September 2015
Design Hunting Season
Where to find inspiration now—from the local newsstand to Istanbul and beyond…
They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.—Andy Warhol
If there is one quality that defines the month of September, it is dramatic change—which is something we at Best & Company know a little something about. So far, this has been a banner month for our team—kicking off with the exciting appearance of the current issue of New York magazine’s special Design Hunting issue, by editor Wendy Goodman, on the newsstands on September 1st, featuring company co-founder Chip Brian and a humbling mention of Best & Company in the magazine’s premier contractor listings. Chip and his two young sons, Winn and Bo, also made a cameo appearance in the September 12th edition of the New York Times Business Day section, in a domestic science experiment that we think may prove of interest to clients who have little night owls in the house. We’ve also got one very personal transition to report (and celebrate!): The beautiful September wedding of Best & Company co-founder Michael Daddio and his bride Danielle DiCerbo, who’ve been wowing us with inspiring architectural images taken on their honeymoon in Italy, Istanbul, and beyond. Change is invigorating, and some of the most rewarding transitions take place right at home. Happy September, New York! We miss the sizzle of summer already—but we know Autumn in New York is going to be just as much fun. And we look forward to helping you bring the beautiful changes you envision to life.
Newlywed Michael Daddio sent us this image of the historic Hagia Sofia, in Istanbul, with the following note: "Thinking of you all! See if you can spot the supporting buttresses." You can take the man off the project site, but....
Inspiration from Italy: Mike and Chip are already talking to the talented woodworking and finishing teams at Bespoke Millwork NYC about the possibility of re-creating this spectacular Venetian library here in New York City. Step 1: Dream.
It’s (Design) Hunting Season
How do you find a good contractor in New York? That’s the first question writer Maura Kutner Walters asked Best & Company co-founder Chip Brian when she interviewed him for the Winter 2016 issue of New York magazine’s Design Hunting special. We’d say editor Wendy Goodman’s inspiration- and information-packed 180-page issue—which cuts “a glazed and gilded path from Matt Austin’s tenement floor-through in Bushwick…to a huge, multilevel Upper East Side penthouse” is a terrific first stop. In their travels, the indefatigable Ms. Goodman and her eagle-eyed contributors interview an A-list roster of building and landscape specialists (including our own Chip Brian), fabricators, service providers, retailers, and, of course, interior designers and homeowners (dreamers and doers) who fearlessly continue to ensure that our fair city lives up to the “New” in its name. Look for this essential reference on newsstands now.
Autumn Inspiration from IIDA
Anyone who’s ever wondered if there’s life after our current collective obsession with midcentury Modern design will want to circle October 7th on their calendars, and save the date for the fun and informative conversation scheduled for the IIDA NY Chapter’s next Residential Forum, entitled Evolution: Bauhaus to Koolhaas. On hand to share their thoughts on emerging design movements will be furniture designer Mark Goetz, interiors and product designer Søren Rose, lighting designer Jason Miller, and textile designer Carla Weisberg.
Reserve your tickets here. While you are at the forum, say hello to Best & Company’s Business Development Director Dana Sandberg—who is an IIDA board member and co-chair of the Residential Forum. And be sure to bring your business card with you to the event, because everyone in attendance that night will be entered into a raffle to win a very special item graciously donated by the evening’s host, Carl Hansen & Son.
Early to Bed, Early to Rise…
If there’s one thing that anyone who’s ever worked with Best & Company co-founder Chip Brian knows, it is this: The man is an early riser.
Best & Company offices are brimming with caffeinated project managers before 7 a.m. most mornings, trying to keep up with Chip, who by then has been showered, shaved, responding to emails, and scheduling upcoming meetings and site inspections for 2 hours, already. Not so his young sons, Winn and Bo, we learn in this well-researched and -written article by reporter Diane Cardwell, which appeared on the front page of the Business Day section of the Saturday, September 12th, print edition of the New York Times.
No wonder, then, that Chip—a confessed new-technology geek—was eager to try out a new brand of Sleepy Baby light bulbs developed by the Lighting Science Group to help kids (and their exhausted parents) hit the hay and get a sounder night’s slumber. The amber-tinted LEDs evolved from the idea that different levels and colors of light can have powerful biological effects on human mood and behavior. Did they work? Read on to find out.
Say “Goodbye, Summer” and “Hello, Fall” in Style
We like the idea of spending the final days of Summer 2015 by the water—even if it’s right at home in our own Central Park, cruising about in a rented gondola, à la George and Amal. So, this year, we’ll be convening on the banks of the lake in Central Park on Monday, September 21st, for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club’s Annual Boathouse Bash. This festive fundraiser sells out quickly, so if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, be sure to reserve soon! Details here, or call 718.893.8600, extension 245. (All proceeds from this event benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.)
All Work and No Play…
Man about town Rio Hamilton, one of the New York design community’s most beloved bon vivants caught up with Best & Company’s hardworking Business Development Director Dana Sandberg (left) recently and asked her some strictly off-duty questions that only Rio can get away with having answered honestly on the record. To learn our Dana’s favorite kitchen utensil, cocktail, and celebrity crush (Michael Fassbender, are you reading???), we defer to the wise and witty Mon Oncle.