2012 OSCARS GREEN ROOM

Every year I look forward to seeing the Oscar's Greenroom.  For the last 10 years, Architectural Digest has produced this swanky backstage lounge where celebs hang out and relax in between their time on stage.  

This year, AD interior designer Waldo Fernandez was the chosen to create the perfect haven just to the right of the Oscar stage.  Inspired by 1930's and 40's Hollywood, comfy couches were combined with antiques. To generate soft and flattering light he used a variety of grey tones.  For the first time ever champagne was served in the Greenroom, complimenting the old Hollywood vibe.

Were you a fan of this year's Greenroom?  

Crazy Cool Screens

The crazy cool tv screens of today are not your dad's tvs.

Not only have the quality and size of tv's increased, but today's large screens are so thin they even look pretty when they are off.  They can be mounted into any wall and create the ultimate viewing experience.

So which are the best money can buy?  According to my clients and electronics guru they are:  The Sharp 108” LCD screen and the Bang & Olufsen Beovision 4-103.  Both cost over $100 k and are one of the electronic luxuries all men want.

How big is your tv?  Yup - size does matter.

A Gun? or a Lamp?

What do you get when you combine a gun and a lamp?  The Gun Lamp - of course.

Created by Philippe Starck, the gun lamp is the perfect arsenal  accessory for mob bosses and weapon fanatics alike. And the addition of the embossed quote “happiness is a hot gun” around the base is pretty funny too.

But gun lamps are also custom made with real, vintage or replica guns that are mounted onto base stands. Depending on the size of your available gun, they can be table lamps or standing lamps.

So I guess the question is:  Have any weapons you are not using that I can convert into a lamp?

Creative Sink Vanities

All it takes is some  thought and you can come up with a unique and creative vanity sink.

So many items can be custom made into a vanity and so many types of vessels can be recycled into sinks.   I have recycled old furniture and iron screens into vanities and I have used large clam shells as sinks as well as unique ceramic bowls.   

Some of these photos may also help you visualize items other designers have done to create interesting spaces in powder baths.   

DAVID BEAHM

New York event planner and florist David Beahm's love of flowers began when he worked in his godfather’s floral shop as a boy.  He eventually pursued a career as an opera singer, immersing himself in the world of theatrical visual display.  The combination of the grand theatrical décor and his fondness for floral art were a segue into the world of event planning. 

In 2001, the “Wedding of the Century’’ or the marriage of Catherine Zeta-Jones to Michael Douglas, catapulted David Beahm’s career into the stratosphere.  Forever in search of perfection, David is now widely known for his stunning, imaginative and over the top events.  With innovative florals and impeccable details, each is truly unique from the other.  In addition to countless brides, his client roster includes; Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier, Victoria’s Secret and he has been featured on shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Martha Stewart as the go to guy for events.  

For years David has been trekking all over the globe.  He has now started “David Beahm’s Destinations”, a group of over three dozen hotels that he has personally inspected, and deemed worthy of the exquisite weddings and parties he is known for. Working with a team of travel planners and utilizing the unique partnerships he has created at these hotels, not a detail is missed, and his clients get to live experiences of a lifetime at this collection of some of the world's most incredible getaways.

Wouldn't you like him to plan your next event?

http://www.davidbeahm.com/customevents/

 

 

Home Theaters

Home theaters are not just for movie producers anymore. With today's technology and everyone's love of film,  having a full on home theater is a reality for most luxury homes.

I have designed many home theaters and it takes collaboration with a great electronics team to create a proper theater because of the huge amount of systems and electronics that go into these sophisticated rooms.  Kaleidescope systems, professional surround sound systems and 3D screens, T1 universal remotes and many other cool toys are all used to create the magic. But there is also a lot of fantasy and creativity.  Everything from fiber optic stars on ceilings, bars with creature comforts, to electronic drapery and electronic seating makes designing a home theater fun.  

And the best part?  The popcorn machine!

Game Rooms

One of the most luxurious perks of having a large home is having the space available to have a game room.

But what is a game room? It's a room dedicated to all of the fun activities a family may have. Everything from a home bar, a pool table, beer pong tables, photo booths, arcade games. karaoke stages, cigars and humidors, poker or bridge tables.  Basically any activity that entertains.  

I love designing game rooms because you can really get personal and create unique areas with lighting and decor that is not appropriate for the rest of the house.  Some people like sports and a game room is a great place to hang sports memorabilia.  Some people like music and a game room can be a great place for a juke box or old record collections.  But most of all a game room is a place of gathering with family and friends and a place memories will happen.  Making it comfortable and making it fun is the goal.

What's your favorite game room activity?

Skibo Castle

Looking for your next super amazing holiday destination? Dreaming of a championship golf course? Old world architecture or falconry classes?  Well  I've got just the place for you.

Skibo Castle is a private, residential sporting club located in Southern Scotland. It dates back to the 12th century but was mostly restored and renovated in the 19th and early 20th century. It was the former country home of industrialist  Andrew Carnegie. Today sits on a 7,500-acre estate and has fully restored guest rooms, many of which have original Edwardian details. There is a members-only spa and an 18-hole championship golf course. Hotel guest can stay once. To stay a second time you must become a member.

And if you go before me, make sure and taste the famous ginger crunch cookies.  I hear they are amazing!

 

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Today is the one day of the year that is completely acceptable to be corny with sappy with cards and gifts.  As a matter of fact, it's expected.  It's ok to pretend you live and star in a romance movie. But most important it's the day you can be creative and come up with cute and silly ways to show the person you love how much you care.   So go ahead and have some fun.  Enjoy the luxury of love. Not everyone has it.

May your day be filled with smiles and your evening be filled with love.  

Red Lipstick

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Are you running out of ideas?  Have you already sent the roses, chocolates, cards and green M&M's?   Here is a cute and simple way to show your love:  red lipstick.

All it takes is a few seconds to write a simple sentence or a few words on your lovers mirror.  Find the prettiest mirror and your brightest red lipstick and go for it. Go for your luxurious Chanel rouge allure red. Simple and direct.

What are some of your other favorite Valentine's Day ideas?

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2012

Off to to New York City for fashion week!

It is still chilly in the city, but the buzz of style and new fashions, chic runway shows  warms my heart. Its all so so exciting and inspiring.  The continual movement of fashion and the amazing shows designers put on twice a year create color trends for the future.   One of my favorite new designers is Kaelen and I will be seeing her spring show at the Lincoln Center.

Anyone else going?  Wha shows will you be attending?

http://www.kaelennyc.com/welcome