From Russia, With Love

We all love looking at design magazines from across the globe. We may not have a clue what words grace the pages, but pictures really do say a thousand words. We may not speak fluent French, Russian or Italian, but most of us have keen eye and speak the language of style in any corner of the world. Studied well, you'll see that each culture incorporates their unique point of view into their design aesthetic, but on the whole our global style is just that: global. It's becoming more difficult to tell a Manhattan apartment interior from one in downtown Moscow. It's just the state of our increasingly diverse modern life.

So when we spied this cover of Russia's Elite Interiors magazine it was no surprise to see familiar elements of style. A modern take on the Chesterfield sofa in dashing blue. A glossy red phone booth to add a bit of whimsy to the bedroom. Poofs scattered about the massive space for casual impromptu seating. Teddy bear heads mounted on the wall... wait. What? Yes, all across the world designers and design enthusiasts have a sense of humor about their home fashions.

Inside the issue Pearson's new Peacock Crewel is showcased on our elaborate 1633 chair. If you've not seen the fabric or the chairs up close you are in for a treat. The unique silhouette and the ornate carvings on the legs serve up plenty for the eye to take in. And if upholstered in our amazing peacock crewel fabric you may find your own home worthy of design magazine coverage.

This fabric is new and was just introduced at Spring Market. Watch for it to appear on our textile website shortly. And in the meantime... be kind to those teddy bears, won't you?

A Closer Look: Saddle River Showhouse

We wanted to offer you a closer look at the new 2012 Designer Showhouse. Pearson is one of the sponsors of th is project, situated on a spectacular 10 acre property in the Chestnut Ridge area of Saddle River, NJ. Traditional Home did a marvelous job attracting big name talent to put this winning project together.

Designer Angela Kumble had the opportunity to design the great room of this incredible property. She chose to use quite a bit of Pearson including the 2384 sofa, a pair of swanky 414 chairs, 1912 dining room chairs, 204 chairs and the versatile 9675 shagreen bunching tables. We love her sophisticated style and her distinctive style. Her choice of pieces is fresh and timeless at once (this is always a challenging balance to achieve), and we love the interesting mix of pieces in the scene above. I, for one, am in love with those lamps and her eclectic mix of accessories. The entire space has a collected look. I love it.

Unfortunately, this close cropped photo is all that we can show you at this time. Just a tease! For a more detailed look at this and every room in the Saddle River Showhouse you'll simply have to go on a tour yourself. Be sure to go soon, you only have a few more weeks to see this magnificent home decked out in all its splendor. The event runs until Sunday, June 10, 2012. The hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.(closed on Mondays). Tickets available here.

A Look Inside the Saddle River Showhouse

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

For those of you not in the New Jersey area, you might have missed the 6th Annual Saddle River showhouse sponsored by Traditional Home.

The Open House NYC video above features four of the designers who participated and gives insider tips and decorating tips.

The rooms are all so diverse and truly reflect the different points of view of the designers themselves. The garden room is colorful and open, but the dining room is luxurious and intimate. I love the diversity shown! Of course I love the kitchen, as it is a sexy blend of traditional and contemporary. Perfectly on point. And did I mention it's white? A personal favorite. But don't miss the "happy" library with eye-popping colors and a heady mix of fresh fabrics on traditional pieces. Love!

The showhouse is open to the public through June 10th. Don't miss your chance to see it!

Dangerous Curves Ahead

Don't you just love the pendulum swing of design? As if in response to several seasons of Mad Men influenced home furnishings, this Market offered plentiful signs that femininity is on the rise. Bold, unstoppable, unapologetic femininity.

Pink was everywhere - and more importantly, the RESPONSE to pink was overwhelmingly positive. Bottom line: it's selling. Amping it up even more was the introduction of more curvaceous furniture. This sofa above? I like to think of it as the Sofia Vergara of sofas. Full force feminine form and dressed to the nines. Like Sofia, this curvaceous sofa has ample va-va-voom. Enough for the whole room. And when used as a pair? Stand back, baby! Mama is making her presence known and daring (begging?) everyone in proximity to stop and stare.

So what do we think of all this interior design drama? I for one love it. And the Decorista seems to have taken a liking to the shapely trend as well. I say bring on the peonies, bring on the pink, bring on the boom-boom-pow. We're ready for it!

{Note: sofas above are brand new and have not yet been added to online catalog but it is available for orders. These were seen for the first time at Spring Market in High Point. Get more info here and reach out to your local Pearson rep or showroom to place an order.}

 

Dragon Tales

We were so inspired by the High Point Market Authority's 2012 Spring Fashion report that we decided to follow suit. In the comprehensive breakdown of trends, they highlight Year of the Dragon influenced products.

Pearson's fierce new blue and white fabric made the cut, as did a handful of other great finds. If you're looking to add a mythological element to your next space, 2012 is indeed the year. Dragons, chinoiserie and other Chinese zodiac honoring products hit the floors at every price point.

While a porcelain vase is still the most classic way to honor this trend, we love the idea of being a bit less predictable. After all, the dragon symbolizes strength, boldness and brash confidence. All important traits when it comes to styling your life and your home. And who couldn't use a little more fire in their design?

Featured: Pearson 1408 Chair; Mottahedeh Blue Dragon Dinnerware; Chinese Jar; Dragon Candelabra

Head of the Class

Across the board, one of the biggest trends seen at April Market was oversized headboards. Tall, powerful, statement-making headboards. We spied many variations on the theme at showrooms near and far. Jeanine Hays of AfroChic has one of the better roundups of the attention-getting trend.

There's an art to this look, of course. For me the trick is juxtaposing more dainty or at least more delicately scaled night tables next to the bed. Otherwise the bed itself (and corresponding massive headboard) can overwhelm a space.

In the photo above (of Pearson's newest upholstered bed) Jennifer and crew flank the masculine bed with travertine topped tables with cinched bronzed legs. Curvaceous lamps and playful pillows keep the look from being too handsome or too serious.

And did you spy those fat feet on the bed? Solid maple and seriously dramatic. With biscuit tufting and wingback styling this bed isn't for those without a brave streak for design. But I do think that its tailored appearance helps balance the overall vibe and keep it from looking to extreme. It's a statement piece that escalates the sophistication level of the bedroom. And isn't that what we all want from a headboard?

 

Scene & Heard

We thought we'd share mentions and observations from stylish designers and bloggers who attended Market. Regardless of how much fluffing and obsessing as you do over a showroom before opening day, the only thing that matters is customer response. Sure it may be pretty, but is is marketable? Is there a client in their books for that new console? Are there rooms in projects that would be perfect for using this new upholstery or that new imported fabric? That's the power of Market.

Here's a roundup of a few mentions from some of our favorite blogs:

• - Donna Vining, a celebrated interior designer from Houston noted the continuing influence of Mad Men on home furnishings. Her choices were spot on and we were flattered she chose to highlight our bolstered bench and brand new armless tufted chairs in her post.



• - Richard Rabel, an accomplishes interiors expert and art advisor in NYC and author of The Modern Sybarite, highlighted the awesomeness of our glamorous Art Deco-inspired three-tier table. Ball feet, panted black glass shelves and undeniable elegance make this a winner in almost any design environment. I suspect Richard's stylish clients would agree. Thanks for the mention, Richard!



• - Designer Cline Rose spied one of my favorite ottomans (I happen to own this very frame in the most remarkable metallic textile!) and remarked upon the large scale of upholstery she noticed at Market. I also enjoyed how she parsed out her trendspotting of the four D's in the post: Driftwood, Deep Blues (of which Pearson offered many), Daybeds and Details. Be sure to read more on her blog Design in Bloom.



• - Heather, designer and blog author behind Georgia James, featured our super chic chain link table in her roundup of favorite finds from Market. Can I just say I love Heather. Her bio makes me love her even more. 

These were all great posts from talented designers. Be sure to continue followng their blogs for more stylish selections from their trained eyes.

Happy weekend, all!

Spotted!

Did you follow the High Point Market Style Spotters? We certainly did. Whether or not you were in Carolina for April market, this talented crew did a fantastic job selecting the most eye-catching finds from showrooms large and small. Knowing that it is impossible to see everything during Market, this is a remarkable idea. It allows all of us to follow along and identify emerging trends, quirky product introductions and noteworthy pieces.

Beyond the obvious fun of being chosen as a Style Spotter, each individual has the opportunity to win a coveted prize: a free trip back to Market in October. If your Pinterest pinboard garners the most repins and "likes" you are declared the winner.

Traci Zeller wowed us with her choices, one of which was Pearson's brand new etagere. Standing tall with a gilded frame, beveled glass shelves painted black on the back. These are supremely glam and stopped many visitors in their tracks.

Traci chose this new occasional piece as one of her Style Spotting picks and caused quite a stir with designers and clients alike. We just learned that this talented Carolina designer WON the contest! Congratulations to you Traci and thank you for featuring one of our new introductions in your picks.

We would also like to extend a warm thank you to ALL of the Style Spotters for featuring such remarkable finds. It really enhances the Market expeience and is an incredible way for new brands and small vendors to be discovered. We look forward to seeing where Pinterest and technologies like it take the world of design.

Congrats again, Traci!

Showstoppers in the Showroom

Whew. Is everyone recovered (or recovering) from Market? Traffic was great in spite of the unfriendly weather. Much thanks to all of you who joined us for our cocktail party Sunday night. And warm thanks to everyone who ventured by for a peek at our new introductions or just to say hello.

The name of the game this year is color, color, color. And where there's color, there's pattern. Our showroom really reflected these trends and we delivered them with our own unique twists. As a recap, I'll show you just a few of the highlights of the showroom.

1. This dramatic blue and white fabric was showcased beautifully on the back of these Louis XVI dining chairs. You may also notice the new finish being shown on the frames... more on that in a future post. We're sure it will be a huge hit.

2. Sitting next to this adorable shagreen topped fretwork table is a classic chair with English arms. What makes this truly remarkable is the railroaded fabric applied with such great precision. We love how the textile works PERFECTLY on this upholstered frame.

3. Tangerine Tango, anyone? Who could resist the sunny appeal of this dining group. Velvet host chairs, a settee on one side and painted framed chairs on the opposing side (with classic x's on the backside) - I swoon over this little arrangement. That fabric is new and I'll be sharing much more about it once it's live on the web site. For now, note that it comes in three fantastic colors.

4. Peacocks are still going strong in the world of design. This embroidered fabric has a very large scale pattern and offers designers many opportunities to showcase their creativity.

5. Pearson's new bed program offers headboards AND footboards and bedframes now. This French-inspired option is sure to be a runaway hit.

6. While there are many things to point out in this photo, it's the new Italian digital watercolor print fabric that I'd like to point out. This comes in two colorways. Shown here is the indigo and yellow version. If you think this is pretty, you'll love the teal and raspberry version. True statement makers.

7. Oh, pink. I normally don't instinctively jump for pink in home decor. This vignette, however, is a true exception. Notice the curved sofas flanking the beautifully upholstered Star of India ottoman. I saw this and knew immediately I needed that ottoman. Just look at how this arrangement begs for you to unwind, sip a favorite beverage and settle in for a lengthy conversation with your favorite people. It's incredible. And the pink somehow makes the overall look even more inviting. {Beautifully done, Jennifer!}

Stay tuned for specific details on the new frames and textiles seen above. We have MUCH more to show you!

Anticipation

As we eagerly await the kickoff of this and this, we are busy preparing for this. See you all soon!

Before & After: Greenwich Showhouse

 


The talented interior design & architectural development firm RYDC, the Manhattan powerhouse behind this stunning Connecticut showhouse, reached out to share "after" photos of the project we wrote about last October. Once we recovered from that jawdropping ceiling (satin slate against high gloss white? I'm in love!) we were able to take in the full beauty of the room. Can we just way... WOW.

The powerful ceiling treatment does an amazing job of making what could seem too large of a space seem quite intimate. The architectural detail offered by the coffered ceiling is dramatic. Just look at the scale of the circular centerpiece. The eye is immediatley drawn there, pulling you into the center of the room from the moment you enter. Smart. Adding to the sense of intimacy is the creation of distinct conversation areas within the expansive room.

In the foreground you see this majestic sectional with tufted back that practically begs for a group to entertain. We spied our glamorous antique mirror top cocktail table (a personal favorite!) just in front of it beneath those pretty tulips. The large area rug brilliantly separates this seating group from those closer to the fireplace and adds warmth.

Looking further into the scenes, against the left wall is a pair of Pearson's quatrefoil door cabinet. If you've seen these grand cabinets in person you can respect the generous size of the room. These glass-front cabinets measure an incredible 90" tall and over four feet wide. Not diminutive pieces by any definition. They are often a designer favorite due to their unique combination of delicate architectural features and generous scale. It's not an easy blend to achieve, but they do so masterfully.

In front of the nearby window is one of my favorite dining side chairs. The architectural beauty of the Louis XVI legs make this lone seat interesting enough to hold its own in front of the massive paned glass. The chocolate & taupe cut velvet fabric of the upholstery adds textural interest to this little corner.

What's really impressive to me is how the entire room manages to be both formal (thanks to the sophistication and swagger of the selected furnishings) and relaxed. It says, "come in and stay a while... but please bring your manners with you." A visual message I'd say is pitch perfect for a Connecticut showhouse.

For more work from Dwayne Clark & Ron Yeffet, be sure to visit their firm's site and like their facebook page. And our thanks to the team for sharing their updated photos with us. The room is absolutely gorgeous!

See the original post here.

 

West Week Wrap-up

One of these years I look forward to attending West Week, the massive spring interiors show in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center. Aside from the dreamy LA weather, the PDC is a terrific venue for attracting big name editors and designers alike. It doesn't hurt that Margaret Russell delivered the keynote speach. Let's say I'm a fan and leave it at that.

Editor at Large was at the PDC in March to interview Suzanne Kasler, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti, Emily Ruddo, Gay Tapp, Charlotte Moss, Lisa Newsom, Shelly Van Rozenboom, Amy Meier, Typanie Peterson and Keith Granet. In the video, Vanessa Kogevinas uncovers what inspired the designers and gives insight into emerging trends in residential and commercial design. Catch the full video here.

Floral Explosion by Tilton Fenwick

You've seen a veritable explosion of primavera inspired beauty on the runway. Flowers and vibrant colors as far as the eyes can see. It's as if all of nature has landed at our fashionable feet. Now.. expect that same fearless approach to color, pattern and femininity to extend to your home.

It starts easily enough at the table. Witness this gorgeous Christian Lacroix inspired table design by interior design team Tilton Fenwick. Their starting point was the opulent “Vuelta” fabric by Christian Lacroix through Designers Guild, distributed at Osborne & Little. From there, they just kept going and going (or should I say growing?) much in the fashion of nature itself.

The resulting design for DIFFA Dining by Design is their contribution to the “Emerging Designer” category at Pier 94 in NYC. It will be on display through Monday if you want to see it in person.

Be sure to see the rest of the photos and their insights on what inspired the design at their blog. Stunning, and we hope they are widely praised for their bold design!

Spotted @ High Point Market

Most of you will recall last fall's initial Style Spotting efforts. This Pinterest-driven event at Market is the brainchild of Cheminne Taylor-Smith of the High Point Market Authority. What is it? Curators from varying disciplines of design descent upon Market and identify (pin) what they deem to be the most noteworthy items and/or trends at this particular Market. Have a sneak peek at this season's Style Spotters before April arrives.

How does it work? You (yes, you!) choose your favorite Spotter. You do this via repinning and liking their pins and following their boards. Last year, acclaimed interior designer Tobi Fairley won. Although Style Spotters are not allowed to win twice in a row, I assure you Tobi is back this year to give the new crew a run for their money!

If you're not already pinning your little heart out, here's an invite. Be sure to follow this and all Market events on Twitter. Don't be left behind!

Market Sneak Peek: The Scene Stealer

What a week! In addition to #SXSW, the Apple keynote speech (iPad, anyone?) and the sudden realization that winter isn't really happening this year, Decor Mentor gathered together a team of designers to discuss (read: give us the inside skinny!) on what we can expect at April Market.

Decor Mentors in the mix:

• Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry: Pulp Design Studios @PULPdesigns
• Lisa L Kahn: Kahn Design Group @LisaLKahn
• Michelle Jennings Wiebe: Studio M @StudioM_
• Jennifer Brouwer: Jennifer Brouwer Design @JennBrouwer
• Elaine Williamson: Elaine Williamson Designs @elainewdesigns
• Kati Curtis: Nirmada @designerkati
• Lisa Ferguson: Lisa Ferguson Interior Design @DecorMentor

All of whom brought their A game to the tweetchat this past Wednesday. While you might have missed it, you can catch up quickly by following #HPmkt on twitter and following @HPmarketnews.

Why it matters: these aren't design "enthusiasts" cheering on the latest and greatest things to come down the furniture runway. These are established interior designers who relentlessly attend Market with the goal of opening new accounts, placing new orders, staying on top of their game and sourcing exactly what their clients need. But there's a greater goal and benefit at work here: it's an unbelievable way to further your relationships with peers, hone your craft and build new and important relationships and partnerships. Market is an absolute must for you and your business.

If you are a fellow design professional, consider looking at ELEVATE (an interactive wall for interior design pros to exchange ideas, encouragement and expertise) and joining Lisa and her posse for a Market Kickoff Party Saturday April 21st 4 PM – 5 PM at 220 Elm, 3rd Floor Balcony

Classic Roots, Modern Times

Home Fashion Forecast always has an objective outlook on the marketplace as a whole. For 2012 they've noted just how diverse the design landscape is for interiors. Clients can indulge in their love of modern, classic or retro and still be au courant in today's widely accepted range of "approved" styles.

Alongside a glorious Klismos chair, HFF featured Pearson's new 200 bench in all its bolstered glory. (I should confess here that I have a huge crush on this piece and will be getting mine upholstered in this yummy fabric.)

The bigger news here is that we as a culture are having more fun and showing more confidence in our design. Gone are the days of a "color by numbers" approach to design that left us restricted and governed by "rules" or social pressures to conform.

This is truly a freeing time to be in the design industry because manufacturers are making a wide range of looks to satisfy every need at every price point. And likewise, your clients are likely just as ready to take the plunge and take more risks with their homes. After all, if you can't freely and fully express your personal taste withing the confines of your home... where can you do it?

See the rest of the issue here and take note of the wide range of periods, styles and ideas being put to great use in stylish homes across the globe.

Star Power

Star light, star bright... it is amazing to see just how powerful the allure of our Star of India ottoman can be. It shows up countless times in fabulous homes and top designer show houses. This is one of those unusual pieces that challenges the designer to think about fabric placement and the impact of pattern on an upholstered piece.

While it would be easy to top this lovely shape with a solid fabric, it takes on thrilling new life when covered in a feisty pattern. Yesterday we spied this on John Loecke’s and Jason Oliver Nixon's blog Demystifying Design. In it, they preview their article from the April issue of British House & Garden. Our Star of India ottoman prominently displayed on the opening page of their featured story.

The article highlights the duo's transformation of a 1910 Brooklyn terrace house into a lively retreat. Somehow they manage to have pattern on every conceivable surface yet still achieve a dreamy retreat and zen for the eyes. Even better - their adorable dog Jasper strikes a pose in the center of the page on this lovely piece. We say Jasper has ah-mazing taste!

Hello there, Bergere

I stumbled upon this great little story about a High Point home owned by Wanda and Chuck Link. Having lived in their home for eight years, Wanda still felt it was missing that certain "zing" to make it truly feel like home.

That all changed three years ago when she attended the Chateau de Noel, a holiday show house for charity in Greensboro, and discovered the work of Clemmons interior designer June DeLugas. Wanda pursued the designer's help in transforming her High Point home into a special environment like that of Chateau de Noel.

Some changes were minor, like altering the finish on an existing piece of furniture. But the greatest transformation occurred in the master bedroom. Here deLugas used a special pearlized finish Benjamin Moore paint to give the room an ethereal glow. She also added a Hickory Chair bed and Pearson's pitch perfect Bergere chair, a reproduction of one she spotted in the Chateau de Noel that originally inspired her to call DeLugas.

To add warmth to the space, Wanda and June covered the Bergere chair and ottoman in a salmon-hued plush fabric with textural lattice pattern.

My favorite quote from the story? Wanda stating "I had always wanted a chair like this." What a great feeling to achieve not only the "wow" factor she'd been seeking in her home but also the specific chair that inspired her to leverage the talents of June DeLugas.

On both counts, we'd say this was a rousing success.

Turkish Delight

It's always a thrill to see beautiful stars shining brightly. One of ours (quite literally) is the ever-popular Star of India Ottoman. This time it was the Minneapolis St. Paul Home magazine featuring this unique ottoman in a centerfold spread on design inspirations from Morocco, India and beyond.

We know they adored the updated ikat printed fabric, but it seems the kicky fringe was a real selling point as well. I've seen this piece done dozens of different ways... it never ceases to amaze me how creative a great designer can be. The potential is truly only limited by imagination. It's a marvelous piece guaranteed to strike up many a wild conversation!

The Look of Love

In honor of Valentine's Day, I couldn't help but be drawn back to last fall's Spring/Summer runway show by Jason Wu... specifically, his dramatic pink and white silk look.

Let's face it, when we hear of a combination of pink and white it is easy to default to thoughts of Barbie^® in her Dreamhouse. And yet, the simple addition of black as an accent or a counterpoint make the resulting look anything but saccharine.

Jason's look - much like Pearson's pink and charcoal ikat fabric - offer strength and power instead of sweetness. Yes, the joy and optimism of brilliant pink is evident. But there's nothing cloyingly sweet in either look. The effect is bold, beautiful and powerful.

What I love most about comparing Wu's runway look to this fabulous ikat textile is the interesting similarity of form. By sheer coincidence, the shape of the ikat pattern mimics the silhouette of the voluminous layers of silk of Wu's pink skirt. Stunning!

Whether you're looking to add feisty toss pillows to your project or want to fully upholster a piece in this fabulous print, rest assured visitors will gasp and gawk at the dramatic visual moment you've created. It's a look you (and your client) will be sure to love for years to come.

Featured photo: Jason Wu, Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear Runway photo by Alessandro Farogolo via Style.com, Pearson Brilliant Pink & Black Ikat Fabric