It's that time of year again. Time for the Spring Showhouses....and what better way to kick off the season than with the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse? I had a really good read over at Habitually Chic, who was lucky enough to attend and take really fabulous photos. Then I was checking out the Washington Post Home and Garden section and was reading THIS.

Penthouse by Larry Laslo

It's seems the economy is hitting everyone pretty hard. According to the Post, the showhouse organizers had a hard time finding a house for the event. For the first time the event is being conducted in an apartment building.

Kondylis Design

"We had trouble finding houses this year" said Jennifer Skoda, an event spokesperson, "We wanted to find something extraordinary this year, but the real estate market is tough, and sellers didn't want to tie up a house."

Charlotte Moss

It looks like the designers had new challenges to face, smaller spaces with 8 1/2 foot ceilings. I think they did a very admirable job in tackling the task.

Andrew Edward Kepler

What I am wondering is this: how are you all fairing out there in the design world? Are those of you that just love design and working on your houses cutting back? Are you designers out there struggling to keep up with business expenses? Are you taking this bit of down time to trim the fat...get organized....implement those dormant marketing and networking plans? I would love to hear how everyone is coping with this downturn. I am rethinking my own plans about my house, and career and would be really interested to hear what's going on with you!