Acclaimed Designer Talks With Martha Stewart Intro at Bedford Design Show

Completely re-imagined this year, Bedford’s new Antiques & Design Show will be at Historical Hall on October 13th and 14th and will feature a presentation on Saturday evening from interior designer and author Jeffrey Bilhuber.

The presentation and lecture will give insights into Mr. Bilhuber’s newly published book, The Way Home: Reflections on American Beauty.  Longtime supporter and Bedford Historical Society member Martha Stewart will introduce Mr. Bilhuber’s presentation which will be followed by a book signing.

The event will be held under the stars on the Village Green from 6 to 8:30pm.  Tickets to the presentation and cocktail reception with lavish hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails start at $125.

Mr. Bilhuber’s design aesthetic is influenced by history and he sites Thomas Jefferson and George Washington as “style icons.” He believes the former presidents helped define the distinctively American perspective that exists today.

"Thomas Jefferson traveled the world and imported furniture, wine, cuisine and designs and then brought them to Monticello and mixed them with American artifacts and American paintings," He adds, "Washington did it much the same way at Mount Vernon. Ultimately, American style is a cross pollination and an expression of what appeals to us globally."

With more than 200 photos, Bilhubers’s latest book shows how he has combined family history and treasures to create designs that are not only beautiful, but personal and functional. Each home in “The Way Home” is presented as a story, relating the way the families live within their spaces.

Bilhuber says he likes to take a backseat and ask the owners to speak for themselves as to what gives pleasure and comfort in their lives. “I believe I am here to guide you,” Bilhuber concludes. Vogue editor Anna Wintour, known for her own sense of style and fashion, would seem to agree after writing that "the great thing about Jeffrey is that he makes everyone's taste look better.”

While some might wonder about the connection between interior design and the Bedford Historical Society, Executive Director Evelyne Ryan thinks the two fields complement one another.

“Jeffrey’s book is about the attachments people have to their family heirlooms, personal collections and histories.  The Historical Society’s mission is the same, except we do it on a larger scale,” Ryan said.  “In both cases, our respective goals are the preservation and appreciation of one’s history,” she noted.
 
The Bedford Historical Society’s Antiques & Design Show is Saturday, October 13th from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, October 14th from 11 AM to 4 PM at Historical Hall. Dealers will have a wide array of items with today’s design sensibilities in mind. foley & cox HOME will have a selection of superb European and American antique furniture, custom upholstered furniture and marvelous accessories. 

Bedford’s own Clover Design will feature one-of- a-kind objects, furniture and accessories, vintage and modern.  Donald Rich Antiques will be offering a full array of antiques focusing primarily on English American, & Continental 18th & 19th Century furniture, Chinese and English porcelain, and fine art.

“We’re very excited with the Show’s new direction this year,” noted Evelyne Ryan, the Historical Society’s Executive Director.  “Daphne Ghriskey, an interior designer and Historical Society member, volunteered to revamp the show and give it a more contemporary feel.  Thanks to her, the show’s been completely re-imagined and refreshed,” Ryan added.  “The dealers will have some of the traditional items you’d expect from an antiques show but visitors will also find an amazing collection of unique and modern treasures. I think we truly will have something for everyone at this show,” said Ryan. 

Admission to the Antiques and Design Show is $10 for both days and tickets are for sale at the door. Proceeds from the two Historical Society events will benefit the BHS Properties Fund.  There will also be a silent auction For further information or to purchase tickets contact the Bedford Historical Society at 914 234-9751 or www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org. You can purchase tickets online or by calling the office at 914-234-9751. You can also pre-order Jeffrey's book for signing by clicking here.