Designer Tastemaker Dolls and An Iris Apfel Giveaway!!!!

Boy!  I have a fun surprise for you today!  First let me introduce you to my new friends!  Meet Anna Wintour, Julia Childs, Karl Lagerfeld, Iris Apfel, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan

I found these dolls a few weeks back and have had so much fun with them.  They go with me to the studio, clients houses and have been out to lunch with friends.  Ok, I admit, I never really got tired of playing with dolls as a child.  I quit at age 12 when I felt shamed by friends.  That's the truth!  Anyway, I feel like I can have my fun, little designer sidekicks to hang that the studio.  It's all in fun, right?

So who is the genius behind the Tastemaker Dolls?

Loch Ness MPLS is the artwork of Brian Ness. He believes our belongings tell stories and wants to create objects that make our stories more interesting and happier. Influenced by children's book illustrations and the crafting skills he picked up from his grandmother, Brian wants to create livable, memorable and entertaining additions to people's homes. Brian lives in Minnesota with his husband, Jon and their two dogs, Neil and Stanley.

I caught up with Brian, and he agreed to a little Q and A!  Enjoy!

1) How long have you been doing dolls?

I have been creating plush characters since August of 2014. I started making my line of Legendary Tastemakers in February 2015.

2) What prompted you to start making the Tastemaker Dolls?

I have been interested in Tastemakers, influencers who shape our ideas of style and culture since my undergrad. I have also been interested in strong-willed individuals, and have drawn them over the years. As I created my business, I thought celebrity tastemakers would be a good addition. 

3) Have you ever thought about making wallpaper out of a mix of the doll designs?

I haven't thought about wallpaper, but this is a brilliant idea! I had considered gift wrap but I haven't pursued this idea yet.

4) Do make custom dolls- What is the process and how expensive is it?How long does it take to get a custom doll and is there a minimum of pieces you must order?

Custom orders are a possibility, for sure! The first doll would be $100 and any additional doll of the same design would be $25 each. No order minimum. The process would take 4-6 weeks. Photos would be required, and the illustration would be approved by the buyer before the fabric goes to print.

5) Do you sell prints?

I currently have 1 print of Iris Apfel for sale. It's currently an 8x10.

6) Has anyone famous bought their own doll?

No, however Jonathan Adler tweeted about his!

7) Which doll is the best seller?

Iris, followed by Little Edie

Brian was so kind to send me this cute Iris card.  I guess I qualify as "A Rare Bird" since I'm over 45 (wink) and still playing with dolls...

 Iris Apfel ornament now adorns my tree.  I don't' know a single soul who is in the fashion or design industry that doesn't idolize Iris.  She is simply amazing!

 Let's check out my friends one more time...

Iris insisted on helping me revamp my accessory collection.  Little secret...she threw out more than she kept and advised me to layer, layer, layer like a good little fashionista.

Karl and Choupette, his cat, decided he wanted to command the room so he took up a post on the mantle so he could critique each person's attire as they entered the room.

 Meanwhile, Anna was busy checking out the fashions.

Jonathan and Simon were thrilled to find a piece from Jonathan's collection in the dining room but reported Santa needed to bring me a few more pieces to round out my collection.

"Miss Julia" took a break from Holiday cooking to have a

 glass of wine with the nutcracker chef.  

How fun are these?  I know you want one now, don't you?  Which is your favorite?  Brian has several other famous dolls, pop over to his shop to see them all by clicking here. Or if you like the ones above, click on their name to go to their page.  Brian has agreed to a little surprise....

Guess What!!!!!!

We are giving away

 an Iris Apfel Doll!!

Yes, that's right!  You might win Iris for your very own!!!

All you have to do is give up your first born child...no really

Giveaway Rules for Entering The Iris Doll Giveaway!!!

 Follow Lisa Mende Design and Brian LochnessMPLS on instagram

 Leave a comment on my instagram post once it is up about the Iris Doll Giveaway, under the post, then tag three friends. 

  If you would like to order your own doll(s) click here or click on the individual doll names above.  

The Giveaway will run until this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015,

 until 5:00 you can enter to win Iris!!!!!

Stay Tuned because we have another Giveaway

 Scheduled for of a similar nature!!!!

Make sure to visit Brian's Etsy shop to see all his beautiful creations.  He has coasters, notecards, and all kinds of cool things!  Click here!

Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be a couple more

dolls coming my way!  

Taylor Burke Home "Style It Challenge" On One Kings Lane

I have a treat for you today!!! Have you heard about the "Style It" Challenge?  One of my favorite resources, Taylor Burke Home, teamed up with another favorite resource, Cotton and Quill,  then partnered with One Kings Lane to bring us the "Style It" Challenge.  They invited five design bloggers to use one of Taylor Burke's gorgeous brass based X-benches to design a room of their choice. 

My friend and fellow designer, Holly Hollingsworth Phillips of The English Room, used moss green x -benches in her mountain house, Pixie Springs Cottage.  I love the moss green Taylor-Burke x-bench and Cotton and Quill Purple Orchid Fabric on the pillows!  Stunning room!

Another design blogger friend of mine, Vicki Bolick of

 The Ace Of Space created this beautiful bathroom!

I love that Cole & Son fish wallpaper peeking from

 the water closet!  

Remember there are three more design bloggers projects to 

check out so pop over to One Kings Lane and see them

all!  It's a treat to read while sipping coffee on a Saturday Morning!

Peter Zebra X Bench


What to see all the pieces from Taylor Burke Home available on One Kings Lane Today?  Click here!

Pantone Color of The Year : Marsala

Credit Via

It's official, with Pantone Marsala 18-1438 is their newly announced

color for Spring 2015.  I find this mildly odd for a spring color and a little unsettling 

to be honest.  I think of Spring colors as pastels or brights.  This color seems more like a fall color not a spring color.   Pantone's "Marsala" is slightly reddish-brown, rather than the oxblood tones we have seen in the fashion world, which I much prefer.  

I predict anything in the wine or burgundy color family could be considered an "on trend" color, but this washed out version of reddish-brown, not so much.  The color chip Pantone chose looks like burnt sienna with a touch of mauve to me or a watered down wine.  

I predict "Marsala" will be as short of a trend as last year's radiant orchid. 

  I have chuckled while reading comments about the announcement of Marsala on social media from my designer friends.  I see I am not alone in my quandary. The best description I have read was my friend Amanda Eck's description which was "the color of refried beans".

Will I paint a client's den or a study in Marsala?  The jury is still out on that one, because I never say never when it comes to projects.  Will Marsala be a "go to" color for most clients?  No!  I definitely would not suggest for anyone to buy a Marsala washer and dryer combo,  or a car for that matter!  Big ticket items don't belong in the "favor of the month" color tones. Egads as my friend Jason Oliver Nixon would retort!

Oddly enough, when I searched the internet for items in the Marsala family I didn't find much.  Most items fell into the burnt sienna, whiskey, burgunday or wine family and

almost all of them were already on sale!  What does that tell you? 

Oh well, I decided to play along anyway.  I have included a few items that 

fall into a category I would consider "Marsala-ish".

Fashion:

When Blake Lively wore this Gucci dress on the red carpet for the premiere of "Grace of Monoco" I swooned!    I don't have Blake Lively's body, so I probably wouldn't be so bold as to wear this dress, but the color, yes!  Is this not luscious?  Why didn't Pantone go a little deeper?  See this Pantone? Now this color is a winner!

Volcom Pullover

But noooo!!!! Pantone's color is more like this....However, this actually works for a man, I think?  What do you think?  Volcom's "burnt sienna" pullover would actually be nice for the man who wants to be "on trend" to wear with jeans. 

  

This cute sweater from the Gap might be a good place to add 
something "kinda" Marsala-ish to your wardrobe.

Accessories:

Now here is where I think Marsala can thrive....Leather goods!  Leather is a great place to pop Marsala for an updated look.  I love this Givenchy clutch from Net-a-porter.  Givenchy calls this color claret, but it definitely falls into the Marsala realm.  

Frye is on trend with the Phillips Boot called crushed red.

Sam Edelman "Penny" boots

I like these Sam Edelman "Penny" boots but the color is called "whiskey"

not Marsala.

Of course in my world, I prefer to go deeper and pick the Hunter Boots in burgundy.

Nail Polish:

OPI Lost on Lombard

A little more red than the Pantone color, but a pop of  OPI color  for your nails
would put you "on trend" without a big commitment.  Not so bad.

I personally much prefer a deeper wine color,  like "I Sing in Color"
from OPI's new Gwen Stefani collection.


Ok, so we discussed a few fashion options for what I call "Marsala-ish" items
that could possibly live in your wardrobe, now let's discuss the home. 
This color is chosen by Pantone because it is suppose to work universally
throughout the industry.  What about for the home?  Can it work there or
do we have to tweak it to make it work for the home?

Dining Room by Michael Coorengel/ Credits Via Elle Decor

I do adore the pop of "Marsala-esque" leather on this beautiful french chair
 and the same color reflected in the mural.   I think it is safe to say that a good place for "Marsala-esque" tones are in leather?Very handsome!  But wait, this really isn't the Marsala color Pantone introduced is it?    Of course, I think I am pulling color tones that are more vibrant than the Pantone color, but color is left up to interpretation through the eyes of the beholder and our computer screen, ne est-ce pas?

Old Hickory Tanner makes a beautiful leather sofa which I think is smashing
also in "Marsala-esque" color!

Reclaimer Sofa

Here's a tufted reclaimer sofa similar to the one above, but on 
sale, hmmmm!

Kilim cubes

I could see these cubes used in a cabin or lodge with great success.  The
ottomans color is more rusty though right?  No pinkish tone here.

Horchow

  This dining room shown in Horchow is  definitely
 more in the clay family.  But handsome right? Can this count
 towards the Marsala trend?

I think Pantone had the right idea just got a little off track.  

So what paint colors fall into the Marsala bracket and would you paint a room
that color?

Sherwin - Williams SW - 6236 Henna Shade

Benjamin Moore 2172-40 Raspberry Parfait

Benjamin Moore 2172-40

Ok, so not my fave....I say go deeper or gone home Pantone!  I think we are all 
confused?  If it looks burnt sienna mauve-ish why is it called Marsala?  I think they
should have called it Sedonna Sky.  Ok, so I realize that there are varying colors being
shown as Marsala, will the "real" Marsala please stand up?  

In closing, I reserve the right to change my mind but currently the only place I can
see Marsala being used is for leather goods, nail polish, possibly an accent color or
on a long stretch possibly for tee shirts or sweaters.  Do I see it as a statement color
for interiors, no!  Do I see it as a color for big ticket items, no!  What do you think?

My prediction is this color will last about as long as a glass of wine,

with friends, during the holidays and that's a "New York MInute" friends!

(BTW, this color looks more like cider than wine!)

Enjoy your Friday!

"Dishing With Dana"

I am so honored to have been featured on

"Dishing with Dana"

 Thank You Dana Helms and SocialNorth for allowing

 me to share my story.

I'm happy to introduce you to Dana Helms today!  Most of you probably know Dana already, but if you don't, this is a lady you need to know.  Dana is an amazing writer and social media maven.  Her profile on SocialNorth, where she is known for her writing "Dishing with Dana", perfectly describes her as a social butterfly.  She has an eloquent way of floating in and out of social media conversations supporting her connections with words of wisdom and often serves as a cheerleader to those that need direction or encouragement.  I was so honored with Dana contacted me for an interview for her feature.  I hope you will enjoy getting to know more about me through Dana blog. I want to thank Dana for allowing me to share my story. 


Here's a taste of the story, but you'll have to click on the link below to read the entire story...

Going for gold when life delivers unbelievable loss…

We’re honored to welcome Lisa Mende, nationally published interior designer, blogger, mom and three-time High Point Market Style Spotter.

 SocialNorth welcome submissions from everyone. Visit our Writer’s Guidelines and share your expertise with our community.

Dana Helms: Can you tell us about how you got started doing what you’re doing now?

Lisa Mende: I graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1981 with a degree in home economics and a concentration in apparel design/fashion merchandising. I worked as a buyer for a regional clothing chain but the hours weren’t conducive to family life, so I reevaluated my options. I’d helped friends with their homes and returned to school for interior design in 1995 and launched my own design firm in 1998. I happily ran my residential design firm until 2009, but in May of that year I lost my 22 year old son to a kayaking accident on the Tallapoosa River near Auburn , Alabama. I was so devastated by his loss I was unable to work for two and half years. I truly thought I would never work again……..

Click Here to here to continue reading...

Dana brings excitement and awareness to the social media party.  Make sure you get to know Dana on her social media channels on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.  You will find an amazing woman and genuinely sincere person. 

Modenus Top 100 Interior Design Blogs

I want to toast all those who were nominated on the Modenus Top 100 Interior Designer and Architecture Blogs.  I am so honored and humbled to be among a group of professionals of this caliber who are not only talented but genuinely nice people.  Thank You Marilyn Russell for nominating me.  

 My blog was born out of tragedy.  I began writing my blog as many of you know after the death of my son.  I had been a designer since 1998, but in 2009 after Walker's accident, when I wasn't able to meet with clients I started the blog.  I truly didn't want to see anyone, so the blog was a place I could write about design and keep a connection to the design community.  I admit I didn't know what I was doing and had no idea what it would come to mean to me.  I just did it.  In a way, I think it was a form of survival.  I think that's why this nomination means so much to me. 

 I have people ask me all the time what I get out of blogging and why I spend the time to do it.  It's simple!  I have made some amazing friends and been invited on amazing trips. As a matter of fact, I don't think I would be working again, if not for friendships made through my blog.  I wouldn't know the incredibly talented designers Cristin Priest of Simplified Bee and Meredith Heron of Meredith Heron Design. 

I would not know incredible people like Veronika Miller, visionary and founder of Modenus.  Veronika is more than owner and president of Modenus, she is a genuine friend.

 This picture is our Blogtour Vegas group.  I can honestly say this group of designers have become really great friends.  I know that I could call any one of them for help and they would help me anyway I needed.  Building a community through blogging is huge.  If you are a new designer, I highly recommend taking the time to build this community.   

This picture pretty much says it all.  I'm not sure who I was telling what but I'm behind Marilyn Russell the lady who nominated me.  Guess what...I nominated her first and then she turned around and nominated me in the same contest.  That's the kind of friend she is.  When you have people in your life who have your back no matter what, you have more riches than money can buy.  I cherish my friends I have made through my blogging.  

I pretty much feel like the luckiest girl around, because I have this community of friends and professional peers.  See my friend Carmen Christensen in the background?  She is smiling at me.  Yep, she a real friend too.( and a fab designer!)

  I consider all of my readers real friends too.  It makes my day when I get comments from all of you.  Today, I thank you for voting for me for Top 100 Blogs.  When 5 o'clock rolls around, in about 60 minutes, I will toasts all of you who continue to support me through your comments, reading my blog and all the others ways you have supported me.  I'm sorry it sometimes means you must take time to vote for me in contests, but I genuinely appreciate your support!  I appreciate you!  Thank You!!!

To vote click here

All photographs by Chasen West Photography!

FORMICA'S BEAUTIFUL NEW PRODUCTS 2014

Warning!  Be prepared to be wowed!  This is not your Mother's Formica!

  This is an entirely new product. You must remove any preconceived opinions 

you have about Formica  and be open to what you about to see.

  First, lets see how much you know about countertop products already. 

Take my little quiz below:  

Is this quartz,concrete or one of each?

What kind of granite is this?

What kind of marble is this?

What kind of wood is this?

Is this concrete or stonestone?

Is this petrified wood, quartz or stone?

Is this soapstone or granite?

Is this travertine or quartz?

What if I told you they are all Formica laminates?

Would you believe me?  These products have the look of natural stone, wood, concrete and soapstone with the easy care and affordability only Formica products offer. 

One of the reasons Formica products look so much like natural stone, wood and the other organic surfaces is because of Formica's new  IdealEdge™, which is a decorative laminate edge that has the ability to be curved, clipped or 90 degree corner installations.   The old Formica products had flat edges and brown seams.  This new edge is a game changer. The new  IdealEdge™ is available in two  versatile profiles just like natural stone fabrication - Ogee and Bullnose.  This new edge makes it virtually impossible to tell if the stone is real or laminate without touching the products.  If it looks like stone, but wears like laminate and cost like laminate, which would you prefer?

  Trends reports from residential homeowner's surveyed are revealing that more and more homeowners are getting away from natural stone and looking for alternatives.  Formica offers a perfect solution to the homeowner who wants another option, but still likes the high end look of natural, stone,soapstone,concrete or wood. 

At KBIS in February, Formica Corporation unveiled four exotic granite patterns to its already best selling 180fx® Collection.   Our Modenus Blogtour Vegas group had the opportunity  to see these exciting new patterns for the first time.  Take a peek at these amazing new patterns:

River Gold 180fx

3546-46 River Gold in Etchings™ Finish was quite simply stunning.  I watched while our group was introduced to this product and the first thing everyone did was touch it.  I don't think we could actually believe it wasn't granite.  This pattern is creamy-white with linear beings of gold and gray highlighted by chocolate-brown crystals.   River Gold in natural stone has been one of the most sought after granites so this was a natural choice for Formica to replicate.  The The Etchings™

  finish enhances the “river-like” quality of the pattern with its light linear movement.

Chasen West Photography

Lapidus Brown 180fx

3547-RD Lapidus Brown in Radiance® Finish: A versatile and timeless granite that features vibrant gold tones and rich iron veining highlighted by creamy white crystals and gray and black pebbles. Its rich color palette will coordinate with a variety of cabinetry, from light golden maples to cherry to antique black. The Radiance® finish highlights the crystalline structure. 

Magma Black 180fx

3548-RD Magma Black in Radiance® Finish: A dramatic stone that lives up to its name, each slab appears as if liquid lava has been poured over it. Rivers of gold, gray and rust ― highlighted by pure white crystals ― create a bold pattern. The Radiance® finish deepens the black background and accents the pebbles and crystals.

The depth of the edge can be custom chosen, which

 makes room for so many options like this nice 

thick edge pictured.

Red Dragon 180fx

3549-RD Red Dragon in Radiance® Finish: An 

exotic and alluring rich red with dramatic veining and

 gray crystals. The Radiance® finish intensifies the color

 and complements the crystalline structure. 

 In addition to unmatched aesthetics and performance,

 all 180fx® patterns are designed to minimize environmental impact. Each pattern is certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and the GREENGUARD Certification Program (including a GREENGUARD Certificate of Compliance Gold).

Chasen West Photography

 Have you ever wondered how Formica 180fx laminate is made?  It's quite advanced digital replication technology which for the first time allows a pattern to be applied over 5 feet of printing material.   That allows for a long continuous pattern, without seams and repeats which greatly mimics the look of an naturally organic product. 

 Formica purchases the most expensive products available to digitally photograph in order to achieve the beautiful Formica products they offer?  The piece of wood used as a model for the new Black Walnut Timber laminate cost over $12,000.00 alone?  So basically, when you purchase Formica products you are getting the look of $12,000.00 product in your house for approx. $21. a sq ft.  The best part is you don't have to treat it like it cost a fortune.  It's easy to maintain with minimal care.  No resealing or polishing required. That's what I call getting bang for your buck!

 Amy Gath, Vice President of Marketing, led our group through an overview of how the laminate is manufactured and also what Formica's goals when creating the products.  

This is what she said:

 “Although granite continues to be popular, homeowners are expanding their material preferences to include new stone variations. Our latest laminate patterns are fresh, affordable and maintenance-free alternatives, making design trends available for all.”

There were 7 other new pattern launches as well with  Premiumfx™  finishes. These patterns were created to meet the demand of the three main trends found in the residential market which are Soft Stones, White Stones and Non-Traditional Materials. 

The three trends along with Formica's new products produced to meet those needs are listed below. 

Make sure to click on the hyperlink to view :

1. Soft Stones - featuring subtle veining and lyrical movement down the length of the surface

#6699-46  Sand Flow

#6700 - 46  Lava

2. Exotic large scale alternatives - these stones are commonly used for kitchen backslashes, countertops and islands.

#6696-46 Carrara Bianco White Marble

 (white marble with gray veining)

#6697-46 Argento Romano

( Light gray based neutral with

 taupe and beige undertones.)

3. Non-Traditional Products -

 Like wood, concrete and engineered stone.

Paloma Series

#6366-46 Dark Gray

#6729-46 Bisque

#6698-46 Paloma Polar

Also on display was a Formica countertop with an undercount sink.  This was done in partnership with KarranUSA. For more details on that visit Formica's blog here.   If you are in still undecided about laminate make sure to go look at this undermount sink and read about how it was achieve. It was stunning!  

Here are some other Formica products that I

 fell in love with at KBIS. 

 It is really beautiful.  Look at the grain of this wood.

Black Walnut Timber

Chasen West Photography

Travertine Silver

 

Solid surface in Sparkle White

#8838 Ashen Ribbonwood 

#863 Myriad Ribbonwood

If you are into color and need something bright for a project check these out fun colors from their 100th Anniversary last year on their Pinterest board here!

So now that you have seen the products, I ask you?

Formica offers amazing products for a fraction of the cost with ease of care and long time beauty.  Will you consider Formica for your next project?

Visit the Formica website and pick out your favorites by

click here then report back to me what your favorite it and if you are surprised at what you found!  

I'll bet you will have a hard time choosing just one!

  Formica products are available through national home centers, such as Lowe’s Home Improvement and The Home Depot, as well as independent kitchen and bath retailers. Customers can search by zip code or city on Click Where To Buy Here to find their nearest retail location.

Chasen West Photography

Thank You Laura Phillips, Amy Gant and our friends at Formica for our informative visit to your booth at KBIS.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with generous BlogTour sponsor, Formica. Founded in 1913, Formica is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. 

Stay in the conversation with Formica by joining their social channels here:

Facebook

pinterest

Contact 

All photo are property of Lisa Mende Design or were used courtesy of Formica unless noted.  These photographs are not to be used without written consent.

Don't forget to Enter the TotoUSA Contest….

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name, email, etc where appropriate!!  Register to win today!