WDC grand opening

This week we had the pleasure of attending the Washington Design Center grand opening and hear some top designers talk about their work, among them Eileen Kathryn Boyd, Charlotte Moss, Amanda Nisbet and Newell Turner, Editor in Chief from House Beautiful. 

 One take away was from Newell Turner who reiterated that the time for people to decorate their homes is now, and to not keep putting it off.   He said the magazine business is booming and people continue to love decor in the glossies and the decorating bug is definitely on the rise.   Ms. Boyd was saying how our target prospects that purchase 'throw away' furniture should be sold on the idea of buying a quality heirloom piece to start their collection worthy of passing down to their children one day.  Have them start with a designer line or fine antique, even if it is the only 'permanent' piece in the room.   As designers we should promote the idea of buying quality pieces that will last more than five years.  It's like starting a fine art collection.   Look at the cars our clients drive and spend their money on.  Their homes deserve the same,if not better, since more time is spent in their nest than in their cars.  And a fine piece of furniture will last longer than your car!  Our job is to help people value the service we offer as designers because it will help them build a future of smart choices and better products. Bravo!

Here are some beauties that caught our eye, like this exquisite chaise from Century furniture,

these gorgeous rugs from Doris Leslie Blau (available in any size and color way)

who hosted guest speaker Vicente Wolf,

the amazing Kravet display by pantone color, and all the patterns they have in that colorway (brilliant!),

 and this beautiful agate side table at Kravet.  Love it!

This amazing brass floor lamp by Niermann Weeks at the J. Lambeth showroom

and this fun spiral chandelier at American Eye were among the hundreds of jaw dropping light fixtures on display everywhere.

 A beautiful lilac grouping at Michael Cleary's showroom

and a wonderful wood end table by Hickory at M. Cleary were stunners.

I had fun meeting up with Alison Geise, a local designer I connected with through blogging.

Bethany and I had a ball and came home in a decorating comma from overload but with plenty of ideas for her new home and our projects.  I can't wait to go to High Point Market for hundreds more showrooms! It really helps to see things in person and think beyond our normal go-to's.

If you're not a designer you can get a guest pass and stroll through most of the showrooms.  

The Washington Design Center 

1099 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Have a great weekend!