DCOTA's International Design series starts July 12

Starting July 12 and running through August 9, the DCOTA will present a series devoted to "Clever Fixes with Designer Influences" as parts of its International Design celebration. The weekly events, on July 12, 19, 26, August 2 and 9, will share insight from talented designers and industry leaders on subjects ranging from color to custom furnishings. Here's a glimpse of what's in store in the series. Check back soon and we'll give the scoop on the subsequent programs. Here's a peek at what's in store for the first on July 12, devoted to COLOR!

Kicking off at 11am: Two exceptional individuals, David Bromstad from HGTV’s Design Star, and Maria Raco from New Wall, are by no means strangers to using pops of color in their work. The Miami Herald’s managing editor of Indulge Magazine, Betty Cortina Weiss, will delve into the world of these two unique characters as both David and Maria divulge where, what and who gives them their creative inspirations.


Keynote lunch reception at Donghia, Suite C-250. Then join Joy Eber and the staff at Inside Out with delicious desserts provided by Thierry’s, Suite B-216.

1– 3pm, Decorative Crafts, Suite B-218 • Creating Abundance with Feng Shui 1CEU Complimentary Credit
Join guest speaker Michelle Luongo, a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and founder of Balanced Living, Inc., as she walks us through an environment with Feng Shui eyes. Discover how Feng Shui can compliment your designs by bringing awareness to shapes, colors, fabrics and decorative objects. Michelle will focus on the Feng Shui approach to influence designs that reflect a luxurious lifestyle, attract abundance and invite prosperous opportunities. Reception to follow at Decorative Crafts Showroom, Suite B-218.

4– 6pm, Designer’s Plumbing Studio, Suite C-270
A NEW BEGINNING ON HOW WE HAVE MASTERED 25 YEARS OF "It's not just a bathroom, It's a lifestyle"
After 25 years at DCOTA we keep getting bigger and better and want to showcase our new and improved
showroom with more options, more technology, and more of everything that makes your bathroom unique.
Join us for a cocktail reception sponsored by LUXE Magazine.

Save the Date: Panoramic, Photographic Spaces

The Design Seminar Series is back in action with the first Spring seminar offering tips and staging trick to make your interiors camera-ready and help attract editorial attention.

The panel features internationally-renowned architectural and interior photographers Robin Hill and Troy Campbell; Editor-in-Chief of MIAMI magazine Luis Rigual; and moderated by Ashlee Harrison, Marketing Director of DCOTA.

Troy, Robin and Luis will share their take on what makes a space photogenic and picture perfect. Where many go wrong, you'll succeed with their simple do's and don'ts.

A lunch reception will immediately follow at SieMatic in Suite C-336.

The event takes place April 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Space is limited. RSVP required to marketing@dcota.com.

In the News: Holland & Sherry Hosts Clothing Trunk Sale

If you love Holland & Sherry as much as we do, it's possible that you've wondered if you could not only dress your home in their product, but yourself as well. Fortunately, we are all in luck because the interiors and apparel showroom is hosting a trunk show this week.

Barware, scarves, ties and belts are included in the trunk show, and for your personally styled Holland & Sherry custom clothing, schedule an appointment for a fitting.

The trunk show will be held this Thursday and Friday, March 8-9, during the DDB's building hours in the Holland & Sherry showroom. Contact Will Sofrin for more information and to make your appointment.

Event Recap: Gracie Shares History at Student Design Day

The DDB's Student Design Day-goers were all ears at Gracie Studio's presentation on the company's history, not to mention a lesson on Chinese and Japanese antiques and hand-painted scenic wallpapers. Jennifer Gracie and Mike Gracie, co-owners of the family-owned company, walked students through the past to what their family has spent decades selling.

Mike Gacie, principal of the fourth-generation, family-owned Gracie Studio, shared the story behind the brand and gave students a first-hand view on the finest hand-crafted works in décor.

"The turnout here on Student Day was huge, and it's great to know how impressive the future of design is," said Mike. "Jen gave an in-depth overview of Japanese and Chinese antiques, and the response was excellent. Students asked great questions and really kept the conversation going with their curiosity."

"It's always wonderful to spend time with students who are pursuing the industry that you're in," said Jen. "I had a lot of fun giving the presentation to them and sharing Gracie's story with new visitors in the showroom who may soon be avid clients!"

Stay tuned for more on Gracie's newly designed website that we can't wait to share.

Design Loves Art: Performance & Public Art Festival at PDC (Part 2 of 3)

The Pacific Design Center's Design Loves Art series for 2012 has begun, and we're sharing a few of the fabulous features you can expect this year. Design Loves Art runs at the PDC from now through March 23, 2012.

Here is Elsewhere presents From King Kong to Queen Califia: Niki de Saint Phalle & the West Coast, which marks Saint Phalle’s first show in Los Angeles in decades. The exhibition, curated by Yann Perreau at Here is Elsewhere Gallery, examines Saint Phalle’s relationship to southern California. From her Shooting Paintings in Malibu from 1961 to her Black Heroes series, realized in the late 1990s in San Diego, Saint Phalle found the West Coast a unique, lifelong source of inspiration that culminated in 2003 with her sculpture garden, Queen Califia’s (the legendary queen of California) Magic Circle in Escondido, California.

The exhibition is organized in conjunction with Pacific Standard Time’s re-creation of Tirs: Reloaded on January 22, an homage to Niki de Saint Phalle’s “tirs,” or shooting paintings, that took place 50 years earlier at the invitation of Virginia Dwan, which inspired Ed Kienholz, Ed Ruscha, and other prominent Los Angeles artists.

Saint Phalle is best known for her public sculptures, such as the Stravinsky Fountain next to the Centre Pompidou in Paris (1983), the Tarot Garden at Garavicchio in southern Tuscany (1998), the Grotto in Hannover's Royal Herrenhausen Garden (2003), and Queen Califia's Magical Circle. Born in 1930, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint Phalle died in 2002 at the age of 71 in La Jolla, California. The exhibition is courtesy the Niki Charitable Art Foundation.

For more information, visit the PDC online and check back tomorrow to hear about two other inspiring exhibitions featured at Design Loves Art.

CEU Seminar Series: The Basics of Specifying Automated Window Coverings

Having you gotten the scoop on automated window coverings yet? If not, Jeffrey Michaels and Hartmann & Forbes are hosting a Valentine's Day complimentary course on defining automation. The course will serve as a guide for the application of motorization to window coverings and cover how to choose the appropriate automation function on any given system.

Instructors will explore a variety of applications and provide detailed explanations of each solution and its benefits. The course will also explain a variety of motor, control and integration technologies and discuss each option's requirements. Lastly, the information required by the various trades involved in an automated installation will be explained, including the requirements for the window covering manufacturer.

This DCOTA CEU Seminar Series course will take place tomorrow, February 14, at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch reception at Jeffrey Michaels, Suite A-168.

For speaker information and reservations, email marketing@dcota.com.

Save the Date: VIP Insiders' View of What's New with Brunschwig & Fils

It's 2012 and the DCOTA isn't wasting any time kicking off the New Year with fabulous design events. Brunschwig & Fils welcomes the New Year with the event VIP Insiders' View of What's New.

Stephen Elrod, executive vice president and creative director of Brunschwig & Fils, hosts the  presentation. Stephen will indulge the audience with the exclusive opportunity to preview Brunschwig's newest product offerings. They'll even get the chance to learn how he and his design teams are evolving this important and historic decorative fabric collection.

The event will take place Thursday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Brunschwig & Fils showroom in Suite C-150 at the DCOTA. Lunch will be served following the presentation. RSVP by calling 954.920.5994 or emailing dania@brunschwhig.com.

PDC Highlights Latest Trends in Kitchen & Bath Design

Yesterday, we began telling you about the Pacific Design Center's events in celebration of Kitchen & Bath Month. The series of programs will feature all you need to know in current trends in kitchen and bath design and help you stay up-to-date on product knowledge. Here are a few more events taking place at the PDC that you won't want to miss.

Cooper-Pacific Kitchens (Suite G299) shares the new and the traditional starting at 2:30 p.m.. Discover what’s new in custom kitchens, closets and baths when traditional style meets high-tech design in the Cooper- Pacific showroom. Since 1986, three generations of the Cooper family have been leaders in show-stopping kitchen and bath design. Be inspired by their latest innovations including custom closet solutions.

Montanari Group (Suite G281) shares what's hot now with insider tips for best-selling features at 3:30 p.m. Join the team from Montanari Group for a panel discussion with a leading-edge architect Paul McLean from McLean Design, top interior designer Lynda Murray, and experienced real estate professional Peter R. Lorimer from Peter Lorimer Group, to discover insights on today’s home buyers.

Spectacular kitchens & baths, doors, and walk-in closets are the features that sell a home. Learn the latest ‘must haves’ that bring the highest returns on investment as well as tips to avoid the deal-breakers. Continue the conversation with the panel over Spumante and light refreshments from Cecconi’s Restaurant immediately following in the showroom. Please RSVP to info@montanarigroup.com.

For more information, visit the PDC online and don't miss the full day of Kitchen & Bath Design at on Thursday, October 27 at the PDC.

PDC Fall Market Recap: Collaborative Community Keynotes Rock the PDC

The Pacific Design Center's keynotes did not disappoint the crowds at Fall Market. Living up to the Market's theme, Collaborative Community, LUXE Interiors + Design presented a panel of designers who explored everything from fall design trends to this year’s Greystone Showhouse, Maison de Luxe, and the panelists’ forecast for all things design.

Moderated by LUXE Interiors + Design editor in chief Pamela Jaccarino, the panel included Barry Dixon, Philip Gorrivan, Kendall Wilkinson and Raymond Goins.

"It was a thrill to get a sneak peak of the designers’ mood boards and renderings from Maison de Luxe," said Elizabeth Chamberlain, Marketing Director of the PDC. "Our theme for this year’s Fall Market was Collaborative Community and Maison de Luxe is the perfect example of a community coming together to collaborate on an exciting project!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on the PDC's Fall Market recaps.

Event Spotlight: Potterton Books' Fall Lecture Series with Diana Vreeland

Lisa Immordino Vreeland unveils her book Diana Vreeland, The Eye Has to Travel for the first time at Potterton Books for the Fall Lecture Series. Married to Diana Vreeland's grandson, Lisa will take us through Diana's life and nearly 50 years of fashion.

Dubbed the High Priestess of Fashion, Diana's impact on style was legendary. Beginning in 1936 as a fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar, Diana established herself as a controversial visionary and a memorable writer with a talent for coining aphorisms. She invented and discovered fashion ideas, designers and photographers.

The event takes place October 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the Grolier Club in New York City. Admission is $30 and the book is available for purchase for $55. RSVP by emailing potterton.books@verizon.net or call 212-644-2292.

Event Spotlight: The History of Scenic Wallcovering with Gracie

From formal palaces to country estates, precious wallcoverings have been used throughout history to transport people to scenes far away from their familiar surroundings. Rooms with a View: A Brief History of Scenic Wallcovering explores the history of scenic wallcovering with Mike Gracie, fourth-generation owner of Gracie.

In particular, Mike will discuss the history of antique Chinese and French scenic wallcovering and the role of this special decorative element in design today.

The event takes place September 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the DDB's Astra Café on floor 14. A reception will follow at Gracie in Suite 1411. For speaker information and reservations, please call 212-472-1500 ext. 209 or visit www.nysid.edu. The fee is a $50 and the course is worth .1 CEU.

Event Spotlight: PDC Themes Fall Market 'The Collaborative Community'

The PDC's semi-annual Fall Market is fast approaching and while the line-up is still in formation, we were able to get our hands on a sampling of what designers can expect in the way of presentations, parties and product introductions.

The Collaborative Community is the theme of this year's market, taking place Thursday, September 22 at the Pacific Design Center from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fall Market Keynote will feature Luxe Interiors + Design, presenting Design Inspiration from Maison de Luxe.

LUXE Interiors + Design Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jaccarino will lead top interior designers, including Barry Dixon, Philip Gorrivan, Kendall Wilkinson and Raymond Goins in a captivating panel.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more PDC Fall Market details and for a complete listing of events, visit http://www.pacificdesigncenter.com/#/programs-events/.

Event Spotlight: Closing Reception for Scott Frances' MonoVisoN

We hate to admit it but after already extending the end date of Architectural Photographer Scott Frances' MonoVisioN exhibit at the DDB, it's finally come time to bid it farewell.

The exhibit featured 68 large-scale framed photographs and will be on view in the newly renovated gallery space through August 19, at which point MonoVisioN will travel to DCOTA and DCH.

Join Scott for a final walk through his exhibit at a special closing reception tomorrow evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m in Suite 110 on the ground floor of the DDB’s Annex Building. Call 212-759-5408 for information.

Save the Date: Open House at SieMatic

The International Design@DCOTA culinary retreat will take you to various showrooms with South Florida's premier chefs.

During the retreat, stop by the SieMatic showroom, and experience SieMatic SelectSurfaces and SmartDesign, two of the latest products in kitchen materials. Maintaining true durability and functionality while offering the aesthetic presence of a wood veneer, SieMatic’s Select Surfaces allow for an eco-friendly and unique kitchen design.

Visit the SieMatic showroom for culinary council and experience the newly engineered SieMatic Select Surfaces firsthand on August 3 in Suite C-336. For more information click here.

Event Spotlight: A Culinary Retreat

International Design@DCOTA isn't taking any vacations this summer, but they are offering a culinary retreat. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, this seminar will connect you with your inner chef's cooking and hosting talents.

South Florida's premier chefs come together to share their secrets at the DCOTA for a day. See how the experts create the perfect dining ambiance for any meal and master their favorite cocktails and cuisines. They're even indulging in teaching their signature recipes, event secrets and simple tips for home entertaining.

Events will take place at Eggersmann Kitchens, Siematic Kitchens, Poggenpohl, Allmilmo, Downsview Kitchen and Aran Cucine.

The events take place August 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the DCOTA's B Atrium. For more information visit http://www.dcota.com/#/special-events/.

Save the Date: The Heart of the Home

International Design@DCOTA is getting to the heart of the home this  summer with its upcoming seminar. If home is where the heart is, this seminar will teach you how to truly show your home some love.

Osirys Mendez and Sabrina Vela of Mendez International contend that comfort is the new formal with a discussion on how to enhance your entertaining space. With everything from plush sofas to soft lighting, Osirys and Sabrina will highlight how to create a gathering space that makes a statement in your home.

A reception will immediately follow at EG Cody in Suite B-112.

The event takes place July 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the DCOTA's B Atrium. For more information visit http://www.dcota.com/#/special-events/.

Save the Date: Making a Man's Den

International Design@DCOTA isn't forgetting the men's needs this Summer. Every man needs a retreat, and this seminar will help with all the things necessary for the ultimate gentleman's den.

DCOTA Design Services Director Alex Matamoros and A. Keith Powell of A. Keith Powell Interiors bring you the latest trends in the gentelmen’s den. Learn a new twist on the bachelor pad for the high roller that appreciates all the big boy toys.

A reception to immediately follow at Judith Norman in Suite A-250

The event takes place July 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the DCOTA's B Atrium. For more information visit http://www.dcota.com/#/special-events/.

In the News: Scott Frances' MonoVisioN Extends Stay at the DDB

We couldn't be any more excited to announce that Architectural Photographer Scott Frances' exhibit MonoVisioN at the DDB has been extended due to the enormous response since it opened June 21.

Originally open through July 29, MonoVisioN is now open through August 19 before it moves on to the DCOTA. So if you've been on vacation or simply under a rock, click here to read about Scott's phenomenal exhibit.

The 68 large-scale works are on view in Suite 110 on the ground floor of the Annex Building at the DDB, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Save the Date: David Sutherland Open House

The David Sutherland showroom is one of the many places to be during the International Design@DCOTA’s Summer Series because tomorrow, the showroom is hosting an all day open house to premier the new Sutherland Woven Classics collection.

Some of Sutherland's most popular and iconic designs are being re-released in an all-season woven synthetic, giving these acknowledged classics a new look while allowing them to stand alongside the rest of Sutherland's beautiful home furnishings. Durable and easy to maintain, this new synthetic resists UV rays, frost, heat, chlorine and salt, so bring the grill and swimsuit!

Visit David Sutherland in Suite C-450 tomorrow and get the first glimpse of Sutherland Woven Classics.

Save the Date: Suzanne Demish on the Furniture of Antoine Philippon & Jacqueline Lecoq

Demisch Danant and Potterton Books celebrate the publication of the newly released exhibition catalog of Furniture of Antoine Philippon and Jacqueline Lecoq with a lecture and book signing with Suzanne Demisch.

Philippon (1930-1995) and Lecoq (b. 1932) were part of a group of young architects who changed the face of French furniture production in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the French postwar reconstruction effort during the industrialization ear. Inspired by the teachings of their modernist masters of the Union des Artistes Modernes (U.A.M.), their goal was to bring harmony and comfort to interiors, employing modern materials and techniques, and to improve the daily life of French citizens of a postwar environment.

Philippon and Lecoq’s furniture is minimal with a strong architectural refinement and elegance. With an almost puritanical sense of functionalism, they approached interiors much in the same way, making them comfortable and humanly accessible while extremely efficient.

The event takes place July 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Demisch Danant Gallery in New York City. Admission is free but their is limited seating. RSVP by emailing potterton.books@verizon.net or call 212-644-2292.