STAY PRETTY ORGANIZED WITH PAGODAS: A YEAR OF WATERCOLORS DIARY

Photos courtesy of Libretto Group

I am so reliant on my computer and phone, but have found that keeping old fashioned lists is still the best way to go. The artists and architectural historians Bernd H. Dams and Andrew Zega have created a diary with Libretto, Pagodas: A Year of Watercolors, filled with their fantastical pagodas. If you are familiar with their highly detailed work, as seen in their best known book, Chinoiseries, this diary provides endless inspiration, bringing their fantastical buildings into your life on a daily basis. The pages have lots of room to write things down, and the hardbound book is 7x10 so it will stand out on my desk.

I love unusual cards, and the chance to send a thank you that will delight by design. Adding to the pagoda collection, they have created an 8 card set, featuring four ornate pagodas: The Dragon House, The Mandarin s Pavilion, The Shell Pagoda, and The Porcelain Pagoda. 

The red border offsets the pagodas with just enough detail. 

FIRED UP: FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES ARE GETTING CHIC

As the weather starts to get colder, sitting by the fire becomes a viable past time. If you are spending hours sitting cozily gazing at flames, here are some stylish fireplace accessories to create a design worthy moment at the hearth.  Tools and andirons can certainly pick up on locale, whether the setting is rustic or refined.

 The Heath Andirons from Arteriors have a surrealist, sculptural quality to them. They add a bit of worldly glamour to a space, and look like a find brought back from an exotic antique shop. New to the category, Arteriors recently launched an entire array of fireplace accessories with a varied point of view, from streamlined to highly decorative.

A scroll flourish on Arteriors Gil Andirons brings a bit of femme glamour to the flames.

Taking their cue from vintage finds, giant brass spheres sit on a patinated metal base in Arteriors stately Hammond Andirons.

Photos courtesy of Arteriors

The fascination with obelisks continues in Arteriors Howard Andirons of textured polished nickel.

Photo courtesy of John Lyle

Made of hand-forged polished brass and blackened steel, John Lyle's Luxe Andirons provide a strong linear presence.

 Photo courtesy of West Elm

Stacked rings in black iron provide West Elm's andirons with a circular pattern and graphic sensibility.

For a more classic interior, Chesney's Malvern Fire Tool Set pairs antiqued brass and dark steel with ball finial detailing.

Modernists will love West Elm's sleek fire tools with linear appeal in brushed silver.

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware

Forged of steely iron, Restoration Hardware's Industrial Hearth Tool Set looks tough and hearty.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW 2013: AMERICANISM TIMELY AND TIMELESS DESIGN

In the great tradition established by Mr. Albert Hadley, Rooms With a View, the annual show house in Southport, Connecticut was held this past fall weekend.  With interior designer Thom Filicia continuing  the legacy as Honorary Chairman, the vignettes were innovative and varied. The charity event, in its 19th year, benefits the Southport Congregational Church and poses somewhat of a design challenge to the interior designers that participate. 12 diminutive 5x8 spaces are the blank canvas from which designers create a vision. The theme this year, Americanism: Timely and Timeless Design, represents the place where American meets Modernism.  Each designer approached the theme differently, the highly original results of which can be seen below. In addition to the designer vignettes, much of Fairfield County gathered  at the church for book signings with Mario Buatta, Thom Filicia, Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems and James Magni and shopping at a marketplace fair with 40 creative vendors to kick start the holidays.

Photos courtesy of Stacy Bass Photography

New York-based interior designer Bryant Keller tapped a melting pot of cultures in sooting neutral tones. Moroccan rugs, a British Cabinet and table from India lived together with modern grey upholstery.

Combining unique pieces from his just-opened Sedgewick and Brattle Showroom in the New York Design Center, Thom Filicia mixed textures, diverse artwork and American themes. Cozy and tailored, the space mixes unique large and small scale pieces.

One of the fun things about this years participants is that I have known many of them a long, long time. Having grown up in Southport, it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with many familiar faces. Claudia Ruger and her daughter Amy Ruger Whitely created an homage to Frances Elkins, including a console and loop chairs of her design and a classic black and white patterned floor. They layered in French crystal sconces, a wonderful ornate 1940's American Hollywood Regency mirror and framed silver wallpaper panels with flying Cranes.

Chickie and Amy Ruger in front of silver wallpaper panels.

The glamour continued in the neighboring vignette by Lynne Scalo, who was inspired by 1940's abstract expressionism and multiculturalism. Abstract black and white canvases provided the focal point, while black walls and gold touches added to the dramatic space.

Nancy Corbett, part of Corbett Wright, made their debut with custom furnishings that provide office essentials with high design. A modernized Chinese Chippendale secretary, in serene blue and white, complete with Chinoiserie panels opens up to reveal a mini office space, complete with cord management for tech devices. Two configured file cabinets covered in the same glossy printed Chinoiserie panels can serve as end tables with hidden file storage. I have been saying there is a Return to Pretty happening, and here it is, again.

Thom led a designer walk-through of the vignettes before the gala dinner on Saturday night.

More glamour! Designer Tiffany Eastman used mixed metals and textured surfaces in her den. Perfect for a cigar-toting big wig, the cozy setting exudes sparkly sophistication, sputnik chandelier and all.

Steven Gambel's ode to Americanism focused on the coming to America with European spoils. A grand carved Italian mirror is hung on Italian printed marbleized end papers in a patchwork pattern on the walls, abstract art and a collage showing European Grand Tour buildings added to the escapist setting.

I do not have a dog but if I did, I am sure I would be as in love with it as New York-based designer Tori Vought is with hers. Since dogs are essentially important members of the family, she created a room that would make them feel at home, complete with a fancy brass dog food dispenser that was originally for coffee beans, and places for dog Bailey and owner to sit and relax. Pale Swedish colors tied the space together. Tori is another friend I have known forever, and I loved seeing her creative vision in action.

Glorious fall arrangements by the uber talented Fairfield-raised Marna Ringel of Flowers by Marna.

Since Soutport is right on the Long Island Sound, the color blue is always appealing. Francine Murnane's space, a bedroom for a wee one, was fresh American with stripes aplenty and clean lined furnishings.

Architectural details and interiors come together beautifully in the Wadia Associates sitting room created by Saranda Berisa.  A fellow Aries, I discovered, she included pops of orange in a well-thought out space with intricate mill work details, a fully realized fireplace with a fun touch-- a digitally printed flame scrim, flanked by oculus windows.

Teal is a color that has really hit its stride. Carolyn Kron and Tricia Izzo of Shelter Interiors used the color on the walls of their homage to Ernest Hemingway's Key West retreat. In keeping with the relaxed vibe, they upholstered chairs in creative ways including indigo textiles from Luru, a company I love that happens to be their neighbor up in Milford, Connecticut.

In a distinctly American setting with orange walls, a striped canvas painted rug and neo-Windsor chairs, Last Detail Interior Design's Carey Karlan created a game room. The ability to unplug and play Scrabble, alongside crisp fresh pieces-- a turned wood table in bright orange from Dunes and Duchess, Oomph's octagonal mirror and framed puzzle pieces-- what could be more American than game night?

THE DESIGN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT DESCENDS ON NEW YORK FOR AN IN-DEPTH DESIGN DIALOG

Photo courtesy of the Design Leadership Network

Last year, a group of design principles from leading interior design, landscape and architecture firms gathered in Marrakesh to discuss big ideas such as establishing value, best design practices and creating  effective work strategies. The group, which I was fortunate to join in the exotic locale, gathered as part of the Design Leadership Network, for their 7th annual summit. This year, under the guidance of Peter Sallick, a diverse, design-minded group gathers in Gotham to absorb a variety of panel topics ranging from technology furthering design, the inspiration of fashion/art/design and the way media and marketing shape the design dialogue.  Designers fly in from around the country to take part in the conversation, and there is a strong sense of community within the group of like-minded individuals that attend. They are often on a similar career trajectory, leading their firms from strength to strength. The chance to connect in real time to those that are on a parallel path can be incredibly beneficial.

Over the next few days, I will be immersed in this design think tank, and look forward to sharing what I learned at the completion of the events.  The credo of the group, as stated on their website, is based on the inclusive moniker, "CARE: Connectivity, Advocacy, Research, and Education is the foundation of the Design Leadership Network, a community of interior designers, architects, landscape designers, construction managers, members of the media, and product company executives, who are among the highest-producing professionals in their industries. Membership (by invitation) provides access to this exclusive network through a proprietary member-only website, special events throughout the year, including the Design Leadership Summit, and research developed specifically for leaders of the design world."  I am eager to share the design dialog over the next few days, which I will be covering.

 I discussed this year's itinerary with Sallick, and he had this to share:

"Technology, fashion, art and culture, media and marketing, urban and hospitality development…these are among the powerful forces shaping the design market and our community today. As such, these are exactly the topics the Design Leadership Summit will explore over the next couple of days. We will hear from an astounding array of experts and leaders from the first session to the last with the incredible city of New York as our venue. By engaging with these forces, learning individually and experiencing them as a community of leaders, I hope that all of the attendees of the Summit will be better prepared to lead their firms and exceed the expectations of their clients in the years to come. This is an exciting time as so many colleagues come together with such great potential."

If you are interested in learning more about membership, get in touch with the DLN here.  More soon, after I spend some time catching up with this inspired group that includes some of my favorite interior design talents. Stay tuned...

5 STYLISH ROUND MIRRORS FROM HIGH POINT THAT GO FROM OPULENT TO ELEGANT

Mirrors are one of the most effective design tools that can be used to great effect in a variety of ways. Whether you need to to open up a space, welcome visitors in an entry, or  add a beautiful element above a mantel or console, reflective surfaces can work wonders.  I noticed these round mirrors at High Point Market, and their versatility and beauty caught my attention. Big on brass, the warm metal adds a vintage feel, while nickel is a crisp choice that can work in casual settings to Deco ones. Here are the top 5 round mirrors that deserve a second look.

Emporium Home

With small rock crystal studs emanating from the brass frame in a radiant pattern, Emporium Home's glamorous round mirror brings the jewels into focus.

Regina Andrew's small round version with gold petals has a French 1940's vibe.

Celerie Kemble for Maitland Smith

Diminutive and darling, Celerie Kemble's scalloped white mirror for Maitland Smith with stud surround would look great displayed in multiples, or in an area that needs some reflection.

Photo courtesy of Mirror Image

Making its debut at market, Michael S. Smith created a line of mirrors for Mirror Image. His oversized Celeste star has deco-overtones and a dramatic presence.

Photo courtesy of Arteriors

The Ollie Mirror from Arteriors is crisp and straightforward, with a smooth, unadorned nickel frame. I like it for its simplicity.

YOU KNOW IT'S WHITE: SPOTTED AT HIGH POINT MARKET SHAPELY LITTLE CHAIRS WITH PERSONALITY

When it comes to furniture design, it is easy to think it has all been done and you have seen it before. That is, of course, until you  cover a market such as High Point, where innovation is all-important. Newness, for an editor, is increasingly important. For companies, it  helps attract a new audience, and maintain an existing one.  To stay relevant, companies must continue to evolve. Home trends are starting to move at a quicker pace, and newness is expected. Most design is derivative, meaning it is tweaked and adapted for today, but rooted in a design vernacular of the past. Searching for sparks of innovation and newness, I look for eye-catching things that have not been done before.  When I came across these personality chairs, seen below, I realized they each had something unique to say, in their own way. Try adding an interesting conversation piece to a seating arrangement.  It is like inviting a really interesting gregarious guest to dinner, they make life more fun, less expected.

Barry Dixon created some upholstery pieces in his follow-up collection for Arteriors. This unique Ceylon Dining Chair, inspired by British Colonial India, has a pointed back, tight seat and curvaceous sides, supported by a painted white frame and nailhead trim. The stark contrast of white upholstery and white frame highlights the strong lines.

This feminine metal upholstered chair from Global Views won me over. I was instantly drawn to its painted metal finish resembling plaster and the sinewy curved lines. Both elegant and interesting, this chair can take on a completely different look depending on how it is upholstered.

Small side chairs are useful and can be used in a bedroom, dressing room, seating area or flanking console tables. A low profile kidney bean shape make this a charming  chair new by AERIN for E.J. Victor.

STYLING AND STORYTELLING AT 2013 HIGH POINT MARKET: THE SHOWROOMS THAT INSPIRE

One of the highlights of visiting showrooms at market year after year, is seeing the evolution of styling.  The way a space is designed can reinforce as well as set trends.

Velvet upholstery, gilt and brass finishes, parchment, linen and leather-wrapped pieces were just some of the dominant design elements designers used when styling their spaces at this fall's High Point Market. Styling and creating relatable living spaces, showrooms put their best design foot forward. The benefits of a well-designed showroom are twofold. Buyers and designers can envision themselves living there, but they can also be inspired to buy into the complete package they see, and recreate a facsimile of this in their own spaces.  It becomes, if you will,  an idea incubator. The interior designers and stylists putting the room schemes together at market need to wear two hats, that of designer and merchant. The showrooms that have historically  set the tone for beautifully styled spaces at market-- Hickory Chair and Baker, are being joined by Bernhardt, under Ron Fiore, the former creative director of Hickory Chair, and the designer collections of Mr. and Mrs. Howard at Sherrill Furniture,  Celerie Kemble for Henredon, and AERIN at EJ Victor. The best style comes from the influence at the top of the market, where all eyes watch what is being done at the highest level. Luxury elements then trickle down, making their presence felt at every level of the market. Just seeing how many showrooms brought in Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees, the greenery du jour, you get the sense companies are taking their cue from what they are seeing used by today's best designer talent.  Enjoy the tour and pick up styling tips galore.

At E.J. Victor, the AERIN Collection included new pieces to round out last market's debut. I liked this streamlined chocolate sofa with handsome tufting and the gilded coffee table with bamboo detailing.

This season, she added light finishes, that included a chalky white leg option, as well as a chic parchment coffee table. I welcomed the lighter versions, they showed the collection growing in a nice direction.

A fireplace can help a showroom by providing a focal point. In this case, the seating arrangement is in a large space. The white finish is also used on her new lighting with Visual Comfort, seen here.

Bringing in greenery, fresh flowers and decorative elements bring a space to life. See the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in the corner of the dining room area? Well, it adds a touch of green to bring the outside in. 

 This is just one of the many showrooms that used velvet upholstery in a rich color. A deep bottle green velvet added a sleek comfort to barrel-back dining chairs.

Gold on gold, a recurring theme of Lauder's,  in an area where the art ties in with the furniture. A 1940's inspired gold painted wood framed game chair with suede upholstery.

For comfort and additional seating, it is hard to deny the appeal of a sectional sofa. Note the window treatments- cream panels with tortoise matchstick blinds recall what you would see done in a pretty New York apartment.

It's the little details that make styling, in any setting, key. A seagrass basket, often used to hold logs, is used for sports equipment. I like a real-life moment.

The Baker showroom always wows. To launch their new Jacques Garcia collection, a striped fabric is shirred to create a patterned wall. A striking modern art piece makes the setting feel instantly livable.

In a smaller space, art plays a role, this time, a black and white abstract painting is the perfect foil for rich wood pieces.

A black lacquer console and white upholstery are related by framed circular butterfly art.

At Henredon, Celerie Kemble worked in color for the follow-up to her launch assortment. Using coral and blue through patterns and solid upholstery she showed you can go bold.  See the Fig Tree? Kemble designed a great chevron bone inlay planter for it.

Teal upholstery was big at market, which I was glad to see, since I have a teal blue velvet sofa, very similar to the  color used here.

Last market this mirror-backed hexagonal-section bookcase was more Hollywood Regency in black. This market, it was reinvented in gold with a bright coral interior.

Taking their cue from men's fashion and the current rage for all things brass and vintage, Bernhardt's Ron Fiore created a chic haven with chocolate brown upholstery and brass detailing.

The round cocktail table was a showstopping piece of last market. A zebra hair on hide rug and pale upholstery on a sectional lighten this look. Oh look, another Fig Tree here too!

Another area that encourages pattern and texture mixing, with navy, black and white. The bone inlay table is a busy pattern but if you increase the pattern scale in the chairs as shown here, it can work.

Teal and white, check.

This etagere has been added to my Greatest Hits list of all-time best etageres. The tree provides something pretty to fill a corner.

In Alexa Hampton's rooms at Hickory Chair, she infused the windowless area with vibrant color. Aubergine and chartreuse jazzed up her classic pieces, complete with wonderful design details. So is there a shortage on these Fig Trees since they are all at High Point?

I love Galbraith and Paul, so I was happy to see one of my favorite wallpapers used with velvet upholstery and Muriel Brandolini fabric pillows. I cannot say enough about this sofa.  A sheltering tuxedo arm with bolster pillows? So chic.

But wait, this sofa is a traditional work horse too, when you need a large 3-seater. I thought long and hard on this color green for my sofa, but instead decided teal velvet was more me. She covered the walls in geometric Quadrille and coordinated a Lee Jofa chintz giving it a fresh take with the geo mix.

Look at the skirt and upholstered leg on the Allen Chair. Not sure I have the space for this at Casa Marisa, but I might need to free up  some room.

When I entered the Sherrill Showroom last year, I felt like I was walking into a Phoebe Howard-decorated home. From wallcoverings to rugs, she transformed the series of rooms with decorative detailed touches and architectural work that had heretofore, not really been done on this scale. Not only did she make her Sherrill designs covetable, she brought her own antiques to layer in,  similar to the way she designs for clients.  Her experience as a shop owner and designer makes this sort of thing a natural extension of her work.

A faux finish resembles wood panelling in a living room space.

She created a seating area in a bedroom setting, with the palest blue upholstery mixed with crisp white accents.

Chinoiserie took the form of green and white at Century. Fretwork fabric on a kidney bean sofa and pagoda lamp coordinate this fresh vignette.

Pale blue will never lose its allure. Perhaps because it is soothing and like a calm oasis.

What a great color pairing in Century. Two large seating groupings are connected by French blue and red with pops of mustard yellow.

This market brought William Yeoward to High Point, where he debuted his collection with Jonathan Charles Furniture. I adore Yeoward's distinctly British take on design. His pieces, including quirky and classic details were inspired by antiques he owned and those he wanted to make available. The line included light cerused finishes, rich carved wood detailing, and was scaled well, to fit into smaller city and country settings. Nothing was on-steriods huge, thank goodness. Scale is so important when translating antiques into new designs. I was asked to remove the photos I showed, due to a pending magazine exclusive, so stay tuned, as I will be sharing his collection in detail, soon.

Mixing in some of his beautiful Osborne and Little embroidered fabric panels, a moment with a grey sabre-legged marble-topped table.

How could I resist a visit to Palacek, to see the newest additions to the Jeffery Alan Marks Collection? I missed seeing him at his book signing, but was able to take in his great styling, seen here. The thing he did so well with this line was to work with what Palacek does best- woven materials, textural woods, and rustic finish treatments. The pieces have a pared-down, casual California vibe. He added a darker wood finish this market.

Thibault, known first and foremost for their energetic color-infused preppy prints, has joined forces with my friends Oomph. The bright finishes of their mirrors, consoles and tables complement the comfortable upholstery and beds Thibaut has in their collection. It is a match made in color heaven.

I passed by Festoni, and they have made a feature vignette a signature. Here, blue and white artwork, grey and black upholstery is popped with bright pillows, a curvy metal coffee table and coral cushion on a  gilt bench tell their story.

 Mr. Brown has been into turquoise and orange the past few markets. This shade is just so uplifting. They had a great mix of materials, as always, and this Directoire-inspired chest of wood and metal won me over.

Vintage-influenced pieces are everywhere, and the white sideboard at Bungalow 5 gets down to details with graduated nailheads and round pulls on white linen.

Perfect for cabin and lodge decor, Currey and Company took things in a rustic direction with bark-covered pieces.

THE PEACOCKS OF HIGH POINT:

I also noticed another detail worth noting: peacocks. These winged creatures have become the It Bird, the preferred taxidermy to style with. I spotted the bird above is at Lee Industries.

He might like to know he has a friend across the street from Century over at Lee.