Inspiration begets inspiration at AD's design show

By Debbe Daley

This year's Architectural Digest Home Design Show paired with Dining by Design, presented by the Design Industry's Foundation for Fighting Aids, was a spectacular interior designer's dream.

For me it was a jam-packed three days of nonstop learning, inspiration and total design fun. Not only did I have the opportunity to attend Interior Design Camp NY, I met some fun and creative industry professionals.

The Tile Bar's Jacob Herskovits, brand ambassador and director of marketing, was such a pleasure. He was sure to embrace every designer in the showroom at 45 W21st St. Before the designers feasted upon the Tile Bar's stylish and sassy backsplash and flooring offerings, we shared a delectable brunch of fresh pastries, bagels, muffins and mimosas.

On to Pier 94, where Architectural Digest Home Design Show awaited. This is not your typical home show. If you love "Architectural Digest" magazine and the products featured therein, this forum was certainly the place to be. Two of my favorite appliance brands, SMEG and AGA were both exhibiting. Italy's SMEG manufactures state-of-the-art appliances custom designed to your particular style for your home. Whether you desire the retro style of the '50s in your kitchen or a wine fridge that looks like the front end of a vintage automobile for your game room, SMEG can do it. SMEG's signature models bear the British and Italian flags on their retro refrigerators -- also available in bright and retro solid colors.

Innovation and out-of-the-ordinary designs were smattered throughout the exhibit. Aero Pod by artist Dean Jackson grabbed my attention; a modern style storage pod that can be customized for your personal needs. I was particularly drawn to the brandy and cigar storage pod, perfect for storing the Acid blondie and a decanter of your favorite scotch or brandy.

So many new toys intrigued my designing mind. Two of my favorite pieces of art were from two different artists, Delah Brucelli's "Walking the Edge" and Craig Alan's plexi acrylic painted tulle and hay designs.

My designing and column-writing friend from New York, Claudia Jacobs, and I had the privilege of attending the preview event at Dining By Design. This gala fundraising event is where dining room vignette installations are created by some of the top designers in the industry. Furniture, tableware and other items are auctioned off at this event. This year's gala raised more than $650,000 and was held at Pier 92, adjacent to the Home Show.

Some of my favorite dining installations were Essie, designed by Robert Verdi, in which Verdi created centerpieces of Essie nail polish colors. Hermes' colorful Trojan horse collage created a buzz, too. Benjamin Moore designed by HGTV's Design Star Tyler Wisler created a bistro atmosphere and Echo Design's Lost in Print was so pretty in pink.

If you're searching for design inspiration, this event is certainly a spectacular one and well worth the short trip to the Big Apple.

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Inspiration begets inspiration at AD's design show