Who doesn’t love soaking in a bubble bath at the end of a long day? It is the ultimate (and totally acceptable) indulgence. I love the idea of transforming your bathroom into your own private spa getaway. How fabulous are these tubs?
Repurposing a claw foot tub the Holly Golightly way: turn it into a settee. Gotta love it.
–Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Florida Interior Designer
Studio M is excited to be featured in this month’s issue of VERTICAL Tampa Bay in the article “Coastal Cool”. Check out pages 60-71 for a look into the dreamy Vizcaya beach condo of Shannon & Joel Cantor. Ahh, happy second day of Summer!
Be sure to receive your complimentary subscription to VERTICAL, Tampa Bay’s virtual magazine celebrating fashion, flavor, travel, culture and beauty (inside & out). Click here to register!
Click HERE to view us in the article “Coastal Spotlight”
“Glamorous Rooms”
By Jan Showers
I was absolutely thrilled to get to interview the glamorous Dallas interior designer Jan Showers about her book “Glamorous Rooms”. I personally admire her style and her many business accomplishments as a fellow ASID designer. Not only does she have her own furniture and lighting collection shown in seven design showrooms across the United States (the Jan Showers Collection), a fabulous high end residential design firm of thirty years, and a wonderful antiques showroom in Dallas; Jan now has published her first book! I concur with what her friend Michael Kors says in the foreword of the book, “Design like Jan’s fuses great taste and an expert eye with the reality of life as it is actually lived. That’s why people are always so astonished at her glamorous touch—because it’s built into designs that are functional and comfortable and fun.”
Thanks, Jan for this opportunity to speak with you about this….
Congrats on “Glamorous Rooms”! I believe it is in its 4th printing?! Is “Glamorous Rooms” your first book? What made you decide to write a book?
It is in its 4th printing, and it is my first book! I have always wanted to write a book. For the past ten or twelve years during speaking engagements at design centers, every one kept asking me when I was going to write a book?! I already had 75% of the photography already, and we photographed the remaining 25% over two weeks. I wanted my book to be different, so I used Elsie de Wolfe’s “The House in Good Taste” from a hundred years ago as an inspiration for setting the book up. “Glamorous Rooms” is not a “how to book”, but a book full of inspiration.
In the book, you discuss the influences on your personal style by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Catherine Deneuve, Grace Kelly, and Baby Paley. What architects and interior designers have influenced your design style?
I admire many designers….I must count Billy Baldwin among my favorites. I loved how his villa in the South of France was both elegant and livable at the same time. I also have admired Frances Elkins for the same type of furniture and antiques that I am drawn to. Always do a mix of furniture periods, it is boring if a space is all from the same period. I adore Albert Hadley and Peter Marino’s attention to detail. Isn’t it all about the details?! I’d also have to say that I admire Kelly Wearstler’s sense of color, Bunny Williams’ ability to design a comfortable mix, and David Hicks’ whole vibe (especially from the 70s.) Oh, and Mark Hampton designed the most lovely, comfortable rooms.
I like how each chapter is devoted to a different room in the house. Do you have a favorite room to design and why?
I don’t really; the fun part is the challenge of each room being different and fabulous. I would say the Living Room is the most challenging, because you typically are trying to sit the most people there.
What is your favorite room in your current house? What does it look like?
We have two homes, a townhouse in Dallas and our main home in the country outside of Dallas. I honestly can say that I love all the rooms. We do use our library in the country house all the time. It is a small room in our Georgian style home built in the late 1930’s. The library has all wood paneling…it is beautiful.
What types of projects are you working on now?
I am working on a fabulous new project in Scottsdale, Arizona with a top drawer design team. It has been in the works for three years now! I believe we are breaking ground this week, so I am very excited. I also have a new client that I am designing homes for in both Scottsdale and Dallas. We have some other homes in Dallas, too. We used to have 8-10 huge projects we were working on at any given time, but since the recession, that number has been reduced to 4-5; I prefer this number. I must be very involved in every project since I am a workaholic and a control freak!
What books are currently on your bedside table?
I read a lot—mainly on the Kindle, which is great for all the traveling I do! As far as actual books, Robertson Davies’ “The Deptford Trilogy” has some unusual, riveting, compelling stories. I also am enjoying Ian McEwan’s “Solar”. As far as design books, I am starting “The Great Lady Decorators”.
What design websites do you frequent?
I don’t have a lot of time, but I want to visit more of them. I hope to even on my summer vacation! I do like the interviews and good taste of Ronda Carman on allthebestblog.com. I also like “Lonny” magazine on-line (lonnymag.com). But I have to say, I LOVE print magazines! What would we do without them? (I agree, Jan!!)
Do you have plans for a second book?
Yes, I have plans with Abrams, my publisher, to write another “Glamorous” book. I am still very busy through March 2011 with book signings and speaking engagements with my first book, so the new one probably won’t be ready for another 3 years. We will need to photograph the projects, which are all over the United States, most of which are vacation homes.
Jan, you are so busy….how do you do it all?
My secret weapon is my house in the country! I re-charge there for three day weekends, as often as I can. I need this down-time and usually have my most creative ideas there!
Please visit Jan’s websites below to learn more about her Collection and her interior design business and antiques showroom in Dallas. Also, visit Amazon to purchase her new book.
Jan Showers: http://www.janshowers.com/index1.htm
Collection: http://www.janshowers.com/jssc/index.html
Blog: http://janshowers.blogspot.com/
Jan has graciously offered one personalized, signed copy of “Glamorous Rooms” to one thestudiomblog.com reader! To win this, we will have a drawing from those readers who post a comment on the blog through July 6th. Leave a comment on our blog what you liked best from the photos of Jan’s interiors.
–Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Florida Interior Designer
It’s undeniable- Florida’s beaches, especially along the Gulf coast, are absolutely breathtaking. With the threat of oil putting these pristine spots at risk- I wanted to put a spotlight on the beauty of our special beaches!
Watercolor is one of Florida’s master-planned communities (AKA New Urbanism), which is basically a community that is carefully designed from start to finish (think Seaside, Celebration, etc). It is located in the Northwest Gulf coast of Florida in Seagrove Beach. This community is a nod to the typical “Florida Cracker” style homes- lazy wraparound porches fit for sweet tea, charming tin roofs made for those afternoon thunderstorms, and creaky wooden floors. This community is meant to slow you down- exactly what the beach is meant for.
What I think sounds great about this place is that its making an effort to maintain its surroundings- parks, hiking trails, water activities, and biking paths are readily available. Well, now that I’ve convinced myself that I have to move to Watercolor- here are a few photos of this magical little place!
Below are some casual coastal-esque interiors that I imagine the insides of these homes to resemble…or at least what I’d like my coastal home to resemble — easy breezy, open doors + windows, light n’ airy, wood plank floors, & just the right amount of “cozy”. Happy Friday everyone!
–Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Florida Interior Designer
For more information on Watercolor please check out: http://www.joe.com/watercolor-community (photos via)
What’s not to love about Nate Berkus’s signature blend of masculine elements with his sense of playful eclectic accents? The outcome is a chic, stylish and unexpected space that still maintains a sense of livability. Pictured are a few shots of his oh-so-enviable Chicago apartment along with some beautiful residential projects. Could I live in these pictures? Maybe for a day? What better day than today—Happy Nate Day from Studio M! Don’t forget, the Nate Berkus show launches September 13th!
–Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Florida Interior Designer
Furniture from Nate’s signature line available at HSN.com
I’m so thrilled to be featured on the super cool Lindsey Weidhorn’s blog: The Inside Stoop (a must see), that I just had to post it here, too! Thanks again Lindsey! Please check out Lindsey’s other “Ten Questions With…” features & inspiring design posts on http://www.insidestoop.com/ Here is her interview with me:
Salons are one of my favorite places of escape- being surrounded by all things beauty + pamper just somehow puts me at ease. In my research for a potential client who’s a salon owner I’ve come across some pretty swanky spots. There’s so much to consider when designing one of these places- there’s a lot of “function” to keep in mind, which these designs accomplish while looking effortlessly chic. Bouffant anyone? -Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Florida Interior Designer
The Barcelona chair: a versatile, timeless, and classic piece that can hold its own no matter what style interior it’s put in–all reasons why we chose to feature this piece as part of the Studio M logo! Enjoy some of the various interiors that this powerful little chair has made cameos in- from modern and funky, casual and soft, to a bright and airy bathroom. Mies van der Rohe got it right, we <3 the Barcelona Chair.
–Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Florida Interior Designer
The Barcelona® Chair is a registered trademark of Knoll
So of course the premier of Sex & the City 2 is here, and I’m a tad obsessed with SJP’s Valentino asymmetrical couture gown that she wore to the premier. I love everything about it- mostly the color. It’s so…SJP! Here are a few yellow interiors that seemed to be channeling the fashionista’s fluorescent hue. Although it looks like it’s going to rain any minute here in Tampa- everyone can always use a little sunshine.
HGTV is owned by Scripps Networks, which also includes the Food Network, DIY Network, the Travel Channel, the new Cooking Channel, and Great American Country
Me (left), Lindsey (right)
During my business trip to NYC last week, I was thrilled to get to meet with Lindsey Weidhorn, who is with HGTV’s Program Development department to discuss the possibilities of my involvement with HGTV as an interior design host or guest. We’ll see what the upcoming future holds for that! I did learn that Lindsey and her team are currently developing a stable of new design savvy shows for the network. In addition, I had the opportunity to interview Lindsey for my blog! I found her to be a fun, hip NY exec with a lot of creative ideas and design knowledge! Check out her fun blog at www.InsideStoop.com.
Here is our interview:
How long have you been at HGTV, and what other jobs have you had?
HGTV is my favorite network and my dream job! I have been at HGTV for over 4 years. Before that, I ran premieres for the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and did marketing for Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions. I actually did not get the job with HGTV, when I first applied. When I applied the second time a year later, I got the job and ironically worked under the girl who got the job the first time around. The structure has changed a bit since then, but I love it.
What is your personal favorite show on HGTV?
“Design Star”—it is our biggest show. Season 5 will be the best yet! It is being shot in New York produced by Mark Burnett, of Survivor fame. So it feels kind of epic.
What is your favorite design show on another network?
I’ve been watching Bravo’s “9 by Design”… I love it because I think the Novogratz’ are so talented, but honestly, I’m a bit let down. How do you have a show about two of Manhattan’s best designers and not give the audience more DESIGN?!! I want at least 2 big reveals an hour, and a few more shopping trips. The family doesn’t have enough drama to keep my attention without the design. That being said, I wish they’d adopt me.
If you could have instant approval from the network and an unlimited budget, what show would you get on the air?
Hands down my answer is “Tree House Design!” I am totally obsessed with tree houses! I bring it up in every development meeting. How cool would that be: an extreme tree house show? If you look into it, you’ll learn that there are some amazing tree houses out there. I cover it on my blog pretty often, and then send it around to the whole team. I guess if all the right things got lined up, a brilliant character, some amazing builds and some high stakes, I can get the show on the air. After 4 years of trying though, I think I might have to give up soon.
Who are your current favorite designers?
1. Kishani Perera, Los Angeles
2. Nina Freudenberger, New York, owns Haus Interiors
3. Roman & Williams, New York, designed the Ace Hotel in NYC
4. Brad Ford, New York, also a country music singer!
What do you love best about New York?
Personally, I feel like there is no greater place! I am the biggest New York fan. I’ve traveled quite a bit, and while I really enjoy other cities, there is no place in the world like NYC. I love that this city embraces people’s quirks and weirdness. I love that you can discover something totally new each day, because this place is a total maze. And I love that I can ride my bike everywhere! I love that this city makes you earn the good stuff. When we get a sunny day, I feel like I worked for it and deserve it. It’s a bond that everyone in this city shares. The old saying is true: If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!
Speaking of bikes, do you live close to work?
Yes, I recently bought an awesome new apartment in Korea Town. I got it because it’s in an old department store, so I knew that something great was hidden in those walls. The ceilings are 20’ high and soon I’ll be tearing them down to reveal these amazing brick barreled ceilings that are hidden underneath. Also, I just found out that the big square column in my apartment has a hidden gem underneath its drywall…a hand tiled circular column designed by Morris Lapidus.
Thanks, Lindsey! It was great getting to spend time with you! We look forward to the new shows on HGTV!
Lindsey’s blog: www.insidestoop.com
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