Echo Design and Windsor Smith outdoors for Kravet

Nothing like a hump day afternoon to have us daydreaming of an afternoon in the sunshine. Kravet Soleil's latest outdoor textiles collections, from Echo Design and Windsor Smith Home let us harness that playful mood even if we're stuck indoors. With such beautiful, and durable fabrics that feel as good as they look, why shouldn't we do the whole house in them?


Hammock in Merton Stripe with pillows in Torbali.




The Echo Design collection includes sky blues, rich oranges and citrus notes with as many patterned elements for a perfectly mix-and-matched look. The company, which started as a scarf brand back in 1923, is now known for its range of home accessories with a classic, modern American sensibility.




Windsor Smith, known for her relaxed style, designed a palette of greens, pinks, bright yellows and strong neutrals that capture her California sensibility.

Meet the blogger: Mindy Miles Greenberg

This morning we're meeting Mindy Miles Greenberg, of EncoreDecor who will be joining the DDB's Spring Market Bloggers Lounge in just 9 days...

Where are you from? I am a native New Yorker that stumbled on home design after many years working in retail store display/design.

What did you do before blogging? I've collaborated with world class organizations like: Louis Vuitton, Donald Trump, Benjamin Moore, Hilton and even Ringling Bros. on the branding and presentation of their property. All my past employers have taught me how to stretch creative boundaries and re-define the definition of "design". It always amazed me that each product manufacturer, store owner or mall management company had such a unique vision of what they wanted to convey to their target consumer. I was hired to make their "image", actually happen on the store level. I am fortunate to have had many mentors. Soon after I turned my focus to working in homes, I was invited to be on a regular segment on HGTV, which lasted many years.

How long have you been blogging? I launched my blog about three years ago as a way of connecting with the design world, reaching out to my past clients and because I wanted to do it as a personally fulfilling creative journey. 

What's your blogging schedule like? My posting frequency happens organically, not on schedule. I don't post daily, but make sure my posts are filled with content that reflects my point-of-view. Sometimes it takes hours to create a post, but I guess it takes that long to create a multi-course meal - so since posts live-on in cyberspace, it's time well spent!

Favorite showrooms at the DDB? I love shopping the DDB. All my time there is project driven, so I don't rush home to blog about the latest and greatest every night but save it up for a day with less excitement. It's hard to keep-up with the demands of running a design firm, so I have a file-pile that has ads, papers, fabrics, ideas, etc. that's my go-to for inspiration. Some of my favorite haunts are: Kravet, Romo, Creation Baumann and Lewis Mittman. I love the modern lines by Windsor Smith and Kelly Wearstler.

How do you shop the building? I always spend some time checking out the entrance window displays to make sure I don't miss anything new. My usual routine is to take the elevator to the top floors and walk down.

What else should we know about you? With my blog, Twitter and all the other social media outlets, my reading has been mostly on the computer. I do love to attend events, and thanks to the DDB's design community, there are so many opportunities to meet, greet, mingle and learn. Fact-taking for posts very much reminds me of note-taking in school - it didn't come naturally, but I worked hard to make the grade.  Since the world has changed at such a fast pace, I love the idea of being about to speak my mind, break the rules and be myself using this blogging medium. And since it's my name on the front door, I have nobody to answer to! It's a wonderfully liberating creative endeavor.

DCH Spring Market, April 18

The Decorative Center Houston is well underway with preparations for Spring Market on April 18th. Highlights include:

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Morning Keynote.
PaperCity Magazine presents DESIGN ACROSS DISCIPLINES
Design Across Disciplines ... Exploring aesthetics in design, architecture, photography, retail, product, and more.

PaperCity Magazine Editor-in-Chief Holly Moore and Features Editor Laurann Claridge will sit down with celebrated designers Blair Gordon, West Coast Interior Designer and founder of Windsor Smith Home Collection, Windsor Smith, interior architect Lauren Rottet, as well as the acclaimed design and cultural institution photographer, Scott Frances for a lively discussion exploring design across disciplines.
Please join PaperCity Magazine and the keynote panel for progressive keynote reception at Kravet, Suite 150 and a private gallery tour hosted by Scott Frances, Suite 1050. RSVP to 713.961.9292 ext. 1320 or email marketing@decorativecenter.com.

12:30 – 2:00 PM
Keynote Reception, Suite 1050


Scott Frances: MonoVisioN – Tour and Book Signing
Meet architecture and lifestyle photographer, Scott Frances for a private tour of his exhibition MonoVisioN followed by book signing.

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
2:00 – 3:00 PM, Ground Floor Gallery

BILL STUBBS: MORE FUN MORE BUSINESS
Join Bill Stubbs, AD 100 interior designer, author and esteemed host of the Emmy nominated TV series, Moment of Luxury for a special Keynote entitled “More Fun More Business”. Learn from the master himself on how to grow your business in alignment with your passion.
Reception to follow at Schumacher, Suite 4017.
RSVP to 713.961.9292 ext. 1320 or email marketing@decorativecenter.com.

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Schumacher, Suite 4017
Keynote Champagne Reception and Open House

Please join Schumacher for a Keynote Champagne Reception and an Open House to celebrate the launch of the spring 2012 offerings at 3:00 PM in the showroom. The new collection includes Côte d’Azur, Indoor/Outdoor fabrics inspired by the French Riviera, and LuLu DK | Child, a joyful and sophisticated collection of prints and embroideries for children, from infants to teens.



And of course, Stars of Design, and the debut of Stars on the Rise




7:00 – 9:00 PM
Exhibition Opening Reception, Suite 1050

MonoVisioN
ScottFrances
Architectural Photography

Charles S. Cohen and Decorative Center Houston are pleased to present acclaimed design and cultural photographer, Scott Frances. A frequent contributor to such illustrious magazines as Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, New York Times Magazine, and Departures. Scott has worked with many of the world’s most famous architects, designers and celebrities.

RSVP to 713.961.9292 ext. 1320 or email marketing@decorativecenter.com.

Visit DCH for the complete schedule.