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

Project Design 2013: Ronald McDonald designer showhouse brings love and nesting to a place in need: Part 1

Take a sneak peek with me 
at the Ronald McDonald's 
Project Design 2013
hosted by 
Kravet fabrics, Anthony Baratta and 
NYC&G magazine
"It takes hands to build a house, 
but only hearts can build a home!"
Ronald McDonald House
Today I had the good fortune to be invited by the folks over at Kravet fabrics to get a sneak peek at a heart-felt partnership of love, design and philanthropy.  The design world came together for a very special collaboration to help support and surround a community in need.  It's our worst nightmare to learn of a sick child.  To hear the devastating news your little one is ill and needs long term care puts a family into a dire situation, and their entire world is turned upside down.  The Ronald McDonald homes are a place for these families to stay and take respite, whether long-term or just a few days while their child is getting treatment.  These Ronald McDonald homes are spread out around the country, and here in Long Island the Kravet family committed to upgrading the spaces with a unique collaboration with talented and giving designers.  I had the wonderful experience to get this very special sneak peek of these spaces as they were unveiled during a special blogger luncheon at the space.  Please stop back for my views of favorite spots of design in this gorgeous renovation through the weekend.  There are rooms for every one's taste from a woodland fantasy to luxury chic hotel-like accommodations, and all the designers reached deep into their very own pockets to create these warm and inviting nests.  
the 22 designers who contributed:
Hansgrohe fittings were donated to many of the bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Additionally, Axor, Duravit, Trove, Brizo, Subzero Wolf,  Grohe, Glass Baby, Circa Lighting, Curry & Company and more design industry companies generously donated products to the designs!  I write often here on Nest about how interior design is not just about "fancy items" placed well in a home, but, rather, a philosophy of how to create a warm, loving and inviting environment, and a place to recharge from the sometimes stressful lives we live.  The Ronald McDonald homes have that need even more than most homes. These families have a lot on their plate, and when they arrive to rest after braving a long day at the hospital, they yearn to feel luxury, warmth, comfort, and safety. This mission was accomplished in Project Design 2013and come take a look...
 Glass Baby vibrant and jewel-like pieces 
are sprinkled throughout the home and in usual colors 
like little symbols of hope!
 Some of my favorite rooms:
the very luxurious, understated, elegant 
Hollywood-eque  guest room by 
 Michael Herold  
Michael struck a chord with me with his deep commitment to this project, and after meeting him and chatting I learned he just kept donating more and more of his very own personal items as he became invested in the design.   Take a look at the luxury space he created that seems torn straight from the pages touting a luxury boutique hotel.  The space is complete with unique art, classic furnishings, high-end accessories and stylish fabrics.  Michael combined a medley of styles from high-end to more cost efficient items like the very chic chinoiserie pillows from Zara Home, the gorgeous Gabor Chest from Currey and Company, the Avery Boardman chairs Hansgrohe bathroom fittings, Kravet fabric and the custom fretwork mirrored doors.  Michael donated these crazy-gorgeous iridescent lamps and the unique art work from his very own private collection.  
Michael Tavano's 
Room 216 inspires...
I love Michaels vivid color combination and imaginative stylizing and custom work in his fun, uplifting room.  He utilized Benjamin Moore paint, Hansgrohe bath fittings, Kravet fabrics, Karastan rug, and custom designed work including adding crown moldings to give the room more depth.  

Michael thought about the kids as he designed this space,
and brought in playful accessories (owls from HomeGoods) and made his very own marble lamp.  
another favorite was friend designer 
 Jennifer Mehditash
Jennifer combined her love of Portugal with her sense of color and balance to create a richly textured, colorful yet clean and fresh space as a respite for families.  I can hear the "oohs" and "aahs" as they open the door to this lovely oasis.  The calmness is alluring yet take a look upward to the pretty, detailed ceiling (a very special gift and collaboration with the high-end wallpaper company, Gracie).  Kudos to Gracie for allowing Jennifer to customize this paper to make it work perfectly in the space -- she had it lacquered, then custom sized then added and omitted some of the designs in the original pattern.  Combined with her fabrics, colors, tile and designs the room feels exotic yet calming at the same time.



 I hope you will stop by tomorrow for more favorite moments 
at this special project.  Please join me in ringing praise for the designers, the design brands and the community who has helped create these wonderful spaces for a great cause!

The showhouse is open to the public this weekend through Monday--for tickets please email loneil@rmhlongisland.org or call Lisa O'Neil at (516) 775-5683 x129
 Ronald McDonald House of Long Island 
267-07 76th Avenue
New Hyde Park, NY 11040

Happy Nesting 
XO Tamara