It's only been three months since Curbed National launched, but even still we decided to make up a bunch of awards as a way to recap the stuff we've covered. Over the next few days, we'll be feting the most deserving people, places, and things in the national design, decor, and real estate sphere. Herein, we unveil the first annual Curbed Awards!
The Kelly Wearstler Maximalism Award
Awarded annually to designer Kelly Wearstler. When the femme fatale put her Beverly Hills., Calif., estate on the market for $46M in late October, the three photos we published incited fury from readers. "A gross and crass display of wealth—everyone involved should be ashamed," wrote one amid a list of 39 comments, many with four-letter words. "She uses color and paint as if it's a child decorating or painting," chimed in another, adding, "She uses too many objects, and makes the rooms look tacky and smaller than they actually are." Yep, we're with ya: Top Design judge or not, it's just too much.
Photo: William Waldron
The Rus in Urbe Award
Awarded annually to the designer whose home fits this description. That would be Thom Filicia, no contest, who happened to put his NYC apartment (above) on the market for $1.7M this year. A small price to pay for what was once described in Elle Decor as a place where "the boxy modernism has become a bit of rus in urbe, roughened up with earthy textures and anchored with history."
The Jennifer Lopez Award
Awarded annually to the designer who speaks on behalf of Jennifer Lopez. In the January/February issue of Veranda, that responsibility fell on the shoulders of designer Michelle Workman, who dressed JLo's home in Hidden Hills, Calif. The neutral-toned space was inspired by '40s films and by JLo's propensity for "modern and streamlined" interiors. Keep that client, Mich!
The Ian Schrager Award for Interiors Excellence
Awarded annually to a designer that does the best job of dressing a space within an Ian Schrager residential building. That would be Scott Guthrie, an NYC designer who decorated a 2,700-square-foot two-bedroom apartment (above) within Schrager's glassy 40 Bond luxury building in NYC. Details such as a Edward Wormley sofa, a Warhol, and feminine peach blossom-patterned wallpaper provide just the setting for clients who host 100-person parties before the opera. Where can we RSVP?
· All Curbed Awards 2010 posts [Curbed National]
In October, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and wife Lyudmila 
As part of the White House's "Simple Gifts" holiday-decorating theme, Michelle Obama 
Yep, this one (right) was sold at Hammacher Schlemmer until it 
Not sure why, but severed heads 
This October, a couple of wonky designers