Must be Spring, the Architectural Digest Home Design show was in town last week.  An annual rite since 2002, the AD show is a top-notch mix of ideas, trends, products and resources. Besides hundreds of booths, there are seminars, and free one to one consumer design consultations by appointment.

I love trade shows-for all the above reasons, as well as the crowds and the atmosphere. I get a quick read on the industry, and there is just something so uplifting about being in the presence of so much creativity. This is my fourth or fifth year going, always on the first day, to-the-trade only.

The crowd was nicely mixed: the expected haberdashery with horn-rimmed glasses, sweater sets with pearls, and everything in-between. Because of the unseasonably warm temps, many had their NYC requisite black-pants-and-white-linen-overshirt outfit ready to go, and there was quite an array of bejeweled and otherwise highly-decorated ballerina flats to be seen.

Also some whimsical touches-a gentleman with a permanently airborn necktie, -a'la Dilbert, sculpted beards, even an Audrey Hepburn-esque character...all that was missing was the cigarette holder. (You'll have to trust me on these, it would have been rude to try to get photos).

The show was happy, upbeat, and clever. (I am a big fan of clever). Colors were both clear and bright, and sophisticated neutrals. Lots of purple. (Big, big fan).

Most everything I saw was done well and with some fun, but nothing ostentatious or flashy. Craftsmanship was important. Not overly designed, but thoughtfully designed and completely finished.

Sexy-metallic-organic are still very big. But sexy was smart and sly, low key and quietly intimate. Outdoor lounges au deux were very big-literally and figuratively; this piece at left had a footprint of about 12' long and 7' deep.

Textiles had great tactile appeal, and curves were everywhere. Metallic was muted-not shiny or glossy. Think minerals-bits of glimmer. Golden threads or high rayon content to add sheen, and burnished finishes on case goods and accessories.

Best of all, things with an organic, re-purposed or sustainable focus keep getting more fun and polished. This was also a favorite-Green River Stone Company works with actual fossilsestimated to be 50 million years old, that they excavate from an ancient lake bed in Wyoming.

Painstakingly collected limestone slabs are brought to the lab in Utah, when the fossils are recovered and become one of a kind wall murals, backsplashes, tables and counters. Here's a detail shot, but follow the link above to what their finished pieces look like.

There was a lot of traditional wall art (i.e. flat, and rectangular), but one really fun take were horizontal pieces that replicated a shelf of books and VCR cases. But not just "books", there were themes-classics, kids, political, travel, you name it.

Painted and printed versions, books add real soul to a home; these were perfect for those struggling with the transition to e-readers, anyone  just short on space, or in need of some big fun artwork for an empty space.

TOMORROW: Even more cool things from the AD show!

 

                                                                        ***********

"Home Staging is anything that betters the market position of a property, while easing the minds of both the seller, and Realtor"    ~TRH

Our spaces affect us profoundly. Whether you are buying, selling or staying-The Refreshed Home is your Westchester County Decorating, and  Home Staging specialist. Bettering Westchester and lower Fairfield County  CT homes since 1981, we know it's about more than a good visual.

The Refreshed Home helps you plan, and make good decisions.  It's creative and quality direction for the DIYer, full service to the busy, or out of the area homeowners/landlords.

Need to sell? Have listless listings? Just ready for a change? Know that something needs to be done, but don't know where-or how-to start?  Let The Refreshed Home be your partner in change.  Because when your space works, so  many other things fall into place!

Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!

QUESTIONS? Don't hesitate!! 914.607.2895 

email               web               blog

 
This post has been included in New York Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Connecticut Professionals
Post is included in group: House-Proud
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Be The Best In Your Field
Post is included in group: Realtors & Home Stagers Information Exchange

4 Comments on LIVE FROM NEW YORK! It's The 11th Annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show

APR
04
2012
868,771 Points 5 Featured Posts

We just had our big home show in Toronto last week. Like alawys, it was very popular.

 

7:00pm • #1
APR
05
2012
474,112 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wow! That 's quite a bed! Sounds like a fun event.

8:20am • #2
APR
08
2012
131,284 Points 2 Featured Posts

Wish I could have been there....just did not work out this time for me.  It looked like you had fun.

7:35am • #3
254,060 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Brian-no matter what, people will always care about their homes-just love seeing so many people happy about it (again) Thank you for stopping by!

Janice you are not kidding.  Some of this outdoor stuff was a little over the top(...but I loved it!!)

Hi Birgit!  It was a good show, but you know what? WIth people feeling generally more optimistic about things, I think in the months to come other local shows will be more pumped-up thatn they have been in recent years.

10:41am • #4


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…


(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Mgraham35 Rainmaker_large

Marie Graham Westchester County NY Home Stager

White Plains, NY

More about me…

The Refreshed Home White Plains NY

Office Phone: (914) 607-2895

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog