WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog

WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog
Hi- It's Tamara. I'm happy you've stopped by, and since 2010 I've been sharing my passion for interior design, history, art, entertaining, travel & fashion. I am an interior designer, textile designer and writer living and working in New York City and East Hampton, Long Island. My musings have taken me to international design, art, antique and epicurean events and I have lots to share. I'm grateful to have been listed as the #1 top design blog, blogs to watch, top design blogs and named and awarded Rising Star of Design by the IFDA NY industry organization. Please feel free to reach out to our team for an interior design consultation at NestbyTamara.com -Tamara

IFDA New York's Circle of Excellence Awards is a complete Circle of Love in my book!

Simon Doonan, Claudia Giselle Tejeda 
and Su Hilty presenting awards
May is a busy month
for the design industry
in New York City
but who could miss the IFDA's Circle of Excellence Awards,
which honored those in the industry
while also celebrating its 65th year IFDA's
Circle of Excellence Awards

was on May 8 with over 250 people 
gathered together at the historic and beautiful Union League Club in Manhattan to honor leaders in design, product development, education and media. And, the icing on the cake was IFDA honored its founder, Claire Coleman with a Mayoral Proclamation and an IFDA Educational Foundation Grant 
adding a spicy element with their witty banter were Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan who hosted the evening
 some honorees included
Kate Kelly Smith, House Beautiful;
Claire Coleman; IFDA founder; 
Cary Kravet, Kravet Inc.;
Barbara Friedmann, ELLE DECOR;
Dara Caponigro, VERANDA;
Michael Boodro, ELLE DECOR;
Susan Weber, Bard Graduate Center for the Decorative Arts;
Jennifer Levene Bruno, VERANDA
Charlotte Moss;
David Carey, president of Hearst Magazines
accepting on behalf of Newell Turner, House Beautiful
newly elected IFDA President,
Claudia Giselle Tejeda took to the podium to begin the evening
Claudia was elected as IFDA President in January 2011 - 
see Claudia HERE in a video as she takes the new position
Claudia beaming

Charlotte Moss with
David Carey President Hearst Magazine
pretty centerpieces of
white and blue hydrangeas  
chatting it up with other guests 
@suzannesokolov and Matthew from Char-Mo
In a stately ballroom at one of NYC's most historical buildings,
we listened to heartfelt stories of love and success. 
IFDA awarded some of my favorites in the industry, and it was refreshing to hear their personal stories. I was touched by all of it and proclaim the event a
Circle of Love,
as well as Circle of Excellence.
It warmed my heart to hear the historic family tale of the Kravet family, and journey of how they became the pinnacle of excellence they are today...to learn more about Charlotte Moss and hear of her inspiring love for philanthropy and design
and how she intermingles these two worlds.
representatives from
Miele and Whitegoods

designer and blogger Tyler Wisler with George of NBC's George to the Rescue
For many it was a first chance to meet IFDA founding President Claire Coleman, and learn about what motivated her to bring IFDA to the public. Claire poignantly shared with the audience her desire to provide women with a voice in the design industry.  I came away with an even deeper appreciation for the Hearst Corporation after hearing behind the scene stories about the distinct different flavors of each of their shelter magazines.  Alexa Hampton shared with us inspiring thoughts about her family design business as well.
 Alexa Hampton and Carey Kravet 

Kravet folks enjoying the evening

the Kravet family receiving a standing ovation
a group of  committee and board members
who worked hard to bring us this event
@novitapr
and a nice turnout of bloggers,
designers and public relations representatives
@quintessenceblg and @designerattache
ladies from Fabricut in attendance  
New York Design Center in the house!
 I am a fairly new member of IFDA NY chapter, but after seeing these IFDA members at events over the years, I was invited to join in on a few educational programs they offer the community.  It was not long before I felt compelled to join.  Within a few short months of me becoming a member I was brought into the fold of design goodness, and now you will see I am tweeting about on IFDA's behalf, bringing them into the social media fold. The organization is working hard to make themselves known with bloggers and on social media as well.  
Thank You IFDA for giving us
this Circle of Excellence,
and thank you to all my fellow members
and those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to put the evening together. 
In my opinion, it is a complete
Circle of Love!
Come on over and visit us at
 IFDA's website,
blogtwitter 
and
Facebook page
to see more of what's cooking
Happy Nesting
XO Tamara