Blogfest 2011 :: Tea with Barbara Barry

For me, one of the most valuable things I got out of Blogfest 2011 (aside from all the new friendships!), was the inspiration I received from Barbara Barry. I’ve loved her design and products for years, but to hear the inspiration that led to the creation in the products was just incredibly inspiring. Here’s the thing… Barbara finds inspiration in everything around her, including the mundane. Most of her products are the result of the simplest muse and you can hear her honest passion in her voice.

At the close of Barabara Barry’s presentation, I was in tears. Yes, it was inspiring. But, for me, a light went off. I’ve felt so uninspired and bogged down by the day-to-day. She actually pushed me to want to find inspiration again… and make it a goal. That is priceless!

So, let’s talk about the new collection, Indochine for Kravet. Barbara was showing it above… It is gorgeous! It’s very ‘Barbara Barry’ and is a result of her travels in Asia and her translation of what she saw there. I am always impressed by the subtleties in her designs. It’s always understated, yet packs a punch. I can’t wait to start using this new collection in my work!

So, then I got to meet ‘Babs’. That’s what I call her now that we’re BFF’s! It was such a joy to talk with her. I wanted to show her some of my work that I’ve used her product in. It made my day when she told me ‘You’re goooooood.’ Such a simple compliment that just made my week!

This above image from my interior design firm, Pulp Design Studios, is the project I showed her. Barbara Barry’s sconces just make the room & inspired the custom hardware that I designed on the vanity drawers.

And, now, to gush about the tea! Barbara also launched her new tea called Citrine. You can see Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 and I enjoying it above. I can honestly tell you… It’s the best tea I’ve ever had. I fully plan on hosting a Barbara Barry Tea Party with all of my designer friends. How fun would that be??

From the bottom of my heart, Babs… Thank you for the inspiration.

Images via Blogfest 2011 & Abbe Fenimore