Iron Entry Doors

I love huge iron & glass entry doors.  I think they make a pretty statement and a great alternative to typical wood doors.   As a matter of fact - I have an iron door in my own home.

All throughout Europe you will find incredible examples of iron entry doors. I have so many photos of fantastic, sculptural ironwork! But you don't have to go to Europe to get them. There are many incredible architectural salvage yards all throughout the country in which you can buy them.  And if all else fails and you can not find one you are in love with, you can always custom make one.

An added benefit to iron & glass is the fantastic light and view you will gain.

Shell Chandeliers

I'm kind of into custom shell chandeliers this week. And good, elegant shell chandeliers are really hard to find.

There are lots of cheap Florida-looking shell light fixtures all over the place.  But to find an unusual, sophisticated and elegant fixture takes time or requires custom designs. You have to have exquisite shells and you have to have a clean design that will show them off. Glam rock or beach cool can both be achieved with shells.  But if you are not careful you can also create tacky Key West quite easily.

Shells have been used for centuries in everything from jewelry to dishes.  I find it a lovely material to mix in because it creates a new texture in a room. So have fun with them and create a fresh vibe.

Jane Birkin

An Hermes Birking bag?  Great casual style.  But do you know the history?

Hermes designed and named the infamous handbag after the iconic English born model, singer and actresss Jane Birkin who's personal style has long been inspiration to fashion lovers the world over. The story goes that in 1981 on a flight from London to Paris, Jane's straw handbag burst open and all of the contents fell on the floor next to a fellow passenger who happened to be the director of Hermes. The situation left them  laughing and talking and he later designed the most famous and coveted handbag in the world.

No doubt one of the most beautiful women in the world, Jane's face and lifestyle inspired many. Today, the 65 year old,  lives with her bulldog and still performs and writes music and is a human rights advocate.

Love her and love my bag too.

www.janebirkin.net

2013 Oscar's Green Room

This year the 750 square foot VIP Oscar's Green room was designed by one of my favorite interior designers:  Madelaine Stuart.

Madeline grew up in Los Angeles with her father Mel Stewart, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who also directed Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

This year's space was inspired by old Hollywood glamour with an updated feel. An Art Deco bar, upholstered banquettes, emerald painted walls, lots of comfy, lounge Baker Knapp and Tubb furniture, and  of course,  electronics.  In all, 10 Samsung televisions for stars to watch and not miss who was on stage. Madeline said her design "pays homage to four decades of film designs. My goal was to design a space where contemporary stars wouldn't be surprised to bump into Cary Grant or Katharine Hepburn."

If walls could talk!  Congratulations Madeline on a job well done.

http://madelinestuart.com

Oscar's Stage Design

I love the Academy Awards red carpet as much as everyone.  I love seeing the dresses and the hair designs. But what I really look forward to the most is the stage design.

Having worked in the film indusry, I appreciate stages and adore the hard work of set and production designers.  There is so much planning and so much work to get these electronic, high tech and movable stages built.   

This year, Tony Award winning scenic designer Derek McLane was selected to design the remarkable half moon set that worked so well with the theme "past music in films".  The hanging lights, the circular oscar wheels.  It was a beautiful stage for all of the beautil music and performances.

Congrats to all winners!

Zig Zag

 Zig Zag designs are also known as chevron patterns.

As simple and childlike as a zig zag may seem, it  brings a huge amount of energy and style to a room. A zig zagdesign can be minimalistic, ethnic, graphic or traditional.  Its a patterns that crosses many design horizons and works well in many arenas.  

Chevron patterns are a stying power design and will always be in style.  A classic element that can be used on walls, floors, fabrics, pillows, pottery and anything else you could imagine.

Go zig and go zag!

Cheap WIne?

Life is too short for cheap wine!

I hope you have a great wekend and enjoyed a glass of fabulous.

Here are some of my favorites....

The 50's

Recently I have been completely into the 50's glamour style.  

It is a bit before my time, but I would have loved to live in that era.  I love getting dressed up and coiffed up, I love over the top glamour and I love martinis. I love Richar Neutra, Florence Knoll and Liz Taylor. They all conger up images of freedom and extravagance.  

For some people the idea of the 50's is pink plastic kitchenette furniture or boomerang sofas. But for me it's the idea of Nasa, American convertible cars, the International movement of architecture and the golden age of film.

Fun to day dream ...

Santa Barbara Polo

The Santa Barbara Polo Club is located in Carpinteria, California and its a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  Every Sunday (except in winter) you can attend the matches even if you are not a member.

The epitomy of the Ralph Lauren Home collections, the royal sport of polo is a graceful marriage between horses and men. Watching these guys gallop on their beautiful horses is very aristocratic and elegant. As a matter of fact, Prince William and Catherine were recently guest at the S.B.P.C. for an exhibition match when they visited California.

And my favorite team? Mansour - they rock!

 http://www.sbpolo.com/

The Closing Ceremony

I was not completely impressed with the Olympics "Opening Ceremony", but I loved the "Closing Ceremony".

The sets, stage design,the lighting and the fireworks all looked fantastic.  But the music was the best. There were so many British super power musicians and it was incredible to see them all on the same stage. Annie Lenox, George Michael , The Pet Shop Boys  and Queen were the bands I grew up listening to. What a great way to close the world Olympic celebration - with a big huge farewell concert.

Loved watching the Olympics.  Hope you enjoyed it too.

LA Roof Top Bars

Coolest place to be in LA on a summer night?  A roof top bar.

One of my favorites intimate roof top bars is the "Petite Ermitage" in West Hollywood.  But I also like the "Thompson Hotel" roof top  and the "Soho House" in Beverly Hills.  If you are looking for high drama, party scene roof tops, then  the "Standard Hotel" roof top downtown LA and the "W" Hollywood are going to be your best choices.

The best part about LA is the weather and there is no better way to enjoy being outside than having drinks and lounging on a roof top bar. But even if it's at a friends roof top in Venice Beach over looking the ocean, make sure and get outside with a mojito and enjoy the summer nights.

Private Jet Interiors

I love private planes, but I have never designed one.    I'm always fascinated by the great interiors and use of space in these jets.  

Post 911 travel is time consuming and cumbersome, filled with rules and regulations. So the ability to fly private is trully the ultimate luxury.   Unique and comfortable interiors in these jets is part of the luxury and part of what makes these flights so elegant. Wood paneled bathrooms, bedrooms, conference rooms, large screen tv's and bars are just some of the creature comforts some of the larger planes have. Large Airbus or Biz jets have phenominal interiors and outstanding details that allow the passangers work, have meetings, take showers, relax or even sleep in full sized beds.

Don't these photos inspire you?

CHOCOLATE BROWN

I am not trying to ruin anyone's diet with these photos .... but this week I was inspired by decadent, luxurious, chococlates!

The warm, smooth browns  and the creamy, delicious flavors of chocoalate are enough to drive any chocoholic mad.  And just a few photos of yummy chocolate ice cream and brownies we enough to inspire me to select a palette of browns to design a room.

Are you as addicted as me?

LANTERNS

Lanterns are such a great accessory.  I have come across so many beautiful and unique lanterns  on my travels and I love using them on jobs.  Apart from the soft,  gorgeous light patterns they cast at night, they create such mood in a terrace or patio that is so romantic.

Some of my favorite lanterns have been antique chinese wood lanterns and intricate Morrocan iron lanterns with colored glass.  But in todays market you can find replicas at great prices that you can hand as light fixtures, put in your patio, use as part of a floral arrangement or a table center piece.

Next time you see an old lantern, think of all of the creative ways you can implement it in your home.

 

 

 

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

 

Lady Gas Cans

Luxury has come to the gas can!

A new  series of designer gas cans is now availble on the market in case you drive the latest sports car and don't like to fill the tank.  They are made by  Death Spray Custom and started more as a tongue-in-cheek art project than serious commercial endeavor. 

If an LV, Chanel or Fendi monogrammed gas can won't turn heads at the gas station, and make people smiles, nothing will!

Tiny Bubbles

Champagne has to be one of the most popular holiday drinks.  Almost everyone can afford a bottle and it's fun and cheery.  It says celebration like no other drink. And personally - I love it!

But there is a reason champagne is elitist and fancy.  There are champagnes that are so fantastic and so pricy that realistically only a few people can afford them.   They are not readily available at every corner liquor store and they are available in limited amounts.

So if you are looking for over the top and out of this world look no more.  Here is the list that can bring in 2012  with a big bang.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bollinger Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Francaises 1997  about $ 650 per bottle

Krug, Clos Du Mesnil 1995  about $ 750 per bottle

Dom Perignon 1966 about $ 1,950 per bottle

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1995  about $ 3,500 per bottle

Cristal Brut 1990 “Methuselah”  about $ 17,000 per bottle

... and ...  the Holy Grail of champagne the Shipwreck 1907 Heidsieck which resently sold for $ 275,000 per bottle.

Holiday Yummies

I don't cook, but I love to bake!

I bake for my friends and family every holiday, and of course Christmas is no different.  Baking and making cookies for the holidays has become a tradition around my house and my friends all expect their cookies.  It's a fun way to get creative and show people you care.  

Ok...I know we are all on diets and we all eat healthy most of the year.  But when my cookies arrive - I promise you will be happy to break the rules and live a little.

So off to the store I go.  I have tons of ingredients to buy and I can't wait to get started on my holiday yummies!

 

 

 

One of My Favorite Stores in the World

Shanghai Tang, the only Chinese luxury goods department store, is one of my favorite shops in the world. But I'm sad that their Hong Kong flagship store will be closing next month.

The reason?  Abercrombie + Fitch knew their lease was up and offered 250% more in rent to attain the location!  A + F will be paying an astronomical $900,000 U.S.D.  per month for the premium 6,800 s.f., landmark space, directly across from Harvey Nichols in the Peddler Building.   

The store has been a must stop for Prince Andrew, David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Annie Lennox, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Richard Gere, Nicholas Cage and Sandra Espinet (yeah,me).  

I'm sad to hear of the Shanghai Tang flagship store closing and I am sad to hear of another American company being obnoxious and a bully. 

http://www.shanghaitang.com

2011 - The Year of Red

2011 was the year of red at the Emmy's award show. Red ruled!

For years critics have always said that red on the red carpet was not the best color because the carpet and the dress blended too much.   However, this year everyone and their stylist chose to ignore the rules and go for the cherry red gowns.  

I'm not a fan of red and cannot ever remember wearing a red dress.  But this year's Emmy girls rocked in red and it was a nice change to see a new rule broken and a new trend starting.

What do you think of red gowns?

THE WEDDING

A bit sad.  My beautiful  friend, fashion designer Kaelen, is getting married in NYC today and I will not be there. I'm sure it will be a fabulous event and I can't wait to see the photos of her custom dress which she designed.  

Stop it!  I know it's a girl thing.  But Im having teenage girl fantasies of wedding dresses today.  I'm a huge Elie Saab fan and I picture myself wearing one of his beaded couture gowns.  And of course, who could forget the La Perla honeymoon wardrobe?   Ohhhhh ... I love weddings.

Kaelen - love you and  wish you the best! 

ROMANTIC SPIRAL STAIRCASES

I'm feeling a little old fashioned and romantic today.   I want to put my hair up, get into a flowing gown, slip on a pair of fab heels and walk down a spiral staircase to greet my knight in shining armour.  

Think Scarlett O' Hara, Bride of Dracula ... and me in Elie Saab !  We all love the drama of amazing architecture and the sound of heels clicking down a spiral staircase, the visual of a long dress trailing behind you as you descend down the winding curves of a beautiful spiral staircase.

A girl is allowed to fanatasize ... about staircases, right?

 

African Burchell Zebra Skin Rugs

Animal activists chill out!

Anyone who has been to South Africa or Tanzania can confirm that the African Burchell Zebra are not extinct or close to being in danger. So buying an authentic zebra skin rug is not illegal or politically incorrect.   Zebras are beautiful animals and their hides create outstanding rugs that can enhance the exotic feel of any room.

Tanned hides will naturally curl around the edges over time. To prevent this and also to ensure that the hide lies completely flat, you should look for hides that have a thick felt-lining that covers the entire underside of the  rug. Applied felt-lining will aesthetically match the color of the zebra stripes as well as help preserve the life of the rug.

The cost of a zebra skin depends of the quality of the hide.  Some animals may have had fights or been injured so their hides reflect those wounds.  They are B quality. Other animals have perfect stripes and colors and no scarring.  Those cost more and are considered A quality.  

Do you like zebra skin rugs?

Anichini's Susan Dollenmaier

If you are a fan of Anichini, you probably have exquisite taste!   Anichini bed linens are some of the most plush and luxurious sheets in the planet.  About as high end as you can get with bedding and about as comfortable as a cloud!  I have them on my bed and I use them on every project I can. Sooooo delicious - you die!

Appart from super lux bedding, Anichini also manufactures 2 of my favorite towels. The overly plush terry towels that I use in the winter and the sophisticated linen towels that I prefer for the summer.  If you have not tried them, you are missing out!  

And the brainchild behind this incredible collection? The fabulous Susan Dollenmaier. I recently had the pleasure of meeting and sitting down for a chat with this super cool Vermont girl and was blown away at her style and charisma.  She is as real as the thread counts the sells.  No makeup, no hair color and she looked incredible and elegant. An amazingly intelligent, creative business woman with a passion for fabrics. Just an outstanding person with very clear insight and wisdom.   

I love all things Anichini!

http://www.anichini.com

 

Fabulous Hotel Stationary

I travel a lot and love to stay at great hotels, and when I leave, I always  take the hotel stationary with me.  

Why? Because  I find hotel stationary to be the ideal memento of a wonderful travel in far and away place. Plus, I travel light, and it takes no space in my luggage.  You can only get these distinguished notepads if you have stayed at the particular hotel!  So how cool is that?  When I get home and use them, memories of great trips come back to mind.  I have tons of them from all over the world. I use them to write my grocery lists, to leave notes to my family and to jot down ideas.  

I dream of champagne when I use the Paris Ritz notepad.  I smell the sea when I use the Amawana notepad.  I get hungry when I use the Stock Farm  notepad.  And my all-time favorite?  The fresh Beverly Hills Hotel pink and white stripe notepad. 

I'm currently using the Metropole Hanoi Hotel notepad .....

How much do you love Louis Vuitton?

What happens when one of the most recognizable and desirable, yet least accessible luxury brand lines in the world is removed from it's high society environment and placed in the real world? Among the many things, you get tons of knock off's, the painted logo on the body of Lil' Kim, on the front of a home, all over an old car and even on ceramic pots in Africa.   

Whether you like Louis Vuitton or not you can't deny the companies success and the inspiration they have given people on what the image of luxury and high style should look like.  The image of "rich" for most people is to drive a Mercedez Benz and sport a Louis Vuitton handbag.  Not many companies in the world  share such a universal world wide love and adoration.  

How much do you love Louis Vuitton?

STRIPES IN NATURE

I love stripes and use stripe designs in paint, wallcovering and fabrics.  They are very adaptable and can be contemporary, traditional, fun or serious. It all depends on the colors, the width and where they are used.  There are so many possible combinations and possibilities that stripes seem endless.

But some of the prettiest and most creative stripes are right in front of us in nature.  All you have to do is walk outside and look at your surroundings. 

Go for a walk and enjoy finding stripes in nature!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Royal Wedding at the PDC

I just got home from a day of shopping at the Pacific Design Center with clients.  I was so pleasantly surprised to see that even the design center has Royal Wedding fever!  They are hosting "Brit Walk" and have decorated for the upcoming Royal Wedding!

The lower level hallways have been dressed with large British flags and the lobby has several vignette groupings of all things English from a Beatles sofa to flag chairs.

I love LA so much sometimes! 

Gregory Colbert images

We see photographs on a daily basis, but few images create the visual mood and serenity that Canadian photographer Gregory Colbert has created.  

Gregory’s images are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw them. They enveloped me into a mood of serenity that no other photograph has ever done.  But his photos are just the tip of the iceberg.  To truly appreciate the magnitude of his work you must see it in exhibition and understand the scale and the size and the accompanying videos of each piece.   I was fortunate enough to be in Mexico City when his exhibition "Ashes & Snow” was showing and I had a crazy idea ( I have lots of those )  ...  I'm going to hire him!

Why?  Well a few years ago I was in Nepal and bought a newborn baby elephant who I named “Sandra Kali” ( princess Sandra).  I now have the dream of hiring and working with Gregory Colbert to have photos of my elephant and myself in the Chitwan National Park of Nepal.   Although Mr. Colbert's assistant  keeps telling me he is traveling and he has not yet returned my calls, I hope one day my dream will come true. So if you happen to know him, let him know I'm looking for him!

http://www.ashesandsnow.com

Pineda Covalin Designs

Until recently, high fashion was not available in Mexico.  But the House of Pineda Covalin has changed that image and has become the Hermes of Mexico.    The company was founded by 2 creative Mexican designers Cristina Pineda and Ricardo Covalin.  Their design and focus was to use traditional Mexican textile patterns and colors and adapt them to contemporary uses for silk scarves, ties, handbags and fine dresses.  They are very proud of their Latin heritage but wanted to give it a European twist and bring it out of the markets into the luxury boutiques.

As a textile collector I adore their work and clearly recognize some of the patterns they have borrowed from traditional village textiles, Oaxacan traditional costumes, folk artist Frieda Kahlo and Latin American prehispanic cultural images.  They print their designs on high quality silks and cottons and use the finest dies to create colorful, unique, modern prints.

I have bought many of their pieces through Mexico, but now Pineda Covalin has just started selling in select US stores and is available online.   The team recently designed a series of bottles for the Jose Cuervo Tequila company that are limited.  And watch out for their l seasonal edition scarves.  They are so luxurious!

http://www.pinedacovalin.com

In Black & White

And just because I love it so much ...  here are more Eiffel tower pictures. This time in black & white.

 

Le tour Eiffel

I think the most romanticized image of Paris has to be Le Tour Eiffel.  The iconic tower stands as one of  the most recognized architectural symbols in the world.  I can see if from my window.  Didn't Rod Stewart, Tony Parker and Tom Cruise propose at the tower?  As a matter of fact I had diner at the Jules Verne restaurant last night and loved it.  

Enjoy some of these vintage images of the Eiffel tower.

French Baguettes

One of my favorite things to do in Paris is eat fresh made baguettes with pesto, tomatoes and cheese. I don't know why, but they taste so much better here.  The warm soft insides, the crunchy outside and the delicious cheeses just make my day.

Oh...and the macaroons are to die for too.

I'm having such a great time in Paris.  Wish you were here!

 
 

Loving the architecture

I'm still in Paris and loving the architecture.  I just adore walking around and looking at all of the buildings.  No other city has so much detail and so many layers of design styles.  As an interior designer there is no better place to soak up inspiration.

Here are a few pictures of what I've seen today.  Enjoy!

I die for Versailles

From 1682 to 1789 Versailles was the main palace of the French Royals.  It was the home of various Louis kings and  the home of Marie Antoinette until her famous execution death.  It was also the home of napoleon Bonaparte. Today it is a historical French Museum and Unesco Wold Heritage Site and one of my favorite Paris stops.  I'v been many times and I never get tired of the fantastic architecture, the detail interiors and the unmatched gardens.  Versailles in not luxury - it is opulence at it's best. It's the most extravagant of all European palaces.

I am in love with all things French again.  It happens on each visit to Paris.  And today?  I die for Versaille!

 

off to Paris...

Au revoir!  Im off to Paris for a few days.  One of my favorite cities in the world. So today so I simply wanted to send out beautiful Paris images.

Have a great weekend.   I know I will!

Black Swan at the PDC

March 4th to June 5th, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at the Pacific Design Center, will be exhibiting:  Rodarte- States of Matter, the first West Coast solo exhibition and work of fashion and costume designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.  

The exhibition will feature more than 20 pieces from Rodarte’s Spring 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2008 runway collections, and original ballet costumes designed by Rodarte for the feature film Black Swan. The selected works are largely achromatic, dominated by black-and-white motifs with occasional red accents, and will be installed in a series of  vignettes, both static and in motion.

Hope you can make it!

Always the Bride...

Always the Bride, Never the bridesmaid!  

One of the things I will always remember the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor for, are all of the fabulous wedding photos she left behind.   She never gave up hope on love and married 8 times to 7 different men.  

1.     Conrad "Nicki" Hilton
2.      Michael Wilding
3.      Michael Todd
4.      Eddie Fisher
5.      Richard Burton
6.      Richard Burton
7.      John Warner
8.      the shocker -  Larry Fortensky

Lack of commitment? Or a true romantic? 

2011 Oscars Green Room

Before  the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, the presenters and winners relaxed backstage in a temporarily-transformed oasis created by Michael S. Smith. Architectural Digest selected him as this year's 2011 designer for the Oscar event and his design was a retro version of the 40's elegant library of famed studio executive Jack Warner.

I am a fan of Michael's work and I like his concept of using neutral and relaxing colors as a calming factor after getting off of the crazy, loud red carpet. Even though it's called "the green room" there was no green.  Instead, wood paneled walls surrounded a relaxed living room  arrangement with upholstered pieces in browns, golds and traditional art.

Good job!  I liked it, did you?

Asian Arts Week in NYC

Are you going to the Asian Arts Week event in NYC?  It will take place between March 18th and 27th.

Asia is growing at a very fast pace and Asian Arts Week hopes to introduce us to the arts and cultures of  China, India, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Southeast Asia via events, auctions, exhibitions and galleries. Speeches will be held all over the city and topics such as "Power & Sensuality - The best of Khmer Art" (at Sotheby's) and "4000 year of Japanese Pottery" (at the Brooklyn Museum). 

I have spent lots of time in Asia and I have a huge appreciation for Asian antiques.  As a matter of fact, the glass staircase to my design studio is lined with framed antique Chinese textiles and my office has a pair of large antique Tibetan doors in it.   If you are in NYC I hope you have time to catch some of the events!

http://asianartsweek.com

MY TRAVEL SECRET

I always manage to find the best hotels, the best restaurants and the best of the best when traveling. Myy friends are always baffled and continually ask me how  I find these places in far away exotic cities.    

Are you sitting down?  Im about to divulge one of my best kept travel tips:  Luxe City guides and Louis Vuitton City guides.  It is really that simple!  These two super sophisticated and high end travel guides only list the best of the best in each city.   I have had many bad trips because I trusted travel agents who simply are trying to sell rooms in hotels they rep.  But if you are on a busy schedule, why waste time with medeocraty? When you only have 4 days in Paris or 3 days in Bangkok there is no time to waste exploring questionable restaurants and hotels.   

Of course ... If you are looking for budget ... I am of no help at all!

http://www.luxecityguides.com/
http://www.louisvuitton.com/

        

 

LUX SACHET

One of the most unique gifts I received this year was a decadent handmade fabulously scented sachet from Gold ‘N Dulcinea.  The experience started with an amazing white wood box lined in silk.  The large scale sachet sat on a bed of velvet and smelled so lovely I immediately instinctively pulled it close to my nose. As soon as I lifted the lid and touched soft cashmere of the “Button Me Up in Bling” and breathed notes of violet and gardenia petals I was hooked.  All of the sachet casings are so lux,  made out of cashmere, lace and silk and embellished with Swarovski crystals, pearls and leather bows. 

These sachets are so cool they are even being used for celebrity weddings as ring bearer pillows.  Fans include E’s Guiliana Rancic, Vanessa Minillo, Nancy O’Dell and me!

Not quite your grandma’s sachet.  Very cool!

www.goldndulcinea.com

 

2010 Oscar's Green Room

I love the Oscar's and every year I watch the award show.  I'v always dreamed of going to the event and seeing the infamous Green Room in person.  But I imagine that designing the Green Room at the Oscar's has to be one of the most difficult jobs an interior designer can do.   It's a mythical room where every celebrity and Oscar winner will be schmoozing, drinking and eating.  It will be remembered for years to come.  It's been called the CAA waiting room!

For the 2010 event designer Roger Thomas was selected and he drew inspiration from the 1930's and chose a glamorous gold and black palette, a chinese screen and left out the traditional coffee table and inserted stools which he said could double as seating.  The floor is polished black tile, splattered with paint by Christopher Peacock. 

I can't wait to see this years Green Room design!