Pearson Inspiration: Luxury Furnishings & Textiles

JLG Showhouse... Only a Few Days Left!

{from left: Pearson President Mike Heath, Pearson VP of Design Jennifer McConnell, Interior Designer Eric Cohler}
{Pearson VP of Design Jennifer McConnell with Interior Designer Eric Cohler}
{Pearson President Mike Heath with VP of Design Jennifer McConnell}

This year's Junior League Greensboro house has already been a smashing success. Between the all-star lineup of top designers and its overlap with High Point Market, attendance has been fantastic. We have a few snapshots taken during the launch party with Eric Cohler, Pearson's President Mike Heath and VP of Design Jennifer McConnell. Talk about an influential bunch! 

Pearson was a major sponsor of this year's Showhouse and we specifically sponsored Eric Cohler's beautiful sunroom. Eric created some incredible custom pieces using Pearson's frames and fabrics. He also selected some of our favorite occasional pieces - giving the room his infamous eclectic mix. We were very proud to work with such an esteemed creative talent. 

I continue to marvel that Eric's "look" isn't a specific look at all. He has an artful way of arranging and curating a space to make it look as though each item was chosen on its own merit and importance. 

We loved working with this celebrated designer. If you have not been to the showhouse you only have a few more days. It closes May 5th - Sunday. Make it a point to come out and spend some time touring this massive estate. 

Details here. 

Walk It Out

We couldn't help but love these glam black & white looks from Badgely Mischka's F/W 2013 show during MBFW. There was SO much to love about the runway show. The makeup was perfectly applied and realistic. The hair? Tousled & sexy. The clothes? Truly ready-to-wear. So much so that I'm ready to skip summer and go right to fall if it means I'll look like wither of these models. 

Yes, we're also feeling the black & white color story. So crisp, fresh and modern. 

For more of this incredible collection, visit style.com. 

The "Look" of Eric Cohler

Most designers have a signature look. Be it an eye-popping color palette or a favorite mirror or a special chair. But there's something different about Eric Cohler. I've looked his portfolio up and down and as far as I can tell he has no repeat performances. Eric blends old and new, ornate and modern, bold and demure. Each time with fresh eyes and a new approach. This, dear readers, is one of the reasons why shelter magazine editors have dubbed him the mixmaster. 

What must be said, however, is that he always works with beautiful materials, interesting furniture and an editorial eye. It is evident from looking at his body of work that he is a master of his craft. His work projects confidence and ownership. You have no doubt you are seeing the work of a true professional. Most notably, his rooms never look newly designed. They seem to have magically evolved over time. 

We look forward to seeing what magnificent design he dreams up for the 2013 Greensboro Showhouse. Pearson is proudly sponsoring his room in the Traditonal Home / Junior League of Greensboro house. We hope you'll carve out time while you are at Market in April to visit the showhouse and see his room as well as those of other noteworthy talents like Suzanne Kasler and Miles Redd. It is sure to be an incredible event. 

Images via Traditional Home

Eric Cohler Partners with Pearson for 2013 Greensboro Designer Showhouse

The news is finally here, ladies and gentlemen! Esteemed interior designer Eric Cohler will be designing the Pearson room in the 2013 Greensboro Designer Showhouse. This  is a major event sponsored by Traditional Home and run by the Junior League. Pearson is among the many brand sponsors, and we are delighted to have Eric work with our products to create what will surely be a phenomental room in the showhouse.

More on Eric Cohler: 
Eric is one of the hottest interior designers in the in the US. Among his many accolades, he was just recognized this week by the DCOTA Design Center in Florida as their recipient of the Star of Design in Interior Design. 

His look is a very collected and timeless, and surely why insiders call him the "mixmaster." Old and new, antique and modern... there are no boundaries or rules with his range. He's seriously talented. The resulting spaces he designs look as though they have been created through years of traveling the globe accumulating special pieces along the way. We are excited to see how he interprets the Pearson look with his own unique design perspective. 

More about the showhouse via Editor at Large: 
"Miles Redd, Suzanne Kasler and Eric Cohler are among the designers participating in a showhouse presented by Traditional Home and the Junior League of Greensboro (JLG) at the historic Adamsleigh estate in Greensboro, NC. The opening gala takes place Friday, April 19, on the eve of the Spring High Point Furniture Market, enabling designers and bloggers who are in town for Market to attend. The house will be open to the public for two weeks from April 20-May 5."

Do not miss this special event! It will be the perfect diversion during your trip to High Point this spring. Inspiring work from some of the nation's top interior designers. It is sure to be a popular showhouse. We look forward to seeing you there! 

See more of Eric Cohler's work by visiting his site. Buy advance tickets to the showhouse here. 

 

Get the Look: Modern Serenity

Darryl Carter does many things well. I'm particularly drawn to his ability to make every space (new or old) look as though the contents have been carefully collected through the years.

The room above was one of Elle Decor's Favorite Rooms of 2012. It exudes understated ease, doesn't it? The white linen sofa, the Louis XVI side chair in black leather, the unusual side table... I love it.

Let me wow you with an easy way to reproduce this look using Pearson pieces. Ready? Here we go. 

1. Sofa: I would suggest this fantastic sofa and cover it in a solid ivory linen for the look above. 

2. Side Table: This mahogany table with spiral legs will really add that exotic touch you're seeking. The heavily distressed plank top is perfect for the weather-worn look in  Darryl's room above. 

3. Cocktail Table: Mimic the modern lines and lower-shelf seen above with this gorgeous zebrano veneer cocktail table. 

4. Arm Chair: A close approximation is this interesting armchair. Skip the ottoman, cover it in beige fabric and add strategically placed nailheads. Viola! 

5: Louis XVI Side Chair: Pearson's 1405 side chair covered in a black leather with French Plaster ought to do the trick. 

Add a dozen or so books, great lighting, interesting artifacts, art, natural light and... you've mastered Darryl's signature look. Taxidermy optional, of course. 

{See the rest of this relaxing home at Elle Decor}

Cover Girl: Mrs. Doheny

Did you watch MDD last night? We did. As much as it added to the show to watch the tension between Martyn, Mary & Kathryn, we knew who would actually make the cover of Luxe. Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield knocked it out of the park with their spectacular bedroom suite envisioned for Mrs. Doheny herself. This post here shows all of the Pearson items (as well as other resources) they used to snag the cover of this fantastic issue of Luxe Magazine.

I did love seeing how Mary's hallways were conceptualized and how Martyn pulled together his masculine master suite. Kathryn really drew the short straws when it came to spaces, but she rocked what she had using her well honed personalized look.

Of the three designers on last night's show I preferred the spectacle of Martyn's the best. To be fair, he was at least given the opportunity to work within a contained environment. It's no wonder it turned out so beautifully.

Be sure to take a look at Woodson & Rummerfield pulled together their cover-winning look for Greystone Mansion. This talented team stole the show!

Get the Look: Exotic Glamour

Ahhh, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. He's a lot to handle this season, isn't he? Confidence soaring, client roster glittering and projects often too hot to handle. And yet, we love him. 

This season of Million Dollar Decorators has taken us deeper into the private lives and private homes of our favorite Los Angeles interior designers. In the photo above we see Martyn's own living room. Chesterfield sofa, English arm chair and, of course, a heady amount of fabrics imagined by the designer himself. 

This room almost begs to be broken down into easily digestible parts. So here's my "quickstart" guide for those who wish to recreate what can best be described as Hollywood glamour meets exotic traveler's retreat. 

First, let's set the stage for drama. I'd suggest you lay the foundation with a Mansour Modern rug. While I have been unable to find the exact model used above, this one is very similar. The lamps are sourced from Christopher Spitzmiller. For the wall sconce you could use one of these bronze figural French Empire sconces from 1stdibs.com.... not a perfect match, but it lends the necessary patina and pedigree. And of course you'll need a statement piece of artwork. Denise de la Rue is the artist Martyn selected.  I think you could easily sub an oil painting here. 

Now, let's talk furniture, shall we? I'm amazed at how easy it is to match each upholstered piece to a Pearson item from the current collection. And if we are creative we can even find occasional goods to sub for Martyn's pieces. Here we go: 

1. The Chesterfield. Got it. Classic, comfortable and always a welcome sight in a living room. The one above adds a variety of plump pillows and is covered in a solid linen, the perfect backdrop for lively conversations. Add pillows in exotic fabrics like this and this. 

2. Lamp Table. Although we can't fully see his, what I do glimpse leads me to think a pair of these would look amazing in the room. Heavy distressing, hand-planing and bamboo stretchers offer an exotic touch to these tables. Perfect for the "mood" of this room. 

3. A plump armchair. Try this one, and consider covering it in a Martyn fabric Pearson offers that matches this one EXACTLY, although it's done in brighter colors. 

4. The cocktail table. His is completely custom, designed by Martyn himself. While Pearson doesn't have a piece like this, you could sub out this shagreen-topped table. I like that it offers a lower shelf so you can mimic the abundant display of design and art books, as he has. It also comes in this gorgeous alternate color for heightened drama, which I suspect would look superb here. 

5. The stools. Also custom. Try using Pearson's boxed ottomans. You can customize them choosing the feet, the style, the shape, the fabric... make them completely your own and use them in a pair. Your only limitation is your imagination. 

6. The amethyst armchair with English arms and t-cushion. I love this one and I'd cover it in a gorgeous pile fabric just as he has done. 

And just because we can, I'd love to suggest you add this whimsical blue snakeskin table. It is a wild card item, but I can't think of a more Martyn-esque piece than an Italian leather table in embossed python print, can you? 

Add a colorful group of friends, tapas and several bottles of wine and I'd say this room is ready to entertain, wouldn't you? 

It's a Wrap!

Have you seen the Traditional Home gift wrapping guide? From the classic to the unconventional, we love how they encourage you to think beyond the typical roll.

Ikat and paisley are just as welcome under the tree as brocade and toile. The shot above features our 189 bench alongside fabulously festive gift wrap options.

I'm a classic wrapper at heart, with gold and silver ruling the roost when it comes to my gift wrapping repertoire. But this comprehensive guide has me considering loosening my rules. Martha Stewart, look out... I'm feeling festive and inspired. So how about you? Will you mix it up this holiday?

I Dream in Shades of Blue

Any words I could offer you on this amazing Manhattan apartment will be superfluous. Just look at it in all of its blue glory. Beautiful! This is the work of William Sofield, who likely needs no introduction to those in the field of interiors.

For additional (stunning) photos, credits and sources look no further than the Elle Decor article featuring this lovely project. Note those wicked cool pagoda lamps behind the sofa and that shagreen topped cocktail table. Pure bliss. The simplicity of the bedroom makes me long for a slumber right now, but that living room screams chic cocktail parties and upscale soirees. Love!

Photography by Simon Upton

Featured Designer: Maria K. Bevill

We don't care much for waiting. Especially when it means we have to hold back on sharing beautiful interior spaces with you. In this case, we're talking about photographs of the exquisite Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens in Morristown, New Jersey.

Why the wait? Photos often can't be published online until magazine issues go to print and those involved have had the opportunity to promote the projects as necessary. Lucky you, the wait is over on this fantastic showhouse. So with out further ado, let's tour the guest suite designed by interior designer Maria K. Bevill. It is a thing of beauty.

First, let me say that her color palette is one of my absolute favorites. Taupe and azure are calming and elegant. Maria used pattern and texture to create visual interest. I love her use of metallic surfaces (including the pearlized leather Pearson armchair, the gilded shagreen bunching tables and even the ceiling) to add a luxurious quality to the room.

What might surprise you is just how much Pearson was used in the space. The bedside chests, the sofa, the Louis armchair, the bunching tables, the bench at the end of the bed and even the armchair off to the side. Yet Maria deftly creates a collected look by mixing styles, periods and details. Her fabric selections are some of my very favorites from the Pearson Textiles inventory. Simply beautiful!

For more on this great space, pick up a copy of Design New Jersey. The Mansion in May coverage begins on page 96 and Maria's guest suite can be found on page 106. We are impressed with Maria's choices for the project and love how the finished space came together. Visit Bevill Interior Design for more of her impressive design work.

Monaco Blue, Anyone?

Deep inside I think we all secretly envy those that come up with those clever OPI nail polish color names. You know who else we want to be? The "powers that be" at Pantone. Ahhh, yes. Pantone. The be all, end all authority on color. What's hot. What's not and (most importantly in the creative industries) what's GOING to be smoking hot.

They are telling us we all need to become quite friendly with a little hue called Monaco Blue. They support this notion by describing the shade as "not a bright cobalt or sapphire blue, Monaco Blue falls somewhere in between with a shot of sparkle." Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, offer that Monaco Blue "speaks to the practicality that we are seeing in society. You have to realize there is still concern out there for the economy."

Be that as it may, most of the other colors on  the 2013 spring radar are anything but practical. I'm loving Lemon Zest, African Violet, Nectarine, Tender Shoots and Emerald. There's a fierceness there and a love of life.

Those of you who attended Market will probably agree, red was trending nearly everywhere and were the other colors on this list. Blue, of course, is always a great seller when it comes to our homes. It is comforting, grounding and flattering. We love blue. But we also love seeing an upswing in rich tones like emerald green and tangerine. 

Pantone, we love you. We also think it's possible you visited us at Market an spied the colors we had on display. Either way... we love the notion that Monaco Blue is destined to wash away all of our cares this spring. Bring on the Côte d'Azur!

Art in Bloom

Have you seen this? The first "living" dining room will make it's debut at High Point Market. This installation is the work of famed florist Randy McManus, a good friend of our very own Jennifer McConnell.

The full scale room design created entirely of flowers is will be in the pedestrian walkway at Commerce Avenue and Main Street. See his conceptual sketch above for a glimpse of this incredible installation.

Tammy Nagem, chief operating officer of the High Point Market Authority says, "This fresh-air exhibit showcases the design talent that is prevalent in the home fashion world, Randy's incredible creation is a tour de force that celebrates the High Point Market's role as the place to discover new trends and products, and to find inspiration and creativity."

Visit the Pinterest page for more information on sponsors and the ideas behind the project. We can't wait to see it next month!

Round and Round

Arch Digest offers us a glimpse inside Liz O’Brien's private home. What do I spy? Not one but two curved sectionals. Her home on the whole is neither modern nor traditional. She navigates the space otherwise known as "eclectic" with great aplomb. The result is a mix of old and new, ornate and modern. It's pleasant and really seems to reflect her lifestyle and passions.

Speaking of passions, her living room sectional boasts something I myself adore: medallions. The pillows at the outer edges of her (quite large) sectional are my favorite features of the room. Nothing like a grand medallion to offer the eyes a resting point. But don't overlook her bronze stag by Gabriella Crespi from the 70's. Her style is so cool that this wild object almost disappears into the room.

You'll have to flip through the Arch Digest article yourself to read up on all of Liz's remarkable objects. But what astonishes me most about her home is that she's provided an environment where anything goes and everything works. She's freed herself from rules or expectations or restrictions in her home. Prized modern acquisitions live harmoniously alongside what may well be an Ikea bookcase - and it works.

I always admire those who can pull off this "lovingly acquired" vibe with great ease. My guess is that Liz would delight you with stories and the history of each and every piece inside her home and on her walls, making you fall in love with each item just as she has herself. Isn't that what home is all about?

WNWN: The Recap

The creative powers that be (from left): Drew Sweeney (Vice President of Sales for Hickory Chair Company), designer Thomas O'Brien, designer Katharine Hable Sweeney, designer Mariette Himes Gomez, Mitchell Owens (special projects editor of Architectural Digest and well-known expert on all things interior design), our very own Jennifer McConnell (VP of Creative for Pearson) and Scott Prentiss (Showroom Manager of Hickory Chair Pearson Interior Design Showroom). What an accomplished group!



By far the coolest wing chair you've ever seen... doesn't it look AMAZING in ravishing red?



The incredibly swank 41-series upholstered bed... we love its undeniable attitude.


Pearson's mod slipper chair introduced last Market... aren't these the coolest pair of twins you've seen in ages?

This year's What's New, What's Next at NYDC was amazing. The designers, design enthusiasts, bloggers and many noteworthy attendees turned out for this star-studded event. Here are some pix (including closeup shots of some of Pearson's newer pieces) taken during the Architectural Digest event held at the Pearson + Hickory Chair showroom.

If you can make it next year, please do. This singular event is gaining popularity in the design community and continues to take on more importance in the industry.

Familiar Faces at the NYDC

We're loving this (and really ALL) videos by SpacesTV. In this one we see Maxwell of Apartment Therapy fame as he roams about our showroom at the NYDC.

What do we see, besides Maxwell's smiling visage? Our 1408 dining chair (yes, the Louis in the background), 1632 dining chairs (around the table where they are talking about eclectic design), our very cool 9667 drinks table (love this little fella! black glass top & gilded finish make it a tiny little style powerhouse).

We even spy our 41 series bed when they discuss shiny fabrics... but it goes by so quickly you might not catch in in the video. Regardless, we loved the video and Maxwell's easy explanation of the trends we're seeing now in interior design.

Fashion Focused

It doesn't get more on-point than this: One of Thakoon's pretty dress prints for Spring/Summer 2013 shown at this weekend's NYFW show mimics this fabric we introduced at April market. Exotic birds, wandering butterflies, climbing vines and a soft but pretty palette make us long for spring fashion already. Beautiful!

Much love to The Home for bringing it to our attention!

{featured: 805 chair, 4610-72 fabric}

Trendwatch: Kelly Green

Fashion forecasters everywhere are keeping their eyes on the wave of kelly green we expect to see at High Point Market next month. We're certainly going to feature it at the Pearson showroom. But you'll also note that it's being showcased at New York Fashion Week for Spring '13.

No one does, "oh, this old thing?" quite like Escada. Their S/S 13 RWT presentation included canary yellow, brilliant blue and - yes - kelly green. Sure, they offered the requisite neutrals, but it's their bold use of color and pattern that always makes them a pleasure to watch. We love them for it.

See all of their looks at Style.com and stop in at Market to see how we feature this fantastic color.

Join Us for What's New, What's Next

Join us at the New York Design Center as we celebrate What's New and What's Next.The event is held September 13, 2012 from 3:00 – 9:00pm at the New York Design Center. RSVP to secure your place at this now extremely popular social industry design event.

We, along with sister brand Hickory Chair, will be in Suite 102 on the main floor. Here's what we have planned for you:

Architectural Digest moderates a panel of AD100 designers who explore the latest innovations in product design, with a focus on what's new this season. Tweet your favorite new product design using the hashtag #adwnwn and enter for a chance to win an item featured in the Most Wanted pages of AD's October issue. Don't forget to include @archdigest.

The social events at this event are too numerous to mention.Download the event guide. RSVP. Come prepared to mix, mingle and see incredibly beautiful furniture, design concepts and friends.

Get the Look: Relaxed Luxe

Elle Decor has some really lovely features online right now. The above photo is from their Modern Life Concept House at the Dillon in New York City. While this particular room offers that special blend of industrial warmth we've come to know and love from Restoration Hardware, it struck me that you could easily achieve a similar look with Pearson pieces. Allow me to illustrate...

Designer Anthony Todd, created this room with a design in mind for families. Casual luxury, functional pieces, durable fabrics. What if you replaced those iron side tables with Pearson's chic three-tier tables. Clean lines, black shelves and fuss-free silhouette. The distressed gilt finish is a lovely addition. You still maintain the three leg silhouette but benefit from the additional shelving. Or... in keeping with the uber sleek silhouette of the RH side tables, opt for the cylindrical drinks tables. One of my favorite modern options.

The element in this room that will most surprise longtime Pearson fans is the sofa. While the company is known for their mastery of traditional, many of today's frames are transitional if not completely modern. Look to the skirted sofa 2339-2 frame to nail the above look perfectly. Cover in one of my favorite linens, 1636 has incredible drape and will help you achieve this easy, laid back look. Add some colorful toss pillows for added comfort and you've hit it out of the ballpark.

To complement the gilded side tables, Pearson's gilded cocktail table features a mirrored insert in a metal gallery. The base frame of textured, gilded iron will look both luxe and minimalist. Finish the look off with one of my favorite Pearson frames, this beautiful French armchair. Opt for the Linen finish and cover in a deep rich antique velvet in a fetching shade of chocolate. It's a home run every time.

1. chic three-tier tables or cylindrical drinks tables 2. skirted sofa 2339-2 frame 3. gilded cocktail table 4. beautiful French armchair

Also featured in photo above: Toscane Nailhead Bench, Dara Rugs, Counterpoise Swing-Arm Wall Sconces, and Cloche with Babies; Farrow & Ball paint in Pitch Black (a fantastic selection!) and, of course, oversized artwork by Thomas Fougeirol.

Cast Your Vote: Style Spotter 2012

We want to congratulate all who have already been tagged to be on this year's Style Spotter team. Traci Zeller, Jay Oliver Nixon, Gretchen Aubuchon, Stacy Naquin... Lots of familiar faces, friends and stylish peeps. But like the rest of you, I'm eager to see who claims the spot of the 9th Style Spotter.

As you may be observing, this year it's a full on competition to see who fills the coveted 9th spot. Olioboard and the High Point Market Authority have launched a challenge and to nominate a winner to attend Market as a designated Style Spotter. Among them: Dallas interior designer Denise McGaha, Charlotte designer Lisa Mende, Atlanta designer Jennifer Reynolds, NYC designer Tamara Stephenson, Swaygrl (Owner of Niche by Design)... the list goes on.

We have far too many friends and clients in the running to be impartial judges, but were were certainly flattered to see that Swaygrl's moodboard included Pearson's quatrefoil cabinet. Her room is sleek and contemporary, reinforcing our notion that classic lines translate to high style in any situation.

Good luck to ALL of you who have created moodboards, and we hope to see each of you at October Market. For those of you voting, note that there are only 14 days left to nominate your favorite. Don't delay! These are all very deserving candidates. See you in October!