A Look Inside the Saddle River Showhouse

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

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

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

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

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!

Dangerous Curves Ahead

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

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

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

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

 

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. 

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!

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.

Star Power

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

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

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

One Kings Lane Picks

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

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}

Style, Sweet Style

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.

Countdown to the Napa Valley OKL Tag Sale

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.

Pillow Fight! One Kings Lane Style

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!

Trends in Fabrics: Featuring Lori Weitzner's Newest Collection

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.

Franki's Fab Finds: OKL Sale

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!

As Seen In: Arch Digest's Most Wanted Discoveries

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?
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!

Center Stage

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!

The Delectable Sectional

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?

Borrowed and Blue

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.

Pearson's New Introductions Online

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.

Rheinstein's Romantic Touch

Hollyhock 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!