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.

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!

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.

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

When I was a kid I used to get my kicks in ways I don’t  anymore, so how do I get my kicks now? What turns my light bulb on first is getting a new client.  It does it to me every time; it’s the honeymoon, the romance and the tingling hairs on the back of my neck. Second is when I install a job, for me it’s the climax, it’s like the nurse bringing the newborn in for the first time.  Who looks at the baby’s slightly too big nose or ears? Who sees slight imperfections when the big picture is wonderful?

How do you get your kicks? Please keep it clean!