The project was exciting and so humbling and it felt so good to challenge ourselves while giving back.  Not only have we met some Extraordinary women (we even had the pleasure of meeting our tenant!) but we have also seen some Extraordinary rooms.  It is astounding what this group of talented designers did with the likes of a 10″ x 12″ space, just beautiful… I must admit, I loved flexing the decorating muscle again…it’s been years since decorating film sets and though Paul and I have enjoyed doing friends’ and family’s homes for years,  this project was very special and close to our hearts. We never met a group of more inspiring and big-hearted women than the residents at the shelter and the excitement they had for the project had us in tears.

I’ll be posting more on it soon, with before and after photos and the whole nine yards once we get clearance.  But for now, hopefully you will join us and see the rooms in person.  Wait until you see the chandelier! 

Please come and join us for our Show House in downtown LA as 30 interiors designers transform the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children into a beautiful space to benefit deserving area women and children. All 30 rooms will be open for viewing and each designer will be there to present their room. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

 Saturday and Sunday July 23 and 24th  from 11-3pm
GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN 
Hawkes Building
1650 Rockwood St.
Los Angeles CA 90026
PH 213 482 1834

Food and refreshments will be served.
Parking available on all side streets.

*No RSVP is necessary we look forward to seeing you!
*Please feel free to pass the invite along.

The BLOG: http://gscharitydesignproject.blogspot.com/

ABOUT GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN
The mission of Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children is to provide, with dignity and love, a continuum of care from homelessness to self-sufficiency for women and their children, through services offered by professional and volunteer staff. For over 25 years Good Shepherd Center has provided food, clothing, shelter and supportive services for homeless women and children. From mobile outreach to transitional shelter to long-term housing for mothers with disabilities, help is available every step of the way. Good Shepherd continues to serve more than 900 women and children a year through comprehensive programs, providing long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness.  www.gschomeless.org  

Participating Interior Designers: Ames Ingham, Olivia Williams, Charmean Neithart, Dana Doumani, Erica Islas, Form LA, Heidi Bendetson, Hillary Thomas, Irene Lovett, Jenifer Porter, Jessica Pakzad Bennett, Jordan Cappella, Julie Thigpen, Kelly Edwards, Kelly Schandel, Kirsten Hanson-Press, Kristine Page Kamenstein, Lily Menjivar, Megan Janzen, William Schneider, Marcia Zia & Paul Priven, Laura Clayton Baker, Meg Joannides, Michele Alexandra Kay, Michelle Workman, Mollie Ranize, Nadia Geller, Sasha Emerson, Shirry Dolgin, Lisa Harper, Susie Ho, Tamara Kaye Honey, Typhanie Peterson, Vanessa De Vargas.

Zia-Priven, Inc.’s room was made possible by the generosity of:
Tucker Robbins, Smith+Noble, Atmosphere Interiors, Karastan, Glidden Paint, Against the Stream, Filmore Clark, Bungalow 5, Dwell Studio, Pacific Lighting & Electrical, Inc., Flooring America, Carpet Empire Plus, Alan & Cheryl Priven, Nancy Chavez, Zia-Priven, Inc., Paper Mosaic Studio, Sofa Club, Cliff Spencer Furniture Maker, Modern Chic Home, Mend Etc. and Liz’s Antique Hardware.

 All lighting supplied by Zia-Priven, Inc. Extraordinary Lighting

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for making this a great success.
Photos of the project will be on our website this fall.

Rachel Winokur is the Principal and Lead Designer of eTTa Designs, an eco-friendly boutique interior design firm.  She received an International Design Award and was heralded as “one(s) to watch” by ASID Icon.  Rachel is an Allied member of ASID and a Certified Green Building Professional with 15 years of combined experience in a variety of creative disciplines, including attending the Boston Architectural Center and UCLA Arc_ID.  Rachel’s interior design career began at award-winning Boston architecture firm Ann Beha Architects and then Los Angeles with various firms including the prestigious Michael S. Smith, Inc.  In 2007, she founded eTTa with projects like an eco-luxe spa and presidential suite at Hotel Casa del Mar, an eco-friendly nail salon, and a green residential renovation.  Some of Rachel’s community contributions include designing a room at a family shelter, panels and presentations like Dwell on Design, and serving as a Guest Critic at a UCLA Extension Architecture and Interior Design Program Design Studio.

I’m very pleased to share this conversation with Rachel Winokur, an extremely talented eco-friendly designer who has led quite a fascinating life so far. She’s gone from growing up on a 52 ft Sailboat and raising chickens to working with renowned White House designer Michael Smith to dedicating her talent to designing a greener planet–there’s a lot to learn from this lady!

Los Feliz Project: View from Dining Room into Living Room

TSL:  Hi Rachel, so glad you can join me for this interview.  You’ve work with so many interesting people including Michael S. Smith, Interior Designer to the White House and President and Michelle Obama.  Very impressive!  How did you land such a great position starting out?  Many new designers would love to know how to secure a position with such a well known designer, any tips?  

RW:  Prior to working at Michael S. Smith, Inc., I worked for several architecture firms, but never any interior design ones.  At the time I interviewed with Michael, about 5 years ago (just 3 years after moving to LA from Boston), I didn’t realize how significant of a designer he was and ultimately the impact my employment there would have on my career.  I don’t recall how I found out about the job opening but I submitted my resumé and was lucky enough to have a casual meeting with the Design Director at a large wood dining table in the kitchen of the office and then Michael met with me briefly.  I think that he relied on the Design Director to determine if I had the necessary skills while Michael met me to see if there was a personality fit.  I was hired as a Sr. Designer and worked my way up to Director of the Commercial Department.  Some of the strengths that helped me flourish at Michael’s were organizational skills, a proactive approach, anticipating Michael’s needs, ability to respond quickly, management skills, resourcefulness, and customer service.

TSL:  Obviously hard work and perseverance do pay off. What did you learn from him?

RW:  I am extremely grateful for my time with Michael as he was my first design mentor.  As a result of working closely with him, I gained valuable design skills including developing concept ideas, presentation techniques, FF&E selections (especially fabric combinations), furniture layouts, client collaboration and client service.

Before: Los Feliz Project-Living Room

And…After

TSL:  Had you considered other types of work before pursuing design?  If so, what kind? What led you to design?

RW:  It took me almost 10 years after graduating college to discover that I wanted to be an Interior Designer.  I tried fashion merchandising at J.Crew, fashion design at FIT, writing a business plan to open a café in Portsmouth, NH and textile design at Massachusetts College of Art.  Then, I took an interior design class at the Boston Architectural Center and loved it!  I immediately started their Master’s of Interior Design program in 2000 and felt a tremendous sense of relief, and excitement.

Before:  Los Feliz Project Breakfast Lounge

And…After

TSL:  Isn’t it interesting how so many people stumble upon what they really love in life, especially with the creative arts?  It really is a trial and error search for many of us but it all seems to make us better at what we do-just like studying fashion and textile design previously gives your interiors a different and more personal perspective. And now, you have become known for being an “eco-friendly designer”, what led you in this direction?

RW:  I wasn’t very focused on eco design until I started my own business where I was able to take stock of what was truly important to me and chose what I really wanted to do rather than carry out someone else’s vision.  I employed a few eco design elements in my first residential project with my new business 3 years ago, and shortly thereafter completed my first eco project for a nail salon.  The eco nail salon was (and still is) such a great example of sustainable design, that I used it as the basis for several conference panels and presentations.  That project really proved to me that it’s possible to be green while looking cool and keeping to a tight budget.  I was hooked on sustainable design!  However, it was the Sea Wellness Spa at Hotel Casa del Mar in 2008 which was my first large-scale eco project and garnered me a lot of eco design attention.  My luxury hotel client’s priority was an elegant and luxurious spa which I gave them.  But, I also gave them a green spa within budget, so it’s like they got a bonus, and they were thrilled.  Eco design doesn’t define a style, it is merely a tool to achieve a final result that can be healthy, eco-friendly and even socially and economically conscious.

Eco Nail Salon

Over the last few years, my passion for sustainable design has grown stronger.  Also, I remembered that I was named after Rachel Carson (my middle name is Carson), the naturalist who wrote several books including Silent Spring, which exposed the dangers of pesticides.  Plus, I had always enjoyed the natural world as a child, whether it was visiting the Natural Science Center, going to the beach (between the South Shore of Massachusetts and Cape Cod), sailing, even living on a sailboat for 2 ½ years, and skiing (I was a competitive Freestyle Skier and skied almost every weekend and vacation week in the winter).

Rachel and her sister,growing up carefree amongst nature. Isn’t this just the most beautiful photo?

TSL:  Do you especially like working in the spa genre?  

RW:  I loved working on the nail salon and the eco luxe spa because I was able to create something that would positively impact so many more people than if they were residential projects.  In addition, since our lives today can be so busy and hectic, it’s extremely important to decompress and I really liked creating a relaxing space that serves as a respite and helps guests find balance in their lives.  Also, unlike most residential projects, I love being involved in a multi-dimensional design and incorporate all 5 senses like peaceful music, relaxing scents, comfy seating, soothing palette and calming tea.  I even enjoy the challenge of designing for a public space where durability is crucial and where strict health and safety codes govern.

Sea Wellness Spa Entry

TSL:  Your transformation of the Sea Wellness Spa at Hotel Casa del Mar is breathtaking.  What were your influences?  Any difficulties in keeping it an eco-friendly re-do?

RW:  Thank you!  I still get excited every time I cross through the threshold into the spa and experience the space.  And I love watching everyone’s reaction when they enter and are instantly transported by the sights, sounds and scents. 

There are many influences that contributed to the creation of the spa, though there is no clear theme (which was intentional as I’m not a fan of places that look theme-like).  First and most influential, I was inspired by the beach location of the hotel.  Especially since there are no windows in the spa, I felt it was extremely important to make a clear connection.  That notion brought along with it a palette of browns and dark greens to represent the sand, sea, seaweed and even beach grasses (more so an influence of the Cape Cod beaches where I grew up).  Also, natural materials like Matrix-Z’s natural shell fit right in as a wall inlay and face of the reception desk.  The beach also influenced my design of the quiet lounge which is based on a cabana with curtain walls and comfy low Cisco Brothers chairs, a height reminiscent of typical low beach chairs.  Even the abaca wrapped Kenneth Cobonpue coffee table in the lounge reminds me of a lobster trap.  The beach location made me think of slatted teak which was also a strong design influence and led to horizontal elements.  I accomplished this with The Reclaimer’s reclaimed wood wall paneling in the entry hallway installed horizontally.  Also, I respected the 1926 Renaissance Revival architecture of the building with symmetry in the layout.  This is evident immediately when you enter through the original entrance where I created a hallway with a hidden door on the right and then a pair of matching doors on the left and right just before the locally made sustainably custom-built reception area by Cliff Spencer which is also symmetrical.   

There really weren’t many difficulties in obtaining and installing the eco elements.  Perhaps the biggest challenge was finding the right eco lighting that could be used with a dimmer and create the proper ambience.

The Quiet Room at the Sea Wellness Spa

TSL:  I think I’m seeing a pattern here…spas, water, Cape Cod, it all makes sense. I was so fascinated to learn you grew up on a boat.  How did that come about and what was that like?  What did it teach you about how much “stuff” you do or don’t need in life?

RW:  We had already done a lot of boating and sailing as a family and then one day, I remember my parents telling me and my younger sister (we are just 13 months apart) that we were going to live on a boat.  I was about 8 years old and I don’t remember thinking it was anything odd and in fact I loved it and only remember fun, freedom, adventure and happiness.  My sister and I even each brought our Persian cats on board and they seemed to love it too! 

I had my own room, the V-Berth, which was at the front or bow of the boat and on the left or port side was my bunk bed and some built-in storage on the right or starboard side.  All I needed at the time was a comfy bed, some clothes and my cat.  Though it was nice to also have my bike on board where it was stored in my parents’ tub with everyone else’s.  The boat was a 52’ Irwin Catch and felt roomy to me and had conveniences like a small limestone fireplace and a washer and dryer.  I also recall there was even enough room to invite friends over for a birthday party!  Plus, even though we were Jewish, there were several years where we fit a Christmas tree on the boat.  My favorite spot on the boat was sitting at the bowsprit on a rope seat my dad made with my cat with the wind in my face and the unknown in front of me.  I truly feel I had the best childhood ever!

The experience of living on a boat and in a small space with just essentials was valuable.  It has helped me as an adult adapt well to and live happily in many small apartments.  Since it proved to me that living in excess, is not necessary, it is one more way I can help my design clients create a space that satisfies their needs while also being environmentally and economically conscious. 

TSL:  That sounds like an incredible childhood!  How much fun. It seems there have been many influences in your life, one being your namesake, Rachel Carson who you mentioned earlier. Would you share more about her?

RW:  Rachel Carson, a writer, naturalist and ecologist, was named “one of the most influential people of the 20^th century”, according to TIME magazine.  She grew up in Pennsylvania, had a life-long love of the ocean and received degrees in biology and marine biology.  She became a published author at age 10 and her fourth and perhaps most famous work was Silent Spring – a warning about the hazards associated with the random use of chemical pesticides and their potentially adverse effect on the environment and human health. Carson encouraged the need for more extensive research before discharging chemicals into our environment.

Carson’s environmental ethic below is still so meaningful for me today on how I chose to live my life, especially the last line which I feel relates to social and economic sustainability.

• Live in harmony with nature
• Preserve and learn from natural places
• Minimize the impact of man-made chemicals on natural systems of the world
• Consider the implications of human activities on the global web of life.

TSL:  Your two grandmothers also had a great influence on you, in fact so much so they are the reason for the name of your design firm.  What were they like?  What inspired you?

RW:  I feel so fortunate to have had such amazing and influential grandmothers.  They each possessed incredible strengths from which I draw constantly.  One of them was Etta and it was her fashionable, well-traveled, and cultured ways that made a significant impact on me, especially in my design career.  The other grandmother we called TT (hence the capital T’s in the business name eTTa), and it was her optimism and outgoing nature that still inspires me and informs my professional demeanor.

Rachel’s room at The Upward Bound House

TSL:  You were one of the small group of designers that generously donated your time and talent to the Upward Bound Homeless Shelter by designing one of the rooms—how did this affect you?  What did you learn?

RW:  It was fairly easy for me to say YES to adopting a room at the Upward Bound House Family Shelter in Culver City earlier this year.  Though I didn’t know what would actually be involved or how I would accomplish designing a room in such a short span of time with donations that hadn’t yet been acquired.  However, once I started, I was so committed to making it happen that I didn’t waste any time or energy on thinking that it may not work out.  I believe it was my dedication that was key to a successful room with mostly donations, in such a small amount of time. 

I felt empowered as I invited others, like the vendors and friends who donated products and services, to contribute to this project.  In the end, there were an astonishing 50+ organizations and individuals who contributed to the tiny 130 square foot room.  And the finished product was so stunning it was one of just a few (of the 18 rooms in total) recently featured in a terrific spread in Nesting Newbies!  Even though I get such a charge out of designing spaces, this project was unique because of the collaboration involved plus knowing that a family with children, who had been homeless, would be living there temporarily and re-building their lives.  Such a powerful experience!  

TSL:  What materials do you especially enjoy working with?

RW:  I love using sustainable fabrics (like batiks from Katherine Rally Textiles or embroidered fabric from Deseo Textiles), reclaimed wood (from The Reclaimer and American Reclaimed), eco wallpaper (like Madison & Grow), sustainable tile (like Erin Adams Design) and recycled marble (like Eurostone Inc.). 

Sneak peek at the Presidential Suite at Casa Del Mar

TSL:  Are there any tips you can pass on to us to help us all be a little more eco-friendly?

RW:

GREEN DECORATING TIPS

•buy vintage and antique furnishings and hardware
•buy salvaged materials and hardware
•reupholster and refinish
•use non-toxic finishes
•use recycled fabrics or those made from renewable sources
•buy furnishings made from renewable sources
•use reclaimed wood
•buy durable furnishings
•buy multi-functional pieces

 Since sustainable design isn’t just about décor, but also what goes on behind the scenes, there are several non-decorative low- and no-cost solutions.

NO COST

•open curtains on south-facing windows during the day, close at night
•lower water heater temp to 120°
•set thermostat as low as comfortable
•turn thermostat back 10-15° while sleeping or away and save 10%
•wash clothes in cold water
•air dry clothes during summer
•turn off unneeded lights
•close fireplace damper when not using fireplace
•when using fireplace, open dampers in the bottom or open a nearby window 1” and close nearby doors
•remove shoes inside

 LOW COST

•setback thermostat
•energy-saving appliance features like power-down or sleep mode on PC
•electronic power-controlling devices for older appliances
•stop air leaks
•insulate water heater
•add attic insulation
•install efficient showerheads
•weatherize windows
•faucet aerators
•seal and insulate ducts
•dimmers
•add fans
•proper window treatments to block heat from sunlight
•passive cooling and heating techniques
•replace 6 interior incandescents.

TSL:  Wow!  Thank you-many Excellent tips here.  What do you consider to be one of the most important investment pieces for the home?

RW:  The most important investment piece for the home is a non-toxic comfortable bed (including mattress, linens, bed frame and any upholstery) since we spend most of our time in bed and a good night sleep is crucial to good health.  The second most important piece is an ergonomic task chair so that we can comfortably work on our laptops catching up on emails and Facebook.

Rachel’s Marina Studio

TSL:  If you only had $100 to spend on something for your home—besides paint—what would you buy?

RW:  Since the way a home functions is just as important to me as how it looks, and I’m extremely focused on creating a proper bedroom, I would use the $100 for an eye mask and sound machine.

The Marina Studio. Stunning pillows…

TSL:  If you only had $20?

RW:  A gorgeous and sturdy glass goblet to help encourage me to drink lots of water throughout the day!

TSL:  What is the one design/interior you would most like to go back and change, and how?

RW:  Honestly, nothing comes to mind. 

TSL:  Name 3 living people you’d like to have dinner with?

RW:  (I’m stuck on this one….I bet people pick famous people, but my focus is my family so can I pick just one?) My 4 year old nephew Chase (he lives in VT so I don’t see him enough).

TSL:  Very sweet and says so much about you…Favorite thing you can’t live without?

RW:  If it doesn’t have to be design-related, then my must have is my lip moisturizer!

TSL: I’m an addict too, Burt’s Bees for me…   What design trend just irks you?

 RW:  There really aren’t any current design trends that irk me, but I’ve never been a fan of most animal prints.  To me, they often seem tacky and too fake.  I prefer the idea of a pattern being a loose interpretation of an animal print, rather than a close resemblance.   

TSL:  Rachel, thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge with us. This has not only been an insightful interview but fun too! I think we have all learned so much and look forward to seeing much more of your work in the future.

The Troy Chandelier hangs above a vintage fiberglass table. The wall covering is a collaboration with the graphics firm Viñas Design. All photos of the townhouse are courtesy of Interior Design and photographed by Eric Laignel.

Now, I really wanted to give you just a taste of the townhouse because it is so fantastic, and… I’m pleased to say we’ll have an upcoming interview with Ghislaine herself so I don’t want to give away too many details!

Bluestone tile lobby with vintage wooden chairs.

Guest room features chair by Hiromichi Konno and Andy Warhol images on the blinds.

Feather Dome Pendant by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and Steven Wine

Note Ghislaine’s remarkable use of color-so bold and brazen. She has no fear and embraces the emotion and energy the vibrant colors bring to the townhouse.

The Guest room features charcoal striped walls masterfully done by 3 Fingers Painting.

The Nursery for the twin boys.

The kitchen lounge features an Antonio Citterio sofa.

Steel pendant domes with silk threading illuminate the solid surface top of the kitchen’s custom table.

Love the metallic painted chest in the Master bedroom.

When this issue of Interior Design first came out online, (before I received my hardcover in the mail and really, WHY is that?) we received a lot of communication from friends and clients who had never seen the Troy Ping Pong before.  The first to kindly contact me was wallpaper designer and manufacturer @MadisonandGrow on Twitter, who by the way, if you are looking for a  phenomenal wallpaper,  please check them out.  Ghislaine’s  project was incredible and we were so proud to be part of it.  Much of our lighting goes out to places we never see–it is such a treat knowing where our hard work ends up and even better to see it published!

Anyway,  an avalanche of emails, phone calls and tweets began. We even received texts from two friends @HammocksHighTea (a talented textile designer, see earlier interview with Karen) and @ishkadesigns (an equally talented nyc interior designer) who had both been at the party for the above home, waving a hello to our Troy for us.  Paul and I were surprised, I guess we had started taking the Troy for granted.  The original 10 ft version hangs covered in our studio for now, like the Velveteen Rabbit, almost forgotten, while  shiny new versions go out to new owners all the time.  For those who didn’t know us during the “Year of Troy” it was practically our entire life–before, during and after.  Our lighting career had been going along quite well in NYC, our client list growing nicely each year but when Troy made his first appearance…there was a giant surge.  HUGE.  And we hadn’t expected it.

The center ring detail.

Paul and I were asked to design a chandelier for the lounge area of the 2006 Architectural Digest Home Show and were thrilled to do it.  Naturally, we wanted to do something really different and exciting but weren’t sure what exactly.  My plan was to maintain a classic profile while utilizing  an unexpected material.  And this is why I love designing so much.  The pressure and excitement to create something remarkable is what pushes me to think beyond the norm.  I LOVE the pressure.  It’s what drives me.

So one day, while strolling our neighborhood streets on the Upper West Side, we stopped in front of Wang Chen’s, a local table tennis club, and watched as players hit the balls rhythmically back and forth.  Somewhat mesmerized for several minutes, we broke our silence and looked at each other and uttered the words, “Ping Pong balls.”   Yes, I know… Not exactly Edison perfecting the light bulb and probably a little bizarre sounding to any passersby, BUT it was that creative moment that drives all artists, designers, writers etc.  The reason why we do what we do.  It’s that breakthrough moment we all search for and celebrate when we find it.  I knew ping pong balls resembled oversized pearls and had a luminosity to them–perfect for the very large chandelier (10 ft tall!) we wanted to make.  I became so excited at the thought of this incredibly strange material suddenly becoming beautiful and mysterious,  I got to work sketching right away.

The metal work alone took months to complete from an incredible artist we found in Brooklyn.  Thousands upon thousands of ping pong balls were ordered, tournament quality only of course (brighter white, no logo, no seam).  I spent weeks stringing them at home searching for the perfect way to give them the illusion of floating on air (a pattern was created using different lengths of surgical tubing).  Paul spent months with the metal worker perfecting the curvature of the rings, the height of the body and so much more.   A team of workers were hired simply to drill and string  more than 3000 balls for weeks and weeks.  Even our cats discovered they were a blast to play with, especially in the bath tub.  We lived, dreamt, spoke, ate ping pong balls.  Every.  Single.  Day.

And then it happened. The media got wind of the story…

We were in The New York Times before the chandelier was even completed.

The first day of the show was a blur.  Besides the fact that we had very little sleep especially with the rush to complete the piece, our booth and get Mr. Troy hung safely the night before, we were interviewed LIVE on The Early Show on CBS the morning of opening day of the Architectural Digest Home Show.  There we were, speaking to a camera and faceless voices that connected us to millions of people.  OK, maybe not THAT many but it felt like it.  (Note to self:  you are NOT meant to be a public speaker.)  Press stopped by constantly. We must have said the words “Ping Pong” thousands of times (who would have thought?) and more importantly, we learned how to comfortably deal with the bewildered looks as we answered many times over, “Yes, they really are ping pong balls!”

Paul poses with the full size Troy. (Isn’t he cute?)

Interior Design Magazine

The opening night party was extraordinary and so much fun!

 The Troy chandelier ended up being published in over 50 different publications throughout the world. Very exciting and so much more than we expected.

AD Italia. I have no idea what it says except for “ping pong balls”.

And now, 4 years later we make a nice “normal” size of the Troy…

 Interior design by Healing Barsanti at The East Hamptons Show House.

And even a Troy featuring beautiful crystal for those who may not have use for the ping pong…

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor and DIFFA’s Dining By Design

So what is the moral of this Ping Pong tale?  It’s just as Ghislaine Viñas shows us in her shameless and courageous use of color:  Do what feels right for you.  Follow what you find pleasing and go with it.  Know in your heart that everyone is not going to always like what you do and if they do, then it’s boring.  It’s beige. You bring something to the table that no one has, be it in design, writing,  fashion, cooking or flying a kite.  It is your job on this planet to use that talent and not be afraid to share it.  I don’t know how many times we were laughed at for using ping pong balls, OR for starting a lighting company OR for working in the film business and THEN leaving the film business.  You will never please everybody all the time and if you do, you will lose yourself.  So go.  Be you.

Or as Coco Chanel so famously put it,

 ”In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

Project UDesign.  Simply put, it’s a brilliant concept. BiOH® polyols‘ Project UDesign teamed up  with Century Furniture, and Toray Eco-Design Ultrasuede and challenged 15 Savannah College of Art and Design students to create an upholstered wing chair that would be both sustainable and salable.  The contest with the help of YOU will crowdsource “the next generation sustainable wing chair.”  That’s right, you get to vote on who should win. None of the participating partners have any input in who wins, only you the voting public does.  I love it.

And here’s the beauty of it—each participant is contributing a very important factor to this wing chair. BiOH® polyols are soy-based ingredients that replace a portion of petroleum chemicals for flexible foam in products you use daily – furniture, mattresses, carpet cushion, and more. For every 1 million pounds of BiOH’s soy polyol ingredient sold to the major foam manufacturers, 84,000 barrels of petroleum are saved.

Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc. (TUA) is announcing the debut of EcoDesign™, an environmentally responsible line of products that utilize 100% recycled ultra-microfiber that will be used to upholster the chair.

Century Furniture, a leading manufacturer that produces incredible furniture including collections from Oscar De la Renta and Kelly Hoppen will manufacture the winning chair!

And of course, the talented and fortunate student designers from Savannah College of Art and Design will contribute the winning design. You can see videos of students and their designs here.

I find all this incredibly exciting and hope you will take the time to vote.

What does the winning designer receive?

1.$1000 from BiOH immediately
2. Their winning design will be produced and put into Century’s regular line up for intro at the Spring 2011 High Point Market.
3. The winning student will be paid royalties by Century on all sales of their winning chair once it’s produced.
4. A lot of publicity!

How can you vote?

There are currently 6 designs and 5 semi-finalist students. Between now and Oct. 3rd at 11: 59 pm, all can vote for the 3 finalists.   They will be selected only by those who vote online and the 3 finalists will be announced on Monday, Oct. 4th on www.facebook.com/BiOHFans  

The voting for the three finalists announced on Oct. 4th will end at 11: 59pm , Tuesday, Oct. 19th and that person who has the most votes will win. The winner will be chosen only by online votes. It is completely the public’s choice so don’t forget to put in your 2 cents.

The winner will be announced at High Point Market on Wednesday, Oct. 20th in the Century Courtyard at the start of Withit’s student mentoring day-approx. 9:15 am.

Now, I have to admit, I was quite impressed by all 6 designs, but one really stood out to me:  The Alifair Chair by Ryland Quillen. It is a sensual silhouette, a mixture of modern and traditional lines with an innovative use of cut-outs in the wings.  I find an understated and sophisticated glamour to it, which if you know me, you know I’m sold!  Here’s what Ryland had to say about his design…

Alifair is shown here upholstered in Charcoal Ultrasuede with contrasting Black Onyx piping. The legs on the chair are tapered and shown in dark mahogany. Alifair will utilize Cargill’s environmentally conscious BiOH foam.

“I thought about the concept of a wing chair, the wings providing comfort and a sense of enclosure. I realized, however, that if the wings are too imposing, they can block vision to the right and left when sitting in the chair. To cope with this, I decided to employ cut offs, creating a window large enough to see to either side when sitting. The gently swooping curve on either side suggests the feeling of warmth and comfort without hindering sight.”

I find this incredibly insightful because Wing chairs, which first appeared in English manor homes somewhere around the 17^th century, were often called fireside chairs, and for good reason.  Their design was perfect for enjoying the warmth of a fire while your back and sides were protected from chilly drafts.

Wings were a practical design element, especially before we had indoor heating to depend on and didn’t have to rub two sticks together to heat ourselves.  But, nowadays we have the advantage to be more social during the colder months instead of shivering behind the wings of our chair!  The open wing concept acknowledges the warmth and comfort of the original design while embracing modern technology, our need to be social and they also make it easier to see if the killer is coming!  Okay, I jest,  maybe not the killer (I’ve seen a few too many horror movies),  but it IS nice to see the world around you while feeling warm and cozy.  Besides the practicality of the design, let’s be real… I think the sensual curves of the wings are just stunning.

Shown in Kagan Red Ultrasuede

I chose the Alifair as my favorite for all of these reasons but most importantly it was the chair that I could best envision in our home and in The Century Furniture Collection.  In my inspiration board, I chose to demonstrate this by not only using pieces that I would personally own  (and some I already do),  and mix in some of the beautiful furnishings already existing from the Century line–The Signature Sofa (upper left)  and “The Classics” Drawer Chest (bottom center). The Alifair is an effortless fit,  blending beautifully with the other pieces and even adding a little extra modern flair.   Of course,  I had to throw in a dash of  Zia-Priven lighting to up the glam quotient–The Solano Chandelier and The Omega Table lamp , which are both housed with a choice of energy efficient low voltage LED’s, Halogen or CFL bulbs.

Please click on the photo to enlarge.

The Charcoal grey UltraSuede was the perfect tone for me, especially with the black piping.  I chose to pair it with a deep magenta and dark taupe with accents of gold and white. I find the color combination  smokey and sexy, yet timeless and classic. Moving clockwise, I chose the delicious plum and cream “Feather” rug by Thomas Paul, a shapely Laura Kirar Jolie Mirror for Baker and a vintage Fornasetti plate (it can  also be purchased new here).  The Gold Rorschach painting by Andy Warhol is my new obsession (if you’ve been reading this blog,  you’ll know I plan to do my own for our Living Room… I know, yet another project…).  And to prove that good design can be affordable, the graphic brown wallpaper is by Target (called Mode Illusion) and the Norwall Colored Plains wallpaper is by Lowes.

This was my take on my favorite chair from the competition, what’s yours?  Take a moment and check out all 6 chairs and vote for your favorite–you’ll make one design student very happy and get a chance to take a peek at the exciting new direction in eco-friendly design.  Remember, you can only vote online- www.facebook.com/BiOHFans

If you have the opportunity, please check out Wanda S. Horton’s Interior Concepts and Maybelline Te’s Frou La La blog entries about Project UDesign and see what chairs they selected.  They have some fab ideas, great input and insightful comments about the competition and green design plus some beautiful inspiration boards!

We are quite honored to be featured today on the UK design blog for Scarlet Opus! Scarlet Opus is a trend forecasting company specializing in the Interiors sector and led by the beautiful and talented Victoria Redshaw.  Their mission is to give practical and accurate insight into tomorrow’s design trends to a host of clients that include Product Designers, Interior Designers, Manufacturers, Retailers, and Buyers.  The information is quite refreshing and extensive, showcasing design from all over the world.

What I particularly enjoyed was the demonstration, through photos, of the impact a Zia-Priven fixture has once it’s been added to a setting.

Ingrid Pendant detail

Our Ingrid Pendant and Waterfall featured in Anastasia of Beverly Hills

Another shot in Anastasia of Beverly Hills

You can see the whole post complete with tons of photos at the Scarlet Opus site.  Thank you Victoria and Phil for including us!

We are thrilled and honored to have been presented The Beautiful Blogger Award by the lovely Sharon and Yvonne of Layers and Layers. Layers and Layers is a wonderful design resource showroom in Vancouver, BC, with a whole host of design services available. On top of that, they are simply refreshing, funny and excellent at what they do. Take a peek at their blog and Yvonne and Sharon on Twitter to see what I mean.

Now that the “Beautiful Blogger Award” has been presented to us, we must adhere to the requirements… We must reveal  “10 things you didn’t know about Zia-Priven”. We’ll try not to shock our gentle readers too much…lol, and save the juicy stuff for Vanity Fair (when they ask…), but for now here goes…

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Zia-Priven

1. We are both originally from the movie business; Marcia was a Production Designer and Emmy-nominated Set Decorator and Paul was an Assistant Director who worked on some pretty big name films.  Some better than others…We met while working on one of Terrence Howard’s first films called–brace yourself–”Love Beat the Hell Outta Me.”  Yes, “Outta.”  Two t’s. I have to admit, the movie wasn’t too bad, and it was quite a thrill to watch Terrence work, but best of all this is where the “Zia” and the “Priven” first met.  Thanks, Terrence!
via IMDB

2. We absolutely love an adventure and traveling is one of our favorite ways to find one.  It can be across the world, country or street–finding the beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary keeps our creativity flowing and our hearts happy.

via Zia-Priven

3. Paul is very talented and has played classical piano since he was 6 years old.via RayLuck

4. We thoroughly enjoy Interior Design and Decoration ourselves beyond  lighting and have done it for friends and family for years.  After all, set decorating was Marcia’s first love!  We’ve been working on our home since January with plans for before and after reveals on The Studio Luxe and possibly in a design publication (keep your fingers crossed!).  We’re considering branching out in the near future…

Jamie Drake Interior via apartment therapy

5. When we moved to NY to really launch our company, we had nothing but the contents of our 15 ft. U-Haul, $1500, our 2 cats and each other.  We drove across the country with kitties serenading us the whole way, to an apartment in Brooklyn we had never laid eyes on.  Once there, we hit the ground running, out of excitement, fear and, frankly, pure adrenaline. Now, that was an adventure and the reason why our hearts will always belong to NYC. The old adage is true, “If you can make it there…”

via thelovemagazineblog

6.  We enjoy cooking together when we get a chance.  We find it relaxing and it’s a different way to express our creativity…that’s delicious too!

via Luxist

7. We design lighting for other companies as well as our own, specifically Stonegate Designs and Robert Abbey, Inc. and were instrumental in helping to win the Arts Award (the most prestigious award in lighting design) for Stonegate with our Mercer Chandelier in 2009.  P.S. We’re also their top-selling designers and thrilled to hold the title!

Mercer Chandelier via Stonegate Designs

8. Marcia studied Fine Art in college, painted for many years and still does when she finds the time. She’s planning a huge, 10ft Rorshach for our living room after seeing Warhol’s version at MOMA. No, we’re not kidding.

via bluetravelguide

9. We LOVE Aretha Franklin and have for as long as I can remember. One of the best concerts we ever saw was Aretha at the Apollo Theatre, chill inducing and absolutely unforgettable!

via myhoustonmajic

10. This is something very dear to us and much more important than anything listed above.  After many years of wanting a child, we’ve started the process of adoption and are about to embark on finding the right match for us–we are thrilled and humbled by the thought of finally having a little one in our lives.

via flickr

So, that’s it, 10 things you may not have known about Zia-Priven… Now, in the spirit of the Beautiful Blogger Award, it is my duty and pleasure to pass it on. The award is presented to bring about awareness to blogs you may not already known of and these are some great ones. Let’s hope this talented group of ladies will have the time to share a few secrets of their own…

Barbara Segal of Noir Blanc Design
Erika Ward of BluLabel Bungalow
Karen Young of Hammocks and High Tea
Susan Hutchinson of Fleurishing

Enjoy and good reading!

Leading interior designer Kelly LaPlante, who taught the design community that “green is a standard, not a style” is raising the bar once again. Sustainability now represents only a single component in LaPlante’s ever-evolving criteria– a criteria which will illuminate this fall with the launch of LaPlante’s first periodical publication,  Standard.

The February 2010 issue of Traditional Home Magazine names LaPlante among the “Twenty Young Designers to Watch.” Her work has also been published in magazines such as Elle, Vanity Fair Online, California Home and Design, Blackbook, Interior Design, Hospitality Design, Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Magazine . She regularly appears as an expert on programs including Sundance Channel’s The Lazy Environmentalist and Big Ideas for a Small Planet, Discovery Home Channel’s Greenovate, Good Day New York, KTLA News, Good Day Dallas, Good Day Atlanta, and Martha Stewart Radio. LaPlante was also the executive producer of “Brilliant Green,” a special for Ovation TV which aired in January of 2009.       

LaPlante’s first book, écologique (benefitting The Blank Theatre Company and Global Green USA) was released in 2008. She is co-founder of jak, a luxury eco-furniture collection designed in collaboration with designer James Saavedra.        

I am thrilled to share this conversation with Designer Kelly LaPlante, known for her “Green” design long before it was cool to be eco-friendly.  Today her new online magazine, Standard debuts and I’m sure it’ll make a definitive mark in the publishing world.  Kelly’s work ethic is astounding;  juggling family, interiors,  furniture design, a book and now an online magazine and amazingly, she happens to be one of the nicest people around.  Hope you enjoy her interview as well as the fabulous Standard magazine!       

TSL:  Kelly, congratulations on the launch of  Standard Magazine! You must be very excited—what exactly inspired you to start the magazine and what kind of content can we look forward to?        

KLP:  I just felt it was time for a magazine where sustainability is not touted as a special feature.  For a long time I have been saying “green is a standard, not a style” and I got to the point where I felt like green should just not be special anymore… it should be bottom-baseline criteria.  And journalism runs deep in my blood so I guess it was only a matter of time before a publication came into my circle of projects.       

Kelly’s original Venice Beach loft       

TSL: I’ve had a sneak peek at the magazine already and it’s quite exiting! I love your manifesto–design should be captivating, timeless, built to last and, of course, produced in a way that honors people and the planet. What originally captured your interest in green design— did a shift occur or was it something you’ve been conscious about from the beginning?       

KLP: When I started my design company I was just out of college.  I’d been working at some very high-end firms through school and I was so young and broke that it always made me want to cry to see the beautiful things that our clients would be throwing out in order to facilitate a new design.  So when I started with clients of my own, I always worked in what was existing.  I didn’t know that I was being “green,” at the time, but I started thinking then about how else things could be re-used and then, a few years later, the design industry started evolving and before I knew it I had sustainable NEW materials to work with (that was amazing to me!)  12 years later, I feel like it is SO easy to design sustainably.       

Lexus Hybrid Suite Washington DC       

TSL:  What would you say is the biggest misconception of eco-friendly living out there and can you offer any tips to being more eco-friendly?        

KLP:  I think people still think that eco is a style, which cracks me up.  I’ve designed sustainably for clients with incredibly diverse tastes.  My best tip is to really evaluate what you already own and how you can use it.  Nothing is more green than not buying anything new.  In the premiere issue we have a feature about two friends who moved in together and did not buy one new thing, even though they are both total design-aficionados.  They just used what they had and it was incredible. 
       

  Private Residence Hancock Park      

TSL:  Nothing could be easier or more cost-effective than not buying something new, but it seems impossible to be completely “green” in this modern world. What’s the least “green” item in your home that you can’t seem to let go of?   

KLP:  My 16 month old.  He wears disposable diapers but I cannot let him go.       

TSL:  Ha!  I’m sure he’s worth hanging onto, even with the disposable diapers! You know, you’re always referred to and revered as an eco-friendly designer, but apart from that, you’re really an incredible designer, eco or not.  What would you say most influences your aesthetic?       

KLP:  I suppose it is the same things that affect us all… politics, music, art, fashion, world events, nature.  I let these influences run around in my head until they collide into one another and create unexpected combinations.  I love a good juxtaposition and to infuse a little bit of humor in my work.       

Lexus Hybrid Suite, San Francisco     

KLP:   That was incredibly fun.  I met Heather and Jon through my brother who is a journalist in Salt Lake City where they live.  It was a quick turn around—we were doing the design for inclusion in my book and we were on a deadline—and so we all got to know each other really quickly (and over many drinks!)
      

Private Residence Hancock Park       

TSL:  You graciously contributed your time to The Upward Bound House Family Shelter in Culver City by designing one of the rooms.  What were some of the trials and tribulations?
(Note: Upward Bound House is a Santa Monica-based agency, which provides transitional housing for homeless families with children. The project united some of L.A.’s most well known designers to makeover an 18 unit converted motel in Culver City. All designers gave freely of their own time and worked with a minimal budget and donated items. Zia-Priven is proud to have been one of the contributors providing lighting for many of the rooms.)       

KLP:  Lack of budget, lack of running water, lack of electricity and a two-week long rainstorm.  It was such an incredible experience, though.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.       

Upward Bound House        

TSL:  Alright, time for the fun questions…Can you name 3 living people you’d love to have dinner with?       

KLP:  Richard Branson, Barack and Michelle Obama (I’m counting them as one but I really want them both to be there) and an incredibly powerful and unapologetically self-actualized woman like Madonna or Angelina Jolie (whomever will be the most forth-coming.)       

TSL:  Nice choices. I have to respect a woman secure enough to sit down with Madonna or Angelina!  What is the worst thing a client has ever requested?         

KLP:  That I listen to all of the ideas her friends and (non-immediate) family had for the house.          

  Private Residence Silverlake       

TSL:  Oh my. I can’t imagine how you got past that. Touchy situation.  The next question is a bit easier… or is it? If you had only $100 to spend on something for your home—besides paint—what would you buy?       

KLP:   I’d pay the piano tuner to come out for an hour to work on our 1928 baby grand.        

TSL: Great piece to have… And if you only had $20?     

KLP:  A big white phalaenopsis.  They last so much longer than cut flowers and need almost no maintenance.

  

The Solano Pendant

HomeWorkshop.com is quite a special design community, as Kathy describes it.  One feature I love is the weekly HomeWorkshop Challenge.  Every Wednesday, you’ll read an invitation to participate in that week’s Challenge—a home design/decorating project.  An  inspiration project will be posted and you’ll have 4 – 8 weeks to design, create and post your entry.  Some Challenges will be simple and quick, others will be more involved.  All will be motivating.  Weekly Challenges are not competitions, but rather an avenue where ideas are shared and everyone can learn great ideas from one another.  Once in a while there will be a Prize Challenge. And each quarter, you’ll be able to work together on a Community Service Challenge, to aid worthy causes.  Sounds like good stuff to me!

Custom fixtures for Social Hollywood,  Los Angeles

Hope you enjoy the interview and take a peek around HomeWorkshop.com, I think you’ll find it to be a wonderful design community, something we all need a little more of- design AND community. 

P.S. We have some great designer interviews coming up, so watch for them. 

We are also looking for some great shots of Zia-Priven lighting in a beautiful interior settings- If you are an interior designer and would like to feature your work that shows off our lighting, we would love to feature your photos and show off your work! Contact us at info@thestudioluxe.com

Karen Young is the founder and designer of Hammocks & High Tea, an organic home decor brand that fuses traditional Caribbean style with a modern aesthetic.

The eco-friendly line is comprised of drawer liners, tea towels, pillows and other tabletop items. The products are made from 100% certified organic cotton or organic cotton/hemp blends, and printed with water-based inks. The overall result is a line of contemporary goods infused with vibrant colors that appeal to many homes and aesthetics.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fordham University. Prior to founding Hammocks & High Tea, she worked as a sales account executive in the fashion industry with brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Cavalli, and Ferre.

TSL  Hi Karen! After being such a fan of your textiles for so long,  I’m excited to announce your modern new line of pillows launches August 16, 2010.  They’re incredibly chic—what inspired these new designs and where will they be available?

Karen  The designs are usually inspired by my memories paired with things I am fascinated with now. I am that girl that stares at an iron gate and breaks down a pattern (linden print), or traces the root of a shape and remakes it in a modern version (maya print). The new collection will be available at my shop and can be found at my retailers as well.

 TSL  It really is a wonderful collection and I’m happy to know that staring at iron gates has finally paid off!  But there is even more exciting news; you’re also introducing a to-the-trade line this Fall, which we’re sure designers will be thrilled about.  What will that consist of?

Karen  Yes, I am so excited to offer my fabric by the yard to the trade. It will be a small collection of some of my most popular prints in spectacular color ways, some which are almost like fine art. I wanted to really explore and push my boundaries, as well as show that just because it’s eco doesn’t mean it’s the color of dust.

 TSL  I’ve seen a little preview of these prints and I think people are going to be blown away- the colors are so unexpected and vibrant- anything but dust inspired! And the fact that designers can now tap into these fantastic patterns and be creative with them in their own way is incredible. Drapery, duvets, custom pillows-the possibilities are endless.   So, I’m curious, I’d really like to know more about your background in design and how you came up with the idea of Hammocks and High Tea? And tell me, what inspired the name?

Karen  I actually have a degree in Psychology. About a year before I graduated, I decided to give myself the chance to explore the fashion industry, which I was so fascinated by. I got an internship with a major Italian design house, which led to a recommendation and a job offer from another house, and the day after I graduated I found myself accepting a job as account executive for D&G Dolce & Gabbana. Excuse the name dropping J That showroom carried a lot of amazing brands and I was soon buried in clothing with impeccable tailoring and details. I had aspirations of being a fashion designer but soon found that I would prefer to dress the home. Hammocks & High Tea was born 7 years after that first job as my way of telling the story of multi cultural design, the same design that I had grown up with in Guyana, South America. It was a mesh of many different influences, including the predominant British paired with a mix of Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, etc. It was something I couldn’t find it at the time in product design. The name symbolizes this (in a lighthearted way), Hammocks (Relaxed/Caribbean) & High Tea (British/Victorian).

TSL  I had no idea about your fashion background, very interesting, I can see the influence. And I love hearing the inspiration behind the company.  How have you managed to take your ideas and translate them into a successful business?

Karen  The most honest statement I can make is that I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to fit my work in. I looked at a lot of trends and tried to see how I could fit it into my style, because I thought that’s what people wanted to see. When you see it twenty times a day you figure everyone must like it. Hello? Mushrooms? Mustaches? I soon realized that the things that I liked best from my own work had a certain thread, and felt most authentic to me. Once I took a breath, stopped, and did what I loved, everything flowed from there and the response was, and has been, incredible. It is one thing I will never let go of again.

 TSL  I’m so glad you followed those instincts, the beauty of the designs speak volumes. I think it’s a lesson every good designer needs to learn in  order to do great work;  it’s got to come from the heart.  Now, I know a lot of your design is influenced by your Caribbean upbringing.  What are some of your most vivid memories of growing up in the tropics and how did it shape your design aesthetic?

Karen  My most vivid memories were the architecture, the colors, nature, and of course the food. I don’t know why as a child I would have been interested in the filigree that decorated the roof overhang of the houses, but I was. I remember vividly my aunt’s Japanese rock garden that was surrounded by palm trees, the Holi festivals where we would douse each other in the streets with colorful powder, and some of the ceremonies where I was honestly most excited to see what food and fruits would be a part of the celebrations. I’d sleep during the Hindu ceremonies and be bright eyed for the food. I am still a major foodie like that. I’m a big believer that in order to experience a culture, you must experience their food. These are the things I look to when I’m ready to design and my mission is to show that like the rock garden & palm trees living together, good design has no boundaries.

TSL  Your grandmother was a great force in your life, especially during those early years. What made her so special to you and what do you carry on from her?

Karen  Granny rocked! She let me know that I could do anything I wanted, and to never let myself get in the way of my dreams. Maybe it was from her own experience (she had 9 children, was widowed fairly early, and was a caretaker all of her life), but she seemed determined that I should do whatever made me happy. She was also the first person to sit still while I painstakingly drew her for an hour or so, and smiled at the stiff, double jointed results, bless her heart. My homage to her is doing exactly what I love, and I know she’s somewhere showing off her granddaughter’s work.

 TSL  What a great lady and a great influence. What would you find to be the latest influences on your design?

 Karen  Currently I am obsessed with shapes found in architectural details and in vintage textiles (kilims, blankets, etc) throughout the world. I try to modernize them by paring them down very simply and adding bold or unexpected elements of color.

TSL  And, who are your design inspirations?

Karen  Sheila Bridges is my favorite interior designer. My sister, who is an architect, and can solve a Rubix cube in minutes.

 TSL  Shelia’s great and your sister is obviously a genius, especially if she can still find a Rubix cube these days!  So, let’s have a little fun and talk about some not-so-serious design topics…

 What’s the one thing you have in your home even though you know it’s just not cool?

 Karen  Sometimes comfort trumps design, or the two haven’t caught up yet. I don’t have a cool office chair; mine allows me to sit for more than an hour. Also, I have one old school fan and a tower fan. Good design gets me hot & bothered, but when the weather does the same, an old school fan wins.

TSL  Name 3 living people you’d like to have dinner with?

Karen  Michelle Obama, Cornel West, and the Dalai Lama.

 TSL  What is “SO 5 years ago?”

Karen  It may be more like “SO 15 years ago” but I would appreciate it if people took those wavy mirrors off their walls. They look like fun house mirrors. And it’s so Caribbean to have plastic on the furniture. I’m talking velvet covered, gilded sofas, which are then covered in plastic…in 100 degree weather! I cannot tell you how many years I spend shifting from side to side in a hot house, unsticking one leg at a time from plastic covered chairs. Baaaad memories.

 TSL  What IS the “new” black?

 Karen  Being at ease with yourself and your life.

TSL  Do you have any great Caribbean recipes you can share?

Karen  Here is a very easy, delicious one for Baked Plantains:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Total time: 15 minutes

 Ingredients:
2-3 whole ripe plantains
Butter or 1 tbsp olive oil
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
-peel plantains and slice in half lengthwise
-place in 9 x 13 baking dish with flat side up
-coat lightly with a pat of butter or olive oil
-sprinkle the tops generously with nutmeg, cinnamon
-sprinkle cayenne pepper to your taste
-top with brown sugar

Bake for 10 minutes covered, remove cover and bake another 5 minutes until golden brown.

TSL  That sounds so good! Not only can you cook but you have a great sense of humor and have so many people smiling on Twitter-  where does that  come from?

 Karen  I grew up with my three uncles who naturally had lots of foolish banter between themselves. Maybe it was the environment too, but there was a lot of silliness and jokes going around. It’s now my way of putting people at ease, or just cracking myself up. I’m quick to “LOL” at my own corny jokes. The most surprising thing people find about me is that I’m quick to laugh (loudly), and at myself, because I appear very serious most of the time.

 TSL   Where is Karen in 5 years?

Karen  Karen has a small studio that churns out a range of eco friendly home goods from bedding to tablecloths, made with the same attention to detail and consistency as they are now. One aspect of the studio focuses on working with her interior design clients, and she is expanding into hospitality and furniture design. She’s riding high off the success of being featured on Oprah, but she’s not one to show off you know.

TSL  You always make me smile and I’m so glad you joined me for this interview-Thank you! I wish you all the best with this new line and I cannot wait to see the trade only line, I know it’s going to be simply beautiful.

With Karen’s interview we are introducing a new segment-  5 Twestions!
It’s my homage to Craig Kilborn and the old Daily Show (though I hear he’s back on the air with a new show)  “5 Twestions” are intended to be fun, fast and furious and yes, tongue in cheek!  They’re ONLY for the Twitter crowd–they will NOT appear on the blog–and are a part of every interview.  They will be tweeted at 10am and 6pm Eastern ONLY on the day the interview is first posted.  We tailor them to each person for the most interesting results and each “Twestion” and answer must fit within the 140 characters. Follow us on Twitter and see what happens!

All photos courtesy of Hammocks & High Tea

An ivy covered fence quietly announces a Parisian Avenue.

Bright pink flowers line Luxembourg Gardens.

Taking in the sun on a brilliant green lawn…

Innocence in a floral dress…

Or in tiny sandals…A city stroll…

 A little street music…

The incredible architecture of Notre Dame.

A little gothic humor…

The magnificent ceiling at the Orsay, formerly a train station.

and oh my, the chandeliers…

The vibrant colors of St. Chapelle…

 

 So beautiful… 

 
And what would a day in Paris be without La Tour Eiffel…

Thank you Paris, I feel better already.

All photos from Zia-Priven.