I’m off to Detroit today.

I hear that Greek cuisine is big there (LOVE – used to call Astoria, NY home, and that ‘hood is all about the tasty Greek), so I’m planning on some kabob and baklava. See you next week!

I’m off to TN today to film a special for HGTV, so I won’t be posting until my return next Monday. I’m hoping for some sweet tea and Southern Hospitality…and a portable AC if I can get it!  See you Monday, ya’ll!

…to NYC!

Heart of my heart, place of my birth (spiritually), and home of so many of the friends that I call family. It’s just the kind of mini-vacation and culture infusion I’ve been craving. Enjoy yourselves, and I’ll see you again on July 2nd!

Whew! Lot’s of travel this month, and today I’m off to Colorado Springs for the CASA Design for Hope Benefit. I’m joining my friend and fellow Design Star alumn Matt Locke, and we’re acting as guest judges for some fabulous student design work. Since I’ve never been to Colorado (how is that possible when I used to live in Santa Fe?), I’m really looking forward to checking out a new city. Travel is always inspiring, and hopefully I’ll bring back some fresh and creative blog juice for next week. See you Monday!

I spent this weekend meeting fans and chatting about design at the 4th Annual WHUR Protect Your Dream event in Upper Marlboro. First, a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone who came out to meet me — it’s always such a pleasure to meet my tribe! Second, D.C. is gorgeous. I’d visited years ago as a tourist, but had forgotten what a gem of a city it is with it’s iconic architecture and emerald tree line.

When President Obama was elected, I was asked (along with a handful of other designers) to do a fantasy re-design of the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House for the Associated Press. In light of my visit to the area last weekend, I thought I’d share my vision for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with you here.

Before (Under the Bush Administration):

KMD Re-design (click image to enlarge):

My method:

Since it’s a fantasy, I wanted to move away from the Victorian style and design a space that was clean and contemporary while honoring the rooms history. I chose to let the famous rosewood bed (purchased by Mary Todd Lincoln) speak for itself, and every other item in the space supported that choice.

The palette is a classic combo of soft grey, navy and cream, and I chose to expose the floorboards (which are surely wide plank, in keeping with the era of their installation!). I also added wainscoting as a traditional element that could ground the more modern fixtures. Next, I thought ‘This bedroom has housed countless dignitaries and celebrities; it’s truly a case of ‘if these walls could talk’. In keeping with that idea, I lined the walls with portraits of Abe, Mary Todd, and other iconic room guests. In honor of the cherry blossoms that D.C. is so famous for, I featured their spring branches in giant glass vases.

I’d stay there.