Friday, April 29, 2011

Featured: Designaddictmom





Apparently Stacey from designaddictmom.blogspot.com shares my addiction for fabric and pillows! Check out her post on "Pillow Talk" and my fabric line. Thanks, Stacey!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Passport to Style: Global Interiors

I've always been intrigued by the vivid colors and beautiful patterns of Indian textiles. Whether you call it global, ethnic or Asian-inspired, the trend towards a well-traveled look for interiors continues (and I for one am thrilled!)


As seen in this recent issue of Canadian House & Home, interiors are taking on a global feel with a mix of materials and spicy colors. The yellow garden stool really makes the framed ikat fabric pop.


Uzbek ikat adras fabrics, natural woven materials and asian influenced furniture and accessories seem to be popping up everywhere. Here are a few of my current favs.


clockwise from top: elephant print, winterberry cottage on etsy; pjas bowl, ikea; elephant pillow, john robshaw; vintage fretwork daybed, jayson home & garden; Uzbek chess set, antiquarian textiles; vintage loveseat, jayson home & garden; pagoda umbrella, fast furnishings.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Happy Earth Day and a Terrarium Project



"It is always in one's power to cut a tree down, but time only can place them where one would have them, after the ground is stripped...." George Washington

The girls and I took a trip to Mount Vernon yesterday and immersed ourselves in all things George Washington. I was reminded about Washington's keen sense of nature and its protection. We all agreed that Mr. Washington was quite "green" and we had some great discussions about preserving what we have.

In case you haven't noticed, terrariums are back in a big way and Mugsy was keen to try one. We found lots of tutorials on line but this one at Apartment Therapy is one of the best. This was a really fun and easy project, and perfect for our house as we don't have enough of the right light to keep indoor houseplants.

Enjoy your Earth Day!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Lilly Pulitzer Feature







I'm so excited to be mentioned in today's blog post on Lilly Pulitzer! Check out the Guest House with Molly Andrews of Chairloom and enjoy a sneak peek at some of the new Lilly fabric for interiors. Thanks Lilly and Molly!


We love Print and Pattern and so do you. Tell us why.
I’ve always had an appetite for color and pattern as found in textiles. I know I’m not alone with that. I remember discovering Hable Construction in the early 90′s when they had a tiny store in the west village. Their patterns and colors have always been a favorite of mine. Living in the east village in Manhattan I bumped into Virginia Johnson’s design, too and eventually John Robshaw & I was hooked. So when I moved to Philadelphia and learned that vintage & antique furniture in need of re upholstery was everywhere & affordable – I found a way to involve myself in the textiles I had such a love for and back to a city I felt so connected to. The Brooklyn Flea was perfect for me to grow Chairloom and feed a creative part of me that was longing to express itself. A very rewarding part of running this business for me has been getting to know the textile designers and owners of Hable Construction, Rubie Green, Mod Green Pod, Studio Bon, Oliveira textiles, Victoria Larson, Michael Devine and others.


Click here to see the full post.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Inspiration: St. Bart's












Aaaaahhhhhh....St. Bart's. Surrounded by intense turquoise water and shell laden beaches, St. Bart's offers up constant inspiration. Visiting the island is almost like stepping into a watercolor.



Interiors are an island-inspired blend of asian and european. Our house was a great mix of natural materials - beautiful ipe and teak wood floors, lots of woven textures contrasted with crisp white walls and bright accents.


A close up of Shell Beach. The entire beach is made of shells dredged from the harbour. A bit hard to walk on but gorgeous to see. Orchids and other tropicals explode with color.



In contrast to the serene backdrop of sea and sand, houses and boats are brightly painted, almost cartoon-like. The effect is cheery and playful - right on the edge of overwhelming. Vivid color combinations are typical like this boat in the Gustavia Harbour.


Even the little french sugar packets are bright and stylish!


Everything on St. Bart's is done well. Fireworks over the fort on our last night to celebrate le Voile de Saint Barth Regatta.


It was hard to leave but I 've returned with enough inspiration to create an entire new line of fabrics. I'm already missing the little bakery at the bottom of the hill with the chocolate croissants and the strong coffee but as they say on St. Bart's, "c'est la vie...."