NYC, PVE and ICFF

Arne Jacobsen: The 7 Chair, 1955

 Just returned from NYC and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. It's always a rush, trying to clear your plate, taking two whole travel days and of course, the jet lag and exhaustion quotient...but, it's so worth it to visit with like minded and talented folk, see what's on the horizon for the trade and find inspiration. 

I met up with Carol Reed of CREED after her client meetings on Wed for a few drinks in the Roosevelt Lobby...it's a great location right across from GCStation. The next day we headed to the Flatiron District to Fishies Eddies and ABC Carpet and Home. We had a wonderful lunch at the ABC Kitchen (their place settings blew us away!)

Grand Central Station

 Visited the Strand Bookstore...it was my first time there, and I am in love! I tried to show Carol the book by Maureen Mitton which features a few of my renderings, but they only had the 3rd edition. The architecture and Interiors section is so amazing!! Bought the kids a couple of T-shirts before we headed to Little Italy for a great courtyard dinner...two of my favorite dishes...caprese and risotto, paired with some nice red wine.

I discover a great new neighborhood every visit

Thursday we were really excited to go to the Adyln...this years site of the Kipps Bay Showhouse...it was the best yet...a different setting, overlooking the Hudson; two duplexes actually. There's a no photo rule, and I can't figure out how to take pics with my BB without that dreaded shutter sound.

My favorite space was the "Gentleman's Study" in Unit 2101 by David Scott Interiors...done in a gem blue and rusty orange accents...just beautiful. Also, the "A Collector's Bedroom" in unit 2102 by Alexander Doherty Design was full of fine art and stunning.

We were so excited about our plans on Friday to head out on the Hudson Line to Ardsley and PVE's, where we visited her fabulously renovated new home and studio (oh the bathtub!) She made the most amazing lunch and brought us for a tour of Sunnyside- Washington Irving's little cottage on the Hudson. Patricia's hometown is so charming! I can see why she loves it so much :) Thanks P :)

Patricia's delicious lunch of grilled beets and goats cheese with pine nuts and drizzled with truffle oil was fabulous! Then greens with homemade dressing and fresh fruit for dessert...as tasty as it was beautiful!! (took this photo from PVE's blog post)

 

The Hudson Line from Grand Central Station is a beautiful trip

Sunnyside, Washington Irving's estate on the Hudson

 Here is just one of the buildings Mr. Irving designed for his homestead...influences taken from his travels. Our tour guide was so fabulous! Didn't know that Mr. Irving was widely known as the first American novelist. I can just imagine him and his brother, nieces and staff keeping this wonderful little cottage full of family, laughter and hard work. No sign of headless horsemen here, only a comfortable warm working farm cottage.

The wisteria and trumpet vine were planted by Mr Irving himself!

Our amazing tour guide...even Patricia learned new things! PVE, Carol Reed

We headed to the hotel room to get ready to see "Other Desert Cities" at the Booth Theater, where we watched a love match take place in the seats next to us...warmed our hearts. Two single professionals, theater lovers, exchanging numbers at the end of the evening. Would love to know how that one ends!

Spent all day Saturday at ICFF, meeting up with a workshop "student" friend of mine, Annette from PA...we were all impressed with the show, but really did more chatting about the trade than anything...will be posting more about my rendering workshops soon.

Potato crust salmon, a la carte whipped mashed and tuna tartar for a starter...omg

After Carol flew back to Toronto on Sunday, I walked to the Guggenheim and the Columbus Ave flea market at 77th...walked through Central Park during the annual AIDS walk, and did some shopping at Macy's before heading back to the hotel to meet Brian. Even know Carol and I had dinner at Rue 57 the night before, Brian and I went again on Sunday night...I just love it.

The lines of the Guggenheim excite me every time

Rained all day Monday...funny how NYC can turn into a steam bath when it rains! We thought some shopping at GCStation's shops might be nice, but it had to be 90 degrees with 100 percent humidity in there...oh, I so forgot about that dreaded humidity! So, instead we packed and made reservations for Carmines on 44th for dinner...love the calamari and linguine and clams...yum.

Best part? Meeting up with friends :)

Carol has also blogged about our fabulous trip...here, and PVE, here.

A little cottage on the Hudson covered in Wisteria and Trumpet vine, Rendering by Michelle Morelan