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

The 2014 Holiday House Designer Showhouse & Gala in New York City.

The 7th Annual Holiday House 
kicks off a busy holiday season 
in the Big Apple! 
Patrick J. Hamilton in his colorful 
Deconstructed Derby room
Last night I attended a fancy fete over at the annual Holiday House NYC opening gala.  Many from the design industry and others who love design turned up to take in the creative inspirations from top designers at this gorgeous townhouse on the Upper East Side.  This year, 23 designers transformed rooms, and all for the benefit of breast cancer research.  This is the seventh year and partnership between Holiday House NYC and Traditional Home magazine, and it is impressive to note that over $800,000 has been raised and earmarked towards curing breast cancer. The house will be open every day from 11am-5pm from November 20-December 21. And, pick up tickets to attend here, holidayhousenyc.com
I appreciate Patrick took inspiration from the Kentucky Derby in his room but utilized that concept in subtle ways.  The lovely metal fire screen inspired hay, and the fabric pattern on the chairs by jockey silks.  There is a derby hat and Mint Juleps throughout, yet the room is unique, colorful and unexpected.
Patrick Hamilton's room shows myriad
 fabrics from JAB Anstoetz, and
custom work from MT Customs on drapery & upholstery.
I love this abstract, colorful piece of art that hangs in the center of Patrick's room:
photo Heather Karlie Vieira & Patrick Hamilton
about the art & artist:  
Abstract On Shaped Canvas is from late 1960s to early 1970s and by Sidney Guberman, an American artist and graduate from Princeton and UPenn who gave up his career in architecture to follow his passion for painting.   Guberman's works are in museums and private collections around the world.  The piece is generously on loan from Heather Karlie Vieira of 20th Century by HKFA
Many select furniture pieces in Patrick's room are from 
Bernhardt Furniture as this chest above
Both Patrick Hamilton and Justin Shaulis' designs are featured today in this first of a series of my favorite design moments at the show house. Stop back through the weekend for more glimpses from Holiday House NY. 

Justin Shaulis' Gallery Hopping Ballroom
The evening began and ended in Justin Shaulis' ballroom, paying homage to our collective fascination with art today.  Gallery Hopping is an expansive, modern space with creative lighting, gorgeous art and a fabulous custom bar by artist Pryor Callaway
with lively music and busy bartenders serving up cocktails, Justin's room became about the celebration of  hard work and talent that went into creating the house's designs!

Pryor Callaway posing in front of her custom created bar 

a sentimental touch,
blue compote from Justin's grandmother.
About Holiday House,
Iris Dankner founded Holiday House in 2008 to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.  Having survived the disease through early detection,  it has become  her mission to support breast cancer research and help women who are facing the same fight. Combining her passion for design and her efforts to help others, Iris has consistently recruited top interior designers from across the country and beyond to transform the historic Academy Mansion on the Upper East Side into Holiday House, which today is counted among Manhattan’s premier designer show houses.
Happy Nesting 
XO Tamara