For a number of years I traveled back and forth from Houston to New York City, doing business primarily with the fashion industry. My purpose was to prospect them as tenants for retail outlet malls. Parenthetically, it was fun. I got to meet and know well many of the stars of the industry -- ones whose designs are named after them.
While I loved the general excitement of Manhattan and all of it facets, I did my best to make sure that on each trip I did something different...something to make the trip have an expectation of excitement.
I was waiting for my barber in his shop one afternoon in Houston. I picked up an Architectural Digest that was on the table, and began thumbing through it. Lo and behold, there was a story with many photos of a young designer and his partner who had converted an upper-east side brownstone into an elegant boutique hotel. In its lobby was even a 4-Star restaurant, the copy writer gushed.
I jotted down the hotel's name and address because I had decided this would be my next Manhattan adventure, even though it was very expensive.
When I got there and was taken to my room, I realized the entire place was nothing but an elaborate stage set! I'm serious. The furniture, for an example, was primarily second hand junk that had been black lacquered and had fancy pulls put on it. The walls were actually stretched canvas stage flats. Behind them were crumbling plaster walls...the room's real walls. The bed was a Footon on the floor sitting inside of a frame someone had nailed together from cheap lumber. The Kmart Martha Stewart Collection bedspread label had been overlooked.
Access to the upper floors was by a rickety teeny staircase. There was no elevator. I frankly decided the place was a giant firetrap, although I did keep my reservation for my entire visit in the city. I was too lazy to move.
The restaurant was its only redemption. It was wonderful, I have to admit. And I met the chef. He worked in Ralph Lauren slacks, dress button-down shirt, polka dot bow tie and alligator loafers. He definitely knew his way around a kitchen. He gave me his card. It was engraved with his name, and under it was "Friend to All People." His address and phone number were there, too. There was no mention that he was a chef or worked at the hotel.
My point is that I learned from that experience that things very often photograph differently than they really are. Like architectural Glamor Shots.
For an example, much of the renovation work that is featured on the home channels is, in actuality, poor craftsmanship and the painting is atrocious. On TV it does its best to look well done. If you look carefully, you can see the flaws.
However, one designer and her finished product stands out. In fact, I am convinced she is one of the most talented interior designers in North America. It's Candace Olson. Her HGTV show is titled Divine Design.
Ms. Olson is a Canadian who traveled the world playing volleyball for the Canadian National Women's Volleyball Team while she was working on a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Calgary. Soon after, she attended the school of Interior Design at Ryerson University. And then she began her career, opening her own studio in 1994.
If I were ever to be in a position to hire a residential interior designer, and all of the Stars lined up like they should for me as a Gemini, Candace Olson would be the one I'd retain.
Architectural Digest should consider featuring some of Ms. Olson's work and leave those whose work is nothing more than stage sets to finally disappear without notice.
BILL CHERRY, REALTOR
DALLAS
214 503-8563
1 800 314-7110
Our 43rd Year Selling Texas
Copyright 2008 - William S. Cherry
That was an interesting story Bill! You have had so many adventures, I am truly envious! It must feel so satisfying to have had such a full life!
I really like the show Devine Design....she has such wonderful ideas! The only problem is that her makeovers are very expensive!
Miss Joanie, I know she's expensive, but let me tell you how many of these big, million dollar homes I've been in around here who paid some designer bucket loads of money and ended up with a crude, unimaginative mess.
Of course they figure if the designer did it, and they spent a bucket load of money on it, it must be good and the rest of us must be envious
I live somewhere(for my saftey im not saying) in North America other than Canada, which, as you know, is the only place Candace will work her magic. I feel it is not very fair the I am not eligible for her amazing show just because of where I live. I am only eleven and her biggest fan. I have never missed one of her episodes! It is Candace who inspired me to work on my deam to become an architect and designer. I have tried many times to see if there is a way she can help our family by checking and double checking her site. I guess all I am asking is for Candace to give a second thought about her locations.
Thanks for your time,
Nupur
Nupur, I'll bet she gets loads of requests, don't you? I guess that's the reason she hasn't contacted you. But she's still a darned good designer, and I'm glad you've picked her to aspire to be like. Good luck!!
A couple of years ago I Candice Olsen was decorating a little girls room and it was the most beautiful room I had ever seen. Here I am years later and I can't for the life of me find a photo of this room. I have googled my eye's out. The rooms colors were pink, green and white. She striped the walls in this gorgeous green, pink & white design. I want to say there may have even been a white chair rail along the wall separating the sections as the striped only went about half way down the wall.
Anyone know were I can find a photo????
Michelle, Candace Olson has a web site. Why not try going to it and then sending her an email regarding the photos.
You also can probably get a copy of the particular program you're talking about by contacting the production company. Their name and location is shown on the credits at the end of each program
Bill Cherry
I have checked the website and unfortunetely I think too much time has passed and that us why it is not on there. Archived maybe? I also do not have cable, have only caught the show a few times when visiting my mother inlaw. I appreciate you resonding. I e-mailed HGTV so hopefully they can find it for me :)
Thanks again.