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?

Off the Grid

Occasionally a piece of furniture comes along that makes me wish I had a larger house. More rooms. More demand. More opportunities. Or at least a massive storage unit so I could stockpile beautiful pieces for the futute. This little beauty of a cocktail table almost has me tempted to consider doing just that.

Just look at this gilded beauty. See that grid? That's beneath the glass. And lest you fear your coffee table books, bouquets and accessories would conceal her geometric beauty, let me assure you Pearson already thought of that. Notice the bottom shelf? That's right. Place your books, your memorabilia, your accents there (save for the fresh flowers) and allow the beauty of this gilded grid to shine in all its glory.

I kind of need this. Don't you?

Dimensions: 48 w x 28 d x 19 h.

Available to the trade only. The 9744 cocktail table is available through Pearson showroom and designers. Visit PearsonCompany.com for more information or to contact your nearby representative.

Follow us on twitter as we offer regual sneak peeks at new introductions.

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.

Wheel of Fortune

If you're in the south, you know by now that it's already summertime. It's bright and sunny days like today that make me whip out my trusty Sunbrella fabric wheel and give it a whirl. Will I go safe and neutral or live it up with a li'l bit of color? Since I can't seem to live without Trina Turk in my life (or on my patio) I'm going to opt for the latter. Poppy pink, feisty orange, cheerful yellow against a backdrop of sand. Yeah, baby!

So rich and pretty it's difficult to believe these are colorfast and weather resistant. Hallelujah!

It may surprise you that I'm actually planning to use this is my daughter's room. The plan is to customize two ottomans to make for fun seating at her craft table. Acrylic duck is just about indestructible, withstanding even the trickiest of stains. So I know I can fearlessly beautify these grand little pieces and they will outlast, outwit and outplay even the most exciting of playdates.

See a handful of Pearson's Indoor/Outdoor fabrics here. But be sure to ask your rep or your nearest showroom to outfit you with the range of options available through Pearson Textiles. Let your creativity run wild!

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

Stepping Out

Here in Dallas the pools never really "close" for the season. While no one actually swims in December, the "chilly" season is so brief there's not much need to drain and then refill the pool. It's that consistent exposure to sparkling blue waters that raises the importance of outdoor space.

For some it's a modest patio or balcony. Others enjoy full outdoor kitchens with ample space to entertain a crowd.

My home is somewhere in between. I have a generously sized covered patio overlooking our back yard. The house wraps it leaving just the southern side exposed. While the sunshine is glorious, when it hits 100+ outside I'll be begging for coverage from this bright shining star. besides, I have furniture inside I wish to protect from unnecessary fading. Enter: custom drapes.

My project this spring is to design floor-to-ceiling custom panels to transform this large space into a built-in cabana feel. Naturally I've gone online for inspiration. House Beautiful serves up plenty of all-weather eye candy to enjoy. I especially love the pink accented space at bottom right (see video here).

My natural inclination for the seat cushions is to rush to the Trina Turk Sunbrella collection of all-weather fabrics. That's a given. But for panels I plan be more neutral. Classic ivory is always a smart bet, letting the view (both of the patio and from the patio) be the focus. I'm going for a that classic 5-star hotel cabana look, as you can tell. And creamy panels billowing in the breeze nails the look (minus the attentive staff).

The sheer range of weather-worthy fabrics is remarkable these days. Major brands boldly offer a massive range of solids and nature-inspired prints, but they can also be expected to wow you with herringbone, plaid and velvet. Yes, plush velvet.

We have an abbreviated assortment of our perennial fabrics listed on the textiles site, but as you plan your projects be sure to ask your rep or your local showroom for closer look at the full range of fabrics ready to help you take on your summer spaces. Pearson has many all-weather fabrics that are exclusive to the brand, ensuring your look is one of a kind. Remember, your outdoor living space can be just as plush and marvelous as the inside. And come summer, you'll want this to be the case.

Credits, clockwise from top left: Victoria Pearson, Ngoc Minh Ngo for designer Fern Santini, Ken Hayden shot the above mentioned rosy rooftop,  Reed Davis for Cathy Kincaid - all via House Beautiful. 

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!

Fashion + Decor

The marriage of runway fashion and home interiors has been celebrated for years. Blogs, especially, have driven home the parallel universes that exist and the give and take relationship of trends ebbing and flowing from one to the next.

And while many blogs and mags have a regular feature comparing style of the two disciplines, Fashion + Decor specializes in such pairings. The site launched just this week and is driven by talented founder Gretchen Aubuchon. She along with her lineup of contributors offer us terrific StylePairs with a focused approach. Fashion + Decor is exactly what it sounds like: runway ensembles and stunning rooms that bear a striking similarity.

Rather than just glaze over this all-star lineup of contributors, I'll point out the talented crew. Tyler Wisler (a personal favorite!), Lisa Ferguson (of Decor Mentor fame) the talented Julie Browning Bova as well as Stacy Kuntsel (who among other this is Co-founder dunesandduchess.com), Rochelle Greayer Co-Founder and Editor of Leaf Mag), Interior Designer Jennifer Glickman, Kerry Epstein, Managing Editor Anne Flanders, Kathleen Cozzi and Andrea Cozzi. Clearly this is a site with a bright future. I'm excited to see so many familiar faces doling out daily inspiration for our viewing pleasure.

Image above of Jil Sander RTW Spring 2011 (by Imaxtree)+ House Beautiful (by Francesco Lagnese)

Fresh for Spring From Pearson

Spring Market is here! To get things rolling here are a few of my absolute favorite new introductions from the design team.

1. A Louis XVI bed made in solid maple that is just gorgeous. I love the carving and the turned legs... but those nailheads and smart low footboard seal the deal!

2. A very cool mid-century styled chair with biscuit tufting and a picture frame back. What I really adore is it's low-slung look and armless design. This baby is begging to be part of a pair or maybe a foursome for great conversation.

3. Where do we begin with this etagere?! I love it. A soaring 84.5" high and about 2 feet wide. This lovely piece has a gilded frame and black glass shelves. I love it. I absolutely love this. Can't wait to see how our clients use this in projects.

4. Speaking of gilt finishes... this geometric cocktail table will make your jaw drop when you see it in person. It's almost too pretty to cover with accessories. Thank goodness for that bottom shelf!

5. Speaking of clean lines, this sofa boasts more good personality traits than we've seen this side of match.com. Track arms, Bauhaus styling and those big square maple feet make this piece a showroom favorite.

See more new introductions in our new Facebook gallery.

To all of you here (and headed) to Market... we look forward to seeing you! There is now FREE parking directly behind Pearson on Steele Street. This will come in particularly handy this weekend as it is expected to rain. Pack your Hunter books & sharp raincoat. Also remember we are one of several parties happening in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District Sunday afternoon/evening. Ours begins at 4pm. Swing by for nibbles and sips while rubbing elbows with industry greats and familiar friends. We look forward to seeing 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.

 

Party Hop With Us!

Source: helloloveblog.com via Lesli on Pinterest

Market is almost here! We're excited that there are several parties happening in our neighborhood Sunday night, April 22. Ours goes from 4 until... who knows! The names you know and love in the press have already RSVP'd, so there is sure to be plenty of excitement here in the Pearson showroom.

Expect terrific wine, incredible passed hors d'œuvre, extra waiters on hand to help ensure you always have what you need.

Our philosophy is the more the merrier... so spread the word and bring your friends. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and showing you our new & exciting introductions.

We are located at located at 200 North Hamilton, North Court, Suite 107, at High Point Market in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District. See you there!

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.

Great Scot

 

One of the great benefits of twitter is getting to know so many people. I look at my long list of followers and followees and I'm stunned by the numbers. But in truth, you only interact regularly with a small number of those amazing people.

One of my favorites, as much for his verbal and sartorial wit as his design chops, is Scot Meacham Wood. Brad Goreski may be credited with the popularity of the bow tie, but I will put forth the theory that Scot may be the one who ushered in the trend. One look at his blog will tell you he's no stranger to color, pattern and tradition. Plaid (Tartan, of course!), pinstripes, houndstooth and stripes: these are all regular elements in his mode of dressing. Not to mention color!

In terms of design, look no further than his East Hampton project for posh New England styling, preppy details and happy go lucky design. In this space I love how he honored the coastal location with out ever being trite or cliche with nautical elements.

A natural fiber rug, a blue palette and a seashell framed mirror are all that is necessary to bring to mind the water nearby. For continuity, other rooms offer hurricane lanterns and framed seashell prints - but his location-centric styling ends there. The home in its entirety is classic, sophisticated and suitable for any geographic location. Although one look at that sweeping back yard and you know immediately why everyone wants a home in the Hamptons to call their own.

For more on the method of his Tartan madness see his entry in the Viewer's Choice Challenge on Joyus In the video you'll learn more about his aesthetic and see how he styles a room compared to several other style bloggers. It just shows that even given the same space to decorate, it is impossible to deny his Tartan flair for design. View them all and vote for your favorite!

Inspiration: David Hicks

Designs and designers come and go.. but a few leave an impact of style in their wake that transcends time and trends. David Hicks, a celebrity designer known as much for his love of gemotery as for his larger than life persona, was such a legend. His eye-popping designs and love of energizec color schemes are still found in fabulous homes today.

His rooms were characterized by extreme adherence to tailoring, symmetry and precision. You'll find no chintz here, no ruffles, no fluff. In short, his design style was as firm and bold as his famous personality. And interesting thing occurs, however, when you see a Hicks room from the past: they seem just as modern and fresh as they did at conception. Timeless design. 

Looking to add more order and a Hicksian vibe in your home? Adhere to this roundup of elements to achieve his orderly aesthetic:

1. Ventana Drum Shade Chandelier by Jonathan Adler  2. Pearson Shelter Arm Sofa  3. Pearson Hexagonal Side Table  4. Arteriors Marble Lamp  5. Surya Hexagon Rug by Paule Marrot

Honoring Hadley

Albert Hadley, society's designer extraordinaire has passed away at age 91. Known for his fearless approach to design, Hadley's legacy and influence is difficult to overstate. While he might have been described as "bold" and "brave" in his designs, I always admired his stylish restraint. His rooms were never overdone. His look was never too extreme. “Never less, never more.” was his design philosophy - and it shows in his work.

If you want a quick history lesson in Albert's design past, this NY Times article does a fabulous job. But to me the most important influence Albert offered is found in his interviews and the soundbite quotes he is known for.

In an interview with House & Gardens Best in Decoration he opined, "If you really like things they all tend to be of the same spirit and they all work together... If you don’t know right away that something is something you want or can use you shouldn't buy it."

Hearing a designer share these and the more regularly shared quote, "you can never do anything for a slob" gives you a greater sense of the person himself. We are sad to see him go, but appreciate so much the rich and colorful influence he left behind.

{Sketch and photo above of the famed library in Brooke Astor's apartment. To achieve the ideal look of the bookcases it required a staggering 10 coats of oxblood red paint. The resulting combination of high gloss red and brass is somehow high drama and completely inviting. A balance only a pedigreed interior designer like Albert Hadley could pull off!}

Connect The Dots

Just a quick note to let you know you can subscribe to this blog's feed, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and follow our pins on Pinterest. Still craving more? Join us for cocktails and an up close look at our new fabrics and furnishings in our Hamilton Wrenn Design District showroom at High Point Market.

That's Sunday, April 22 from 4-7 pm at our showroom located at 200 N. Hamilton Street, Suite 107. We look forward to seeing you!

Inspiration: Mad Men

The buzz about new season of Mad Men is impossible to ignore if you spend any time at all online. The impact this single show has had upon fashion and home interiors is hard to ignore. Everywhere you look there are guides for dressing, accessorizing or decorating in 1960's style. Saarinen tables, bar carts, crisp masculine lines... it's all very sexy and cool in its retro appeal.

We've rounded up a few of our favorite products that get us in the mood for the new season. Cigarette smoking optional.

• 1. George Nelson Wheel Clock (DWR)
  
• 2. Zebrano & Stainless Drinks Table (Pearson)
• 3. Knoll Mahogany Partners Desk (1st Dibs)
• 4. Mid-Century Inspired Bench (Pearson)
• 5. Diamond-Tufted Lounge Chair (Pearson)

Whether you are a fan of Dan and his controversial ways or not, one thing is certain: the style of the 60's is fully alive in today's interiors. And this, dear friends, is a trend we are happy to embrace.

Case Study: Unusual Bookcases

Mark Cutler has a great roundup of unusual and inspiring bookcases in his Tuesday post. Some fanciful, some utilitarian and others... easily one-of-a-kind.

But none of those (save for the Alicia Martin's Biografias sculpture) cause me as much shock and awe as this use of a vintage Jaguar as a bookshelf. The scene of the crime, er, site of inspired ultra-green design is a Dutch mountain home designed by architect Thomas Dieben of the Amsterdam studio denieuwegeneratie.

FastCo Design has this to say about it:

"We don’t know whether to be impressed or saddened. On one hand, we have to commend the guy for creatively reusing something that really doesn’t have a place in the life of an environmental ascetic. It’s done in a surprisingly tasteful way, too. The rest of the house’s decor is so quirky--a teapot chandelier here, a staircase made of skateboard decks over there--that the car doesn’t look a spot out of place. On the other hand, it pains us to see such a beautiful (and expensive) piece of machinery reduced to kitchen furniture. Furniture that’s used to prop up Jamie Oliver books, no less. Now that feels like a sin."

Sacrificing such a lovely machine seems wildly committed to the cause of reducing your carbon footprint. It is gloriously done and a remarkable display of design... but my uncle Danny (a huge Jaguar fan who is always in the process of lovingly restoring one to its former glory) would surely agree with me that this is green gone too far. At least the owner can still admire it daily and appreciate its beauty from atypical angles. Even if he does approach it with tear-filled eyes.

If you're a fan of sleek, modern design be sure to tour the rest of the home. While additional imported autos are nowhere to be found elsewhere in the residence, but there are plenty of imaginative elements to adore.