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.

Countdown to the Napa Valley OKL Tag Sale

Two days to go until the Traditional Home tag sale begins on One Kings Lane. Featured are beautiful items that were featured in the Pearson and Lee vignettes during the Opening Night Gala at last fall's Napa Valley Film Festival.

What does this mean for you? One of a kind or custom pieces specifically designed and chosen to stage the space for this celeb-studded installation. There's also more than a good chance that a Hollywood celeb or other well-known name sat in the chair you'll choose or rested their glass of vino on your future cocktail table. Now that's something we can all raise our Riedel to, I'm sure!

Should you need an invite OKL, snag one here. Sale begins Monday morning, February 6.

Pillow Fight! One Kings Lane Style

Do you recall seeing that incredibly glam space designed for the Napa Film Festival? The one inspired by Pillow Talk? Yes, that impossibly chic white sofa and those jewel toned pillows. Well, all of those can be yours next Monday. We're having a One Kings Lane sale where those stunning furnishings and accessories are being sold at insanely good price points. Brace yourselves... this is one sale you won't want to miss!

Sale begins Monday, February 6th at 8AM Pacific Standard Time. Don't sleep in... you'll surely miss all the goodies as these events tend to sell out quickly!

Trends in Fabrics: Featuring Lori Weitzner's Newest Collection

We always love the Editor at Large interviews. There are two in particular you should watch immediately. In this particular clip Karen Marx interviews Michael Boodro, Lori Weitzner, Arthur Ellsworth and Marvin Wilkinson while on location in Paris. The cause for the celebration? Lori Weitzner is debuting a new fabric collection and celebrating her partnership with Pollack. What's in store for us? Plenty! Time honored artistry and handcrafted textiles. Shimmery details. Luxe textures. It's a full on glamour fest and we love every single handwoven thread of it.

This next video is specifically about the debut of Lori's new collection (video also shot in the Paris location). See the two for a full preview of what to expect in 2012. We absolutely love seeing painstaking details and techniques being celebrated and promoted. Designers - and the customers they serve - who support these artisans are to be thanked for supporting what is truly and form of art.

All Buttoned Up

I'm telling you... New Jersey LOVES Pearson. This month's editorial coverage comes from the terrific Design NJ magazine. Aside from that sleek kitchen on the cover, this issue showcases a carefully selected group of products that offer that "modern retro" look to a space. Alongside Barbara Barry, Thibaut and a few other brands we spied our 220 Chair. There he stands in all his button tufted glory, with his not-so-hidden retro styling.

I do have a weakness for this particular chair, so I'm not surprised to see him getting his due praise. But it's very nice to see him featured so strongly alongside other swanky pieces that we can't help but crush on as well.

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.

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

The Pinking of Pinterest

I don't think there's any doubt that today's designers and creatives are using technology to their advantage. How better to create a moodboard on the fly and share those ideas with the masses, or keep it to yourself until your big reveal. It's easy, clean, keeps track of sourcing for you and can either be kept forever or disposed of at a moment's notice. After all, pixels are free and it's our choice what we wish to do with them.

While there are myriad tools at our disposal, the critical mass has been established at Pinterest making it one-stop-shopping for those in search of the pretty and the fabulous.

One of our favorite design firms, Woodson & Rummerfield, used Pinterest to create a Lucy Doheny idea book. In the melange that is jaguar meets pink meets Lucite, we think they captured the mood and the mystery of this infamous woman beautifully. No doubt this was a powerful resource as Jaime and Ron crafted and perfected their vision for Maison de Luxe.

Dare to discover more here...

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!

It's Time to Tango

It's the first "real" Monday of 2012. No bank holiday. No extended holiday weekend. No more excuses. With that comes the recognition that it's time to focus on the bigger picture for the year and start assessing the style landscape for the coming months.

Unless you've been asleep since Thanksgiving (and if you have, by all means congratulate yourself for unplugging for a while!) you're aware that Pantone has declared ravishing Tangerine Tango the "Color of the Year" for the coming 12 months.

Like every design professional, I hold Pantone in high regard. So it was with great surprise that I discovered that the annual selection of the favored hue comes not in response to emerging trends and the uprising of cultural design movements... but almost in contrast to them. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, heads the committee that chooses Pantone’s color of the year. While I had always assumed that the governing powers that be identified an undercurrent of movement towards a single hue, Leatrice reveals that her team chooses a color that they feel society needs as either a contrast to the mood or an assisting force.

2012's feisty orange, for example, "continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward." She continues by saying "Although orange is not pink, we felt the necessity to stay with that feeling that encourages us to face everyday troubles with some vigor. We know there is a big gray elephant in the room. We can’t ignore it."

Fortunately, I love bold colors like orange as well as last year's much beloved Honeysuckle. And, used in moderation, this zesty color can serve to spice up a room, an outfit, a mood and - if Leatrice's theory holds true - a society as well.

Featured: Tory Burch Slim Jean in Volcano, Bliss Studio Morocco Collection Poiret Pillow, Hermès Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident hand-rolled silk scarf, J. Crew Tippi Sweater in Vibrant Flame

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!

Life Imitating Art

In this stunning Neoclassical San Francisco apartment, decorator Suzanne Tucker and architect Andrew Skurman pull the color palette from a painting by Nathan Oliveira and the antique Oushak carpet from Mansour.

Upon moving into their dream building overlooking the bay, the couple engaged the best of the best to turn their fantasy space into an incredible retreat. Frankly, the only thing in the home that upstages that view of the Bay is the view within the master closet. Between the glistening Ironies light fixture and the decadent chaise longue in Christopher Hyland silk velvet, I could spend hour upon hour in this space.

Another element I love in a home is the feeling of anticipation. Their foyer certainly delivers on the thrill of potential. Step inside this black and white Belgian marble tiled space and pause momentarily to gaze at the promise of San Fran's most breathtaking view. As you begin to snap back to your immediate surroundings you'll again be taken aback by the perfect pairing of George III mirrors and demilune tables. I just think this space is spectacular!

And since I love to cook, their Viking-laden kitchen (with what I'm sure is another incredible vantage point via the window) looks like a terrific place to entertain and fancy yourself the next great culinary artist.

While there's no denying that the home leans traditional, I think it's quite fitting since it's housed within a renowned Beaux Arts building in this fantastic city. Could they have outfitted it in modern furnishings? Yes. But given the rare opportunity to work with such incredible architectural bones and historic spaces, I'm thrilled that the homeowners and designer/architect pairing worked to pay homage to the original style of the space. The result is sensational!

See the full story on AD.com

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?