After the breakfast at the Poggenpohl showroom in the beginning of #BlogTourNYC we were able to make our way through the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, Jenn-Air, another sponsor of the tour had a huge presence at the show.

I spent some time in the Jenn-Air booth looking at the variety of top-of-the-line appliances on display, which included some beautiful wall ovens and a stunning, slightly arced stainless steel downdraft hood that retracted back into the countertop when not being used.

The Jenn-Air Accolade downdraft vent combines exquisite style and innovation.  It is constructed of glass and stainless steel, and when operational, the glass panel washes LED lighting over the cooking surface.  The hidden controls help contribute to its sleek and modern design.

Seeing all these luxury Jenn-Air appliances took me back to my childhood for a moment, remembering when my parents remodeled the kitchen of our home back in the mid-70′s.  As a part of the renovation, they installed the Jenn-Air  indoor barbecue.  Not the most popular appliance to add into a kitchen then, but growing up in Winnipeg Canada where the sub zero temperatures  would plummet to 40 degrees below zero on any winter day, I guess you could say that barbecuing indoors was a way for us to extend our very short summer season – or so we believed.

Well Jenn-Air has come a long way since then.

They displayed several luxury specialty appliances at the show, including a wine cooler and their new built-in coffee maker.  Incorporating a few of these innovative appliances into your kitchen renovation will set your kitchen apart from the rest…just like the barbecue my parents installed into our family kitchen just a few years ago.  .

Jenn-Air is a highly respected company for luxury appliances and their products have been featured in many prominent kitchen designs, including the House Beautiful kitchen I mentioned in my last post.  At the show, they not only had their booth, they also showcased their appliances Jenn-Air Master Class Culinary stage, where they sponsored a series of Master Class Studio seminars.  All told, it was an incredible experience to see the new products and innovations coming from Jenn-Air!

Thank you Modenus and the #BlogTourNYC Sponsors Poggenpohl, Blanco, Silestone, Miele, Mr. Steam, Du Verre, Barber Wilsons, Jenn Air, Victoria + Albert Baths, NKBA

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Fourth Photo via House Beautiful

If Downton Abbey still has you in its grips, you will love this next #BlogTourNYC Sponsor!  England-based Barber Wilsons & Co. is a creator of fine plumbing fixtures in gorgeous traditional British style.

Barber Wilsons & Co.’s luxury plumbing fixtures are designed for everything from kitchen and bathroom sinks to showers, tubs, and bidets, all in a variety of traditional designs.  To complete the collection, they also have accessories like lever handles and bath plugs to match.  One of their finest features is a Mastercraft styled thermostatic shower valve, which provides the ultimate control over your shower’s temperature.

This company is the oldest water fittings company in the UK, having been around for more than a hundred years.  They have had plenty of time to perfect their craft and design plumbing fixtures fit for a queen– literally!

In addition to a long and prestigious history, Barber Wilsons & Co. holds a Royal warrant from Her Majesty the Queen of England for at least five years of supplying superb goods or services to her.  The tradition of Royal warrants has been around since the Middle Ages to formally recognize excellent service to the Royal family, and it has very strict guidelines that must be met in order for a business to achieve and keep such an honor.

If you love the traditional style and want fixtures fit for a queen, incorporate these exquisite fittings from Barber Wilsons & Co. into your next bathroom renovation project.  Share your thoughts on these beautiful fittings in the comments below!

Image 1: Barber Wilsons & Co.

Image  2:  Elle Decor

Image 3: Modenus

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In my last two posts, I discussed two of the three sponsors present at the media breakfast I enjoyed on my first day on the #BlogtourNYC, which took place in the showroom of our third sponsor: Poggenpohl.  Poggenpohl is a German kitchen design company that has been truly revolutionary in the past 120 years – they’re even responsible for introducing the concept of the kitchen island, proving they are driven by innovation.

Poggenpohl now offers the largest range of color and material choices with an emphasis on natural walnut and ash heartwood  cabinet fronts. Blending these wooden fronts with their new neutrals in colors of white, sand and grey creates a new modern aesthetic proving that modern design can be interesting, warm and inviting.

Recently, Poggenpohl partnered with Hearst Publishing’s Designer Visions Showhouse to create unique kitchens that were designed to reflect the styles of three well-known design magazines: Elle Decor, Veranda, and House Beautiful.  With the help of two other #BlogTourNYC sponsors, Jenn-Air and Silestone, and designers Matthew Patrick Smyth, Antony Todd and David Rockwell, they were able to create three truly dreamy kitchens.  My favorite tile source Ann Sacks were also a partnered in this Showhouse.

In the Elle Decor kitchen, light sand-colored Poggenpohl cabinetry with contemporary pulls contrasts against a large, stormy Ann Sacks tile backsplash and rich gray Silestone countertops.  The effect is modern, sleek, and delicate mixture of masculine and feminine aesthetics.

In the Veranda kitchen, the presence of two large windows flooded the kitchen with light, allowing the designer to choose Poggenpohl cabinets in a moody gray with beautiful violet undertones.  Mirrored tile (one of my favorites) from Ann Sacks reflect the light from the windows, helping to create a brighter, larger-looking kitchen.

The House Beautiful kitchen has a lot of energy in its design, largely a result of the distinct horizontal grain in the Poggenpohl cabinetry chosen.  A mid-tone gray tile covers the back wall, while a light neutral Silestone countertop works with the light tones of the cabinets to create an airy and cheerful kitchen space.

Last year, Poggenpohl celebrated its 120th anniversary, making it the oldest kitchen innovator in the world.  They continue their legacy with cutting-edge design and an eye to the future, an approach that is bound to lead them through another successful 120 years!  I want to thank them for their sponsorship at this wonderful event, and I look forward to seeing more innovative design from them!

Many thanks to the  #BlogTourNYC Sponsors Poggenpohl, Silestone and Jenn Air.

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Photo credits:

1.) Quintessence

2.) Elle Decor

3.) Veranda

4.) House Beautiful

5.) Lori Gilder

Silestone by Cosentino was another of the generous #BlogTourNYC sponsors who was present at our welcome breakfast on the first day of the tour.  In addition to being a sponsor on the Modenus Blog Tour, Silestone is the manufacturer of a brilliant original compound of the same name, made with natural quartz featuring bacteriostatic protection.  For this reason, Silestone is an ideal material for kitchen countertops and bathrooms thanks to its completely unique antibacterial compound.

At the breakfast we had the chance to enjoy a presentation by the company’s Vice President of Marketing, Lorenzo Marquez.  He was proudly introducing a new line of neutral colors available for the Silestone collection.  Called the “Nebula Series,” this group of six new neutrals is inspired by nebulae, the cosmic clouds of gas from which stars are born.  These colors are beautifully subtle, with quiet veining that creates a sense of depth similar to looking into the night sky, especially the Doradus color.  Each color includes the standard features of Silestone products, including a non-porous, antibacterial surface with a high level of durability.  Take a look at this design featuring the Altair color:

What I was most excited about, however, was the introduction of the new White Zeus Extreme surface.  White countertops have always been a favorite of mine, and I’m not alone- so many of my clients have pined after them too!  White Zeus Extreme takes white countertops to a whole new level, offering the whitest white available on the market.  This surface is ideal for modern, transitional and traditional kitchens and bath designs and compliments stainless appliances beautifully.  Sleek and simple or  or distinctively detailed, just vary the edge style to suit your design aesthetic and you’ll have the perfect surface for your countertops.

When contrasted with black appliances and details, your kitchen takes on instant drama and sophistication: absolutely beautiful!

Some homeowners tend to shy away from white counters fearing they may be more difficult to maintain and keep clean, especially those as bright as White Zeus Extreme.  The joy of Silestone, however, is that its non-porous surface requires very little maintenance to keep its beauty.  In addition to its natural durability and antibacterial properties, Silestone doesn’t require sealant like natural stone countertops.

Between their low-maintenance features and wide variety of colors (in addition to the new neutrals they’ve just released!) the possibilities are endless!  This material is so versatile, I can’t think of a design where I couldn’t use it!

Be sure to stay tuned for more updates from the Blog Tour!

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Image 1: Lori Gilder

Images 2,3,4,5 : Silestone

Blog Tour was one of the most incredible and inspiring design experiences I’ve had the privilege to enjoy.

Day 1 began with a welcome breakfast at the Poggenpohl Showroom hosted by #BlogTourNYC sponsors Poggenpohl, Blanco and Silestone.

Blanco, the German manufacturer and leading innovator in luxury sink and faucet design, is known for its elegant and cutting-edge fixtures….which is exactly what we witnessed first hand!  The ALTA^™ Compact faucets were proudly showcased front and center – displaying each new color and finish for all to see.

Color finishes include: Anthracite, Biscotti, Cafe Brown, Cinder, Truffle, White, Chrome and Satin Nickel.

This modern and sleekly geometric fixture is ideal for any classic,contemporary or transitional style kitchen.  Its compact design will also work perfectly within a butler’s pantry or for a wet bar, secondary sink or laundry room. This latest collection of faucets is designed with “real living” in mind.  They use less water, are highly durable and easily maintained which has universal appeal,  covering all demographics and lifestyles.

Did I mention that the Alta Faucet swivels 120 degrees and pulls out to provide its dual spray feature?  How’s that for flexibility?

The Alta Faucet isn’t just for compact sinks or spaces however.  Take a look at the image below.  It also compliments the generously sized architectural MODEX kitchen sink workstation – illustrating just how versatile this faucet really is.

From the showroom floor we had the privilege of hearing from Christy Emens, the Social Media Manager of Blanco America. She had plenty of insights to share into the award winning MODEX workstation sink and the new neutrals, specifically – the  SILGRANIT II – color Cinder. With a blend of gray, black and brown this new color integrates seemlessly into any countertop style.  Best of all it is resistant to fading, scratching and staining and will maintain its timeless beauty for years to come. A Modern Classic!

Now, if you want to go bold with a faucet for this sink, the Blanco Culina Semi-Professional clearly makes a statement!  Its tall and elegantly curving design features a flexible coiled steel spring spout, held in place by a magnetic holder.  It also has a dual spray feature and a water saving model available, which is perfect for the professional kitchens and the serious household chef.

Check back for more updates and information about the exciting home design products featured at #BlogtourNYC

To be continued…

Many thanks to the Modenus BlogtourNYC sponsors Poggenpohl, Blanco, Silestone by Cosentino, Miele, Mr. Steam, Du Verre, Victoria + Albert, Barber Wilsons, Jenn Air and NKBA!

Images 1 + 4: Lori Gilder

Images 2+3: Blanco

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Well the countdown is on. In five days I will be heading to Manhattan for #BlogTourNYC where I will meet and greet the brilliant Veronika Miller,CEO and Founder of Modenus and the creator of BlogTour, along with all the incredible Sponsors who have made this event possible.  Sharing this experience with 13 other design bloggers from around the globe will no doubt leave an indelible mark and I’m truly honored to be among such creative and talented designers and bloggers.  Thank you Veronika!

As an interior designer I’m constantly on the hunt for new and exciting materials and products that are innovative, strikingly beautiful and take some fresh angles on design. Introducing these unique elements into my design and renovation projects pleases my clients and sets their home apart from the rest.

One of the product Sponsors I’m looking forward to meeting and experiencing first hand at the Architectural Digest Home Show is Victoria + Albert, a British Company specializing in creating stunning free standing bathtubs and basins.

They will be featuring the Cabrits bath at the show and I’m ready to take it for a test drive. The organic shape of this tub is delightfully modern and its contours are designed for comfort regardless of your height.  A gently sloping bottom supports your body and a swooping, tall headrest area gives you the perfect place to relax your head during a long soak.

Another bathtub I love: the Ravello.  This bath glows with elegance and sophistication.  Its clean lines and gentle sloping symmetry make it a beautiful and unique element to any design style.

One of the most interesting aspects about the Victoria + Albert baths goes beyond their innovative style. They are fabricated from a material that is unique to them and their brand. It’s called ENGLISHCAST®, and it is made from a combination of resin and volcanic limestone. This unique material allows them to cast their tubs in a single piece, and the final product is stain resistant, extremely strong, and long-lasting.  Its insulating properties make it warm to the touch, and it can even be painted for a customized look.

I’m very much looking forward to experiencing these products first hand.  Incorporating one of these spectacular pieces into a bathroom renovation project would be the ultimate in quality and style.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on them in the comments or on my Facebook page!

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Images Courtesy of: Modenus,  Victoria + Albert 

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural 2012 Design Quarter Holiday Crawl.  This open house event in Los Angeles’ La Cienega Design Quarter featured thirteen participating showrooms coming together in an effort to raise funds for the Charitable Children’s Guild, which supports LA’s Orthopedic Hospital.

I was thrilled to have my friend and fab kitchen designer Rebecca Reynolds in town for this great evening.  We started at Egg & Dart Home, (which c0-hosted the event) where we were able to experience some of the industry’s finest home fashion designs.  This exquisite showroom sparkles with spectacular lighting fixtures by Niermann Weeks, Borghase and Ron Jesse Lighting… which highlights the most elegant furnishings from Adriana Hoyos,  Christopher Kennedy and many more in between.

After our personal tour from Egg & Dart Home owner Keith Hudson, we grabbed a shuttle to Mecox Gardens, a fabulous source of antiques, re-editions and original designs from around the world.  Their collections are so well curated that there is no shortage of sourcing pieces for any type of home design style.

While at the Holiday Crawl, I got to meet and chat with Kathy Levine, an incredibly talented woman who designs and manufactures fine antique-style pillows and other accessories.  As an avid animal lover, I fell in love with her Belgian Linen dog and horse appliquéd pillows….a must have!

She also had hand-embroidered Suzani pillows and appliqued hand towels, which would make the perfect hostess gift for the holidays!

All told, it was a wonderful event and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.  What is your favorite holiday event in LA?

It’s been about a month now since I began a weekly “World Tour of Design” series and if I’m lucky I just might be able to tour a country myself soon….and I’ll take you with me.   I recently entered the Tile of Spain: Passport to Creativity 2013 contest to win an architectural trip to Spain!  It’s been way too long since I last visited the country and I would LOVE to get back there!  So why not enter a contest….right?   This contest, is open to accredited architects and interior designers from across the country and like most contests we needed to answer a series of questions and submit a photo of ourselves somehow involved with Spanish Tile.

As you can see from these photos, the product line is absolutely stunning.  Materials are available in a variety of striking graphic patterns, sizes and finishes.   There is no shortage of gorgeous applications for these tile products, some of which you can see in the project portfolio at Porcelanosa, one of the largest tile distributors in the United States. These state-of-the-art porcelain tiles  integrate beautifully into any design style.

If I am one of the lucky ones chosen for this tour of Spain, I will have the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, learn firsthand about the architecture, design, and cuisine, and learn so much more about this innovative porcelain product and how it can impact our design vision and inspire us for future projects .  I would also attend the International Ceramic Tile and Bath Furnishings Show, which is bound to be full of inspiration.

I would love to help you design your home and incorporate sleek Spanish Tile into your home renovation project!  Feel free to contact me at Interior Makeovers Inc. by calling 310-788-0990 or emailing Lori@InteriorMakeovers.com!

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Thanksgiving has come awfully quickly this year, but there is still plenty of time to perfect the look of your dining room table before it’s time for your delicious feast. Last year, I shared some of my favorite Thanksgiving table settings, but this year I’d like to focus on simple and elegant centerpiece ideas.  These centerpieces don’t have to take up a lot of space on the table, leaving more room for all the dishes of my favorite meal of the year!

Nature-inspired Thanksgiving table centerpieces are some of the most beautiful, affordable, and simple centerpieces to arrange.  While you’re hunting down the perfect turkey, consider stopping by a florist for some lovely blooms in autumn colors.  Sure you can always arrange them in a vase, but there are more unique ways to use your flowers in your Thanksgiving decor.

For a modern and minimalist approach just a couple of flowers arranged in a glass container will give you the wow factor.

Or you could remove the blossoms and arrange them underneath upturned glassware.  You could even add some candles or mini pumpkins on top of the glass stems.

Thanksgiving is a feast, so incorporating food into your flower arrangements is a great way to create a decorating theme.  You can color-coordinate flowers with different colors of bell peppers cut to hold them like a vase.

Or you could use butternut squash as a vase.  I love this look so much that I’m planning using it for my own table. I’ll post a photo of it next week!

If you want a centerpiece that will look fresh for longer than flowers, you could try this arrangement of miniature pumpkins held on candlesticks.

You can also get your kids involved by having them fill vases with layers of dried legumes, fruits, and nuts to act as a colorful candle holder.

How are you decorating your table this year?  Share your ideas in the comments, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Photo Credits:

1.) Decoist

2-5.) Better Homes and Gardens

6.) Epicurious

In this month’s edition of Traditional Home Magazine, my friend Tamara Mathews Stevenson wrote a piece featuring the favorite go-to spots for design finds from fifteen designers across the country.  I’m honored to say I was one of the designers chosen for this article, and I shared Calypso St. Barth Home, one of my favorite spots in Santa Monica, California.

Tamara is an incredibly talented writer who writes her own very popular blog, so I really appreciated the feature in her article, and I’m honored to be among the other great talents also featured.  Thank you Tamara for inviting me to contribute to your article.

Tamara’s piece in Traditional Home is a neat interactive map that allows you to click on one of the featured cities and learn more about the designers and their favorite design spots in that area.  It’s a fantastic resource if you’re looking for design gems around the country. Be sure to take some time to explore the interactive story and be sure to take a look at Tamara’s blog, Nest by Tamara.  It’s well worth the visit.

If you are planning to redesign your home, I would love to help!  Contact me at Interior Makeovers Inc. by calling 310-788-0990 or emailing Lori@InteriorMakeovers.com.

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