From Russia, With Love

We all love looking at design magazines from across the globe. We may not have a clue what words grace the pages, but pictures really do say a thousand words. We may not speak fluent French, Russian or Italian, but most of us have keen eye and speak the language of style in any corner of the world. Studied well, you'll see that each culture incorporates their unique point of view into their design aesthetic, but on the whole our global style is just that: global. It's becoming more difficult to tell a Manhattan apartment interior from one in downtown Moscow. It's just the state of our increasingly diverse modern life.

So when we spied this cover of Russia's Elite Interiors magazine it was no surprise to see familiar elements of style. A modern take on the Chesterfield sofa in dashing blue. A glossy red phone booth to add a bit of whimsy to the bedroom. Poofs scattered about the massive space for casual impromptu seating. Teddy bear heads mounted on the wall... wait. What? Yes, all across the world designers and design enthusiasts have a sense of humor about their home fashions.

Inside the issue Pearson's new Peacock Crewel is showcased on our elaborate 1633 chair. If you've not seen the fabric or the chairs up close you are in for a treat. The unique silhouette and the ornate carvings on the legs serve up plenty for the eye to take in. And if upholstered in our amazing peacock crewel fabric you may find your own home worthy of design magazine coverage.

This fabric is new and was just introduced at Spring Market. Watch for it to appear on our textile website shortly. And in the meantime... be kind to those teddy bears, won't you?

A Look Inside the Saddle River Showhouse

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

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.}

 

Dragon Tales

We were so inspired by the High Point Market Authority's 2012 Spring Fashion report that we decided to follow suit. In the comprehensive breakdown of trends, they highlight Year of the Dragon influenced products.

Pearson's fierce new blue and white fabric made the cut, as did a handful of other great finds. If you're looking to add a mythological element to your next space, 2012 is indeed the year. Dragons, chinoiserie and other Chinese zodiac honoring products hit the floors at every price point.

While a porcelain vase is still the most classic way to honor this trend, we love the idea of being a bit less predictable. After all, the dragon symbolizes strength, boldness and brash confidence. All important traits when it comes to styling your life and your home. And who couldn't use a little more fire in their design?

Featured: Pearson 1408 Chair; Mottahedeh Blue Dragon Dinnerware; Chinese Jar; Dragon Candelabra

Head of the Class

Across the board, one of the biggest trends seen at April Market was oversized headboards. Tall, powerful, statement-making headboards. We spied many variations on the theme at showrooms near and far. Jeanine Hays of AfroChic has one of the better roundups of the attention-getting trend.

There's an art to this look, of course. For me the trick is juxtaposing more dainty or at least more delicately scaled night tables next to the bed. Otherwise the bed itself (and corresponding massive headboard) can overwhelm a space.

In the photo above (of Pearson's newest upholstered bed) Jennifer and crew flank the masculine bed with travertine topped tables with cinched bronzed legs. Curvaceous lamps and playful pillows keep the look from being too handsome or too serious.

And did you spy those fat feet on the bed? Solid maple and seriously dramatic. With biscuit tufting and wingback styling this bed isn't for those without a brave streak for design. But I do think that its tailored appearance helps balance the overall vibe and keep it from looking to extreme. It's a statement piece that escalates the sophistication level of the bedroom. And isn't that what we all want from a headboard?

 

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. 

Scene & Heard

We thought we'd share mentions and observations from stylish designers and bloggers who attended Market. Regardless of how much fluffing and obsessing as you do over a showroom before opening day, the only thing that matters is customer response. Sure it may be pretty, but is is marketable? Is there a client in their books for that new console? Are there rooms in projects that would be perfect for using this new upholstery or that new imported fabric? That's the power of Market.

Here's a roundup of a few mentions from some of our favorite blogs:

• - Donna Vining, a celebrated interior designer from Houston noted the continuing influence of Mad Men on home furnishings. Her choices were spot on and we were flattered she chose to highlight our bolstered bench and brand new armless tufted chairs in her post.



• - Richard Rabel, an accomplishes interiors expert and art advisor in NYC and author of The Modern Sybarite, highlighted the awesomeness of our glamorous Art Deco-inspired three-tier table. Ball feet, panted black glass shelves and undeniable elegance make this a winner in almost any design environment. I suspect Richard's stylish clients would agree. Thanks for the mention, Richard!



• - Designer Cline Rose spied one of my favorite ottomans (I happen to own this very frame in the most remarkable metallic textile!) and remarked upon the large scale of upholstery she noticed at Market. I also enjoyed how she parsed out her trendspotting of the four D's in the post: Driftwood, Deep Blues (of which Pearson offered many), Daybeds and Details. Be sure to read more on her blog Design in Bloom.



• - Heather, designer and blog author behind Georgia James, featured our super chic chain link table in her roundup of favorite finds from Market. Can I just say I love Heather. Her bio makes me love her even more. 

These were all great posts from talented designers. Be sure to continue followng their blogs for more stylish selections from their trained eyes.

Happy weekend, all!

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!

Fresh for Spring From Pearson

Spring Market is here! To get things rolling here are a few of my absolute favorite new introductions from the design team.

1. A Louis XVI bed made in solid maple that is just gorgeous. I love the carving and the turned legs... but those nailheads and smart low footboard seal the deal!

2. A very cool mid-century styled chair with biscuit tufting and a picture frame back. What I really adore is it's low-slung look and armless design. This baby is begging to be part of a pair or maybe a foursome for great conversation.

3. Where do we begin with this etagere?! I love it. A soaring 84.5" high and about 2 feet wide. This lovely piece has a gilded frame and black glass shelves. I love it. I absolutely love this. Can't wait to see how our clients use this in projects.

4. Speaking of gilt finishes... this geometric cocktail table will make your jaw drop when you see it in person. It's almost too pretty to cover with accessories. Thank goodness for that bottom shelf!

5. Speaking of clean lines, this sofa boasts more good personality traits than we've seen this side of match.com. Track arms, Bauhaus styling and those big square maple feet make this piece a showroom favorite.

See more new introductions in our new Facebook gallery.

To all of you here (and headed) to Market... we look forward to seeing you! There is now FREE parking directly behind Pearson on Steele Street. This will come in particularly handy this weekend as it is expected to rain. Pack your Hunter books & sharp raincoat. Also remember we are one of several parties happening in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District Sunday afternoon/evening. Ours begins at 4pm. Swing by for nibbles and sips while rubbing elbows with industry greats and familiar friends. We look forward to seeing you!

Anticipation

As we eagerly await the kickoff of this and this, we are busy preparing for this. See you all soon!

Party Hop With Us!

Source: helloloveblog.com via Lesli on Pinterest

Market is almost here! We're excited that there are several parties happening in our neighborhood Sunday night, April 22. Ours goes from 4 until... who knows! The names you know and love in the press have already RSVP'd, so there is sure to be plenty of excitement here in the Pearson showroom.

Expect terrific wine, incredible passed hors d'œuvre, extra waiters on hand to help ensure you always have what you need.

Our philosophy is the more the merrier... so spread the word and bring your friends. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and showing you our new & exciting introductions.

We are located at located at 200 North Hamilton, North Court, Suite 107, at High Point Market in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District. See you there!

Punch Drunk Love

Most people don't think it's the case, but Texas is ripe with colorful blooms in bright beautiful pinks throughout much of the year. My morning walks have been spoiling me with vibrant azalea bushes and annuals planted throughout the neighborhood. I return home to see even more of the rich fuchsia color in fashion and home decor. It's everywhere I look and I LOVE it!

A perfect example of home styling matching personal fashion is this marriage of Pearson's dramatic tangerine & pomegranate paisley next to Trina Turk's Caprice tunic. Am I seeing double? I do believe so. Both are festive, gorgeous and begging for a little attention. I love that we see yellow accents on each fabric, which makes the two focal colors explode visually. The ideal pairing of two of the hottest color trends happening.

Whether you go bold by upholstering a sofa in this dynamic print or play it safe with accent pillows, one thing is certain: expect to shift the mood in the room. These patterns lend life and vitality to an outfit or a home. If energizing a space is the goal, you've found your muse!

I don't know about you, but just seeing this tunic & dreaming of pretty pillows in this textile make me long for a fresh pedi. Tis the season!

Market Sneak Peek: The Scene Stealer

What a week! In addition to #SXSW, the Apple keynote speech (iPad, anyone?) and the sudden realization that winter isn't really happening this year, Decor Mentor gathered together a team of designers to discuss (read: give us the inside skinny!) on what we can expect at April Market.

Decor Mentors in the mix:

• Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry: Pulp Design Studios @PULPdesigns
• Lisa L Kahn: Kahn Design Group @LisaLKahn
• Michelle Jennings Wiebe: Studio M @StudioM_
• Jennifer Brouwer: Jennifer Brouwer Design @JennBrouwer
• Elaine Williamson: Elaine Williamson Designs @elainewdesigns
• Kati Curtis: Nirmada @designerkati
• Lisa Ferguson: Lisa Ferguson Interior Design @DecorMentor

All of whom brought their A game to the tweetchat this past Wednesday. While you might have missed it, you can catch up quickly by following #HPmkt on twitter and following @HPmarketnews.

Why it matters: these aren't design "enthusiasts" cheering on the latest and greatest things to come down the furniture runway. These are established interior designers who relentlessly attend Market with the goal of opening new accounts, placing new orders, staying on top of their game and sourcing exactly what their clients need. But there's a greater goal and benefit at work here: it's an unbelievable way to further your relationships with peers, hone your craft and build new and important relationships and partnerships. Market is an absolute must for you and your business.

If you are a fellow design professional, consider looking at ELEVATE (an interactive wall for interior design pros to exchange ideas, encouragement and expertise) and joining Lisa and her posse for a Market Kickoff Party Saturday April 21st 4 PM – 5 PM at 220 Elm, 3rd Floor Balcony

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!

April Market... Sneak Peek (of a new fabric!)

Some secrets are just too good to keep under wraps for long. In this case we could not wait to show you one of the exciting new fabrics being unveiled at April Market.

This is an Italian digital watercolor print being offered in two different colorways. This one boasts greens, blues and a wild raspberry for an undeniably happy look. The second version (which you'll just have to wait until April to see!) offers a range of blues with a fresh pop of yellow for contrast.

Brad Goreski would be so proud, as both offer his much celebrated POC. That's "pop of color" for those of you not glued to Bravo TV like we are.

But the real question is... what creative use will you dream up for using this playful print?

Hello there, Bergere

I stumbled upon this great little story about a High Point home owned by Wanda and Chuck Link. Having lived in their home for eight years, Wanda still felt it was missing that certain "zing" to make it truly feel like home.

That all changed three years ago when she attended the Chateau de Noel, a holiday show house for charity in Greensboro, and discovered the work of Clemmons interior designer June DeLugas. Wanda pursued the designer's help in transforming her High Point home into a special environment like that of Chateau de Noel.

Some changes were minor, like altering the finish on an existing piece of furniture. But the greatest transformation occurred in the master bedroom. Here deLugas used a special pearlized finish Benjamin Moore paint to give the room an ethereal glow. She also added a Hickory Chair bed and Pearson's pitch perfect Bergere chair, a reproduction of one she spotted in the Chateau de Noel that originally inspired her to call DeLugas.

To add warmth to the space, Wanda and June covered the Bergere chair and ottoman in a salmon-hued plush fabric with textural lattice pattern.

My favorite quote from the story? Wanda stating "I had always wanted a chair like this." What a great feeling to achieve not only the "wow" factor she'd been seeking in her home but also the specific chair that inspired her to leverage the talents of June DeLugas.

On both counts, we'd say this was a rousing success.

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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Elle Decor: Bloggers' Choice Awards

The article is a must read - not only to spy great designers but also to see who Elle Decor finds influential online. Guilty pleasure: Seeing design duo Suysel dePedro Cunningham and Anne Maxwell Foster of Tilton Fenwick featured!

Photographers: Carol Dronsfield and Michael Rodenbush

One of my favorite online personas is the inimitable James of What is James Wearing. I love that he shamelessly nominated himself. If you are unaware of his blog, offer yourself some addictive pleasure and start immediately. As both interior designer and sartorial inspiration you are sure to glean plenty of ideas about glamour, pomp and circumstance from his incredible posts and photography.

{like his nomination, photos of James were taken by James Andrew himself}