PILLOW TALK

I was recently asked to contribute to a magazine article about 2016 fabric trends and had to think, look at some magazines and a little pinterest, and consider what my clients are asking for as well.  I won't reveal my official findings quite yet, but I do think this little grouping from my own pillow collection tells the story fairly well.  Love the mix of graphic black & white, traditional Oriental-inspired toile, and mid-century modern.

Design Concept Sneak Peek

Very excited about this bold concept coming together for a living room!

VINTAGE THROW PILLOWS NOW AVAILABLE!

I am happy to announce my line of custom throw pillows, all created from original, vintage, mid-century textiles is now available!  

For the past few months I have been on the hunt for mid-century fabrics that showcase a different side of modernism; not just the typical Eames-style, playful, atomic-age version of the period (not matter how great these textiles can be), but instead a more Hollywood Regency, updated historic, artistic side.  

I was on the hunt for textiles the Grand Dames of interior design like Dorothy Draper or Madeleine Castaing might use.  Textiles that are bold, painterly and elegant, and would feel right at home in a modern interior (or atop any of my restored antique or vintage seating pieces!)  

To introduce these new products, all are discounted now through January 1st.  All below reflect pricing including down pillow insert, but are all available without insert upon request.  I do have some additional fabric if you are interested in additional pillows.

Contact me direct to arrange for payment and shipping; gift wrapping is also available for the holidays!

Chic Chinoiserie, pair of 18x18 pillows from vintage 1940s glazed cotton chinz. Each pillow frames a different charming scene from the large repeating print in modern chinese red, bright pink and fresh green. Pillow has a solid black back and deep red cotton edge welt.

Hidden zipper enclosure and down/feather insert. Retail: $539, On sale: $379, for the pair, or $189.50 each.

Royal Romans, pair of 18x18 pillows from vintage 1940s Irish linen.  A highly energetic mid-century modern interpretation of an ancient Greek or Roman scene of chariots and dramatically posed horses. Color palette is warm and retro. Pillows have new solid lined burlap backs and olive green edge welt detail. 

Hidden zipper enclosure and down/feather insert. Retail: $589 On sale: $409, for the pair or $204.50 each.

 

Cut-out Cultivated, pair of 18x18 pillows from 1960s medium-weight cotton.  A dense wooded scene grows towards the top of the pillow where the growth breaks into clear sky showing the treetops perfectly. Colors are rich and vintage Scandinavian inspired. Back of the pillows are solid linen, with a dark chocolate brown edge welt. 

Hidden zipper enclosure and down/feather insert.  Retail: $649 On sale: $454 for the pair, or $227 each.

Op-Art Seaside,single lumbar pillow, 12x24, from 1960s medium-weight cotton.  A groovy abstract take on sand and sea expresses the style and glamour of Mid-Century Cote d'Azure.  
Hidden zipper enclosure and down/feather insert.  Retail: $232 On sale: $158.

Silken Scribbles, single boudoir pillow, 12x16, from 1950s Japan, 100% silk front.  Dynamic and delicate deep navy lines scribe across the bright coral background of this delicate silk.  A chic, uptown take on the Atomic Age.  

Hidden zipper enclosure and down/feather insert.  Retail: $226 On sale: $162.

  

RADIANT ORCHID ANYONE?

I must say I am having a bit of a hard time getting on board with Pantone's color of 2014.  I very much liked last years Emerald Green-

and LOVED 2012's Tangerine Tango (and even more excited when I could buy the lipstick color)-

But I have never really been a purple person, not for interiors or fashion or anything else really.  And I am not a huge trend follower anyway, as I believe interiors with longevity and a timeless quality are always the best way to go.  Add a splash of trend yes, but preferably not too much.  That being said, I do feel as a designer I need to embrace trends to some degree, and if nothing else appreciate them.  So, I decided to go on a quest for some interiors that I loved that used at least some Radiant Orchid or similar color.

And of course I was utterly convinced I would be unable to find anything I liked draped in purple.  But then I immediately realized one of my favorite designers uses lots of purple, in lots of his projects.  Darn it!  I was foiled right off the bat in my preconceived negativity.  Jamie Drake uses purple beautifully...and pinks, berry tones, and all sorts of colors close to Radiant Orchid on the colorwheel.

And Jamie (I can call him Jamie since we are both alums of Parsons, you know, I see him all the time ;) does it in such a clean and sophisticated way, with his amazing mix of contemporary and antique.  I suppose I generally associate purple in interiors with hippie-like attic apartments; spaces filled with rattan furniture, too many throw blankets, a futon, and unframed poster art.  That, Mr Drake does not do.

So, I am now officially open to Radiant Orchid, and will absolutely keep it in mind for future projects.  However, I KNOW I am not as skilled with color as Jamie, so I will likely keep my purples at a minimum.

BRASS IS BACK!

Brass is absolutely the latest rage in architectural metals, it is coming back full force, but not in the gross, shiny, early 90s version everyone is trying to get out of their houses.  Instead it is manifesting in a warm vintage antiqued finish which gives it a wonderfully retro feel a la Mad Men.  It has made appearances in kitchens,

In bathrooms,

 

And even bedrooms.

 

 

And brass accessories work in any room, bringing that great dark nostalgia look.  I have come across a few gems recently, and have just posted a few on etsy for anyone looking to add some brass to their interiors mix.  Visit my etsy shop if you have a minute!