2016 Reflections

2016 is coming to a close and I am reflective on my career, the unique design events I went to and the wonderful accomplishments my children have made this past year. One of which was Rylie's Bat Mitzvah. Half the year was focused on the planning and I admit that the blog took a back seat. So I apologize if you were wondering what happened to me? Friends were even surprised that I did not showcase a very important event on the blog that I have participated in for the past 5 years - DIFFA's Picnic by Design 2016 which happened this past September at the ANNEX Mercantile in NYC.

For its fifth annual fundraiser 20 baskets were up for auction raising over $50,000. This event doesn't feature the traditional picnic basket but instead whisks backpacks, wood trays,metal bowls, crates, chairs and games. My basket was the shape of a molecule and its contents had a cosmos feel. Thanks again to Sarkos for their amazing wallcovering which I used as a coaster in the design.

Michele Alfano- modMADE NY Picnic BY Design 2016

MOLECULAR BASKET

Below you will see some very creative ideas that can be used for your holiday parties coming up!!!

But first I must give thanks to our wonderful sponsors that make this event happen and all are listed below. Its always fun seeing Cindy Allen, Editor in chief of INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE at the event too. I think after 5 years doing the event she knows who I am?? (lol)  Special thanks to my sponsor friends:  DXV, DRS and Associates, Corbett, Troy lighting, Mr. Bing and Regal Wine Imports for their donations. Their generosity was very much appreciated! 

Most importantly thanks to my partner in crime Tiago Fonseco of Five Star Millwork who never lets me down and brings my crazy ideas to life. 

ME AND TIAGO FONSECA

Michele Alfano- modMADE NY Picnic BY Design 2016
MOLECULAR BASKET

Now see some of the images of the food, wine and people and creative designs from the event....The Picnic by Design event was written up online on INTERIOR DESIGN too!

 FXFOWLE

BIOLOGY OF HAPPINESS IN THE WORKPLACE

 STK NEW YORK CITY - delish!

  ME AND STACY GARCIA - what a pleasure to meet and chat!

   GENSLER + KNOLL

FRANK GEHRY CHAIR BY KNOLL

 

  ME AND BOB GAYNOR - always so much fun!

STANTEC ARCHITECTURE

THE URBAN PALATTE BASKET

VANESSA DELEON ASSOCIATES

PICNIC IN DOMINO PARK, LITTLE HAVANA

MR BING- OMG, so amazing!! Thanks you so much Brian Goldberg, owner of Mr. Bing who generously made Beijing vegetarian street food. Go spicy!!

 ICRAVE

TRAVELS TO FRANCE

MR BING

REGAL WINES

  STEVEN SOUTH, HLW SPONORED BY GEIGER

 SCOTT BROWNRIGG

MAD FOR MID CENTURY

  WILLS DESIGN

THE INTERIOR DESIGN SURVIVAL BASKET

To get a daily dose of design, find MoD Design Guru on

 Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter |Instagram| Tumblr

Fractals in Design

I'm excited to share an article that I contributed on the Stacy Garcia Life-Styled website. The article talked about fractals and how they exist all around us and are now emerging in decor, fashion, furniture and in art. I tell my story how I was an Applied Mathematics major in college and how fractal structures affected my path into design. 

Michele Alfano's Molecular Basket

image credit: Erik Bardin

For DIFFA Picnic by Design 2016, I designed a molecular basket design which embodied a fractal nature with patterns essentially repeating over and over again. Inspired by atoms, the design revealed how we are all made out of atoms - our bodies and the universe. The universe is made up of 5% atoms and the rest dark matter and energy. Astronomers as well as medical researchers are on the brink of discoveries whether it be the vast unknown or diseases like AIDS. The molecular basket stands as a beacon of hope. I worked with Tiago Fonseca of Five Star Millwork who brought my design to life.

Michele Alfano's Molecular Basket design.  Built by Tiago Fonseca
image credit: Michele Alfano

Here are some other images of the Picnic design. Sarkos generously sponsored their amazing  hand-painted wallcovering called Cosmos which I used as place-mats.

Michele Alfano and Tiago Fonseca of Five Star Millwork

To get a daily dose of design, find MoD Design Guru on

 Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter |Instagram

PICNIC BY DESIGN 2016 AT MERCANTILE ANNEX NYC

Design, Food and Charity is a great combination for a Fall event. It will be my fifth year participating in DIFFA's Picnic By Design. I am very connected to this charity and was able to work behind the scenes on the steering committee too. What an awesome event 2016 will be.... amazing sponsors, donations and designers! Picnic By Design redefines the concept of a traditional picnic where 20 designers come together to create innovative picnic basket experiences that are sold online in advance with proceeds benefiting DIFFA. Thank you to the sponsors for making this event happen!! 

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
6PM-9PM
MERCANTILE ANNEX
517  WEST 37TH STREET NEW YORK, NY

Purchase your tickets

Here is a sneek peek of my Molecular basket design for this years event:

The Molecular basket represents how we are all made out of atoms -  our bodies and the universe.  There is more to the universe than meets the eye.  It is by following the light that the vast universe is made of 5% atoms, 70% dark energy and 25% invisible dark matter.  We stand on the brink of great discoveries and we always will as long as we keep exploring whether it be the unmeasurable unknown or debilitating diseases like AIDS.  The basket stands as a beacon of hope.

I will be taking over DIFFA's Instagram account on TODAY Sunday September 4th. Please follow along and give me a shout out: @DIFFANATIONAL.

Special thanks to the following sponsors: DXV, DRS and Associates, Corbett, Troy lighting, Mr. Bing and Regal Wine Imports who so generously donated to the cause and event!

Thanks! Michele

To get a daily dose of design, find MoD Design Guru on

 Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter |Instagram| Tumblr