Its the truth. Design Connection is my love language. I get a charge, like an absolute buzz, when I feel the mixture of Design and connection, coming together in a beautiful union. So when Veronika Miller of Modenus, told me there was room for me on #blogtourKBIS I was ecstatic! I knew from my experience being on #blogtourCALI last year, that this was sure to be a journey full of Connection, Innovation and above all else, new relationships, and it did not disappoint!!
Starting out in a limo with 4 other designers, who from the very beginning, shared who they were, and what they were excited and nervous about, was an beautiful look into what was to come!! I knew the moment we sat down together, to travel to the hotel ( the Cosmopolitan) it was going to be a great tour!
Nothing bonds 6 women like stuffing amazing burgers in their face after traveling! YUM ( Holsteins )
There are SO MANY highlights to this trip, and although I will go into greater detail over the next few weeks. I have put together a short list of SHOW STOPPING amazing-ness that took the cake.
However, before I list the cake takers, let me get real clear about Design Connection. – Clearly this is major ( I mean, I used BOLD and Italics!! ) Let me explain what I mean when I say Design Connection. Its not only the idea that everything and everyone is connected, and how the design of those connections are so beautiful and aw-inspiring, but also the literal meaning of brands being SO connected to the feelings they want their designs to evoke. Here are a few ways I witnessed Design Connection during #blogtourKBIS.
- The other Blogtour Godesses– I know it can sound cheesy or imagined when you read that a group of women ( 25 + ) were able to form a genuine, authentic sisterhood and friendship on a Sponsored trip to check out innovative design. Im here to tell you that is precisely what happened. You all know that I hold sisterhood circle here in Nashville. Its one of my passions, allowing women to be re-imprinted with the idea that we can be strong for eachother, we can root for eachother, and that no matter where we are in Life or business, we are one. And I love Cheesy.
2. A private tour of the Wynn-Las Vegas ( with designer and Tour guide for the day, Jackie Von Tobel)- This was such a treat! A behind the scenes look at the grogeous details and what went into creating this experience for those that stay here. There will be an entire post to come, about the opulence of The Wynn, but what I was most blown away by was the detail that went into the restaurants. Here are a few shots of the GORGEOUS Wing Lei Restaurant that we were able to tour while closed!
3. Meeting Courtney Novogratz with TOTO– I have an entire post about TOTO and their absolutely amazing, outstanding, innovation and cutting edge design. I love this company, and it was such a pleasure when we found out that Courtney Novogratz would be speaking with us and having dinner with us hosted by TOTO. Courtney is just as you would expect, she is a warm soul, who is a toucher and a close talker. She is a powerful business women and design extraordinaire, as well as a mom to 7! I was instantly drawn into her overall southern warmth and honesty. She shared with us the design trends she is seeing, and the progression of the castle that she and her husband, Robert are renovating, but most importantly ( for me) she shared how it is she balances it all ( she doesnt. Some days feel crappy and some feel amazing…ahhh she is normal like the rest of us!!). Design Connection at its finest. Courtney has a busy household and uses TOTO because of its connection to families and enjoying life ( yes, with amazing toilets! and so much more) A huge than you to TOTO and to Courtney Novogratz.
4. Thermador- Thermador is a brand that gets it. They understand that people live busy lives, and that we want ease! AND they are constantly taking it one step further. They create, not just ease, but Ease and Luxury, and not just ease and luxury, but ease, luxury and design aesthetic that is unmatched! I have so much more to write about Thermador in the next few weeks, like how amazing their Freedom induction cook top is ( the entire top is usable cooking space). The fabulous Thermador hosted lunch was also a show stopper, just look at this presentation!! We love you Thermador, and we love how connected you are to your designs!!!
5. Bobby Berk’s Responsive homes.- We were invited to the Responsive home block party opening in I was so blown away with the forward thinking of Pardee homes and Bobby Berk for the Responsive home experience! As written by builderonline.com so beautifully, The responsive homes have two very important uses: “One is to make new homes “attainable” to young adult home buyers. Two, is to make them exciting, immediately responsive, and enduringly adaptive to their lives and lifestyles as they grow, morph, become more comfortable, and look, in an ongoing way for change”. How do they do this?? by making these homes equip and ready for Young adult home owners to split the home very comfortably with a renter. Beautiful wooden doors separate living spaces, in a natural flow way. Behind the doors are small apartment spaces that are self serving with an exterior door. As the home owner grows in business and in life, the apartment can turn into guest quarters without effecting the design aesthetic of the home! Absolutely brilliant!! Take a look! ( thank you toriaston.com and Modenus for the awesome pics!)
SO much more goodness to share, so stay tuned. Thank you again to Veronika Miller and the entire Modenus team for making this all happen!!!
XO, KIM
Great recap Kim. You hit the nail on the head about the sisterhood. I have to say it was a full few days with sooo much inspiration. The Responsive Home, the Wynn Hotel, the mind expanding Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, the collection of amazing people as we worked together. It was such a pleasure meeting you my friend.