gold vase - $35.00

Sister Parrish 12" pillows - $20.00 each

Green vase - $35.00

Chelsea House brackets - $200.00 each

Wood carved plaques - $150.00

Smoke Bell lantern in silver - $175.00

2 Boussac print pillows - $125.00 each

Palecek shell pillows - $65.00 each

Gastony Daniela print pillows - $65.00 each

Antique gold mirror - $350.00

Mirror - $225.00

Faux book box - $45.00

silk plaid pillows with trim - $35.00

Bowling pins - $35.00

Zebra pillow - $35.00

iron and slate coffee table - $250.00

tortoise square platter - $55.00

Visiting Luray Caverns

2011-08-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

We took a day trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and Luray, Virginia. This is the home of the natural wonder the Luray Caverns. I had never been there as a child and we had the nieces for the weekend. It was also cool - a constant 50 degree temperature in the cavern which beats the 102 temperature in the city.

I was actually amazed at out large the cavern is. I thought it would be one or 2 rooms but a full hour of walking through the caverns was impressive. I kept thinking about the show "I should not be alive" What if someone fell in a hole - how far down does it go? The explorers found Native American bones down there - did she fall in?

This is a shot from Skyline drive.

The formations were amazing. They took forms of cake frosting, drippy sand castles, faces, ice cream cones. It was like looking at clouds.

The caverns were founded by Andrew Campbell in 1878. I can't imagine exploring caves with candlelight.

Davey Jones beard from Pirates of the Carribean?

The reflecting pool!

The wishing well was cool as well! They donate all the money to different charities each year.

The organ which played notes by tapping rubber mallets on the stalactites.

We stopped at this country store for gas and refreshments! Love the bear!

What is " moisturized Chicken"? Did they mean moist or basted? It just sounded gross but we were too afraid to ask the store owner as to offend them. In the chickens defense, it smelled and looked good!

Paint Color #5

2011-08-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Paint Color #5 - Whisperer

This is a great neutral for walls in an interior scheme. Subtle yet full of depth! Perfect with white trim.

It is hard to capture these colors correctly on the scanner. The first samples for the fan deck have come in so I have true cards now not just the paint sticks. It will make it easier to change the website to blocks of colors and hopefully easier to see.

Bridget Beari invades the ATL!

2011-07-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

This month's Atlanta Magazine features an article on a house I did in Atlanta. Here are some shots from that shoot!

The living room - Clarence House pillows, Stroheim silk draperies

Powder Room - Designer Guild wallpaper

Family Room - Lee Industries sofa, Shine lamps, Cowtan & Tout fabric

Breakfast Room - Schumacher fabric at the windows

Dining Room - S. Harris fabric, Schumacher wallpaper, Currey light

Master Bath - custom cabinetry

Master Bedroom - Cowtan & Tout pillows

Paint Color #3 and #4

2011-07-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

I lost a week of paint colors due to being sick for a week. So I am introducing 2: Paint Color #3 Goose Muffin and Paint Color #4 Bubble.

Goose Muffin is named after my Shar-pei, Lulabelle. I have nicknames for all my dogs and cats. Here she is: my funny girl, my goose muffin!

I love whites so here we are again with another white. Unlike the last 2 - snowball, my pure white and wagging white, my off white.

Goose Muffin is like a glass of milk - white but with a creamer base.

I love it mixed with black. A great contrast!

Check out this wallpaper from Fromental

Bubble is my office manager's Pomeranian. This is the perfect shade of soft pink - very subtle. I have a living room done in this color but no photos yet!

It would be great with this Serena Lily headboard:

Or pair with navy accents! Check these out on Etsy from the Pink Pagoda

I hope you are enjoying this series 76 weeks of color! The proof of the fan deck should be here in 2 weeks! Yeah!

Paint Color #2

2011-07-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

The 76 days of BBD colors is turning into 76 weeks. I am becoming too busy to do 1 a day so I'll change that to 1 a week. Thank you to all the support from my clients and friends and the overwhelming response to the colors! I am glad you like them as much as I do.

Introducing #2 Snowball:

This is my whitest of whites. This color is my staple trim color. I love all white in sheets, flowers, towels, flowers, cars, ipod, and interiors!

It was surprising difficult to achieve that white white that Ralph Lauren does so well. As white as a crisp new shirt -

A modern conference table,

a white pebble or feather,

White sheets,

A white rose,

Light fixtures from Circa,

White bookcases,

White tile from Ann Sacks,

Or a white room from Bridget Beari - bookcases, trim, and chairs

I know snowball will be a big hit. It took a while to create but I love it!

Don't forget to get on the waiting list for a fan deck. They are going fast!

email us at: bridgetbeari@mac.com

Guess Who Made the Hot List!

2011-07-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

R Home has their annual Hot List of all the readers favorite local businesses. This is our third time as the Number 1 interior designer in Richmond! Thanks to everyone who voted!

Maybe next year we will be the top interior designer with a national product line if there is even a category for that?

76 days of colors!

2011-07-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

As an introduction to Bridget Beari Colors, due out in the fall, I will reveal each of the 76 colors in a weekly series called " 76 days of BBD Colors!

It will be a sneak peak of my fan deck from Fine Paints of Europe. My collaboration with them has been wonderful and I am grateful that they were willing to pick up by colors to be showcased as a part of their paint line. With so many colors on the market, you might ask do we really need more? The answer is yes! I can never find just the right color even with all the choices out there and I have at least 20 paint decks in my office from all sorts of vendors.

The Bridget Beari Colors are the tried and true colors that I have worked with and customized over the years. The subtle differences in color from what is already out there will make them the colors to use!

So here they are:

The first color is Wagging White!

Wagging White is one of the 30 original colors. I love whites and the subtly of whites is very important to my design work. There are 4 whites in the new collection. Wagging White is not a pure white but a very subtle cream color.

It looks great with a crisp white trim for contrast.

It can also be used a trim color or cabinet color when you want a white but not as clear.

If you are interested in a paint deck, I can put you on the waiting list. Just email your name and information to: bridgetbeari@mac.com

The Paints Have Arrived!

2011-06-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

The mock ups of the paint colors arrived today! The labels and fan decks are designed! Bridget Beari Colors is ready for production and arrival to market in the fall.

A couple of colors still need tweeking - the shade is still not quite right. I am very particular about these color changes because I have been in this business for 20 years and just a change in shade or hue can change the color completely.

All the colors are named after pets - dogs, cats, horses of clients, friends and employees. We love our animals at Bridget Beari! As you know Bridget and Beari are dogs!

There are 76 colors in this collection. It was hard to narrow it down but I had my 30 colors from working with Sally Fretwell Paints. I added more range to the original collection.

I hope designers will love these colors as much as I do. I can't wait to see them worked up into room designs other than the ones I have done.

We are on a roll!!!

Next issue is marketing material. Who likes the dog in the pictures and who likes the cat?

Elizabeth Eakins New Products

2011-06-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

I love the cotton and wool rugs by Elizabeth Eakins and by while browsing the website for a job specification I noticed that they have branched out into Dinnerware. Simple, clean pottery and ceramics are what I love. This is right up my alley. My raw food creations would look great in these bowls!

Elizabeth Eakins Inc.

3 colors:

Cloud

Cream

Sky

3 styles: bowl, small dinner plate and large dinner plate

Of course they are know for their rugs. Mostly the cotton stripes but they have patterns, pictorials and wool geometrics too.

How to Paint a Front Door Video!

2011-06-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Elle Decor Concept House

2011-06-19T12:24:00.001-07:00

I toured this house while in NYC.

Courteney Cox's Beach House

2011-06-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

You must check out the lastest Elle Decor! I am loving the article on Courteney Cox's beach house designed by Tripp Haenisch from L.A.

Elle Decor

There are great before and after shots as well as interior and exterior shots. I love the clean modern style!

I decided to look on Trip's website and I found some other great interior shots. He describes himself as "enowned for his broad range of styles and for combining refined creativity with the unexpected. His design signature is sophisticated, eclectic, and always comfortable."

I love this bench - very clever!

The orbs like in my Mexico job house!

Concrete sofas and palapa roof like my Mexican job house too! It is always nice to stumble across some great design work. I love the internet!

Barbara Barry's Indochine Collection

2011-06-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of Blogfest 2011 was meeting and listening to Barbara Barry describe her new Indochine Collection for Kravet. I met her before about 10 years again at the DC Design Center. She had the most fabulous handbag. I took a picture of her handbag this time but it was too dark to show you. It was just as fabulous.

Barbara is one of my all time favorite designers. She is so elegant in person. Her grace and poise are reflected in her fabrics, furniture, rugs, sheets, and china collections. Her passion and enthusiasm for her work is infectious!

I took a picture of her cute shoes - love the clear heel!

Here I am with Barbara and Faith Sheridan from Portland. I told her all about meeting her 10 years ago in DC! She was polite enough to say she remembered.

Her new tea Citrine was being served to us during our time at the Kravet showroom. It was a combination of lemongrass, chamomile, verveine, and peppermint. Yummy!

Here it is loose in a bowl on the table.

Her new line for Kravet was inspired by her trip to China. She had wonderful slides to share. She created many of her fabric designs right from photographs or sketches she made during this trip. She told us how she gathered small trinkets and brought them home to make small collections that inspired her color palate. She's not crazy about red - rust yes but not red.

This was one of the fretwork designs that I loved.

This video is the presentation she made to us. I love her voice so sophisticated and elegant. I hope it is not another 10 years before I meet her again.

Need Help With Paints?

2011-06-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new House Beautiful Paint App from iTunes for $4.99? It was given to all the participants at Blogfest. It arrived last week but I have not had time to play with it until I returned from Atlanta this week. It is quite amazing!

All the major brands are here: Benjamin Moore, Duron, Farrow and Ball, Fine Paints of Europe and more!

The app allows you to select colors based on moods, editor's picks, spaces and just by color. You can organize them all in your paint can, match them with other colors, and even see a room view. You even get a description of the color from one of the top designers. They haven't included me yet - Darn. I wonder if they will add the new Bridget Beari paint line? They should!

You can email, facebook or tweet your choices! Did I mention the color personality quiz?

I'm a violet!

The only glitch was in selecting the moods and spaces. It just did want to change them quickly and got stuck a few times. Patience with all things new. Fun Program!

NYC Here We Come Again!

2011-05-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way back to NYC for the Kravet / Lee Jofa Blog Fest 2011. Only 100 bloggers have been invited to this exclusive meet and greet with designers, vendors and more. I am the only designer from Virginia going. I am hoping to meet new friends and see some old friends too.

The week is full of great plans from a Walk in Central Park, tea with Barbara Barry, breakfast with Margaret Russell, invites to the Design TV party, Subzero party, ICFF, Kips Bay Showhouse and more!

I also have my top 5 things I love to do in NYC:

1. Visit Pure Wine and Food, the raw restaurant but this time and am going to One Lucky Duck the retail store. We are driving to NYC this time so I can stock up on many goodies.

2. Visit the 1stdibs showroom - I just love 1stdibs online but now in person - FAB!

3. Bergdorf Goodman's - I always love to see the latest in fashion and eat at the Kelly Wearstler designed Goodman's cafe

4. Pearl Oyster Bar - oh how I love raw oysters!

5. Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse - This is a treat I have never been. I am excited to see all the A list designers at work.

Be sure to follow me on facebook and twitter. I'll let you know the play by play of the week.