Design Events
Pamela’s Posh Picks: Bangle Bracelets
Sep 07 2012 ·0I’m having an amazing time here in New York as a guest of Brizo! There will definitely be lots to share over the next few weeks when I return. In the meantime, today is the Jason Wu Fashion Show and Cocktail Party!! While it is sure to be a highlight of the week, attending an event at Fashion Week also presents a dilemma: what to wear?? Luckily, I brought a suitcase (or two…) full of choices.
Brizo Fashion Week…Here I Come!
Sep 04 2012 ·0Tomorrow I depart for New York City and Brizo Fashion Week! Tomorrow!
As most of you probably know by now, I am part of a small group of interior design professionals (the “Blogger 19”) who have been invited by Brizo, the faucet brand for the fashion forward, to attend its’ semi-annual Fashion Week event in New York City, September 5-8.
Pamela’s Posh Picks: Jason Wu for Brizo and an exciting announcement!
Aug 18 2012 ·0This week’s Posh Picks are all about designer Jason Wu.
Not only is Jason Wu a phenomenal fashion designer, bursting on the scene as the designer behind First Lady Michelle Obama’s gown at the Inaugural Ball in 2009, he has also entered into the world of interiors with his exclusive Jason Wu for Brizo bath collection.
No where do these two worlds overlap more beautifully than at Brizo Fashion Week in New York City. Brizo Fashion Week is a multi day, invitation-only event where designers and bloggers are invited to participate in interactive sessions with the Brizo design team and product developers. Along with several other parties and activities, there’s also a trip to see the Jason Wu Spring 2013 collection at his show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!! I am beyond thrilled to share that I have been invited to attend this event in September ~ three exciting days in New York City and meeting Jason Wu ~ pinch me now!
{Disclaimer: As a guest of the Brizo brand, my airfare and travel expenses will be comped}
I’ve got Jason Wu on my mind, so of course this week’s Posh Picks feature Jason Wu for Brizo 😉
The Jason Wu for Brizo collection features timeless style that is both fresh and innovative. The distinctive matte black finish exudes an air of luxury and elegance, making the pieces in this collection a perfect fit for a variety of design sensibilities.
My first pick is the Single Handle Lavatory faucet:
Simple and elegant, this faucet is not only beautiful, it’s also smart ~ as in SmartTouchPlus technology that allows for water activation with just a touch or even hands free.
The elegance continues with the Tissue Holder:
Jason Wu often talks about combining form and function when creating his designs for the home and no where is that more practically applied than in a simple tissue holder. I love not only the ease of use but also the touch of reflectiveness from the metal finish.
There are several other accessories in the collection, but my favorite has to be the Trash Can:
I love the distinctive shape and the softness of the curves. It reminds me of an inverted flowing skirt on a certain Jason Wu designed ball gown…
Last but not least, even this week’s petite oil painting is Jason Wu themed, take a peek ~
I can’t wait to see what’s in store from Jason Wu at Brizo Fashion Week, and of course sharing the excitement with you!
xo,
Pamela
To receive new blog posts in your inbox, be sure to subscribe via email! Just click on the link in the right sidebar.
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
To follow me on Twitter, click here
Alice in…the Boston Design Center?!
Jul 25 2012 ·0“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
I believe I fell down a rabbit hole when I entered the Boston Design Center last week! Right there before my very eyes in the windows of the Martin Group showroom were all the Alice in Wonderland characters dressed to the nines in Samuel and Sons trimmings!
Here is where the story begins…
Tweedledee and Tweedledum never looked so dapper!
I just love the detail of the ball fringe, so clever!
The Queen of Hearts is looking exceptionally posh in her opulent regalia:
And really, aren’t there days when your inner diva just wants to say, “Off with Her Head”??
Oh, to be able to wear such finery and be a tyrant…bliss!
Meanwhile, Alice seems to be feeling a bit odd:
The details on her dress however are nothing but stunning!
Here is the ever unshakably mellow caterpillar who gives Alice sage advice, all while bedecked in his lovely green garb…
And for a close up:
Just think of all the possibilities with these amazing pieces of passementerie! Wonderful pillows, shams, duvets, leading edges on draperies and upholstery, and table skirts just to name a few~ oh my! These exquisite tassels, trims, beads, tapes, ropes are just waiting to bejewel your home decor and with the right designer, that is not impossible at all!
xo,
Pamela
P.S. To receive new blog posts in your inbox, be sure to subscribe via email! Just click on the link in the right sidebar.
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
To follow me on Twitter, click here
Blogfest 2012: Publishing Powers
Jun 12 2012 ·0“I deeply believe that a beautiful decor can have a beneficial influence on our lives.”
~Albert Hadley
For my final Blogfest 2012 wrap-up post I want to focus on the morning we spent at Hearst Tower with some of the most powerful people in the design publishing world. The publishers and editors from Veranda and House Beautiful magazines moderated panels with elite designers who have been published in these national magazines. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear about how designs are chosen for publication and how great designers work.
We gathered on the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower for breakfast. What a beautiful location!
We went Inside the Issue with the Veranda panel: Publisher Jennifer Levene Bruno, Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro, designers Darryl Carter and Timothy WhealonThis panel offered behind the scene glimpses of their designs. Featured in the May/June issue, both Darryl Carter and Timothy Whealon shared their personal stories about coming into the design profession after they were trained in the field of Law.
During the next segment, House Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Newell Turner moderated a panel with the theme “Creating the A-Ha Moment”. His panel included three of House Beautiful’s Next Wave Designers: Michael Herold, Jill Goldberg, and Jon Call.
The next few photos were taken of the screen presentation so the quality is lacking but they illustrate some striking “A-Ha Moments”. This first example is a scouting shot from a few years ago that was submitted for publication. The editors liked the fact that there was interesting seating (the sofa near the window) in a Dining Room.
This is how the room looked on the cover shot. Notice how subtle tweaks: changing the angle of the shot, taking away the wreaths and adding fresh flowers, make this room a star!
I love the transformation of this library:
What a difference some fleurs and a beautiful tablescape can make when the bones of the room are perfect!
Both of the panels were relaxed yet informative. All of the designers were charming, humorous and very articulate. They were generous with their trade secrets and lingered patiently for photographs.
Of course how could I post about the Publishing Powers of the Design World without including Margaret Russell? Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest, Margaret elegantly welcomed us to the Kips Bay Showhouse on our first day in NYC.
Blogfest 2012 was such a wonderful experience for me on so many levels. It was a whirlwind full of amazing people and a wealth of design information and inspiration. I can hardly wait to see what’s in store for Blogfest 2013!
xo,
Pamela
Blogfest 2012: Designer Show House Trends
May 31 2012 ·0I’ve been back from New York City for a week now, but it seems I’m just beginning to process all of the amazing and inspiring things I experienced during Blogfest 2012. First off, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire Kravet team for a wonderful event. Beginning with the welcome from Cary Kravet at the opening night reception and throughout the jam-packed agenda of the following two days, this was a truly incredible gathering.
Today I wanted to share some of the trends I noted while touring not one, but two, designer show houses during Blogfest.
On Monday, Margaret Russell hosted the kickoff to Blogfest at the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Designer Show House. This year’s space featured two adjoining penthouse apartments on Manhattan’s West Side. Here, city chic and glamour ruled the day~right up my alley!
As I toured the rooms, the first trend that caught my eye (literally), was the abundance and variety of reflective and metallic surfaces.
This reflective table is a functional piece of contemporary art.
I love this shiny granite surface along with the trough-like sink and sleek faucet.
In the Alexa Hampton designed bedroom the walls were lacquered in Dragon’s Breath by Benjamin Moore.
The use of a reflective, hard surface on the wall, coupled with a silver ceiling, is an unexpected design choice in a bedroom, yet it turned out beautifully.
Even fabrics are part of the reflective trend! Here, metallic textiles cover a sofa and coordinating pillows.
This intricate metallic wall art adds drama as light plays off its reflective surface.
The other notable trend from the Kips Bay Show House was the creative use of digital imaging.
This digital image of a classic painting was blown up to mural size and fit perfectly into this niche. Surrounded by modern furnishings, it was striking and effective.
Across the room, this is an image the designer captured while in Europe. This touch is at once personal, unique and classic~a winning combination to be sure!
Charlotte Moss’ space was entitled Behind the Hedge and was filled with an abundance of creative ideas. My favorite detail in this space was once again the use of digital photography murals. Charlotte explained that this mural was made from photographs she had taken while traveling. Even the blue and white tile “baseboard” is digitally produced–amazing!
The trend spotting continued on Tuesday as we toured the Elle Decor Modern Concept House. While overall this space wasn’t as appealing to me as the Kips Bay house, I adored the terrace at the Modern Life house. Attention to detail and design and extending the living space of a home to the outdoor space is a trend I very much embrace.
Despite persistent clouds and sprinkles, the terrace was sunny and bright~thanks in part to the dazzling metal circle screen panels. I love this idea and can think of a dozen ways to use it!
Designer Michael Tavano used screen material to drape over the sofa area to provide shelter and all of the fabrics are weather and sun resistant–including the animal print!
Another area of the compact terrace that is given depth by the use of the mirror. Using mirrors outside to reflect water views or to expand our spaces is something I’d love to see more of.
Overall I loved touring both of these fabulous show houses. I also love that the trends I highlighted are so versatile and easy to re-create. Incorporating reflective surfaces and metallics instantly provides contrast and brings a modern flair into a space. As for the digital photography murals–my mind is twirling with ideas! I can not wait to use this idea in my own home. I hope that you too can find an inspiring idea to use in your home or outdoor space.
Stay tuned for more inside scoop on my trip to Blogfest coming up soon!
xo,
Pamela
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
To follow me on Twitter, click here
Blogfest 2012
May 24 2012 ·0I’ve just returned from an incredible three days in New York City attending Blogfest 2012, what a whirlwind! Lots more photos and inspiration coming soon but for now I wanted to share this photo of me with ALL my favorite things at the Brunschwig & Fils showroom.
This was part of a contest and guess what…I won–a Lauduree gift basket! Thank you so much to the Kravet family and the entire Kravet team for hosting this wonderful event!
xo,
Pamela
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
To follow me on Twitter, click here
Blogfest Bound!
May 21 2012 ·0I am beyond thrilled to be on my way to New York City to attend Kravet’s Blogfest 2012 this week!
Three full days (and nights) of parties, previews, design celebrities, endless inspiration and meeting fellow interior designers and bloggers~what could be better??
Here’s a quick peek at just a few of the fabulous events on our agenda…
The official kick-off party at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House hosted by Margaret Russell, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest
Touring the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House
Attending the Hard Hat Preview Party at Baccarat
Color Pulse 2013 annual forecast with color expert and trend analyst John Turner from Benjamin Moore
It’s sure to be an incredible trip and I can’t wait to share the highlights when I return!
xo,
Pamela
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
To follow me on Twitter, click here.
BDC Seminar Series: Passion, Imagination and Design
May 08 2012 ·0Last week Janus et Cie at the Boston Design Center sponsored a wonderful seminar featuring Pamela Jaccarino, Editor-in-Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design magazine. Luxe is the quintessential source for those with a passion for creating beautiful surroundings and living well.
The presentation was entitled Passion, Imagination and Design. During her engaging talk, Pamela highlighted many of the inspirations and influences that are helping to shape creativity and design today. Featuring some of her favorite elite designers and spaces they’ve designed, along with meaningful quotes and background information, she inspired all in attendance.
Here is a snippet of her message and some photos (taken from her power point program, my apologies on the quality). I hope you too glean some ideas from this seminar!
“If you love what you do the passion and excitement are always there to provide the curiosity and drive necessary to succeed. My work reflects the joy I get out of transforming the wishes of my clients into beautiful spaces.” ~Jamie Drake
I love this quote, especially the universality of the first sentence. As a designer, I also reflect this philosophy in my designs.
This is a Jamie Drake design for a client.
Such a great, eclectic mix of furnishings and the art work, I love the great pops of color as well.
This design is called Purple Zinger–can you see why?
This is an Amy Lau design:
Amy is inspired by nature and abstract art which is reflected in her design work. She was quoted as saying, “I never tried black on the walls ever, this was really forward thinking for me.” The client she was working with insisted that black be used as a backdrop for her colorful furnishings and art–and Amy totally made it work.
I love this quote…
Imagination is the creative process, training the eye to see the very best.
Imagination can be “kick started” by viewing fashion and home magazines, blogs or websites.
I’ve experience this type of inspiration firsthand~ I’ve designed window hardware using a piece of jewelry as my inspiration and a feathered leading edge border on a drapery inspired by an earring. Tip: look at things 3 different ways… and always THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.
Passion and Imagination lead to my favorite: DESIGN
This is a workbook of doodles that will transform into a glorious fabric and wallpaper collection. Amazingly, the design all started with a colored pencil in a wire-bound notebook from Staples.
Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield designed this beautiful room for the Greystone Estate Showhouse. This was the front cover of the program~ isn’t it grand?
Their designs are known for Hollywood glamour and the belief that having one foot grounded in the past and one foot to walking towards the future keeps one’s designs planted firmly in the present.
I absolutely adore this next space~
I am ready and waiting to re-create this bedroom for my next client! Who wouldn’t love this ~ step right up!
Do you remember the lobbies in grand hotels that would feature a circular settee in the center of the reception area?
It looks right at home in this space as well. Such an elegant and functional piece of furniture.
At the end of the magnificent presentation, Pamela asked us several thought provoking questions that I now pose to you:
“What is your passion?”
“How will you expand your imagination?
“What drives your passion”
I challenge you to take out your journal (you do have one, right?) and record some thoughts on these questions. Then go back to this page all week and work on completing a plan as it relates to your passion. It will thrill you to explore the possibilities and get you thinking about how to translate your passion into action!
Finally, a photo op with Jennifer Matthews, Vice President, Group Publisher, moi and Pamela Jaccarino, Editor-in-Chief, Luxe Interiors + Design magazine, taken at the post-seminar luncheon at the JANUS et Cie showroom.
“You can’t depend on your eyes, when your imagination is out of focus”
~Mark Twain
xo,
Pamela
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
Stylin' at Rolf Benz
Apr 03 2012 ·0In a recent Pamela’s Posh Picks blog post, I introduced you to the versatile German-made furniture line by Rolf Benz. Available now at the Boston Design Center, the ROLF BENZ Studio showroom also features offerings from TEAM 7 and Draenert. When I last visited the showroom and my dear friend and showroom manager Gary Riegel, the team was still getting settled in their new space. Last week however, I had the pleasure of helping Gary style his new showroom for its official opening soiree.
Styling, not to be confused with “blitzing” (another design term, I’ll talk about at a later date), is one of my favorite parts of my job as a designer. When you style a space you enhance all of the hard work invested in the project to date. Successful styling really makes a space shine.
Come take a peek at some of the styling we did at the Rolf Benz showroom…
Before styling, this table is a bit stark:
And after styling, looks much more inviting, doesn’t it?
This Team 7 Free standing wall unit with glass partitions is so unique. I just love the versatility.
The storage and display options are endless. The glass pieces we chose to highlight in this piece look amazing–even more so in person with the light streaming through!
These 3 graceful vases mimic the curves of this sofa.
I love the simplicity of this coffee table display. Sometimes less is more…
Especially when there are lots of options:
No worries, we edited things down beautifully…
The Freistal line from Rolf Benz is more casual yet still modern. The mix of fabrics reminds me of an Anthropologie-esque vibe. Definitely fun to style!
Why yes, I coordinated the candies to the furniture! Doesn’t everyone? 😉
All of this styling and primping was in anticipation of the Opening Night festivities. Here’s a glimpse into the showroom before the guests arrive… Gary and Desa Facey discussing last minute details
With the arrival of the Jazz Band, the party was in full swing:
The German guests (and I thought I traveled the farthest from the South Shore!): Stefanie Geiger of Rolf Benz, Robert Schmid of Draenert and Oliver Bayeri, Team 7
My dear Gary Riegel and moi ~ Congratulations on a successful opening!
It was a week to remember and I can’t wait to present these stunning lines to my clients!
Please keep me in mind the next time you want someone to STYLE your home for a new fresh look, it can make all the difference…
xo,
Pamela
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
Alexa Hampton at the Boston Design Center
Mar 19 2012 ·0Alexa Hampton is the President and featured designer of MARK HAMPTON, LLC., the world famous design firm founded by her late father Mark in 1976, and she is FABULOUS!
Last week Ms. Hampton returned to the Boston Design Center to introduce her latest fabric line with Kravet and to give a presentation based on her book, The Language of Interior Design. I always enjoy the seminars at the BDC; I find them educational, informative, and inspirational and this one certainly did not disappoint. Ms. Hampton is an energetic, articulate and humorous speaker and her talent is just breathtaking. I spent a delightful afternoon at this event, hosted by Bill Elinoff of the Kravet Showroom, enjoying an as-always delicious lunch while Alexa signed books and mingled with the attendees with her signature grace and charm.
Let’s take a look at some of her beautiful designs….
This Manhattan home features a Dining Room space that moves easily into the Living Area ~ the subtle colors work to harmonize the two rooms.
This Dining Room shows Alexa’s versatility; the grasscloth walls and the African textiles and baskets give this room a very global feel~
Master Bedrooms are sanctuaries and Alexa knows this one well because it belongs to her.
What a soothing retreat after a day full of color and raising three children. I particularly love the clean-lined canopy. Alexa explained that the height of the ceiling did not give her and her husband the cocoon feeling she so wanted. She used the canopy to effectively lower the ceiling in the space over the bed and achieved just that. I think it’s a grand idea, don’t you?
This is a sample of one of her amazing inspiration boards~As my loyal readers know, I also love putting my boards together for a project. I find it really helps me refine my vision for a space and showcase textures, colors, and creativity. I love the mix of elements on this inspiration board, so intriguing and tactile!
Alexa Hampton’s new book will be released in June. While the title is still not decided I am already sure it will be on my coffee table just as soon as I can pick it up!
xo,
Pamela
Contact me about Pamela Copeman Design Group services.
To follow me on Pinterest, click here.
To follow Pamela Copeman Design Group on Facebook, click here.
May I Toot My Own Horn?
Dec 17 2011 ·0Recently I learned that I am appearing in not one, but two design publications. I’m feeling quite flattered and wanted to share!
First, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in the January issue of Architectural Digest. What an honor to be included in the Design Eye special section featuring one of my favorite companies, Janus et Cie. I attended a wonderful lecture back in October as part of Design Days at the Boston Design Center and there I am pictured with two of my dear friends, Danielle England and Toni Galeno from the Ailanthus showroom. Thank you Architectural Digest!
I am also honored to be included in the newly revamped Cybele, the magazine of the Boston Design Center. Featured along with 11 other designers in the Trends 2012 report, my favorite trend for the new year was highlighted. The In Full Bloom trend is beautifully illustrated with the gorgeous Billie Brenner tub I selected. Wouldn’t it be lovely featured as part of an outdoor terrace under the stars in a Caribbean hideaway? Oh, to dream!
Hoping some unexpected, happy news comes your way this holiday season!
xo,
Pamela
Design Days 2011
Oct 12 2011 ·0“Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant.
There is a fire in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.”
~J. G. Von Herder
This past week the Boston Design Center hosted Design Boston 2011, a 3-day market for the professional design community. New collections, new products and upcoming trends were highlighted during this year’s version of the annual event. Taking in such a wide variety of inspiration is certainly the way to light a fire in my soul for the Fall season and the year ahead!
I attended several seminars and was treated to many wonderful speakers including: Design Trends 2012 with Julie Rokowski, Color Forecasts 2012 with Jackie Jordan, Taking Original Art to Final Product with Ken Wampler, Custom Tailored Spaces with Juan Montoya, Candice Olson on Design with none other than Candice Olson from HGTV and Martyn Lawrence Bullard of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators, who introduced his new, delicious fabric line with Schumacher to name only a few.
I find this is the most exciting time of the year at the Boston Design Center. It is a time for inspiration, for renewal and to set new directions for my designs. My mind is overflowing with creativity and I am looking forward to translating new trends and ideas into finished spaces. If you are considering a project, this is the perfect time to contact me!
Here is a re-cap of an outstanding week and photos of some amazingly talented people (who are great charmers as well).
Ken Wampler, from the Alpha Workshops, Toni Galeno and Maria Howe from the Ailanthus Showroom
Thibeault wallcoverings by the artists at Alpha Workshops
An original block used to print wallcovering
Me with Juan Montonya in the Century Showroom, surrounded by his custom furniture pieces
Candice Olson ~ does she need any introduction? Of HGTV fame, Candice has created an elegant fabric line with Kravet
The Secret to Artful Rooms by Mitchell Owens from Architectural Digest. He presented slides illustrating some new and creative ways to display art ~ notice the sunburst mirror positioned with the art?
This is Donny Duetsch’s home and his eclectic collection of graphic art that fills this large hallway. Note the fabulous curved viewing sofa.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard introduced his new book Live, Love and Decorate as well as his new fabric line with Schumacher
Some of Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s new fabrics
Martyn drew inspiration from the patterns in Turkish tile work
From the Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection at Schumacher
I attended a panel discussion on The Restoration of the Royal Opera House of Versailles featuring Antoine and Catherine Tisserant of Tisserant Art & Style and Charles Spada. Recently re-opened after being closed for the last 20 years, Tisserant Art & Style was awarded the important contract of restoring the Opera House’s chandeliers, lanterns and wall lights. This was particularly fascinating to me after having visited Paris just last month.
A photo of a chandelier undergoing a renovation from the Royal Opera House of Versailles
Notice the height is matched to the men carrying it but the width is much more~
After much painstaking work, the installation
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of the wonders I was able to see at Design Boston. With such an incredible month of design inspiration under my belt I would love to share my experiences more intimately and extensively. If you are interested in a Design Presentation highlighting my experiences and photos of Paris and Design Days 2011, do contact me!
Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the loss of a very creative man last week, I can only ponder what else he may have given us had he had the gift of time~
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
~Steve Jobs
xo,
Pamela
La Ville Lumière
Sep 29 2011 ·0Paris is known as The City of Light and as I discovered on my recent trip it is indeed an illuminated city–in more ways than one! Here are some images I captured in and around Paris. Enjoy!
At the Opera Garnier:
Musée des Arts Decoratifs:
At the Palace of Versailles:
At the Maison et Objet show:
We also had the opportunity to visit a Showhouse featuring the most avant-garde Parisian designers. I loved these petite pendant fixtures in this hall.
Finallly, the Pantheon and the moon:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of some of my favorite lights of Paris. While some of these fixtures are over 100 years old and some are so new that they are only concept pieces, they are all illuminating and all amazing!
“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.”
~James Turrell
xo,
Pamela
Bonjour Paris: Maison & Objet
Sep 05 2011 ·0Bonjour mes amis!
I have some very exciting news to share with you. This Tuesday I am flying off to Paris to attend the tres chic Maison & Objet show.Maison & Objet is a huge design trade show showcasing an unrivaled collection of talent and innovation on display in one of the world’s most spectacular cities. At this prestigious international show of home fashions, I will be among the first to discover the newest trends in textiles, tableware, accessories, decoration and furniture. I am sure to come home overflowing with inspiration for all of our newest projects!
In addition to seeing new trends in eight exhibit halls, I will be attending lectures and panel discussions led by the best in the design industry. Of course no trip to Paris is complete without a trip to Notre Dame to light a candle, a visit to the Musee D’Orsay to marvel over Monet’s Rouen Cathedral, or an evening at a bistro, sipping a glass of champagne overlooking the Seine. It’s sure to be a trip full of wonderful memories and overflowing with inspiration!
My promise to you is to come away with a memory card filled with photos of creative genius to share with you, sketches to record everything I think I may forget and renewed spirit to enliven our design palettes. I am also looking forward to putting together a presentation to highlight my design finds and photos. I would love to speak at events and share what are sure to be fantastic finds from the City of Lights!
As I pack my bags I am leaving you with this last image, I have been working my new hairstyle for Paris: the French twist. What do you think?
“Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.”
~Honore de Balzac
Au Revoir!
xo,
Pamela
Anna French Introduces The Aria Collection
Jun 24 2011 ·0An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house.
~Maria Callas
This week I had the privilege of attending an intimate presentation with textile and wallpaper designer Anna French and her son Jonathan. Held in the Ailanthus showroom at the Boston Design Center, Anna and Jonathan introduced Anna’s newest fabric line from Thibaut: Aria. Whereas Anna doesn’t make many public appearances this invitation-only event was truly a treat.
As you may know, an aria is a song within an opera. For Anna, an opera lover, her Aria line is indeed a composition, not of music but of patterns and textures. Aria represents an evolution in Anna’s style and design sensibilities.
While bold patterns are still evident, there is a distinct overlay of subtlety. Gone are the shocking bright hues of her last few lines, Wild Flora and Glamour. Instead Aria features a more organic but still sophisticated vibe.
Anna sighted several sources of inspiration for the Aria line including nature, museums, open markets and documents (in this case a document being a historical fabric sample or remnant found at a flea market). I very much appreciated the understated yet energetic feel of the Aria line which would work wonderfully in a variety of environments.
Throughout the line, beautiful textures including embroidery, velvet, madras and linen combine with fresh patterns with a luxurious and yet lively result.
It was a pleasure to meet Anna and Jonathan and hear about the nascence of the Aria line. Each fabric has a story and it’s always interesting to hear that story directly from the designer!
xo,
Pamela
More Fancy Chairs
Feb 18 2011 ·0Christopher Guy is known for creating ” the most beautiful furniture in the world” ~ The Beacon Hill Showroom in Las Vegas showcases this line of unique and imaginative products. These chairs are fanciful, inviting and comfortable.
A New Chair for Goldilocks
Feb 11 2011 ·0Goldilocks would definitely fall asleep in this FAB chair! It’s artful curve is comfortable and the Swarovski crystal tufts are glamorous against the poppy velvet. Such a conversation piece complete with lucite legs. This chair is created by HStudio.