Candice, Trees and Parties

Well February has started off with a bang for us!

At the beginning of February, we attended an all-day event for the Texas Chapter of National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). The purpose of the event was two-fold - first to induct a Houston's Suzie Wilford as incoming National President of NKBA (congratulations!) and the second to hear from Candice Olsen of Divine Design on HGTV speak about her kitchen and bath projects.

First I have to say, as a designer, I am a HUGE fan of Candice. She shows the process in one of the most realistic shows out there. The truth is that theses type of projects take time and money, they are fun and problematic, and in the end it is beautiful!

So for those with questions....Here are your answers!

Yes, she is very tall. I'd guess at least 6'. She is also very much the same person you see on TV. All the clients on her show live in Toronto, although she said that they work very hard to make sure that they are diverse in project type, style and budgets. Since it is a television show, she really is not able to share with her clients what she has planned for them until the reveal - which is interesting because they do pay for the project (except for her design fees) and often she comes back and asks them to increase their budgets. Imagine that, being asked for a larger budget and not knowing why.

Other news from Candice, there are at least another 26 episodes heading our way; Plus she will be a judge on the next season of HGTV Design Star. A big "THANK YOU" to Silestone USA (http://www.silestoneusa.com/) for sponsoring Candice's trip to Houston.

Last Thursday also had two showrooms hosting fundraisers and showroom openings. The first event was hosted by Skyline Art Services (http://www.skylineartservices.com/) and Kirksey in the new location of Skyline Art Services off of Old Katy Road. The event benefited Trees For Houston, raising money to help replant the trees and canopy destroyed by Hurricane Ike. We love places like Skyline Art - it enables us to bring original art to our clients from some local and not so local artists.

One piece that especially caught my eye was this wooden vase. I love the intricate "lace" pattern that the artist, Michael Bauermeister, carved. According to Skyline, the artist uses trees that have been harvested for a variety of reasons by his local park department and landscapers. Isn't it gorgeous?

In the same evening, we went to the showroom opening for Poggenpohl USA (http://www.poggenpohl-usa.com/). The new showroom at Post Oak and Westheimer, in the Galleria, represents Poggenpohl's largest showroom. The event garnered over 400 RSVPs and I do believe everyone came. Look at this picture, there was barely any room to move!

Poggenpohl, for those of you who don't know is a manufacturers premium cabinets for contemporary kitchens. The finish on the cabinetry is flawless and enables for custom organization for every need. The showroom highlighted a new table that expands to allow for service carts through the center of the table. This type of product is chic and functional. But I admit, I have a soft spot for their Porche Kitchen. You can have one for your kitchen and your driveway - :).

We have started several new projects this month, so look forward to hearing about them in the future. We are also members of the Best Practices Network, comprised of around 100 leading companies across the nation. Next week is our Winter Conference in Palm Springs! So I'll be sure to share with you all of the design-worthy places there.

Happy Hunting!