The Golden Rule

This next look was inspired by Madonna's grand entrance at last night's Super Bowl halftime show. If anyone can be considered pop royalty, it's the blonde megastar we witnessed last night. She arrived on the stage in a glamorous black and gold Givenchy topped with a gold Egyptian warrior style Philip Treacy headpiece. Cleopatra style, she was was literally carried onto the stage on her golden throne by what has now been commonly referred to as a "phalanx of Greco-Roman soldiers."

While the exact historical references become quite muddied here, what was clear was that we were witnessing a mega-performance by a megastar. It was a sight to behold. The performance was inspiring in so many ways. But it led me to ponder the idea of a more grand chair in my own home. After all, a queen isn't the queen of her castle without a proper perch. The obvious choice was the 1480 chair. This is one of those marvelous pieces that can either be designed to play well with others or take center stage... depending upon how you dress it up.

For the more spectacular appearance I'm going for - directly influenced by Madge's gorgeous Givenchy costume - I've selected Pearson's new cut velvet with Greek Key pattern. Stunning in appearance and seemingly made for moments such as these. It comes in four color options, but here only glamorous black will suffice.

Next, I'd finish the chair in either Vintage Black or Piano finish, depending upon the level of formality desired. The finishing touch of course is the presence of the nail heads. After all, the Givenchy Couture dress was jewel encrusted and glistening under those stage lights. These glimmering antique brass nail heads do just the trick necessary to cement this design firmly in the glamour camp.

Fit for a queen? Absolutely. Timelessly beautiful. I feel the Greek Key and the silhouette of the chair are eternally beautiful. The black finish and antiqued nail heads ground the design and keep the finished look from becoming too theatrical. Although... no one would be the wiser if you did start belting out "Vogue" in the privacy of your own castle. After all, we all deserve our moment on the stage.

{Madonna image via Billboard}

Pearson One Kings Lane Sale Tomorrow!

Listen up, designers and design enthusiasts... Pearson is clearing off the showroom floor from October Market to make room for fresh, new inventory. This means you get brand new "of the moment" style at steeply discounted pricing.

These are not items they've had sitting around for ages... these are custom pieces designed to showcase the newest fabrics and silhouettes introduced just months ago. See the pics above? These are all items from tomorrow's sale. Ikat pillows in a brand new fabric. A Bergere in a dreamy new tie-dyed fabric. It's hard to believe these are already being sold off at bargain discounts... but such is the nature of the furniture biz... you have to stay current. So whether you're shopping for clients or just want to dress up your own home, this is an incredible opportunity to obtain investment quality furnishings at entry-level pricing.

Sale begins tomorrow at 11am EST. Sign up now and add it to your calendar. If past sales are any indication, items will not last long!

Okay... now for MORE news. Remember those incredible pieces Jennifer designed for the Napa Valley Film Festival? That's right... the curved white sofa covered in Sunbrella fabric, all of those incredible pillows and the beautiful occasional pieces? (Here's the post to refresh your memory.) Well in just a few short weeks those pieces could be yours. On February 6th we will have yet another One King's Lane Sale giving you the opportunity to purchase the pieces inspired by the movie Pillow Talk. Save the date... and save some room in your home (or those of your clients) for these beautiful pieces.

Ta ta for now... and happy shopping!

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.

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.

Napa Valley Film Festival: Silver Screen Influenced Style

We can't give away too many details, but we can share that pearson's very own Jennifer McConnell will be designing a space for the Napa Valley Film Festival. Here's more on the event:

The inaugural Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) debuts November 9-13, in Napa Valley's picturesque communities of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. Not to be missed by film buffs, food and wine lovers alike, the 5 day "extended weekend" features the best of new independent films, studio sneak previews, and conversations with actors, directors, producers and writers. Join us for unforgettable parties, Tribute and Awards programs, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting and late-night lounges. VIP and invited guests will enjoy receptions and dinners with Napa Valley's own celebrity chefs and winemakers. Spend the weekend and enjoy walkable access to the best of the Napa Valley Film Festival.

While I can't reveal the inspiration behind her upcoming design, I can assure you it will be glamorous and sensational with Jennifer in charge. Details to follow as soon as we are able to reveal more...

Editor at Large NYDC What's New What's Next Recap

Watch the Editor at Large video to see Jeanine Hayes, Eileen McComb, Charlotte Moss, Michelle Adams, Suysel dePedro Cunningham, Carolyn Sollis, Dara Caponigro, Carlton Varney, Drew McGukin, Amy Preiser, Allison Mezzafonte and others dish on trends they are seeing in the marketplace.

They list the popular color trends to be pink, persimmon, orange, purple, aubergine, grey and chocolate brown. All of which will be featured prominently for our upcoming Fall Market Launch. It's always fun to see that we hit the nail on the head! Beyond that... aren't those some dreamy color combinations to work with? It will be thrilling to see the return of full on color in the home.

The interview with Michelle Adams, Editor in Chief of Lonny Magazine, Suysel de Pedro Cunningham of Tilton Fenwick, and Carolyn Sollis actually takes place in Pearson's NYC showroom at the NYDC. So watch it twice to catch some of the lovely items in the background.

a href="http://editoratlarge.com/editortv/what-s-new-what-s-next-in-color/95">See the full video here. In video two we see Jim Druckman and others discussing art deco, soft modern, exotic/skins, exuberance and risk taking all coming on strong for fall. Notice our 2378 sectional in this video just after Jim begins to talk. The section isn't new, but due to client demand Pearson has added a left arm and a right arm chaise to the mix as well as a bench. All of these will be on full display in our High Point showroom this month. Can't wait to see you all! See the full video here.

Next Stop... Connecticut Showhouse!

More exciting news coming from our loyal Pearson customers. What can we say... we love our designers and they love us! Dwayne Clark from the firm RDYC Interior Design and Architectural Development is going to be using our gorgeous 9841 bookcases, the Greek key cocktail table and the iconic 1407 chair in the drawing room of the Greenwich Showhouse in Greenhill, CT opening Oct 16th.

This spectacular event is sponsored by Hearst Publications will be covered by House Beautiful and Veranda. Proceeds from this terrific event will go to the Humane Society. You can see the full list of designers and firms listed here. but be sure to poke around the site to see this spectacular showhouse. Don't you just love great design for a good cause?

We've featured some of the renderings above to give you a preview of the greatness that is to come from Dwayne's creative vision. We can't wait to see it come to life!

Follow Up Interview: What's New, What's Next @ 200 Lex

For those of you who weren't at the NYDC event a few weeks back, we wanted to follow up with Pearson's impossibly chic creative director Jennifer McConnell and ask the question on everyone's mind: What is new and what is next?

For a quick background, you have to realize that Jennifer's role with Pearson requires her to travel extensively in search of new techniques, new textiles, new ideas, etc. She is always, always a few steps ahead of trend and has an amazing eye for style. While global travel keeps her informed and curious, it's clear she possesses an innate flair for design. If Jennifer says it's en vogue, you can take that to the bank.

Best of all, she's bubbly, energetic and one of the most fun people I've had the pleasure to work with. Pearson has a true dynamo on their hands with her!

She took time to follow up and answer my questions about What's New, What's Next and shared more about the event. Read on to see what she has to say about the home fashion forecast and the talented company she enjoyed that evening.

Jennifer, we must know... what is new in interiors and furnishings that was evident at WNWN?
"We are definitely seeing a return to the 70’s. Whether it is 70’s glam or 70’s boho chic its taking front and center just like it is in fashion. Sparkly gold mixed with mirror feels like studio 54 disco glamour. Ikats and batiks feel much more earth mother sensible."
 
Were there signs of what we can expect next? Emerging trends? 
"More color! Everyone is finally tired of the greys and ivories. Touches of gold everywhere from furniture to bathroom fixtures, and color is taking front and center – not just “pops” anymore."
 
You walked the Hickory Chair + Pearson showroom with Michelle from Lonny and the talented duo that is Tilton Fenwick... what elements stood out to them the most?
"I brought from High Point a quick sneak preview of some of our more exciting exclusive textiles for Fall 2011. Lots of color mixed with hand crafted looks; ikats, tie dyes, batiks. Oranges, fuchsias, raspberries and indigos. They generated some of the most excitement for the event – definitely the most photographs taken. Michelle loved one tie dye stripe so much she took it with her for hopefully the upcoming issue of Lonny! Keep your eyes peeled for it!"
 
"They also loved the number of mirrored pieces mixed with the menswear looks. Michelle commented that they keep the herringbone and wool upholstery from feeling too masculine."
 
"And they both adore the 9651 shagreen bunching table!"
 
The event was a huge success by all accounts. We heard you were selling pieces directly off the floor to keep up with demand! Which item was the runaway hit for the evening? Or were there several?
"Everyone loved the small occasional pieces! They are so perfect for NYC living when space is limited so pieces have to wear multiple hats. In particular I saw one 9645 silver leafed table and one 9651 shagreen bunching table be carried out by very happy shoppers!"
 
How did the crowd respond to your newest additions, like the new chaise sectional or the swanky new sofa?
"The chaise sectional combination is just perfect for NYC living. A number of people commented on how decadent it is to own a sectional in NYC because it takes up so much space. However, they loved this version because both pieces are very small scale, and both can ride up in a passenger elevator (no freight elevator needed!) For such a small footprint, it seats quite a few, and of course looks stylish while doing it!"
 
Anything you spotted in another showroom or heard from the attendees that was unexpected or downright fabulous?
"There were so many amazing events going on – Sub Zero had celebrity chefs cooking gourmet meals in their showroom. Neirmann Weeks had a silver leafing demonstration happening – if you ever get the chance to see a demo like that make the time! It is an amazing dying craft! Laura Kirar was supporting her gorgeous new collection for Arteriors. There was so much going on, that it was too much to see in one night!"

Thank you so much for sharing, Jennifer. Looking forward to the next soiree and more importantly, excited to get a preview of those new colorful textiles coming at us this season. Color is back!

A Delicious Invitation

There's always party somewhere at Market. This year the fete to attend is the star studded Rizzoli book signing. Sunday from 4 - 5:30 PM in the Courtyard at Market Square you will be elbow to elbow with some of the brightest stars and biggest names in the business.

The Trendsetter Book Event will offer for sale the fresh titles from top designers, who will also be on hand to sign the books. Are you ready for this list? Martyn Lawrence Bullard, signing his tome Live Love & Decorate. The impossibly glamorous Mary McDonald penning your name in her book The Allure of Style. Suzanne Kasler (a dear personal and professional favorite of mine) with her fabulous book Inspired Interiors. Designer Bobby McAlpine signing his book The Home Within Us: Romantic Houses, Evocative Rooms. Star Michael Connors with his volume Caribbean Houses, The Splendor of Cuba, and British West Indies Style. And last but not least, Florence de Dampierre with the terrific title Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments, and French Chic.

Put away your corporate AMEX, the event is free and open to all who attend High Point Market. Insider tip: the fab designers will only be on hand for an hour to sign books, so be sure to get there early.

Bring a tote to lug away all of those terrific hardback books. These are more than just pretty coffee table books to decorate a space, they are incredible published works you'll want to devour when you have a free moment. They are indeed seriously delicious.

For more scheduled events, be sure to visit the High Point Market Authority's comprehensive site.

Fête Photos from the Showroom @ 200 Lex

Hope you are in the building somewhere @ 200 Lexington during the NYDC's What's New What's Next. We have Lonny Mag & Tilton Fenwick in the Hickory Chair + Pearson showroom on the main floor of the NYDC. We'll be rounding up the trends and forecasts for fall and for 2012 in subsequent posts. Stay tuned!

What's New What's Next: Pearson

 

More sneak peeks of October Market launch products. Pix are hot off the showroom floor @ 200 Lex. First up, Pearson's bossy new 2408-20 Sofa. Next, the shockingly versatile 2378 sofa has inspired a few spin-off products. First up, a chic sofa/chaise combo.

Next... this impossibly gorgeous bench. I must have the bench. Totally gorgeous!I'd love this floating in front of a fireplace or even as a pair facing one another as a little interesting conversation area. Stunning.

{Photos from the Hickory Chair/Pearson Showroom @ NYDC @ 200 Lexington shot today pre-event #whatsnewwhatsnext}

What's New What's Next: Hickory Chair

The What's New, What's Next @ 200 Lex event is happening right now. Before we settle in to Lonny & Tilton Fenwick, here's a sneak peek at some new pieces from Hickory Chair, launching this fall... the Hannah Bedside Table, available in a variety of finishes and COH (Customer's Own Hardware). The sleek 88.5" Sonny Sofa with slope arms and two goose down pillows. Both: gorgeous!

{Photos from the Hickory Chair/Pearson Showroom @ NYDC @ 200 Lexington shot today pre-event #whatsnewwhatsnext}

As Seen In: Boutique Design

It's always nice to see one of your favorites getting the praise you know it deserves. The item in question is the gorgeous crushed velvet I will be using to upholster my dining room chairs. It's not quite gray, not quite chocolate, not quite plum. I love this fabric. And apparently I'm not alone. Boutique Design, a publication that focuses on the hospitality industry, picked up on it's beauty as well in a recent edition.

 

One of the reasons for its appeal it it's serious durability. Perfect for busy dining areas or even hotel lobbies. Its textural depth, beauty and plush, soft hand make it a logical choice for those that need performance but are unwilling to compromise on style. See all of the fabrics they featured as well as more details on this yummy floral fabric itself.

Featured: Fabric 6533-54

Super Saturday

Jimmy Choo, Donna Karan, Shoshanna, DVF, and... Pearson? Yes, we'll all bedonating goods for Super Saturday. A ridiculously amazing "super sale" for top fashion designers happening July 30th in New York. Why would Pearson be there? Those who buy tickets to this fab charitable shopping event will enjoy delighting in beautifully curated rooms designed by Tara Seawright and Chris Coleman.

Bring your checkbook, and your generous heart to the event. Details here. Do NOT miss your chance to attend. Kelly Ripa and Donna Karan are just two of the dynamic hosts who will be there. Proceeds benefit OCRF, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fun. Learn more.

Tilton Fenwick @ Hampton Designer Showhouse 2011

The amazingly talented design duo behind Tilton Fenwick interiors are presenting at the Hampton Designer Showhouse 2011. This is no small affair for interior designers. Designers this year included the ever-popular Tobi Fairley and my personal favorite... Ron Fiore, creative director of Hickory Chair.

But back to this gorgeous pair seated before us. Their challenge was to design the lower level family lounge in this year's home. Clearly, these two share a passion for color and boldness. We love the pair of velvet tufted sofas in apple green. Delicious!

The image above is the original, bare space. Lovely bones.. but quite the challenge!
This is the illustrated concept draft of the finished space, as imagined by the talented team. Quite the transformation! But wait...

Talk about stunning. This, dear readers, is the finished room by Tilton Fenwick as previewed on Nest by Tamara. I am beyond words to describe. The use of color. The mix of patterns. It's an amazing transformation. Note the pretty bookcase with the circular grillwork on the doors? The one at the far left...that's one of ours. There's also a lovely shagreen greek key table hidden from sight in this shot. It is an honor to be featured in such a well designed space.

One of my favorite features is the pop of yellow from the magazines on the console at the right. It's like a ray of sunshine on a windowless wall. The dramatic light fixture and the use of not one.. not two... but four armless chesterfield loveseats covered in the yummiest plush fabric is what really wins me over. Bravo, ladies. Bravo.

Pop over to their blog and follow them on twitter for more incredible views of their work.