Friends with Collections

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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!















Much love and congratulations to all my talented design friends!  I can't wait to see where this journey takes you!




* ph via NYTimes

A time for Tartan



Tartans are trending.  The timeless look that we have come to know and love goes in and out of vogue.  It's back in! Recently on my radar are the brighter colorations.   These tartans have a fresh twist and they offer a contemporary room a touch of  tradition (that ironically then makes it transitional.)  That feels just right, right now!





All tartans are plaids but not all plaids are considered a tartan.  A plaid pattern meets at right angles. With tartans, the horizontal and vertical angles are equal, creating a grid that sometimes create a blend of color saturation at said intersection of line.





I love Scot Meecham Wood's new collection of Scottish milled 100% wool plaids.  They have long been a signature look of his.







What specifically appeals to me right now is how fresh tartan looks amongst a somewhat more contemporary design scheme.  A traditional, classic, say, Ralph Lauren inspired interior always looks cozy and handsome, but tartan taken out of that context becomes more of a focal point, and less of a supporting player.  Regardless, it does support other patterns and designs marvelously.









Carpets are following suit.  These by Rosenfeld Carpet are kind of eye popping in their unusual color ways.










Decorator's Best has a great sampling of plaid fabrics for your perusing pleasure, should you be interested in incorporating this look into your interior project.


Tony Baretta


Cullman Kravits

If brights aren't quite right for you, neutrals are always a no brainer  : )


Tobi Fairley


















Art of the Table, 2015





For the 5th straight autumn as the temperatures start to dip and the design events begin to heat up after summer vacations, Art of the Table has become quite popular on the design calendar.  Bilotta Kitchens invites talented designers to take over one of their kitchen vignettes in the New York showroom.  They add their aesthetic voices and personal touches to make our date with a plate all the more magical.  Prouna, fine bone china founded by 2 sisters with a passion for exquisite design, was used in each of the settings, enhancing each designer's vision with their shared attempt at bringing attention to the smallest details that are functional as well as beautiful.  Many of the place settings are set with crystals and hand painted 24 carat gold .

Glen Gissler ~
















Tim Buttom of Stedila Designs ~













Patrick Hamilton ~














Jen Going Interiors ~













Byron C. James- Rodriques ~












It's amazing to go back year after year and see the same kitchens completely transformed in the hands of different designers.