As designers, we are also design fans. I look forward to seeing work by others and appreciating different points of view and creative expression. This next week will be full of opportunities for me. First, I will be going to the ASID MN Showcase Home which opens in Minneapolis on May 19th. Then when in New York (for Blogfest 2012) LuAnne and I will be seeing the Elle Decor Modern Concept House days before it is open to the public.

I am sure both will be inspiring. Just the way each designer has expressed their vision for the space they are doing in each house is inspiring. Here’s a taste of what you will see if you visit.

From ASID MN Showcase House 2012

Sketches by the designers of the Elle Decor Modern Concept House in New York City.

Follow us on Twitter at LiLuLisa or LiLuMpls for exclusive sneak peeks of these showcases and other inspiring events.

Today I am starting a countdown to Blogfest 2012. One of the most inspiring things I did in 2011 was attending Blogfest, a whirlwind tour of the interior design scene in New York City sponsored by Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. Here is a quick visual to give you an idea of all the great things LuAnne and I will see and do in New York.

There will be insight from interior designers, editors, and product designers. We will get exclusive sneak peeks of The Elle Decor Modern Concept House and the new Baccarat Showroom. We will see the newest, latest and greatest from many design houses, appliance and furniture makers. If you want to “come along with us” follow us on Twitter …at LiLuLisa or LiLuMpls…we will be streaming images from Blogfest and quoting the best of the best as it happens starting next Sunday May 20.

Yep, you read the title right. Bathrooms are becoming more than just a necessity in the home. Plumbing fixture design has made some big strides in the last decade, making the bathroom a place of refuge and relaxation. Don’t believe me? Maybe incorporating some of these great products into your home will change your mind!

Don’t box yourself in to the idea of a run of the mill tub. I love the contrast between the somewhat rustic structure and the modern, streamlined fixtures. The tub is especially stunning…like a big soup bowl!

Who said the tub has to be tucked in a corner? Why not front and center?!

Such an original shower head design, not to mention the great color!

Pattern isn’t just for fabrics and wallcoverings.

Gotta love the assymetrical balance! So unique.

A modern take on the pedestal sink…simple and elegant.

The two sinks pictured above are definitely works of art. The water runs right through the panels that are flush with the countertop. It really looks more like a piece of furniture or sculpture. Notice the first picture…this white panel has a poetic phrase cut into it. So intriguing! The same concept can be applied to a shower floor.

So many great products to choose from…which do you think deserves to be crowned this Friday’s ‘LiLu Look of the Day’??

At LiLu, we believe in basing our designs on the architecture of the home in which they will live, as it is indicative of the type of furnishings and finishes that should be selected for a space. Here in Minnesota, we are lucky to have the opportunity to design kitchens and baths for homes that have been around for decades. Many of our local neighborhoods have  century-old houses that, while often in need of a face lift, have an integrity and history that can not (and should not) be ignored by the designers who update them.

In a state that finds itself facing chilly temperatures for half the year, it is only natural that many Minnesotans gravitate toward the warmth of traditional and transitional interiors. Today, however, we’re going to focus on a different aesthetic. Take a look at some of the fabulous modern kitchen products that are available to us here in Minnesota. I encourage you (if your architecture permits!) to consider waking up and having a cup of coffee in one of these streamlined, crisp kitchens.

Go green! Who said a modern aesthetic can’t have warmth?

Breaking boundaries!

Where’s the wine? There it is…behind the trees!

Hard to not be organized!

See the curved white cabinet to the left of the oven? It’s closed…

Aaand open, ta-da!!

Knock, knock! Who’s there you might ask? Well it’s LiLu Interiors with a kitchen design customized especially for you…what a great way to start the week, right? We think so! Our website lists, among others, custom design, space planning, and finish & fixture selection, as services that are offered. But what exactly does that all entail? It is often thought that interior designers spend the day selecting paint colors and window treatment fabrics. While we certainly enjoy this part of the process, there really is a lot more to it.

Did you know that interior designers are also experts at designing custom cabinetry for kitchens and baths? Not to mention selecting tile, countertops, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. As designers, we make sure that selections are made based on what will best suit your lifestyle and design preferences. Take a peek at a kitchen that LiLu designed…

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Notice the new, more efficient space plan. Ovens have been relocated and the shape of the island reflects the angles of the space.

Light fixtures define key dining and entertaining spaces.

The TV wall features a faux finish that creates a focal point. Notice the custom details of the cabinetry.

Check back Wednesday to see some great new product that could be incorporated into your kitchen and bath!

Our Fashion + Interiors Event was designed to get people thinking about personal style and self expression in a different way. To recognize the design details you are drawn to, and then discovering how those translate into fashion and into your home (and wine!). Making the connections between mixing materials, patterns, textures, motifs, colors, palettes. At LiLu we love getting caught up in these details, in fact we live for it! And we have fun with it, which is what happened last Wednesday.

Having fun sharing our passion for all things designed. Photos from Fashion + Interiors by Scott Koukal of SK Studios

Our Inspring Design Series is just that, designed to inspire. At LiLu we like to share our passion for all things designed and ignite a creative spark in others. And we like hosting events! This Wednesday we will be hosting Fashion + Interiors featuring our unique fashion runway.

We also love attending events. For more runway fun, visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this Thursday evening April 26th. You won’t want to miss how Patrick Kemel Pryor’s painted canvases were transformed into runway fashions by Project Runway’s Christopher Straub. The dresses will be featured at Flowers After Hours, a part of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts annual spring celebration, Art in Bloom. Lisa and I attended the opening night of this exhibit at Anita Sue Kolman’s Gallery and it is truly a work of art!

It’s true, great minds think alike! Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine has been doing a fun segment on the connection between fashion and interiors. TODAY, catch Jennifer Blaise Kramer, editor of MSP mag on Twin Cities Live  (weekdays at 3:00) talking about some fun fashion features they have coming up. We also expect Jennifer at our FASHION + INTERIORS event THIS WEDNESDAY. You might even hear a little bit about the upcoming event from Jennifer on TCL!

 We hope to see you at FASHION + INTERIORS on Wednesday, April 25th, 5-8 pm, International Market Square, Suite 185.!

Well if you are in the mood for a fun, upbeat boutique and not in the mood for a crowd at the mall then head over to 50th and France and check out Bumbershute.  They have not only established lines that you know right when you see them but also new and up and coming ones!  It’s a great shopping experience and the area is hard to beat.  Grab a quick bite at a neighboring restaurant or a quick cup of Jo!  On the higher end of fashion but it’s worth the stop.  Starting with an essential piece that you will have forever…hey it’s what we say about interior spaces as well.  Quality goes a long way!