UNIQUE DESIGN DISCOVERIES AT BDNY...

I had the pleasure of attending a fairly new trade show on the scene, the Boutique Design New York (BDNY). Now in its fourth year, BDNY is combined with the International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show (IHMRS) making it America's largest trade fair and forum focused on the hospitality industry. 

This trade show presents over 325 exhibitors of furniture, lighting, wall coverings, fabric, seating, accessories, artwork, carpet and flooring, and bath and spa materials. BDNY attracts 5,000+ designers, architects, purchasing executives and developers in addition to hotel owners and operations who also attend IHMRS. This year's BDNY leveraged its growth spurt with two floors of products as well as 10 panel discussions and interactive workshops including the signature Owners' Grill Session. 

This has become one of my favorite trade shows because it features both experiential and practical aspects of hospitality design with some of the most innovative products available. The resources I glean from this show provides unique products and ideas to present to my clients for residential design as well.

Here are some of my notable favorite finds:

Art on Metal by Angela Cameron Fine Art 

Swivel Chair (spins 360 degrees) by Astoria Compass

Astoria Compass

Blue Coast Furniture

Bodie Swivel Chair by Grand Rapids Chair Company

Seating (4 chairs make a circular banquette) by Charter Furniture

Custom Resin Vanity by Neo Metro

Mandy Li Furniture

Custom Wall Installation by Lusive Designs

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Dresser by Koket

Faucets by Vola for Hastings Tile & Bath

Real Cork Upholstery by Wolf Gordon 

Astoria Compass

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Until the next BDNY, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN.

SECOND HONEYMOONING IN ST. THOMAS, USVI...

I spent last week on a constant high, legally of course. My husband and I renewed our vows for our 25th wedding anniversary in St. Thomas, USVI. We choose this locale because it is where we honeymooned back in 1988. When I put it in writing, it truly resonates that that was a long time ago as the picture below depicts.

Then and Now

Any who... We stayed at the "crown jewel" of St. Thomas, the Marriott Frenchmen's Reef and Morning Star Resort which recently completed a $48 million renovation. 

Aerial view of the Marriott's Frenchmen's Reef & Morning Star Resort in St. Thomas, USVI

I have been blessed to travel a bit but I guess because of the occasion and the desperate need for relaxation, all I can say is WOW! Great job, Mr. Marriott. The design is a surprising mix of Caribbean decor and rustic charm, and nicely executed I might add.

Chandelier in the Frenchman's Reef Lobby

Lobby Settee

Lobby of the Morning Star Resort

Receiving desks at the Morning Star Resort

Deck overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor at the Frenchman's Reef

Newly renovated infinity pool at Frenchman's Reef 

We totally reconnected with the beauty and tranquility of St. Thomas and this magnificent resort. My workaholic husband was tempted to extend our vacay for another day. Logistics notwithstanding, we would have. I do look forward to our return which will NOT take 25 years.

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN AND MARRIOTT.COM