I was in Manhattan yesterday for a string of interviews, ending my day at the Chelsea studio, showroom and factory of Liora Manné.

I first met the designer a couple of years ago at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, also in New York.

Her signature style — unusual patterns and vibrant colors — caught my eye, so I stopped to learn more.

We got to talking about her career and her new products and during our chat I found out she has a home in Katonah, as well as in the city.

From there, I did a story on her and her company for our old Home & Design magazine and have tried to keep up with her efforts ever since.

And it’s not always easy, as she’s clearly a woman on the go.

Yesterday, for example, I was lucky enough to catch her between trips. I had e-mailed her last week to say I’d be in the city and could I stop by. Her reply came from China, where she was on a product-development trip — but yes, she’d be happy to meet with me.

And when I arrived at her Chelsea space, I learned she was just about to head out again — this time to Las Vegas for a trade show. This one’s geared toward the hospitality industry, so she’ll be pitching her products for hotels and resorts around the world.

Then, back in New York for this year’s edition of the ICFF later this month.

For a time, Manné had a retail shop on Grand Street. Now, though, she’s consolidated the operation into her Eleventh Avenue headquarters, while continuing to offer retail items through her Web site and some other outlets. (A selection of her placemats, for example, are carried by the Museum of Modern Art shop. I also spotted her bags at Whimsies Incognito in Tarrytown, where her home accessories are soon to be carried, too.).

In the studio/factory building, it’s all artistry, color and excitement.

From the moment the elevator opens — right into the showroom — you get a sweeping sense of Manné’s style.

I just love how you can see right into the design studio and adjacent spaces.

She has long been known as a rug designer, but her unique process has led her to so many other outlets from home accents like lamps to fashion pieces including some great bags, boots and jewelry.

The showroom is designed to give a glimpse into her world, or as Manné said, it allows a visitor to see “the range of what we can do.”

I’m going to let you just enjoy the pictures:

And here is a wall of various patterns — talk about inspiration.

And here’s the designer herself:

For now, the retail showroom is only open weekdays (call to confirm specific hours), while Manné says she expects to shift it into high gear in the fall, expanding the hours and putting the spotlight more on the retail aspect.

So for now, consider it almost a secret!

The showroom is on the Seventh Floor of 210 Eleventh Ave. (between 24th and 25th streets). Call 212-989-2732.
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Tomorrow I’m headed up to Brimfield, Mass., and the famed antiques market — taking a bus with a group of local antiques lovers. We leave Nyack soon after 6 and won’t be back til late.

Check back Friday for a report on the road trip.