Dear Las Vegas,

Dear Las Vegas, 

Things were fun while they lasted, but I’m afraid I have to move on.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed every last moment we spent together but…to be blunt…you’re just a little too overwhelming for me.  It’s not that you’re not entertaining to be around…your restaurants are fantastic, your décor is awe inspiring and your people-watching is unparalleled, but lets be honest…it had to end sometime.  This total glitz, city that never sleeps, over the top thing you’ve got going on just isn’t sustainable and we both know it.  Even though your reputation preceded you, I’m really glad I had the opportunity to visit and check you out for myself.  Thanks for the memories and the inspiration- maybe I’ll see you around another time.

-Gab

p.s.- If it’s any consolation, I’ll let you know I took a particular liking to your floors and ceilings.  Adding such detail to areas that are normally quite simple was a great touch...totally played into the whole ‘excess‘ thing you’ve got going on.  Here are a few pictures of my favorite floor and ceiling designs from the past week.

Switch!

It seems my Dad and I unknowingly saved the best for last because our final meal in Vegas gets the award for best dining experience.  The competition was stiff but Switch, a lovely and might I add delicious restaurant in the Encore, made an unforgettable impression that simply couldn’t be beat.  One look at their menu and I knew it was going to be a fantastic night....and then this happened...

             

In case you couldn’t get a clear view from the video let me explain- the decor changed not once...not twice...but five times while we ate.  Five!  And each time it was different!  Sometimes new walls would appear, sometimes the entire ceiling would change, and every time I was left speechless.  If you’re ever in Las Vegas you absolutely must see it for yourself.  Check back tomorrow for more pictures from the trip- I got a little camera happy towards the end :). 

1,000 Words

I’m absorbing a lot and I’ve got a lot to share, but I’ve gotta get back out there and absorb some more first.  In the meantime, here’s a little photo journal of the trip thus far.  Enjoy!

Smoke, Mirrors & Chandeliers

Vegas is unreal, and I mean that as both an expression of excitement (“unreal!”) as well as a literal description (the opposite of real).  I’m loving it thus far…what’s really blowing my mind, however, is the mix of unabashed extravagance with what is more or less a city made up of movie sets.  Vegas is all about the celebration of excess- too much isn’t enough here.  You can see it in every element from their food to their marketing and it’s certainly true of their décor.  They’re not afraid to spend some money, they’re not afraid to go totally over the top, and they’re not into simplicity.  Maybe some of you can relate to those sentiments, but there are few individuals who have the desire or ability to take it as far as the fine folks here have.  Maybe we don’t want things quite so grand, but most of us would like our space to look expensive (or at the very least, not cheap).  Sin City does expensive-looking better than anyone but don’t be fooled- they fake it where they can.  The trick is in the presentation…it’s like the woman wearing a beautiful designer dress and costume jewelry….you assume the jewelry is real because of the dress.  Here everyone is so dazzled by chandeliers, stained glass and like they’re not knocking on the “marble” pillars to find they’re actually hollow.  Of course, they’d never pull it off if they didn’t hire incredibly talented artists to create decorative finishes that make the pillars look marble, but that’s a whole other soap box altogether.  The point is, if you’re willing to spend money on a few elements of your space, it will automatically elevate the rest of it.  Here’s a few pictures of the trip thus far- check back tomorrow for more!

Viva Las Vegas!

I’m desperate to see the world…Italy, Morocco, Greece, France, Israel, China, Australia…I want to eat their food, walk their streets, experience their culture and earn their oh so coveted passport stamps.  I don’t care if you take me halfway around the globe or to the next state over, doesn’t matter if you send me in a private jet or in the middle seat with sumo wrestlers on either side…offer me the chance to travel and I’m taking it.  That being said, I’m happy to report I’m writing this post on a layover…in a few short hours I’ll be in fabulous Las Vegas!  I am literally ecstatic about it.  I’ve never been but I’ve heard that when it comes to design inspiration, Vegas has quite a bit to offer.  I’m armed with a camera, notepad, and an iPhone App that claims it can serve as my tour guide- I hope you check back throughout the week to see all my discoveries!