So this week is BLOGFEST, an event hosted by Kravet, that’s brought together some of my favorite bloggers from across the web-o-sphere.

Bear with me for a minute:

This is a typical conversation between my mother in law and my mother: “You are the best in law! I love you like a sister!” ” Noooooooooo, YOU are the best in law!” “You throw the best parties and raised the best child!” “NOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUUUUUU are the best mother and party thrower!” ” Thank you SOOOOO MUCHHHH for your help finding a new XYZ, you are THE BEST AT THAT!” “AWWWWW NO YOUUUUUU ARE!” Cut to me rolling my eyes in the back seat and starting to tease them….

This is what blog fest is like. “OMG- Sketch42?!?!?! I LOVE YOUUUUUURRRRRRRRRR blog and your house!” ” NOOOOO, Erica, I LOVE YOUUUURRRRRRRRR HOUSE!!!!”  ”No, no, no- youuuu are so awesome…..”  ”NO, YOU ARE!!!!!!!!”

LOL. It’s one big giant humble/brag (as Alex put it)!  And I mean that in the best WAY POSSIBLE. It’s so exciting for everyone to meet up with the blogging badasses that we’ve been following from obscurity to success! Every one of these girls have made a name for themselves by putting themselves and their homes out there, and most have been published, or will be soon. Not only do they blog daily, but they have the balls to show us where and how they live. These are the people changing the conversation we have online about interiors!

So these are the apartments I’ve been hanging out with this week. HA.

Sue, The Zhush

Jamie Meares, Furbish

Chassity, Look Linger Love 

Erica, Small Shop Studio

Alex, Things That Sparkle

Erica, Design Blahg

Naomi, Design Manifest

Susan, House of Brinson

So much fun to hang with the girls behind the homes- many of which I’ve posted before- and the people behind the blogs that kill it daily in the blog-o-sphere…. So in conclusion:

Noooooooo, I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrr blogggggggggggg.

I missed the press preview of Kips Bay this year, which means I don’t have any of my own photos to show you. I had to glean photos from other websites, but since I haven’t gone to the show yet, I feel like we are all in the same boat in terms of formulating an opinion on it.

A living room by Drake Design.

So this was the 40th Anniversary of Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. Every year, a townhouse or brownstone thats for sale is usually transformed for the show. This year, there were apparently no townhouses available and so they used two duplexes in the  Aldyn, a new high rise on the West Side.

Raji Radhakrishnan/Raji RM and Associates.

All the decorators were stumped as to how to go about decorating huge white cubes with 20 foot ceilings, panoramic views, soffits, bump outs, little or no architectural details and weird AC units that were apparently everywhere. In other words: The type of decorators that do Kips Bay do not particularly jive with the aesthetic of the raw space. They typically like elegant townhouse rooms, with a  few well placed windows, great architecture and lots of wall space for art. And they usually decorate in that very old school New-York-Decorator way: tons of fabric, rugs and stuff. Pile on the stuff.

I get that this is a show, I do. But one would think that rather than take a huge white box and try to make it feel like a regular show house, that they would maybe try to break the  mold a little and do something different? Like do you think that anyone who would actually buy a 15 million dollar penthouse duplex (instead of a townhouse, or prewar park avenue apartment) that looks like this would WANT their apartment to be decorated like this? I somehow don’t think so. (Sidenote: I would love to see what someone like Vicente Wolf would have done in here. He typically uses white walls and elegant spare and eclectic furniture, so I would love to see his take on something like this.) Someone buying a space like this would want something more contemporary, at least I think they would! And isn’t the first rule of design to not try to make something into something it’s not?

Todd Alexander Romano’s dining room might be the star of the show for me.

The rooms range from silly to beautiful – as in every Kips Bay. Granted, I haven’t been there yet, so I am relying on the angles of the photography to convey the sense of space in the room, which is never accurate. (Some of these photos are from the Times, and some are from Curbed, and they both have their shortcomings. The times are too cropped and small to get a sense of the space and the ones from Curbed need to be more crisp.)

A living room by the designer Brian del Toro, left. A room by Chuck Fischer Studio, right.

I think these two rooms are the right balance of elegant and “designer-y” and modern. I do love  a lot of the furniture and of course, I’m so into the heavy use of green throughout the house!

David Scott. Kips Bay always has specatular art. I love the modern painting over the traditional desk.

Another view of the Raji room and a living room by Bunny Williams. 

I included more photos and different views after the jump… What do you guys think of these rooms? Like I said, I need to see it in person before I pound my gavel and declare some of it tchotcke and overdecorated, but that’s my opinion based on the photos. Have I suddenly become a less is more person?

Thoughts?

Tom Filicia’s Foyer

A living room by Drake Design.

Alexa Hampton’s bedroom. – SERIOUSLY?

Brian del Toro’s room, another angle.

Charlotte Moss- I don’t even know what this is.

Charles Pavarini’s- no words.

Thoughts?

There is nothing new under the sun(including this sentence). But duh- it’s no secret that fashion and design are cyclical and that different eras are often revisited and drawn upon for inspiration time and time again. We are experiencing so many of those moments in fashion and design right now: The general aesthetic of the 90′s- which included recycling fashion trends- mixed with the primness of the 50′s and the luster and forms of the 20′s.  But what makes a trend more palatable (or less- depending on who you are!) the second time around  in my opinion is the reference point. You aren’t just wearing something bright, you are recalling in peoples’ memory a time where round sunglasses  and neon were worn without irony and without the smirk of “I can’t believe this is back”… It feels cool. It’s the same with the peplum: It’s coy and ladylike and sexy because it’s referencing a moment in time when people were ladylike- or at least pretended to be.

One of my favorite things to return in fashion and decor is Art Deco. No kidding, look at my choice of header, right? What is Art Deco? It’s an extremely eclectic artistic  and modern design style that began in the 1920′s in Paris. Unlike the preceding Art Nouveau period-  during the Deco period linear symmetry and geometric shapes dominated and drew inspiration from Aztec and Egyptian forms. Art deco represented elegance, glamour, functionality and modernity.

F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said that the distinctive style of Art Deco was developed by ‘all the nervous energy stored up and unexpended in the War.’  Every design period ultimately reflects the zeitgeist of the time- the deco era reflected a move from a war torn world to optimism and Jazz Age extravagance.

Deco was widely considered to be an “eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism,” because it was influenced by a variety of sources. During the Deco period, travel became easier and more widespread, and an interest in archeology in the 20′s as well as far flung countries influenced designers and artists. The era drew inspiration from the world at large, while using war-created machine age technology to create them. Some of the defining features of Deco era design are the chevron, stepped forms and geometric curves (as opposed to sinuous curves).  The use of luxe materials like shagreen, inlay wood, lacquer and stainless steel became popular. The deco influence is completely apparent in current decor trends- from the modern/eclectic aesthetic and the popularity of high gloss everything,to the ever present chevron.

My friend Stephanie, the fashion blogger The Mixtress – a new blog about mixing high end and low end fashion pieces to create fun fashion looks-  put together the above mood board of her favorite deco-inspired fashions for you, and I put together my favorite Deco- inspired DECOR pieces for you, which you can go check out on her blog HERE and to hear her spin on the Jazz Age and Art Deco.

Skirt: All Saints $275
Oscar de la Renta top: $2250
 Zara shoe: $70
 Lanvin Golden Dream Swarovski Crystal Embelleshed Metal Box Clutch, $4,500, Lanvin Stores (not available online)
Art Deco Chandelier Earrings $22
Low Luv by Erin Wasson Deco Ring in Gold, $49

Check out Stephanie’s blog, The Mixtress! 

Dessert Jazz photos via Vogue Turkey, March 2012 Photography: Phil Poynter

The Fairway in Brooklyn is housed in this gorgeous building… We took the kids there after Mother’s Day festivities and I snapped a photo from the parking lot. Then I googled.

The building is actually known as The Red Hook Stores and dates back to the Civil War. Towards the end of the war, NYC was receiving so many goods that the Brooklyn waterfront was a great alternative to over jammed city docks. This building was a warehouse, now it’s a Fairway.

Such a fantastic looking facade.

Ok, so two things before we start: 1. My blog has gone a little haywire and is randomly posting drafts of blog posts from the 80′s on the front of the blog. Well, not really the 80′s but lets put it this way: the interview I never posted with a New Jersey antique store is so old that the store doesn’t exist anymore. 2. I’m also heavily engaged in Stacy’s Boot Camp in the AM and thats why my blog post is late.  and 3. Nothing makes me more stabby than seeing photos that aren’t all the same size on a post, well except for blurry and crappy photos… so forgive me for using these. But thats what has to happen when you use photos you didn’t take yourself!

Anyway, this is the work of David Hicks, not THAT David Hicks, and well, yea, he’s dead but still kind of current, this one lives and works in Australia and is pretty damn awesome.

That white Platner chair- in general but especially with that screen is the stuff my dreams are made of.

Channels are the new tufts. YES! I could seriously live in this apartment.

Bookcase heaven… it seriously doesn’t get better than that bookcase on the left. I think the shelves are mirrored?!?! And that marble table! WOW.

I think he goes to the very awesome school of use sculptural chairs with bright art!

All photos via DAVID HICKS. 

…this mornings post didn’t really count as content.

What would the internet do without quirky parisian apartments? Would it shrivel up and die without the whimsey  and quirk of the under-cooked cool-kid decorating of  The Paris Apartment? These apartments always have great architecture that makes some of us New York condo dwellers shrivel up with we-live-in-a-box jealousy. And because of said great architecture, not much needs to be done. You don’t need to go all Jill Zarin on an apartment that has wood ceilings that are who knows how high, amazing windows, and spectacular doors.

So many choose to go the minimal, quirky route: ( Why hello chair that looks like a Georgia O’Keefe painting…) This apartment really reminds me of the Sarah Lavoine apartment I posted a few months ago. Check it out HERE.

I particularly love a parisian kitchen.

Colors! Cabinetry that just hangs out like furniture and doesn’t look built in. Retro appliances, and of course, chandelier and gigantic art piece! The metal shelving for exposing delightful dishes is usually present.

Stylish without looking styled… this is the apartment equivalent of unwashed hair and last night’s eyeliner, which could go either way in the awesome department.

The kitchen is BY FAR my favorite room, but I also kinda love the cement surround on the tub… Im not really feeling the bedroom that much, or  the pink chair, but I’m sure living there would be freaking fantastic. What do you think?

Designed by German-French interior designer Josephine Gintzburger via Trendland.

Above is The Glass House by the one and only Phillip Johnson. When it was completed in 1949, it was a groundbreaking work of modern American architecture. It became an instant sensation, and as you can see, has had a huge influence on the way a house would and could look in the future. Who wants to go on a Sketch42 field trip with me to see The Glass house? It’s been fully restored and since 2007 tours are available to the public, see HERE for details.

Ultimately, I think you guys know that I’m more of a “Lets buy an ol’ fixer upper” of a house kinda gal. (Even though that’s not what I did in my current apartment). “It’s charming,” I’ll say when its dumpy. “Its quaint,” I’ll say when its small. Yea, that’s the kinda thing I like: PROJECTS! But then I see houses like this. Weird, quirky, and beyond amazing.  Although I do think most architects could REALLY use a hand from some supremely talented interior designers on furniture selection. As a Manhattan dweller, I have no concept of curb appeal. I just think about  what a place should look like INSIDE since I generally have no control over the outside. What would you build if you could build a home from scratch? In the woods? On 47 acres with no one to see you? Maybe it would look something like this!

Below are some crazy, cool and fascinating places that human beings inhabit. Enjoy!

The NaCl House by David Jameson ArchitectGiovanni D’Ambrosio designed the Under the Moonlight house in Mount Hotham, Australia.

Lake House by Frederico Valsassina ArchitectsHill House by Andrew Maynard Architects

Click through to see more!

Guanabanos House by Taller Héctor Barroso

Skirt + Rock House by MCK Architects

Beam House by Uri Cohen Architects

wNw Bar by Vo Trong Nghia

Ada Street by Amin Taha Architects

Mario Rocha House by Carlos Nuno Lacerda

Casa Playa Las Palmeras by Riofrio+Rodrigo Architects

Casa Playa Las Lomas I-05 by Vértice Arquitectos

Top photo via The Glass House, all other photos via The Contemporist, which you should read if you like modern architecture and design.

So now, who is down for that road trip to The Glass House?

Maison 24 is offering up a whole lotta look: Neon, graffiti, lucite, glitter, fur, spikes, skulls abound and at first glance, the shop seems very cool, but intense. Then you spend some time perusing the art, toys, gifts, furniture and collectibles, and you think: Oh yea, I could get into this.

A lucite crib, Keith Haring products (including a puzzle that I bought for my kids- I lie, myself), Alexandra Von Furstenburg’s neon acrylic home accessories, Moser crystal, Pop phones, chic coffee table books, collectibles like Be@rbrick,  70′s inspired chrome and lucite tables, an Oomph backgammon table that I just might need… It’s a fun place to browse, that’s for sure.  It could be the place where you find that one quirky piece that takes a room from super serious, to lighthearted and whimsical. I like a room to have a sense of humor.

They also have a kitschy and fun collection of art happening: Dirk Westphal Payphone prints, Camomile Hixon’s glitter pop culture paintings, lucite sculptures, Jimmie Martin graffitied furniture, neon light sculptures, Anton Perich photos from Studio 54 and the newly opened Rory Dobner shop-in-shop: the first place in the US to carry the British designer’s luxe, goth, Victoriana inspired art and home wares.

Maison 24 has a GREAT collection of well priced gifts. A few weeks ago, I spend days combing the UES looking for hostess and holiday gifts for Passover. Its remarkably hard to find a sweet and substantial house ware gift in my neighborhood for under $100, and even harder for under $50. I mean, you can find things, but you can’t really find COOL things. Had I known about Maison 24 three weeks ago, I could have been spared hours of gift-hunting.

If you are in the neighborhood, I totally recommend stopping in, or checking out their site HERE. And you can check out more detail shots after the jump.

It’s the French Embassy for Cultural Services. The French, I thought, obviously don’t disappoint. Then I did a little research and learned a hell of a lot more about the mansion. It’s known as the Payne Whitney Mansion, built in 1902. Amazing. The entire block is actually gorgeous, overlooking Central Park and lined with old world mansions. It’s old time New York Chic, built in the Gilded Age of American billionaires. A little history below:

It was designed in the style of the high Italian Renaissance by McKim, Mead & White. It was erected in 1902-06 for financier, philanthropist, and sportsman Payne Whitney and his wife Helen, a poet and patron of the arts(sister-in law to the Whitney’s who founded the Whitney Museum.) Whitney had been given the land by his uncle Oliver Payne (who was an officer in the Civil War and the benefactor instrumental in establishing the Cornell University Medical College) as a wedding gift  for himself and his bride, Helen Hay, daughter of the Secretary of State for President McKinley.  The total cost of the land and building of the mansion was estimated to be around $1 million.

Stanford White designed and oversaw the construction of the exterior and interiors of the house, until he was murdered in 1906. Among the furniture and art that he sourced for the house was a cupid sculpture that was placed in the round foyer. Recently, the cupid was found to have been sculpted by Michelangelo!

Helen Hay Whitney lived in the house until 1944. The French government acquired the Payne Whitney Mansion in 1952. In 1970, it was deemed an official landmark of the City of New York. Today, the building is home to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.

OK – Guess what? you can rent it out for parties…

Learn more about the mansion HERE and rental inquiries HERE.