We Love Lonny

We loved seeing our clean lined sectional gracing the pages of the most recent Lonny Mag. Raina Penchansky and Sean McCusker showcased their incredibly stylish New Orleans home planted squarely in the French Quarter. Amidst a vintage settee and a dreamy pair of tub chairs they added the crisp silhouette of our 2378 sofa beneath an Aaron Collier painting to keep the look from being too predictable.

We think this stylish couple outdid themselves. And Lonny... thank you for the mention. We <3 you too

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Elephant-astic

 
Occasionally you come across something so inspiring that it takes your imagination on a journey around the world. This completely hand-crafted fabric did just that. Crafted completely by hand of all-natural materials, it takes an entire year (*gasp*) to create approximately 50 yards of this lovely crewel fabric. Slubs, knots and imperfections add unique character to every gorgeous yard and truly classify this unique textile as a work of art.

{shown above: 1. Crewel fabric from Pearson Textiles, 2. Ceramic side table, 3. Jacqueline Cambata dinnerware via Geary's Beverly Hills also available at TableArt.com}

I Think Ikat, I Think Ikat

Is it acceptable if I admit I haven't been into this wave of Ikat fabric until now? Every example I've seen looks a bit too faded and "vintage" for my taste. This week I received a box of fabric samples and nearly squealed when I came across these three new Ikat fabrics Pearson is carrying. Rather than being printed on the threads, the geometric pattern is actually woven into the fabric. And those threads have a bit of sheen to them, making the fabric glisten in the light. The rayon/poly blend means they are insanely durable and will hold up to the demands of a busy house. This "no ikat for me, please" girl is a new convert. My only dilemma now? Which of the three colorways do I choose? The textile comes in turquoise (my personal favorite), tobacco, and scarlet - all of which are woven here in the US.

These are positively gorgeous and have completely changed my opinion of the now popular print. This fabric is glamorous, fancy and beautifully produced. Stay tuned as I uncover the story behind this product in an upcoming series of posts called Jennifer's Journeys. Until then... happy weekend!

Upholstered pieces all via Pearson Company: Chair, Upholstered headboard & Hassock

Aquamarine Dream

As you dip your toes in the pool on this first weekend of summer be sure to have a few of these gorgeous aquamarine favorites on hand: 1. Trina Turk all-weather fabric @ PearsonTextiles, 2. Calypso St. Barths Tableware @ Target, 3. Isharya Earrings @ Net-a-porter

The Great Outdoors

It's official! We can now wear white from head to toe without being a social pariah, guiltlessly lounge by the pool and (more importantly perhaps) treat that outdoor place like the grand outdoor living area it was destined to become. If you're anything like me, this weekend calls for breezy tunics and lots of Trina Turk. (And of course, all those white dresses I've been accumulating since last summer).

I particularly love Trina's all-weather fabrics. Here's how I'd doll up my poolside cabana... for fun, I'll choose the Cameroon Circular chaise covered in Turk's colorful pink and orange fabric. It looks perfect for canoodling or enjoying a catnap. If you're going for a bold minimalist look, rock her yellow, white and black version on the dreamy Spinnaker sofa from LaneVenture. Yes, those furnishings are all-weather and will outlast the preciously fast summer season.

Me? I dream of a patio in hypnotic blues and greens... more on that in this weekend's post. In the meantime, time to go pull some tunics out of the closet. Pink lemonade, anyone?

It's All Greek To Me

Everywhere I look the gorgeous Greek key pattern is making an appearance. It's imprinted on cosmetics, woven into luxurious sheets and froming the legs of fashionable tables. I'm not a motif person, but the geometry of fretwork is a timeless design I love.

Greek influences have shaped interior design for years, from the striking Klismos chair and the problem-solving trapeza to finer architectural details on quality furnishings. So the resurgence in popularity of the classic Greek key pattern causes me to stop and ponder: did it ever go out of fashion? I don't think so. I think we just notice it again since it's making an appearance on fashion runways and in magazine spreads. Classic shapes are timeless and transcend fashion.

These are a few of my favorite Pearson items honoring the iconic shape. While we're on the subject, be sure to pop over to Wanda Horton's blog to see how she's been subtly infusing the design into her projects.

Shown: left-arm chaise 2373, cocktail table 9735, fabrics (from left) 6491-76 and 7794-34

Summer Lovin'

 

As the weather heats up I find that I'm restyling my rooms. Fresh pillows here, lighter colors there. I love the slightly nautical feel in this photo courtesy of the seashells and fresh color palette. The creamy white fabric on the sofa and the well-loved wood floors have me plotting my summer vacation plans and craving warm sand beneath my feet. Bring on the long, lazy days of summer!

{shown: 2232 sofa, 9840 French chest, heron & crane fabric 8063-53.}

Front to Back

last week I teased you with this new chair. Here she is in her full glory. Witness that wood detailing on the back, lending incredible architecture to this already glamorous piece.

Drool a bit more here.

More Custom Creations

Some of our more innovative work is brought about by a client's unusual request. n this case Giorgi Brothers, a retailer of Pearson in San Francisco needed a very shallow loveseat for a particular project. How shallow? A seat depth of 17" to be precise. The resulting piece was a modification to one of our favorite sofas. The "mini"  version of this sofa now measures 66W x 35D x 38H. The seat depth is shallow enough to reside at the foot of the bed or in a hallway. We love the result, and we're certain Annie's client is thrilled as well. It's a terrific reminder that everything we do is custom. If you can dream it, we can make it happen. Just ask!

Hidden Jules

  It never ceases to amaze me how we find time for tv shows in our overscheduled lives. Me? I thank TiVo for my bubblegum for the brain shows. While I do indulge in my fair share of "real" Housewives and the latest batch of Survivors, I'm a girl who goes for comedy over drama any day. And if you're really being honest you must admit: you watch too. One reason? Those set designers are a truly talented bunch. 

One of my favorite spaces is Jules Cobb's inviting living room on Cougartown. Beachy, bright and overlooking her pool... this space is begging for guests to linger. And they do (at least in the alter-universe of television comedy).

From the very first episode I've been mesmerized by the pair of floral print armchairs on the set of her home. The exact print is a Brunschwig & Fils fabric, but you can achieve the same uplifting effect with this gorgeous aviary & butterfly patterned linen fabric from our current collection. Light, bright and airy. 

Transform a room by upholstering a duo of wingback chairs in the print. Or add just a touch of that Florida sunshine by creating toss pillows to scatter about on a neutral sofa. Be forewarned, however, when your guests unwind amidst this playful print they might just stick around. Be a gracious host and let them. This print is too pretty to be enjoyed alone.

Baby Got Back

The front of these classic dining chairs may be no-nonsense, but we've added a hint of exotic flair to the back. This unexpected turquoise print on the back of the chair is reminiscent of Chinese Happiness ginger jar paintings. The batik-like mums are printed on a heavy duty linen/cotton blend canvas. Though the print is truly beautiful it is durable enough to delight guests for many years to come. Durable and pretty? That's a combination we think is nothing short of gorgeous.

Pearson Introduces Glamorous Upholstered Headboards

 

It's no secret I love upholstered headboards. One look in any shelter magazine tells you that right now everyone does. They are utilitarian and beautiful, a gorgeous centerpiece in any bedroom.

These new beauties from Pearson Furniture are true showstoppers. Choose from the extensive fabric collection to create your custom masterpiece. Although... I'm kid of jonesing for the blue/green plush velvet beauties above. Yes, please!

Add a Royal Touch

Show a little royal flair in your next project with these beautiful British flag inspired fabrics. A dash of this iconic design in your home might not win you a handwritten invite to the next Royal wedding, but you'll be well on your way to transforming your home into a stately manor nonetheless. This modern wing chair and hassock add punchy pattern and versatile seating for your honored guests and a hint of historic significance to any space. 

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Oh, Suzanni

Add a bit of east meets west intensity to your room with these Suzanni patterns. Vivid turquoise and chartreuse on a neutral background make this woven textile a showstopper in any space. These unique fabrics are woven in Turkey exclusively for Pearson. (Also available in rich red.)