This fall was a busy one — equal parts inspiration hunt and adventure. I started off in Italy, soaking up design and culture in Parma and Milan, then wrapped things up in New York City with a family trip full of sightseeing and nostalgia.

From Parma to Milan

My first stop in Italy was the Mercanteinfiera in Parma, a massive antiques fair that’s basically design heaven. Four giant buildings filled with original pieces, each with its own story. So much stunning Art Deco and mid-century Italian design — especially the lighting. It’s the kind of place that sparks a dozen new ideas before lunch.

I wrapped up the trip in Milan, wandering through gorgeous architecture, people-watching (because everyone in Milan is effortlessly chic), and visiting Villa Necchi Campiglio, one of my all-time favorite examples of early modernist Italian design.

New York City Moments

In NYC, we went full tourist mode — pedicab ride through Central Park, FAO Schwarz, Rockefeller Center, shopping in SoHo, The Lion King on Broadway, Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade. We even squeezed in the High Line and Little Island before heading to Brooklyn to visit our old stomping grounds in Prospect Heights.

Of course, I couldn’t resist sneaking in some design stops. The Kips Bay Decorator Show House was packed with creative energy, The Hotel Chelsea oozed history and character, and the new Printemps flagship in the Financial District had me mentally bookmarking ideas for future retail projects.

Travel like this always recharges my creative batteries. I came home inspired, full of new ideas, and already daydreaming about the next adventure. These trips were packed with inspiration for future custom designs — so stay tuned!