Happy Halloween!
Since many of you wanted to see more photos of my friend Tim’s French chateau, I created a photo album for you to see the beautiful place. You will have to wait for the Veranda magazine article to come out to see more interior photos of his chateau. I’ll keep you posted!
Name: Sofia Mendonca
Country: Portugal
First Question:
I’m finding it a bit difficult to get samples from suppliers because I’m a student so I’ve been presenting myself as a young designer since I’ve started to help some friends on a big project. But I feel pretentious and fake while doing it even though I always maintain a professional approach and act like I know what I want. Is there a more honest way for students to get samples? Or should I just change my own perception of how to get what I need?
Second Question:
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes young designers make?
Vicente Responds:
In response to your first question, I suggest you approach design firms and ask for samples you don’t want. Are you young and a designer? If so, you are not being “fake” or “pretentious”. You can return the samples after you use them. If you like the fabrics, you’ll use them in the future. You are laying the groundwork for your career in interior design.
As for your second question, I’d say the most common mistakes made by young designers is not being professional or giving away your expertise for free.
This morning the “before” video segment of my Palm Beach project aired on Café CNN. Click the video below to view the show. The “after” segment airs tomorrow morning (October 26) at 8:57 a.m. on Café CNN and will also be streamed online. I’ll post the “after” video for you all to see after the segment airs!
Enjoy!
Café CNN \”Before\” Segment in Palm Beach, FL
When I was invited to visit my friend Tim and stay in his chateau in Paris, I was absolutely delighted. I had been there once before after it had been refurbished. This time I was prepared for the experience having visited once before. I was told it would be a casual weekend ending with a balloon ride or a scavenger hunt. He had invited me and 19 other guests…it was more than spectacular.
Tim was a wonderful host who showed great kindness and generosity. He had an excellent chef who prepared delicious meals, and his home was filled with flowers, candy, and many, many drinks. Every day he featured a different martini!
The main area of house was hung with chandeliers, and in the evenings we enjoyed BBQs. I had a memorable time and was happy to be sharing Tim with a great group of guests.
Recently I was talking to a friend of mine who is a designer and he was telling me about a project that he presented to a client roughly three months ago and they still have not decided on anything. He was so frustrated at the fact that so much work had been put into the project and as wonderful as it was, the client would not set up the follow-up appointments to see the furniture or return phone calls, all they did was hem and haw.
He asked me what my feelings were about it. I said it was like being in labor for three months but not being able to deliver the baby. Clearly, I didn’t have great advice to offer; you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. Do you scream and shout? I don’t think that would do any good. Would you continue to reach out to them? Do any of you have any advice, because I was not the most helpful. Please let me know.
VW Home is featured in The Private Journey, a magazine that is onboard private jets. It features a beautiful 19th-century gilded chair from. Here is the feature. You can also learn more about VW Home below:
I’m the closing keynote speaker at the Decoration and Design Building (DDB) Fall Market 2011 this afternoon at 3 p.m. Wish me luck! I’ll be talking about transcending boundaries in design, with Robert Couturier. I’ll let you know how it goes!
I recently shot a segment with the NBC crew for a show called “Open House” on LX TV which ran this Sunday morning. In it, I talk about lighting and how it can be used to enhance the atmosphere of your home. On the show, I visit Baccarat at NYC’s Michael C. Fina store, as well as give a tour my own loft!
Click on this link to see the segment:
What do you do when a supplier goes out of business or runs away with your money?
Fortunately, this has only happened to me once in my long career, when a supplier closed the business and took off with the deposits. Unfortunately, it is a situation that designers may face, and a subject that is often taboo when it comes to designer-client interactions.
In my case, I stepped up to the bar and dipped into my own pockets to pay the client for the losses incurred as a result of the supplier running off with the deposits. I did this, despite the fact that the contract specified that I was not responsible for covering that type of loss.
How does one avoid this sticky situation?
By not putting all of your eggs into one basket and also making sure that you are working with loyal suppliers and have a good sense of their character. Do your research before working with a new supplier, and always ask for references.
Keep in mind that insurance can cover your loss. There are people out there who can help you run those crooks down!
Is there anyone out there who’s been burned? Share your misfortune and let me know how you dealt with it.
Linda O’Keeffe just released a new book that is all about WHITE. It’s most informative and visually inspirational, and is a must for any designer.