Gibson Design Management’s Christmas Wishlist! What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?


*Alexandra – A webcam. Look out, YouTube!
*Amanda – A computer pen tablet for drawing straight to the computer.
*Christina – A new car – preferably something with better gas mileage than Barbie’s Glam Convertible!
*Jessye – A puppy! She’s crossing her fingers for this adorable French Bulldog Boston Terrier mix.
*Martha – Fossil Boyfriend Watch (or as Martha would call it, a “Husband” watch!)

What do you want for Christmas? Please share below!

In celebration of the “fresh as a daisy” pick of Honeysuckle as the Pantone Color of the Year 2011, let your decor join the party!

credit: Dedar

Dedar’s Pavillon #006 takes inspiration from delicate European ironwork.

credit: Stray Dog Designs

Faux bois stool in Stray Dog Pink by Stray Dog Designs.

credit: Leontine Linens

The luxury of monograms and high-thread count bedding by Leontine Linens.

credit: Madeline Weinrib Atelier

Hot Pink & Champagne Silk Megan Tibetan carpet by Madeline Weinrib Atelier.

credit: Irwin Feld Designs

The custom-upholstered Paris Bench available at Irwin Feld Design.

credit: Christopher Spitzmiller

Always the perfect finishing touch to any room, the Hann Lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller.

Think pink!

Whether or not you spent hours in the madding crowds on Black Friday, Cyber Monday beckons to everyone from the convenience of your lap, your desk or your iPhone. U.S. retailers are expecting their online sales to jump by at least 15% this year over last holiday season, and even more surprisingly, online shopping today will surpass in-store shopping, this according to a poll conducted by Consumer Reports.  And shhhh, don’t tell the boss, but almost 60% of those online shopping trips happen during normal work hours!

Now these gems are what’s on the list for the interior design savvy cyber-shopper, or if you want a new home for the holidays, a few to be considered…

credit: 1st dibs

A late 19th c. Neoclassical charmer from Hollywood at Home through 1st dibs.

credit: Brinca Dada

The Emerson House designed by Tim Boyle and available through Brinca Dada, is environmentally friendly and beautifully contemporary.

credit: Brinca Dada

Also designed by Tim Boyle, through Brinca Dada, the Bennet House was influenced by the De Stijl movement of the early 20th c., but a century ahead of its time!

credit: Brinca Dada

And to be able to fill 7 rooms for $199, unheard of!  The Classic Contemporary group from Brinca Dada, as well.

credit: PRD

Paris Renfroe Design, has a miniatures division, PRD Miniatures, where they recreate their custom furnishings and shipping container homes into the smallest scale.

What’s on your wish list?

With Thanksgiving a mere three days away, the GDM team is anxiously awaiting the holiday that brings families and friends together over gratitude, good cheer and delicious food. Because every family’s Thanksgiving meal boasts its own set of traditions and culinary favorites, we’ve decided to each share our most-loved part of Thanksgiving dinner in the hopes that you’ll have a chance to enjoy it, too. To make things easier, we’ve compiled all of our favorite recipes into a downloadable collection of recipe cards for you to print at home. (Or, if a particular recipe peaks your interest, feel free to download individual recipe cards from the links below!)

Apple Orange Cranberry Sauce [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“Since I find the gelatinous glop that comes out of the can, totally disgusting, I had to find a delish replacement, and this has become part of our Thanksgiving tradition.  Enjoy!” – Martha Kirkpatrick, Director, Member Services

Sausage and Herb Stuffing [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“This is actually the first year that I will be cooking (something) for Thanksgiving so I think I’m going to do stuffing.  I have good luck with all of the recipes that I’ve made out of the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) so I’m going to stick with what works!  Wish me luck! P.S.  Be sure to try our Pumpkin Pie Martini from last year’s Thanksgiving.  It’s a definite hit.” – Alexandra Gibson, President & CEO

Grandma’s Corn Pudding [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“My grandmother was an exceptional southern cook.  Every Thanksgiving I looked forward to the delicious food she’d put on the table.  What I looked forward to the MOST was her corn pudding.  Now I bring it to Thanksgiving with friends and/or family every year, and it’s always a hit!” – Amanda Butterworth, Senior Director, Creative Services

Connie’s Cranberry Ginger Sauce [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“My real favorite recipe is my Mom’s dressing that she makes for our family Thanksgiving dinner of 40+ people. We know she makes loads of cornbread and homemade biscuits in preparation, but she doesn’t use a recipe so my sister and I are threatening to video the entire process!  (… Also, this sauce is great on Turkey Day, and even better on a turkey sandwich – leftovers or any time of the year!) – Christina West, Director, Project Delivery

Classic Pecan Pie [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“I love my family’s extensive Thanksgiving meal, but nothing compares to the post-dinner dessert spread.  I have quite the sweet tooth, so I always save room for a few slices of homemade pie (we usually go overboard and have about six options!) while everyone else complains about being too full. This pecan pie recipe from the Silver Palate Cookbook is definitely a favorite – especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.” – Jessye Aibel, Associate, Social Media & Online PR

Bone china, pottery, stoneware, porcelain – traditional, modern, antique.  Beautiful, themed tableware abounds for the holiday season, most particularly for Christmas, but the softness of the autumnal harvest palette beckons from the Thanksgiving table.

Mottahedeh‘s Sacred Bird & Butterfly, the original Chinese export sets the dining table of the famed Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston.

Audun Ferme by Villeroy & Boch, is a vintage inspired, modern toile taken from their original design of 200 years ago.

Light as the proverbial feather, Crate & Barrel’s Dorata Platter.  What turkey wouldn’t want to sit on this?

Dating back to 1828, the harvest and the hunt feature prominently in Spode’s classic Woodland pattern.

Vietri brings a smile to the table with their new Bellezza serveware and accessory pieces.

Wishing everyone a very happy and bountiful Thanksgiving!

After a fun Halloween last weekend, the GDM team wanted to share a few pictures:

Who was who?

1. Amanda as Brittany from the TV show Glee – with Santana and Rachel.
2. Alexandra as Mayhem, from the Allstate commercials.
3. Amanda again, this time as Sandy from Grease!
4. Martha’s grandson Coleman as ”a scawy piwate.”
5. Martha’s granddaughter Savanna as “the best witch, no pointy hat.”
6. Martha’s grandson Jackson as “a vampire wif teef!”

What did YOU dress up as for Halloween? We’d love to hear about your costume or see your photos over at our Facebook page!

In celebration of the Celtic festival of Samhain, a precursor to our modern-day Halloween, the border between our world and the netherworld becomes thin, and you never know what frights you might find as your abode gets in on the mischief-making, along with all of the other ghoulies and goblins.  Trick or treat?  Won’t you come in……

Setting the perfect tone in the entry, Graham & Brown’s “Skulls” wallpaper designed by Barbara Hulanicki, and available through 2modern.

You may want to watch your step on Flor’s Funny Bones area rug.

Perhaps “Ghastly Bats” by Alexander Henry for draperies, also available in 4 other colorways.

The accessories always make the room, don’t they? (cue the evil laughter…..)

Skull Vase 01 by Human-Dusty.

Pottery Barn gets in on the creepy fun with Mini-Skull Vase Filler.

Shine on with the Bronze Skull Lamp by Blackman Cruz.

And no table would be complete without the black widow spider plates by Custom Sepia.

Oh, and that table is by the brilliant French designer, John Nouanesing entitled “Paint or Die but Love Me”.

The fun and the frights have just begun!

It’s no surprise that the dirty martini, a symbol of refined revelry and exceptional taste, is also Gibson Design Management’s chosen symbol for a reward of member excellence. Each month, the Dirty Martini award is presented to one of our members, honoring the innovative, devoted and impressive achievements of the people we are so fortunate to work with.  And what better way is there to applaud a job well done than by unwinding with a cocktail?

This month, we’d like to congratulate Ciao Interiors from Kalispell, Montana for their award-winning participation in the 2010 Flathead Parade of Homes! This year’s Parade of Homes featured 14 homes –  two remodels and twelve newly-built structures – all exemplifying the finest architecture and design in the Flathead Valley area. Ciao Interiors had the opportunity to design, project manage and furnish a new home for the event – emphasizing detailed craftsmanship (by hand) and locally-produced stone and materials.

With enthusiasm and excitement, Ciao designer Les Bernabi and his wife Linda kept fans (including the GDM team) clued in on the construction progress with updates on everything from art selection to lighting locations. As the “Stunning Lakeside Club Retreat” took shape, we became more and more impressed with the home’s rustic integrity and seamless placement amidst Kalispell’s picturesque beauty. We find Ciao Interiors’ dedication to such an enormous task praiseworthy to begin with, but we are even more thrilled to announce that Ciao won the top three awards for their home – Judge’s Choice (overall best home on the tour), Best Architecture and Best Craftsmanship. Ciao’s Lakeside Club Retreat also had the most foot traffic and was incredibly popular with visitors who toured the properties.

The "Judges' Choice" banner proudly displayed in front of Ciao's masterpiece.

We’re proud and impressed with Ciao Interiors’ finished project, and in total agreement with all the praise they’ve received for their beautiful work. After many months of managing, planning and preparing for the event, we hope Les and Linda of Ciao Interiors have an opportunity to sit back, relax and take pride in this accomplishment – while enjoying a refreshing martini, of course!  Congratulations again to Ciao Interiors, and cheers!

[P.S. If you'd like to see more detailed photos of the home, make sure you check out the Facebook album!]

Jam-packed with events and fun holidays, autumn is our favorite season to be outside and enjoy the color inspiration, fall fashion and crisp air.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do:

“The Fall is my absolute FAVORITE season.  In addition to the usual pumpkin carving and Halloween costume party traditions, one of my absolute favorite things to do every October is visit Markoff’s Haunted Forest with my friends.  This particular Haunted Forest beats ANY Haunted house/tour/forest/etc I have ever been to.  My friends and I love to go out each year, clutching to each other as we frantically make it through the terrifying forest.  Even their website is scary!“ – Amanda Butterworth, Senior Director, Creative Services

“It would have to be our annual drive into the Colorado Rockies to view the changing aspen trees – the colors are just delicious!  This year we drove over Boreas Pass which takes the route of an old rail bed from Como to the south and drops down into Breckenridge.  Breathtaking!” – Martha Kirkpatrick, Director, Member Services

Martha's photo of some gorgeous Colorado foliage!

“My favorite fall activity is college football.  As many of you know, I am a HUGE Boise State football fan (as an Idahoan) and greatly enjoy watching them trounce the competition on our controversial blue field.  In Charlottesville, it’s nice to get out, tailgate, and watch UVA try to hold it together in the ACC.” – Alexandra Gibson, President and CEO

Alexandra (in the hat), with Katherine and Martha Jane (both GDM Advisory Board members) on each end, and Bevin (GDM fan always, new Broncos fan)

“My favorite part of fall is throwing on my favorite fleece and watching football. Go tigers! (Hampden-Sydney).” – Lolly Rush, Project Manager

“I love visiting Martha’s Vineyard on fall weekends – eating clam chowder, checking out that famous New England foliage, and bundling up to take my dog for a walk on the beach.” – Jessye Aibel, Associate, Social Media & Online PR

For those of you who have iPhones and frequently want to take pictures to post on your blog, Facebook page, Flickr, or other platforms, you may have previously been disappointed in the quality of the photos. In many cases, the contrast and color of the iPhone photos do not do the design justice. There are two iPhone apps—AutoStitch and Touch FX—that I recently started using that have significantly changed the quality of the photos that I can take with my phone.

AutoStitch:

AutoStitch allows you to take multiple overlapping photos that you can then “stitch” together for a panoramic view.  This is great for getting more of a room into the pictures.

One part of the image, before AutoStitch

And again, after AutoStitch

I am typically very stingy with spending money on apps, but I found the $2.99 for this app to be a well-spent business expense.  Now, when I take photos of any of our design projects in process or when I want to photograph the entire vignette at High Point Furniture Market, I am not limited.

Touch FX

For 99 cents, this photo editing app for your iPhone is also business money well spent.  I find most of my iPhone photos to lack contrast in color.  With Touch FX, you use your finger as a brush to touch up your photos.  You can also use your “brush” to make your photo sepia, black-and-white, posterized and more.  I particularly think that the “Contrast” tool is the most important for taking design photos and really punching up your colors and textures.  In the photo below, I used the contrast tool to doctor the left-hand side of the photo and the right hand side is untouched.  You can see the brightness and difference.

Left side– Touch FX contrast tool used; Right side– untouched

Todd Whiting, one of our GDM advisory board members, is the creator of Touch FX so that is how I found out about it.  I must say that I went kicking and screaming to actually spend money for an app (even an app made by someone I know- sorry Todd).  However, I can honestly say that these two apps, often combined, have made a huge difference in the caliber of photos that I can take and post with just my iPhone.

Happy picture taking!