Dorian Webb designs chandeliers featuring Venetian glass and crystal for her company, Viaggio, the result of earlier success with her line of award-winning semiprecious jewelry that has been featured in many national magazines as a celebrity favorite. Webb studied Italian architecture at Yale University and travels frequently to Italy where she works closely with Venetian artisans. She and her work have been featured several times on Oprah Winfrey and in O magazine, and her chandeliers are sold through jewelry and clothing boutiques around the country, including ABC Carpet and Home. Webb and Viaggio are based in New York City. website: www.viaggiohome.com
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 unifying elements. The finished rooms would be stimulating and provocative, filled with cultural mementos of the journey made to arrive at this historic point. --Dorian Webb
What struck me most about the opening ceremonies was the sheer number of people that were orchestrated to create elements of the event. So often we overlook or undervalue our own particular and individual strengths. It was wonderful to see not only China's recognition of and pride in its storied past, but also a celebration of its present strengths and uniqueness as well. How could you not be inspired by that? --Dorian Webb
The last time you shopped for home décor item(s) for your home, what did you buy? Where did you buy it? And what attracted you to that particular shop?
Dorian Webb:One of the few perks we have in this industry is buying wonderful pieces from friends at wholesale (yay!), but whenever I take the leap and make retail purchases, it usually happens when I’m doing a trunk show at one of my retailers. The last time I made an impulse purchase, I bought some decorative fish at Gift Gourmet...Read More
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
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
wholesale (yay!), but whenever I take the leap and make retail purchases, it usually happens when I’m doing a trunk show at one of my retailers. The last time I made an impulse purchase, I bought some decorative fish at 
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