Sep
17
The Next Urban Oasis?
Interior designer Vern Yip jumped at the chance to design this year’s Urban Oasis apartment because of his love for New York City. “To me, it’s an exciting place to be, a cultural capital. It’s the capital of design, it’s where everything in world design emanates,” he says.
Let’s daydream for a moment: If you were chosen the designer of HGTV Urban Oasis 2011, in which city would you suggest we construct the apartment? Take the poll below, then post your comments and tell me why you chose the city you did.
All you Hawaii lovers tell all your friends and family to come and vote, we wouldn't want Jack to think his best fans don't really like Hawaii that much..
Have a great day. My husband is on his way home I have to go back to work to keep up appearances.
I noticed that even though Honolulu and San Francisco started out late over 200 votes behind. They are gaining ground rapidly! I wouldn't want to live in an urban oasis in Frisco when the next big earthquake hits. I used to get nervous when I visited my son at his condo on the ninth floor in S.F. ^_^
I drove through San Fran once. I don't see the attraction to the area, but some really seem to like it.
I'm sure their love of San Fran. goes beyond just the Golden Gate Bridge, at least I would hope so.
Ed, you've seemed really quiet lately, have you been remodeling too? Not feeling well? Or life is taking all your time? I gave you a thumbs up, just for postin'. Stay well my friend.
i went to college there in the 70's– it was a great spot to live in then…certain neighborhoods would still be nice. there was a 'killer' remodel house raffled off( don't have the link, but, it's sfraffle2010, if u google it….a real dream home w/ private back yd. and hot tub… drool… but as a charity fundraiser, tickets were $150.00 each worth checking out to get .S.F. flavor….
absolutely we have to worry over earthquakes and now, outdated gas lines underground!!
also the state is bankrupt, badly governed, and a rats nest of Proposition laws….so I did not vote for it( even though I live 20 min. south by freeway) WAY overpriced housing!!
but yes, I still love the city!
When I was a teenager I used to take the bus up to Frisco all the time. It was a clean, safe and fun place back then. Poor government and influx of gangs and drunks has taken the charm away from the city for me. Even when I went to college in Berkeley we used to drive over for a day in Haight Ashbury and see a few shows. Things change, not always for the better!
Cami,__I used to visit SF a couple of times a year on Navy Reserve business. There are some of the best restaraunts in America in that town; the only place I've found to get a decent bowl of Cioppino or a really good sourdough bread. Unfortunately, there are the things that Ed mentioned. I will always like to visit SF, but wouldn't want to live there.
Agreed, Ed and Don… there are gorgeous parts of San Francisco still, and it takes your breath away on a sunny day..lots of great people there, too..but dangerous areas as well; bankrupt in general, so urban systems are failing and funding gets wasted. Great food scene, but who can really live there full time?
Hey guys, thanks for the fun. All I can say is on my next trip to NYC, I will spend a whole day in the Rose Reading Room. What a hidden treasure.
Hi Katy, hope all is well, I would love to visit there as well. I would like to live on the East side of the U.S. for a couple of years just so I can see all the historical sights. Not really practical to take them all in, in one vacation. It seems it would take at least 10 separate vacations over a couple of years if you wanna see all the most important Historical sights on the East side. I've gone to D.C. and tripped around there for a couple of days, but my family hasn't.
Vern's design of the Urban Oasis is in my head. I keep thinking about it after watching the video of why he did what.
A neighborhood student and I were talking and it was mentioned that a school art assignment was almost due. I mentioned Vern's unique DRAGON metal art piece on the UO wall. Think the gal is going to look it up and sketch it onto dark paper, cut it out, and then frame it with a white background. Sound like a good plan. Hope it earns an "A".
THANKS VERN!
Hi Time is ticking away—-in less than a month we'll know who gets to claim this fabulous UO. And a week from now the BC will pick it's lucky family. And at that point——it will be 12 weeks until Christmas. Well, that's about it for my updates today. ha LOL
New UO Blog up.
SEATTLE Baby!!!!! It’s the best city on the left coast “)
I see that someone is listening to additional city suggestions. Therefore, I would like to throw two Canadian cities into the mix:
(1) Vancouver (LOVE IT!!!!)
(2) Toronto
Thanks….
I know it's not a really big city, but wouldn't an Urban Oasis in the new Las Vegas City Center be a great escape?
If you have ever been to Chicago you would pick that city! Great food great attraction, fabulous night life and you have the lake and beach right there! To me it is the ultimate city! Love it!
How could we NOT select Chicago. The architecture is world renown. The diversity of the people, the "city of Big Shoulders", it's own Picasso, the Lakefront, Soldier's Field MAGNIFICENT. Inspiration is everywhere. And Best of all the people are the greatest in the world. I hope you check it out.
ummm why not New Orleans? It's small but it's dense, it's exploding with culture, and property there is generally cheaper than any of the places that are listed… or how 'bout Austin, TX – the live music capital of the world?
I have watched the UO on HGTV a few times now and I could almost cry! Winning that would be a dream come true! My husband almost lost his whole business after Lehman went under and has been struggling to build it back. Being no spring chicken, it has been rough commuting such long hours. Having someplace like that in NYC would change our lives!
hi
Hey, so whats the maintence like on that place in NY, i love it!!
irene
I think we should go Los Angeles!!! The weather can't be be. There is just so much to do in Los Angeles and the rest of California.
seattle would be an amazing spot for the next urban oasis! the puget sound all around, close to the san juan islands, hipstersm and amazing food on every block; the weather is mild–i love seattle!
Two places come to mind: Seattle, WA, and Miami Beach, FL. Both have lots to do, good shopping, and awesome views.
I would love Chicago….My son and his family live there and as a designer it would open a new market for me….this is only a selfish choice, but I am tired of all In NY as it is so much easier to accomplish good design …we need more for the average people…not uber bucks people…..
san francisco with sarah richardson …. it would be beautiful!
MARY, what happened to SAN DIEGO? This progressive, cosmopolitan city has everything going for it—a vibrant and architecturally outstanding downtown, ideal year-round weather, cultural venues, a remarkable range of dining and entertainment choices, not to mention glorious beaches, marinas, and all of the great water sports that go with the ocean and harbor. Getting around the city is a breeze, either by car, bus or trolley, shopping is top notch, the locals are friendly, there are so many interesting neighborhoods to explore, and Julian Apple Pies are readily available. (The Julian Apple Pies alone are reason enough to choose San Diego.) There's the Gaslamp District, Coronado Island, Mission Bay, Shelter Island, La Jolla, the Imperial Wetlands…why I could go on and on! And I think I will…how about glorious Balboa Park, Old Town, Sea World and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo? What more could anyone want? Of course, I suppose I could be slightly biased…
However, due to the fact that by serious oversight San Diego was not a listed option, my first choice by default easily goes to Honolulu. Regardless of how often I visit the Islands, every time I step off the plane into the soft ocean breezes of that tropical paradise, all the stresses of life, big and small, seem to simply melt away, Even in the wilds of Waikiki there are plenty of relaxing options. Chicago's great, Miami's fine, but give me a true Island Oasis any day!
San Diego would be my choice. Imagine the posibilities! Views of the beautiful Pacific along with everything else that area has to offer.
The current Urban Oasis giveaway in New York though was an outstanding choice. I can picture myself there for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the shows, the shopping, and oh my – the eating!
Honolulu is the perfect spot for an amazing oasis! I can see it now, views of the ocean, fresh air in your face, and beautiful decor that would be so relaxing. What a perfect place to live free!
San Diego, Ca
Los Angeles, Ca
Charleston, Sc
these would be my choices for location of next Urban oasis home.
Portland, Maine may be smaller than the rest, but it is sure big on charm and immediate access to outdoor adventures and award winning culture.
My vote is for Hawaii! Even in the business district of Bishop and Beretania. And I vote for Candice Olsen to decorate.
My vote is for Hawaii. Right downtown in the business district on Bishop, within walking distance of anything and wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Let's get Candice Olsen to design!
OK – I voted for Miami (warm, closest to home, and intriguing), but I was really thinking (1) Paris <sigh>, (2) London, (3) New Orleans, (4) Washington D.C., (5) Amsterdam.
I would say Chicago, best of everything!
I want to see you on the west coast and San Francisco is such a dynamic city it would be fun to watch, with such a mesh of cultures and creativity available