We Visited Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in NYC!

Boy was I thrilled when Leo (my husband and business partner) and I were invited to take a tour of the studios and offices of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!

I always sleep in. Even on Christmas. I just love a warm cozy bed, and it's nearly always impossible for me to get up in the morning (even though I completely love my life of course).  However, on the morning of our tour, I sprang out of bed! I couldn't believe it was the day that I was going to MEET the one-and-only Martha Stewart!!! I don't think I've jumped out of bed so early since Santa himself with his furry red suit used to visit my house! The American Made awards ceremony was scheduled later that evening, so I knew I'd be meeting Ms. Stewart, and we were told she wouldn't be in the office during our tour, but I thought "hey you never know." I was beyond excited!  I couldn't believe we would be getting to see behind the scenes at the real office! In person!!

We hitched a ride with our new pals Nikhil and Alejandro from Back to the Roots (another American Made Honoree). I'm afraid only a portion of my brain was engaged in their exciting and intriguing conversations because I was so thrilled out of my gourd to be on my way to Martha's offices. We arrived at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, just off the Hudson River in Manhattan. MSLO shares the building with some other companies but occupies the entire top floor.

The reception area of MSLO

We stepped out of the elevator and walked into the reception area, which looked so "Martha" to me with its beautifully diffused natural light and open, airy feel. It felt so elegant, yet completely welcoming and comfortable. We were joined by some of the other American Made Honorees, our new friends Charles Pinnell and his wife Jinny (Pinnell Custom Leather) and Camas Davis from the Portland Meat Collective. Our tour guide, Assistant Editor Lindsey Mather, whom we had met the night before, greeted us and she just couldn't be sweeter or more lovely!

I don't think I've ever been so excited! My heart was pounding and I had to keep reminding myself to take deep breaths and take it all in. My friends and family will tell you that I'm one of the calmest most laid-back people, even in times of emergency or stress, but that morning I was almost hyperventilating with excitement and anticipation. Even as I write this, I'm getting all worked-up again, haha!

Lindsey told us that they stay pretty active walking around the large space throughout the day and at first, it's even easy to get lost. We made our way through some inner corridors and my cheek muscles were already getting tired from smiling so big the whole time at everyone and everything. The various departments are grouped throughout and we saw producers and developers hard at work. What a group of talented creative folks! I loved seeing the inspiration and decoration that people had pinned up in their personal workspaces.

We made our way to the "test kitchens" where every recipe is developed and tested for the magazine and for various outlets. The kitchens are decked-out and look so well thought-out as far as tools and materials and convenience. It must be heavenly for anyone who loves working with food! It smelled amazing and everyone looked like they were having a blast. We even saw our new pal Lucinda Scala Quinn, Martha's Executive Food Director and Sarah Carey, Everyday Food Editor. It was so exciting for me because I've loved watching them on television and seeing their food creativity in the magazine!

The most striking thing about the MSLO workspaces is the big beautiful windows. The entire floor is encircled by gigantic "warehouse" windows that let in the most perfect, diffused light. It's really easy on the eyes and is the most flattering light for objects and people. (Have you ever tried to take a photo or a "selfie" and noticed how much nicer people and things look depending on the light? Well this is "that perfect light" and it's everywhere!)

The entire office is surrounded by these big warehouse windows that provide the perfect light. Leo thinks that the natural aging of the windows makes the diffusing effect even better.

MSLO kitchen.

Talented foodies having a blast in the MSLO kitchen.

A big highlight for Leo and me were the photo studios and the "prop" storage area. We thought we had a big collection of props and tables and backdrops for our photo shoots, but wow! They have what seems like one of everything! You could create any kind of scene or tablescape with so many different tables and objects, and they had so many different kinds of "walls" on wheels to use as backdrops! Leo was in heaven! We loved seeing how they do what we do, but on such a big, efficient scale! And so organized and clean, too!

Props for photos and videos, organized beautifully and ready for creativity.

Lindsey introduces us all to one of the departments full of talented creative folks hard at work.

My ears perked up big time when I heard that the Craft Department was next! Wow, and talk about having one of everything! Any kind of craft supply you could ever want to make any idea come to life is ready and organized! If you can dream it, you can make it! And right in the middle of it all was one of their recent projects, Martha's pink tulle gown that was created for her to wear for the cover of their latest special issue of Living - the Halloween issue! It's so simple yet ingenious and airy - it's basically just a bunch of gathered tulle that's worn over a pink bodysuit. Check it out in the magazine if you haven't yet - I loved how they brought the "Fairy GrandMartha" idea to life with stunning hair and makeup and enchanting forest props! I couldn't believe I saw the pink tulle costume in real life! Martha really worked it on the cover of the Halloween issue!

Lindsey shows us one of the Craft Department's rooms.

Me having a heart attack next to the pink tulle Fairy GrandMartha costume.

Plenty of organized craft supplies.

Craft supply heaven.

Hannah Milman, the Executive Editorial Director for Crafts showed us some recent projects they've created for celebrity weddings and some inspirational objects they've picked up at flea markets and antique stores that provide color palettes and design ideas. We even got to peek at pages of the December 2013 issue of Living, which had some gorgeous ideas for the holidays. We also got to chat with Eric Pike, Editor-in-Chief of Living.

Next Lindsey showed us the "clerestory," a large open space with windows that nearly encircle the entire top portion of the walls. The decoration hanging from the ceiling was left over from a bridal event they had just held. Lindsey said they hold large meetings there sometimes, and parties as well, and wow, I can only imagine how the space is transformed from event to event!

The clerestory at MSLO.

Finally, we saw Martha's actual office! It was so neat seeing where Martha spends her time working when she's not making her way around the entire MSLO offices! It looks like the perfect space for all the various things I can imagine she does, like handle business, meet with people, reference things, and even take a moment to lounge on the chaise while on the phone or just for a few minutes of re-grouping time. I loved seeing what looks like every single issue of Martha Stewart Living organized in magazine caddies, probably in chronological order. It must be a proud feeling to look at all of those magazines packed full of inspiration and ideas spanning the years! Especially since the ideas and projects are so cutting-edge and yet so timeless.

Martha's Office at MSLO Headquarters.

The new High Line near the MSLO offices, which is a former train line, one story up in the air which has been turned into a walkway, planted with lovely landscaping. We were told by at least five of our new friends at MSLO that it was a must-see, so we made sure to check it out!

Founder & Artist - SVGCuts.com

What an experience! I was so thrilled and it took me about an hour to regain my composure and breath! I felt so honored and so grateful to be able to peep at everything and chat with the editors and employees, and most of all I felt so touched and honored that our crafty friends and fans made this whole thing happen for us by voting for us in the American Made contest! So thank you!!! We love you guys, and what an experience, we'll certainly remember it always!