The Delectable Sectional

For years I eschewed the idea of a sectional. It seemed "undone" at best and limiting at worst. That is until I moved and my new living area presented the ideal opportunity to finally cave in to my secret love of them. Done right, a sectional doesn't actually have to be casual and decidedly informal. Truth be told, mine is pretty swanky. Tufted seating, shimmery icy-blue velvet, tuxedo arms. There's nothing about this baby that is causal.

Lauren from Material Girls has a nice post that addresses the changing nature of this once sloppy choice. The ghost of sectionals past always comes in to haunt a project when clients (or designers) hear the word sectional. Fortunately, today's designs are often tailored, sleek and refined.

Yes, there are still relaxed family friendly options available. But Pearson and a handful of other brands have firmly entrenched the accommodating sectional in the category of chic seating options.

One choice is the 2398 frame. Sleek tailored arms, angled feet and crisply defined loose cushions make this a solid choice for a variety of projects. I've seen this customized in a variety of ways and it always comes off looking stylish and crisp. Two words not often associated with this type of sofa.

For those who prefer a more bold design, the 2378 has optional tufted bench seating, tuxedo arms and a dramatic exposed frame. While both can be configured any way you can imagine, the 2378 now comes with the option of chaise or even a coordinating daybed. This is far and away my favorite (I actually have this piece) and I love the ample seating it affords when entertaining and its handsome good looks when not a soul is in the room.

Whichever frame you choose, know that it can be customized any way you wish. Endless fabric options, custom finishes, optional trim and myriad seating configurations. Still don't see what you want? Just ask - they'll build it to your exact specifications.

Rest assured, "sectional" no longer means informal seating that reads bachelor casual or family den. Today's frames are posh enough to be positioned prominently in swanky hotel lobbies and the most stylish of homes. Is your living room next?

Borrowed and Blue

Take a classic, add a hand printed imported fabric and voila! Watch the admirers gather to witness the new movement in design.

Such was the case when we unveiled two remarkable new fabrics at market. The first is a fresh spin on a decidedly classic look. Boasting the feel of architectural renderings, this rosette laden fabric offers amazing detail. The ground cloth has a weathered old world look that only adds to its unique charm. It is woven and and printed in Spain and is exclusive to Pearson. (This unique fabric is also available in Bark.)

We love it on the new 1406 chair with Louis XVI styling. Somehow old meets old becomes old meets new with this marvelous blue textile.

Next, we threw caution to the wind and introduced an Italian crafted tie-dyed effect striped fabric. Although printed in state of the art mills, this stripe lends any project an artisan, handmade appeal. The linen and cotton ground ground the print in sophistication, taking humble tie-dye to a elegant new level. Woven and printed in Italy exclusively for Pearson.

Seen on our classic Bergere chair, this new textile caused quite the stir at October Market. We think it has lasting impact as we head into 2012 with a fresh new attitude.

What is noteworthy here is the balance of classical forms paired with bold new design. We are thrilled to exclusively offer these two incredible textiles and look forward to introducing you to more unique prints such as these. The possibilities for application are endless. More importantly, the design world (and the marvelous clients who encourage growth) are ready for something old and something new. We think it's a style marriage made in heaven.

Featured: 1406 dining chair in 8071-54 fabric, 1416 Chair upholstered in 8074-54.

Pearson's New Introductions Online

Those of you who attended Market will be excited to know that Pearson's new introductions showcased in the showroom at High Point Market in October are all online as of today. Browse the gorgeous pieces in one convenient location. Enjoy!

Dreaming of fabrics instead of frames? Those are online now too! See them all here in one grouping.

Elle Decor's Top Rooms of 2011

I love roundups like the one Elle Decor just put together. 30 of today's top design insiders chimed in to produce a list of the year's prettiest and most posh residential rooms. One of my favorite projects was included: a colorful and creative Fifth Avenue apartment as designed by Timothy Haynes and Kevin Roberts.

Like most successful endeavors, the result was brilliant due to two critical factors: the design prowess of the interior designers and the fearlessness, patience and sky's the limit attitude of the homeowners. When one part of that equation has their foot on the brake, miracles are more challenging. But when the client and the design team have a shared vision and a willingness to "go for it" - miracles can and do happen.

Another favorite space from the article is the Jean-Louis Deniot-designed living room inside a Parisian Left Bank pied-à-terre. See all of these incredible - and daring - residential wonder in the full ElleDecor.com article.

Photo via Elle Decor by William Waldron

As Seen In: Luxe Interiors + Design Winter Issue 2012

Doheny does it again! The gorgeous master bedroom of Mrs. Doheny at the Greystone Showhouse is featured on the cover of the national issue of Luxe Magazine for Winter 2012. The vignette above is a portion of this beautiful room designed by LA darlings Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield.

Congrats to this talented creative duo for this terrific coverage. The entire room is a marvel of color and design prowess. It's always nice to see such deserving designers receive such acclaim for their originality. They certainly took risks, but it was certainly worth it. You don't create drama and impact with safe choices. It's clear this room is a space that will be celebrated for quite some time.

Each piece of occasional and upholstered furniture shown above (as well as the fabrics) is from Pearson. For more on this beautiful space, take a peek at this post or this one as well as this Editor at large video which features the designers sharing their inspiration and concept.

When you score your issue of the magazine you'll also spy plenty of Pearson within the glossy pages. Three additional images of the showhouse feature Pearson furniture used for the Maison de Luxe event.

Additionally, our handblocked linen script print (a marvel of artistry from India) is featured in a separate article about the continuing trend of type motifs. (This pretty textile is also featured on the index page of the magazine.) This particular fabric is very special due to how it is crafted. Due table size limitations, it can only come in 20 yard pieces. All print is hand applied in neutral tones (making it incredibly versatile) to this 100% linen fabric. Look closely and you'll notice phrases, signatures and dates written in both English and French. It's beautiful to see online, but even more lovely when seen in person. We're thrilled they chose to feature it in this issue.

Maison de Luxe: Star of the Show

It seems that green designer Lori Dennis was having more fun that anyone at Maison de Luxe. As she entertained visitors to her space she was also filming for her upcoming HGTV show, The Real Designing Women. All eyes were on Lori and the incredible room she transformed for Maison de Luxe/

While another talent might have been put off by the task of outfitting such a small area, Lori embraced the challenge. In fact, she celebrated the diminutive footprint rather than fighting it. One wall was covered in a series of what appeared to be Moroccan mirrors. How incredible are they? Mirrors (specially when used in multiples) are stunning way to enlarge the space. Here Lori's choice in style added not just light and space to the room, it conjured up images of faraway lands.

Center stage in the room was our Star of India ottoman (swoon!) in the most fetching fabric choices imaginable. Look at those gilded sides and shimmering tassel trim. This piece, when done well as shown here, is a showstopper. Gorgeous. I love how the pattern and shape plays off the geometry of the rug design. Rather than stop there, Lori reflected the unique star shape with a metallic tray filled with shimmering rocks. Just look at that drama!

Also seen in the space was our 9654 table, a round accent table with Greek key stylized feet. The room's proportions made it very hard to take photos of the custom bed, but it is best described as being "like a womb, completely gold leafed on the outside, upholstered in royal blue velvet on the inside, with built in speakers." Talk about drama.

As if all of this wasn't enough, Lori had the most amazing mural painted on the ceiling. It just goes to show, square footage need not stand in the way of powerful design. Impact can be achieved in any amount of space when placed in talented hands like Lori's.

Be sure to see more of this space in the Editor at large video filmed during the event.

Rheinstein's Romantic Touch

Hollyhock owner and internationally acclaimed designer Suzanne Rheinstein used color and clean details to transform a guest suite into a romantic retreat. Her design mantra is simple: that the need to live well each day far exceeds the importance of dressing up your home for special events. As a result, her projects always embody a certain elegance and ease that only fine living can deliver.

In the case of her space at Maison de Luxe, the very simply styled bedroom beds visitors to unwind and curl up with a glass of wine for a long conversation. Her mix of spring green and soft lavender play well off one another. I'm particularly smitten by the lavender velvet bench at the center of the room. And do you see the tassels? They are certainly back in a big way. Sneaking in every chance they get.

All furnishings came from either Pearson, Lee Jofa or Suzanne's own Hollyhock. The settee seen here is the classic 2874, a designer favorite from Pearson's upholstery collection seen here in Lee Jofa fabric. I love the addition of the plump extra pillows on this already intimate piece. It looks perfect for a cozy tête-à-tête!

More on Maison: Mrs. Doheny's Boudoir

Jennifer McConnell, Pearson's VP of design, just returned from Greystone Mansion. She offers up an array of amazing photos from the star-studded event and just as many colorful stories to share. The usual suspects were on hand: Mary McDonald, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Jamie Drake and the other big name designers responsible for the amazing spaces created within the property at Maison de Luxe. The well publicized event drew massive crowds, enough to fill the home and the grand outdoor patio.

We'll begin our tour with the Woodson & Rummersfield gem: Mrs. Doheny's Bedroom. We've shown photos in other posts, but this time Jennifer was able to see it up close and in person. The custom Pearson pieces designed by Jaime & Ron were just gorgeous. In fact there are so many elements in the room that it made the most sense to number them and offer a bit more detail on each one.

A bit of background... all of the furniture in the bedroom was Pearson with the exception of the bed and the nightstands. Pearson fabric was used on most of the pillows in the space. Even the window valances were made out of Pearson trellis chenille fabric.

Let's start at the top of the images above and I'll share a bit of info on each frame.

1. Featured on the bed pillows, Greek key stripe and our festive trellis print with butterflies. What must be mentioned here is the custom mural that Ron and Jaime had painted behind the bed. Isn't that fantastic?
   
   The bed and nightstands themselves are as opulent as one might hope them to be. Lucite and silver combined with tufted ivory leather. I die! The added glamour of the commissioned peacock-centric mural only serves to heighten the posh vibe of the bedroom.
2. On the window valance, the gorgeous 6477-74 chenille fabric adds depth and a luxe treatment to the windows
3. Our glamorous French 1366 Chair with front covered in the stunning pagoda fabric and backed in the rich red print with Greek key stripe detail. The true beauty of the pieces is the silvery vermeil finish.
4. In front of the window sheers, the Greek key console with antique mirror top and lower shelf (one of my favorite pieces!) keeps the glamour of the room going while offering a chic display surface for design books and objects that appeared to be carefully curated objets of the Mrs.
   
   This photo also gives you a better look at those pretty bed pillows. Sadly the butterfly trellis fabric backing the Greek key stripe pillows is discontinued. Ron & Jaime were able to use the very last of it for this incredible project.
5. The Pearson Chow sofa is a fan favorite. Here it shimmers in rich red velvet with contrast piping. We love the extra peppering of the butterfly trellis pattern on the pillows (as seen on boudoir pillows on the bed) to tie the two areas of the room together.
6. Keeping the theme going, our shagreen topped bunching tables with Greek Key detail on the base flank the sofa.
7. The glamorous look of this seating vignette is completed with the ivory cocktail table covered in faux shagreen leather squares. The Parsons styling of this piece is perfect for the mood of the room.
8. The lovely 187 bench at the foot of the bed, finished in that fabulous silver vermeil finish. Jaime and Ron had it upholstered in COM faux exotic skin. The Hollywood glamour results speak for themselves!

For more on Maison de Luxe and the master suites, watch the video from Editor at Large which features the always enjoyable Martyn Lawrence Bullard (designer of Mr. Doheny's Bedroom) as well as Ron Woodson & Jaime Rummerfield.

The New AD 100

For as long as I can remember I've been in awe of the annual issue containing the AD 100. The idea of being identified as one of the industry's top forces in interior design - and having it printed in glossy ink - is every designer's dream. The only real difference these days is that my "issue" arrives electronically long before the glossy pages hit my desk. Isn't technology grand?

This year's list did not disappoint. While I love seeing perennial favorites (Bunny Williams, Miles Redd, John Saladino, Alberto Pinto, Jamie Drake) it's always special to see new or at least notable names appear.

Some of my favorites are also some of the most obvious if you've read me for a while: Suzanne Kasler, Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Axel Vervoordt, Campion Platt, Thomas O'Brien's Aero Studio. One thing is certain, glamour is celebrated at Architectural Digest. Small firm or large, the winning look across the board was sweet sophistication. See the rest of the list at AD.

The Inn at Dos Brisas: A Five Star Luxury Resort

Rustic luxury, anyone? Dos Brisas has just opened halfway between Houston and Austin and is Texas's only 5-Star Resort. While the state boasts an array of Five Star Hotels, the resort distinction makes this equine and haute cuisine destination unique.

It's notable that the resort offers the only Forbes Mobil 5-Star restaurant in Texas and has received awards and recognition for its extensive collection of fine wines, including the Wine Spectator "Best of Award of Excellence." If you're visiting Texas and are craving the comfort of a 300-acre ranch of rolling meadows and scenic horse pastures as well as an accommodating staff, Dos Brisas is the place to be.

Amidst the verdant surroundings and the exceptional dining photography you may also notice a few Pearson pieces in the mix. In this YouTube video we spotted several of our chairs. For plush dining, notice our 1775 side chairs and 1776 arm chairs. These popular chairs are great for encouraging guests to linger over a terrific meal and take in the ambiance.

And for cozy fireside seating, we loved seeing the 726 arm chair. Especially when upholstered in leahter, the turned legs and nailhead trim of these chairs make them seem right at home on this upscale ranch-style resort. 

We're actually headed to Houston later this month, so I'll be looking at our travel plans to see if Dos Brisas makes sense as a stop along the way. This paragraph alone has me tempted to plan to stop in for at least a savory meal:

"In the hands of our talented Relais & Châteaux team, hand-picked herbs and spices from the Inn's own organic gardens, seasonal produce from the our farm and greenhouses, and naturally produced ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces. With a French chefs' passion for quality, an American flair for presentation and an appreciation of Asian minimalist technique, our chefs artfully prepare meals that please the most discriminating palate."

An award-winning culinary experience and fabulous Pearson seating while I dine? Count me in.

Designer Lori Dennis

CasaSugar has a behind the scenes look at green interior designer Lori Dennis's private California home. {Lori is one of the designers who chose Pearson pieces for her Maison de Luxe installation. Catch the video here.}

During the CasaSugar interview she discusses her approach to pared down living and the impact it has on the life of her family. What is most fascinating to me is the perceived contrast between Lori's personal style and much of the work she produces. Her portfolio boasts an incredible range of work. Opulent old world luxury in one project... modern zen minimalism in another. There are no boundaries and no limits to her talent. And yet, I would venture to guess that even in the most plush of projects Lori incorporates her desire to reduce, reuse and recyle. Eliminating unnecessary costs and waste for her clientele.

In addition to her book Green Interior Design, she will also be featured on HGTV's The Real Designing Women, coming in early 2012. This green designer is clearly an unstoppable creative force.

See the full interview and house tour on CasaSugar. {All photos above via CasaSugar.}

Birds of a Feather

It all began with our silk embroidered peacock fabric being featured in Entra Magazine's November December issue. The article was highlighting glamorous metallic fabrics by Pearson, Jab, Dongia and Highland Court. (We love that they also featured the fabric in the table of contents.)

But the mention of peacocks made me realize they've been appearing everywhere lately. I'm not alone in recognizing the trend. Material Girl Jill from LA commented on the recurring appearance of these marvelous birds in a blog post in November.

Since one of the photos on Jill's post featured Mrs. Doheny's bedroom designed by Woodson & Rummerfield it seemed only timely to tie these two posts (and the two trends) together. The marvel of metallics meets the exotic flair that only a gleaming peacock can provide. The two elements are a dramatic design marriage made in heaven and our peacock fabric boasts the best qualities of both.

Enjoy the sneak peek above of my use of the textile on the accent pillows on my 2378 sectional. You should see how the fabric shimmers in the sunlight and somehow goes beautifully with any background you place it on. It's truly a showstopping accent to add to a project. Flecks of gold and the embroidered texture only add to the glamour of the material. The tiny details of the embroidery add depth and dimension to you can't really appreciate until you see it up close. Be sure to pop into your local showroom to see a sample. Expect it to be a hit in your next project!

Delightfully Doheny

If there's one thing Greystone has an excess of, it's a rich and storied past. From the construction of the massive property itself to the famously wealthy families who inhabited it, this is no ordinary manse. Knowing this back story makes the design of the bedroom of the late Mrs. Doheny an even more imposing challenge. But Ron Woodson & Jaime Rummerfield likely didn't flinch when it came time for them to transform her bedroom into a showstopping space for Maison de Luxe.

Jennifer just returned from a whirlwind trip to Greystone where she had ample opportunity to see the entire property. As we await those pix, I have borrowed several from the W&R blog for this post.

These photos give you a glimpse into the concept behind the gorgeous window treatments for this master retreat. In glorious pink with gorgeous black and white bowtie-backs. If you're a fan of this talented duo you might know that bowtie-backs are a signature drapery detail seen in many W&R projects. Don't you love that femme little detail? It really adds a memorable moment to the windows.

The video interview we showed you a few days ago features Ron & Jaime in the room they designed, Mrs. Doheny’s Master Bedroom. Watch closely and you will spy Pearson’s 2294 chow legged sofa, our 1366 french bergere, 187 bench, 9730 shagreen cocktail table, the ever popular 9651 shagreen bunching tables and the 9783 Greek Key console as well as a number of our textiles. We can't wait to see more detailed photos of the space and to hear Jennifer's first hand account of how it felt to walk this impressive showhouse.

Additional photos will be coming up shortly. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Maison de Luxe: Video III

Maison de Luxe at Greystone, Part III from Luxe Magazine on Vimeo.

Could Barclay be any more adorable? We think not. The only thing that upstages his California beach boy looks is his impeccable work inside the Greystone. He gives us an insider look at the driving force behind his inspiration. I've long been a fan of his über plump feather down pillows. One look at his space tells you he's quite the fan, too! Check out that Chesterfield loaded with enough pillows to beckon a well-deserved fireside nap. Love!

We also get quality time with designers Lori Dennis, Wendy Schwartz and Philip Gorrivan as they reveal as much about their rooms as they do themselves.

We're proud to share the Lori also chose many Pearson pieces to outfit her space. The centerpiece being the Star of India ottoman which is a widely celebrated piece in our upholstery collection. I also love her acknowledgment of "museum fatigue" in her portion of the video.

Knowing that attendees would be overwhelmed by the time they reached her meditation room on the third floor, she decided to design a space that would give weary eyes a reprieve. This green designer used natural elements as inspiration and made an otherwise small space seem quite open and inviting. I also spy the Maitland-Smith pillar chair in the space, which is the very chair I'm perched upon right now as I author this post. Always fun to see elements you own used within a showhouse.

Stay tuned for more on the mansion as we reveal additional details about the spaces. And if you're planning to attend you should note that the showhouse will only be open until December 22. Reserve your tickets now.

Maison de Luxe: Video II

Maison de Luxe at Greystone, Part II from Luxe Magazine on Vimeo.

Oooh, here come some of our favorites! This video gives us much needed face time with the incredible Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield, Mary McDonald, David Phoenix and Sheldon Harte. We're not shy about telling you that Woodson & Rummerfield used plenty of Pearson upholstery in their glorious space. I love that they used the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to create "comfortable opulence" within such an historic space. These two truly have a gift and they thrive one being fearless in their execution of a unique creative vision. Always a fan of their boldness.

These four rooms will blow you away Does Mary McDonald ever disappoint? Never. So expect to be wowed by this space as you always are by Mary's incredible work.

I have to say: LOVING these videos delivered by Luxe Magazine. Much thanks to them for adding this extra layer of content for those of us too far away to attend during the busy month of December. Seeing video of the spaces brings so much more richness to the online experience. Enjoy!

Maison de Luxe Unveiling

Maison de Luxe at Greystone, Part I from Luxe Magazine on Vimeo.

Love seeing the lovely and talented (Dallas-based!) Michelle Nussbaumer discuss her vision for transforming her space within the Greystone Mansion. In addition to Michelle we also see Jiun Ho, Kendall Wilkinson and Jamie Drake discuss their gorgeous installations. Watch closely as these leading designers share how they did their part to transform a storied, 1920s mansion into a modern-day marvel.