ORANGE ALERT

Orange seems to have incredible staying power. The Pantone Color forecast of Tangerine Tango being THE color of 2012 is showing few signs of letting up. Perhaps that's because it is such an uplifting color that complements a variety of schemes, when used sparingly.  Chevrons and ikats in this color du jour have hit critical mass, but hey, I can't say I mind.

A three box Vanity Set from JM Piers in glass-covered orange faux lizard keeps odds and ends at bay.

Chelsea Textiles Furniture added a Jetson-would-like-this  Wingback Chair with contrast trim and button tufting along with a simple arm. So good looking.

Lacefield Designs has many new patterns to add to their stellar assortment, like these orange and white printed beauties from the gift show.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

The oversized scale of this C. Wonder Chevron Pillow makes it a cozy addition to a sofa.

Sandra Morgan's HP Designs laminated placemats are easy to clean and always look crisp. Her new ikat pattern was especially striking.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder 

A lacquered orange bamboo bowl from C. Wonder incorporates shiny and matte for a nice contrast.

Dana Gibson launched travel bags, including this one with her cheetah pattern that can also be found on pillows

She also launched a zig zag pattern that's also great.

If you want to use a chevron in a bigger way, Dana Gibson's new Pagoda lantern is divine. She sold out at the gift show, so I hope new stock arrives soon as I have it earmarked for my apartment freshening.

But wait, there's more! A painted bombay dresser is petite charmant.

I am constantly amazed at the endless assortment of great pillows out there now. V Rugs and Home does unusual things with appliques that add a bit of texture.

One question I get a lot is where to find nice shower curtains that are reasonably priced. Jonathan Adler's new Arcade Shower Curtain is trimmed in grosgrain ribbon adding a nice, dressy detail.

Carnaby Street dishes from Jonathan Adler have a tight graphic geo and work well as catchall trays.

Adler's new Arcade bath towels come in all white with an orange border or a geometric all-over diamond pattern. Towels add a lot of zip to an all-white bath.

Arteriors Cassidy Porcelain Lamp in orange resembles something that lives 10,000 leagues under the sea, adding a breezy island touch to any table.

Photo courtesy of World Market Cost Plus
With a chic double ribbon border, World Market's orange lampshade looks like a bigger investment than it is.

After it's debut at High Point, bloggers can't get enough of Lexington Home Brands Aquarius collection orange dresser.

TREND REPORT FROM THE NEW YORK GIFT SHOW

I thought I would highlight the trends I saw over the last few days. From those just starting to form to full -fledged "there it is again", I wanted to show what is emerging. I chose the objects for their beauty, innovation, creative edge, unique material and color.
The natural world is still a major trend in the market. Naturalized not stylized flowers, leaves, sea life and animals were everywhere I turned. I saw a lot of natural wood, recycled material, natural finishes and rusticity. Embroidery and global influences are still very present. Ikats have been embraced as the next big print pattern, edging out suzanis. For color, there were many items done in bright cheerful colors including yellow, and also pastel shades were out there. Yes, the coral sprig is still being shown in bedding and on a few decorative accessories, believe it. After all spring is on the way!


NATURE MOTIFS



John Derian added fish and assorted animals to the mix.

A fairly young company called Simrin looked to the barnyard for inspiration. We are going through an Americana renaissance right now, and there seems to be a big barn fixation. Williams Sonoma Home did Modern Barn, and here is Animal Farm. The plastic trays are adorable and hearken back to simpler times.


The same animals make their debut on these burlap placemats from Simrin. Kids will love these.


Dransfield and Ross took the cocktail napkin to a whole new level. Monkeys love a good party too.


Aero Home expanded their porcelain accessories adding this passion flower.


Simrin also had a nice botanical touch. These Nature trays of varying size are great gifts for gardeners.


Oversized blooms and leaves flowing off the edges are lush and lifelike. The palette includes off colors like mustard and olive keeping these elegant. They are made in NYC, so I love them even more.


EMBROIDERY


The Twig pillow above is from the Private Collection by Dixie Rinehardt, a New York interior designer with a love of nature and Indian embroidery. She won Best New Product at the show! I can see why.


Double Red Sunflowers have great multi-colored petals and intense embroidery detail.


Also from The Weekend Cottage Collection, this detailed embroidery is very arts and crafts in color and design.


Sunflowers in teal.


More Sunflowers in cheerful Florida Key lime.


Chelsea Textiles has the best pillows that I show ad infinitum. Tonal sophistication and muted colors look great with a neutral color scheme. The embroidery on top of the print is a nice custom touch.

NATURAL MATERIALS


I found a great new mirror resource called Made Goods. The patinated metal deco Chloe above is so chic.


The company uses wonderful materials to great effect--the shell inlay and relief here looks gorgeous.


With global influences not going anywhere soon, this Syrian- inspired mirror is another beauty. Bone and resin with the scallop edge adds charm.


Roost worked wood into everyday objects.


Recycled glass and relaxed chic from Canvas through Ochre.

TEXTILES


Motel Deluxe, known for their gorgeous French papers, had gorgeous photo albums and journals in this rich eggplant and multi- colored ikat.


Manuel Canovas bedding got crazy with technicolor feathers.


Ikat silk pillows made in Cambodia come in sharp colors. Cambodge Collection, a pillow company started by designer Kerry Green, has a great assortment of silks in jewel tones. Get in touch with her to order, and to see swatches.

HELLO FROM THE NY GIFT SHOW: CATCHING UP WITH THE DESIGNERS THAT SET THE TONE

Meet some of the great designers at the New York Gift Show. These creators have influenced trends, silhouettes, materials, finishes, patterns and colors. Here is a behind the scenes look at what the talent is up to at the Piers and Javits Center. More to come-- so much ground to cover...

BUNGALOW 5

You know the highly publicized Jackie table, now meet the man behind it! Luca Rensi (above) and John Roudabush (busy with clients) made this company hot. Luca came from an interior design background, having been at Mark Hampton, David Kleinberg and David Easton as a senior designer. He and his partner wanted to create furnishings and accessories that were well-made with high style. Starting from scratch, they now have a mini-empire, creating great hand-rubbed lacquer furniture, recently added porcelain lamps, eglomise framed art, and other great accessories.

SHOWSTOPPERS:

Chest of drawers wrapped in linen. Interior designer taste without the prohibitive prices.

Subtly channeling the pagodas of Tony Duquette in a lamp.

Track down a lovely home store near you at Bungalow 5.

HOME, JAMES!
David Cipperman and Joseph Schreick know tabletop. For the past twenty years their shop home, james! in East Hampton has outfitted summer houses with beautiful accessories, gift items and place settings. Then, several years back, they created their own line of china, crystal and linens, inspired by the beach, resort lifestyle and travel. Their color choices are poppy and fun, making their designs easy to love.

SHOWSTOPPERS:
Ikat in soft blues has found its way onto the plate. Perfectly summery for Crete to Watch Hill. The all-over pattern is sharp.

Their Chinatown pattern was a great success. Chinoiserie is such an evergreen design motif this new pattern is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Throw a dinner party every weekend with home,james!.

JONATHAN ADLER

Oh, Jonathan! Work the camera. Your energy and talent keep on cranking out the hits. So many new additions- when do you sleep? New orange and turquoise enamel frames and napkin rings round out a great season. Do not fret, tons of pillows and accessories are in abundance too.

SHOWSTOPPERS:

Double-cased bright glasses in candy colors.


JA lacquer is back! The tray table is uber- chic and I was starting to miss the octagonal umbrella holder.

See it all at a store near you or at Jonathan Adler.

JOHN ROBSHAW
World wide travels inform John's design aesthetic. Indian block printing and hand woven details have made his bedding and soft goods a favorite of bohemian chic. A gig with HSN and lots of great press means that his influence on design has really taken hold. The stripes, squiggles and small all over patterns mix really well with each other. Coordinates are the way to go.

SHOWSTOPPER:

Rock the block print at John Robshaw.

ROOST
Roost Co. is located in Sausalito, CA. Each and every show Scott Donnellan wows crowds with inventive glassware, wooden pieces, furniture, tabletop, accessories and other goodies. Handmade pieces with an artisanal feel put Roost above the rest. They set the trends with the material selections, finishes and shapes.

SHOWSTOPPERS:
As I like to say, one can never own too many trays! The metal edging makes them campaign -style- meets- nautical.

Cherry blossoms have been in the mix for some time, but on glassware they look fresh.

Find out where to buy it at Roost Co.

DRANSFIELD AND ROSS

Dransfield
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Ross, in his killer suit. This man loves fabric.
John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross made pillows fashionable again. We want to switch out the throw pillows at the end of each season, thanks to them. They are known for their fashion-forward materials, working with grosgrain ribbon, preppy prints, ikats, embroidery, velvet, feathers, and patchwork. In addition to place mats and napkins, their line includes small tables, bath accessories and bookends.

SHOWSTOPPERS:

Lime green and turq, a perpetual spring favorite.


Pop art is an inspiration in home right now. Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are influencing. Fashion design Lisa Perry does mod dresses that would go well with the puddle side tables shown here. Louis Vuitton's Stephen Sprouse brights came out at just the right time.


Hand-painted scenics in blue and white are a nod to tradition. And in case you did not sense it, traditional is back in a big way. In a down economy, comforting and classic are the way to go.


The multi-color painted patchwork with dragged finish is so chic.

Feed your inner color muse at D and R.

AND FINALLY:


The showdog! Winnie has her own buyer's pass. At Chelsea Textiles she welcomed everyone and kept them smiling.


Global influences and embroidery are still hot. The Moroccan star pillow from CT is graphic and chic.

See more embroidery in soft colors from Chelsea Textiles.

Stay tuned for more design picks from the show...