The View from the 44th Floor of Hearst Tower in NYC: Inspiring

Even on a rainy, dreary day in New York City, the 180-degree view from Hearst Tower was magnificent as this Fort Myers Interior decorator joined 168 designers and bloggers gathered to hear editors from the top design magazines share a behind-the-scene glimpse inside an issue and to their thoughts on design.

And the gorgeous peonies on each table helped to brighten the day. Demonstrating to this group of designers attending Kravet's Blogfest 2012,  that the simplest things are often the best.

Veranda's Editor in Chief Dara Caponigro brought to life the May/June issue with the help of two top designers featured in the issue. Darryl Carter (a former attorney-turned designer) who is one of Architectural Digest's Top 100 Architects and Designers in the World and Timothy Whealon who designed the timeless dining room on the cover of the May issue below.

Neutral and calm palates were the mantras of these two designers and a blending of styles that includes antique and vintage pieces. A sign of the times when we are all craving calm, especially in our homes?

House Beautiful Editor and Chief Newell Turner shared submissions that struck the perfect note with editors and lead to a story being published. Three of the publication's newest designers, Jill Goldberg, Jon Call and Michael Herold talked about a-ha moments that have taken their careers to the next level.

Social media was at the top of everyone's list. And there could be no doubt with this group of designer/bloggers. All busy the entire three days telling our stories on every social media platform.

But the bottom line: social media is necessary for telling our story but the personal relationships are what make a business. After all, we come into your home and help you create beautiful spaces. And that is as personal as it gets.