My favorite rooms and highlights from last night's Housing Works Design On A Dime benefit gala in NYC

If I must pick just one room to languish in,
go on twist my arm,
I choose Miles Redd's sitting room.  It is a space you want to spend time in,
taking closer notice of each and every detail

Chances are you have heard of NYC's annual event 
Housing Works Design On a Dime

it started out a few years ago, the brainchild of a few designers,

and now has grown to

become one of NYC's favored charity events in the design industry
Not only are the proceeds going to a fabulous cause (to end homelessness and AIDS), but many top designers and companies pair up to create creative spaces.  It is quite different than other show houses because all the items must be donated, and after the kick off party they go on sale, which sets off an energetic shopping extravaganza. During the kick off party we capture the spaces on camera having just been recently put together, primped and stylized.  After designers and writers designers chat it up, take photographs the clock strikes 6:30 and the shopping fiasco begins.

Every item in the spaces is for sale and it is one of the best bargains in town. I saw designers with their clients in tow scoping out all the merchandise and showcased in their best frames. The paint barely drying on the walls, the hammers put out neatly of sight only a few hours before and now the partying begins. Cocktails were summoned, and Housing Works brought in their very own in-house catering department to offer up delectable treats while we nibbled and oogled.

Here are some of my favorites:

Miles Redd never disappoints, and yet this time he brings us something quite different
a lovely graphic black and white story with that punch of color.  
Genius!

something about Miles? 

I liken Miles in the same category as Billy Baldwin, Elsie de Wolfe,

Dorothy Draper and Albert Hadley. 

He is a genius with color, scale and mixing textures

together in a way that makes us re-think the object's original intentions.

Mile's room has the classics we expect from a great designer,
but with a twist of modern proportions,
the unexpected and of course the creative use of color

if this chair with black linen and gold touches
didn't sell straight out of the gate,
someone get me a hat because
 I'll eat it...a bargain at under $1,000.

Now, let's look at Larry Ruhl's room to showcase his shop
High Falls Mercantile
in upstate NY.  
Larry put together a layered space jam packed with great stylizing,
beautiful flowers and a plethora of well priced, unique products.

I first met Larry from my friend blogger and designer Amy Dragoo of @abcddesigns when she announced on Twitter that she was helping Larry with social media, including writing his fabulous blog. Larry owns a chic shop in High Falls where he provides a variety of furniture and services, including interior design services for those who shop at High Falls.  Larry impresses with his far reaching skills - from floral design, styling, merchandising and interior design.  I was completely floored with how well he pulled this room together in such a short period of time, even hitting the NYC flower market and arranging some of the prettiest spring bouquets I have seen all season.  The more you look at this room, the more the many details pop.  I love the accessories and the antique dress maker wall covering lining the walls.

the dress form, lamps, chairs and animal prints come to life, 
weaving an upscale artistic flea market story

Larry's crafty work

Larry Ruhl sharing a few moments with talented stylist and blogger
 Raina Kattelson

NYC interior designer Arden Stephenson brings a sophisticated look at brown, orange and neutral tones.  I love the mini sofa (sofa-ette as I referred to it throughout the evening), the abstract art work, the rattan chairs and fuzzy bench.  The brown and white wall covering was offered up compliments of Studio Four NYC Arden's talent is center stage and profiled in this moderne space with a classic roots.

Arden's orange and blue sitting room packed a stylish punch.  

She looked fabulous in her teal colored frock set against this chic room. 

buyers patiently waiting to nab the goods 

 Suysel and Anne of Tilton Fenwick

check out this adorable wooden giraffe 

and elephant chairs made and donated by 

Jose from PalomasNest  

orange table from West Elm

The zebra head below from Dwell Studios
the vivid green walls painted by
Talking Walls NYC

with Valspar as the paint sponsor of the event

Duc Duc donated the chest and pretty blue lamp from Bungalow 5

By now you may all know of these two talented ladies because Suysel and Anne were named in 2011 by NewTrad magazine as designers to watch.  Their designs have been featured on blogs and magazines with a fury this year.  They bring a fresh perspective to design with fun, yet with a distinct and edited eye.  You may remember I offered up a sneak peek last summer when they invited me while installing at the Hampton Designer Showhouse.  They are lovely, fun and collaborative designers and bloggers.  This children's room offers up yet another perspective of their range.  I love the colorful backdrop, the paper mache animal heads and the casual yet sophisticated way they put it together - they create a room that any kid would love to live in.

 Flair Home NYC gives a glimpse of their Soho shop's 

wares put together in interesting vignettes:
 a gentleman's home office

and take note of this fabulous wallpaper (black on black) from Michele Varian in Soho -
she has a beautiful collection of papers to choose from in her chic shop

Tyler Wisler brings his charm center stage.  His clubby room, punchy sofa with punches of red inspires.  He has star power - you can bet that we will be seeing more from Tyler in the near future!

Patrick James Hamilton

the faux alligator wallpaper set the tone for the glamorous room designed by Patrick.  He uses fabulous art groupings, select furniture pieces and an amazing sense of stylizing to create a warm and inviting space.  Patrick is a gracious gentleman and his work illustrates his personality well.














Housing Works team puts together their own room, an eclectic and funky space - 
I nabbed this photograph of Robert Rodriquez  (one of the Housing Works team members) chilling in the space




Stop by again for more close up shots from Design On A Dime...Part II