Carrie's Design Musings: Friends with Collections

I have been meaning to write this post and am thrilled to finally do so. I find many of my design friends have been VERY busy of late. Each has brought a unique voice into the marketplace with a private collection for the home or in conjunction with a well known, well established manufacturer. Without further ado ~

My friend Tamara Stephenson, an interior designer in New York and her childhood friend Susan Young, a fashion designer, have partnered to form Root Cellar Designs. My only question is: What took so long? As the name implies, it has a vintage inspired, hand made quality. Inspired by fashion, decorative arts, travel, history, and so much more, these girls are putting a really fun, unique spin on their textiles. The collection has grown exponentially since its inception in 2014. I love the fashion fusion influence. The new east meets west and block print patterns are a must on my list of wants and needs. As we speak Tamara and Susan are customizing their croc pattern for a beach house project I am designing, and I can't wait to incorporate it into the room. Check out their holiday pop up shop. You can purchase the normally to the trade only line of textiles, table linens, and pillows directly for a limited time. You girls Rock!

What happens when retailer/designer Bradley Clifford meets, via instagram, classically trained sculptor George Sellers? Areté Collection is born and magic happens! The "otherworldly" products created of bronze, stone, marble, plaster, limestone, etc. have heads turning, mine included! The faux bois collection with its hyper realistic feel was an instant hit. The furniture, lighting, and objects d'art are one of a kind, modern marvels inspired by a deep respect for the past with a touch of wit and whimsy. George is deeply influenced by Italian architecture and the work of Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello, who captured emotion in stone so beautifully. The wasp chandelier (shown below) is gasp worthy. These pieces are more art than mere object. These two men with their individual talents have forged a perfect partnership and a path that I am sure neither saw coming. With Bradley now in Mexico, I can only imagine the magnificence that will be fuel for the fire.

Powerhouse designer Julia Buckingham joins the roster of designers creating collections for Global Views. Furniture, lighting, accessories, and table top encompass more than 100 products in her first collection. Her modernique® signature aesthetic is a happy marriage of modern and antique. The juxtaposition of color, style, and periods with a certain joie de vivre attitude make Julia an in demand, on the go designer. "The collection is based on taking a curated, creative journey and creating an ongoing relationship between people and their homes." If you know Julia, you know these pieces really represent Julia's aesthetic. Those little boxes on legs in jewel tone colors are a stand out among many. .Julia's on fire!

AND ~ while Michelle Workman's collection is "in the works," I wanted to mention it and give you a sneak peek. Michelle Workman and French Heritage are a perfect pairing. This fashion forward company leans heavily on traditional French furniture, but Meichelle felt as though the beautiful Art Deco period was under represented. The resurgence of the Art Deco look of the 70's is Michelle's jumping off point. Classic motifs, brass details and the like will bring a modern, chic voice to the new line. Heirlooms of the future is their shared goal. Michelle is known for her glamorous interiors and high profile clients. She and her family packed up, left LA for a somewhat quieter life in Tennessee, and documented the journey in an online series Glamour Goes South. It's as adorable as she is, check it out!