Lori Dennis and Pearson

I was looking at the wonderful Pearson Blog and came across this mirror application that I think is ingenious! This is a room done by Lori Dennis for Maison de Luxe - view the Editor at Large video here. The impact is incredible. It takes a small space and expands it in a gorgeous fashion. Very nice!

William Yeoward

I have to say I am truly smitten. I had the pleasure of attending the debut of William Yeoward furnishings in the United States the other day. It was a lovely event held in the Edward Ferrell & Lewis Mittman Showroom at the Washington Design Center. William did a "dry run" of his presentation on his new fabric line with Osborne & Little. He was going to NYC for the formal bash ~ we were his "guinea pigs" as he put it. I was happy to be one. First I'll say what I love about William; then I will tell you what I love about his creations.

William was the most gracious host I have ever seen. He was rearranging furniture to ensure people would be comfortable; he was taking the guests empty plates away; he wore jeans. I would live in jeans if I could. William was self-depreciating and humble. I have met people with half of his talent and success with egos the size of Minnesota; who wouldn't look at you when they spoke. I assure you I will not use their product lines in my designs. But William was down right endearing AND he is incredibly talented. His new fabric line was inspired by where he grew up ~ Cornwall, England. He treated us to pictures of Cornwall and how the fabrics relate. His brother was also in the pictures, which, of course, made it all the more personal.

William has many product lines. Sometimes when designer get too diversified, the magic can be lost. Not so here. Here has upholstery, case goods, pillows, accessories, and crystal. Now that is a man after my own heart. You know I have an affinity for glass and crystal and William did not disappoint. I also love embroidered pillows. William's are gorgeous and all done by hand.

His fabrics are lush and real. The cottons and linens he introduced were amazing. They are robust and beautiful.


I fell in love with his Pila Chair. Here's an important point ~ I sat in many of his chairs. They are comfortable! The Pila Chair in particular was very much so. Here is another point I love ~ you can dress his upholstery up or pare in down to accommodate any room in your home. Take a look...

The Pila Chair on the left is currently displayed in the EF & LM showroom. That is a fabric for last year's collection (I love it!). This version is formal. Now look at the one on the right ~ this is casual done with his new earthy fabrics. Each equally lovely. Why? It's the shape of the chair. Graceful. The back wraps around you. Look at this detail picture...

I love the little touch of the solid fabric surrounded by the nail head. Beautiful!

William seems to often use two fabrics on his furniture. That is another detail that I enjoy. It makes the piece interesting and can provide a gentle pause to a highly patterned fabric.

William has wonderful books as well. Click on each to get them...

He is mindful and talented. I definitely will be using his lines.

He's just that good!

Lamp Impact

eclectic bedroom design

eclectic bedroom design by los angeles interior designer Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

contemporary bedroom design by san francisco architect Mark English architects, AIA

The lamps in these bedrooms make quite an impact. These designers new that they would. Jay Jeffers selected a portable lamp that literally glows, illuminating the elegant shape and form of the lamp's structure. Tracy Murdock adds drama and romance to her design with black crystal chandeliers. Mark English takes a monochromatic room and adds texture, of course, but also an edgy diversity that adds significant interest. Lamps in bedrooms are a detail that need attention and thoughtfulness but can often be overlooked. That is not the case in these examples. Follow their lead.

Photos compliments of Houzz

John Strauss

Happy Monday! If you're looking for Monday's Method ~ no one wrote in for advice today. No worries though, today I am writing about a wonderful furniture man ~ John Strauss. The beautiful piece above is the Louis Hall Table from his Deco Collection. Look at those gorgeous graceful legs.

I met John at High Point Market and had a chance to peruse his designs. I was enchanted. This is the piece that brought me to his showroom...

The Vida Poche from his Salon Collection. What I really like about his work is that it is unsual and it is green. Like myself, John is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

John comes from a furniture and design family so I believe it is in his blood. His craftsmenship and attention to detail is fantastic. That is his dashing self above. Here is a smattering of his collections....

Deco Collection...

Mabel Bedside Table

Mabel Lingerie Dresser

Harlow Dining Table

Katharine Chair (I love the form and shape of this chair)

Mabel Low Dresser

Mabel Upholstered Club Chair (drool!)

Salon Collection...

Savoy Bedside Table

Garbo Screen

Bacall Buffet

Miami Red Vida Poche (love this little gem)

Oak & Iron Collection...

Oak & Iron Bed

Oak & Iron Bedside Table

Oak & Iron Dresser

Oak & Iron Nightstand

Gable Coffee Table

Lovely, yes? Which is your favorite piece?

Don't worry ~ Monday's Method is intact ~ if you have a question about a design issue, leave me a comment. If you would like advice about something specific to your space, send me a couple of pictures at paula@paulagracedesigns.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

See you tomorrow for Timeless Tuesday ~

Thursday's Room

This room is the work of Riehl Designs, Inc. Photo compliments of Houzz. I love the soft blend of pattern, texture, and shape (including the interesting ceiling fixtures). The white rhythm from ceiling to floor and down the center catches my eye. It's contrast with the deep hues really makes them pop. I have been fascinated lately by the drapeless window. Here, I really see why. Not only is the white a lovely pop and rhythm, it looks so lush and billowy that it adds the softness that would come from fabric framing the windows. I love red-orange and for me, this is just the right amount to use. The zig zag beat to the red-orange and ultimately being grounded by it is the jazz next to the white symphony ~ love it. All of this music is enveloped safely in neutrals. This is how a room does not get out of control. You should hear the music but not dance right off the stage. Nicely done ~

Timeless Tuesday ~ Seven

Welcome to Timeless Tuesday! Today I am writing about a Design Day at the Washington Design Center. It was a lovely day full of great people, interesting learning, and fantastic new products ~ this list is always timeless for me ~ people, learning, quality products. I was able to meet the gorgeous Celerie Kemble. She and Jamie Drake moderated by House Beautiful editor, Stephen Drucker, spoke about trends in respect to clients and furnishings.

It was a wonderful discussion. You may read it pretty much read it in full at Jennifer's great blog ~ DC by Design.

I also spoke with Barry Dixon and congratulated on his new fabric line with Vervain. I gave his line a good peruse. I must say, he has some wonderful ones. I loved a few of them so much I ordered memos for a current project. Let me show you what I mean...




Lush!

Simple and elegant.


Spectacular!

I love this tone on tone. Wonderful texture, sumptuous hand, and fresh pattern.



Same as above ~ wonderful, sumptuous, fresh ~ gorgeous!

Versatile and lush.

Love this contemporary one!

There are some that I actually drooled over ~ don't worry, none got on the fabrics. The one above is just one example.

Wonderful take on paisley!

Drool! The hand on this is magnificent.

Drool! This is sure to be a timeless classic.


Drool, drool, drool! I love this one. The texture, pattern, hand, sheen, colorways.... LOVE!

Barry's line had a wonderful composition of contemporary and traditional fabric. Very well rounded, exceptional quality, and very fresh. I can see using this line for a very, very long time. Now that is timeless design at its finest.

Now it is your turn to share your classics or trends you hope become timeless...

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4) Link back to the host blog, that's me ~ Paula Grace Designs Blogspot Timeless Tuesday ~ so all the bloggers that joined the party will receive many interested visitors.