Classically Beautiful

Trends may come and go, but for a lifetime of enjoyment I love investing in classics. Now, it's important to note here that classic is not a nice way to say boring or bland. On the contrary. I feel that timeless forms are often some of the best looking pieces in a room. There's a familiarity to their appearance that makes them even more beautiful.

A few pieces from the fall introductions really stand out to me as enduring beauties. The first is the tufted lounge chair that almost begs for a Golden Age Hollywood starlet to rest her weary legs. It's positively gorgeous. I desperately want a pair of these for my bedroom. There's an instant glamour they serve up with their welted borders and curved backs. Love, love, love this chair!

Next up is the Shagreen table that was all the rage at the NYDC even several months back. These were literally being carried out of the showroom one after another by designers who attended the What's New, What's Next event. The buzz on these little shagreen-topped tables still hasn't died down. The color of the top is difficult to describe yet impossible to resist. And that silver leaf Regency inspired base? To die for. Grab a pair of these bunching tables (or their best selling ivory topped sibling) and your room will sing.

And finally... classic continental style with decidedly modern materials. The travertine top of this side table sits upon bronzed iron legs in serpentine shapes, bound together by a ring shaped stretcher for undeniably good looks. There's something about those tied legs that I find endlessly desirable. This is a table I have drooled over since it arrived last Market, and no amount of admiring from afar seems to be curbing my cravings. Seems it's a given I'll eventually cave to my wishes to add it to my living room. A welcome addition indeed.

For more new introductions with enduring appeal, visit our gallery.

The Look of Love

In honor of Valentine's Day, I couldn't help but be drawn back to last fall's Spring/Summer runway show by Jason Wu... specifically, his dramatic pink and white silk look.

Let's face it, when we hear of a combination of pink and white it is easy to default to thoughts of Barbie^® in her Dreamhouse. And yet, the simple addition of black as an accent or a counterpoint make the resulting look anything but saccharine.

Jason's look - much like Pearson's pink and charcoal ikat fabric - offer strength and power instead of sweetness. Yes, the joy and optimism of brilliant pink is evident. But there's nothing cloyingly sweet in either look. The effect is bold, beautiful and powerful.

What I love most about comparing Wu's runway look to this fabulous ikat textile is the interesting similarity of form. By sheer coincidence, the shape of the ikat pattern mimics the silhouette of the voluminous layers of silk of Wu's pink skirt. Stunning!

Whether you're looking to add feisty toss pillows to your project or want to fully upholster a piece in this fabulous print, rest assured visitors will gasp and gawk at the dramatic visual moment you've created. It's a look you (and your client) will be sure to love for years to come.

Featured photo: Jason Wu, Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear Runway photo by Alessandro Farogolo via Style.com, Pearson Brilliant Pink & Black Ikat Fabric

Save the Date

One thing that's always on the minds of Marketgoers... when and where is cocktail hour?!? For the upcoming April Market we have the answer... right here!

Sunday April 22nd Pearson is hosting a cocktail party at inside the showroom. Show up between 4 and 7pm and enjoy mixing and mingling with fellow designers and buyers as you sip wine and sample hors d'oeuvres. We are located in the posh Hamilton Wrenn district at 200 N. Hamilton Street, Suite 107. We look forward to seeing you there!

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!

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!

Link Lovin'

Today's nod to our fashion-forward edge comes from TrendCurve publication. While they feature photos of our fantastic chain link center table, the article itself focuses much more on our celebration of shagreen as a fabulous tabletop surface.

"Shagreen took a giant leap forward. More prevalent at the high end than ever before, this material signaled its potential to become a mainstream part of upstairs collections." The piece then went on to mention "Pearson's new tables outlined in off-white starburst-pierced shagreen with antique brass" as shown above. (Can I just say, we love these new tables - and so do our design clients!)

Also in the article was appreciation for the center table we remarked upon earlier this month. "Pearson combined travertine and bronze in a stunning new table with classic charm. In all style categories, bronze finishes are poised for dramtic growth into 2013."

Key points to take with you to your next appointment: bronze is big and will be for some time. Shagreen is the new upmarket tabletop trend. Me? I've got my eyes on this lovely piece, which I'll share more about next week. Until then... have a great weekend!

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!

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.

High Tops

If I've noticed one thing about Pearson, it's that much attention is given to the actual top of their table designs. While many luxury brands solely focus on legs and silhouette, this one pays great attention to the view from above. And what a view it is on several of their newer designs!

I particularly love the quatrefoil table introduced this past spring. A radiant veneered quatrefoil-shaped top he top surrounded by a gallery raised on tapering legs and shaped stretchers. Eek! Glorious in every way.
But his newer sibling, the 9672 hexagon-shaped side table is definitely trying to upstage him! Just look at that faux shagreen top (a universal hit at October Market) and that striking inlaid metal pattern. Thankfully there's an equally fabulous lower shelf, otherwise this top would be a crime to cover with a lamp. Look for it to show up online quite soon once all of Pearson's new introductions appear in the online catalog. In the meantime, here's a full shot of this new beauty.

As Seen In: Market Style Report Fall/Winter 2011

It's always impressive to see the post Market recaps that appear both on and offline. One of the consistently prettier publications is actually produced by the High Point Market Authority themselves. The Market Style Report mimics the layout of a glossy magazine, showcasing the overall emerging trends that presented themselves during "fashion week for the furnishings industry" each season.

At October Market in High Point they observed lighter stains in wood furnishings, a wide array of new colors making an appearance (buh-buh safe palettes!), the unshakable trellis and Greek key patterns (showing no end of the geometric-loving trend), watercolors and artistic touches in both art and fabric... as well as a host of other terrific shifts in interior fashions. It's true that the only thing consistent is change. We're seeing quite a bit of it this year.

Further into their recap they begin chunking items from multiple brands into categories. Our chic new 220 Bench made an appearance in their "Old Hollywood" layout, alongside beautiful products from Hickory Chair, Maitland-Smith and Duralee.The recurring theme with the chosen pieces was a return to Golden Age stars and the aspirational looks that accompanied that era. Items in this category often possessed Art Deco-like flair. We think our leggy, brass-footed bench is a real showstopper. Clearly we're not alone! (p. 11 of the guide)

And in the "Shine On" section our stunning 2392 daybed, in all her tufted goodness. In this case they showcased the shot of her in shimmery chocolate velvet, which only plays up her looks. The story here being that Market highlighted luxe looks inspired from haute couture design houses. (page 15 of the guide)

Flip through the rest of the guide for more of their astute trendwatching observations. And to the team that puts this together... thank you for including us in this lovely Market recap!

Shag-adelic

Shagreen, that is. Between the NYDC event and High Point Market, there was one clear and away star of the show: shagreen. In fact, we could barely keep some of our tables on display, as designers wanted to literally walk out with them in hand. (And many of them did!) A great problem to have, wouldn't you say?

Get in on the exotic trend with one of our new shagreen table options. First, the incredible 9742 cocktail table that looks even better from above. The starburst patterned top makes this a showstopping piece for a living room. You might even find it too pretty to cover with the usual array of books and botanicals. Lucky you: there's a bottom shelf too ;) 

But the real star here is the 9675 bunching table. The new hued sister of our already popular 9651 bunching table. Somehow the newly colored top struck a chord with color-starved designers. This greyish, blueish, greenish beauty is even more mesmerizing in person than you can imagine. Photos simply don't do it justice.

Swing into your nearest Pearson showroom to see these two exotic beauties in person. We promize you won't be disappointed.

Highlights of Pearson's Market Showroom

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.

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!

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!

Trendspotting: Pretty Perching Benches

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.

Spotted! StyleSpotters

Are you following the High Point Market StyleSpotters on Pinterest? You should be!

These girls are tasked with selecting what they individually feel are the 10 most iconic pieces seen during this October's Market - happening now.

One lucky StyleSpotter will win based upon your votes. You "vote" by liking or repinning their choices using your own Pinterest account (free if you still need one!)

You likely already know and follow them all on Twitter or Facebook. Be sure to follow their pinboards as well: Tobi Fairley, Lisa Ferguson, Julieann Covino, Meg Biram, Heather Clawson, Wanda Horton, Jennifer Brouwer and Elaine Williamson.

(Full disclosure, I was invited to be one of these lucky girls but am grounded here in Dallas due to travel conflicts. Award-winning Dallas interior design Elaine Williamson is attending in my place!)

As Seen In: TheHome.com Video

Fall '11 Market Interview with Pearson Furniture from TheHome.com on Vimeo.

Listen and watch as creative director Jennifer McConnell dishes on colors, menswear inspired fabrics, styles, and other inspirations that Pearson brought to this fall's High Point Market.

Read the full story here on TheHome.com.

I love the colors and saturated tones seen on the upholstered pieces in this video. You'll want to note Jennifer's mention of a return to a Halston-esque glamour. I die!

And pay close attention to the surprise color star of Market this year... a return to (dare I say it?) brown! But you'll notice it's paired with stunning aubergine, plum and some incredibly beautiful shades that elevating familiar brown to full on rockstar status. It's a quick video, well worth watching!

Chain Link Table Takes Center Stage @ Market

October market is in FULL SWING and we're loving the feedback coming out about our latest and greatest pieces. Stacy Naquin shared this on Instagram:

"Did you see the jaw dropping chainlink table @pearsonfurn showroom? @HPMarketNews #hpmkt @JennBrouwer @decormentor @frankidurbin"

This seriously stylish new 9673 center table is one of our absolute favorite new introductions. And WHAT a photo Stacy took of her! Notice the new bench in the background too? You'll see more on that gorgeously leggy piece in a previous post. Thanks for the shout out, Stacy!

Tuft Love

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!

Market! Are You Ready?

Most of you have now either boarded a plane or are at least packing your suitcases. For last minute details, check out the High Point Market Authority's fabulous site. As the name implies, they really are the authority on all things Market. Be sure to also check out our Insider's Guide to Market, guaranteed to make your trip more pleasurable. We look forward to seeing you!

New Product Launch: Pearson's Sleek 200 Bench

A few days ago I teased you with a tiny corner of this gorgeous creation. Here he is in all his brass-footed glory. Pearson's new 200 Bench, to be revealed at High Point Market. That means you need to book yourself an urgent trip to High Point, North Carolina right now to see this handsome fellow and the rest of the goods we have in the showroom for you.

More reveals to come this week, but this particular piece stopped me in my tracks. Bolsters, banding, brass detailing. Isn't it gorg? We think so.