Specialists of Design: Kate Bergeron Shares Her Holiday List of Decorating Do's (Part 1 of 2)

DDB Design Professional Kate Bergeron last shared her love of design with us in the form of spectacular lighting ideas. Kate's love for design shines through in her blog Kate's House of Happy and given the holiday season, Kate is sharing with us her list of  perfect ways to decorate, host and celebrate the new year.

By Kate Bergeron

Most of us love the holidays but, let's face it, this time of year can be difficult when hosting a holiday gathering, decorating your home, setting the table or plans with your out-of-town friends. A lot can go wrong but if you plan it right, and let yourself relax a little, a sturdy list to help you remember what is always okay to do during the holidays will put you on the fast track to a wonderful Winter of holidays and fun.

When hosting friends and loved ones over the holidays, setting the dining table can either be the simplest part of your to-do list, or the last, uncrossed bullet point that you can't stop dreading. Get fancy! Pull out your great grandmother's sterling silver flatware that is otherwise reserved only for special occasions—the holidays are one of them!

Your home need not only be decked out in colors of green and red—there are plenty of other, more compatible and complimenting colors to choose from that look far more elegant and will feel even more festive. Incorporate gold into your decor—red and gold or green and gold are striking colors when put together and the flash that golden colors can add will only increase your spectacular space. If you're not into any of it, ditch the red, green and gold and use a neutral palate with splashes of a rich, earthy cranberry!

For another decorating idea, do as J. Robert Scott does and douse your dining room in red! Unless you REALLY like to paint, this look can easily be achieved by opting for all red accessories, from linens to candlesticks. J. Robert Scott also takes the cake with seasonal red berries, used in the lobby display window at the DDB.

Every year, my mom likes to scout and hand pick these every year with her friend Susan (yeah, that might have been them on the side of the highway).  But if it's the city sidewalks you encounter on your way home, almost all bodegas sell them in big bunches (albeit a little more expensive than the free ones in the Connecticut bushes, but lovely all the same). Lay them in the center of your dining room table, organically strewn about, or in a vase beside your bathroom sink—the more berries, the better.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Kate when she shares more on how to handle decorating for the holidays.

Specialists of Design: Kate Bergeron Finds Freedom in Lighting (Part 2)

Yesterday, Design Professional at the Design & Decoration Building Kate Bergeron began sharing her love for good lighting. Here's more from Kate about some of her favorite light sources and the designs she loves most.

By Kate Bergeron

An added bonus to great lighting sources is that, aside from the beautiful fixture and coordinating lampshade, lighting can mellow the mood with a dimmer bulb when you want to create a relaxing ambiance, or illuminate the room when you're picking up the pace. When done right, good lighting can even mask challenges like not enough window light.

The D&D building is full of wonderful lighting sources. Among my favorites are Donghia, Jerry Pair, Ralph Lauren, Holland & Sherry, Holly Hunt and Lorin Marsh to name a few. I also love that some of the most interesting chandeliers or pendants can be found in your grandmother's garage or even at Good Will. I'm also not opposed to buying a sconce from Ikea and throwing some bronze paint over the base for a more luxe-vibe.

Though, as for the real deal, right now I'm totally into the funky designs of New York City-based artist Lindsay Adelman. I love her original spin on the lighting's Calder-like shapes, and swoon for the edgy punch in many of her chandeliers. Favorite interior designers of mine certainly deliver, too. I never tire of Kelly Wearstler's lighting choices. Whether it be the placement of a candle or that perfect rustic-gold table lamp, Kelly knows how to elevate a space to a whole new level of enlightenment!

You can contact Kate for help with where to find phenomenal lights at the DDB. Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear from the PDC's Design Professional, Cory Pernicano.

Specialists of Design: Kate Bergeron Finds Freedom in Lighting (Part 1 of 2)

We recently introduced you to Kate Bergeron, who works alongside Jason in the Design Professionals office at the Design & Decoration Building. Kate's love for design shines through in her blog Kate's House of Happy and in the form of light—lamplight that is.

By Kate Bergeron

Lighting is without question, my favorite part of any space, interior or exterior. I love everything about lamps: the shapes, sizes, history, importance of their presence in a room—and the fact that they provide light (beyond the “duh” factor, I am also thinking along the metaphorical line). I  love the accessibility of lamps, which can often equal affordability, as opposed to dropping some big cash on a sofa or fabric.

The power of “good lighting” is something that simply cannot be forgotten when creating phenomenal interior design, whether within or outside of your home. Lighting sets the tone for an intimate dinner party or an outdoor barbecue, and contributes to the memory of these events and moments stamped in our minds.

Like pillows and vases and other accessories that are interchangeable, nothing is permanent with lighting, which makes it all the more enjoyable to consider—not to mention easier to take risks with. This very nature of lighting that can allow an unending room of inspiration for designers is perhaps what I love most.

When thought of as an accessory, lighting can become that magical, finishing touch on a nearly complete space. Because of the versatility of light, the ability to change out the shade when a new season rolls around is a welcomed freedom not offered by other products in design (think the color we paint our walls or the rugs we chose in our living room).

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Kate when she shares more on lighting up your design.

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

The Design Professionals have the inside scoop on design in New York, Florida, Texas or California—each of the Cohen Design Center locations. Providing a unique consulting and buying program for those who aren't currently working with a designer, they extend the coveted access to textiles and furnishings within the design centers.

Here's more from the DDB's Design Professional Kate Bergeron.

GDG: What do you enjoy most about your work at the DDB?

KB: What I think is so cool about the buying service is that there are a lot of creative people out there who aren't licensed designers that I get to work with. These creative people may also, for one reason or another, not be interested in working with a designer. I love when I am able to give a really excited client access to the building so that they can have that total artistic control.

GDG: Where did your interest in design originate?

KB: I feel pretty confident that I would eventually pursue a career in the design industry after my grade school teacher told me I was "destined to live a creative life." I have to be honest, I didn't entirely understand her words at the time, but I knew that, for better or for worse, I was a keen observer (with a pinch of neuroticism) of every detail around me. This was especially the case when it came to art and design.

As an adult, I think my interest in design, especially interior design, stems from always wanting to feel happy, inspired and at peace in whatever space I'm in. Design is largely responsible for that.

GDG: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

KB: I know I'm not the only one, but I like to collect one really special thing from the places I've traveled. These things are often inexpensive or free. I got an amazing, Greek-inspired vase from a flea-market in Berlin for 10€. I also found this little coral and wood formation buried in the sand while swimming in Anguilla, that conveniently stands upright and holds some of my jewelry!  Without a doubt, I smile every time I look at these things!

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

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.

Event Recap: Holland & Sherry Celebrates Cullman & Kravis After Hours at the DDB

Holland & Sherry presented the first-ever fabric collection by Cullman & Kravis at a stylish event last week featuring C&K signature cocktails, piquant hors d'oeuvres and of course, neck ties and outfits made from the new Cullman & Kravis fabrics.

"I've been so excited about this launch and about taking this huge step," said Elissa Cullman, interior designer and co-founder of Cullman & Kravis. "I shop at Holland & Sherry more than anywhere else because I love what they have and I love to work with them. There was no other showroom that I wanted to work with once I decided to launch a fabric collection, it was an obvious choice."

We asked Elissa what the inspiration was for her fabrics, and why she decided to take this venture.

"I really felt there was a need in the industry for what this collection offers," Elissa said. "I wasn't finding everything that I was looking for and even though this collection is slightly different from Holland & Sherry's overall look, I wanted it to be a partnership with them. My inspiration was really the need that I saw."

"We love working with Elissa and we couldn't be more excited about this collaboration," said Bryan Dicker, President of the Holland & Sherry Interiors department. "Elissa really understands fabrics and the needs of our clients. We've been working with her for years and we couldn't be more thrilled to carry her collection."

Bryan then proudly showed us the tie he and other Holland & Sherry associates were wearing, made from one of the new collection's fabrics. "These were all made from Cullman & Kravis fabrics, and make sure you look around because there's a little girl her whose dress is also made from the fabrics!" said Bryan.

A few of the notable guests in attendance included top editors Margaret Russell, Erin Swift, Eugenia Santiesteban Soto, Nanjoo Joung, and Orli Ben-Dor; and top designers Christopher Maya and Shari Markbreiter.

Be sure to stop by Holland & Sherry to see the collection for yourself!

Thanksgiving Do's & Don'ts

Whether you’re the host, hostess or hostee, Thanksgiving is an affair rife with do’s and don’ts—from dinner attire to wine selections and seating arrangement; who’s stuck sitting next to Great Aunt Mildred? We asked our pals at the DDB's Marketing office for their advice on how to make this holiday simple and sweet.

Bobby Contini, National Marketing Director:

"Don't forget the last minute fabulous dessert. Use in-season fruit, slice and arrange it beautifully on a bed of ivy or something from the outdoors. If you can't find anything practical or clean enough like ivy, throw it on a fabulous plate. Strawberries work best if you press them and sprinkle some powdered sugar on them or drizzle some dark, milk or white chocolate on them. Then, enjoy!" Bobby continued, "It's a hassle free, easy and beautiful thing to put on your table or bring to someone's house, and everyone can enjoy it."

Jason Lowe, Director, Design Professionals:

"Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, I feel like we are constantly bombarded with article after article about what wine choices we should be making.  After many great Thanksgivings with friends, all with really different likes and dislikes, we have learned to ignore the wine tips and just go with what we like.  Don’t worry about it — get inexpensive wines and LOTS of them. And enjoy."

Millie Massa-Ahmed, Marketing Associate:

"Do get dressed up. It's a holiday, people! The worst thing you can do is look like a mess in front of friends and family. Do bring your host or hostess a gift if you're not hosting yourself, you can't forget that. Don't forget to thank the people who invited you, it's tough work to host! And enjoy the holiday with friends and family. Don't be alone for Thanksgiving; the holiday is all about good people, delicious food, and lots of laughs!"

Kate Bergeron, Design Professionals:

"Please don't forget to say what you're thankful for. I've always felt that being together is more important than having 3 turkeys and ridiculous plastic leaves on my plate. Then again, I've yet to host my own Thanksgiving dinner. Oh! And don't forget the wine!"

Leave a comment and tell us what your do's and don'ts are. GoDesignGo and Cohen Design Center staff wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!