Over the weekend, I was the incredibly fortunate recipient of a good friend’s generosity in sharing her “friends and family” pre-opening pass for the new IKEA store that is set to open this Wednesday, July 27th in Colorado!  The first ever store in Colorado, the masses have been waiting with baited breath since the announcement 3-1/2 years ago!

A great group consisting of uber-friend-with-the-pass, Jamie Foley of Sanctuary Home, Raina Cox, the brains and wit behind If The Lampshade Fits, Jamie’s great mum, and ME!!!!  For the sake of brevity, we shall forever more be the “designerds”.  We each had our own agenda, potential shopping list and high expectations.  We were greeted by parking attendants waving us into our allotted space, friendly faces and helpful customer service people abounded.  Smiles were the order of the day, and even with masses of people, nary a crack showed in the armor.

I know that many are critical of IKEA and their made-to-assemble furniture, but I am a firm believer in good design being available for any and all who appreciate it.  The business model works brilliantly, who can argue with 350+ stores worldwide?  A company that supports sustainability, works with UNICEF, has a Foundation that supports education and improving the lives of children has my vote!

Well, on to the good stuff – SHOPPING!  I just had a few things on my list, but in the stroll through the showroom, the marketplace, the aisles, the shelves and the endless (10,000 products) choices, a few other wonderful things caught my eye.

credit: IKEA

The MULA bead roller coaster was a must-have for my little grandson, James.

credit: IKEA

The STOCKHOLM bowl.

credit: IKEA

I am coveting this great cocktail table, has a great mid-century vibe.

credit: IKEA

A nice hand and lovely colorings on the BLAD curtain panels.

credit: IKEA

The fabric by the yard is as good as it gets – graphic, colorful, 100% cotton and $7.99 a yard!  Shown, Gunilla in Orange.

What are your favorite IKEA finds?

I have always admired the whimsical work of Piero Fornasetti, but had absolutely no idea of the breadth and depth of his creative talent. Born in Milan, Italy in 1913, he is credited with having created over 11,000 different products during his lifetime! Now that is creative output. Upon his death in 1988, his son took the helm of the atelier and house of Fornasetti, and continues to design and produce extraordinary works of art.

credit: My Own Space

His plates are probably the most instantly recognizable works to most, and are readily available.

But his work spreads far and wide!

credit: Palazzetti

Taking ceramics to a new level.  The Architettonica Table through Palazzetti.

credit: Lerebours Antiques

A spectacular 3-drawer chest, c. 1970, through Lerebours Antiques.

credit: 1st dibs

1940′s Italian lithographed wallpaper screen, through Lewis – Trimble on 1st dibs.

credit: Van Den Akker Antiques

Van den Akker Antiques has beautiful vintage Fornasetti pieces, of which this Butterfly Cocktail Table is no exception.

credit: 1st dibs

And though I have featured this before, one of my favorites, and one his most magical creations, the Moon Cradle.  Originally a magazine holder, it has been re-envisioned as a limited edition cradle.  Through Dragonette, Limited and 1st dibs.

The blogosphere is literally abuzz with the news, as Pantone has recently announced 175 new colors added to their already pretty-close-to-infinite color palette!  A few stand-outs and some fun finds that bring them to life.

credit: Pantone

credit: Dessin Fournir

If 50 is the new 40, then pink is the new black, and Ballerina Pink #176-UP is the perfect shade.  Shown:  Rose Cumming Sabu on Linen in Red/Rose, 3 other colorways, through Dessin Fournir.

credit: Pantone

credit: Pieces, Inc.

Knock, knock, who’s there? Banana. Banana who?  You know how the rest goes, and I am so happy that Tangerine Tango #17-1463 is one of the newest oranges.    Shown:  Vintage Hooded Rattan Settee available through Pieces, Inc.

credit: Pantone

credit: Patina

Not too tart, not too sweet, Lemon Meringue #12-0711 is a lightly-toned, true yellow.  Shown: Patina‘s lovely Toscana Console.   Finish and artwork can be customized.

credit: Pantone

credit: Swarovski

Almost good enough to eat, or at least a scratch-n-sniff, Ganache #19-1018.  Shown:  Swarovski‘s Cashmere Taupe wallpaper, 3 other colorways available.

credit: Pantone

credit: Grange

Picture yourself floating in a sea of Mykonos Blue #18-4434.  Shown:  Pampadour sideboard in Saphir finish by Grange.

And there are 170 more delicious new colors to explore from the visionaries at Pantone.

We’ve been receiving panicked reports from friends and families in the Midwest and Northeast–of 6-foot snow piles, buried cars, closed roads and freezing temperatures.  While we sympathize with everyone hassled by this record-breaking blizzard, we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to share a fitting martini recipe:

Sparkly white.

Snow Storm Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz. White creme de cacao
• Crushed ice

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, stir to chill and strain into a martini glass filled with crushed ice. Enjoy!

It’s almost the end of January―are you keeping up with your new years resolutions? If you’ve been successful so far, here’s some motivation to continue―and if not, this guy might inspire you to start:

When it’s cold, there’s no better way to enjoy the great indoors than curling up and reading a good book. If you’re not reading anything right now, hopefully we can inspire you with some of our suggestions.

Here are our answers to: “What are you reading right now?”

“I just finished The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss.  I am obsessed with it, which is evident from the photocopies that I made of certain sections to hand out to our team.  While I can’t imagine ever wanting to work only 4 hours a week, I learned so much and it’s changed the way I view my work priorities and actions.” – Alexandra Gibson

“I’m reading Freedom by Jonathan Franzen, and The Girl Who Played with Fire (Stieg Larsson).” – Christina West

“I’ve been enjoying my new Kobo eReader. The next book to read on it is The 4-Hour Workweek since Alexandra can’t stop raving about it.” – Amanda Butterworth

“I’m revisiting an old favorite: Light in August by Faulkner, and I just started Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.” – Jessye Aibel

Since an astounding 49 out of 50 states are facing snow right now, we wanted to offer a moment to daydream about warmer climates and sunny getaways…

If you could abandon the cold right now, where would you go?

the Bahamas

Mexico

St. Kitts and Nevis

Tortola

[All of these gorgeous photos were taken from Jetsetter – a travel site offering the ultimate selection of vacation spots at discounted rates. If you'd like an invitation click here.]

Gibson Design Management turns three years old today!  To celebrate, we’re enjoying freshly-made donuts from Carpe Donut’s mobile truck and offering free donuts and coffee to all passersby downtown! We’re so grateful to Charlottesville for the last three years of hospitality to our headquarters. It’s a great place to call home.