Focus on Design 2010

The Northwest Society of Interior Designers' Puget Sound Chapter, the professional design organization of which I'm the current President, is kicking off Design Awareness Month this October by hosting Focus  on Design 2010!
 

Focus on Design 2010 will take place at the Seattle Design Center on October 1st & 2nd.  The event will provide the local and regional design community with opportunities for growth, networking and education.  The 2-day conference features 16 unique, fun, and informative seminars as well as hands-on training sessions.  Attendees will be exposed to one-of-a-kind local artisans, businesses & suppliers at the "Hidden Local Gems Showcase".  Friday evening will end with a cocktail party hosted by The Catherine Person Gallery.  Saturday offers additional seminars as well as exciting architectural tours by The Seattle Architecture Foundation. The tours will be followed in the afternoon with champagne and sweets at SDC.  Mark your calendar now, and subscribe for weekly updates via e-mail at waysandmeans@nwsid.net. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!  Find detailed information on seminars, speakers, sponsors and scheduling visit the NWSID website.  See you there!

Our partners include: Seattle Homes & Lifestyles magazine, AIA Seattle, NKBA Puget Sound Chapter, The Seattle Design Center & The Seattle Architecture Foundation. 

The Northwest Society of Interior Designers, established in 1977, is a non-profit regional organization of interior designers dedicated to promoting excellence in design.

Neighborhood beat: Madrona

One of Seattle's lesser-known, ultimately walkable neighborhoods with a small town vibe hugs the westerly slope adjacent to Lake Washington, between Leschi and Denny Blaine.  (Many Seattleites who are not longtime residents might not know that Denny Blaine is the neighborhood just south of Madison Park/Washington Park....)  It's funky, stylish, artsy, and homey, all at the same time.

For food lovers, there are many delicious choices.  Some of my personal favorites are St Cloud's, where I've had only absolutely mouth-wateringly wonderful food.....

....the recently opened June - French wines and innovative ingredient pairings....

 .....the local institution, Hi Spot Cafe, elegant bistro Dulces Latin Bistro , the newish Bottlehouse Tasting Bar and, of course, amazing cupcakes and espresso at Verite Coffee and Cupcake Royale!

For home furnishings and accessories, I love browsing - and buying! -  at Decor on 34th ....

.....or the Glassybaby  store and hotshop.

One of my favorite jewelry designers, Xenia Callahan, combines vintage chains, stones and baubles in new and wonderful ways, and is featured at Hitchcock, a chic and charming boutique. 

And last, but certainly not least, of my faves is the kitschy, warm, welcoming canine wonderland of Fetch Doggie Daycare and Grooming.  My dog, Samantha, (you can catch a glimpse of her in the window, above) LOVES spending time at Fetch!  When I pick her up, not only is she beautifully groomed but she's happily exhausted from running, jumping, and playing - her favorite activities!   Below is a shot of the check-in area - how fun is that?.....

Madrona has something for just about anyone - check it out!