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!

ToTo USA = Royal Flush!

Chasen West Photography

 Where have I been?  If you have been reading the blog, you know I was in Las Vegas with Modenus Blogtour  having the time of my life at KBIS learning about fabulous products from legendary brands.  It was an action packed week spent learning who's who and what's what in the kitchen and bath industry.  One of the lines that I was most impressed by was TotoUSA.  Are you familiar with Toto?  Now I'm not talking about Dorothy's dog from the Wizard of Oz, so don't confuse this with that.  Toto is the world's largest plumbing manufacturer. (Click here to continue reading….)

Day 2 BlogTour Vegas - KBIS

Today we venture to the exciting show KBIS 2014! We will be the judges for "Best of KBIS" and have cupcakes and champagne with Electrolux. Most of the day will be spent on the show floor visiting various companies booths and checking out new technology and products.  Midday will take break away from the show and visit Walker Zanger for lunch. I can't wait to visit their showroom.  They are known for having some of the most beautiful tile and stone products in the world.  Their designer collections are exquisite.

I'll also be moderating Design Tech Summit with Katy Garret from 2:50 - 4:15.  It's going to be a busy, busy but exciting day!  Follow on instagram for a photo documentary.

We Feel GOOD About this News! 

We are thrilled that one of our fabulous sponsors of BlogTour Vegas, Mr.Steam is  a GOOD DESIGN™ award winner for their Steam Shower Swipe Touch Panel Control. Learn more. 

Thank You to our wonderful sponsors of BlogTour Vegas!

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Day 1 BlogTour Is About to Begin!

First up…..ModenusTalks

I'm so excited about our #Blogtourvegas event today at The Cosmopolitan Hotel! The entire blog team along with an extended group of interior designers and representatives from major brands will have a meeting of the minds with an incredible new event called ModenusTalks.

Its an opportunity for dual sides of the design industry to come together and have an extensive four hour conversation.  We will also have the opportunity to participate in a couple of design and business challenges which should prove informative for both the designers and the brands. 

What will we learn? 

Last night at our opening dinner, we tried our best to get Veronika to share the details, but she's keeping things under wraps til the actual event.  Like us, you will have to wait for the juicy details, but let's just say, there will be plenty to share.  I don't' think any of us can totally fathom the magnitude of what this event is going to produce.  

Why is this so important?  Communicating with brands will allow designers to share what we know and what we want for our clients.  In return, the conversation will allow the brands to better meet those needs which in the long run can mean better products, better customer service and more consumer knowledge.  This inaugural event is being sponsored by 20/20 Technologies, BLANCO, Mr Steam and Walker Zanger Tile.  There will be 45 participants from all areas of kitchen & bath design as well as the remodeling industry.  

Veronika Miller of Modenus

Veronika Miller owner and visionary of Modenus and ModenusTalks has a gift for connecting the design community.  I stand in awe of her ability to connect the dots and continue the conversations. 

  Blogtour has given me the opportunity to meet other designers and brands across the nation and internationally to build an amazing connective design tissue.  ModenusTalks afford all of us an opportunity.  I can't wait to see what happens today! 

What will happen?

  In this day and age of instant connectivity, we often forget that taking time for genuine conversation is the only way to develop in-depth knowledge and learn from each other.   

Thank you to our amazing sponsors who make Blogtours possible.  The brands get involved because they have a genuine desire to provide the best products possible and giving their customers great customer service. It's a learning curve for all of us, but how exciting we get to learn by working together.    

Being in Vegas for KBIS 2014 will allow us to see the brands and learn more about this, see cutting edge new technology and find out what trending in kitchen and bath.  I cannot wait to share what makes these brands great and why you need to know these brands.  I hope to also share how incorporating these brands can more to increase the client's quality of life.  

  It's going to be a really busy day filled with knowledge!  

Have a great Monday!  

BlogtourVegas Amazing Sponsors are:

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FIVE REASONS TO FOLLOW BLOGTOUR LAS VEGAS - KBIS 2014

               

Warning before viewing!  I do solemnly swear not to ever attempt acting of any sort.  After seeing myself on camera, I have a call in to the best speech coach on the planet  and plastic surgeon on the planet.  No, really all kidding aside.  Do we ever like to see ourselves on camera?  No!  However, the others on the video look and sound fabulous and then I am with my southern drawl.  Boy do I look tired!  I think I need to call the spa and take a stay-cation before my trip, right?

(click the title to continue reading.....)

Big News from Modenus!!!!!!!!!!

New Modenus concept accelerates conversation between

brands and designers

Announcing launch of “Modenus Talks” in Las Vegas prior to KBIS

(Orlando, Florida) Modenus.com, the online design resource and creator of internationally recognized BlogTours, is launching an interactive conversation concept called Modenus Talks. The event will take place on February 3^rd, 2014 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

Modenus CEO Veronika Miller describes Modenus Talks as “speed dating for knowledge” as it brings manufacturers, designers, media and other industry professionals together for an afternoon of unplugged round table conversations about design business, design ideas and design technologies.

Modenus Talks is a result of three years of design-centered conversations; of hearing about business related issues, concerns and challenges and helping Modenus partners and community members find solutions via highly visible events, online and in person. “It struck me after the last series of BlogTours that we hosted in London and Los Angeles, that when you bring talented people together, the answers to most business and design related questions are already in the room, you just have to know to ask the right questions,” states Veronika Miller. “It was through casual conversations that meaningful bits of knowledge were shared, making the groups walk away with a thought, an idea, a new way of doing something. That’s the premise for Modenus Talks.”

The invitation-only event will bring together 45 influencers from all areas of interior design and kitchen & bath design, including select brand representatives. Three conversation groups will rotate between two design challenges and a Q & A session live on social media, allowing those not in attendance to participate and interact with the Modenus Talks group.

Title sponsors for the first-ever Modenus Talks are 20-20 Technologies, Blanco, Mr. Steam and Walker Zanger. Design enthusiasts can join by submitting questions prior to the event and following the #ModenusTalks hashtag on Twitter during the event. Results of the design challenges will be compiled and shared with media.

For further information, contact Veronika Miller at veronika@modenus.com or at (407) 376-4192. Spaces are limited so members of the media and design professionals wishing to attend should contact Ms. Miller prior to January 15, 2014.

I am so excited to be part of the Blogtour Vegas which will be attending KBIS 2014!  Can't wait to share all the exciting things we see, do and learn about!!!!

Thanksgiving Thankful!

Via

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but my feeling of thankfulness remains abundantly present.  I decided to take a break this week and focus on my family, hence no blog post since Monday.  My mother has been sick, so we traveled a day early to the family cabin, so that I could do things my mom usually does to prepare for the Thanksgiving gathering.  Our cabin is only 5 years old, but it feels as though we have always had it.  It's only about 10 minutes from my parent's house, but it has become a favorite gathering place for our family especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas.   I went a day early to the cabin, so I could make the flower arrangements and prepare some of the food. 

I wanted to share some pictures of our day with you.  {click to continue reading….}

BERT | FRANK LIGHTING

One of my favorite new finds at Decorex in London during my Blogtour London trip was Bert Frank Lighting.  Yes, it is a UK company and Yes lighting has to be changed for US standards but it can be done!  When you see these beauties mark my words you will find a way to make it happen! Born on the philosophy that their products should last a lifetime, these products are manufactured with the finest of materials. Custom colors and finishes are available and Bert Frank will even make your own designs for you.  I think you will agree this line is chic, yet timeless.

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What is Modenus and Why Should You Be A Part of It?

What is Modenus?

Other than being the coolest, most comprehensive digital online resource for design professionals and enthusiasts, Modenus is also a one-stop-shop for all things design. So what does that mean to you?  

If you are a design professional, you can create a profile and showcase your latest projects,and passions.  

 If you are a consumer, you can shop for the latest in inspiring and innovative products from around the world.  

If you are a manufacturer it's a chance for your products be shown in a globally connected community and considered among as the best in the industry.

If you are a design blogger, it's a great place to find information to write about, it's also gives you a chance to connect and tour the world seeing design up close and personally.  

It doesn't matter which of the design hats you wear, Modenus has something for everyone.  It's the "Lego" of the online design world, as it connect people across the industry. 

 The Modenus product community is carefully curated, so you aren't culling through crap to find the best products.    If it isn't good it isn't on Modenus.  Modenus is all about the best of the best of in design.  

In Modenus's own words, it was created to "inspire and to be inspired in return."  

What is the Force Behind Modenus?

At the very heart of Modenus is the amazingly talented Veronika Miller.  This lady had the vision to create Modenus against other's skepticism.   She didn't let the lack of support stop her.  Like a true a visionary leader, Veronika trudged forth on a journey to make it happen.  And make it happen she did! What she created has turned the design world on it's ear with cries to be a part of this wonderful community.   The first blogtour reached over 600,000 people and the next close on it's heels but the reach over one million.

 To learn more about Veronika and how she started Modenus, please read the interviews on Chatty Patti and  The Decorating Diva .  I loved reading these interview and  must say she is one of the smartest, most genuine, hardworking women I have ever met.  I am so honored to call Veronika Miller a friend.  It's not often that you meet the "real mcoy" in an industry where so many operate from egos, but this woman is the "real deal" and more!  If she says something is going to happen, it happens, no questions asked,end of story.  I can't wait to see what this lady has up her sleeve in years to come.  All I know, is I want to be part, of whatever it is, because I know it will be as fabulous as the lady herself. 

Photograph of Veronika Miller by Courtney Price 

Do you have questions about how to showcase your products on Modenus?  Do you need help setting up your designer or artisan portfolio?  Do you want to be a contributor?  Just call 1 (321)280-6868 USA or 44 (0) 1273-245614 UK or email Modenus at talktous@modenus.com

Read Modenus Blog Here

Follow Modenus on goggle+ here

Like Modenus on Facebook Here

Follow @modenus on twitter Here

Follow Modenus on Pinterest Here

Would you like to go on a blogtour in 2014 with Modenus?

Click here for details and to throw your hat in the ring!

(shhh...i'm keeping my fingers crossed for Milan)

I would like to personally thank Veronika Miller and Modenus for sponsoring Blogtour London and allowing me to be one of the lucky participates.  I learned so much at the London Design Festival which changed the way I will look at design from now on.  I found new resources,made lifelong friendships and industry connections, that will benefit my

 work as a designer forever.  Thank you so much!

Dont' forget that each time you vote for Lisa Mende Design in the LampsPlus Home Sweepstakes here you get entered in a chance to win a $500 giftcard!  Vote daily til Nov. 15th!

Lisa Mende Design is #8 in the Interior Drop down menu!

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The "Mr." We All Need In Our Lives is "Mr. Steam"

I remember the first time I was saw "Dr. McSteamy" on Grey's Anatomy  television show,when he walked out of the bath soaking wet, wearing only a strategically placed towel and I thought "Wow, who doesn't need that in their life."  Well, turns out "McSteamy" wasn't so hot, and didn't stick around, which leads to the conclusion, that the only steam anyone truly needs is Mr. Steam! [read more after the break...]