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02/06/2012

One Kings Lane Picks

Okl

The One Kings Lane sale is live! Here are a few choice picks from the available goodies. As always, if you see it, snag it... as there are typically not multiples of any item in the sale. Items also go quite quickly. While I was there, several of my picks were pulled into a nother member's cart. Go forth and shop!

The Golden Rule

Golden
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While the exact historical references become quite muddied here, what was clear was that we were witnessing a mega-performance by a megastar.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}

02/05/2012

Style, Sweet Style

Daybed
Some items in a room command attention. Often it's the color, the silhouette, the fabric or some combination of the above. So imagine the beauty of a perfectly designed piece that also is upholstered in an incredible fabric. It's the Holy Grail of design.

Give yourself a head start on achieving this design nirvana with the tufted daybed featured above. Because this particular piece beckons you to come hither, I love pairing it with a touchably soft pile fabric. Think chenille or velvets. This also offers a bit of sheen that serves up unmistakable glamour. A few of my favorites? This beautiful brocade patterned chenille draws out the romance in a piece. You could also use this just as an accent on the toss pillows. A more geometric option would be this beautiful trellis chenille (yes, this is the same option Woodson & Rummerfield used in the window treatments in Mrs. Doheny's bedroom at Maison de Luxe). Or if you want to really wow them, cover it in this delicious new Greek key fabric that shimmers and shines like a jewel in the sunlight. 

Why love a daybed? So many reasons. Versatility. Timeless style. Showstopping good looks. This particular piece could be used in the middle of a room or as seating on the edge. I love the idea of two identical daybeds positioned parallel to one another with a stunning cocktail table in between them (if you choose that option, by all means go for the gold with this one). It's dramatic and inviting at once. The large toss pillows make it almost irresistible as a plump and posh place to sit.

If you are anything like me, nailing that combination of form and fabric requires analysis bordering on what others might consider obsessiveness. You find yourself looking at samples in every imaginable light and at different times of day. It's an arduous process, but when you've finally made your decision you know it's right. And, yes, when the finished piece (your masterpiece) arrives weeks later and friends gasp before finding the words to appreciate your custom creation... let's just admit it: all of that obsessing was totally worth it.

See all of our new introductions in this gallery and our most recently introduced fabrics here.

02/04/2012

Countdown to the Napa Valley OKL Tag Sale

Okl

Two days to go until the Traditional Home tag sale begins on One Kings Lane. Featured are beautiful items that were featured in the Pearson and Lee vignettes during the Opening Night Gala at last fall's Napa Valley Film Festival.

What does this mean for you? One of a kind or custom pieces specifically designed and chosen to stage the space for this celeb-studded installation. There's also more than a good chance that a Hollywood celeb or other well-known name sat in the chair you'll choose or rested their glass of vino on your future cocktail table. Now that's something we can all raise our Riedel to, I'm sure!

Should you need an invite OKL, snag one here. Sale begins Monday morning, February 6.

02/02/2012

Pillow Fight! One Kings Lane Style

Pearson Set durring day installation
Do you recall seeing that incredibly glam space designed for the Napa Film Festival? The one inspired by Pillow Talk? Yes, that impossibly chic white sofa and those jewel toned pillows. Well, all of those can be yours next Monday. We're having a One Kings Lane sale where those stunning furnishings and accessories are being sold at insanely good price points. Brace yourselves... this is one sale you won't want to miss!

Sale begins Monday, February 6th at 8AM Pacific Standard Time. Don't sleep in... you'll surely miss all the goodies as these events tend to sell out quickly!

02/01/2012

Trends in Fabrics: Featuring Lori Weitzner's Newest Collection

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We always love the Editor at Large interviews. There are two in particular you should watch immediately. In this particular clip Karen Marx interviews Michael Boodro, Lori Weitzner, Arthur Ellsworth and Marvin Wilkinson while on location in Paris. The cause for the celebration? Lori Weitzner is debuting a new fabric collection and celebrating her partnership with Pollack. What's in store for us? Plenty! Time honored artistry and handcrafted textiles. Shimmery details. Luxe textures. It's a full on glamour fest and we love every single handwoven thread of it.

This next video is specifically about the debut of Lori's new collection (video also shot in the Paris location). See the two for a full preview of what to expect in 2012. We absolutely love seeing painstaking details and techniques being celebrated and promoted. Designers - and the customers they serve - who support these artisans are to be thanked for supporting what is truly and form of art.

01/18/2012

Franki's Fab Finds: OKL Sale

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Many goodies have sold out but there are still many great pieces available in the Pearson One Kings Lane sale. Here are just a few of my favorites, but there are many more items still available. Shop now... there are not multiples of these beauties. Once an item is sold it's gone for good.

You'll find a wide range of pieces that were newly created for fall market this past October. Ikat pillows, custom upholstered pieces, beautiful casegoods, etc. Hard to believe these creations (designed specifically to attract magazine editors, designers and buyers) are being sold at such incredible prices. And yet, space must be made to make room for new pieces for April Market. Ahh, the benefits of time marching on. Happy shopping, designer friends!

01/10/2012

As Seen In: Arch Digest's Most Wanted Discoveries

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While it's nice to be noticed, it's even better to be in the good company of some of our favorite sources of creativity. Architectural Digest selected our 575 perching bench (shown upholstered in our exclusive kelly green and midnight ikat #4593-36 fabric woven in Turkey) and placed it alongside new textiles from Suzanne Kasler, an otherworldly resin light fixture from Oly, a Braoque-inspired table from Baker and a fabulous framed etching from artist Kiki Smith. These "most wanted discoveries" from their February 2012 issue all offer something special to a project - namely a "where on earth did you find that?" response from everyone who sees them. And isn't that part of the thrill of great interior design? Ikat
Dying to know more about this fabric? The viscose and polyester blend fabric is exclusive to Pearson and comes in two distinct colorways. One is a zingy combo of midnight and kelly green - a marvelous combination that will garner second looks and pressured inquiries. And then for those projects where only something completely bold and unexpected will do... we present a brilliant pink and charcoal combination sure to knock their preppy socks off. Both ikat fabrics are woven in Turkey exclusively for Pearson. Both are sure to please!

01/04/2012

Center Stage

1405 room scene
9673 Center Table-1
One of the most tweeted and talked about pieces at High Point Market (October '12) was the new 9673 center table. Between its chain link legs and travertine top, designers and buyers alike were smitten by her elegant good looks. Those retro-styled bronze finish legs are only complimented by the 1" thick travertine top that rests upon the base.

At 48" diameter and 30" high (including the top) this beauty offers shocking versatility. Is she an entry table in a gracious foyer? A glamorous dining table in a posh high rise? The possibilities are as endless as her geometric beauty.

For the more adventurous among you, the base can be ordered separately (she is a nimble 41" w x 41" d x 29" h) and can be topped in any fashion you choose. Reclaimed wood? Vintage aged mirror with one-of-a-kind appeal? What about a dramatically beveled glass top to really play up the unique patterns formed by those Iron and cast aluminum square tube legs?

We can't wait to see how you talented designers choose to personalize this piece. In my home I'd certainly opt for creamy, dreamy travertine (partly because we don't often see this material used in this fashion)... but I just know there will be some incredible custom pieces created from this base in the coming months. Be sure to share them so we can showcase your marvelous talents!

12/29/2011

The Delectable Sectional

Delectable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/28/2011

Borrowed and Blue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/23/2011

Pearson's New Introductions Online

2408 room scene 8074 prints - tie dye

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

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

12/15/2011

Rheinstein's Romantic Touch

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

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

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

More on Maison: Mrs. Doheny's Boudoir

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

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

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

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

  1. Featured on the bed pillows, Greek key stripe and our festive trellis print with butterflies. What must be mentioned here is the custom mural that Ron and Jaime had painted behind the bed. Isn't that fantastic?

    The bed and nightstands themselves are as opulent as one might hope them to be. Lucite and silver combined with tufted ivory leather. I die! The added glamour of the commissioned peacock-centric mural only serves to heighten the posh vibe of the bedroom.
  2. On the window valance, the gorgeous 6477-74 chenille fabric adds depth and a luxe treatment to the windows
  3. Our glamorous French 1366 Chair with front covered in the stunning pagoda fabric and backed in the rich red print with Greek key stripe detail. The true beauty of the pieces is the silvery vermeil finish.
  4. In front of the window sheers, the Greek key console with antique mirror top and lower shelf (one of my favorite pieces!) keeps the glamour of the room going while offering a chic display surface for design books and objects that appeared to be carefully curated objets of the Mrs.

    This photo also gives you a better look at those pretty bed pillows. Sadly the butterfly trellis fabric backing the Greek key stripe pillows is discontinued. Ron & Jaime were able to use the very last of it for this incredible project.
  5. The Pearson Chow sofa is a fan favorite. Here it shimmers in rich red velvet with contrast piping. We love the extra peppering of the butterfly trellis pattern on the pillows (as seen on boudoir pillows on the bed) to tie the two areas of the room together.
  6. Keeping the theme going, our shagreen topped bunching tables with Greek Key detail on the base flank the sofa.
  7. The glamorous look of this seating vignette is completed with the ivory cocktail table covered in faux shagreen leather squares. The Parsons styling of this piece is perfect for the mood of the room.
  8. The lovely 187 bench at the foot of the bed, finished in that fabulous silver vermeil finish. Jaime and Ron had it upholstered in COM faux exotic skin. The Hollywood glamour results speak for themselves!

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

12/04/2011

Delightfully Doheny

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!

11/28/2011

A Nod to Mod

NodNow that I've stopped drooling over the incredible art featured in the space, I can admire the "come hither" vibe of the chaise. The piece in question is Pearson's 2372 chaise designed by Naples Florida, as designed by SoHo designer Robert Couturier for a Naples, Florida client. Upholstered in neutral linen this easy piece begs you to give your weary feet a rest and read the New York Times or gaze up at one one many prized pieces of art curated by the owners.

Throughout the home, Robert used bold prints and repeated the intense blue and white tones. He says of the design that a house, "must feel rooted. This house was done quickly, but it doesn’t feel that way because it’s very rooted - in the colors, the shapes, and the styles that reflect the clients. Otherwise, it wouldn’t work."

In this home, as in all of this widely lauded designer's projects, the space certainly does work. Read the store in the December 2011/January 2012 issue of House Beautiful.

11/18/2011

Maison de Luxe...

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Stay tuned for an exciting series of posts on the Maison de Luxe event, a terrific design event we are proud to sponsor. What's the fuss about? Prepare to see the legendary Greystone Estate of Beverly Hills reimagined by over twenty of the today's leading designers. This incredible property occupies 18.5 manicured acres and boasts an impressive 46,000+ square foot baronial-style residence built in 1928 for the Doheny family. How's that for impressive?

As you might imagine, having the opportunity to design a space in this historic property is a privilege any designer would enjoy. A few of those talented figures include some of our favorite designers: Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield of Woodson and Rummerfield’s House of Design, Suzanne Rheinstein of Suzanne Rheinstein and Associates, Lori Dennis of Lori Dennis Inc. - all of whom have used Pearson pieces in their finished spaces.

These stars of interior design are working alongside notable names Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Mary McDonald, Barry Dixon, Jamie Drake, Nathan Turner and others. A star studded lineup of today's greatest designers.

Be on the lookout for many posts coming. In the meantime, learn more about the event here. The Show House Tour is from December 2-22, Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-3pm, cost: $35. We suggest you attend the Designer Speaker Series which happens on December 2, 9, & 16 and costs $50. These events include the show house tour and are sure to be well worth any fee. Feel good knowing that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Greystone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of Historic Greystone Estate.

{Insider tip: grab a few friends. Groups of 20 or more will enjoy lemonade, set aside seating and tasty nibbles from the menu. Contact Fiona at (323) 732-5400 for details!}

11/07/2011

Highlights of Pearson's Market Showroom

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Not to be missed, this new 2392 daybed. Tufted, crisp, and in this case wrapped in of-the-moment chocolate velvet. Cover yours any way you like it, but this one screams deliciousness.

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Fabric and color were clearly the stars of the show this Market. We saw numerous snaps on style-savvy blogs of our tie-dyed fabric in fetching shades of blue. We love the juxtaposition of fresh fabric on classic silhouettes. Apparently, we were in good company!

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Can you believe this looker? This was the 200 bench mentioned pre-Market. Standing next to our retro fabulous 9670 drink table we think this handsome fellow is begging to be front and center at a stylish fete.

These should all show up on the Pearson site soon. Until then, stay tuned as we unveil more fall introductions!

11/03/2011

Trendspotting: Pretty Perching Benches

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The post-Market buzz is always so telling. Hindsight being 20/20, it gives designers and buyers alike the chance to note what really stood out to them amidst the chaos of the week. Kelly & Joann of Atlanta interior design firm Kandrac and Kole spied our candy-colored perching chairs and saw them for what they truly are: stylish solutions:

"Take for example, these “perching benches” from Pearson Furniture. When you need extra seating but cannot afford to give up the visual or physical space of a full size chair – these are the perfect remedy (and soooo comfortable)."

Ladies, they are comfortable. And isn't that fabulous fabric to die for? It's one of Pearson's new fabric introductions, just released at Market. Thank CReative Director Jennifer for her vision in producing such eye-catching pieces. Small in stature, big on impact.

I also love the glam settee the duo uncovered at Sam Moore. And Kelly & Joann are right... it would be IDEAL in a nursery or foyer. Notice the use of dazzling pink in both photos. We told you color was back!

See the rest of their Market finds, and be sure to give their beautiful portfolio a closer look.

10/21/2011

Tuft Love

Tuftlove
Tufting. When you love it, you really love it. Pearson's 2378 tuxedo sofa has been such a smashing success that it has evolved into a small family of prized furniture pieces. There's the completely customizable sectional... the chaise... the sofa... and now the impossibly chic bench. Be still my Billy Baldwin loving heart!

See this glamorous piece on the Pearson showroom floor as he makes his debut at High Point Market... happening now!