Archive for category Random

My Palm Beach Project – See the “After” Video on CNN en Espanol!

Please view the “after” segment of my Palm Beach project.  What do you think of the results? Check out my previous post of the “before” segment if you missed it!

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Food, Friends and Fun at a Parisian Chateau

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.

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Transcending Boundaries in Design

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!

DDB Talk

 

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A Taboo Topic…

 

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.

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InStyle October Book!

Click on the following link to see what’s featured in this issue! It’s pink…

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Follies


If anyone out there wants to see an amazing musical, you should go see Follies. Bernadette Peters is amazing as the lead. It is beautifully produced and performed with the incredible music of Sondheim. I say it is a must!

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5000

I’ve added my 5,000th friend on Facebook this week! Wow!  I’m thrilled to be connected to such a great group of dedicated people all across the globe, and be a part of the dialogue that takes place here every day.  I have so much gratitude for you all, and hope to keep the conversation going for a long time!

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Ask Vicente: TV Stands

Name: Adele 
City: NY
State: NY

Comment:

What kind of tv stand/media center would you recommend? I don’t see any tv’s in any of your layouts, but I need something for my living room. The space is small (NYC apt) 48″ long x 108″ (9 feet) high.

Vicente Responds:

Years ago I started using art easels that I found in France for TV stands, they are architectural pleasing and have great flexibility. Restoration Hardware has a great knockoff of them. You can see how I have used the ones from France below, I have one in my loft too! Let us know what you decide on.

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Savage Beauty

Has anyone seen the Alexander McQueen show “Savage Beauty at The Met? I found it to be truly revealing of his talent and broad imagination; the accompanying book is extraordinary as well, with incredible photos and intriguing copy. It always puzzles me how there can sometimes be no connection between great success in the business world and happiness in the outside/personal world. It seemed like this man couldn’t want for anything, but as we all know the tragic ending proved that was wrong.

 

Gallery photography by The Photograph Studio, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The View & DIFFA

 

Whoopi did a great segment about the DIFFA event this year, our table is towards the end …3:29 to be exact.  If you didn’t get to attend here’s your chance to see our table and all the others!!

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