Blogfest 2012, Kravet Style

Sharing with you some of the highlights of the recent Blogfest 2012, generously organized and produced by the dynamic team at Kravet. We were treated to the best of New York's Design Week, which included several showhouses, the D&D Building and other sneek peeks.

One of the highlights for me was seeing the new Baccarat showroom in the D&D Building. We saw it in its raw state; it has since celebrated its opening on June 6, 2012. 

Seeing this deep cobalt blue, crystal chandelier was even more extraordinary in person.

And, yes, there really is a signature red crystal in each Baccarat chandelier.

The finished, glittering showroom, via Stacey at Quintessence.

At Elle Decor's Modern Life Concept House, Lee Kleinhelter, of the Atlanta boutique Pieces, designed the restful sanctuary, painting the walls with an off-black from Farrow and Ball and adding just enough pizazz with these gold sea urchin-like sculptures on the wall.  

Loved the tented fabric swag in the bedroom designed by Katie Leede, of Katie Leede & Company.

I have to say that, by far, my favorite section of Blogfest was the tour of the Kravet studios. That the employees absolutely love what they do and love the family-owned company that they work for was evident in each area that we visited. Many of their employees have long been with the company.

The fabrics were gorgeous- just look at the colors and patterns.

It was so interesting to see the amount of planning behind each design.

The digital age is in full force at Kravet, with many fabrics colored right on the computer, instantly. This sure allows customization for the client.

Although much more time consuming, colors are also still created and chosen by hand when necessary.

Gouache colors are used here.

Custom fabrics begin with a drawing, sometimes even on a paper napkin. Look how accurately the designs are reproduced.

Can you guess which designer's fabric samples these are?

Old wood blocks used for creating the designs are still treasured. As a matter of fact, Kravet's archives are large and deep, especially with their purchase of Brunschwig and Fils and Lee Jofa. 

The beautiful fabrics of Brunschwig and Fils:

All in all, I would like to extend a huge thanks to the Kravet family, especially Beth Greene, Executive VP of Marketing and her team of Jennifer Powell and Ann Feldstein!