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}

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!

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.

Menswear Inspired... But How?

By now the phrase "menswear inspired" elicits as much of an eyebrow raise as more Kardashian news... which is to say, not much. I think that's because most people don't stop to understand what the phrase really means in terms of fabrics and furnishings.

NJ.com recently wrote a post showcasing our Federal style sofa upholstered in an exclusive Prince of Wales glen plaid. It seemed a great opportunity to highlight some of the aspects of the sofa that parallel elements appearing in men's apparel.

Let's take a look at the silhouette to start. It's a slim shame, much like a tailored blazer. There is no excessive volume. Rather than appearing staid and flat, it gives the sofa (and the blazer) a classic, iconic form that will never go out of style. Pair that with a woolen glen plaid fabric with an impossibly soft hand and you've just created a piece that will stand the test of time in your home (and your wardrobe).

Now let's pay special note to the finish. The lighter color highlights the carved details on the frame. Much like a light leather chosen for this caramel cap toe oxford, the lighter shade means we are able to better appreciate the workmanship and the structural elements that make both the sofa frame and the shoe unique.

And now the details. What I like about this sofa (and the watch above) are the smaller design elements that make it stylish and eternal. Bench seating, soft contrasting welt, loose back pillows and plump toss pillows... these lend it flair and panache without veering into "of the moment" qualities. There's nothing flashy about it, but it won't go unnoticed in a room. Somehow all of these understated qualities bind together to create a striking finished look.

In the end, today's reference to menswear doesn't necessarily indicate that a piece has an overtly masculine quality. Just look at around and you'll see women of all ages wearing oversized watches, gorgeous plaids and enough classic blazers to fill a Burberry showroom. It's not about being gender-neutral so much as it is about appealing to both sexes. And in the world of interior design, achieving that balance is the ultimate goal of every nearly project.

So the next time you hear the now overused phrase "menswear inspired" take a moment to soak in the details to see what they mean. Is it well tailored? Are there prominent buttons? Is it a fabric choice that makes it read "masculine" or is it the frame itself. The phrase isn't likely to disappear anytime soon, as there's clearly a market for handsome good looks and fine tailoring.

See the rest of the NJ.com article here to hear what other tastemakers had to say on the topic.

Featured: Ralph Lauren Black Label Anthony Blazer, Billy Reid Oxfords, 300 Series Chronograph Watch

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!

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.

More on Maison: Mrs. Doheny's Boudoir

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

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

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

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

1. Featured on the bed pillows, Greek key stripe and our festive trellis print with butterflies. What must be mentioned here is the custom mural that Ron and Jaime had painted behind the bed. Isn't that fantastic?
   
   The bed and nightstands themselves are as opulent as one might hope them to be. Lucite and silver combined with tufted ivory leather. I die! The added glamour of the commissioned peacock-centric mural only serves to heighten the posh vibe of the bedroom.
2. On the window valance, the gorgeous 6477-74 chenille fabric adds depth and a luxe treatment to the windows
3. Our glamorous French 1366 Chair with front covered in the stunning pagoda fabric and backed in the rich red print with Greek key stripe detail. The true beauty of the pieces is the silvery vermeil finish.
4. In front of the window sheers, the Greek key console with antique mirror top and lower shelf (one of my favorite pieces!) keeps the glamour of the room going while offering a chic display surface for design books and objects that appeared to be carefully curated objets of the Mrs.
   
   This photo also gives you a better look at those pretty bed pillows. Sadly the butterfly trellis fabric backing the Greek key stripe pillows is discontinued. Ron & Jaime were able to use the very last of it for this incredible project.
5. The Pearson Chow sofa is a fan favorite. Here it shimmers in rich red velvet with contrast piping. We love the extra peppering of the butterfly trellis pattern on the pillows (as seen on boudoir pillows on the bed) to tie the two areas of the room together.
6. Keeping the theme going, our shagreen topped bunching tables with Greek Key detail on the base flank the sofa.
7. The glamorous look of this seating vignette is completed with the ivory cocktail table covered in faux shagreen leather squares. The Parsons styling of this piece is perfect for the mood of the room.
8. The lovely 187 bench at the foot of the bed, finished in that fabulous silver vermeil finish. Jaime and Ron had it upholstered in COM faux exotic skin. The Hollywood glamour results speak for themselves!

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

Time For a Little Napa

We've been keeping all of this juicy good content from you, what with the holiday weekend and all. Never fear... we're back with focus and ready to showcase some of the special projects we've been working on.

First up... the Napa Valley Film Festival. You'll recall Pearson was lucky enough to be asked to participate in this celebrity dotted event that took place in the stunning Napa Valley earlier this month. For the opening Gala, five furniture brands were invited to create vignettes inspired by old Hollywood Movies. Jennifer McConnell, VP of Design for Pearson, took the challenge on and selected Doris Day & Rock Hudson's movie "Pillow Talk" as her inspiration.

The positive response to Jennifer's glamorous vignette was overwhelming! It will likely be featured in an issue of Traditional Home to be published early in 2012. Naturally we won't ask you to wait until the issue runs... we have plenty of fabulous Pillow Talk inspired photos for you to admire.

A little scoop on the event: Each movie-inspired space was up for just one day, for the opening night Gala on Nov 10th at Robert Mondavi Winery. The decadent vignettes were all dismantled the next day. Approximately 800 guests attended. Word has it that Leo DeCaprio was there, although Jennifer didn't see him in the crowd.

A little about our space: The furniture was all Pearson, the white sofa fabric was donated by Sunbrella (perfect for a wine drinking event, don't you think?!) and the Currey & Co Serena Chandelier and Asturias Table Lamps were graciously provided to us by Giorgi Brothers in San Francisco. Getting that gorgeous chandelier hung in an outdoor vignette was no easy feat, but the result was well worth the labor and effort of all involved. Everyone wanted to know where that stunning light fixture came from!

I particularly love how the scene looked the night of the event. That back-lit fan-shaped wall really set the tone for intimate seating in a posh little space. Jennifer's use of happy turquoise and raspberry on top of white was just perfect for the festive event. And I have to say, how terrific to know all of that wine was safely being consumed on Sunbrella's virtually indestructible white fabric. Whew!

We can't say enough great things about and Sunbrella for their showstopping white fabric. And thank you, Giorgi Brothers for thinking outside of the box to get us the key accessory elements needed to pull together the space. Enough chatter, our yourself a glass of Cabernet and enjoy the photos!

A Nod to Mod

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

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

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

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!

Maison de Luxe...

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

As Seen In: St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles

St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles is consistently good to us. This week the magazine featured our sleep sofa 4409-2 (last row, second from right) as designed by G.M. Doveikis & Associates. The collection of goods they rounded up for their story Hello Handsome showcased the ongoing movement towards menswear inspired fabrics, furniture and décor. Rather than being rakish, these elements each provide quiet masculinity and balanced by sophisticated polish.

Also shown in the lineup is our undeniably handsome 2328-2 Leather Sofa. Although this can be covered in any of our fabrics, we love how it looks in tobacco colored leather with brass nailhead trim. The exposed legs and sleek arms keep the piece from being overtly mannish, but we still like his slightly rugged sensibility and feel this stylish piece would be right at home in any gentleman's quarters.