Irwin Weiner ASID - I'm proud to be an alum of a school that's honoring noted architect and designer David Rockwell. He's been named the recipient of the 2011 Lawrence Israel Prize, awarded by the Interior Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The prize, endowed by architect Lawrence J. Israel, has been given annually since 1998 to an individual or firm whose ideas and work enrich FIT Interior Design students' course of study. 

As part of his award, David Rockwell has been invited to speak to the public, and his talk will touch on his professional journey, ongoing projects, and on his use of new technology and materials. Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 28 at 6 pm in the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre at FIT, Seventh Avenue at 27th Street. (Entry will be through the D Building Lobby on the Northwest corner of Seventh Avenue and 27 Street.) This event is free and open to the public; no reservations required.

In our featured video on David Rockwell, we could have focused on his TED talk about building the viewing platform at Ground Zero, featured something from one of his many Broadway show set designs or his Emmy-winning Academy Awards show set, his JetBlue terminal at JFK, the Nobu Restaurants, his W Hotels, his fab outdoor grill for Viking . . . you get the idea. Instead, we wanted to focus on Rockwell's amazing creativity and his Imagination Playground project for New York City. You'll love this video, and the power of great design to bring out the creative spark in people. 

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Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern. 

 

Featured Project: DIY Painted Headboard

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

 

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Painted headboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

 

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.

 

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