The first ever Dining for DIFFA Design Challenge from DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDs) came to a close on April 30th after a month’s worth of dining experiences were shared on Instagram by design challenge participants from coast to coast. Hundreds of people entered the competition, showcasing an array of creative dining moments and inspirations including breakfasts in bed, picnics in living rooms and on rooftop terraces, exquisite dining room displays and more.
When the last submission was in, a jury of reputable design professionals, Helene Oberman of Interior Design Magazine, Vanessa Deleon of VDA Designs and Tyler Wisler of Tyler Wisler Home, each voted on their favorite photos. In an unanimous decision, Michael Tavano, Interior and Product Designer, was identified as the winner of the Dining for DIFFA Design Challenge. The winning prize includes a $250 gift card to dine in and a spotlight on @DIFFANational, @DesignStandsTogether, @DesignCalendar and @NovitaPR Instagram accounts. When informed of his win, Tavano requested a gift card to Fresh Direct, which he will donate to NY Common Pantry. The donation will cover the equivalent of one week of fresh produce for over 120 families.
All three judges shared enthusiasm for Tavano’s table design that was intimate, inviting and approachable. The caption reads “I built this tablescape inside of our pagoda garden folly so it is of course inspired by all things Japanese.” Each element was carefully arranged on a coffee table, photographed from above, with yellow cushions-turned-seats on the floor in a subtle reference to the current global reality, which demands creative approaches to life at home. “This is the Zen life and we can all appreciate it in this chaotic world,” said judge, Tyler Wisler. “Always the sophisticate,” said judge Helene Oberman in regards to Tavano’s style, this design won her over with a “tasteful use of color and graphics.” This design is “simple, cheerful and playful,” said judge Vanessa Deleon.
Referencing DIFFA’s mission to support individuals and communities impacted by HIV/AIDS and it’s signature annual fundraiser, Tavano shared in his entry “though we’ve created more than 15 different tables for DINING BY DESIGN events over the years, this one for me feels very special and important. During this current crisis, there’s been a lot of discussion about the similarities between this moment and that terrible time when science was trying to figure out what in the world the HIV virus was. The exceptional strides that have been made over the past 30 years or so were significantly helped by the constant and diligent efforts of organizations like DIFFA.”
While Tavano’s style won unanimous approval from the judges, they identified several others worthy of an honorable mention, including: Claudino Weber’s (@claudianoweber) whimsical Easter display, Nicole Haddad’s (@nicoclaxton) colorful floor picnic, a heartfelt garden picnic post from Lo Chen Design (@lo_chen_design), Michele Alfano’s (@michelealfanodesign) light-hearted wine and puzzle night, Katie Bone’s (@katiedangerbone) casual breakfast setting, and Abigail-Elise Design Studio’s (@aehustlers) wine and cheese spread. All who participated demonstrated creativity in their homes and unity through the power of design.
Though the challenge has closed on Instagram, DIFFA encourages everyone to continue using the #diningfordiffa hashtag and sharing those special moments that bring us together in this time of social distancing. The team at DIFFA appreciates the creativity of everyone who participated and the generous support of all who made donations or include the donation sticker in their stories. As always, those interested in donating to DIFFA can do so here.
