Event Recap: Methods, Materials & Mechanics of Carpeting Today, with Stark

Last week's CEU Series course with the New York School of Interior Design was designed to help attendees learn the ins and outs of today's carpeting, from the methods and materials that go into the making of carpets to the mechanics of treatment and preservation.

Led by instructor Tim Sheridan of Stark Carpet, the course explored traditional and contemporary carpeting options to source and use in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Audience members wished the lecture wouldn't end!

"I really enjoyed hearing what Tim had to say and was sad to realize the hour had already passed when it had," said a CEU attendee. "I found it so fascinating to learn about the recycled materials now being used in the creation of carpets and how 'green' the practices can be."

Tim explored the many materials that now go into the making of carpets, showing the audience plant materials that are turned into fiber and used in the making of carpets.

"There are an unlimited number of plant materials that are being turned into fiber today and have been for many years," said Tim. "Among these, flax, rush, sisal, sea grass, and Arabica are just a few. Because of the unlimited number of materials and means of construction, your design options are enormous and all the more enjoyable!"

Check back with GoDesignGo for the next CEU Series at the DDB to catch more from the experts.

Happy Holidays from GoDesignGo & Cohen Design Centers!

GoDesignGo and the Cohen Design Centers wish you a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year!

Event Recap: Patterns for Paws Benefitting The Amanda Foundation

The Second Annual Patterns for Paws themed Paw-parazzi Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center took place last month and benefitted the Amanda Foundation.

The Robert Allen | Beacon Hill showroom in Los Angeles donated fabrics for the event and worked with interior designer Christopher Grubb, president of Arch-Interiors Design Group Inc., fashion designer Connie Coleman, and "model" Landon who was transformed into Ruff-dolph Valentino.

"Landon is paying homage to Old Hollywood as he is the epitome of the Chic Sheik, as made famous by the Italian actor, Latin Lover Rudolph Valentino," said Christopher. "Landon's dramatic pleated velvet cape made in Mordini/Tarragon is trimmed in a opulent braid and the tarragon harem pants and flowing white shirt are trimmed in a coordinating gimp. His crowning touch, a turban in green velvet and linen voile wrapped in Alchemy Braid, sparkles with the addition of Alchemy Jewels trim, making Landon the embodiment of a ladies' man!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Christopher Grubb.

Specialists of Design: Kate Bergeron at DDB (Part 1 of 2)

Last week, we introduced you to the D&D Building’s Design Professional, Jason Lowe. Who we didn’t mention in the article is Kate Bergeron, who works alongside Jason in the Design Professionals office at the DDB. We're lucky enough to spend a lot of time with both Kate and Jason, so we're excited to share all the things we love about Kate and why she and Jason are an amazing team.

Having interned for two years with both Design Professionals and the Marketing Department at the DDB, Kate officially joined the team last year after graduating from Hunter College in New York City.

While at Hunter, Kate studied Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design, but always retained a growing love and interest in the interior design world. Prior to living in NYC, Kate spent a summer working as the assistant to a Connecticut-based interior designer and then began her first semester of college as a student work-study employee in the Art Department of Marymount Manhattan. Kate's blog KatesHouseOfHappy is also further testament to the art and design that inspires her daily.

"I would think my mom would tell you my interest in interior design all began around the age of eight for me," Kate said. "That's around the time and age that I began rearranging my bedroom by myself and on a regular basis. I didn't quite think about it until a few years later!"

Her two years at the DDB prior to joining the Design Professionals has helped shape Kate's well-rounded experience in the industry; an experience she credits to her success as a Design Professional.

"The interior design industry in New York City is a fascinating and ever-evolving industry," Kate said. "My unique experience at the DDB thus far has really allowed me to thrive and assist as a Design Professional while continuing to learn every day!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to learn more about Kate.

Social Media Spotlight: Millie Talks Hair & Design with Tyler Wisler from Design Star (Part 2)

DDB web marketing manager, GoDesignGo guest blogger  and founder of the beauty blog Social Butterfly Salon Millie Massa-Ahmed shared with us her recent interview with Design Star contestant Tyler Wisler. Today,  we're learning more about Tyler's design style and his experience with Design Star.

By Millie Massa-Ahmed

MMA: Can you share a little about your experience with Design Star?

TW: Design Star is this crazy unrealistic world of chaos, fun and instant design. There’s a lot of creative thinking and pushing yourself to go outside of your comfort zone of “real” reality. You find yourself doing things you would never attempt for an actual client, or re-thinking plans a half dozen times because of time, budget or practicality restraints. It’s an endurance test for you mentally, physically, emotionally and creatively, and I would absolutely do it again!

MMA: What are some key elements of your design style?

TW: Space planning is key, because you can have the most beautiful, expensive, rarest and most sought after items in the world in your space, but if you can’t move in the room, it’s just a space full of stuff! I also think that design is so, so subjective. What I like isn’t necessarily what my client wants or needs and at the end of the day the client lives in the space, not you, so directing a client to make thoughtful decisions about furniture, fabric, etc. is our job as designers. We try to educate and elevate our clients to see beauty in spaces.

MMA: What are a few things you’re busy with now?

TW: Right now it’s riding out the Design Star wave to be honest, and looking out for what’s next on the agenda! My life will undoubtedly be changed by the experience of having millions of people actually watch me in action. It’s amazing publicity that I couldn’t have paid for!

MMA: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

TW: I’m a husband, but most importantly a dad! I’ve also got a bit of a Starbucks addiction, but I’m seeking out help... 12-step programs for coffee dependency is a tough thing to find!

MMA: Did you do anything differently with your hair for Design Star?

TW: I started growing out my hair in last December. Prior to that, it was a barbershop trim every two weeks like clockwork, super short on the side with some length on top to play with. I actually started growing out my hair with the anticipation that I would make it in Design Star this year because I knew if I made the show I wouldn’t be able to maintain the super short look, and didn’t want to look shaggy! Is that crazy? Before I even auditioned for the show, I was mentally preparing for the looks of my hair! Talk about hair obsession!

Be sure to watch Tyler on Design Star and check out Millie's blog for your hair essentials and tips for styles and salons.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 2 of 3)

New York-based owner of Otium and designer, Thomas Fuchs, spent some time with us to talk about his signature collection, Otium. We know from our last post that 'Otium' is Latin for “aristocratic leisure," so we felt perfectly comfortable kicking our feet back as we posed questions to him about his work. We hope you’ll do the same as you read our Q&A below.

GDG: What helped to progress your skills in the industry?

TF: I started my professional training in a museum surrounded by the very best examples of art in a city where the museums were all free and their archives were there for even a curious student. This taught me to appreciate the finest of the fine.

I moved on to working in the auction business where I quickly became a furniture expert at the age of 25. This taught me period characteristics and social significance of design, which has always been influenced by culture, trade, and politic and technical advances.

After this, I moved to create my first collection of furniture called Quatrain, where I honed my knowledge of craftsmanship, business savvy and the importance of the relationship and mutual respect with the artisans that create the visions I have.

GDG: Did you have any major influences along the way?

TF: My two biggest influences were my parents who encouraged my art and my elementary art school teacher with whom I am still friends!

GDG: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

TF: Well, I am not big on collecting. After working in the auction business and being constantly surrounded by so much stuff it is easy not to get emotionally attached. I am also willing to wait until I can get the very best example of something other then just filling in space.

The one thing I do admit to collecting is Han Dynasty and Neolithic pottery. I do not have a lot but what I have is important. I never feel like I am the sole owner, I feel like I am holding these for the next owner. You cannot help but feeling that a 2,000 year old object is now solely for you. I also “collect” or adopt stray dogs!

Next week, Thomas tells us what he's been busy with recently and which DDB showroom will carry his latest work. Find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 1 of 3)

We recently had the chance to chat with Thomas Fuchs, New York-based owner of Otium and designer, about his signature collection, Otium. Tapping his classical training in the fine arts and his love of furniture and design, Thomas created a line of neo-classical glass lamps, cases and candlesticks for Otium Collection.

GDG: What does 'Otium' mean?

TF: Otium in Latin means 'aristocratic leisure.'

GDG: What was the inspiration or direction behind Otium?

TF: The clearest direction for Otium was to work with the Maestro of Murano, Italy. Although glass is made all over the world, I have yet to see the finesse that comes from the Maestro of Italy. The tradition in 600 years of glass blowing has only been altered by the addition of electricity—otherwise the pieces we create today are produced with the same technical attributes of the same pieces being made in the 17th century.

Glass is magic and being in the furnaces working is even more magical. To have these amazing Maestro willing to put up with this crazy guy from the United States is a gift for which I will be forever grateful.

GDG: How did you get started in the fine arts world?

TF: I have studied art my entire life. I have a degree in Art History and Studio and I went to the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC.  I am a member and student of the Art Student League of New York and I have also studied at the Academy of Art & Design, NYC. My last job before starting Otium eight years ago was to be the design director of furniture & decorative art for Donghia.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more about Thomas and his Otium Collection, but in the meantime, you can find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Specialists of Design: Kristina Larson at DCH (Part 2)

The Design Professionals of the Cohen Design Centers are the ones to go to for the inside scoop on design whether you’re in New York, Florida, Texas or California. Providing a unique Consulting and Buying Program for those of us who aren't currently working with a designer, they extend the coveted privilege to select from the textiles and furnishings available throughout the design centers.

Here's more from the DCH's design professional and marketing manager Kristina Larson.

GDG: What do you love most about design?

KL: I really love the color and texture of things when it comes to design. Color and texture are the more expressive of the visual features and the core implementation of design.

GDG: What made you love the design industry?

KL: Lots of things made me love the design industry! Specifically, I am a very visual person and, like both the fashion and art industry, design is an extremely visual industry. I love how design constantly changes and I love how techniques learned in one industry can be used in other design-related fields.

GDG: Do you have a personal design philosophy?

KL: I don't! I guess I go by loving what I personally love in design and respecting what others love - even if it differs from my taste!

GDG: Are there any items that you couldn't live or design without?

KL: Yes! I would be lost without my iPod, my camera and my cell phone!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from the Cohen Design Centers' Design Professionals.

Specialists of Design: Kristina Larson at DCH (Part 1 of 2)

Last week, we introduced you to the DCOTA's Design Professional, Alex Matamoros. Our next design professional that we would like you to meet is Kristina Larson, the marketing manager of the Decorative Center of Houston.

Kristina joined DCH as the marketing coordinator in 2005 and was soon promoted to marketing manager in 2007.  She's every bit the pro when it comes to Texas-living, business and design. A Houston native , Kristina graduated with honors with a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business.

Kristina has spent countless hours volunteering at the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Society for the Performing Arts and Houston Downtown Alliance, all of which fostered her interest and love for the world of design. But it doesn't stop there—she is also a member of the Museum of Fine Arts and The Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for our interview with Kristina to learn more about her.

Event Spotlight: DDB Themes Fall Market 'Transcending Boundaries' (Part 1 of 2)

The DDB's semi-annual Fall Market is fast approaching and while the line-up is still in formation, we got a sampling of what designers can expect in the way of presentations, parties and product introductions.

Transcending Boundaries is the theme of this year's market, which features four high-powered keynote programs. On Wednesday, October 12, Architectural Digest Editor in Chief Margaret Russell will present the opening keynote address followed by a panel discussion with the editors of Traditional Home.

On Thursday, October 13, GILT Home Editorial Director Tom Delavan and Vice President Shane Reilly will moderate a panel of designers, followed by a presentation by Interiors Editor in Chief Michael Wollaeger.

Fall market parties will be in full swing with the annual Stars of Design Dinner on Thursday, October 12, and a Grand Opening Party celebrating the newly expanded Donghia showroom on Wednesday, October 13.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more Fall Market Details and to hear the scoop on the DDB's Fall Market Bloggers Lounge, a first-time ever event with fabulous bloggers from the blogs we love.

Event Spotlight: PDC's Patterns for Paws! (Part 2)

There's something furry going on at the PDC, and it's not new product. Patterns for Paws, the second annual doggie fashion show, cocktail party and silent auction benefitting The Amanda Foundation's ongoing pet adoption and spay/neuter efforts will be causing the PDC to let go of their leashes and corral with the canines.

The event will feature a silent auction, held during an outstanding cocktail party, presenting items from PDC vendors as well as local vendors and national brands. Other event features include a Dog Bed Contest, Dog-friendly stations such as pet psychics and readings from photographs, as well as pet adoptions.

Tickets are $50 per person, with 100% of ticket sales and auction revenue benefitting the organization. All ticket sales, donations and sponsorship dollars are tax deductible.

Patterns for Paws takes place August 24 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on the PDC's Fifth Floor Atrium. From more information, visit the PDC's website.

Design Loves Art: Deep into The Medium with Paul Young (Part 3)

Paul Young's Young Projects gallery at the PDC is gaining popularity in the Design Loves Art program.

Enter the first gallery that Paul calls the 'white box,' and immediately feel like you're in a comfortable living room with wood paneling, carpeting, tables and deep seating. There are remote controls everywhere, so you can feel free to start watching.

A few doors down in the 'black box,' translucent projection screens are arranged along a meandering path--an entirely different, immersive experience. In both environments, Paul achieves expert status in an art form that has few contenders.

"Paul is THE expert in a field where there are very players who can handle the curating and installation aspects technically of ambitious video-based work," said Stefan Simchowitz, a film producer and artistic director. "Video-based work is one of the hardest to deal with spatially. It requires a high degree of professional installation tactics, aesthetic and technological choices. There is no one like Paul in LA."

Paul Young and the Young Projects is a must-see at the PDC. Let us know what you loved about it, and if you haven't yet seen it, you can check it out Tuesday through Friday at the PDC from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Event Spotlight: PDC's Patterns for Paws! (Part 1 of 2)

The PDC is panting with excitement for their Patterns for Paws event, the second annual doggie fashion show, cocktail party and silent auction on Thursday, August 24 to benefit The Amanda Foundation's ongoing pet adoption and spay/neuter efforts.

This year's event features the theme Pup-A-Razzi with canine celebrities such as Mutt Damon, Brad Pittbull, Jennifur LoPaws and many more! The fun-filled evening will bring together the Los Angeles design community, Hollywood celebrities, design stars, socialites, animal enthusiasts, and philanthropists.

“We’re so excited for our second annual Patterns For Paws event," said Elizabeth Chamberlain, Marketing Director of the PDC. "The costumes this year’s will be adorable with all the celebrity-dressed dogs for our Pup-A-Razzi theme. We can’t wait for Kevin Nealon’s catwalk commentary! It’s sure to be a fun evening for all!”

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on the PDC's Patterns for Paws, or visit the PDC's website for more information.

Design Loves Art: Deep into The Medium with Paul Young (Part 2 of 3)

At the launch of the PDC's Design Loves Art program two years ago, viewers wandered through an exhibition with more video installations than usual at a gallery show.

Young Projects, designed to be less of a media gallery in the traditional sense, showcases two galleries of different aesthetic approaches. The first offers a gallery/black box setting designed by Joe Day of Deegen Day Design, which presents the work in a more contemporary setting, while the other offers a more home-like environment with state of the art equipment and comfortable seating.

At the two spaces that Paul runs singlehandedly at the PDC, the art ranges from political and technological to sensual, engaging themes and observed trends. All are presented with high-end equipment and inventive arrangement, including 3D animation and computer games, and have ranged from the conceptual to the painterly. He has even covered sensibilities from '80s punk to feminist humor.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more on Young Projects at the PDC and check out the gallery Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Design Loves Art: Deep into the Medium with Paul Young (Part 1 of 3)

Devoted exclusively to moving imagery, Paul Young's Young Projects gallery opened in October 2009 in the Pacific Design Center (PDC) with two 4,000 square foot gallery spaces. Founded by Paul, a curator, consultant, and writer based in Los Angeles, Young Projects is designed to be less of a “media gallery” in the traditional sense than a true project space.

"I think that Paul's strength resides in his curiosity and persistence," said Christopher Grimes, an LA gallerist. "There is intelligence to the focus he has given to video through his writing and curatorial enterprises."

"Imagine a gallery full of rooms for viewing like they have at the Hammer Museum," said Nira Pereg, a video artist whose work Paul has featured. "That's what Paul is actually doing."

The mission of Young Projects is to operate on several levels: first and foremost, it's dedicated to changing the way in which people think of moving imagery—offering a challenge to the traditional model defined by movies and television, and to see it instead as a concrete art form, much like painting, fine art photography and sculpture. Second, it operates as a project space for both experimental film artists and contemporary artists who are interested in exploring the full capabilities of the medium. Third, it is devoted to providing a viewing space for the highest quality works available—works that rarely, if ever, get shown in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on Young Projects at the PDC and check out their gallery Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Meet the Designer: Keith Lichtman Helps You Love How You Live (Part 2)

New York-based interior designer Keith Lichtman of KL Interiors sat down with us to share his love for interior design. Today, he tells us more about his methods of design and shares what he's been busy with these days.

GDG: What has really helped progress your work?

KL: My methods of creating spaces have evolved over the years. My initial on-the-job training with two top design firms gave me the background as to how the technical process works and how to implement everything. Running my own business as the head designer and working directly with so many different kinds of clients and spaces has been the most invaluable in terms of creativity and design.

GDG: What are a few things you've been busy with lately?

KL: One thing I can say for certain in my business: There is never a dull or boring moment for me! My projects range in scale and style specific to each client. Any given day is a mix of designing, shopping, meetings, ordering, drawing, phone calls and more!

This summer I am working on projects for families with children as well as for couples and singles. The excitement for me is in that mix — from decorating a pre-war three-bedroom apartment to renovating an outdated, postwar kitchen and bath — and so many things in between!

GDG: Can you tell us something about yourself that many people don't know?

KL: I have 'mad love' for wall coverings, textured ones in particular. The range on the market is vast and far more chic and sophisticated than many people envision. It's no longer your grandmother's wrapping paper pasted on the wall!

Keith is one of GoDesignGo's newest guest bloggers, so stay tuned for his upcoming Tips From the Trade series.

New Faces: Kate Premo at Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman

Kate Premo is the latest addition to the New York staff at Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman (EF+LM), as their new Director of Public Relations and Strategic Marketing. Kate has an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, a masters degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University and a certificate in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design.

Kate has worked for a range of furnishings and textile companies, including Niermann Weeks, Schumacher and RJF International/Koroseal New York. She has also consulted for design-related nonprofits, including the Foundation for Design Integrity and Furnish A Future.

“I really enjoyed working with EF+LM as a consultant, and I’m thrilled to be working more closely with the team,” Kate said. “It’s a terrific company, a great group of smart, dedicated people, and a gorgeous range of furnishings. I’m really excited about this incredible opportunity.”

“Kate’s energy and enthusiasm, as well as her communications expertise and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we enhance and cultivate our core EF+LM brand and expand into the contract market with DECOURS. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have her knowledge, energy and passion on our team,” said EF+LM president Jobi Blachy.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear the new things happening at EF+LM this summer, and stop by the showroom to meet Kate.

Meet the Designer: Keith Lichtman Helps You Love How You Live (Part 1 of 2)

New York-based interior designer Keith Lichtman's philosophy is to 'love how you live.' Keith explains this and more when we had the chance to talk to him recently. Keith opened KL Interiors in 2002, and has been working his magic into his clients' homes and apartments ever since.

GDG: How did you get started in the interior design world?

KL: In the early days, well before selecting interior design as my career, I found myself subscribing to and collecting countless design magazines and loving everything about the design and decoration world. Having decided to make a career change from a figure skating choreographer, I enrolled in school at the New York School of Interior Design. I would also visit open houses because I was so fascinated by the way other people lived. To this day, I still visit open houses, immediately announcing I am viewing them solely as a voyeur!

I then landed a job as a junior designer at Sills Huniford, one of the top firms in the US, after just one semester at school! Our clients were Tina Turner and Vera Wang, among other notable celebrities. I was on the fast track! I then moved on as a senior designer and project manager at Thomas Jayne Studio before establishing my own business nine years ago.

GDG: What made you love the industry you’re in?

KL: I have always been a big believer in 'home' and 'home life.' Everyone needs that safe retreat, particularly in a big, crazy city. Creating a beautiful home with just the right character and vibe gives a kind of emotional support to the homeowner.

GDG: Have there been any particular people who have helped along the way?
KL: There isn't necessarily one individual who has been the most help in my career. Instead, I'd have to say that my accumulation of experiences with my clients keeps elevating my levels of creativity and inspires me!


Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear more about Keith's work. He'll share what he's been super busy with lately as well as a few fun facts about himself.

In the News: Pierre Frey Presents New 2011 Fall Collections (Part 1 of 2)

The Pierre Frey showroom has a lot going on, from Pierre Frey's recent promotion to Director of International Relations to the newest fall collections.

The newest collection from Braquenie brings together never-before-seen archive designs and reworked Pierre Frey classics. The collection is composed entirely of embroidered materials in original colors that perpetuate the archived historic documents.

"Braquenie's 2011 collection evokes such a passage of time," said a showroom representative. "The collection is very 18th century French in spirit, with stripes, checkered and embossed fabrics."

Check out the new Braquenie collection at Pierre Frey at the DDB and stayed tuned to GoDesignGo to learn more about Pierre Frey's newest collections.

In the News: Designers Guest Star in EF+LM’s Capsule Concept (Part 2)

The debut Capsule collection for Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman (EF+LM) was designed by David Herchik, principal of JDS Designs in Washington, DC. A long-time beloved client of EF+ LM, Herchik is known within the company for his imaginative and beautiful custom designs.

“David has challenged us with amazing custom work for years and has been a true partner to EF+LM," said EF+LM President Jobi Blachy. "We actually used some of his custom product from projects as a starting point for the entire collection.”

“EF+LM will continue to support our current wonderful licensees,” said Jobi. “They have been tremendous supporters of EF+LM for many years and their creations represent some of our best selling designs. Our Capsule Collection designers will be wonderful additions to the EF+LM family!”

Check back with GoDesignGo to learn about David Herchik and see his first Capsule Collection line.