In the heart of Chicago, the Dacor Kitchen Theater at the Merchandise Mart buzzed with creativity as SixtySix magazine, a design and lifestyle luxury biannual celebrating the modern creative life, hosted a remarkable panel discussion titled "From Kitchen to Camera: Creating Narratives Through Design" during Design Chicago. This event showcased the power of design and celebrated the magic that happens when talented individuals come together to create something extraordinary.
Photo Credit Lauren Sims
The Vision Behind the Collaboration
Curated by Chris Force, Publisher & Editor in Chief of SixtySix Magazine, this panel brought together a diverse group of creatives, each bringing their unique expertise to the table —quite literally! Joining Chris were Aimee Wertepny, a visionary interior designer from PROjECT Interiors; Kyle Hustedt, the innovative owner of Bukiety Floral; pastry chef extraordinaire Krissy Mack of Broken Tart; Geraldine Morrison, representing Dacor's Luxury Marketing Team and myself, sourcing props, serving platters and other vessels to bring it all together.
The theme, "From Kitchen to Camera", inspired the group to explore how design narratives can be crafted through the art of tablescaping. The goal? To create an immersive visual experience that would generate buzz, attract photographers, and inspire those who attended to create photo-worthy moments at home.
The Art of Tablescaping
With their collective creativity, the panel set out to design a stunning tablescape that seamlessly blended floral arrangements, delectable food, and thoughtfully chosen props. Each element was carefully selected to tell a story that reflected both the culinary and aesthetic possibilities of the kitchen. What a dream project!
Photo Credit Lauren Sims
Aimee Wertepny took the lead on the overall concept, leaning into the season and using keywords like avant-garde, moody, mystical, and wow-factor. Our audience was interior designers and fellow creative professionals so it needed to be over-the-top.
I began by creating a mood board from Aimee's ideas that had all the drama! We wanted to stimulate the senses, so in our propping, we included candles and palo santo to fill the space, dramatic serving platters, vintage, footed bowls, delicate, seasonal bud vases, antlers, crystals, and even a few tarot cards. Did I mention I did a little "fridge-scaping", as well?!
Kyle Hustedt transformed the space with lush, seasonal florals that added color and life to the installation, utilizing vertical space by building UP, and designing a "moss waterfall" that flowed organically off the countertop and DOWN to the ground. His arrangements were a testament to the beauty of nature, showcasing blooms that complemented the kitchen's elegant design while also providing a feast for the eyes.
Krissy Mack brought her pastry expertise into the mix, crafting exquisite desserts including black cocoa brownie squares, dark chocolate madeleines, crudités with purple and red vegetables and a black sesame dip, and seeded focaccia slabs with balsamic oil that were as visually stunning as they were delicious. Each sweet treat served as a conversation starter, drawing attendees in and encouraging them to engage with the narrative of the tablescape.
A Space for Connection and Inspiration
As the panelists worked diligently to create their masterpiece, the atmosphere in the Dacor Kitchen Theater was electric. Attendees wandered through the space, captivated by the synergy between design and culinary art. The tablescape quickly became a focal point, inspiring conversations and sparking creativity among all present.
Geraldine Morrison shared insights into Dacor's commitment to blending functionality with luxury, highlighting how the kitchen serves as a backdrop for everyday moments and special occasions. Her perspective added depth to the discussion, reminding everyone of the importance of creating beautiful and practical spaces.
As attendees snapped photos, the installation became a symbol of creativity and community, embodying the spirit of Design Chicago. The collaboration showcased how, through shared passion and innovative thinking, we could transform an idea into a tangible experience that resonates with people on multiple levels.
It was my honor to be included as the prop stylist and panelist for this event, which allowed me to challenge my creative skills, connect with and find inspiration in other local designers, and hopefully inspire those in attendance on the possibilities of creating something magical in their own kitchens and homes.
To read the article and enjoy more photos published by SixtySix magazine, click here!
Commentaires