Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween from Lisa Mende Design!



VIA

Here's hoping your Halloween is filled with lots of good treats and not 
so many tricks.  Last night when I picked my youngest up from basketball
practice at 5:45 he said, "mom when are we going to get the supplies for
my Halloween costume"? Thinking we had two days til Halloween I replied
"we can do it tomorrow".  Wrong!!!  That's when my sweet child reminded
me that I was one day off and he needed said costume to wear to school
tomorrow!  And this folks is when my art classes from design school kick in!
So what can we find in the garage and art cabinet to create a costume?
And the end result....



It's amazing how you can improvise when necessary!  Here's hoping your
day is filled with fun and a little cheeri-o's!


Happy Halloween to One and All!

Win Win For All!!!
Wanna win a $500 gift card?  Well you can!  Each time you vote in the LampsPlus Home Sweepstakes Contest you are entered into a chance to win yourself! 

Oh and if you haven't voted today, don't forget to vote for Lisa Mende Design
in the LampsPlus Contest by clicking here!  #8 in the drop down menu under
Interior Design Blogs.  I would be so honored to have you vote for me! 
Thanks!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Want to See a Drop Dead Gorgeous Kitchen Sink? - BLANCO America


 

Ok, here it is...I dee double dare you to dispute me?

Is this gorgeous or what?  Yes, I am totally dying over this Modex sink from BLANCO AMERICA.   This German manufacturer is know for creating fine sinks and faucets that bring quality and style to a new level.  In the Modex, award winning design, they did not disappoint!  I might start calling this sink "Marilyn" after Marilyn Monroe instead of Modex because it definitely plays a leading role in the kitchen.   It's sexy and sleek, but also functional!  Unlike movie stars, this sink doesn't have a bad angle.  No matter which angle you view it, it's irresistible.
[CLICK HEADER TO READ MORE...]

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Gessi Luxury Bath and Kitchen Products



Have you ever seen a more beautiful sink with ceiling mounted tap?  The look is so sculptural, it would be at home as an installation in an art museum.  It is a form of art, but it isn't found in a museum, but rather a bathroom. It's from the design forward Italian collection of bath products Gessi USA.  Are you familiar with this fabulous line?  If not, allow me to introduce you to the Gessi Products. 
[click to read more...]


Laufen Bathrooms - Blogtour London with Modenus



 With over 4.5 million ceramic pieces, Laufen is one of the largest bathroom manufacturers in the world. Founded in Switzerland in 1892, Laufen is known for creating the highest quality, well designed products available for bathrooms. Laufen's wide product offerings range from sinks, to bathtubs, faucets, furniture, and accessories. Laufen works with leading architects and designers to provide high design aesthetic and innovative products with Swiss quality.  In other words, their products are functional, as well as beautiful.
[more after the break...]

Monday, October 28, 2013

Lunch at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, London, UK


I was looking through my pictures and realized I never shared our lovely lunch at The Orangery at Kensington Palace and many others interesting things about our Blogtour London trip so I thought I would circle back around and revisit London for a bit.  I hope you find this post as delightful as the day we spent at Kensington. [ read more...]

MADCAP COTTAGE - HIGH POINT MARKET HIGHLIGHTS



A highlight of my High Point Furniture Market trip was a visit to the Madcap Cottage space in the Antiques and Design Center.  Created by Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, Madcap Cottage an interior design business which also offers  a vintage furniture shop and fabulous pillow line.  On a recent visit to their space at market, I was in awe of the dazzling array of carefully curated goods from all over the globe.  Do you remember when I style spotted their new pillow line last year?  If not click here to be refreshed!  I'm not the only one who loves this talented duo's finery, they were style spotted by half of the High Point Market Style Spotter panel(all designers) this market and with good reason!
Feast your eyes on the goodness of Madcap Cottage

[finish reading after the break..]

Friday, October 25, 2013

Want To Be A Style Spotter For High Point Market?
















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             










                                                                 







[read more after the break]


Thursday, October 24, 2013

"IN WITH THE OLD"- JENNIFER BOLES


I  had the honor and privilege of meeting Jennifer Boles editor of The Peak of Chic and also author of a new book "In With The Old" while at High Point Furniture Market.  Currey and Co PR Maven, BethAnne Matari hosted a book signing for Jennifer in the Currey and Co showroom.  If you don't own this book, go buy it.  It is a must have! The book is filled with valuable information on timeless interiors. She starts at A and goes to Z, so she doesn't miss a beat on must have items.

 Jennifer's blog The Peak of Chic is one of the first blogs I ever followed.  She is so knowledgeable about furniture, designers and periods of furniture.  If you don't currently follow her blog, you have no idea what you are missing.  


This is Jennifer's book.  I suggest you buy it today.  It is amazing just like the author.  Click here to have it delivered to your doorstep.  I just started reading it and can't wait to finish.
It's that good!! 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

High Point Furniture Market - Trend Report for 2013




I just returned from High Point International Furniture Market and I must say, it was one of the best markets I have attended in a long, long time!  Time prevented me from visiting all the showrooms I had planned to visit, but the ones I did visit, did not disappoint. 


Pin The Saturn Table From Here!
Brass is definitely back in a big way!  Don't you love this great little "Saturn" Table from Taylor-Burke Home?  It is the perfect drinks table. Who doesn't feel sassy sitting their martini glass down on a slice of agate? This table is available in gold and silver, but gold is "THE TREND"




Orange is everywhere!  For those of you who love orange as I do, there was plenty to buy in orange at this market.  Here is the Dunes and Duchess four arm candelabra in trendy orange with matching orange shade.  Lots of orange love here! This was their first time showing at High Point Furniture Market so we were happy to find them!




There were lots of showrooms with color.  I saw pinks, plums, purples, greens and many other colors represent but I must say the most popular color combo at market was orange and cobalt blue.  Shown here in a beautiful cut velvet pillow named "Andy" by Piper Collection.  This is a new collection with lots of noteworthy goodness.  



  Agate was everywhere!  Dying here over these agate sconce from Ro-sham-beaux.  These sconce are wired for outdoor use and made with the natural stone geode slices, perfect for a porch or patio.



 If you want to see a complete recap curated by nine design professionals make sure to visit the High Point Market Style Spotter Board.  The Style Spotter boards give a quick view into what's trending at the October 2013 High Point Market.  I'm sharing a few of the trends I saw here, but to see more trends pop over to the style spotter boards.  I will be giving a full re-cap later as well.



Of course I am in the High Point Market Style Spotter contest and would love you to vote for me by "repinning" and "liking" the items on my board here.  Remember if you are going to "repin" do it from my board here.

(All photos property of Lisa Mende Design please do not use without credit or permission.  Watermark embedded)

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Sandra Espinet - "The Well Traveled Home"


Last year I had the good fortune of meeting interior designer Sandy Espinet in New York.
We were both chosen to participate in the Brizo Blogger19 Fashion Week Event.
The last night there we enjoyed an dinner filled with conversation, sushi and stories of Sandy's exciting work.  She shared with me that she had a book coming out.  I knew it would be a great book after hearing about the amazing jobs Sandy has designed.  Her work is simply beautiful and her vision for living is intoxicating.  Here is an except from her book in her own words:

"The essence of my interior design work seeks to reflect the evolving interplay of the domestic and the international, while remaining true to my intent to create alluring family living spaces and home environments."  

In her book , The Well-Traveled Home, published by Gibbs-Smith, Sandy shares stories of favorite places to shop for one-of-a-kind items along with professional travel and design expertise.  It's a wonderfully written book filled with beautiful photographs of Sandy's work
Below are a few photos of Sandy's work:






The book is as beautiful as the lady herself!  Sandy graciously accepted my
request for an interview.  Enjoy learning more about this talented woman!


Enjoy my Q & A with Sandy

1) I love your new book and was wondering if you would mind sharing with the readers your background and how you came to be a designer.

I STUDIED ART AND INTERIOR DESIGN AND IT HAS BEEN MY LIFE LONG PASSION AND CARRER.  I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE FOUND MY LOVE AT A YOUNG AGE.   MY FAMILY TRAVELED DUE TO MY DADS JOB SO PACKING, UNPACKING AND SET UP A NEW HOME HAS ALSO BEEN INSTICTIVE TO ME.  MY NEW BOOK "THE WELL TRAVELED HOME" IS ABOUT THOSE 2 THINGS:  DESIGN AND TRAVEL.

2) Of the projects feature in the book which was your favorite and why?
US DESIGNERS... WE ARE SO FICKLE!   WHATEVER PROJECT I AM WORKING ON SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE AND WHATEVER IS THE NEWEST JOB BEING DELIVERED ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE THE ONE I AM TALKING ABOUT.  THE BOTTOM LINE IS I LOVE ALL OF MY JOBS LIKE CHILDREN.  THEY EACH HAVE THEIR OWN QUIRKS AND BEUTY TO ME.  WHAT MAKES ONE HOME MORE INSPIRING TO ME THAN ANOTHER THOUGH HAS TO BE THE HOMEOWNER.  I LOVE THE FAMILIES I HAVE THE HONOR OF WORKING FOR AND I LEARN SO MUCH FROM THEM.




3) What do you hope readers gleam from the book.
INSPIRATION.  I THINK FIRST AND FOREMOST MY BOOK IS ASPIRATIONAL AND SHOWS THE VISUAL BEAUTY DESIGNERS CAN CREATE.  I KNOW NOT EVERYONE IS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO LIVE IN A GORGEOUS AND PERFECTLY DECORATED HOME.   SO GETTING A GLIMPSE INTO A DREAM WORLD IS A FANTASY TO MOST.    BEING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND BEING ABLE TO CREATE POCKETS OF BEAUTY IS VERY REWARDING IN A WORLD WHERE NOT EVERYTHING IS ROSES.



4) Where do you draw inspiration?

I GET ASKED THAT QUESTION QUITE OFTEN.  I THINK IF THERE WAS ONE ANSWER WE WOULD ALL BE ABLE TO "BE INSPIRED" AT THE SWITCH OF A BUTTON.  BUT WE CAN'T AND THAT IS THE ALLURE OF INSPIRATION.    BUT I DO THINK EACH INDIVIDUAL NEEDS TO FIND THEIR OWN SOURCE OF PERSONAL INSPIRATION.   FOR SOME IT'S NATURE, FOR SOME IT'S ROMANCE, FOR SOME IT'S YOGA, FOR ME IT'S TRAVEL.   BUT THE FUNNY THING ABOUT INSPIRATION IS THAT IT COMES AND GOES WITHOUT WARNING.  SO ENJOY IT WHEN YOU HAVE IT.



5) Tell us about your firm.
I STARTED MY CAREER AS A HOSPITALITY DESIGNER.  IT WAS A GREAT START TO LEARN ORGANIZATION AND PROFESSIONALISM.  HOWEVER I CHOSE TO MOVE INTO LUXURY RESIDENTIAL WHICH IS WHAT I DO NOW.  MY DESIGN FIRM IS INTERNATIONAL AND WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING WORK IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES.   BUT THE BEST PART OF MY DESIGN FIRM IS MY TEAM.  I HAVE A GREAT GROUP OF DESIGNERS AND SUPPORT STAFF WHO HELP ME GET EVERYTHING DONE AND I LOVE HAVING THEM ALL IN MY LIFE.



6) What are you reading right now?

THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A WHIRLWIND AND I HAVE NOT BEEN READING AS MUCH AS I NORMALLY DO.  I HAVE SEVERAL BOOKS ON MY NIGHT STAND...AND REGRETABLY I HAVE NOT OPENED ANY OF THEM.  I ASSUMED I WOULD HAVE TIME TO READ ON AN AIRPLANE, SO I DOWNLOADED A BUNCH OF STUFF ON MY IPAD.  BUT I KEEP FORGETTING TO CHARGING IT UP.   I'M HOPELESS!



7) What's your favorite way to entertain?
MY HUSBAND AND I LOVE DINNER PARTIES.  WE HAVE LOTS OF THEM.   I LOVE SETTING UP AND GETTING EVERYTHING READY FOR A PARTY.  SETTING THE DISHES, DECORATING WITH FLOWERS, CREATING THE MENU AND WORKING WITH THE CHEF.  IT'S FUN.   AND THE THING I ENJOY THE MOST IS SPENDING TIME WITH MY FRIENDS.  I WORK AND TRAVEL A LOT SO ITS GREAT TO HAVE PEOPLE OVER THAT I ENJOY BEING WITH.




8) Who is your favorite company to work with?
I LOVE SO MANY OF MY VENDORS AND COMPANIES I WORK WITH.    HAVING WONDERFUL SALES REPS AND SHOWROOM MANAGERS WHO SUPPORT MY DESIGN NEEDS IS SO IMPORTANT.   I LOVE FINDING NEW VENDORS WITH UNIQUE AND UNUSUAL ITEMS.  SO WHEN I TRAVEL I ALWAYS TAKE THE TIME TO HIT THE STREETS AND FIND TREASURES.

9) What do you think are the elements of a well designed home?
ORGANIZATION.  I THINK ONCE YOU MOVE OUT OF YOUR COLLEGE DORM, THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR MESSY OR UNCLEAN HOMES.   I AM A NEAT FREAK.  AND FUNNY ENOUGH ITS THE ONE THING MOST POPLE CAN EASILY DO THAT WILL COST THEM NOTHING BUT THEIR TIME.   BEING ORGANIZED NOT ONLY FEELS GOOD, IT SAVES YOU TIME AND HELPS KEEP YOUR MIND OUT OF THAT FOG OF CLUTTER.  IT'S IMPERATIVE.

10) What was surprising to you about the process of writing a book?  Was it difficult?
MY BOOK "THE WELL TRAVELED HOME" WAS VERY EASY TO WORK ON.  IT IS A NATURAL CONCEPT OF WHAT I DO, MY DESIGN AND MY TRAVELS.  THAT HARD PART WAS SIMPLY THE TIME IT TOOK TO ORGANIZE THE IDEAS INTO A FLOW.    YET IT WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PROJECT AND LABOR OF LOVE TO TAKE ON.  I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF IN THE PROCESS AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE OLD ADDAGE "THE MORE YOU DO, THE MORE YOU CAN DO" IS TRUE.     NOT ONLY DID I HAVE A FULL PLATE OF DESIGN WORK, A HUSBAND, 2 DOGS ,AND A NEW RUG LINE AT AGA JOHN CARPETS.   I HAD NOW JUST PILLED ON BOOK DESIGN TO MY WEEKENDS.    BUT THE DAY I RECEIVED THE FIRST COPY MADE IT ALL WORTH THE WHILE.  ALL OF THE TEARS, JOY AND HARD WORK OF THE PAST YEARS WERE ALL PUT TOGETHER IN FRONT OF ME.




11) What would you tell a young designer that you wish someone had told you when you began your design business?
I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A MENTOR WHEN I WAS 26 YEARS OLD.  I OWE MY SUCESS TO THIS PERSON WHO TAUGHT ME THE IMPORTANCE OF HONESTY AND INTEGRITY IN BUSINESS.  TO THIS DAY I ALWAYS TELL YOUNG PEOPLE THE SAME THING.  IN A BUSINESS WHERE YOUR CLIENT CAN HIRE ANYONE IN THE WORLD, HAVING GREAT TASTE IS A NECESITY.  BUT BEING HONEST IS IMPERATIVE.

12) Where do you Sandra Espinet in 5 years?
MY SCHEDULE GOES UP TO DECEMBER 2013.  AFTER THAT...LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY.  REALLY, I AM NOT A BIG PLANNER.  I CAN BE SWAYED TOWARDS THE LIGHT VERY EASILY.  I JUST LET IDEAS AND INVITATIONS COME IN AND I PICK AND CHOOSE.   I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT LIFE HAS IN STORE FOR ME.  
BUT I WILL HAPPILY EMBRACE IT AND DO IT WELL.

You can read more about Sandy and see more of her work on her website
Connect with her on social media:

If you are at High Point Furniture Market, on Sunday at Noon, Sandy will be participating in a panel discussion on "Diversity in Design" with Jeanine Hayes of Aphrochic.com then will be in the Taracea Showroom in the Radio Building for a book signing from 4:30 - 7   


Please don't forget to pin and like:

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Picture Perfect Parties by Annette Joseph & A Giveaway!!!!


Photo credit Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn
 I discovered Annette Joseph last year and have been following her blog every since.  She has been responsible for styling many of the parties and entertaining photographs we admired in many national publications. When I heard she was writing a book, I waited with baited breath, because I knew from reading her blog it would be fabulous.  I was not disappointed!   I am happy to report that Picture Perfect Parties by Annette Joseph is undoubtedly my favorite entertaining book of all times. 

 I love entertaining even though I don't seem to find a lot of time to do.  The good news is even the busiest person can pull off entertaining by following the instructions in this book.  I love how it is written for the hostess who enjoys entertaining her friends, as well as  simple family gatherings.    

Annette is a seasoned professional stylist, who began her career twenty years ago working as an assistant stylist for a commercial photographer.  She worked directly with the food stylist from day one.  After a humble beginning sorting through 2000 buns, for the perfect match, for an Arby's advertising shoot, Annette's reputation catapulted her into a regular appearance on The Today Show and Martha Stewart Sirius Radio.  Her trained eye is sought after by national publications like Better Homes and Garden, Epicurious, Southern Living, The Huffington Post and many, many more.  

An expert on entertaining, cooking and styling, Annette's talents aren't limited to the kitchen.   She decorated Gwyneth Paltrow's Nashville apartment, while the actress was filming on location for "Country Strong", read about that here.   It was an amazing design job and one carried out with a limited production budget in record time.   Read about it from Gwyneth's goop review here.

All in all, Annette Joseph has earned her stripes as a one of the top professional stylist in the country, as well as, a celebrated television spokesperson for entertaining.  She willingly shares her top tips as a successful party maven in her book.  If you like entertaining it's a must read!  Annette gives you a detailed blueprint for creating parties with ease.  In my opinion, Picture Perfect Parties is the new Bible of entertaining.  


[read more after the break...]

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

High Point Furniture Market - Don't Miss Design Tech Summit - October 2013

Join us for the first ever Design Tech Summit at Highpoint Market this October!
 
Interesting Image
Join celebrity design & technology team Katy A. GarrettLori DennisKelli Ellis, and Syle Spotter and Design Blogger Lisa Mende along withConnexionsoft, The Kaleidoscope Partnership, CustomizedWalls.com and G+ Interior Design Community at the Design Tech Summit as we take you on a design & technology journey you won't want to miss during Highpoint Furniture Market this Fall. 
 
We're giving away an iPad MINI to one lucky winner!
Interesting Image
**Must be present October 21st at 5:30-6:30pm, Antique & Design Center "end of summit' Cocktail party to win!
 
 
At Design Tech Summit, launching for the first time at Highpoint Furniture Market October 2013, we're giving design pro's an unprecedented, upclose look from the developers themselves at the NEWEST technologies and design apps on the market as they relate exclusively to interior design
Interesting Image
#DesignTechSummit on twitter
 
Track I      "Project Management for the Interior Design Pro"  
Saturday Oct 19th Antique & Design Center  1:30pm - 3:30pm 


Moderated by Lori Dennis.  Q&A Kelli Ellis and Lisa Mende. 
Tech Panel  -  
Design Manager, Connexionsoft, Design Doc , Minutes Matter's Quickbooks & Quoting, Design Business RX & Mobile Apps.
 
Track II     "3D/2D Presentation Software for the Design Pro"  
Monday Oct 21st  Jaipur Showroom, Showplace 10am-11:30am
**Complementary lunch provided by Jaipur Rugs immediately following.  

Moderated by Kelli Ellis.  Q&A Lori Dennis and Lisa Mende. 

Tech Panel  -  
Minutes Matter Studio, 3Dream , SketchUP & SketchThis.net, AutoDESK Homestyler
 

Track III    "Mobile Design Apps & the G+ Interior Design Community"  Oct 21 Monday Antique & Design Center 3:30pm-5:30pm.  
**Cocktail Party & iPad MINI drawing sponsored by Connexionsoft & Troy and Sons immediately following. 

Moderated by Lisa Mende. Q&A Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis    

Tech Panel - 
Color911, Evernote, MagicPlan, Roomhints, CXN Draw, Laurie Chambers Laizure & G+ Interior Design Community (100,000 design followers strong) along with a Google Hangout Ambassador tba. 
 
Cocktail party sponsored by Troy & Sons 
immediately following Design Tech Summit Track III at Antique & Design Center, #HPMKT. 

See you there!!
 
 

It's all at your fingertips... Connexionsoft!
 
Interesting Image
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Be sure to like us on facebook!
 
Follow:
Interesting Image


Ok, designers who are always asking me how I have time for social media...here's your answer!  Come to the Design Tech Summit and learn about the "right" time saving apps which will help you work smarter...then learn all about the hot new online platform that is taking the social world by storm...Goggle+   Wondering why Google+ is important to your business and why you should get on the Google+ train?  Come find out why it is not only important to your business but also your brand.

Yes, that's right...if you don't attend any other event at High Point Market, this is a don't miss!  Not because I'm involved, but because it introduces you to the tools you need to be a tech savvy designer.  I am looking forward to learning about some of these things myself.  This is a panel can teach you what you need to do to be in the loop, save time and be well connected!  Make sure you put this one on your calendar!!!  I'll see you there!


Here is a quick link to vote for my blog in the LampsPlus Contest.  Click Here and then choose  #8 Lisa Mende Design from the drop down menu.

Get prepared to vote for me in the High Point Market Style Spotter Contest by clicking here and following my Pinterest board!  Then when i start pinning items you can re-pin and like my pins to help me rack up points. You must join Pinterest and follow my board.  
Likes = 1 point
re-pins = 2 points


Sign up to follow Lisa Mende Design on the following social media
 channels during High Point Furniture Market.