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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This week we shot film and photography for Blue Jay Way in Hollywood Hills and The Keys Estate in Rancho Mirage with Ken Hayden who is a photographer for Architectural Digest.  Throughout the days I had to keep reminding people not to throw batteries in the trash, to recycle their glass bottles and turn off the lights when we left a room.   It was such a pleasure to come back to the hotel and see, not one, but  two recycle bins on each floor’s lobby by the elevator.  I can’t say the Spa Casino and Resort in Palm Springs is the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in, but it is rated 5 stars.  To see  recycle bins in a five star lobby just made me smile. Now if people can figure out how to use them… we’ll be in business.

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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!

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