Favorite Things by Brooke Eversoll, CMKBD of Bee Studios

Cindy Erdall, an interior designer at Gabberts Design Studio in Bloomington, shares her insights and inspirations regarding her approach to interior design. Her appreciation for design began in childhood, influenced by her grandparents' fine furnishings, which led her to pursue a degree in interior design and space planning from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her early career involved working with prominent Twin Cities designers Robert Lenox and Billy Beson, training that instilled a fashion-forward design philosophy and strong work ethic. Erdall emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong designer-client relationship built on listening to her clients' tastes and lifestyles. This approach, combined with her training and Gabberts' extensive product lines, allows her to navigate various design styles, including traditional, contemporary, and transitional. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of furniture, flooring, carpeting, draperies, and window treatments, enabling her to guide clients through every stage of a project. Regarding style, Erdall expresses an enjoyment for all categories but personally leans towards traditional, adapting to contemporary influences based on client personalities and architectural details. She particularly favors biophilic design, integrating natural colors, textures, and elements into her work. Her preferred space to design is the great room, where she focuses on creating comfortable sitting areas for social gatherings. She also enjoys designing lower levels to incorporate amenities like entertainment systems, pool tables, and golf simulators, all intended to foster togetherness. Kelly Wearstler is cited as a design icon for her ability to blend fashion with interior design and her commitment to creating spaces that clients consistently love. Wearstler's fearless and bold style also resonates with Erdall. For eras, Erdall connects with the 1970s and its warm color palette, embracing the current maximalist trend with its vibrant hues, including blush, pink, mustard, and avocado, which she believes will remain popular in 2024. Her inspirations stem from current design trends, fashion, and nature, with a particular fondness for organic textures such as wood, stone, rattan, wool, cotton, and fur, as well as sustainable textiles. Lighting is identified as a crucial yet often overlooked accessory that provides the perfect finishing touch to a room, whether it's a statement chandelier or a functional reading lamp. Outside of design, Erdall’s favorite local restaurant is Ciao Bella in Bloomington, appreciated for its warm ambiance, outdoor terrace, and handcrafted cuisine. For travel, Switzerland is a top destination due to her passion for hiking, despite a fear of heights, and she admires its stunning scenery, flowers, and fresh air. Finally, Erdall notes that at Gabberts, there are no secret sources; she values the vast resources available to procure unique items tailored to each client and their specific space. #CindyErdall #InteriorDesign #GabbertsDesignStudio #BiophilicDesign #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #KellyWearstler #SeventiesStyle #OrganicTextures

This weekly blog post, "OBSESSED," curated by KQED Arts, features a collection of trending topics and personal fascinations from various staff members. The recurring segment covers diverse subjects ranging from nostalgic advertising and contemporary art installations to historical artifacts and pop culture phenomena, aiming to bring watercooler conversations into the digital space. Each staff member contributes a brief, enthusiastic commentary on something they've recently found captivating. Emma Silvers, Producer for The Do List, highlights a resurfaced Sizzler commercial from 1991. She describes it as an advertising triumph due to its unusually long runtime of four and a half minutes and its peculiar tone, which she likens more to a political campaign or Cialis ad than a restaurant commercial. The commercial features smooth sax music and soft-focus shots of individuals engaged in patriotic activities, culminating in a jingle emphasizing "choices and selections." Silvers expresses admiration for the ad's unique approach and its unexpected messaging, suggesting it offers a commentary on freedom of choice. Sarah Hotchkiss, Visual Arts Editor, introduces Leah Rosenberg’s "Chromophilia" project at Irving Street Projects. Rosenberg, an artist and pastry chef, is engaged in a three-month residency titled "Everyday, a color." Daily, she selects a color inspired by the Outer Sunset neighborhood and applies layers of this color to two walls, a section of the floor, a table, a vase, a chair, and a notebook. This process creates a continually evolving, monochromatic display where the paint gains physical depth, forming "paint icicles." Past color choices have included "ocean mist," "purple crab," and "mint graffiti." Visitors are encouraged to observe Rosenberg at work or even contribute to the painting, and to consider the psychological impact of color, specifically the “rosy hue of ‘happy hour’.” Emmanuel Hapsis, Editor at KQED Pop, shares his fascination with a space quilt from the 1800s. Made by Ellen Harding Baker of Cedar County, Iowa, in 1876, the quilt served as a visual aid for her astronomy lectures. Now part of the Smithsonian's collection, this historical artifact reflects a long-standing human obsession with space. Hapsis also recommends a New Yorker article that draws parallels between Mars exploration and 19th-century polar expeditions. Kristin Farr, Producer for Art School, discusses the set design for the MTV Movie Awards, which featured the work of Australian artist duo Dabs Myla. The entire stage and even the golden popcorn awards were transformed by their bold and colorful artwork. Farr describes Dabs Myla as artists whose personalities are as vibrant as their art, noting their ability to create large-scale immersive installations with apparent ease. She credits their contribution with making the MTV Movie Awards feel relevant again and directs readers to additional photos and an interview with the artists on Juxtapoz. Kevin Jones, Producer for KQED Arts, finds humor and relatability in the Instagram account "Crazy Jewish Mom." As a parent, he sees the account as a humorous and endearing portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship, particularly the mother's constant, albeit well-intentioned, harassment of her adult daughter. The account features jokes with Jewish themes, persistent efforts to find a boyfriend for her daughter (even when she's not single), and quirky advice like reminding her to do kegels. Jones views this dynamic as a loving and amusing aspect of parenting, anticipating similar interactions with his own children as they grow older. Carly Severn, Social Media Specialist for KQED, expresses her apprehension regarding the trailer for "True Detective" Season 2. Having been a fan of the first season, she initially lowered her expectations but was still taken aback by what she perceived as the trailer's poor quality. She critiques the generic ballad playing in the background, Vince Vaughn’s strained acting, and Colin Farrell’s mustache and constant weeping. The trailer's lack of dialogue leads her to suspect that the second season might amplify the first season’s negative aspects, such as extended conversations in dark bars, detectives with marital issues, and frequent visits to strip clubs. Despite her criticisms, Severn admits she will still watch every episode, reflecting a common dedication to ongoing series. #artsAndCulture #popCulture #visualArts #advertising #historicalArtifacts #quiltArt #spaceExploration #television #parenting

Perng Aw, the General Manager of Greater Club, shares a curated list of her favorite things, offering insight into her personal passions and what brings her joy and fulfillment. Her selection highlights a diverse range of experiences and interests, reflecting a life driven by connection, personal growth, and appreciation for various forms of art and culture. Her first and arguably most significant favorite is her dog, Dre, a Lab and Alaskan Malamute/Husky mix. Dre is presented as a profound teacher of unconditional love, care, and loyalty. Aw emphasizes the simple yet incredible nature of life with a dog, recounting how Dre inspires her to be more caring and empathetic. Weekends spent watching Dre play at dog runs or pools are particularly cherished, serving as a reminder to live in the moment and appreciate the infectious energy of her canine companion. This bond underscores the deep emotional connection she shares with her pet and its positive impact on her daily life. The second item on her list is longboarding, an activity she picked up during the pandemic. Longboarding has become her 'happy place' amidst stress and uncertainty, offering an 'adrenaline-fueled meditation.' Beyond the mental relief, she highlights the physical benefits, including health advantages and vitamin D exposure, as factors that keep her engaged and 'hooked' on the activity. Third, Aw expresses a profound appreciation for tiling art, describing it as a 'feast of texture, color and intricate tile pattern.' She finds herself captivated by its timeless quality and its significant contribution to extraordinary interior design. Her admiration extends to the talent and dedication required to create world-renowned decorative tile arts from centuries past. An accompanying image of tiling from the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, taken during her first international trip since the pandemic, illustrates this passion. Good American BBQ ranks fourth among her favorite things. Having lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades, American barbecue serves as a comfort food deeply tied to her fondest memories. She reminisces about summer traditions of grilling and socializing with friends around a fiery pit. In Singapore, she continues this tradition with her closest friends, particularly enjoying the challenge of cooking brisket due to the skill it requires to tenderize. For Aw, food is not just sustenance but an essential element for community building and creating lasting memories. Fifth, running at dusk is featured for its multifaceted benefits. Beyond the well-known health advantages like improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and stress reduction, Aw particularly values the opportunity to witness beautiful views during her runs, adding an aesthetic dimension to her physical activity. Being a gastronomic tourist is her sixth passion. She believes that food and culture are inherently intertwined, making local cuisine an invaluable avenue for understanding a country. For Aw, planning restaurants and local dishes to try is the most exciting part of travel planning, emphasizing that an authentic travel experience is incomplete without experiencing the local culinary landscape. A traditional Turkish breakfast from her Istanbul visit exemplifies this interest. Seventh, Aw highlights her commitment to striving to be better, particularly in her professional life as a community builder. Singapore has provided her with opportunities to thrive in building professional communities and ecosystems across various industries, including women in tech, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and fashion, now extending to business professionals at Greater Club. She enjoys bringing people together, a role she initially didn't plan for but has grown to love, valuing her position as a facilitator connecting inspiring individuals and witnessing the positive impact of community building professionally and personally. Finally, her eighth favorite thing is being fashion-forward, a passion she pursued by transitioning from a stable banking career to fashion in her mid-20s. Despite the inherent risks, her dedication to fashion led her to spearhead an initiative at the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF) that helped a local designer debut a collection at Paris Fashion Week 2022. This experience reminds her that her initial small step into fashion created a significant opportunity for someone else, underscoring the ripple effect of pursuing one's passions. #PerngAw #GreaterClub #PersonalPassions #CommunityBuilding #Travel #CulinaryExperiences #InteriorDesign #FashionJourney

The podcast 'Sense of Space,' presented by Turf and the SURROUND Podcast Network, delves into various aspects of design through conversations with designers, architects, and creatives. Co-hosted by Turf brand director Faraz Shah and designer Ella Hazard, the show explores topics ranging from what creates 'a vibe' to whether buildings possess souls. In episode three, titled 'Does Nature Design Things?', Shah and Hazard are joined by Carolyn Noble, an interior designer specializing in sensory and biophilic elements. The episode focuses on biophilia, extending its definition beyond just visible greenery to encompass the broader impact of natural elements on the built environment. Noble emphasizes that biophilic design offers numerous approaches, referencing Terrapin Bright Green's 14 patterns of biophilic design. She highlights water as a versatile biophilic element, which can manifest as a babbling fountain, a mosaic depicting ocean waves, or a mural utilizing blue hues. While acknowledging the benefits of plant life, such as their ability to absorb CO2, off-gassing, and sound, and to produce oxygen, Noble stresses the importance of localized solutions. She advises designers to draw inspiration from local materials and surroundings, from natural stone to indigenous greenery and textures, to achieve the most significant impact. However, the hosts also caution that context is crucial in biophilic design. They provide the example of a bird song in an office setting, which might be jarring due to its unnatural presence in an enclosed workspace. Instead, designers should aim to create dynamic soundscapes that engage a variety of sensory experiences appropriately. Hazard recounts her experience returning to her hometown in Vermont, where the sound of crickets, while natural, felt unnerving compared to the urban sounds of Los Angeles, demonstrating how different natural sounds can impact an individual's sense of comfort and ability to adapt. At its core, the creation of any biophilic space demands mindfulness regarding how different elements interact, ultimately fostering environments that are layered, serene, and promote a sense of connection to nature. #BiophilicDesign #SenseOfSpacePodcast #InteriorDesign #NaturalElements #SensoryExperiences #BuiltEnvironment #DesignPodcast #SustainableDesign #WellnessDesign

Quintessence, a lifestyle blog, has successfully transformed into a robust business, largely due to its popular "At Home With" video series. Co-creator Susanna Salk highlights the shift in media consumption, where traditional categories are blurring, allowing for a broader exploration of topics like home, fashion, travel, and personal stories. Stacey Bewkes, the founder of Quintessence and a former art director for Simon & Schuster, developed her videography skills by creating a retrospective DVD for her daughter's fifth-grade graduation, which eventually led to the inception of the video series. The first video, featuring Thom Filicia, was launched on Valentine's Day in 2013. The early videos showcased Salk and Bewkes shopping with designers in New York, where designers shared their preferences and insights. The series has since featured prominent designers such as Suzanne Rheinstein, Cathy Graham, and Paolo Moschino. Despite their individual projects—Bewkes managing the Quintessence blog and Salk writing books—the duo has cultivated a strong working relationship, even collaborating on books. This synergy is central to their success, with Bewkes noting their shared work ethic and enjoyment in their creative endeavors. Salk particularly values the connections forged with designers and the community engagement fostered through their content, citing an example where a custom dog collar seen in Emma Burns's home led to a collaboration between her neighbor and a local artisan. Maintaining the content machine for Quintessence involves significant effort. Bewkes admits that the workload is substantial, especially for creating original content. Initially, she posted five times a week, a schedule that proved unsustainable, leading her to reduce it to three times a week, and now even less frequently due to the demanding nature of video editing. She acknowledges the necessity of taking breaks and managing expectations regarding content volume. The financial sustainability of Quintessence was initially a challenge, with Salk and Bewkes investing considerable personal time and money into the project. However, the venture began generating revenue through sponsorships. With 5 million views over five years, and a significant portion of those views accumulated in 2018 alone, sponsorships became a viable option to support their passion project. They currently charge $6,000 per sponsored video, integrating commercials and ensuring that these sponsorships are permanently attached to the chosen videos. This model contrasts with print media, which is more expensive and ephemeral, as Quintessence's videos continue to attract viewers months and even years after their initial release. Publicists and marketing directors often facilitate these sponsorships by pitching clients whose licensed collections or brands align with Quintessence's content. Approximately 80 percent of their videos are now sponsored. Despite not yet reaching their desired earnings, Bewkes and Salk view this as a progressive step. A core principle for them is maintaining editorial integrity; they commit to only featuring brands they genuinely admire, ensuring that sponsorships do not compromise the quality or authenticity of their content. This commitment to their shared vision and ethical approach has been crucial in building and maintaining their audience's trust. #Quintessence #SusannaSalk #StaceyBewkes #LifestyleBlog #VideoSeries #DesignIndustry #ContentCreation #MediaMonetization #Sponsorships #HomeDesign