Brent Gipson Design Takes NYC: New York Gift Show

 

This past week, I packed my bags and headed north to New York City to merchandise the Fortunata showroom at the New York International Gift Fair. 

Luckily I made it from LaGaurdia to the corner of 7th and 55th street without suffering from a concussion or vomiting from motion sickness ( I had tottally forgotten about the aggressive driving style of NYC cab drivers). Good Lord, it was rough. 

Unlike the Atlanta and High Point markets, the NYC show is housed right on the Hudson River (beautiful), with the largest portion of the show in the Jacob Javit's Center and more spaces in the Piers up the street. (see the picture above). I was blessed with the most amazing weather ever! The park beside the pier was beautiful (see the green area above to the left of Pier 94)...It felt so amazing to have a scone and coffee there before starting the day. 

 

 The third day of my trip was by far my favorite. Waking early, caught a cab to Chelsea Market....after standing starring at the Antrhorpologie window displays for a good 10 minutes I made my way into such an awesome place... First I hit up Buon Italia for some authentic imported pasta, which I used as props in the showroom. The next stop was Amy's Bread for a few other prop items for my tabletop display... I grabbed a oatmeal raisin almond scone while I was there, and oh my God..it was amazing!

With an armful of props, Margaret and I left Chelsea Market and headed to the wholesale flower district (28th street). It was heaven. From dried floral, exotic plants, to herbs, ferns, and ornamental varieties - it was breathtaking. The sidewalks were literally filled with live plants. It was a jungle within the city, and it felt fresh, clean, and simply sense engulfing. After choosing our plants at NYTopiary- we realized that we had way too much stuff to pile into a cab...

 

so....Milton at NY Topiary helped us find an awesome driver to load up our boatload of props and drop us off at the piers...I was actually amazed at how easy it was to get things around in NYC- I was really worried about this being a hard, strenuous task, but I suppose I learned that its actually only a mildly expensive one instead, wink ;)..

 

awful pic, but me and Margaret on the rooftop having drinks after a long day of work

 

when the showroom was styled out and pretty, I had a few extra hours to roam around the city. of course, my first place to visit was the Ralph Lauren Mansion on Madison Avenue, ole Ralph could never bore me, I'll love him until the end of time. on my walk, I stopped and took pictures of all the inspiring window displays...like this Calvin Klein display:

 

and then it was off to rooftop bar DREAM for drinks and nibbles before the most amazing dinner at Balthazers..if you've never eaten there, you should...

all this fun and work for this:

 

Fortunata Showroom entrance. Using a vintage burlap covered sofa as our base for the new Casa Mia Home collection. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Brenton 

Coming together....

The long anticipated apron sink has arrived, the cabinets are painted, and things are moving forward. So excited to see everything continue to come together. Never been so excited about a sink in my life, haha...and it was a steal of a deal ($300)...normally around $950-$1,250! Stay tuned.

Peparing for Atlanta Market 2011

The time is drawing near for The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishing Summer Market 2011. If you haven't registered, you'd better get on it. And if you're planning on coming, don't miss my showrooms! Fortunata will be introducing some exciting new accessory pieces from the Casa Mia collection, Casa Mia Home. Winter market saw a snow storm, so I'm hoping for a great success for all the vendors this market!  

This weekend,I'm off to Orangeburg, SC to finalize fabrics and finishes for my other showroom, Designer Wicker.

Designer Wicker Showroom Winter Market ATL

Check back next week for a sneak peek of the showroom as it comes together :)

The Inspiration Board

So, yesterday I posted the before pictures of my new residential project: Walnut One. Today, I share the inspiration board...

  preliminary inspiration board  

• Antique Shutters - will cover a window above the bathtub in the bathroom.

• These pails will make great sinks atop, while a new vanity in "mourning dove" to soften the slate and aluminum... Can't get enough of galvanized...lighting too..

• Natural multi-colored slate with hints of soft and dark greens with brown and gray undertones. 

• Awesome cast iron apron sink (that I found at a steal, which makes it even more exciting!)

• Fun rugs by my friend Caroline at Michaelian Home in Hendersonville, NC. 

Stay tuned for more pics as the work progresses!

My Latest Project: One Walnut

 Here's a glimpse of my latest project....getting started right before my busiest time of the year: Summer Market 2011. I'm really excited about this though - and I can't wait to see things come together. I've planned for a while, and work began today :) yay! 

[ THE BEFORE ]

 

Here's a little sampling of what is in store for this quaint little mountain home:

- Refinishing the Floors and Staining A Dark Walnut 

- New Paint Throughout 

- Then , my favorite part: New Furniture!! 

Kitchen

- Painting the Cabinetry + New Marble Tops

- Awesome New Galvanized Lighting 

- New Cast Iron Apron Sink

-Possibly a new Antique Fridge :)

- Away with those curtains and in with a great shelf above that window. 

Bathroom

- Bye, Bye white, weary tile! 

- New Multi-Color Slate Tile

- New Vanity with a cleaver twist to a conventional bathroom - stay tuned

- Vintage Shutters to cover that window 

- Great New Lighting

Stay tuned and check my Twitter and Facebook to watch the house come together.

Summer Stylin'

 

This week, I had the pleasure of working alongside one of the best prop/wardrobe stylists ever, Ginny Branch Stelling, which was a true inspiration. 

While working for one of my social media clients this weekend, I decided to have my own little photo shoot, complete with props and all...and this is what came out. I'm no photographer, but I had fun styling this new inventory for Timpson Creek Gallery.

It's going to be a great summer. 

xoxo,

Brent

Entertaining at It's Best: Anniversary Party

 

[ a party to celebrate love]

this weekend, I had the pleasure of helping out at an anniversary party that my friends Craig Kettles and Michael McGaughey hosted. As usual, I was blown away with their clever entertaining ideas...here's a sneak (iPhone picture quality) peek. 

[ 1- dessert table] - so pretty, an array of indulgent little confections, with a large floral center pieces..

Tip: I've learned from the pros...solid white plates are the way to go! Always. 

[ 2-bottle carrier] these old bottle carriers held the wine for easy self service in a classy way

[ 3&5 wine tags] the couple had been married for 30 years...hence, Craig wrote a different year on each wine glass tag...a great way to keep up with the glass, and so neat!

[ 4-mixer markers] clever names were given to the mixers and were written with chalk on a place card...vessels. the mixers were transferred to these pretty glass jugs.

[ 6- napkin holder] old toy truck used for napkins, which were stamped..see below

Also below...guests were asked to write there name on these name tags reading "My name is.." and then were directed to answer "in 1981 i was..." - such a clever idea!

 - brent

Lights. Camera. Action!

After a long day of food styling: attempting to catch the light coming through the windows of my bosses' home, and being careful not to stand in the way of this precious element, I made my to High Point, NC to style a few showrooms for market. On the drive, I began to notice things that I usually don't see on my drive....Seriously, at points, I thought that I had taken the wrong road. Why? Because things look so much different at night! Our eyes see reflections of color, making light one of the most important aspects of both design and life. Road signs, buildings, towers, and store fronts alike, all were far more evident during my night-time drive....a backdrop of black darkness made them much more evident...

Vintage lighting is my favorite. These are a few of the lighting pieces that I worked with while styling the Genesee River Antique showroom at the new Antiques and Design Center at Market Square in High Point, NC. I loved the way that I grouped the three old lights together. Can you guess what their nickname is? Wouldn't they look great in a foyer? The white lights are old school lights - giving off a soft glow and perfect for a bar or kitchen. Lastly, my favorite are these old gymnasium lights, they're so cool! If you have a project that needs some unique lighting options, don't hesitate to e-mail me! All these are still available.

 

These old drafting tables are so cool...and these old green lights are simply amazing. The "plates" that are on the drafting boards are actually very old, and have the instructors comments still written on them...so cool! Wouldn't they look amazing framed and hung in a studio or office?

My tip of the day: 

Lighting is key! It can change the persona of a space in an instant..

Reichen Lehmkuhl First Plastic Paper Inverview

 

If you take the time to Google Mr. Lehmkuhl, you are sure to find something about his relationship with former N'Sync star Lance Bass, but you will also find hundreds of photographs - ranging from red carpet events to more risqué poses. In my search, I found anything from fully clothed tux to barely nothing holding a water hose. So, as I mentioned to Mr. Lehmkuhl, in my work as an intern with Annette Joesph and as a freelance visual merchandiser and stylist, we use lots of props. The same concept is used in modeling and fashion shoots as well, so what is the craziest prop you have ever used?

 

In continuation, your job as an actor and model requires a lot of what I call the 'job of pretty' or making things look good. Shortly tell me what the style of your home is?

"My home is a mixture of modern/clean lines and comfort. It can look nice, but has to be comfy."

 

What is your favorite room in your home?

"Favorite room in my home is my office. I have a really comfortable sleek looking chair and a stainless steel desk. It's all thrown off by the fluffy gray cat bed that sits next to my computer--for Hans."

Do you subscribe to magazines? If So, which is your favorite?

 

 "It's my favorite for the smarter articles." 

You must work out a lot and eat right. If I opened your fridge right now, what would I find?

 "Two bowls ready with freshly made sugar-free jello for when I feel like snacking. Soy milk. Eggs. Lunch meat. Too much diet coke (cherry), Many different kinds of juices. Every kind of veggie and lots of chicken breasts to make salads and good dinners."

Sounds healthy. Valentines Day is next Monday. What would you say a "perfect" Valentines Day present would be?

"...a two hour foot-squeeze massage."

Be sure to Google Reichen and learn more about him. I'd like to thank him for taking the time to answer these short, but intriguing questions and for being the first person to be interviewed for plastic paper. I asked Mr. Lehmkuhl if he had any last comments for the blog and this is what he had to say:

"Remember that Don't Ask Don't Tell is still in effect. The President signed the appeal order, but it has not been repealed and there is no time line set up to get rid of it. BE VIGILANT...WATCH THESE PEOPLE who are supposed to be ending this horrible, inhumane, bigoted policy."

 I hope that you enjoyed my first interview as much as I did, more to come!

- Brent

Yes, Maybe, No...

yay v. nay

so, some may take offense, but there are a lot of things that we do when we are decorating our homes that just don't work...here are three of my 'pet peeves' when it comes to decor...now, don't get your panties in a wad if you have done one of the don'ts-we all have. I have, & I'm assured to continue doing things that will end up on the don't list...but at the end of the day, isn't that how we learn? 

1. Never buy trendy. especially if its a major piece, like this faddy red sofa shown here ( DONT #1), instead, go with more simple, classic furniture pieces, and avoid anything branded (especially when it comes to children's spaces : barbie bed spread?). If you want a more modern, trendy look, opt for fun, colorful throw pillows (DO #2). Throw pillows and blankets are less expensive and easier to replace as opposed to larger pieces like a sofa. 

2. Artificial Plants Collect Dust and they are not that attractive. ( DONT #2)..I will give credit to some producers who make very realistic looking foliage and flowers, but at the end of the day, they are not real. Plastic plants collect dust very easily and are a pain to clean (and this shows). Instead, always choose fresh flowers...after all, if you are going to have flowers, shouldn't they be real? (DO #3) Another option is dried flowers, thought they still collect dust, I've seen very pretty (and expensive) dried displays..

3. Avoid Metal Wall Art. Most walls that are in need of artwork are longing for something far more dense than a creative twisting of metal. I've can't say that I haven't seen metal pieces that weren't attractive, but when it boils down to it they just don't work. One way that you can make one look good; however, is to frame it. So, if you have a special piece that you like, take a canvas or frame and frame it. You can put 1/4" plywood in the frame and then attach the piece (paint the wood or upholster it with fabric)...Or, if you need inexpensive artwork, visit your local fabric store and frame a piece of pretty fabric (DO #3). You can do this by upholstering a canvas or upholstering cardboard and then putting it in a pretty frame. 

Enjoy.

all photographs are used for the sole purpose of imagery, if i've used something that's yours and you'd like it removed, please let me know...thank you. 

Holiday Guide to North Georgia, Rabun County

A  Guide for a Great Day-Cation in the North Georgia Mountains

1. Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center

Okay, so Scaly Mountain is technically in NC, but its close enough. Just across the state line, up a steep incline, you'll find Scaly Mountain Outdoor center, where the entire family can enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, and a variety of other activities. What else is better than snow during the holidays? And, you don't even have to board a plane.  

2. Fromage 

I stopped by Fromage on my way into Rabun this afternoon for a great cheese melt and some scrumptious creamy pesto soup. This is by far my favorite place for lunch in Rabun County. Located at 31 Earl Street, Clayton, Fromage offers a delicious menu including quiches, melts, soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts that are simply to die for. So, if you make to to the North Georgia for the holidays, be sure to stop by and tell them that Brent sent you. You will not be disappointed. 

3. Downtown Clayton, GA

- [jo] Salon - for a relaxing salon experience, stop by [jo] for a hair or nail service. Housed in a renovated filling station, the salon has a great personality, and the staff is both professional and southernly hospitable. Great pedicures too! Make an appointment and relax on your as you pamper yourself: 259 North Main Street, Clayton, GA...707.782.4168

- Zeppelin's Pasta House - a great place for dinner. Though they categorize themselves as a 'pasta house' they actually have other selections that are simply indescribably tasty. My favorites are their she crab soup, the buck creek salad, and their delicious hamburgers- all named after celebrities and famous musicians. Also offering a more upscale dinner including seafood selections, steaks, and daily specials. Located just off Main Street, you can't miss their purple signage.

- Crescent Moon Bakery - on the corner of Savannah and Main Street, this new addition to downtown is definitely worth a visit. Tastefully styled, the bakery will make you forget where you are. Offering an array of different baked items: breads and desserts. They even serve coffee and other refreshing drinks perfect for a cold winter day. Take a break from the cold and rest on their sofa. 32 Savannah Street 

4. Timpson Creek Gallery

Just a short drive out Highway 76 West, find Timpson Creek Gallery. No matter who is on your Christmas list, you are sure to find a unique gift here. Whether it be fine art, furniture, bedding, jewelry, clothing, accessories, or antiques - Timpson Creek surely has something to offer! 

Other Places To Visit: (click links for more info)

-  Reeves Hardware - its more than just a hardware store. Main Street, Clayton.

-  Prater's Main Street Books - quaint and fun. You'll love it. 

-  Globe Gallery

-  Lake Rabun Hotel  

So, pack up and head toward the North Georgia mountains. No matter your age, there is something fun and entertaining to do or see. Check out these local merchants and tell them that I sent you in. Everyone here is hospitable and ready to see you - let me know if you're coming! See you around. 

Enjoy. 

My Bedroom...I call it pretty-affordable :)

My bedroom in Athens...I just learned from Annette that I should never leave lights on for photo shoots....I'm getting there. This picture was already taken, so forgive me :)

my bedroom, athens, ga

the finished room...well, is any room ever finished? I built this bed from scratch - see other pictures below. The entire room is comprised of very inexpensive finds and great bargains. I found this white duvet cover and pillow shams at Ikea in the 'as is' section for only $10, an almost 90% discount! The throw is from there as well, I paid $0.99 for it! I just realized that to the prints are also from the 'scratch and dent' section of Ikea, and I believe I paid $0.99 for them as well - their plastic cover was broken, but the prints were fine. The sticks were $10 and the lighting above the bed print was also a buck from Ikea. 

leg in production. complicated. 

The best was the most expensive and most time consuming task. I think it ended up costing about $120 - including wood, paint, stain, and fasteners. This picture shows the ingenious design of the leg...the finished leg below:

finished leg

I took a orbital sander and sanded the edges to give it a bit more personality. And, who said you can't mix brown with black? We may as well throw that little rule out the window, because I'm not following it anymore...at least not for interiors. :)


The two Euros on the bed were actually one of the more expensive accessories...they are discontinued throw pillow (shams) from Dino Marc Anthony (California) one of my favorite sofa designers. They are from a sample sale in High Point, NC...I think I got the shams, muslin covers (underneath shams) and the down inserts for around $40 a piece- which was a great deal considering where they came from! 

desk

I'm always interested in hearing about people's projects done on a budget...I've since added a parsons desk and flat screen to my room. I found the desk at Wal-Mart of all places for $30, just like the one above.