Saturday, April 24, 2010

The High Point Market; a review

Last week, vendors, from all over the world of home furnishings, put on the Spring Market tradeshow at High Point.  This show covers 10 million square feet of space and offers folks in the retail and design business a chance to see the unveiling of the newest products that the industry is offering. This market is a great place to spot the coming trends in interior design.  There is always a color story, an emerging trend in finishes, and the spotting of new twists on traditional products.  This blogpost will tell the color story.

There are two color stories that emerged at this market.  The first is a Paris Chic colorLESS pallet.  Think textures like flour sack and burlap, white washed woods, neutrals in beige, white, and taupe, all given energy by copious amounts of texture, with a touch of soft color thrown in

The second color story is a 180 degree turn from the first.  The return of color, bold, clear, and optimistic dominated showrooms like this one at Baker.  Gone are the greyed tones of blues, greens and browns that have been so popular.  Bring on Spring-like blasts of pink, green, yellow and turquoise.  This was such a fresh and welcome look!




more of the Paris chic trend


love these mirrors!


Bring on the color!

Even the accessories are bright and fun!
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Friday, April 16, 2010

To Market, to market...

Each Spring the design industry pulls out all the stops for the High Point Furniture Market.  A massive, 10 million square foot trade show that introduces designers and furniture retailers to the newest offerings for our industry.  Each show, I look forward to certain showrooms that I know will go over the top in merchandising their spaces.  One of my favorite stops is Global Views, they always have the most amazing wall groupings.  Pictured here is a booth they did for the Diffa organization during their Dining by Design kick off tour of the country.  Check out the way the company used their starburst wall hangings en masse.  It is brilliant!  Global Views is always right on the mark with color trends and I always enjoy seeing their approach to modern accessories.

Another favorite stop is Cyan Design.  They offer lighting and accessories.  Again, this store is a great one for spotting trends in color, texture and design.  The company uses whimsy, lighting, and fabulous merchandising techniques to showcase their products. 

There entire first floor of the International Home Furnishings Center is dedicated to designer friendly companies.  Isle after isle of goodies await.  For me, it is like going to the a candy store for adults!  I can't wait.  As soon as I return, I will share some of the fabulous things that I find... stay tuned!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Jackie Von Tobel and the WCAA Spring Event

Jackie Von Tobel came to Charlotte, NC, on March 26th for the WCAA Spring Window Fashion and Interior Design Event. This event was put on by the WCAA Charlotte Chapter as a once every 18 months to 2 year event. The day also includes a table top vendor exhibit with 18 industry partners to the design trade. This year, the WCAA Charlotte chapter invited the AIDP Charlotte Chapter to come on as a marketing partner. Since I am a member of both groups, I became the co-chair of the event. My role gave me a unique opportunity to work with both teams. It was a great experience. One of my jobs was to secure our speaker. When Jackie said yes to us, we knew that we were in for a treat. In the months that followed our invitation, it seemed as though Jackie’s star was on a meteoric climb. There is a good reason for her huge success!
Jackie’s first session was all about the coming trends in design. Because this was sponsored by a window coverings organization, much of her focus was on fabrics and trims. Jackie had recently attended the Maison de Objet show in Paris and had wonderful slides illustrating her talk. The overriding theme was embellishment! From multi-level weaving to beading and ruffles, everything shown was taken to the next level by what was added to the fabrics. Neutral fabrics with over-the-top add-ons like metallic threads or ribbon trims seemed to be everywhere at the Paris show.
In the afternoon, Jackie shared how to achieve a high end look. This was my favorite session because it felt like being back at school at a great art/design lecture. The slides she shared were an assortment of different designers and what worked in the designs shown. As usual, details are the key, as is taking customization to the next level. Jackie shared that many of the companies in our industry are beginning to offer ready-made items that are setting a whole new standard. Our job, more than ever, will be to offer the unexpected and detailed customization.    
                                                                                   
      As an interior designer, I tap my creative side on a daily basis. I love doing this, but whenever you pour out your energy, from time to time, you need to fill back up. This event with Jackie Von Tobel certainly did that for me. I took four pages of notes! Jackie’s ideas, her review of the Paris show, and her insights to what makes great design gave me just the boost I needed. Because of my position behind the scenes, I also got to spend a little bit of time with Jackie. She is just as warm and friendly as she looks in her photos. In addition to great information, I feel like I made a new friend. Thanks Jackie!


Calgon Take Me Away...

Calgon Take Me Away...
soak your troubles away in this stone beauty

Bathtub becomes fountain... fabulous!

cottage charm!

perfect for your mountain retreat!

Where I belong...

The AIDP Charlotte Chapter Board Members

The AIDP Charlotte Chapter Board Members
Seated from left, Davetta Moore, National Board Member, Wanda Horton, Vice President of Communication, Jane Ann Maxwell, President, standing from left to right, Nancy Martin, Vice President of Membership, Mary Santini, Secretary/Treasurer, and Marianne Parker, National Board Member

Emily's New Room

Emily's New Room

This desk was the inspiration for the room

Decorating for Christmas in Adult and Kid Zones...

Decorating for Christmas in Adult and Kid Zones...
Adults will love the beauty of the luxe mantle

This bright, bold mantle is kid friendly

This lovely arrangement is sophisicated and elegant

Kids tables need centerpieces too and these serve as favors to take home afterwards!

The Holiday Table...

The Holiday Table...
This table setting would make a beautiful Thanksgiving breakfast table

Greenery - simple and elegant

These pictures illustrate the idea of using what you love...

These pictures illustrate the idea of using what you love...
One home owner loves classic traditional decore, the other mid century modern. Look at what they created using the things they both loved!!!

Grouping beloved collections create impact

Two collections united by color

Pictures from the Coastal Vibe Project

Pictures from the Coastal Vibe Project
The chair fabric was designed just for this client and then made into yardage just for these chairs!

The living room seating area. The client wanted it elegant and yet relaxed, with the idea of being at a house on the beach.

We added the built-ins and had the paint changed before the homeowner moved in. A cozy seating arrangement and momentos from world travels warm the space.

another view

These pictures illustrate "staging" principles

These pictures illustrate "staging" principles
This beautiful room was designed to be cozy and full. This room is an example of NOT staging to maximize the square footage. Thanks to House Beautiful for the image

This serene room is designed for maximum spaciousness! Notice that you see lots of floor through the legs of the coffee table. Lots of breathing room in this space. Thanks to House Beautiful for the image.

This is an example of Benjamin Moore Aura paints to go with the About Paint post

This is an example of Benjamin Moore Aura paints to go with the About Paint post
One of the many beautiful colors in the Aura collection

Aura paints have low VOC's which means it's healthier for everybody!

To illustrate the post "Art For Your Walls"

The following pictures are artwork from some of my favorite local artists. The fabulous thing about these folks is that they will do commissioned pieces especially for you! Enjoy...

Local Artists...

Local Artists...
Richard Anderson

Celia Flock

Sany Seipert, an older work, her newer stuff is better, this was the only image I had...

The following pictures are from the October High Point Furniture Market.

These are some of the showrooms and displays that I thought were terrific.

Bella Luna was one of my favorite showrooms!

Bella Luna was one of my favorite showrooms!
everything on display was quirky and elegant

One of my favorite finds, this mirror is a piece of art!

These sassy stools help tell the Bella Luna story

Cyan design always has unusual and neat things

Hot Color Trend shown at the Spring Market in Highpoint!

Hot Color Trend shown at the Spring Market in Highpoint!
black and white and malachite!

Luxury Lighting!

Luxury Lighting!


Favorite New Accessoires...

Favorite New Accessoires...
Contact us for more information or to place an order...

love this!

simply elegant!

fabulous silver platters that are even better in person

These make such a great centerpiece for a dining room table

FALL MARKET 2008 - GORGEOUS COLOR, FOCUS ON "GREEN" DESIGN, FUN WITH LAQUER...

FALL MARKET 2008 - GORGEOUS COLOR, FOCUS ON "GREEN" DESIGN, FUN WITH LAQUER...
New color combo that was everywhere, butter and pewter, so pretty, soft and fresh!

Gorgeous Global Views - always my favorite venue

Gorgeous Global Views - always my favorite venue
soft butter and pewter

"GREEN" in both color and sustainablity is a beautiful choice...

"GREEN" in both color and sustainablity is a beautiful choice...
These pillows made from abaca leaves and coconut beads are eco-friendly and good for the workers of the developing country in which they are made.

Old favorites are still in play...

Old favorites are still in play...
aqua, teal, peacock are still popular-- note the laquered mirror!

Before and After pictures are always fun!

Before and After pictures are always fun!
This is a "before" picture of a recent project.

After #2!

After #2!

Before #2

Before #2
same room, different view

AFTER!

AFTER!
new carpet, upholstery, paint, window treatments...

More from the High Point Spring Market My Favorite Overall Venue - Global Views

More from the High Point Spring Market My Favorite Overall Venue - Global Views
terrific accessories, uniquely displayed

black, white, red, silver punch!

note the male figures at the bottom of the ropes climbing out of the vases!

Favorite Find at the High Point Spring Market

Favorite Find at the High Point Spring Market
Pablo Mekis Artisan Pillows

the hand stiching is fabulous!

more Pablo Mekis

A designer is as good as her team...

Every designer relies on a team of people to help execute her design vision. I have worked very hard to assemble a top notch team of craftsmen and professionals to rely on for excellence in execution and customer service. I have nick named them "The "A" Team". This name is so appropriate because this group brings their best effort to each task. There are many folks out there that will give you adequate, we strive for exceptional.

The following pictures will introduce you to some of the work done by these guys...

Introducing...

Introducing...
Marilyn Croteau - the BEST window treatment workroom on the East Coast

Introducing...

Introducing...
Heavin Woodworks - beautiful trims and built-ins

Introducing...

Introducing...
G.Richard Anderson Faux Finisher. He does fabulous work!

Oeco Textiles

Oeco Textiles
all natural and all green

A staged breakfast room

A staged breakfast room
We recovered the chairs to co-ordinate with the area rug and added a fresh bunch of flower from the grocery store!

This week...

This week, I am working on two interiors that are either on or are near Lake Wylie, SC. Both homeowners are interested in incorporating a coastal "vibe" into the design for their homes. Working on two homes with the same design direction has never happened in my business before. It will be fun to see just how differently we approach each home. They will be as different and unique as their homeowners and we will be sure to include some after pictures in about 3 or 4 months!

Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give
from the movie "Something's Gotta Give" the set design for the Nantucket living room is inspiration for a coastal interior that I'm working on right now...

Coastal Inspiration

Coastal Inspiration
another coastal inspiration

this rug from Aspen Carpet Designs is very close to the one in the movie!


BVI's Virgin Gorda - beautiful!

great garden bench