DIFFA, Dining by Design at the Architectural Digest Home Design , Part 2



This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids - DIFFA - Thirty years of providing treatment and care to those who are living with AIDS. Each year at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, design leaders and visionaries create the most spectacular tables for a wonderful event called Dining by Design. If you've not read my other piece about DIFFA's Dining By Design do scroll down after reading this to see some of the other magnificent tables featured.

What do Maya Romanoff, Pinocchio and King Midas have in common? Read on to find out!



In this visually stunning display Kara Mann plays tribute to Maya Romanoff , artist and philanthropist, who recently passed away. Here Kara uses hand-dyed fabrics for which Maya was so well known, and emphasizes the the way he believed color should be seen, and the craftsmanship upon which he founded his studio.  Bold and vibrant color appears throughout which play off the rich velveteen, leather, and silk-paneled draping which anchor the space. The space becomes a textural delight that appeals to all the senses. 

Mann said that she "wanted the space to have a bohemian feel and to pay tribute to the fact that Maya's business was built upon his tie-dye art... And though the company has evolved greatly, true artistry remains at its core."







I haven't seen too much written about this next table that was created by Jes Gordon with The Fashion Institute of Technology. As I walked along from one incredible table to the next this next amazing display had me stop dead in my tracks. I looked at it.... It looked like the inside of a fish... And as I looked I got it almost immediately! It was a fish, but not just any fish. It was the inside of a whale! But it wasn't the inside of just any whale, it was the inside of Pinocchio's whale! 

I just love the message that was posted next to the display:

"Believing in yourself is the first step in bettering your life. Even when we cannot find hope, there exists a desire to reach higher and find the bravery within ourselves.


When Pinocchio enters the belly of the whale he is lonely, lost and afraid. He is trying to run away and is trapped inside his own battles. He gains courage and the strength to emerge. His positive outlook towards change helps him escape his negative thoughts and feelings.

Just like Pinocchio trapped inside the belly of the whale, the most challenging times of our lives can lead us to a more positive journey. We can fight our own battles, we are strong and determined to take on anything standing in our way. All we need is a little bit of courage."

I encourage you to look at the images below very closely so that you can see all the detail as it pertains to the story.










Below we have the table by Arteriors. Here they explore the concept of Midas walking through the jungles of Bali, transforming natural elements with his touch. They created a unique fusion of Indonesian materials and textures with golden finishes. Eye-catching lights that resemble fireworks shine down on the moody darkness of the organic table and sculptures. Whimsy cannot be overlooked as gilded ants scuttle along the tablescape. 









I hope you enjoyed my selections, and I encourage you all to stop by if you are in the New York City area next year during the Architectural Digest Home Design Show!

Of the tables I have showcased, which was/were your favorite/s?
What elements did you like the best?
I hope these gave you some inspiration for your next gathering!



MADE at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show



The Architectural Digest Home Design Show took place on Pier 94 on Manhattan's Upper West Side last week. I had the privilege of attending again this year. I noticed some significant and insignificant changes. The greatest, in my opinion, was the fact that there seemed to be virtually no furniture. Where had all the furniture companies gone to? Kitchens, baths and hardware seemed to me to be the show's main attraction this year, whether intended or not. I hadn't noticed that many changes in kitchen design and technology from the preceding years. Last year introduced color and this year seemed to bring those colors forth even more. Beautiful, large, colorful kitchen appliances seemed to take center stage. Though there were plenty of neutrals out there too. We saw a movement towards more streamlined kitchens, with European and Scandinavian influences with a wide selection of larger, more traditional, classic pieces with modern lines and a vintage feel. Are we Americans becoming more colorful? Or are neutrals still selling more? I will never really tire of seeing and learning about kitchens and kitchen technology. But my favorite part of the show has always been the MADE section.

The MADE section features artists and designers of limited edition and one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings providing them with an opportunity to showcase their creations. Artisan work has always been a part of the Show’s offerings, and MADE's unique galleries highlight this work and shows the most talented artists and designers working in the world of design today. The MADE galleries feature hundreds of designers from local artisans to international craftsman--from lighting and art to fine crafted furniture and furnishings.

Below are just a select (few - and I use the term loosely) images from the MADE section. 




Images (3) above from Next Step Studio and Gallery. www.nextstepstudio.com





Details of these incredibly mesmerizing water and glass creations reminded me of an elegant rendition of a salt water aquarium... with none of the hassle or mess! By Alison Sigethy, www.alisonsigethy.com






Several artists had their own renderings of colorful stacked stones. Elegant, whimsical and slightly edgy. Axiom Glass, by Robert Madvin, www.axiomglass.com



Incredibly intrinsic and delicate. Like glass lace. I was mesmerized by this piece "Tensio" by Micah Evans, Chesterfield Glass Art





These fantastically fun and whimsical Wild Chairy re-purposed chairs by Andrea Mihalik made a cheery appearance once again in the MADE section. www.wildchairy.com




These wonderful Daniel Levy porcelain plates and bowls immediately jumped out at me! Are they not spectacular? For more on Daniel Levy visit his website, www.daniellevyporcelain.com








I tend to gravitate the to silly, sensational and whimsical as opposed to the serious - These fun and fantastical wall papers really jumped out at me. What an energy they would add to a space! Of course, it takes a certain bold personality to hang these. I do think they are such fun and they indeed make your walls come alive! Wallpapers by Voutsa, www.voutsa.com



I'm not sure whether it was the bed itself or the strategic and fun placement of all the apples that captured my photographic eye, but I loved both by Brooklyn Based Palo Samko, www.palosamko.com




This speaks to me! Where would I put this? This vintage inspired creation by Fred Sanders was one of many fun metal and neon creations. For more visit www.toddsandersart.com




Patrick Weder has been busy as a bee creating these Honeycomb lamps, www.patrickweder.com



The light bounced and danced off the bits of glass in this delicate light fixture by Elizabeth Lyons, www.lyonsglass.com



This springtime inspiration was absolutely remarkable by Canadian designer, Lori Morris. It took 300 hours to install! www.lorimorris.com




I love elephants. I forgot to grab this person's card! Sigh....




The above mirror was amazing. Look at the top photo for the detail! 




The above couch was one by Natuzzi. They had several installation/seating arrangements and many exhausted attendees sought refuge on these for a few moments to rest their weary selves. This should have been a huge opportunity for Natuzzi. Their sales rep should have welcomed the visitors. He should have asked them if they were comfortable, what they thought of the leather - the softness, colors, etc... Instead he was busy shooing everyone away. Such a shame, really. 




If you've never been to the show and live in or near the New York City area... or plan on visiting the area next March, you should absolutely make this part of your visit.

Tomorrow I will share with you, what in my opinion, was the highlight of the show - Dining by Design, DIFFA, Design Industry Foundation Fights AIDS. This years tables were truly spectacular!