Monday, May 23, 2011

LIVING OUT LOUD: LILLY

This week at Blogfest 2011, over 100 design bloggers descended on the Lee Jofa showroom at the D and D for a picnic lunch. We got to see the unveiling of the just installed Lilly Room and the result was fabulous. I was ready to move right in.

A papier mache turtle adds a lively element to the space, and you know how Lilly loves critters!

Graphic modern artwork in coordinating colors makes the space very now.

The room mixed Lilly with great accessories and furniture, showing applications of the fabrics in a variety of appealing ways.

Stephen Elrod, the creative director for Lee Jofa, enjoying the bevy of color.

A needlepoint backgammon board accents the game table nicely.

Details are oh so Lilly- lipstick traces on a chocolate cigarette.

What fun! A swing chair for lounging in reverie.

This juicy print is a favorite that works well in panels.

Solid green upholstery with blue trim and a zig zag carpet together with the floral print balance each other out.

Friday, May 20, 2011

HOT TIP: JONATHAN ADLER'S SALE IS REALLY GOOD

Yes, it is a haul to get to the Brooklyn locale, but this sale is worth it! Head to 513 Irving Avenue in Bushwick for patterned pillows, melamine, menagerie pieces, lacquer accessories, bedding, lamps, consoles, chairs, x-benches and a few wool rugs.

Chippendale chairs, check.

Lacquer accessories, check.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

BLOGFEST 2011 HIGHLIGHT: LEE JOFA DESIGNER VIGNETTES

One of the best parts of Blogfest 2011, the festivus of bloggers arranged by Kravet and Lee Jofa, was the visit to see designer vignettes. Their stable of collection designers, all in one room, used their Lee Jofa fabrics to create vignettes. It was fantastic. A mini showhouse of sorts. Bloggers lined up 30 deep to have Thomas O'Brien, David Easton, Suzanne Rheinstein, Eric Cohler, Diamond and Baratta and Suzanne Kasler sign Inspired Styles, the design book that creatively showcases Lee Jofa and Kravet designer fabric collections. Not only that, they all got their picture with each designer- not an easy feat with over 100 bloggers!

A robust arrangement flowers arranged by Suzanne Rheinstein.

Soft pastel upholstery balanced out the a busy classical print on the walls.

I love the pop of color from the modern painting hanging above the settee.

Thomas O'Brien created multiple floral arrangements for his space. He sells wonderful objects like these in his Soho store Aero.

A modern yet warm office area incorporates mid century modern vintage pieces in light finishes.

His prints for Lee Jofa are artistic with watercolor feel and soft, earthy palette.

David Easton had the best time greeting everyone. I think he got a kick out of a line 30 women long, waiting to meet him.

Beautiful antiques and decorative objects filled his space. He included a round table stacked with books that has become a David Easton signature.

His trusty wise own that sits in his own office is a vignette regular- this same owl was also in his Room with a View vignette in Connecticut.

A place for a drink and good reading light is a must.

Suzanne Kasler created an artists studio, complete with paint brushes and colorful framed prints.

A soft, neutral palette with grey finishes in a seating area was relaxed and cozy.

I imagine her getting creative in this space.

An easel in a grey wash is backed in a pale pink print centered by a floral painting. There is something compelling about the mix of color and pattern.

Bold color and pattern are hallmarks in Diamond and Baratta's work. The words fun, flamboyant and super custom come to mind when thinking of their work. They did not disappoint! A digitally printed wallpaper with giant blooming branches was the perfect backdrop to a sun room seating area.

Wicker and chintz with ferns- hello 80's! Love it.

Eric Cohler's sophisticated dining room space incorporated shades of grey and modern art. A round table is nice for it seems more intimate and warm. The pop of yellow from the vase is the perfect foil for the deep gray painted walls, and a floral print hangs at the window adding a femme touch.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

PRINTED MATTER

Sending hand written note in the mail seems to be gaining in popularity these days. A small but steady momentum has been building towards this. A return to a more genteel form of communication is afoot. Perhaps it is a reaction against the technology saturation we are experiencing with all of our various gadgets; perhaps it is the return to handmade special designs that lures us in.

Anna and Nathan Bond of Rifle Paper illustrate notecards with sweet illustrations that harken back to classic Bemmelman's and Babar books. The wit and whimsy of a jazzy dog in sunglasses and a scarf cannot be denied.

Taking a trip? Say goodbye with style.

A hot dog in a striped sweater? Love him.

Mr. Boddington incorporates historical elements with clean design in graphic writing papers.

A new writing box is easy to pop in your bag to catch up on thank you notes.

Their whitewashed booth at the Stationery Show provides a stark monochromatic backdrop for the color of the papers and tags stand out.

Pie Bird Press creates artistic letterpress cards with realistically painted objects. A single birthday candle says it all.

Yum.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

NICKY RISING: SHOP FOR FABRICS WITH A DOSE OF CHARM


Hang out with Nicky and catch up!

I finally got the chance to visit the fabric showroom of Nicky Rising recently. Located at 550 Norwich Drive, in a charming bungalow tucked away behind Elizabeth Dinkel's design firm and across the street from the PDC, Nicky offers a uniquely beautiful mix of modern block prints and classic designs from niche brands that have a devoted following. She represents the British company De Gournay, Katherine Rally batik prints, sophisticated wovens from Brooklyn's Chappas Textiles, Plumwich's hand printed fabrics, Ikat by the Yard, and Yoma solids. Seeing inspiring fabrics in such a darling setting makes the design process personal and special-- the way it ought to be. Nicky brings a real passion to the process, and services the entire LA designer community that know and love her.

Katherine Rally batiks are a perfect choice for a warm locale.

A stack of bold swirly ikats await you.

Silk shades made of DeGourney painted panels is a surefire way to instant beautify a room.

Seeing this elaborate mirror and De Gourney grisaille painted paper was just heaven.

another view...

Gilded mirrors flank a window near Nicky's desk.

Chappas can do virtually any color you need. The rich textures in combination with vibrant hues make Chappas one of my new artisinal favorites.

Beautiful hand - printed Plumwich Textiles in fresh pattens and unique colors hang from pegs all in a row. Their design is Swedish and Roman influenced.

Looking for a new resource for printed linen? Tight patterns and interesting organic graphic designs make Plumwich's prints a new star on the horizon.

Nicky has great design books stacked on tables for when design influence is needed.

A cozy wing chair covered in a Plumwich print works well against the traditional and elegant pale blue wall of hand - painted climbing branches from De Gournay. It youngs it up.

Maria Lida Italian fabrics are insanely beautiful- their variation and subtle color shifts make these prints ethereal.

Ikat pillows can instantly give a solid sofa a touch of pizzaz.