man’s (or woman’s) best friend

Whether you love them for their grace and beauty or for their unwavering loyalty, dogs are truly a man’s (or woman’s) best friend…here is a sampling of some of my favorite designers with the love’s of their life

Bobby McAlpine with his Greyhound Joe

Darryl Carter with his German Shorthaired Pointer Otis

Robert Couturier with his Shih Tzus Henriette and Chuck

Alfredo Paredes’ Labrador Retriever Sid

Tara Shaw with her Whippet Jack

John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross with their Great Dane Cooper

Grant K. Gibson with one of his two Westies

Todd Romano’s miniature dachshund Bunny

Stephen Shubel’s Papillon Coco

Nate Berkus with his Border Collies Henry and Emma

Fitzhugh Karol with Olive

Yves Saint Laurent with his Chihuahua

Michael S. Smith’s Wheaton Terriers Chubbs and Shortcake

Greet Lefevre with Mango! (ok, not her dog Ralph but most definitely a huge love of her life!)

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a world of magic and fantasy ~ dining by design

In just a few hours, the creme de la creme of the design world will unite at Pier 94 in NYC to experience the wonder and beauty of DIFFA’s Dining by Design…the Gala begins at 6:30 with EFFEN Vodka Cocktails and La Crema wines followed by an elegant seated VIP dinner, dancing and a luxurious silent auction…the seated dinner will take place at these magnificent tables designed by leaders in the industry as well as prominent schools in the NY area…I had the privilege and honor of being invited to the media walk through on Thursday afternoon which allowed me full access to the event before it opened to the public…let me just say I was on cloud nine! Innovation, imagination, art and technology all united in the name of design…I hope my photographs transport you to that world of magic and fantasy…please enjoy!

Resource Furniture

New York School of Interior Design

Pratt Institute

Mark Cunningham hosted by Alfredo Paredes

Fashion Institute of Technology

Merchandise Mart Properties

Herman Miller

RDYC Interior Design & Architectural Development

Neiman Marcus

David Ling

Shawn Henderson Interior Design

Slade Architecture

Marchesa for Lenox

Ali Tayar with Jones Falls Furniture Company, Custom Digital Printing by Wolf-Gordon

New York Times

Design Within Reach

La Crema

Kravet

Benjamin Moore

Ralph Lauren

Architectural Digest

photography by danielle boudrot for a thoughtful eye

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diffa’s dining by design

This Thursday afternoon (tomorrow!), I will be attending a media walk through of the Dining By Design event which is presented in conjunction with the AD show…to whet our appetites, I’m posting a few of my favorites from the past two years…the Fort Street Studio installation from last year (first photo) takes my breath away…I can’t wait to see what they have planned for this year! With camera in hand and eyes wide open, I promise to share my insights and photographs with you when I return home!

Dining by Design is the signature fundraising event for DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids)…each spring in New York, DIFFA’s Dining by Design debuts a spectacular display of cuisine, creativity, and glamour…the event showcases design luminaries and culinary giants in a feast for the senses…this year, Alfredo Paredes will be honored for his many years of service as DIFFA trustee and a major proponent of Dining by Design…congrats Alfredo!!!!!

Fort Street Studio, NYC, 2011

Bradley Stephens, NYC, 2010

Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, 2010

New York School of Interior Design, NYC, 2010

Kravet, NYC, 2010

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ralph lauren ~ desert modern collection

As Executive Vice President & Chief Retail Creative Officer at Ralph Lauren, Alfredo Paredes is the person responsible with guiding the creation of the company’s famously evocative environments (which translates into everything from store design to product presentation)…RL’s newest collection, Desert Modern, is inspired by the vast beauty of the Western frontier…many of the fabrics and textures in this collection are echoed in Alfredo’s NYC penthouse…sumptuous suede upholstery, calming earth tones, and warm woods unite…I’m especially fond of the accessories and tableware…clean lines and natural materials feel fresh and ready for spring…enjoy!

photos from Ralph Lauren

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alfredo paredes ~ penthouse perfect

In anticipation of my trip to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show this week, I thought I would post about the April 2012 AD cover story! Visionary/designer Alfredo Paredes and writer Brad Goldfarb transformed a neglected NYC penthouse into a romantic jewel inspired by the spirit of ’20s California architecture (think stone floors and gothic arches!) Walls needed to come down to take advantage of the natural light, high ceilings, and large terrace…they started by replacing the single terrace door and four flanking windows with five arched openings (photo below)…talk about bringing the outdoors in! By adding details such as natural white oak for paneling, bookcases and cabinetry, raw plaster walls, reclaimed wood for the ceilings, and French limestone tiles for the flooring, the interior shell is now brimming with character and patina…what a refreshing and inspiring home! Please enjoy!

To read the entire AD article, click here

photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna for Architectural Digest

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