Duralee Delighted at The High Point Market

This past Market I was invited again to collaborate with the very talented Terry Galliani who is responsiable for creating showrooms for Duralee. We work closely together to set the color forcast for Fall 2010.... and I am continually inspired by them as a company...This fall Clarke & Clarke's fabrics were highlighted. The showroom was divided into three color spaces, yellow, fushia and teal. I attached some of my favorite vingettes to show all of you....It's no secret that I've been designing a textile collection for Duralee Fabrics set to launch in the Spring of 2011.  During this time I've had amazing experiences, being challenged creatively and truly forced to recognize what makes me the designer that I am today....and for that I am very thankful to the Duralee Family.  This showroom really sparkled this year and I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts.... 

The detail on these pillows provide such a couture look for a bargain price.

That Savory fabric on those chairs is such a rockstar fabric and the bench is a must-have

Notice the Screens....They are to die for and I love using them with clients

Strong pops of pink on a quiet gray backdrop....Tres Chic

Such a Memorable Moment

Timeless Furniture

Lee Clarke and Duncan Clarke of Clarke & Clarke Amazing Fabrics!

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget." - Anonymous

Highlights from High Point

To say that the Furniture Market at High Point, NC provides me with endless inspiration is an understatement of great proportion.  I literally walk around this enormous venue with my camera and a notebook and desperately try and soak up all that inventory. Here are some of my favorite moments from the trip.

         

Bunny Williams debuted her beautiful shop Beeline Home - So much inspiration! 

Oly Showroom - Clean & Fresh 

Jeff Jones Home at Verellen Showroom - Love the use of lamps on dining tables

E. Lawrence - So clever!  What a great way of creating art with books

Larry Laslo - Spectacular Showroom....I have to find a place to use this art

Mr. Brown was introduced by Julian Chichester - So Inviting & Approachable

Snug Furniture - Gorgeous Showroom & Inventively Innovative

Julian Chichester - Timeless & Always on Key!


"Sometimes you cannot believe what you see.  You have to believe what you feel." - Morrie Schwartz

Bundle Up Your Table

Does anyone else feel like September never happened?  It seems like I went to bed after a long summer day and woke up in chilly October.  I absolutely love the Fall but am overwhelmed by the busy....Work gets so crazy, kids are back in school, and the Holiday's are looming!  

Part of the stress & excitement of the Holiday's is the anticipation of entertaining family and friends, which for me is always centered around the Dining Room Table.   

I am a big proponent of keeping the dining table set year-round.  I really love using the dining room as a second family room - An inviting place that isn't reserved for Holiday's but supports everyday life.  Something I started doing to my table that my clients have commented on is placing actual table lamps and stacks of books on the dining room table.  This anchors the table giving it some additional mood and task lighting.  I love this look because it feels very library-esque. 

Seating is so important for those long family dinners.  The use of these Queen Anne Arm Chairs at the head of the table give the table a very cozy and comfortable feel.

I am crazy about Banquets!  I have one at my kitchen table and I'm always intrigued when I see them in dining room settings. 

Size doesn't matter!  I love these two intimate dining tables.  Kelly Wearstlers beautiful blue tablecloth dresses this tiny table up instantly & John Saladino's clean crisp tablescape paired with those lust-worthy lilac slipcovered chairs is so elegant & effortless.   

This table is my inspiration for this Holiday season.  I love using unpredictable color stories and making them feel just as Holiday-like as those traditional ones.  This gold, orange, and blue does just that!  Don't be afraid to experiment and play around with your favorite color combinations. 

Layering, Layering, Layering!  Layering is definitely the key to a cozy Fall Holiday table.  In addition to lamps on the table I started using scarves as table runners and thin throw blankets to add extra texture and interest.  Touches of Fall foliage and other outdoor elements give any table that bundled up feeling that the season just exudes.  My advice for this years Holiday Table is to experiment with items and fabrics you have at home that mean something to you.....I think you might surprise yourself at what actually ends up sticking!

"If you walk into a room and it does not move you, then the room is a failure." John Saladino