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.

Anytime I have the opportunity to listen to a person who is this successful, I take it.  Mr. Montoya is in his 70s and is going strong after decades due to his common sense approach and passion for interior design and architecture.

 One of the things I love so much about being an interior designer, is that if you’re good,  you get better with age- like a fine wine.  It was reassuring to hear someone I hold in such high esteem, espouse the same principle that I hold dear- a green approach to design.  No he didn’t use the words “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” or “green” but he practices these things none the less. In most of his designs he uses furniture, art and accessories from the 20s, 30s and 40s, some of my favorites being  Jean Michele Frank and Jacques Rhulmann. 

(This one is actually one of my projects, but it’s a Rhulmann table and chairs in the Frederick Lowe Estate.)

 He rarely uses carpets  and instead creates design in a hard (more easily cleaned and longer lasting) surfaces.  He is well known for his liberal use of exquiste veneer on columns, walls, ceilings- but always prefers to restore what is there vs. ripping it out and installing new.  And the greenest of all is his attitude, his very best advice being to smile a lot.

A gracious thank you to Palecek, one of my favorite green retailers,  for the following reception.

Last week I spoke about green residential interiors at Dwell on Design 2008.  Presenting after Mary Cordaro of H3 Environmental is always fun. Mary is a Bau Biologist who lectures on the health aspects of green design. She’s like reading the editorial section of the NY Times and I’m the funny pages.  I showed pictures of pretty interiors and discussed the green elements. The audience seemed to like the combo of brains and beauty. After the morning speaker session, we headed over to the trade show and looked for new and interesting green products. Some of our favorites included the assortment of planters, trees, plants and the lecture provided by Monrovia Plants.  Living, breathing plants are gorgeous in interiors and help to clean the air. We also enjoyed the reclaimed wood wall and dining table display. I just love adding reclaimed wood to a project. It gives a place a sense of provenance rarely acheived by new materials.

 Next on the list was this cool puzzle cabana.  I wasn’t sure how it would hold up outside, but it sure would impress the neighbors.

With gas prices crippling the nation, this gorgeous sports car powered by a solar car port may have been the star of the show.

But I have to be honest and report that the prettiest things I saw at the show were my husband Roi and my designer Galina.

Location: Los Angeles Convention Center (West Hall A)

Join the Dwell magazine’s editorial team for an in-depth, inspirational, and engaging examination of all things modern, including architecture, urban planning, interiors, landscapes and products. We’re bringing together over 50 of the most influential minds in design such as Lorcan O’Herlihy, Michelle Kaufmann, Mark Rios, and Lori Dennis — the people who are moving and shaking the industry. Plus, we’ll let you in on the exhibition on Friday before it opens to the general public. For more info contact Dwell on Design 2008.

Last week I moderated a green building panel at West week.  We discussed strategies for using green materials and building processes.  The audience was comprised mostly of interior designers, so I decided to keep it light and show some pretty pictures of recent green projects and devulge information about where to find the green materials. Sarah Rich, an editor from Dwell shared some of the projects being featured in Dwell’s Off the Grid section. Kris Kimble revealed his plans for edu-retailer Greenhive, 40,000 square foot green market places built around a green library. Greg Loosvelt from Earth Pledge shed light on the methods and benefits of green roofs.  I’m a big fan of green roofs. In addition to preventing some of the nasty runoff into oceans, lakes and rivers, they help heat and cool the interiors of buildings. They’re also some of the most peaceful and private places you can be. While we’re all so busy thinking about the health of the planet in regards to being green, Mary Cordaro reminded us of something equally important, our individual health.  That’s when it hit me.  This is how I deal with objections to cost when trying to make clients understand about why to go green.  Most of my clients have no problem throwing down $150 for a 3 ounce bottle of face cream but they look at me funny when I tell them to finish the walls with Earth Plaster for an extra $2.00 per square foot. (Love the Earth Plaster! Looks beautiful and absorbs and releases moisture as needed.) Using less toxic materials which don’t offgass poisonous chemicals might be good for more than just the face- your entire epidermis will thank you. Check out Mary Cordaro’s website www.h3environmental.com for more scientific information.  The panel was packed, standing room only, and I think most people walked away thinking, “this makes sense and it’s easier to do than I thought.” That was my big goal for the day, that and having a great time at Westweek- mission accomplished!