TOP KNOBS = TOP DRAWER HARDWARE CHOICE!

Rush Limbaugh Neck tie

Ok, did you know that Rush Limbaugh created a tie line in the 90's?  Neither did I, but it has been a source of laughter in my household, since discovering this obscure fact.  If I had only known about these ties early enough, I think there might have been a few given as Valentine's Day gag gifts. I like to keep my blog upbeat and honorable, so I'll leave you to decide what you think about Rush, I'm not going there but his ties can speak for him I think!  Teehee!!    Holy Taco describes the one above as "what you see when you mix vicodin, oxycodone and vodka, while you're lost in a hedge maze."

(click to continue reading & see Rush Limbaugh's tie collection, I know you are dying to see it....)

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?

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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!!!!

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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A Don't Miss In London!!! Columbia Street Flower Market

Our last day of Blogtour London was filled with so much goodness I decided to break it down into a couple of posts.   Veronika gave us the morning off to as we pleased.  She had promised Florence, her daughter she would take her to the local flower market on Columbia Street.  They offered for any interested parties to tag along.  I have never been one to miss out on an adventure, so I got up bright and early in preparation for the day.  Since this was not part of the blogtour itinerary, I decided to dedicate a post strictly to the Columbia Street Market.  I took so many pictures I really had to cull through to only share the best.   I'm so glad I went!  It was a a lesson in local culture.  I loved every minute.  I hope you enjoy seeing the market through my photographs.  

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Day 3 of Blogtour London with Modenus

Day 3 of Blogtour London sponsored by Modenus started with a visit to the Poggenpohl Waterloo showroom. If you aren't familiar with Poggenpohl, this German company has been crafting luxury kitchens for 120 years.  The showroom displayed several beautifully designed state of the art kitchens which incorporated different finishes and options offered.  

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The Day Has Arrived!! Paris & BlogTour London Here I come!!!

Via

It's finally here!  My trip to Europe!  My flight leaves this afternoon! First stop is Paris!  I am so excited and nervous at the same time!  I have never been to Europe.  When I was in college and my friends were going to study abroad my parents told me that I could do that one day when I was older, with my husband.  Well, I'm definitely older(we won't discuss that), but my husband isn't going.  I really wish he was. (insert sad face), but this is a trip for designers and architects, not a family vacation.  I'm going to Paris with the Design Trust founded and led by Steve Nobel of Nobelinks.  His firm specializes in better markets for design at home. Steve is known for his experience and leadership skills in connecting people and ideas.  He doesn't limit those ideas to the US.  He was once Managing Partner of  Baker, Knapp and Tubbs Ltd. in London, England, hence a well traveled professional.   I have the upmost faith this trip will be beyond awesome.  The itinerary is mind-blowing!  We are going to do some amazing things in Paris.  I am finally going to Maison & Objet, the home decor market in Paris!  I have always wanted to go!  We are also being treated to a reception and dinner one night in Vicent Frey's apartment!  We will visit the Pierre Frey archives and Pierre Frey's apartment as well. I adore Pierre Frey fabrics so I am sure that will be a highlight for me!  I will be documenting my trip her on the blog as well as my instagram when possible. If you don't currently follow me on instagram, my account is LisaMendeDesign.  I'm not sure what my WiFi situation will be but I'll find a way to post! 

Photo Credit

 After Paris, I will travel to London on the Eurostar for BlogTour London with Veronika Miller of  Modenus for London Design Festival! 

Thanks to our fabulous sponsors of Blogtour London!  I will be sharing info about these amazing companies throughout the upcoming weeks!  If you want to learn more about Modenus make sure to pop over to the website and read more here.  If you are a designer or architect, get involved in the community.  Veronika provides a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and connections through Modenus. Thanks for all the well wishes I have been receiving!  I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers while I'm traveling!  Off to finish packing!!!! 

BLOGTOUR LONDON WITH MODENUS!!!

It's an exciting time at Lisa Mende Design!  I shared in my last post that I am going to Paris in September but guess what....I'm also going to London!!!  Both trips will be filled with everything Interior Design!!!  I can't wait!  First Paris and now...... Veronika Miller, owner of Modenus has formed her new team for BlogTour London and I am one of the chosen!!!  I am over the moon thrilled to be included with such an amazing team of designer/bloggers.  To Meet Veronika in real life is also exciting.  Are you familiar with Modenus?  If not, pop over to the website to learn more and be wowed!  It's truly amazing what Veronika is doing for the world of design through Modenus. 

Modenus has announced the following

 designer bloggers for the trip....

 

BLOGTOUR LONDON 2013: MEET THE BLOGGERS AND VOTE FOR THE 

12th TEAM MEMBER!!

Posted by Modenus in BlogTour, BlogTour London

Holly Hollingsworth Phillips is a residential interior designer and co-owner of The English Room, which is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Holly’s style is elegant, eclectic and colorful. She has completed homes all over the east coast that have ranged from the super modern to very traditional while keeping it true to her style. She loves overseeing the design process from beginning to end. “The best part is when your clients really trust you and set you free to do what you do best.” Her love of color, pattern and layering of old and new can be seen in all her work. According to Holly, “Color makes people happy!”

You can find Holly on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

For the last seven years Corey Klassen has built a boutique interior design practice that  focuses directly on his clients needs. With depth of creative visual experience and specialty in kitchens and bathrooms Corey finds himself addressing form and function at every stage of the design with his down to earth attitude and highly technical design expertise. By listening to clients, he creates a cohesive design vision and connects spaces by creating his vision of the client’s story. Corey brings his knowledge and experience to the college-level in the NKBA-Accredited Kitchen & Bath Design Diploma program at Vancouver Community College. Please follow Corey on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Under the aegis of richard|rabel: interiors + art, Richard Rabel, The Modern Sybarite provides clients with livable, warm and unique interiors that reflect a 21^st century lifestyle. A multi-linguist with a ten-year career as a senior director and specialist at Christie’s, the London-based international art auction house, twenty years of art and design study and over thirty years of international travel, Richard has lived in seven countries and has had access to some of the most exquisite and exclusive spaces.  From San Francisco to Mexico City, Sao Paulo to Geneva, Istanbul to Delhi and Sydney to Shanghai, the breadth of his travels has cultivated his eye and contributed to defining his exacting taste and modern aesthetic. When he’s not globe trotting you can find Richard on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Jessica Gordon Ryan is a writer, a blogger a photographer and a memoirist. She dabbled in public relations and marketing as a copywriter before taking time off to raise her family, but writing, still a passion, was never put on the back burner. Born out of a need to be creative, and a desire to perfect her writing skills, Jessica created the lifestyle blog, The Entertaining House, where she writes about topics from food to fashion to décor.  Jessica also owns a boutique social media and creative services company, Effervescence, where she combines her creative services, promotional writing, photography, social media, and blog design.

You’ll find Jessica on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Marilyn Russell, Allied ASID, president of Design Magnifique, Inc., epitomizes the style and the substance of today’s internationally focused and modernist approach to interior design. Highly educated—she has three college degrees that contribute to her dynamic and diverse design sensibility—Russell was born in Jamaica, grew up in Boston and studied historical interior design in London. Her own work is contemporary and trendsetting with a masculine, edgy feel to it. She specializes in mid-century modern, minimalist, and “Mad Men” 1960s ultra-modern decors that often feature a jolt of bright color in neutrally-toned rooms.
For a jolt of her bubbly personality and great design insights, please find her onTwitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google +.

Growing up in small-town Ohio couldn’t have preparedLisa Kahn for a fast-paced career in the interior design field. However, the values she grew up with are the foundation for her success. With her honesty, integrity and down-to-earth approach, Lisa can’t help but appeal to her clientele. Not one to impose her own style on the projects she takes, Lisa’s commissioned spaces reflect her clients needs, passions, desires and lifestyles. The number of satisfied clients and award-winning projects speak to the success of her efforts. Lisa’s latest muse is a design-related book that encapsulates her years of design experience and speaks to the important trends and changes in the spaces that surround us. For more from this talented designer, see her on Twitter, Facebookand Pinterest

Rita Catinella Orrell is a design magazine editor and writer working in New York City and writes the blog Designythings. She has been a member of the design press for over 16 years, covering interior design, home furnishings, kitchen and bath design, and architectural building products. She has written and edited articles for Contract Design, HFN, and Architectural Record, among other publications. She is also a published poet and her chapbook Stuck in the Dream Wheel was published by Finishing Line Press in 2005. She earned her LEED Green Associate certification in 2012, indicating she knows just enough about sustainable design to be dangerous. We’re sure she’s less dangerous on Twitter and Facebook so please, say hello to her there.

Ann Porter of Kitchen Studio of Naples says “The world is in constant change these days and we embrace improvement and innovation as the new paradigm. We believe Good design makes a difference in embracing technological and social advances. My goal as a “Lifestyle Designer” is to make a positive difference in a person’s life through the projects I complete.”
Ann likes to put a lot of passion, creative thinking and research into her projects and gets emotionally attached to them and the people she gets to work with.
She prides herself in taking the time to listen and get to know her clients’ needs, goals, and dreams – big ideas are what motivate and inspire her. For more design inspiration please meet Ann on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Laurie Laizure is the founder of CustomizedWalls.com, a bespoke wallpaper and wall murals printing company. She has extensive experience in the highest quality fine art printing, a craft that has taken shape over her 15 year career and set about gaining national attention for her innovative wallpaper and murals through e-commerce business, blog and social media. Her online network reaches over 100,000 people. Laurie is also founder of the popular Interior Design Community on G+ for Interior Design professionals. They host weekly video hangouts and interviews and have quickly become a valuable resource for the business of design. Need some serious social media? Please connect with Laurie on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google +      

Luxury Interiors Blog by Laura Bielecki is about exploring the world of interiors, from products to projects. In this journal she shows new and exciting releases in the industry including bespoke items, limited editions, contemporary furniture, unique lighting and trendy home decor to name a few. Her journal entries inform and dissect the elements we as humans use on an every day basis to better our lives. Laura C. Bielecki Bachelor of Interior Design from Mount Royal University currently lives, and works in Dubai, UAE. Her work can be seen all over the world in some of the most affluent homes and businesses.

For more on this globetrotting designer please connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Principal and founder of Lisa Mende Design of Charlotte, NC. since 1998, Lisa’s  firm specializes in traditional interiors with a modern vibe.  In 2009, during  a sabbatical from her practice due to grieving the loss of a child,Lisa started writing  her blog of the same name “Lisa Mende Design”. Lisa believes a well designed interior tells the story of the owner and looks collected rather than designed.  She was winner of the High Point Market Style Spotter competition, is a member of Brizo blogger19 and has been a curator for Joss & Main. A southerner by birth,  Lisa is a wife and mother of four.  Her design work and blog have been featured in many local and national magazines. To see the trends Lisa spots in London, please follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

And then…THE 12th BLOGGER TO COMPLETE OUR TEAM!!!!. We notified that one of our bloggers can’t make it because she has a fabulous business opportunity. (I know who that was and am very sad she can't come, so we need to fill her spot with a fabulous person!!) So happy for her,you will be hearing about what she is up to later)Now Who will fill the spot?

Our short list is  below. Now you can vote. All votes have to be in by Saturday August 3 at 5pm EST.  Please help us round out the team by casting your vote to send your favorite blogger to London Design Festival.

Head over HERE to vote for the 12th blogger. 

A big thank you to Veronika for 
making me part of the team!!!

Thank you to all the sponsors of Blogtour London:

What I've Been Up To, Good Reads & 7 Fun Picks For the Week!

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