Million Dollar Decorators: Episode 1

 

Mary McDonald and Nate Turner arrive for Kathryn Ireland's birthday party bearing quite a cake!

Okay, so my initial thoughts on MDD Episode 1: These designers all took an incredibly huge risk in doing this show. They risk looking unprofessional, ungrateful and unkempt. On the other hand, how many of us, when under considerable stress, would look and act great with cameras trailing around after us 100% of the time? When I blogged on Bravo's Top Design, the designers on those shows had relatively little public profile - the were all professionals, but not quite big names either. Twitter and FB didn't play a big role, but this time, the people tweeting and commenting are a highly professional and dedicated group of professional designers (some with as big, or bigger careers than those on the show). And, the initial commentary is a very mixed bag indeed.  Many negative comments were flying via public tweet and private message. These shows are produced because they are dramatic and there's big business in drama. Mix the drama with celebrity (Sharon Osborn plays a big role in epi 1) and million dollar budgets and BravoTV is in pig heaven. Professional designers all seem a bit leary - will this make the rest of us look bad? Will the long held negative stereotypes of our industry (stereotypes regarding blown budgets, overbearing decorators and clients not getting what they want) be reinforced? Or, will we see real people, warts and all, just trying to satisfy a demanding clientele? After all, Sharon O seemed completely unfazed at making Martyn Lawrence Bullard completely decorate a new apartment in a matter of days. And, one wonders, what other client's work was pushed aside in order to accomplish this feat? Time will tell. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Meanwhile, here's a round up of places to go to hear what others are saying:

Tweet-a-palooza! 

There were three tweet hashtags going on during episode one. A little crazy, but some of the best commentary comes in less than 140 characters. I highly recommend using TweetChat.com because it makes following all the aggregated tweets so much easier, plus, it appends the hashtag on automatically.

#mddbravotv (the one I use) http://tweetchat.com/room/mddbravotv

#mdd  http://tweetchat.com/room/mdd

and 

#milliondollardecorators  http://tweetchat.com/room/milliondollardecorators

Mary McDonald is shocked that her clients are getting a divorce and are selling the house that MM not only decorated, but also considers her own.

Some of my favorite tweets: 

@amandawaas: Here's a tip: never let anyone with the word "teen" in their age plan a party. All you'll end up with is a bag of Fritos and tears. #mdd -11:21 PM May 31st, 2011

whitwestbrook Whitney A. Westbrook

#MDD Yay! Looks like real design stress in upcoming episodes! When I saw the antique tile being destroyed, I threw up a little. Good sign.

ErikaatBluLabel Erika Ward

Ok, so Sharon Osbourne is the highlight of the show. They should bring her back next week, no? #MDDBravotv 

@vickinoe I AM having a cocktail while watching this #mddbravotv. Much easier to watch that way #mddbravotv

karidesigns Kari Fisher

at least amongst the silly decorator personalities, they are showing the hardworking design assistants #MDD #madlovebehindthescenes

 Ross Cassidy (JAM's bf and assistant) and Jeffry Alan Marks disagree on a Martyn Lawrence Bullard fabric. 

Textiles flying and eyeballs rolling!

And the designers own Twitter handles: @MARYMCDONALDINC  @MartynBullard   jeffreymarksinc @KathrynMIreland  @nathanturner and @NTurnerDesign 

In others' words: recaps from the blogosphere: (this section may be added to throughout the week, so check back!)

Design Blahg - THE funniest captions
Raina Cox on Curbed offers her designers' eye and knows the difference between Eames and van der Rohe, unlike a certain $$$$$$$$$ decorator 

Will you be back for Episode Two?

Who is your favorite designer so far?
	Kathryn M. Ireland
	Mary McDonald
	Martyn Lawrence Bullard
	Jeffrey Alan Marks
	Nate Turner
pollcode.com free polls

 

Who was your favorite non-designer charachter?
	Ross Cassidy (JAM's bf and assistant)
	4 pug dogs (Mary McD's)
	Kathryn Ireland's French Housekeeper
	Kathryn Ireland's sons
	Sharon Osborne
pollcode.com free polls

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Million Dollar Decorators: Episode 1

 

Mary McDonald and Nate Turner arrive for Kathryn Ireland's birthday party bearing quite a cake!

Okay, so my initial thoughts on MDD Episode 1: These designers all took an incredibly huge risk in doing this show. They risk looking unprofessional, ungrateful and unkempt. On the other hand, how many of us, when under considerable stress, would look and act great with cameras trailing around after us 100% of the time? When I blogged on Bravo's Top Design, the designers on those shows had relatively little public profile - the were all professionals, but not quite big names either. Twitter and FB didn't play a big role, but this time, the people tweeting and commenting are a highly professional and dedicated group of professional designers (some with as big, or bigger careers than those on the show). And, the initial commentary is a very mixed bag indeed.  Many negative comments were flying via public tweet and private message. These shows are produced because they are dramatic and there's big business in drama. Mix the drama with celebrity (Sharon Osborn plays a big role in epi 1) and million dollar budgets and BravoTV is in pig heaven. Professional designers all seem a bit leary - will this make the rest of us look bad? Will the long held negative stereotypes of our industry (stereotypes regarding blown budgets, overbearing decorators and clients not getting what they want) be reinforced? Or, will we see real people, warts and all, just trying to satisfy a demanding clientele? After all, Sharon O seemed completely unfazed at making Martyn Lawrence Bullard completely decorate a new apartment in a matter of days. And, one wonders, what other client's work was pushed aside in order to accomplish this feat? Time will tell. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Meanwhile, here's a round up of places to go to hear what others are saying:

Tweet-a-palooza! 

There were three tweet hashtags going on during episode one. A little crazy, but some of the best commentary comes in less than 140 characters. I highly recommend using TweetChat.com because it makes following all the aggregated tweets so much easier, plus, it appends the hashtag on automatically.

#mddbravotv (the one I use) http://tweetchat.com/room/mddbravotv

#mdd  http://tweetchat.com/room/mdd

and 

#milliondollardecorators  http://tweetchat.com/room/milliondollardecorators

Mary McDonald is shocked that her clients are getting a divorce and are selling the house that MM not only decorated, but also considers her own.

Some of my favorite tweets: 

@amandawaas: Here's a tip: never let anyone with the word "teen" in their age plan a party. All you'll end up with is a bag of Fritos and tears. #mdd -11:21 PM May 31st, 2011

whitwestbrook Whitney A. Westbrook

#MDD Yay! Looks like real design stress in upcoming episodes! When I saw the antique tile being destroyed, I threw up a little. Good sign.

ErikaatBluLabel Erika Ward

Ok, so Sharon Osbourne is the highlight of the show. They should bring her back next week, no? #MDDBravotv 

@vickinoe I AM having a cocktail while watching this #mddbravotv. Much easier to watch that way #mddbravotv

karidesigns Kari Fisher

at least amongst the silly decorator personalities, they are showing the hardworking design assistants #MDD #madlovebehindthescenes

 Ross Cassidy (JAM's bf and assistant) and Jeffry Alan Marks disagree on a Martyn Lawrence Bullard fabric. 

Textiles flying and eyeballs rolling!

And the designers own Twitter handles: @MARYMCDONALDINC  @MartynBullard   jeffreymarksinc @KathrynMIreland  @nathanturner and @NTurnerDesign 

In others' words: recaps from the blogosphere: (this section may be added to throughout the week, so check back!)

Design Blahg - THE funniest captions
Raina Cox on Curbed offers her designers' eye and knows the difference between Eames and van der Rohe, unlike a certain $$$$$$$$$ decorator 

Will you be back for Episode Two?

Who is your favorite designer so far?
	Kathryn M. Ireland
	Mary McDonald
	Martyn Lawrence Bullard
	Jeffrey Alan Marks
	Nate Turner
pollcode.com free polls

 

Who was your favorite non-designer charachter?
	Ross Cassidy (JAM's bf and assistant)
	4 pug dogs (Mary McD's)
	Kathryn Ireland's French Housekeeper
	Kathryn Ireland's sons
	Sharon Osborne
pollcode.com free polls

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Million Dollar Decorators premiers tonight!

Join me TONIGHT on Twitter #mddbravotv  ( http://tweetchat.com/room/mddbravotv ) to chat about this new series featuring the crazy lives and businesses of designers Kathryn Ireland, Mary McDonald, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Nathan Turner and Jeffrey Allen Marks. I'll be interviewing each of the designers throughout the 8 week season, so stay tuned for that. Editor at Large has already done a series of interviews, which you can read here and here.

I've seen the first episode and it's fast paced and eye opening. The entire series looks like a hoot and I think professional designers will really be fascinated, appalled, jealous and sympathetic to the real world of high-budget and high-stakes decorating. And "civilian" viewers will likely be astonished by the dollars that can be spent on decorating. This isn't your mother's HGTV, that's for sure!

So, join me on Twitter, 10PM EST tonight and every Tuesday throughout the season to share your thoughts on the show, it will be fun! Twitter hashtag #mddbravotv

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Million Dollar Decorators premiers tonight!

Join me TONIGHT on Twitter #mddbravotv  ( http://tweetchat.com/room/mddbravotv ) to chat about this new series featuring the crazy lives and businesses of designers Kathryn Ireland, Mary McDonald, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Nathan Turner and Jeffrey Allen Marks. I'll be interviewing each of the designers throughout the 8 week season, so stay tuned for that. Editor at Large has already done a series of interviews, which you can read here and here.

I've seen the first episode and it's fast paced and eye opening. The entire series looks like a hoot and I think professional designers will really be fascinated, appalled, jealous and sympathetic to the real world of high-budget and high-stakes decorating. And "civilian" viewers will likely be astonished by the dollars that can be spent on decorating. This isn't your mother's HGTV, that's for sure!

So, join me on Twitter, 10PM EST tonight and every Tuesday throughout the season to share your thoughts on the show, it will be fun! Twitter hashtag #mddbravotv

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible by CarFilmComponents

CarFilmComponents, adhesive company, had used an "old" Volkswagen Beetle Convertible New to demonstrate its expertise at Tuning World Bodensee.

If the car is not new, nor preparation for the adhesive, it turns out that the final SWC has just been released. At Tuning World Bodensee, at the beginning of May, CarFilmComponents was gradually covered the body of the New Beetle. The German tuner, armed with tape and a printer, applied without much complication to decorate drawings wildest bumpers and low-to-cash small convertible. The interior is also revised, including the custom door moldings.

Assumptions: Lamborghini Aventador in "uniform" cop

A team of designers drew the police's version of Lamborghini Aventador. In the past, the Italian manufacturer of supercars has donated two copies Gallardo fully equipped police.

Milanno artworks designers drew police version of Lamborghini Aventador. For now, the Sant'Agata supercar was not offered as a colleague Carabinieri, but the model could become fellow Italian police in the future. Most of the artworks Milanno and drew within this model, painting the seats in blue and equipping the interior with some of the equipment necessary human law.

Aventador Lamborghini is equipped with a 6.5 liter V12 engine that develops 700 hp at 8250 rpm. Peak torque is provided by the powerful suction of 690 Nm is reached at 5,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km / h is achieved in just 2.90 seconds. Italian police could use this model for rapid response to crisis and emergency transportation of organs. In addition, it lends itself to speed prosecutions, Aventador being able to easily exceed the "threshold" of 300 km / h.

Police in Italy received three years ago, two copies Gallardo LP560-4. Repectivele models were equipped with numerous high-tech devices, such as an automatic registration plate recognition, which can send real-time information to police headquarters and inform the driver about the vehicle model Lamborghini. In addition, the camcorder is coupled to a GPS system, which records all information about where it was filmed every second of the "film".

Accident Santana do Ipanema - AL - Overturning the Hilux's Robinho

In the past Sundays have become cause for great handling horses dick free Airfield in Santana do Ipanema, even away from 50 days to the Festival of Youth, where traditionally the race happens, many people are attending the camp where they risk drivers the dangerous wooden horses.

By late afternoon on Sunday (29) more than 100 vehicles were on the field where a major accident killed Robson de Souza Silva, 32.

Second that were popular in the local board Hilux KKO-0011 - Recife some maneuvers performed, wooden horses, light form. At one point tried to give a stronger form 360 and overturned. Robson, who was in the passenger seat, was thrown from the car and died instantly.

2011 Indy 500 Crazy Finish JR Hildebrand crashes video

Only Indy can provide a finish like this, rookie JR Hildebrand looked like the winner of the race, until the final corner when he smacked into the wall. he kept his foot on the gas to make it across the line, but Dan Wheldon was there and took the win.

Spy Photos: 2012 BMW 6-Series Cabrio with M package

The BMW 6-Series Coupe with M-Sport package was shown, but the Cabrio is not seen to wear. The Belgian Bimmertoday, holds some live spy photos of the open 6-Aras wearing new bumpers, front spoiler and wheels 20. The car is painted red Imola Red and thus somewhat resembles the next M6.

Jeep Wrangler Jurassic Park edition sold on eBay

The legendary movie Jurassic Park I think you've seen all of you. One crazy American, it seems that adored Jeep Wrangler used in the film and so decided to create his own replica. She took a Jeep Wrangler Sahara 1995 and did similar to those in the film.

The Jeep now sold on eBay for $ 9,000. Many will tell me about a 16 year old car that has come close to 190,000 km but think that this is a unique car that has received much attention from the owner. Definitely will not go unsold.

Video: Volkswagen Golf GTI 35 Edition first promo video

Volkswagen gave the first promo video of the new Golf GTI Edition 35, which will debut at Worthersee will take place from June 1-4 in Austria. There will be a Golf GTI 16S and the racing Golf24.

Fiat 500 TwinAir Plus Sport equipment version

The Fiat 500 is TwinAir is now available in the equipment package "plus". The new line is up for the sedan and convertible.
The 500 TwinAir Plus is recognized by black-painted 16-inch light-alloy wheels double-spoke design. A rear spoiler, electric adjustable and heated outside mirrors in body color as well as a chromed tailpipe trim are also standard with it. For the 500 TwinAir plus ten exterior colors are available, including the date the special edition Fiat 500 by Diesel reserved Metallic Blue Midnight Indigo Blue. The closed version can optionally be ordered with a black painted roof.

Both body styles are driven by a 85 hp two-cylinder turbo engine. Standard of Fiat with a five speed gearbox is fitted. Optional there are also the automatic transmission Dualogic. The base price for the closed three-door model is 14 400 €. As the Fiat 500 Cabrio Plus TwinAir from € 17 200 is to be had.

Five Trends to Watch at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)

By Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, NV was a leaner exhibition – a reflection of the economy and home building sales no doubt. But traffic and designer interest was brisk for the exhibitors present – hopefully a positive sign for the future. KBIS is one of my favorite shows. Homeowners really invest in their kitchens and KBIS is the place to see what’s new, what’s trending and where the kitchen of the future is going. Here are some of the trends I saw and hot new products coming out this year.

1.    Transitional or New Traditional
Transitional or New Traditional is here to stay - a real style in its own right. From TOTO’s new Vivian faucet

to Hardware Resources’ Lyn Design Bath Vanities in Chocolate – what’s old is new again.

Today’s Traditional offers cleaner lines, less ornamentation and a more updated, sophisticated feel.


2.    Personal Style
We’re not designing for resale value. We’re designing for ourselves – for the long haul.

Top Knobs launched their unique new Passport Collection at KBIS – inspired by global landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Victoria Falls, Sydney Opera House, Tower Bridge and the Great Wall of China. What could be more personal than decorating with a souvenir from somewhere special? It’s what we all do when we travel, but now you can get a free sample shipped to your home without going anywhere at all. Design meets destination.

Another example… someone at the show told me to visit the Scotsman Ice Systems booth because they love to chew ice. You can’t get more personal than that! Me – I like the big cubes in my water. But if someone needs them small and chewy – this would be the system for them. Personal taste is a trend that is hot right now.

3.    Personal Luxury

If KBIS is any indicator – toilets are the next hot new must-have gadget. INAX’s latest offering, for example, plays music, lights your way at night, heats the seat, offers a personal cleansing massage plus automatically opens and closes. Plasmacluster technology cleans the air with antibacterial ions. Never mind its advanced flushing technology, green features and sophisticated design. So when I was asked would I pay $4,800 for a luxury spa toilet, my answer was simple, “it shuts the seat?” Worth the price of admission for me!

My kids did ask if it knows to open for a boy or a girl. The INAX representative told me it opens the lid for girls. Sorry fellas, you’ll have to lift the seat on your own.


4.    Design Matters

From Michael Graves’ teapots to Poggenpohl’s Porsche kitchen, branded design partnerships are not new. Design and Designers matter to homeowners. And the elements do not have to be expensive to offer high performance or design. Dacor’s new Distinctive 36” cooktop was created in partnership with BMW Group Designworks USA and is a perfect example of an accessibly priced appliance that has name plate designer status attached.

5.    Green as a Greens Fee

OK, I’m a golfer. To me a “greens fee” means something you pay just to play. And in today’s marketplace, you need to be green to play. While it’s still not high on the consumer’s punch list, designers, architects and manufacturers recognize that they must be environmentally friendly. Products like LED lighting from Stone Lighting and

Samsung’s Radianz Quartz with recycled content, demonstrate that the building community has embraced green as a long-term necessity that won’t go away like gas rationing in the 70’s. Let’s applaud the design community for creatively leading us to be environmentally responsible instead of waiting for us to ask.


Lori Dolnick is a regular contributor to ::Surroundings::


See all Lori's posts here.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Five Trends to Watch at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)

By Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, NV was a leaner exhibition – a reflection of the economy and home building sales no doubt. But traffic and designer interest was brisk for the exhibitors present – hopefully a positive sign for the future. KBIS is one of my favorite shows. Homeowners really invest in their kitchens and KBIS is the place to see what’s new, what’s trending and where the kitchen of the future is going. Here are some of the trends I saw and hot new products coming out this year.

1.    Transitional or New Traditional
Transitional or New Traditional is here to stay - a real style in its own right. From TOTO’s new Vivian faucet

to Hardware Resources’ Lyn Design Bath Vanities in Chocolate – what’s old is new again.

Today’s Traditional offers cleaner lines, less ornamentation and a more updated, sophisticated feel.


2.    Personal Style
We’re not designing for resale value. We’re designing for ourselves – for the long haul.

Top Knobs launched their unique new Passport Collection at KBIS – inspired by global landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Victoria Falls, Sydney Opera House, Tower Bridge and the Great Wall of China. What could be more personal than decorating with a souvenir from somewhere special? It’s what we all do when we travel, but now you can get a free sample shipped to your home without going anywhere at all. Design meets destination.

Another example… someone at the show told me to visit the Scotsman Ice Systems booth because they love to chew ice. You can’t get more personal than that! Me – I like the big cubes in my water. But if someone needs them small and chewy – this would be the system for them. Personal taste is a trend that is hot right now.

3.    Personal Luxury

If KBIS is any indicator – toilets are the next hot new must-have gadget. INAX’s latest offering, for example, plays music, lights your way at night, heats the seat, offers a personal cleansing massage plus automatically opens and closes. Plasmacluster technology cleans the air with antibacterial ions. Never mind its advanced flushing technology, green features and sophisticated design. So when I was asked would I pay $4,800 for a luxury spa toilet, my answer was simple, “it shuts the seat?” Worth the price of admission for me!

My kids did ask if it knows to open for a boy or a girl. The INAX representative told me it opens the lid for girls. Sorry fellas, you’ll have to lift the seat on your own.


4.    Design Matters

From Michael Graves’ teapots to Poggenpohl’s Porsche kitchen, branded design partnerships are not new. Design and Designers matter to homeowners. And the elements do not have to be expensive to offer high performance or design. Dacor’s new Distinctive 36” cooktop was created in partnership with BMW Group Designworks USA and is a perfect example of an accessibly priced appliance that has name plate designer status attached.

5.    Green as a Greens Fee

OK, I’m a golfer. To me a “greens fee” means something you pay just to play. And in today’s marketplace, you need to be green to play. While it’s still not high on the consumer’s punch list, designers, architects and manufacturers recognize that they must be environmentally friendly. Products like LED lighting from Stone Lighting and

Samsung’s Radianz Quartz with recycled content, demonstrate that the building community has embraced green as a long-term necessity that won’t go away like gas rationing in the 70’s. Let’s applaud the design community for creatively leading us to be environmentally responsible instead of waiting for us to ask.


Lori Dolnick is a regular contributor to ::Surroundings::


See all Lori's posts here.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::