Bright Ideas
Creative Design sources for revitalizing your world inside and out.
A Fresh Look
If your house needs more than just a spring cleaning, find innovative and functional ideas for revamping your home’s interior at the new showrooms offered by two Winter Park designers: Phil Kean and Suzanne Nichols.
Phil Kean in his new design showroom. (PHIL KEAN)
Kean’s 4,062-square-foot interactive design center, which officially opened in January, showcases the award-winning architect/designer’s trademark of practical, inviting aesthetics. Visitors can tour a living room, five kitchens, seven baths, two closets and two wine system designs that represent Kean’s self-described integrative “design-driven” approach to interiors as reflected in the customized choices of lighting, fixtures, hardware, appliances and decorative elements. Featured products include cabinets by Eurocraft, Kitchens of Brazil, Crystal Cabinets and Falper, as well as architectural plumbing fixtures by Graff, Isenberg, Hydro Systems, Cantrio Koncepts, Blanco, Icera and Toto. Visitors can view the showroom, open to the public by appointment only at 952 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park, by calling 407-622-1636. philkeandesigns.com
Nichols’ transitional/contemporary showroom, just down the road at 631 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park, opened in November. Its 3,000 square feet showcases a full kitchen with a hidden wine bar, a shower enclosure displaying a variety of shower doors and tile, a commercial and residential product resource library, and a kids’ zone with a 3D character from the movie The Jungle Book. Brands represented include Global Views, The Lexington Co. and Hickory White. The showroom is open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. To schedule a Saturday tour, call 407-687-9651. suzannenichols.com
Flowers, Food & Fun
Colorful topiaries at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. (MATT STROSHANE/WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT)
Prepare to enter a spring wonderland encompassing 30 million blooms, 15 outdoor kitchens, 16 bands and a themed interactive playground at the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs through May 29. Also featured: more than 100 whimsical topiaries that include Figment the purple dragon and scenes inspired by kid faves Beauty and the Beast and Frozen. Foodies will welcome the addition of two outdoor kitchens and the festival’s continued emphasis on fresh, locally sourced and homegrown food. Children will enjoy the one-third acre playground featuring interactive musical gadgets, while guests of all ages can partake of the expanded Garden Rocks Concert Series. New to the festival are acts Simple Plan, Exposé, Berlin featuring Terri Nunn, and Plain White T’s. Park tickets begin at $99. Admission includes gardening programs, exhibits, concerts and English tea garden tours. For more information, visit epcotinspring.com or call 407-934-7639.
Getting Down to Earth
It’s not easy being green, but the 12th annual Central Florida Earth Day festival will equip you with the know-how to make it easier. The event, taking place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 22 at Lake Eola Park, features speakers, food demonstrations, activities for kids, yoga and live music. Participants can learn about fleet farming, sustainability, environmental justice and threats to Florida’s wildlife and ecosystems. Chefs prepare vegan dishes using raw foods and seasonal produce. Admission is free. For more information, visit cfearthday.org
