This weekend was the inaugural DIFFA‘s Dining By Design Boston 2007. I was lucky to attend the preview cocktail party last evening at the Black Falcon Terminal next to the Boston Design Center. It was cold outside, but the party was hot inside! A big open industrial space was transformed by some of Boston’s most talented designers. Attendees were treated by wines by Rosemount winery and tasty treats from some local eateries. I also finally got meet Margret Russell, editor in chief of Elle Decor, in person! We’ve spoken on the phone and she kindly sent me a copy of her new book “So Chic”. So, it was great to finally meet in person! No photo to mark the occasion, but still, fun!
One of our favorite displays was by Charles Fletcher of Charles Fletcher Designs, sponsored by Roche-Bobois and Shreve, Crump and Low. Charles’ display was a fabulous combination of upscale glitz and glamour, juxstaposed with natural elements such as live gold fish and a sod grass floor.
Charles said that this chandelier took about 8 hours to hang, and was done piece by piece. It was quite a triumph in a small space, I only wish I’d gotten a better photo!
The attention to detail was fabulous in this space – the place settings charming, down to the adorable frog napkin rings below.
Another favorite space was this mirrored jewel box designed by Michael Ferzoco of Eleven Interiors, sponsored by Frank Ribaudo and Joe Posa. The graphic patterns on the ottomans is reflected in the floor, as is the black and white wallpaper. Topped by a hip orange drum shade pendant, the space was cool, chic and fun.
This space is by GE Monogram. I think I’ve seen photos of this display at other DBD events. I think the use of the ranges as dinner table was fun and the space as a whole is striking although it’s a bit “lab” looking.
Another favorite space was this by Dennis Duffy of Duffy Design Group. I’m sad I wasn’t able to get a better shot of this space, as it was intimate, romantic and cozy. One problem with the layout of the venue was that the aisles between the displays weren’t wide enough. An extra few feet would have made a world of difference. Dennis’ dining room was swathed in a luxurious fabric tent with a pillar candle chandelier topping it off.
This electric space was designed by Billy Evers of Rafanelli Events Management and Marc Hall of Winston Flowers and was sponsored by Ricardo H. Rodriguez and Michael Kelley. I was honored that Elle Decor asked to print this image above in the magazine after the event!
Another hard to photo space was this by Woodmeister Master Builders and designed by Michael J. Lee of R. FitzGerald & Co (in his pre-photography days). This space was an homage to the island of Nantucket and even included a working gas fireplace. This photo just doesn’t do this space justice!
And finally, this is the Elle Decor dining room, decorated by Margaret Russell.
The gala dinner was held tonight and all of these spaces would be put to the test of real use! I’m sure all who attended had a great time!
You will also enjoy:
Dining By Design New York 2010
Dining by Design New York 2015
Linda + Margaret= Top Design dynamic duo!!
I want to meet her, too…