Inspiringdesigns

In the car on the way to the office this morning I noticed some newer graffiti where Hiller Hardware used to stand. For a long time I have been impressed with graffiti artists. As a child I wondered how they could spray paint on billboards and highway overpasses without being noticed. Now I am amazed at how they control the spray and create such unique and interesting signatures.

In the February 10 edition on Interior Design magazine they feature the Surrey Hotel in New York. I had never even heard of the Surrey, but I am planning a spring trip to NY and the photographs of this hotel were amazing, so I did some research.

“Nestled in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, The Surrey hotel is both a familiar destination and an unexpected delight. We offer our guests authentic service, cultural inspiration and singular experiences at every visit.

Built in 1926 as a residence hotel, the original Surrey was home to many of New York’s most eccentric celebrities over the years. JFK. Betty Davis. Claudette Colbert. Famous faces who recognized the allure of exceptional, discreet service. In re-creating The Surrey, we collaborated with acclaimed interior designer Lauren Rottet and paid special attention to maintaining the integrity of this history while modernizing what has become New York’s most intimate address. Rottet’s inspiration was a New York City townhouse passed down through the generations, the keeper of a lifetime of memories.” – from www.thesurrey.com.

The image that intrigued me most was one of the hotel’s “gift shop.” As you can see in the photo below, this in not your ordinary hotel gift shop. It is a custom designed and painted high boy from Jimmie Martin.

So the Surrey is now been added to my ever-growing list of must sees for my big NYC trip. I am hoping for a tour, but will settle for a cocktail in the beautiful Bar Pleides or a bite from acclaimed chef, Daniel Boulud (you would recognize him from Top Chef) at Café Boulud.

Inspiration…graffiti, realization…Infatuated with graphic expression at The Surrey.

<!– Click here to learn more about The Surrey Design Story & 2009 Art Collection

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In my line of work there are certain perks. One of them is getting paid to color. Sometimes I like to think of it as arts and crafts day at work. You have to admit that you like to color, who doesn’t? Well, this morning I was “working” with colored pencils and remembered a cover from October 2009. Interior Design magazine is a great publication. They show new products and amazing projects. It is a very colorful magazine, all about making a statement. Using cabinet pulls like these from Classic Hardware make a statement. What a great way to infuse color into a space. Just like a great fashion accessory, a colorful enamel bangle bracelet- they will add a little jazz to any outfit- or cabinet. I am eager for the opportunity to use the shiny blue one!

Inspiration…colored pencils, realization… cabinets that infuse color.

BUBBLICOUS IRIDESCENT GLASS COLOR SILKY NEGLIGEE from Alysedwards.

In designing a bathroom I always try to find something unique that makes the same old look new and different. When you go to the tile store it all can look the same. In my search for the individual I came across this amazing bubble patterned tile from  AlysEdwards Tile & Stone. It reminded me of champagne bubbles and if you are anything like me I can feel pretty inspired after a few glasses of champagne!

I started to look online for inspiring tile designs and came across this tile as art design. Imagine the possibilities for making your bathroom into something inspiring!

Inspiration… a glass of bubbly, realization… fabulous bubble tiles!

In an oh so glamorous dressing room with chocolate-brown flocked damask wallpaper, a beautiful crystal chandelier, and antique oriental rug. Imagine this chair from Christopher Guy in a rosewood velvet and antique silver finish. Inspiration…pink peonies, Realization…inspired seating.

2. to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.): to inspire confidence in others.

3. to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.: to inspire a person with distrust.

Inspiration. It is everywhere. It is what I see all around me. The places I go, the people I meet, the things I read.  So, why am I writing this blog? Because I feel inspired to share with you the things I see and how inspiration becomes realization for me. I look forward to hearing from you as well, and finding out what influences you. Through Inspiringdesign I hope to show you the beauty in what is surrounding us every day. I am Jodi and this is inspiringdesigns.