March 23, 2012

RP Miller

I sat out Westweek this year due to a hideously over-extended schedule but the one event I could not miss was the always fabulous House Beautiful party, this year at Peter Dunham’s oasis of understated chic, Hollywood at Home. As we approached, Kate squealed out loud and said, “Oh my God! LOOK at those chairs!” Imagine my delight and surprise when I rushed over to find that the coveted chairs were designed by and covered in my dear friend, Rodman Primack’s gorgeous fabric from his RP Miller line. I immediately grabbed him and made him perch on said chairs while I snapped away like a loving paparazzi. I mean, come on. Look at him!

Please note the slim yellow piping that makes these dynamite chairs really crackle!
The entire RP Miller line is carried at Hollywood at Home. Below are just a few of my faves. The pictures are good but you really should see the fabrics in person so you can appreciate the luxurious weight of the linen…

Peter’s Stripe:

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November 8, 2011

Idarica Gazzoni

Oh Idarica Gazzoni, ti amo! Rather than attempt a poetic description of the dynamite scale, patterns and color of this Italian dynamo’s Iznik-inspired fabrics and wallpapers, I am going to let the pictures do the talking (if you are not familiar with traditional Turkish Iznik patterns, click here to see some images). The only thing you are missing with these pictures are my shreiks of delight as I spot the next fabric…

God I love these flying mustaches (not the technical name fyi…)

I am feeling these bold patterns in these soft neutrals. Pretty but not overwhelming…
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September 22, 2011

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard for Schumacher

I just got back from a presentation of Martyn Lawrence-Bullard’s new line for Schumacher and I must say, that swishy, ascot-wearing decorator has got it going on. As a person who does not watch reality tv (unless it is Project Runway or So You Think You Can Dance), I missed the sensation that was Million Dollar Decorator. However, my fellow M. Designers, Kate and Amy, watched it weekly and Marty (as they affectionately refer to him) was the hands down, standout star of the show. After this morning’s presentation, I see why they are such fans.

Not only was he wearing a faux ascot a la Mick Jagger circa 1972, but he has a faaaaaaabulous accent and a terrific sense of humor about himself and the world around him. And most importantly, the man has balls which he backs up with rather good taste. His fabric collection is inspired by his travels and vintage textiles from around the world and like me, he never met a brightly colored pattern he didn’t like. Please enjoy a sampling of his wares below. My personal favorite is his reimagining of a traditional Indian “Tree of Life” pattern in pumped up scale and palette. It feels fresh and current and traditional all at once.

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August 4, 2011

M&K Fabrics

I have long been a fan of Michaelian & Kohlberg’s beautiful handknotted carpets so was pleasantly surprised to discover that they also have a line of fabrics, M&K Textiles. All designs are printed on a 65/35 linen-cotton fabric and include both hand block-printed and silk-screened patterns. The scale ranges from quite small to quite large repeats, allowing you to mix and match with abandon. Check out some of my faves below:

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June 28, 2011

Vlisco

I have long been obsessed with Dutch Wax African fabrics and want to use some to add color and funk to a project I am currently working on. Naturally, I started with Vlisco, the best in the business. They have been designing and producing fabric since 1846 and have an incredible range of patterns and colorways. As I was perusing their site, I clicked on the campaigns tab and POW! These are some of the chicest advertising shots I have seen in a while. Move over, Prada…

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April 19, 2011

TRADhome Spring 2011

January 18, 2011

Inspiration Everywhere?

Instead of a Tuesday mailbag, I have decided to share an email with you that I got from one of my sisters recently. She is an infectous disease doctor in San Francisco and not only is she smart as a whip, she has a great eye. To wit:

Ok, you will have to excuse the doctor nerdiness and keep an open mind here but thought of you when on teaching rounds in the micro lab and saw microscopy of aspergillus (yes a mold) which was absolutely beautiful. Would want as my wallpaper somewhere. Seriously.

If you google image aspergillus, you will get lots – here is a sample. Something very jewel-like with the dye and the shapes, and an art deco 1920’s feel (to me). And if you like these, check out penicillium (also a disease causing mold – sorry, that’s where I hang these days) – below aspergillus:

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October 27, 2010

Josef Frank, my hero…

Hey everybody. Sorry I have been m.i.a. for the past few days. Thanks to Kate for her excellent posts in my absence – hope you all dug them as much as I did!

So I’m back and ready to share some dynamic eye-candy on this blustery day in Laurel Canyon. I was thinking of who might lift my spirits and I immediately thought of my man, Josef Frank. He is the renown designer and textile artist best known for the work he created for the Swedish store, Svenskt Tenn. His fabrics are fantastical and chock full of color. The scale tends to be large and the creatures and plants rollick across the fabric in an explosion of energy and whimsy.

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