Redefining Outdoor Furniture

While checking out vendors online, I came across a unique line of outdoor furnishings that surprised me.  Most furniture I find is pretty contemporary in style and the colors tend to be a bit bland.  These outdoor offerings by Polart are surprisingly traditional with a selection of colors so fun, they are reminiscent of a box of crayolas. They're made of plastic and are certified to withstand humidity, cold, corrosion, extreme temperatures, hot water, colorfastness to light, and weathering.

They are also covered in Sunbrella fabric, making them fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, tear and abrasion resistant, scratch resistant, and water repellent.  What makes Sunbrella fabrics special is the fact that they are solution dyed, meaning that the color is added to the fibers while they are being produced.  In conventional fabrics, the color is applied after the fabric is already woven, whereas with the Sunbrella, the color is actually within the yarns so when it is spun together it becomes part of the fabric itself.  Check out the photos below to see some of the highlights of the line.

    

Head over Heels for Trellis Prints

Trellis prints have become increasingly in demand over the past couple of years, as they lend a feel of polished elegance to any space.  This geometric print can range from simple diamond patterns to complex interweaving lines and has a timeless appeal.  It seems that every manufacturer has their own take on the popular print.  Below are some of my current favorites: 

"Imperial Trellis" - Color: Silver - By Schumacher - (Available to the trade)

We all have a favorite type of pattern that we seem to go back to again and again, whether it be florals, stripes, or even animal print.  For me, the moment I saw Kelly Wearstler's "Imperial Trellis" for Schumacher, it was love at first sight.  This print is so versatile, with its ability to fit in the most traditional setting to the most contemporary one, depending on the colorway.  With its availability as a fabric or wallpaper, the possibilities seem endless, whether making a statement on walls, covering a pillow, or acting as an accent on a ceiling.     

Here, Schumacher's "Imperial Trellis" is seen in the "Trelliage" colorway and once again used as a wallpaper.  This entryway, belonging to Chloe Sevigny, is a perfect example of how the pattern can be used to add a real pop of drama to any space, large or small.

SBK19991 - Antonina Vella Collection - Dolce Vita - By: Seabrook Wallcoverings - (Available to the trade)

This Seabrook print is a more budget-friendly version that I often recommend to those who love the trellis look.  With its gracefully curving lines and stark background, it adds an element of crispness to any space.

"Pergola" - Color: Raspberry - By Clarke and Clarke - (Available to the trade through Duralee Fabrics in the US)

This chic wallpaper print by the U.K. based Clarke and Clarke, makes quite an impression.  It comes in 9 colorways, from the subdued, to the more unexpected shades of raspberry (shown), teal, and grape.  How fun!   

"Xu Garden" -  Color: 505 - By: Windsor Smith for Kravet - (Available for to the trade)  

The Windsor Smith fabric collection for Kravet is a must have for any lover of the trellis look.  It comes in a variety of colorways, including yummy candy-colored pastels, to sumptuous navy blue.  The variety of scales within the collection are great: offering plenty of different options for any project you may be working with.  Even better yet; one of her graphic trellis prints is offered as an outdoor fabric with a stain repellent softened finish.

Weekly Style Inspiration- Ralph Lauren Maritime Indoor/Outdoor

Living in Annapolis, the nautical, preppy lifestyle is a way of life. This, as well as the Ralph Lauren Maritime Indoor/Outdoor collection, which bridges the gap between inside spaces and outside spaces effortlessly, has stirred me to create my latest weekly style inspiration board.  These fabrics are Sunbrella, meaning they’re colorfast and water resistant.  Here, I decided to put together the quintessential sunroom for the sailing set, with smart lines, natural textures and crisp navy blues.  

From Left to Right: 1) Leopold in Leaf –Darly Fabric Collection- by Designers Guild; 2) Antibes Chevron in Driftwood—Cote d’Azur –by Schumacher;  3) Upper Deck Embroidery in Navy –Maritime Outdoor—by Ralph Lauren; 4) Robbins Hill Paisley in Batik—Maritime Outdoor –by Ralph Lauren; 5) Lansing Chair by Duralee Furniture; 6) Little BayTicking –Admiral—Maritime Outdoor—by  Schumacher; 7) Laguna Intergration in Natural—Laguna Parquet Collection –by Patterson, Flynn and Martin; 8) Toledo Sofa by Kravet; 9) by Schumacher; 10) Costello Polished Nickel Side Table by Arteriors; 11) Metropolitan Cocktail Table by Schumacher; 12) Paint Color: Malta Mist by Pratt and Lambert

Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Schumacher

This past week I attended a luncheon at the Schumacher showroom at the Washington Design Center focused on starting your own licensed fabric line.  The guest speaker happened to be none other than renowned designer and Bravo personality Martyn Lawrence Bullard.  Not only does he have another season in the works for Million Dollar Decorators, a fabulous book, and a star studded portfolio, but he also has found time to collaborate with F. Schumacher and Co.  to create a line of fabrics that match his unique design aesthetic.  One can definitely get the feel of a life filled with exotic travels as well as a keen knowledge of antiques and textiles when pursuing the collection.

After reviewing the line, I found it to be quite eye-catching, combining classic prints with modern color ways and generous scales.  Funky ikats, gorgeous chevron designs, greek key motifs (my favorite!), tree of life panels, and paisleys  with updated coloring that allow these fabrics to fit in with any décor, transitioning from traditional to contemporary, to anything in between. 

Also, watch out for Schumacher’s newest Million Dollar Decorator collaboration coming soon, featuring fabrics by Mary Macdonald.

The following were my favorites from the collection.  The rich chartreuse greens, warm rusts, and crisp blues all make for an interesting palette with an exotic feel.  

Weekly Style Inspiration - "Lilly Pulitzer"

I've been busy designing window treatment displays at the store using the new line of Lilly Pulitzer fabrics for Lee Jofa, so naturally, I have Lilly on the brain.  This week I decided to create an inspiration board centered around my favorite fabrics from the line, including "Color me Coral" in surf blue and "In a Twist" in seafoam.

Clockwise: 1.) Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa Fabric: "In a Twist" in seafoam,  2.) Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa Fabric: Color Me Coral in Surf Blue 3.) Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa Fabric: Seafan in Island Coral  4.) Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa Fabric: Woven Rope in White 5.) Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa Fabric: Shell We in Keen Peach 6.) Whimsy Table Lamp by Currey and Company 7.) Whale Bookends by Jonathan Adler 8.) Murcia Chair by Kravet 9.) Good Life Cocktail Table by Drexel Heritage 10.) Lommel / C-Beige Rug by Kravet Rugs 11.) Madrid Sofa by Kravet 12.) Pompidou Mirror by Marjorie Skouras Design 13.) Turquoise Empire Chandelier by Majorie Skouras Design 14.) Red Coral Drawer Pulls by Marjorie Skouras Design

Weekly Style Inspiration - "Falling" for Autumn

This week, with Halloween creeping closer, I couldn't help but be inspired by the rich autumn hues, falling leaves and spooky decor that overflows from every store shelf this time of the year.

Donghia's "Bell 'Insetto" gives traditional a creepy crawly twist.  This silk damask comes in five elegant colorways and features tarantulas, beetles and other eight legged creatures that are sure to get your skin crawling.

If you have a craving for something a little out of the ordinary, these unique chairs by Jimmie Martin Ltd will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit.  More like pieces of art than furniture, according to their site, "Jimmie Martin Provides an eclectic showcase of one-off pieces of furniture combining the decadent and quirky with the nostalgic and urban."

Tree Table Candle Holder by Cyan Design

Here, York Wallcoverings makes good use of the traditional black and orange combination, but with a contemporary twist.  Barbara Becker Home Passion Collection

This spooky looking forest scene is a pattern is called "Woods", by Cole and Son.

"Squiggle", is part of the Vivienne Westwood collection also from Cole and Son.

"Breeze" by Cole and Son Wallcoverings 

"Insects" by Vivienne Westwood from Cole and Son Wallcoverings

Weekly Style Inspiration – Very "Vera Bradley"

This week I found inspiration in one of the most unlikely places.  Meet my favorite going-out bag! 

My Clutch Purse

Yes, my inspiration came from my own purse. Like most girls, I absolutely love my Vera Bradley bags and with the debut of Brunschwig and Fils' "Les Alizes Collection" (see #4 Mira Tape Border on the board), which is reminiscent of these preppy prints, I decided to put together a dream room of my fave eclectic, bright, and slightly whimsical florals.  

From left to right: 1) Holstad Collection by Duralee in Plum; 2) Annie Selke Victorian Queen Platform Bed;  3) Holstad Collection by Duralee in Rosedust; 4) Brunschwig and Fils – Mira Tape Border in Grenadine/ OrangeSpice 5) Pittsburgh Paint Color - 139-7 Wild Mulbury; 6) Pittsburgh Paint Color - 245-3 Soft Iris 7) Pittsburgh Paint Color - 210-5 Golden Cricket; 8) Antique Green Cage Mirror; 9) Dash and Albert - Vine/Blue Green Tufted Wool Rug 10) Stacey Garcia Luxury Wallpapers – Femme Floral 11) Maine Cottage – Nellie End Table in Lemon Ice

This Season's Vera Bradley Prints