The ZoyaB Blog

Johnny's Room Video Released to Celebrate Columbus Day!

By now, the kids are back in school and hopefully settled into all their new classes. Education really is such an important thing – no one can take away what you’ve learned – you carry it with you all your life. Designing a nursery has a huge impact on the development of a child and so if even just a little bit of educational material is present in the room at a young age, it’s likely there will be a positive impact.

In honor of back-to-school time and Columbus Day today, I am releasing a video explaining the inspiration behind my 2006 Merrywood Greenwich Showhouse, “Johnny’s Room”. The video can be accessed below on YouTube, Vimeo, and the Rooms by ZoyaB website.

   

Back in 2006, the Merrywood Greenwich Showhouse sought to benefit the campaign to expand and upgrade The Greenwich Family YMCA. The mission statement of the Greenwich YMCA drives home the point of “nurturing the potential of our whole family”. I want to express full support of the Greenwich YMCA organization, as they provide an unparalleled environment when it comes to childcare and youth and family development. But I also wish to remind the public that education is a major part of the nurturing of the whole person – specifically the mind. It is never too early to have a history lesson. If educational materials surround a child from the time he/she was born, in his/her nursery for example, they can only be better equipped when they start school and will quickly become a well-rounded person into adulthood!

Using this core idea of education in ‘Johnny’s Room’, three of the walls contain murals that center upon American History – the Mayflower, Amerigo Vespucci and last but not least, Christopher Columbus. I wanted the walls to tell a story, give the viewer a feel of magic, and be very peaceful and dreamy, all while sticking to the nautical theme, seen in my use of color throughout, with a variety of soft blue hues.

The video tour describes inspiration for the other pieces in the room including the William Armoire from the ZoyaB Collection, my custom American-made luxury baby furniture line, and Johnny’s Ship Chandelier, one of the focal points of the room. Perhaps a little known fact is that Prince William, now Duke of Cambridge, was the inspiration behind the William Armoire – furniture fit for your little prince. Each child should feel that they have their own space that makes them feel like royalty. ‘Johnny’s Room’ has been featured in New York Spaces.

A photo of Johnny's Room:

In honor of Columbus Day, Rooms by Zoya B. is having a Columbus Day sale on the website. For more information, call (212) 726-0006 or email sales@roomsbyzoyab.com.

Please do have a look at the Johnny’s Room video. Happy Columbus Day!

Happy Child… Better World!

- Zoya B.

Catherine's Room - The Princess Room Video Released in Honor of Royal Wedding

It seems that everywhere you turn, there is another magazine cover featuring Kate Middleton and Prince William, or the Royal Wedding, in general. In fact, today is the 4 month anniversary of the wedding! Every high-profile media website publishes at least one new photo of Kate on their blog each day. The idea of “princess” has been brought back into the spotlight, having faded with the unfortunate death of Princess Diana. Little girls have a new idol – a young one at that – easier to identify with.

In 2006, I participated in The Designer Showhouse of New Jersey with ‘Catherine's Room - The Princess Room’. I knew the name ‘Catherine’ was fit for a princess. Catherine (Kate) Middleton is exactly who I had in mind when creating this room. So, in light of all the buzz around the Royal Wedding, I am releasing a video explaining how the room came together. The video can be accessed below on Youtube and Vimeo as well as the Rooms by ZoyaB website. 

 

The Designer Showhouse of New Jersey benefits the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. Though my participation in the Showhouse was in 2006, I want to take the time now to express full support of the Cancer Center for all that they do in saving and extending lives, keeping up with scientific advancements, and providing and accumulating innovative research. For six years, the Designer Showhouse of New Jersey has displayed the work of fabulous interior designers for such a worthy cause.

Kate Middleton is a classic beauty and an inspiration for young girls everywhere. While it is probably a one-in-a-million chance that a young woman will become a princess, it is possible to make your daughter feel like one, by simply providing her with a room decorated with beauty, elegance, and whimsy. Filled with a feminine color palette of lavender, green, pink and floral rose patterns everywhere, ‘Catherine’s Room’ does just that.

The focal point of the room, which I imagine Princess Kate has something similar in her childhood or even current bedroom, is the Princess Bed from the ZoyaB Collection, my custom American-made luxury baby furniture line. The canopy bed was inspired from an original design owned by a 19^th-century baroness.

Educational value is also important to me and I tie it into the pieces in ‘Catherine’s Room’ with a series of needlepoint canvases, each depicting a different fairy tale that every little girl knows and loves: Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, The Wizard of Oz, and The Nutcracker. I hope that the artwork will evoke a curiosity in the child as well as a thirst for literature and knowledge of all kinds.

Here is a photo of Catherine's Room:

The video walk-through describes inspiration for the other pieces in the room, including the mahogany “Cafenero Dog Bed” from the ZoyaB Collection, and the custom rug made to look like a luxurious rose garden. ‘Catherine’s Room’ has been featured in Array Magazine.

Please have a look at the video and share it with your friends. Perhaps Kate will design her own little princess’ room in this way one day!

Happy Child… Better World!

- Zoya B.

Ariel's Room Video Released in Support of 2011 Hampton Designer Showhouse

Can you believe another year has passed and it’s Hampton Designer Showhouse time again? If you have not yet been out to visit this year’s house, you must, before it closes on Sunday September 4^th. As usual, the work of the 25 or so participating designers is absolutely spectacular.

Back in 2007, I participated in the Showhouse with Ariel’s Room – Under the Sea, inspired by The Little Mermaid – both the Disney classic and the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. In honor of this year’s house and to support the Southampton Hospital, I am releasing a video explaining the inspiration behind Ariel’s Room. The video can be accessed below Youtube and Vimeo as well as the Rooms by ZoyaB website.

 

Every year the design community comes together to contribute to such a wonderful organization that saves thousands of lives and provides the community with the utmost care. I am really blown away by how community driven the Hospital is as well, and it ties directly into what I’m inspired by in my own designs. A strong sense of family is important to establish during childhood. If a sense of community starts at home, your child might be more inclined to extend love to their community as an adult, just as the Hampton Designer Showhouse does with the Southampton Hospital. It’s so nice to see good works being carried over into the interior design field.

You can see more in my video above, but I kept this idea of family and close-knit bonds in mind when designing ‘Ariel’s Room’. I included a Needlepoint Art piece depicting Neptune protecting his daughters, each of them holding a special item representing their unique significance in their father’s life. For the basis of the design of the room, I was of course immediately inspired by the beach town of Bridgehampton, the whimsical nature of mermaids and seascapes coming to mind. Growing up in the Ukraine, one of my favorite fairy tales was “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Anderson. For my daughter, the Disney version of the classic represented a more fun and adventurous narrative, and so I wanted to incorporate both feelings into the design.

The video walk-through describes my inspiration for the other pieces in the room, including the “Princess Bed” from my ZoyaB Collection, the custom American-made luxury baby furniture line, and the hand-blown Murano Glass chandelier. ‘Ariel’s Room’ has been featured in Bergen Health & Life and New York Spaces.

A photo from Ariel's Room:

The Hampton Designer Showhouse opened on Sunday, July 24^th and will run until Sunday, September 4^th at 1224 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton, NY. It is open daily, Monday through Sunday, 11AM to 5PM. Admission is $30 and includes a journal. For more information on the 2011 Hampton Designer Showhouse, visit http://www.hamptondesignershowhouse.com.

Again, make sure you go visit the Showhouse! It is a wonderful experience.

Happy Child... Better World!

- Zoya B.

 

2010 Holiday House - Opening Night

What a magical gala night it was!!! For the third consecutive year, advocates and survivors of breast cancer have come together to create the 2010 Holiday House to benefit the Greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. If you love to decorate for the holidays as much as I do, I highly recommend visiting this amazing event.  See how renowned interior designers interpret holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Snow Day, Earth Day, Mardi Gras, Valentines Day, and much more... 

The Alyce Chair - Furniture for The Cure

Christmas by Timothy & Associates Interior Design   

Fourth of July - Deb Landis Design

Celebration of Motherhood by Rooms by ZoyaB

April Fool's Day - SY Interior Designs

Earth Day - Diane Durocher Interiors 

Reveillon - Marcia Tucker Interiors 

Venetian Carnivale - Blair Design Associates, Inc. 

Chinese New Year - Barbara Ostrom Associates

Hanukah - Mark Epstein Designs

Boxing Day - Bradley Thiergartner Interiors, Inc. 

Easter - Robin Wilson Home

 

Peace Day - Kathryn Scott Design and Davis Studio  

In Celebration of the Silent World - Stephan Sparta Design with Llorraine Neithardt

Strategic Matchmaking - Samantha's Table 

Boxing Day - Marcia Sherrill for Lerebours Antiques

Mother's Day - Eric Cohler Design / Caron Pfeffer

New Year's Eve - Shelley Starr Interior Design 

Snow Day - Irwin Feld Design/Mid Century Antiques

Birthday - Traditional Home with The Silver Peacock

New Year's Day - Art De Triomphe LLC

Birthday - MH Studio

Festival of Lights - Harriett Belag/Art Furniture

The Day of the Cure - Josi Morales Designs

Grammy Celebration - Jolie Korek

2010 Holiday House is located in a magnificent limestone mansion at 2 East 63rd Street in Manhattan, features rooms and tabletop designs and settings, celebrating holidays and other festive occasions. 2010 Holiday House will be open to the public from Wednesday, December 1st through Wednesday, December 15th. Admission is $25 and all proceeds will benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. For more information on The 2010 Holiday House visit http://www.holidayhousenyc.com. 

2010 Holiday House - Celebration of Motherhood - Design Concept

There comes a time in a woman’s life, where all of a sudden she has a deeper understanding of who her mother is. My story started about 16 years ago, when I gave birth to my own daughter, and had my life change forever. Thinking back…I became my mother. And even thou I thought, I was raising my daughter in a very different, modern way, the differences were totally cosmetic. And the values and the traditions were all there, and were all the same. I became my mother at the core.

For my first photograph, I chose a picture of my mother and I, when I was about 3 – 4 month old, and my quote reads “My Mom and Me, like a Leaf and Tree”.

The photograph below is my daughter and I, and has my favorite quote "A woman with a child rediscovers the world, all is judged by the life of the child and the life of all children..."

At the center of the tree is a photograph of my daughter as a teenager and the quote reads "All that I am, my mom made me" (...and yes, this one cost me money:-)...but then again, she is a teenager...hopefully one day she'll understand...).

All above are surrounded by beautiful baby photographs with quotation "Happy Child...Better World".

Lulla Smith dupioni silk pink bow crowned the tree. Centered, under the tree is an Annika bench from ZoyaB Swedish Dreams collection with fun Bla Bla dolls in different sizes representing generations. 

I would like to thank personally Fred Marcus Photography for such beautiful and inspiring work.

Holiday House 2010 will be open to the public from Wednesday, December 1st through Wednesday, December 15th. Admission is $25 and all proceeds will benefit The Greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information on the 2010 Holiday House visit 2010 Holiday House.

to be continued...

As seen in "Nutcracker - Clara's Room" Press Release

Rooms By ZoyaB Releases 'Nutcracker - Clara's Room' Video to Promote 2010 Holiday House for Charity

As part of a continuing video series to promote the upcoming 2010 Holiday House to benefit the Greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Rooms By ZoyaB is releasing 'Nutcracker - Clara''s Room' Video.

Clara's Room is interior designer Zoya Bograd’s Nutcracker themed room from the 2009 Holiday House. Bograd is known to have a passion for designing children’s bedrooms with whimsical and dreamy details and feels that "everyone can enjoy a touch of magic for the holidays, especially children." She not only adds a great sense of style to the spaces, but also strongly believes in education and bringing that into her designs. She does this through strong themes based on stories and quotations that children can learn from; 'Clara’s Room' is another great example of that very philosophy. The room tells the story of the Nutcracker through various design elements including: custom embroidered napkins, runners with Nutcracker characters, a snowflake area rug, Swarovski snowflakes in the window and on the table depicting the part of the story about the land of snow, Jose Varona's Mother Ginger from an estate of a famed soprano Beverly Sills, etc...

The video diary of how 'Clara’s Room' was made is available on Youtube as well as the Rooms By ZoyaB website as of November 16, 2010. The video explains Bograd’s philosophy on design and also gives you a great look inside the room.

 

Rooms by ZoyaB is a design studio and a multi-line showroom specializing in baby and children's rooms, located at the New York Design Center in New York City. Bograd also recently launched a brand new website with a variety of high end products including furniture for the whole family, lighting and mirrors, art, bedding, toys, and much more. The website also has features that include Furniture by Room and Themes to make the design process easy for clients designing from home. Bograd feels that our customer ranges on a wide spectrum and everyone, no matter where they live or what they do, should have access to great design. Her reputation as a specialist children's room designer has gotten Bograd involved in many worthy causes close to her heart such as the Greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Breast cancer survivors and advocates have banded together to create the Third Annual Holiday House, a Designer Tabletop Show to benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Bograd says 'it's an honor to be a part of this event.' 2010 Holiday House is located in a magnificent limestone mansion on 63rd Street in Manhattan, features rooms and tabletop designs and settings, celebrating holidays and other festive occasions. 2010 Holiday House will be open to the public from Wednesday, December 1st through Wednesday, December 15th. Admission is $25 and all proceeds will benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. For more information on The 2010 Holiday House visit http://www.holidayhousenyc.com. For more information about Rooms by ZoyaB please visit http://www.RoomsbyZoyaB.com.

2010 Holiday House - Celebration of Motherhood

There is an excitement in the air - another Holiday Season in New York...

Where did the time go? Another year is almost over, and the time for the 2010 Holiday House Gala opening night is just around the corner. We are so excited to be a part of this wonderful event again!

Last year, I felt like we started a tradition with the design of Clara's Room. This year, without giving it away right now, I would like to say that we are continuing last year's tradition with Celebration of Motherhood. We are partnering with Fred Marcus Photography to create a very special installation. Below is a photo of my mom and, yes you guessed it, the little one is me:) I want to dedicate this project to my mother...and all the mothers out there.

I hope you will all enjoy seeing it. Below is some information about the event.

Holiday House will feature numerous top designers who are creating individual celebratory tables and rooms for a specific holiday or other festive occasion, just in time to provide great ideas for the holiday season. This very special event will benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. 2010 Holiday House is located in a magnificent limestone mansion at 2 East 63rd Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala, taking place on Tuesday, November 30 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., are $250 each. Other events during the run include:

Thursday, December 1: Statements in Style, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Traditional Home Senior Style Editor Krissa Rossbund will show how to fine tune your entertaining process for an impressive visual feast.

Thursday, December 2: Wine & Chocolate Tasting, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
Enjoy the Holiday House designer décor while sampling Mariebelle’s chocolates and tasting wine from Around the Vine. Satisfy your sweet tooth, taste for luxury, and eye for design as you take in the breathtaking rooms.

Thursday, December 9: Authors’ Night, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
Meet and greet a dozen authors who will be selling and signing their books. Authors include Richard Mishaan (Modern Luxury), Jamee Gregory (New York Parties), Bobby McAlpine (The Home Within Us), and more.

Please email holidayhousenyc@gmail.com for further information or tickets.

All proceeds benefit the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

…to be continued

 

Vicente Wolf and Noel Jeffrey at the 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House

I know we have been talking a lot about details and some of our favorite aspects of this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House but I had the chance to go again this weekend and see some things with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I was delighted to find that there were two gem rooms that I got the chance to walk through again and truly appreciate.

One of the rooms that especially caught my eye this weekend was the fun, yet sophisticated sitting room designed by the brilliant Vicente Wolf. He chose to design a room in the house that has floor to ceiling wood molding and paneling. This room is out of the box for Wolf, who usually is minimalistic, light, and clean. His choices in seating and artwork were eclectic and unexpected, but beautifully executed.

                     
One of my favorite arrangements in the room was an cluster of chairs that included two oversized, white wing-backed chairs with a tiny, uniquely shaped chair in between them. Above the arrangement was a great contemporary photograph by Damien Hirst.

                     

This arrangement was interesting because it combined different styles, time periods, and colors.

With all of this being said about Wolf’s design, there is definitely something to be said for the ceiling in this particular room. I was so intrigued by the white on white carving and beautiful shadowy effects they created. The imagery on the ceiling was astrological and whimsical. Here is a picture that I snapped of the ceiling.

                         

The heavenly figures and detailed borders made this ceiling pop!

Noel Jeffrey is a legend and treasure to interior design and his room at this years Kips Bay Decorator Show House is just another example of why. His dreamy, luscious, soft bedroom was a feast for the eyes with varied textures, opulent furnitue, and soft colors. A beautiful detail of this room was the way Jeffrey softened the corners of the room with subtle drapery around the walls. Anyone would feel like a star in this room and I fell in love with it.

 
Above a photograph of the legendary Noel Jeffrey and a lovely seating arrangement in the corner of the room.

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House supports The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. The show house is open until Thursday, November 11th. I really hope you can make it to the house to support the Boys and Girls Club and to get a peek at some beautiful spaces. For more information on the house go to the Kips Bay website. To see my show house rooms or to receive more information from us go to RoomsbyZoyaB.com.

My Favorite Architectural Detail From the 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House

This year’s home was a beautiful 6 floor townhouse on the Upper East Side. It was overflowing with wonderful architectural details. The exquisite woodwork and moldings, expertly installed marble flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows were just some of the gems. The designers spared no expense in enhancing the architecture through interesting wall treatments and fabulous lighting.

All of these details made the house special, but the one feature that stands out in my mind was the backbone and connective thread of the home: the elegant spiral staircase. Rod Winterrowd had his hand in dressing a section of it with gorgeous artwork and a deliciously soft, chocolate brown runner. The creamy white paint so beautifully contrasted the deep espresso of the banister and the jet black veins of the marble stairs. The staircase was truly a sight to be seen and was, in my opinion, one of the most exciting features about the home.

                     
Rod Winterrowd framed his artwork into groups to help the straight lines flow effortlessly up the winding staircase.

                     

This is a great shot of people congrigating around the magnificent staircase.

                     
The section of the staircase that was not part of a design was dedicated to the beautiful children of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club with inspiring quotes that reminded everyone what the house is really all about - the children that are helped and supported through this wonderful organization.

                     
A view from the top that, in one picture, explains the beauty of this feature.  

For any information regarding the 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House go to http://www.kipsbay.org. Also check out my show house room from last year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House at Rooms by ZoyaB.

A Few of My Favorite Details from the 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House

The designers truly outdid themselves in this year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House! It was a stunning presentation that had so many great features! I want to let you all in on some of my most favorite details from the house that you can incorporate into your own space and add a touch of designer magic to any room.

The kitchen's eat-in dining space was so fresh and interesting because the color choice was unexpected and current. Eve Robinson Associates used these lilac based walls with graphic detail which give a normally overlooked space a new twist. Balancing such a trendy color choice and graphic pattern with traditional molding and wainscoting makes the scheme come alive!

Ellie Cullman of Cullman & Kravis elegantly proves that sculpture in a home does not have to be something from a museum or a high-end gallery. You can take everyday objects and display them on a pedestal. Things that we use in our everyday lives, like these pots for example are beautiful forms that we often take for granted. Display a series or stack many on top of one another, as shown in the picture, to create a sculpture or art piece which is one-of-a-kind and unique to your home.

Pillows are a great way to change the look of a space. Sherrill Canet used amazing pillows in her space but the one that stood out to me had a large orange plastic button tufted in the middle of it. This is something that so many of you can do at home. All you need is a neutral pillow, a unique button, and a bit of imagination. When you are changing a space or just need a little pick-me-up for your sofa, snip off the button and change it out with a new one!

This little gem of a chair was casually placed outside of a room in the hallway space. We all have that one rocking chair or cradle from our children or grandchildren’s bedroom that are beautiful even after they are used. Don't put them in the attic or throw them away! Display them and every time you pass them you can remember times spent with the little ones after they are grown.

 

All of these details are easy and can be done in a weekend! Get your family involved and have them pitch in and help you give some spaces in your house a fresh perspective. Stay tuned for a new blog next week where I will talk more about the 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Also check out all of my show house rooms at http://www.RoomsbyZoyaB.com .

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2010

The 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House is beginning its first full week of presentation and I want to let you in on a few of my favorite details from the house. I want to start by saying how beautiful this year's house is and let you in on the magic that brings it to life.

My first post is about one of the most whimsical and playful spaces in the house. "The Bubble Bath" by Coffinier Ku Design is a wonderful example of how a space can be brought to life with fun and interesting details.

      

The cascade of bubbles floating in mid-air were so delicate. This detail made the room stand still and brought a sense of calm and clean to this dreamy bathroom. 
      

The ethereal, cloudy sky mural was such a beautiful way to enhance the stream of bubbles that hang so lovely from the ceiling.
      

The soft ambient lighting coming from the organic sconces made for a warm glow spread nicely throughout the room.

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House supports the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. If you cannot make it to this wonderful event consider donating to this incredible charity.

Look forward to more posts about some other great details of the 2010 Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Also check out all of my show house rooms at my website http://www.RoomsbyZoyaB.com

 

Support Kips Bay Decorator Show House

The opening night preview of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House on October 13th was flooded with excitement and celebration of this wonderful, stylish and most importantly, charitable event. Today is when the show house is open to the public and I hope you show support by going to visit. Not only will you see a beautifully designed house, but you will also be contributing to this wonderful charity which supports the Kips Bay Boys and Girls club.

I want to share a video documenting my 'Wizard of Oz - Dorothy's Room' from the 2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House with you because I, like so many others, feel that showing support for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club is extremely important. Their mission to help children strive in a safe environment is something that I strongly believe in because I feel that there is no place like home, especially for a child.

Next week I will blog about the opening night and share some pictures of the event. Enjoy the video and subscribe to our youtube account to see upcoming videos.

 

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - Mother Ginger

One of my favorite characters from Tchaikovsky's  "Nutcracker" ballet is Mother Ginger...imagine my excitement, when I was able to acquire the original costume design painting by Jose Varona from the estate of famed soprano Beverly Sills. 

  
  

 

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - Gustavian Child's Table and Chairs set

“At the stroke of midnight Clara wakes up to a frightening scene. The house, the tree and the toys seem to be getting larger. Is she shrinking?” – Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, part 2.

In that spirit, we already experienced the 11 foot Christmas tree, the Swedish “Mora” clock, that just ringed midnight. Now, at the center of the room is Gustavian reproduction 3 part child’s play table, surrounded by Rosa and Greta Chairs. It has been Swedish holiday tradition to use runners for the table…but wait…are the runners too long for the table or did the table shrank? 

  
 What do you think? ...to be continued...

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - "Mora Clock"

Opposite the Christmas Tree is a beautiful antique hourglass Swedish Clock, known as the "Mora Clock", came from near the town of Mora, in central Sweden in the Province of Dalarna around 1750.

As agriculture and mining failed in the mid 1700s, the local farmers turned to clock making to make ends meet with families specializing in making or painting different parts of the clock, the movement or the face and incorporating them into other furniture including cabinets and even beds.

 

At the height of production, more than 90 families were engaged in this trade of hand painted case clocks. Some of these skilled people's names were edged into history; Traditionally known as the first clockmaker in the district of Mora, and one of the most famous makers was Anders Andersson, who built clocks in the late 1700s and known by his initials on the clockfaces as ' A A S Mora'. Krång Anders Andersson of Östnor lived between 1727-1799.

About 1000 Grandfather/Grandmother/Scandinavian Mora Clocks were built each year for 80 years - this craft flourished and the best of the best were sold to the very wealthy. Though many were created, unfortunately almost none of this original Swedish folkart is here today. Most have been repainted by less qualified artists since the original "milk paint" has faded.

To be continued…

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room - Christmas Tree

It was a fabulous opening night at the Holiday House 2009. Emily and Leonard Blavatnik’s spectacular mansion at 2 East 63^rd street was decorated with 18 table settings, each dedicated to celebrating life’s special occasions. As you enter my room on the second floor, an eleven foot majestic Christmas tree made of unique Needlepoint Art and wrapped in pink ribbon with a big bow on top, emerging on your left representing the tree in Nutcracker, when it grew, taking us into the world of magic.

 

Now if anybody wanted to try this idea at home, you can use photographs, your kids drawings, etc... Once, my daughter and I were away from family during the holiday season, and there wasn't much for us to use, since we were in the hotel room. I took plain paper and cutout snowflakes out of it, then, we made a similar tree out of snowflakes, and applied it to the window. We gathered all our gifts around it. It was very festive. I know, I will always remember it, I hope, she will too.

To be continued...

Second Annual Holiday House

HOLIDAY HOUSE 2009

TO BENEFIT THE GREATER NEW YORK CITY AFFILIATE OF 

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE

Breast cancer survivors and advocates have banded together to create the Second Annual Holiday House, a Designer Tabletop Show to benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Holiday House 2009, located in a magnificent limestone mansion on 63rd Street in Manhattan, features tabletop designs and settings, celebrating holidays and other festive occasions, by 21 noted New York-area interior designers.

 Event Website

2009 Holiday House - Clara's Room

There is an excitement in the air – Holiday Season in New York…

This year, we’re asked to participate in Holiday House. 21 noted New York-area interior designers will feature tabletop designs and settings celebrating holidays and other festive occasions, such as New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Ground Hog’s Day, Child’s Birthday Party, Christmas and Summer Solstice. This very special event will benefit The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. 2009 Holiday House is located in a magnificent limestone mansion at 2 East 63rd Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

Event Date: December 2-6, 2009

The event’s participating designers include: Harry Daniell, Jamie Drake, Diane Durocher, Irwin Feld, Jennifer Garrigues, Ted Galperin, Harry Heissmann Interiors, Benjamin Huntington, Jolie Korek, Abby Modell of LLe-Dom Glassworks, Shari Markbreiter, Barbara Ostrom Associates, Charles Pavarini III, Sandy Rosenthal, Don Schermerhorn, Gail Sitomer, John Stedila, Bonnie Steves, SY Interior Designs, Timothy & Associates, Bunny Williams, David Zisa for Greenbaum Interiors, ZoyaB for Bograd Kids.

When my daughter was little, she loved themed birthday party. Every December, since she was 5 years old, I found myself together with so many New Yorker’s taking their little girls to see Balanchine’s Nutcracker ballet at Lincoln Center, it has become a tradition in our family and we still enjoy it.

So my character for this event will be a little girl named Clara and the theme for her Birthday Tea Party is “Nutcracker”.

…to be continued

2009 Kips Bay Decorators Show House – Dorothy’s Room “Book vs. Movie”

During 2009 Kips Bay Decorators Show House, I had a lot of discussions with “Wizard of OZ” lovers about the differences and similarities of the movie vs. the book. One of my favorite stories in the book was the story of “The Golden Cap” told to Dorothy by the King of the Winged Monkeys. 

L. Frank Baum, “The Wizard of OZ”, Chapter 14, The Winged Monkeys, page 165 and I quote:”…There lived here then, away at the North, a beautiful princess, who was also a powerful sorceress. All her magic was used to help the people, and she was never known to hurt anyone who was good. Her name was Gayelette, and she lived in a handsome palace built from great blocks of ruby. Everyone loved her, but her greatest sorrow was that she could find no one to love in return, since all the men were much too stupid and ugly to mate with one so beautiful and wise. At last, however, she found a boy who was handsome and manly and wise beyond his years. Gayelette made up her mind that when he grew to be a man she would make him her husband, so she took him to her ruby palace and used all her magic powers to make him as strong and good and lovely as any woman could wish. When he grew to manhood, Quelala, as he was called, was said to be the best and wisest man in all the land, while his manly beauty was so great that Gayelette loved him dearly, and hastened to make everything ready for the wedding.

My grandfather was at that time the King of the Winged Monkeys which lived in the forest near Gayelette’s palace, and the old fellow loved a joke better than a good dinner. One day, just before the wedding, my grandfather was flying out with his band when he saw Quelala walking beside the river. He was dressed in a rich costume of pink silk and purple velvet, and my grandfather thought he would see what he could do. At his word the band flew down and seized Quelala, carried him in their arms until they were over the middle of the river, and then dropped him into the water.

Swim out, my fine fellow, cried my grandfather, and see if the water has spotted your clothes. Quelala was much too wise not to swim, and he was not in the least spoiled by all his good fortune. He laughed, when he came to the top of the water, and swam in to shore. But when Gayelette came running out to him she found his silks and velvet all ruined by the river.

The princess was very angry, and she knew, of course, who did it. She had all the Winged Monkeys brought before her, and she said at first that their wings should be tied and they should be treated as they had treated Quelala, and dropped in the river. But my grandfather pleated hard, for he knew the Monkeys would drown in the river with their wings tied, and Quelala said a kind word for them also; so that Gayelette finally spared them, on condition that the Winged Monkeys should ever after do three times the bidding of the owner of the Golden Cap. This Cap had been made for a wedding present to Quelala, and it is said to have cost the princess half her kingdom. Of course my grandfather and all the other Monkeys at once agreed to the condition, and that is how it happens that we are three times the slaves of the owner of the Golden Cap, whomsoever he may be…”

So, there it is...a story, that was written over 100 years ago…feels contemporary for 2009, but would not be appropriate for 1939? What do you think?

 

 

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House - Dorothy's Chandelier

I think that a big part of making a room Magical is the ability to capture and maintain an audience time after time. Every which way there is something new to be discovered. A great example of this is the "Wizard of Oz Dorothy's room chandelier."  Even with its substantial size, when you enter the room you are enchanted by the custom, one of a kind rug, Toto's silver leafed throne-like fabulous dog bed, the seating area, and the incredable "Wizard of Oz" doll collection. It is not until you reach the bedroom area, turn back, and realize, and I quote "look at the chandelier! It is the hot air ballon!" I love seeing people's reaction! And then they come closer...and now they can see something written on the ceiling..."there's no place like home!"...Ah............that's Magical!!!

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House - from Swedish Style to 1940's Retro Magic

One of the challenges was how to transform a classic Swedish style bedside table and dresser from my signature ZoyaB. Collection into 1940's Retro and making it Magical. First, I laquered it into a solid green, representing a shade of the Emerald City from the "Wizard of Oz". Then, by changing classic hardware from antique brass to playful sculptured glass knobs with silver fittings, the furniture began already it's transformation into the Modern world. But, I did not stop there, applying Silver Leaf to the feet and just by leafing one line of the bulbose, added that Modern Retro twist to it, and finally big poppy flower, purple on one bedside table, pink on the other made it Magical.

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House (Dororhy's Room)

“Dorothy Gale’s room is about celebrating 70 years of Magic, with genuine American Classic – “Wizard of OZ”. It is about paying a tribute to the Golden Years of cinematography. 1939 was a big year for movie classics, for me the most unforgettable was - “Wizard of OZ”. Dorothy’s room is also about teaching children, from ages 5 to 105, values in life lessons through making a parallel between the movie and the original L. Frank Baum story. And finally, Dorothy’s room is about expressing myself with modernists vocabulary inspired and influenced by my idol Dorothy Draper.

To set the tone, I placed,  Judy Garland’s Gold record “Somewhere over the Rainbow” on loan from Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, Bang and Olufson TV playing the movie “Wizard of OZ”. I was looking for a feeling where, the viewer would enter the room and be in “Techno Color” and hopefully would say “I have a feeling, I am not in Kansas anymore!”

Every child has his favorite stories and characters.  Parents and educators teach through telling these stories, and I believe, the design of a child’s room can also play a role in education.  When my daughter was young, she was always inspired by the books we read together. We would then buy a toy that allowed her not only play, but cultivate her imagination.  Lastly, we would buy a video and discuss about differences and similarities.  Education, with the help of Interior Design expands the mind and stimulates children to become bright, adventurous and creative.

For the heart and souls of the room, I designed custom made oval area rug representing Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman…four friends on the their journey to the Emerald City.

Centered on the ceiling, I designed crystal ½ balloon chandelier up in the clouds, surrounded by painted phrase, “There is no Place like Home”.

To the right, is Sirenuse Hall Chair, 2 Princess chairs and an ottoman. This creates a perfect setting for acting out chapter “The Guardian of the Gates” from L. Frank Baum’s book. Silver foil Princess Bookcases from ZoyaB Collection, display a stunning collection of Robert Tonner and Madame Alexander “Wizard of Oz” dolls and a complete 14 books set of Wizard of OZ stories. Also, on display, there is an original 1939 Dorothy Doll, on loan from Judy Garland’s museum.

In front, is silver foil Cafenero dog bed from ZoyaB Collection and Windsor chair painted with a large flower to represent munchkins land. The vanity table is where Dorothy can act out her part of the movie “The Merry Old Land of OZ”. Dorothy’s dresser and nightstands are also from ZoyaB. Collection, which is 18th century Swedish Style, but in keeping with 1939 style I had them lacquered in a shade of green, painted same flowers as are in the fabric and for the final touch, silver foiled the legs and just a silver line on top.

The Focal Point of this room and the destination is a Full Size silver foil Princess Bed from ZoyaB Collection. Upholstered in Pink vinyl, this bed sets the tone for most luxurious, Italian bedding. 2 shams and the flat sheet are embroidered in 2 colors of pink with scenes from the original L. Frank Baum book. And Poppy, Poppy, Poppy flowers everywhere…

For my finishing touches, I’ve added, one of a kind framed Needlepoint Art from my Wizard of Oz Collection. Each signature design is hand stitched and beaded by the artist, using glistening and sparkling fibers, to add a magical touch. Renee’s unique creations will add warmth and joy to any room or occasion and can only be described as “Art in Stitches”. The visual beauty of this needlework is uniquely hers, but what will really move you, are her inspirational quotes on each and every piece. These framed Needlepoint art designs will be treasured and passed on from generation to generation…

Through Dorothy’s adventure to Oz, values and lessons were learned along the way.  This wonderful story has been teaching children of all ages about courage, compation and knowledge among other great values, and reminds us, that in the entire world, “There’s no place like home…”

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House - Design Process

…and the work has began…first, I designed a rug to depict the story of “Wizard of OZ”, I had 48 hours to design, paint, scan and e-mail it to Thailand, where it was hand woven in 6 weeks, which is half the usual lead time (I don’t think anybody got any sleep during production time) only to be stuck in customs for 3 days…long 3 days before the opening, but all is well that ends well…  

So, the rug was in production and construction began. To make the room more interesting, I have separated it in two areas – a play room and a bedroom. I closed both entrances, and created one large entrance on center of one of the windows. I elevated the bedroom area and dropped the ceiling in the play area to cover ugly air-conditioning grills and by doing that, I was able to have a chandelier and a clean pallet for the ceiling mural…to be continued…

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House - Inspiration

 

It had all started on one cold day in January, I received that special phone call that every designer hopes to get – an invitation to design a room at the 37^th Annual Kips Bay Decorators Show House. This year it is being held in a majestic limestone mansion at 22 East 71^st street, between 5^th and Madison Avenue in New York.

 Right away it brought on a lot of memories, since my first apartment in New York was a cross the street…and I met my ex-husband on that street…and got married…but that’s a different story  :-) 

My room was used as a gallery/office space by the previous owners. It had NO character! White walls, 3 air-conditioning ducts, 2 down lights, and lines, and lines of track lighting, there were 2 points of entry, which made it feel like a very, very long tunnel. On the bright side, the room was facing South, and was flooded with natural day light coming from 2 large size windows.

Right there and then I knew, I wanted to have a feeling of Spring and Magic, and I thought what could be better than a story of “Wizard of OZ”…to be continued…

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House - The Offcial List

Here is the official list of designers that will be creating fabulous rooms along with us.  We look forward to the final product that will be shown in April.  See you all there!

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House!

This year at the 2009 Kips bay show house Bograd Kids will be showcasing another childs room.  It was an honor to be selected for a second time in two years, as we prepare for the show house we will be posting photos of our progress.  The Pre-Renovation Celebration for the 37th annual Kips Bay show house is first on our list, it will be held on Tuesday February 24, 2009. 

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2008 Kips Bay Decorator Show House (Peter's Room)

“I won’t grow up!” were the famous words of Peter Pan, and our tiny character loves saying them too. He is a New Yorker who just turned 2 years old and his favorite stories are Peter Pan, The Lion King, Jungle Book and Anansi the Spider – a tale from the Ashanti.

Every child has his favorite stories and characters. Parents and educators teach through telling these stories, and I believe, the design of a child’s room can also play a role in education. When my daughter was little, we would read a book together and she would always be inspired. Then we would buy a toy and that would allow her to play and cultivate her imagination. Lastly, we would buy a video and talk about differences and similarities.

I wanted to surround our little boy with all his favorite stories and allow his imagination to flourish. The focal point of the room is a Simon Horn Crib which has just been converted into a Toddler Bed. The safari-inspired bedding is accentuated by Peter’s own embroidered cashmere blanket. The bed is surrounded by murals; The Lion King’s Pride Rock to the right and Tinkerbell sprinkling her magic over the crib to the left. Across from the bed, we have a classic hand-painted chest of baby lions and a large hand-painted mirror celebrating “the circle of life.” The hand-painted murals on furniture come alive and take on a different dimension and function.

When designing a nursery or toddler’s room one should always incorporate appropriate seating. The glider and ottoman set is number one on my list however, I also wanted Peter to have a chair of his own, after all he is 2! I have given him a luxurious faux leather wingback chair accented with green velvet welting, and incorporated a leopard print skirt with matching fringe to keep it youthful and fun.

Another essential aspect of a toddler’s room is, of course, the bookcase. Peter knows the importance of reading and learning and we have provided him with the start of his very own library. More importantly, the bookcase is at Peter’s reaching level, and that allows him to develop his sense of independence and challenges his creativity.

Well, Peter might still be saying,” I won’t grow up!” but we sure can educate and stimulate him, for now.

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2007 Hampton Designer Showhouse (Ariel's Room)

Growing up in the Ukraine, “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Anderson was one of my favorite fairy tales. For my daughter, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” depicted a different perspective of this classic: the fun filled spirit and adventurous attitude of the heroine Ariel. In the fairy tale, dreams are endless when it comes to mermaids and “the girl who has everything.” When I walked into the front bedroom of this picturesque Bridgehampton beach house, mermaids were the first thing that came to mind. I envisioned a classic décor with whimsical accents throughout, a true combination of both mermaid narratives.

The focal point of this room is the “Princess Bed” from the ZoyaB Collection, which was inspired by a bed that belonged to an 18th century Swedish Baroness. I wanted the little princess of the room to feel like she is swimming in a beautiful blue ocean, so I draped the bed in a custom-made large blue plaid. The monochromatic scheme is accented by a deep coral color throughout the room, accompanied by a petite coral print that dresses the settee and chairs, playfully topped with whimsical mermaid pillows. Lending a fresh-look to classic forms, I have incorporated a clear Murano Glass chandelier and mirror. While the “Princess” line of the ZoyaB Collection was designed in an elegant style, the pieces featured in this room have been complimented with mother of pearl shell knobs. In addition, the earthy and feminine needlepoint rug, a Stark Carpet exclusive, grounds the room while giving the illusion of walking on the beach in search of shells. The warm tones and saturated colors bring a sense of sophistication while keeping the space playful for our young occupant.

An appreciation of family is also present in this space through the Needlepoint Art. The series depicts Neptune protecting his daughters, each holding a special item representing their unique significance in their father’s life. Just like Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” the young lady I designed this room for is the youngest in her family. As she fulfills her curiosity about the incredible ocean below, exploring all that it has to offer, she becomes a strong,
independent young woman.

For the final touch, I wanted to inspire the young collector by adding limited edition Florence Manarnuk mermaid dolls. These beautiful porcelain dolls captivate the mystery and wonders of the sea. While the child I envisioned in this room gathers shells on the beach, may these mermaids trigger a life-long passion for collecting timeless works of art. By combining these two elements of the mermaid story and design, I aspired to put forth a whimsical space full of imagination and adventure, with an educational perspective.

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids

2006 Merry Wood Designer Show House

A few months ago, when I was asked to do a boys nursery, I had a few possible ideas of what I wanted to do. I knew I would be using all of the furniture from my showroom, Bograd Kids, located in the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue. I knew there was a muralist, who wanted to work with me on this project.

But when I saw this room, I said “nautical”. The focal point of the room had to be this incredible crystal ship chandelier, it is a reproduction of an antique and we offer it in many colors.

I wanted the walls to tell a story, give the viewer a feel of magic, be very peaceful and dreamy, and to be educational, because I strongly believe that designing a nursery has a tremendous impact on the development of a child.

So, my research has begun. I came across of this beautiful quote by Christopher Columbus “…and the sea will grant each man new hope, as sleep brings dreams of home” I get goose bumps every time saying that. That was it…American History…3 walls…3 magnificent voyages…Christopher Columbus, Mayflower, and Amerigo Vespucci…I even got the name for this room…“Voyages to the New World”.

My next stop was Stark carpet. Shirley, the sales person at Stark loved the idea, she showed me this rug and I could not believe my luck…the first rug I see…and it was perfect. Chinese needlepoint featuring great ships…and the colors…just amazing.

The biggest challenge was sill ahead. Color Blue! Many, many different colors of blue!!! Well my solution instead of matching all the blues…balance them…Ah…

This William Armoire from ZoyaB Collection matched the border and argyle base pattern of the rug. The 3 over 2 William Dresser and changing top matched these vibrant blue color details of the rug. The Navy Curtains and the table with chairs grounded the room. The light colors of blue and white bedding gave it freshness. And the reddish glider chair and ottoman completed the color scheme. I remember one of the great designers in the past saying “…a room without red is like a woman without lipstick”. I always use a touch of red.

For the final touch, every nursery should have a teddy bear, a Steiff teddy bear, a $500 retail, mohair collectable Steiff teddy bear. But this one is especially appropriate for this room, his name just happens to be “Teddy Kapitan”.

2006 Saddle River Show House (Cathrine's Room)

The Princess Bed from ZoyaB. Collection - is every little girls dream…

The centerpiece of this room is the “Princess Bed”. Designing it, I was inspired by a bed, which belonged to an 18th century Swedish baroness. I wanted this little princess to feel like she is in an English rose garden…and there are roses everywhere…on the walls...on the bedding…on the rug. It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, which was one of my favorite childhood stories. So, when I was designing the rug, I made the roses gigantic and used deeper colors to ground the room. With a feminine color palette of lavender, green and pink, our petite occupant is bound to feel like royalty.

At the foot of the bed, there is an accommodation for an even smaller occupant. Made out of solid mahogany in the same style as the princess bed, the “Cafenero Dog Bed” assures that our little girl’s prince relaxes in the lap of luxury. After all you’ve given the princess a royal bed; now her dog need not sleep like a beast.

One thing that I always consider when designing a child’s room is the educational value of the pieces I choose. For this room I went with a series of needlepoint canvases. Each one is a work of art, and depicts a fairy tale that every little girl knows and loves; including: Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, The Wizard of OZ, and The Nutcracker. I hope that the artwork will evoke a curiosity in the child as well as a thirst for literature and knowledge of all kinds. I believe that teaching a child the value of education is crucial in their development, as far as I am concerned it is never too early to learn.

I put a great deal of thought into the details of every room I design because I feel,
it is the smaller touches that bring everything together. Starting from the rug all the way to the lighting fixtures, this room puts a modern twist on old world charm and is
suitable for even the most contemporary princess.

Copyright © 2009 - Bograd Kids