Archive for August, 2010

Architectural Digest Has a Cool New Feature

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Paige Rense gave us a going away present in the latest issue of Architectural Digest. 

Designers’ Own Homes-  it seems like every other issue covers this topic, but this time there was a little something extra on select designer’s pages.  A Matrix looking  “tag” now allows you to snap a shot with your smart phone and watch interviews with the world’s best interior designers.   It was like I sat in a meeting with Mica Ertegun, Mariette Himes Gomez, Juan Montoya and Thad Hayes during the 3 hours it took to highlight my hair this morning.  How’s that for muli-tasking?!

I hope Margaret Russel, the new lady at the helm, decides to keep the feature in every issue and other editors follow suit.  Interviews I’d like to watch include: Victoria Hagan, Karin Blake, Bunny Williams, Kelly Wearstler, Jennifer Post, Joanne de Guardiola, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Peter Marino,  Ann Getty, Candace Olson, Nina Seirafi, Suzzane Tucker, Jeff Lewis, Kenneth Brown, Barclay Butera, Windsor Smith and even though he’s not a designer, Mayer Rus.  Anyone listening?

Until now, I had to fight traffic, pay enormous sums for parking  and walk unusally long distances (usually in heels) through design centers, trade shows or showrooms to listen to these people speak.  It was worth it because I ALWAYS learned something valuable. They are the best of the best after all.  But now, I can just scan and view anytime, any place.  

Thanks for the parting gift Paige, we’ll miss you.

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Posted in Architecture and Design, Interior Designers, Lectures, Public Speaking, Tag Technology | No Comments »

Death of the McMansion

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Today the front pages of Yahoo and CNBC confirmed:  The McMansion- IT’S OVER, IT’S DEAD, and hopefully it’s not coming back-EVER!  For the past twenty five years I’ve watched McMansions destroy the once upon a time quaint neighborhoods of Los Angeles like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the Palisades.  Adorable, appropriately sized cottages and little haciendas with charming courtyards were replaced with bloated “Mediterranean Palaces”.  In addition to looking ridiculously out of place, wasting enumerable amounts of energy and resources and  encouraging owners to fill them with CRAP they don’t need, these structures keep occupants captive indoors.  It’s bad news for two reasons.  The indoor air quality in these types of homes is known to contain massive amounts of carcinogens- home toxic home.  And since  these McMansions contain their own libraries, media rooms, spas, playrooms (and anything else you can imagine in 3 to 12,000 square feet), residents feel less than compelled to go to the public equivalents.  It causes a disconnect and breakdown in communities when folks don’t interact regularly. It’s a trend that’s ripped through our nation for decades.  And now, thankfully, it’s over.   Smaller homes, less waste, better health for people and the planet, more human interaction- times they are a changin’!

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Posted in Architecture and Design, Green Living | 2 Comments »