Ondine Karady

Not only is she insanely adorable, and with an absolutely perfect name, but she's terrifically talented too!
According to Ondine's fantastic website, she started her design career in the set design field. I'm not sure how exactly she landed what would be my dream job, as one of the set designers for Sex and the City, but she did!
Just seeing pictures of this room makes me feel happy!
Ondine contributed to other sets for film, television, and advertisements, as well as special projects such as this amazing display for the film Big Fish.


She eventually started her own firm, and apparently has a following of actors and political giants, thanks perhaps to her husband Jim Ruterberg a political correspondent. I don't doubt at all that Ondine would command such an audience. She's powerfully talented and seems to have a sense of humor about it. I apologize for not showing more photos of Ondine's brilliant design work, please take a moment to check out her site to see some great examples.Here is a beautiful photo of Ondine and her husband on their wedding day.And, her wedding party. Great photo!

Ondine went on to be a contestant and top finalist on Bravo's Top Design : Season 2. She and Preston were my favorites! Oh, and Wisit too, but just because he seemed to be a wacky crack-pot.
Ondine spends her time living and working in both NYC and DC. She shares her life with not only her husband, but cat Norman and dog Little Bear. I have a feeling that Ondine will be featured in many design publications this year. On a personal note, long before Top Design:2 aired I used to talk to Ondine regularly on the phone when I was in sales for Baker furniture. I don't get a chance to talk to her anymore, as I'm no longer in sales. But, she was always incredibly sweet on the phone. I hope that i have the chance to meet her in person this year. She seems like a great gal.