Designer Insight

April 15, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

I would go with Barack Obama. Who better to decorate for than a client who appreciates change, and shaking up the status quo? If I were to redecorate the private living quarters upstairs at the White House I would go for broke! Out with all of those heavy, fussy furnishings, and in with those that are more conducive to the needs of a busy family today. I would choose a color palette that was warm and inviting, like chocolate, or mocha, and pop it with important pieces in vermillion, turquoise, chartreuse and coral. The pieces would be reminiscent of (or from) the cities Barack has lived in, or has visited. Texture and silhouette, as well as play of color, would be unifyin...Read More

January 18, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Unique, special or handmade objects and browns, mauves and ecru are the trends that I think will be strong for 2008. It all stems from the state of the economy. With the downturn in the housing market, the decline in value of the dollar and rising fuel costs, the average consumer is buying less, and is focusing on things that will stand the test of time. Their purchases are carefully selected with an eye towards long term enjoyment and appreciation. While the economy continues to be worrisome, I believe that the consumer will gravitate towards interesting, warm, comforting and colorful palettes for their interiors. The home remains an oasis from the outside world. --Dorian Webb

December 11, 2007 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Without a doubt, my favorite thing of 2007 is the restaurant Bocca, that opened recently in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. I absolutely love it for a slew of reasons, but mainly because it combines great, approachable design with warm, professional service and amazing food. It’s a small restaurant that makes the most of its many charms. No detail is too small to overlook, from the jauntily parked Vespa out front, to the richly surfaced red walls of the restaurant’s interior. A simple floral arrangement, someti...Read More

October 15, 2007 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Green is here to stay -- While it will take some time to accustom people to incorporating eco-friendly products into their lifestyle on a daily basis, most people are now more aware of the impact of their actions, and their cumulative effect on the environment.There are many ways of going green; not all of them involve large changes on a personal level. When designing, my goal is to create beautiful objects that will stand the test of time. The quality of the materials is of utmost importance. More is NOT better. Working with companies that you know take the threat to the environment seriously, and tailor their actions accordingly, is only one way of being green. Surrounding yourself solely with objects that you truly appreciate is also a way of lessening your footprint. Purchasing things that you can pass on to future generations is another. --Dorian Webb

August 14, 2007 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Two things that drive me absolutely crazy in the retail environment are loud music, and disgruntled or disinterested salespeople -- neither of which I understand, but apparently someone for some reason, MUST find appealing. What about loud, abrasive music says “Relax, take your time and shop with us?” Why do retailers believe that any music played at deafening levels makes people believe you are fashionable and hip?  I don’t know where that unfortunate trend began, but I will be quite happy to see its demise.

If the noise isn’t enough to drive you out of a place where you came, intending to spend money, then poorly trained salespeople will do the trick. Not only will they not help you find items that you are interested in purchasing, but they will also treat you to a list of grievances about their job. Why don’t retailers pick up on thi...Read More