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

Enjoy: Virtual Walking Tour of Paris Showrooms

I credit Jennifer for finding these fabulous videos on Editor at Large. In them, you'll enjoy a walking tour of Paris' Design District with Jessica Romm, Crans Baldwin of Donghia and Ludovic Darricau of Elitis. prepare to be wowed as you preview new fabric collections and home accessories for Paris Déco Off.

Of particular interest was that the trends and qualities mentioned are all part of our current fabric selection. Lively patterns, watercolored textiles, dip dyed and batik looks... . These are global movements in the textile industry, and we're proud to be just a skip ahead of the curve.

View the two videos in sequence: Part One and Part Two to get the full experience. We may not be at Café de Flore ourselves but we can pretend, no? Oui oui!

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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.

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.

The New Blue

At October Market and this week's runway shows we've begun seeing pops of unexpected color entering the scene. But what about taking classic blue and giving it a new spin?

We've been seeing this unstoppable shift happen in tandem with more "out there" trends. A feisty lemon yellow living alongside prized Ming vases and blue toile.

Traditional Home offers up tips on how to handle blue without falling prey to a flat, outdated look. The trick, according to designer Ellie Cullman? Mixing textures and paying special attention to lighting in the space. This maintains a level of warmth in the room and keep it from ever looking like your grandmother's chintz-laden living room.

The February-March issue featured some beautiful elements to inspire. One of them was our 1416 French Bergère in our new exclusive tie-dye stripe fabric. Classic with a twist? Yes. It's the ultimate blend of traditional meets modern. The artisanal quality of the natural fabric keeps the very familiar form of the chair from looking too stuffy.

Looking at Ellie's paint selections and carefully selected design elements, it's clear she's paying homage to the past without being mired in it. We particularly love the graphic "Pow Wow" rug by Capel and the Soicher Marin "Blue Botanical Urn" print. Bold and beautiful.

See more at http://www.traditionalhome.com/">TraditionalHome.com.

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!

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!

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!

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.

Birds of a Feather

It all began with our silk embroidered peacock fabric being featured in Entra Magazine's November December issue. The article was highlighting glamorous metallic fabrics by Pearson, Jab, Dongia and Highland Court. (We love that they also featured the fabric in the table of contents.)

But the mention of peacocks made me realize they've been appearing everywhere lately. I'm not alone in recognizing the trend. Material Girl Jill from LA commented on the recurring appearance of these marvelous birds in a blog post in November.

Since one of the photos on Jill's post featured Mrs. Doheny's bedroom designed by Woodson & Rummerfield it seemed only timely to tie these two posts (and the two trends) together. The marvel of metallics meets the exotic flair that only a gleaming peacock can provide. The two elements are a dramatic design marriage made in heaven and our peacock fabric boasts the best qualities of both.

Enjoy the sneak peek above of my use of the textile on the accent pillows on my 2378 sectional. You should see how the fabric shimmers in the sunlight and somehow goes beautifully with any background you place it on. It's truly a showstopping accent to add to a project. Flecks of gold and the embroidered texture only add to the glamour of the material. The tiny details of the embroidery add depth and dimension to you can't really appreciate until you see it up close. Be sure to pop into your local showroom to see a sample. Expect it to be a hit in your next project!

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!

It's Showtime!

{Look closely... what do you see? Our 1912 dining room chairs were used in this year's ad for the December Showtime Fabric Market. Love that!}

Those of you in the textile industry are waiting with bated breath for next month's Showtime Fabric Market. This bi-annual industry event for upholstery, leather and trimmings is being held December 4-7th in High Point, NC. This is the biggest fabric, leather, and trim show in the States and is NOT to be missed if you are in the business.

Oddly, few interior designers realize that they too can attend. This event isn't just for fabric industry professionals. In fact, many of the vendors sell cut yardage. It's a fantastic arena to pick up on new trends and advancements in the textile industry. Just for the education and exposure aspect alone it's an exciting event every designer should consider attending.

Need more to sway you? How about jewels and libations? There is an annual cocktail party named "Welcome Home" free for all attendees on Sunday evening. It's held in the Boiler Room in Historic Market Square. Come and rub (well covered) elbows with some of the industry's biggest names.

Which brings us to our next topic: Jane Matteson of Swarovski Elements will be on hand with her team to discuss global inspirations from the fashion, jewelry, accessories, interior design and lighting industries with the latest on-trend innovations. You'll learn what the company's in-depth research and analysis gathered from around the world reveals about upcoming shifts and evolutions in design.

We think cocktails, new textiles and inside scoop on trends and shifts in our business give you plenty of excuses to attend. Hope to see you there.

Learn more about Showtime Fabric Market: follow them on twitter, visit their blog, register for the event and like them on facebook.