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!]

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.  What better way is there to applaud a job well done than by unwinding with a cocktail?

This month, we’d like to congratulate Lane Elisabeth Oliver of LEO Interior Design for her recent media recognition, which praised her skilled design sense and innovative approach when it comes to transforming an interior.  Although Lane’s work has been featured in many publications, last month’s Denver Life Magazine highlighted an LEO Interior Design project in a lengthy spread (“Tidy Transformation”)– describing Lane’s ability to “add life” to an outdated home interior by combining traditional elements with light colors, bold patterns and some impressive faux finishes.  (To read the full article and see pictures of the final interior, visit the LEO Interior Design website and download a PDF version.)

After a job well done, we think Lane deserves to put her feet up and enjoy a refreshing martini.  Congratulations again to Lane Elisabeth Oliver of LEO Interior Design–cheers!

The Nation’s Next Top Model Home

Tim Schelfe, ASID

The Nation’s Next Top Model Home selected 7 ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) designers and gave them 28 days and $5,000 to transform a room in a model home (competitors could spend an additional $5,000 of their own money as well).  Voting then opened to the public for 30 days online (you can still vote!) and the winner will not only win the ultimate rock star designer status but will also win $25,000 for his or her firm.

I sat down virtually with Tim and asked him about his Nation’s Next Top Model Home experience.

GDM:  How were you selected to participate?

TS: An email blast went out to ASID and I filled out the required information, including photos of my work and a headshot of me.  Didn’t think much about it and then two weeks later got a call that I made the top 12 and then the final 7.

GDM:  What made you decide to participate and do you think it will help promote your business?

TS:  Initially I was very skeptical.  I thought, do I have time for this?  But the submission process was very easy to do and I thought “somebody is going to get selected why not me”!  I hoped this would get my name and my firm out to a very large audience.  I also thought it would be a fun competition to be in and a good way to promote professional interior design.  Also, since they were casting ONLY ASID designers I felt they were sending a good message to the public; hire a professional.

GDM:  Were there any pitfalls in participation?

TS: Yes all the designers had to abide by there budgetary rules.  Also the time it took away from my real business and paying clients was huge.

GDM:  What was your favorite part of the competition?

TS: Interacting with the other designers.  For the most part all of the design team got along with each really well.  It was also kind of fun getting use to all the media attention!

GDM:  Have you already seen any results (we realize this is may be a little early/premature)?

TS: I definitely know people have been watching the show because I will walk into a local store and they say “hey aren’t you on that design reality show” and it’s weird that they seem to know me.  It has also expanded my network of colleagues and contacts and provided me an opportunity to re-connect with many past clients and contacts by sending email blasts out to them informing them of the show.

Schelfe and Associates is a Gibson Design Management member so we may be a little biased, but not much as Tim is a great designer and a great guy.  Be sure to cast your vote here for Tim and see the other competitors before September 26th!