Housing Works Design on a Dime 2014

Design on a Dime 2014 marked the 10th anniversary of one of the most popular design events in the New York community. Benefiting Housing Works programs for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, the annual event features more than 50 (over 60 this year) top tier designers who create rooms with donated merchandise, which is then sold for 50- 70% off retail. Always a spectacular shopping opportunity, I was disappointed to miss the festive opening night, but did get a chance to see the rooms before they opened for the evening’s activities. Always a staunch supporter and frequent participant, designer Miles Redd this year received Housing Works’ Groundbreaker Award in honor of his advocacy for the cause.

Miles Redd Design on a Dime 2014Last year when we shopped the event with Miles in our video he shared what a great source Design on a Dime is for art and his room this year proved the point.

Miles Redd Design on a Dime 2014With framed pages from Henri Matisse Jazz, he channelled the artist’s penchant for pattern and color in a room bursting at its seams with eclectic finds.

Miles Redd Design on a Dime 2014Friend Patrick Hamilton is another long time contributor to the event and his “Wicked Queen” room this year rocked a glam yin yang of feminine and masculine sensibilities.

Patrick Hamilton Design on a Dime 2014The season’s passion for gold mixed with strong graphics and bold yet elegant shapes yielded a stylish mix

Patrick Hamilton Design on a Dime 2014with great shoppable vignettes.

Patrick Hamilton Design on a Dime 2014

Pink was a popular shade at the show this year. Michael Tavano injected pops of the color in his alluring room for Roche Bobois.

Michael Tavano for Roche Bobois Design on a Dime 2014Again, he showed how pink can work in a room that has masculine tones

Michael Tavano Design on a Dime 2014with feminine flair. I just loved how the chic In Création wallpaper set the sophisticated continental tone for the room.

Michael Tavano Design on a Dime 2014Nest Interiors created a fabulous mid century ode to the color.

Nest Interiors Design on a Dime 2014I’m not even a huge mid-century nor pink fan but was impressed with the colorful coordination of art and merchandise within the theme

Nest Interiors Design on a Dime 2014

and mix of shapes, texture and pattern.

Nest Interiors Design on a Dime 2014

Jennifer Beek and Georgie Hambright of J+G Design used the palette for a refined and elegant space, 

J+G Design Design on a Dime 2014

where curvilinear pattern met Mondrian-like architectonic graphics on the walls.

J+G Design Design on a Dime 2014

Fuschia was the main focus in Bradley Stephens’ space, anchored by a dramatic tufted day bed. Tailored chaired and Paris scenic wallpaper panels added a polished take on the space.

Stephens Design Group Design on a Dime 2014

Anchored by a bold floral Designers Guild paper, Jennifer Flanders‘ room featured a more magenta shade

Jennifer Flanders Design on a Dime 2014

that incorporated two trends of the season – floral and gold.

Jennifer Flanders Design on a Dime 2014

And Robin Baron executed an exotic twist with a similar shade

Robin Baron Design Design on a Dime 2014

Several bold and dramatic spaces made great use of the small rooms. Ever since a trip to Buenos Aires, Francine Gardner of Interieurs has developed a strong interest in graffiti. She commissioned artist Gary Mercado to create two pieces for the space

Francine Gardner for Interieurs Design on a Dime 2014

with coordinating seating designed by Interieurs using Romo fabrics, all of which sold within the first 15 minutes.

Francine Gardner Design on a Dime 2014

Another bold space I loved was HB Home‘s black and white with green tented room.

HB Home Design on a Dime 2014

The graphic walls and rug were the perfect foils for the strong shapes and confident colors. A wonderful mix of items from framed Hermes scarf to lacquer etagere offered decorative shopping options.

HB Home Design on a Dime 2014

Design on a Dime Co-Chair, George Oliphant, used a related color scheme in his room,

George Oliphant Design on a Dime 2014

with the addition of gold, brass and natural wood tone accents.

George Oliphant Design on a Dime 2014

Leslie Banker for Pamela Banker Associates used a simplified version of bold colors and forms. This year’s most popular hue on the walls showed that a saturated shade can be a great neutral.

Pamela Banker Associates Design on a Dime 2014

The clever play of shape, proportion and pattern struck a pleasing balance.

Pamela Banker Associates Design on a Dime 2014Stop back next time for a final round up of Design on a Dime 2014 favorites. And then later in the week I’ll be sharing a special view of the rooms at this year’s landmark Kips Bay Showhouse.

6 thoughts on “Housing Works Design on a Dime 2014

  1. These rooms are amazing – fun, vibrant and full of life. I love the framed pages from Matisse in the first image but am really glad I didn’t have to hang them! Happy Monday!

  2. This was really a “colorful eye opener!” Happy rooms! I’m really “feeling” the pink and copper combo… Who knew! franki

  3. I am just blown away by the art, all of the contributors and Bravo to my dear friend Francine!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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