Dallas Blog | Material Girls | Dallas Interior Design

This Thursday will kick off the 4th Annual Thrift Studio hosted by Dwell with Dignity!  Dwell with Dignity, is a Dallas-based non-profit organization founded by interior designers dedicated to creating inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. This amazing charity provides and installs home interiors for families that include furniture, art, bedding, and kitchen supplies.  They even put food in the pantry!

This has always been a cause that’s near and dear to my heart!  It really gives people a new chance at living life.  I think that creating a comfortable atmosphere that people feel proud to call their own, is one way to better their lives.  It really is a touching and gratifying experience to be involved with fellow designers in helping out those in need.  This is by far one of my most favorite charities, and also one I find unique.  It’s always so exciting to see what all the designers come up with! You can check out some more info on Dwell with Dignity and Thrift Studio by visiting their website www.dwellwithdignity.org.

I’m also excited to announce that this year, Dwell with Dignity is partnering with One Kings Lane!  One Kings Lane is one of the leading online destination for the home that brings members exceptional value on a spectacular collection of top-brand, vintage and designer items.  One Kings Lane works directly with leading home brands, antique and vintage dealers and designers to bring the very best products at exceptional prices to its members – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!  One Kings Lane also partners with top designers, decorators and industry insiders to deliver content that inspires, enlightens and informs.  Be sure to check out www.onekingslane.com for some great sales!

Here are some sneak peek photos from this year’s vignettes!

Design by: IBB Design Fine Furnishings /Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Design by: Square Foot Studio/ Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

From April 19th- May 18th Dwell with Dignity will host their 4th annual Thrift Studio fundraiser. On April 18th there will be a special preview party for offering the public an early peek at Dwell with Dignity’s first Thrift Studio of 2013, the event will be hosted in the Dallas Design District at 1100 Slocum Street , Suite 590. One Kings Lane Co-Founder and Chief Merchandising Officer Susan Feldman will be the special host for the evening  Guests that want the first opportunity to purchase anything can do so at the VIP Champagne Reception from 6pm-7pm on April 18th for $175 a ticket. And Preview Party tickets for guests arriving at 7pm at $125. Anyone wanting to attend can purchase tickets at thriftstudio.com.

But wait! The shopping doesn’t stop after the party! One King’s Lane special Thrift Studio Tastemaker Tag Sale will launch online the following morning- April 19th at 10 am CDT at onekingslane.com. There are items available from the designer vignettes and things from the personal collections of participating designers AND the proceeds go to Dwell with Dignity! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?

Design by: Dwell with Dignity/ Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Design by: William-Christopher Design/ Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Design by: Horchow/ Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Design by: DJ Lucy Wrubel for Peacock Alley/Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Design by: One Kings Lane/ Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Design by: Studio Ten 25/Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Photo by: Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography

Featured Designers at Thrift Studio include:

One Kings Lane

Horchow

DJ Lucy Wrubel for Peacock Alley

IBB Design Fine Furnishings

Square Foot Studio

Studio Ten 25

William-Christopher Design

The Thrift Studio Pop-Up Shop will be open to the public on April 19th until May 18th, 2013, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 5:30 pm, and Sundays, noon until 5:30 pm

To see what they are all about come check it out!

I’m not a big TV watcher, so it’s rare that I’m ever camped out in front of the TV for hours mesmerized by a certain show.  There is only one night a year when this happens and it is…the Oscars! I just love watching my favorite celebs dress up in the most beautiful (or most heinous ) gowns and seeing which movies take home the big awards.  The fashion is so much fun to watch…but as an interiors nut, I also wait in anticipation to see the design of the Green Room every year.  This cozy lil room is where the stars wait to present their awards and is located just steps from the stage, and from host Seth MacFarlane’s dressing room.  This year’s Green Room was designed by acclaimed interior designer Madeline Stuart and had a very cozy lounge vibe to it.

 Photograph by Roger Davies

Madeline wanted to give the room the feeling of Old Hollywood while also incorporating design elements of the 21 century. She said “My goal was to design a space where contemporary stars wouldn’t be surprised to bump into Cary Grant or Katharine Hepburn.”

Designed with mostly Baker furnishings, black lacquer finished wood flooring, and Emerald paint (Pantone’s 2013 color of the year), the room was modeled after Academy Award winner, Cedric Gibbs.

I particularly love the chevron chairs if I do say so myself!

The room may have been inspired by Old Hollywood, but there is nothing “Old Hollywood” about it when it comes to the decked out electronics in the room. Inside there are ten, yes ten 55″ Samsung Smart TVs. I’m sure the stars backstage didn’t miss any of the Oscar action!

Well done MS…can’t wait to see which designer is slated for next year’s Green Room!

The info you have all been waiting for!!!! Gypsy Soul will be having a huge Warehouse Sale this Friday and Saturday (June 29 and 30) at 155 Howell Street in the Dallas Design District. Even better news?? They are teaming up with Scout Design Studio and Rehab Design Studio to bring you a trifecta of fantastic finds. Hours will be 6-9 pm tonight/Friday and 9-3 pm tomorrow/Saturday.

To answer your questions- yes, they will be taking credit cards as long as their 3G connection works. They will not be taking checks, unless said 3G connection is out. Delivery is available through their trusty delivery guy Jackson, but they will have people there to assist you with furniture to your car the day of the sale. Below are a few of the items being sold.  You won’t believe some of the pieces being sold. Can’t wait to see you there!

 

The old mantra “out with the old, in with the new” may have met its match.  Nestled in East Dallas, the Hollywood Heights neighborhood makes me wish all zip codes were this well preserved.

With most of its houses dating back to the 1930s, it is one of the oldest conservation districts in the whole US-of-A, and homeowners in the area today are not permitted to tear down any part of their house or even renovate their exteriors, which allows for a true and rare glimpse into the history of American architecture!

Now, doesn’t that just make you feel downright patriotic?

 

Each year, the HSMNA (Hollywood Santa Monica Neighborhood Association) puts on a home tour.  This year marks its 21st  and I’ll be there with bells on, supporting my new hood.

There is an entire weekend full of events- starting with the Candelight Tour and Auction Party on Friday night at the Arboretum and ending with the Art in the Park event at Lindsley Park on Sunday (which will feature local art and gift vendors, including art from Christian at Think Twice!)  Five houses will be open to visitors on the tour.  I can’t wait to see which homes are on the tour and how they are decorated on the inside!

This event is extra special to me, as it takes place right around the same time we move into the neighborhood.  (HSMNA, please consider this house below for one of your upcoming home tours- I’ll be ready in five years! wink wink

Purchase Home Tour tickets HERE for $12! See you there!

April 28-April 29

Saturday and Sunday

Noon to 6 pm

Attention Dallas dwellers! Mark your calendars for an exciting event organized by the amazing people behind the thriving, non-profit organization Dwell with Dignity!

Launched this past Saturday, April 14th is the much-anticipated “Thrift Studio” fundraising event: the bi-annual 30-day pop-up shop in the Dallas Design Center that is selling the overstock of donated, gently used furniture, housewares, accessories, and high end designer finds to the local public! One hundred percent of the proceeds from the “Thrift Studio” will benefit the future of Dwell with Dignity and its mission to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design, providing those in need with furnishings, art, bedding and kitchen supplies, even food for the pantry.

This month-long event will take place every Tuesday-Sunday between April 14^th-May 12^th with participants including Wisteria, Michelle Nussbaumer, Horchow, Container Store, and TLC Contract, among others. Purchase your ticket today! You might even run into your very own Dallas Material Girl

In honor of tonight’s Oscars, I wanted to share a very exciting and personal interview that I was fortunate to have with the designer of the Oscars Greenroom!! For this year’s 84th Academy Awards, Architectural Digest selected Waldo Fernandez, designer to the stars, to design their backstage greenroom! We were given the chance to have a private phone interview with Waldo, and Emily generously passed along the opportunity to to me (her assistant, Taylor) and I was so thrilled to do so! I could not wait to talk to Waldo about his glamorous design for the Oscars greenroom, but little did I know he would share amazing, personal stories about his relationships with some of Hollywood’s biggest names (including Elizabeth Taylor and Brad Pitt!!)

Here is a little background information on Waldo - Waldo Fernandez is one of Hollywood’s legendary interior designers. He came to the United States from Cuba to explore his passion for design and love of the arts. Waldo’s career began as a set designer for 20th century Fox, and his involvement in the entertainment industry led to his very successful career and large list of celebrity clientele. Fernandez’s impressive portfolio, spanning more than three decades, not only includes homes for an incredible roster of clients—Elizabeth Taylor, Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, and Darren Star among them—but also a number of commercial projects, such as the Beverly Hills Hilton and the West Hollywood Soho House club. So you can imagine how excited I was to talk him!!

Waldo was just as friendly and humble as he looks in the picture above!

Take a look at his fabulous design for the Architectural Digest greenroom, inspired by 1930′s and 40′s Hollywood glamour. Oscar greets you as you enter the gorgeous space! -

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

Waldo has a passion for furniture and said that for this space he wanted to start with only good quality furniture – no reproductions. To achieve the 1930′s and 1940′s Hollywood look of the greenroom he went back to his sources and selected only the highest quality furniture from the 20th century. He carefully selected Schumacher fabrics for the upholstery and told me that, “if you select beautiful fabric and good quality furniture, the whole room comes together.”

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

Architectural Digest partnered with Caesarstone, California Classics Reserve Collection Flooring, Circa Lighting, Feizy Rugs, Giati Designs, HP, Questroyal Fine Art, Samsung, and Schumacher Fabrics to furnish this beautiful space and provide it with the latest technology!

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

The color palette of the greenroom was inspired by his love of gray – specifically a cool gray wall finish from Donald Kaufman Color. From there, Waldo layered the color throughout the room in different tones and then added in the cream color with Schumacher upholstery fabrics. In all of Waldo’s designs he uses a neutral color palette because he believes that the art, furniture and fabric are what give life to the room. He believes the walls should be a soft color because it goes with anything and “walls without art are dead.” – We couldn’t agree with him more!

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

Waldo used rugs from Feizy to soften the space.

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

In a smaller sitting area, Waldo centered a Ruhlmann-style dining table beneath a simple chandelier from Circa Lighting. This is a perfect example of Waldo’s refined, glamourous style and his appreciation of quality furniture.

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

The custom bar features a CaesarStone countertop.

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

The outdoor space is furnished with Giati Designs “Castillo” metal furniture.

Here is Waldo lounging in the Oscars Greenroom with the amazing HP ENVY Spectre laptop. HP provided ENVY Spectre laptops for the greenroom so the celebs could keep track of the action online during the show!

Be sure to check out this video tour of the greenroom provided by HP!

Waldo was one of the nicest and most inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with, so I am very excited to share this interview with you all! Here are more highlights from my amazing chat with Waldo -

Of course I had to start the interview with MG’s favorite quesiton: “What is your favorite material?”

Waldo replied that his favorite material would have to be fabric. He loves textural fabrics that are woven with beautiful materials – he does not like plain fabrics with prints. For the upholstery in the greenroom he selected an ivory Schumacher fabric that was a mix of cotton, rayon, wool, and silk – VERY luxurious! Of course Waldo could only select the best for the Oscars!

My next question for Waldo was whether or not he was going to attend the Oscars this year. Waldo replied that he was not attending, and that he preferred to spend the night at a friend’s house watching the show with a cocktail in the comfort of their living room. He said the bar was way too crowded at the Oscars! In past years, he spent the evening at his dear friend, Elizabeth Taylor’s home, just the two of them, watching the show. Then we talked about his history and friendship with Elizabeth Taylor – I was so star struck I could barely speak!! Here is Elizabeth Taylor in her home designed by Waldo Fernandez -

Firooz Zahedi for Architectural Digest

Waldo told me that the most memorable experience of his design career was his opportunity to work for Elizabeth Taylor and the close friendship that developed between the two of them over the years. He met her for the first time many years ago when he was “fresh out of Cuba,” he said he was shaking at their first meeting because he couldn’t believe he was talking to THE Elizabeth Taylor – I couldn’t even imagine! He recalled that, “She was sitting by the pool in a bathing suit with a reflector on her chest” – so glamorous! She told him that she was leaving for the Cannes Film Festival and needed her house finished in two weeks!! Like any designer would say, Waldo said, “That is impossible.” (Here was one of my favorite moments from the whole interview…) Elizabeth Taylor replied, “Nothing is impossible, my love.” – And amazingly Waldo finished her entire home in two weeks!

See the tour of Elizabeth Taylor’s home in Architectural Digest HERE!

My next question for Waldo was, “If you were going to the Oscars who would you be most excited to see?”

Waldo told me that he would love to see his clients Angie and Brad!! (As a huge fan of both, I could not contain my excitement!) He told me that “Brad was fantastic and a pleasure to work with.” He said that he and Brad were a perfect match because, “Brad has a passion for architecture, good furniture, and art” just like himself! He said that Brad reads about design and architecture and really gets into it. – So from what Waldo told me, Brad really is perfect!!

I asked Waldo what his favorite room to design for Brad was and he simply said “the whole house.” I can imagine it would be hard to pick just one!!

Waldo also just finished a project for the writer of the Sex and the City movies, Darren Star! This project was featured in the February issue of Architectural Digest! Here is Darren’s living room -

Roger Davies for Architectural Digest

You can see the full tour of Darren’s Bel Air home HERE.

To wrap up the interview, I asked Waldo, “What is one piece of advice you would give young, aspiring designers like myself?” He told me, “Never be scared talking to your clients, but still listen to them, and stick to what you believe is right.” Such wise words! He also told me that the most important aspect of interior design and being a designer is knowing scale – Once you understand scale you know how everything in a room works together! Thank you so much Waldo!

It really was a dream come true talking to Waldo and getting a behind the scenes look at the design of the Oscars greenroom! Thank you HP for this amazing opportunity! Be sure to watch the Oscars tonight and be on the lookout for the greenroom and Waldo’s beautiful design!

This past weekend we participated in the Hope for the Holidays event with Catholic Charities.

Pettigrew Associates in the Dallas Design District was kind enough to host the event at their fabulous new showroom off of Market Center Boulevard.

Back in September, we were asked by Catholic Charities to select a few pieces from their World of Goods store and revamp them using paint, fabric and other materials.  We love a fun vintage “Before and After” and also helping out a good cause, so of course we were more than thrilled to participate!

With the painting expertise of RetroChic Renovations, the upholstery skills of M&M Upholstery, and the mirror knowledge of Alamo Glass, we were able to take these pieces from old and worn to modern and fresh!

BEFORE-

AFTER-

BEFORE-

AFTER-

AFTER-

BEFORE-

AFTER-

(All furniture pieces are available for purchase via Catholic Charities, so email us if you are interested!)

EJ Interiors was also asked to decorate a Christmas tree in the theme of our choice that was to be auctioned off the night of the event. Our “Hollywood Regency Holiday Tree” incorporated a chartreuse and white geometric printed skirt, gold peacock feathers, damask ribbon, and an assortment of funky decorations including- white feathers, gold and silver sunbursts, crystal droplets, solid chartreuse, mercury glass, pearl and mirrored ornaments. We were lucky to find the “tree topper” at West Elm which we had created using silver feather-like fans.

On Friday afternoon, we toured the new Pettigrew showroom, which had lots of amazing abstract art, incredible chandeliers, rock crystal accessories, and luxurious pieces of furniture. I loved their mix of traditional and modern in each vignette.

The best part of all, is that Pettigrew makes their own lighting! We went back to the shop where all the magic happens. They showed us a chandelier from England that they are currently working on for a client in Dallas. The scale of it was pretty amazing. Taylor is standing next to it (so you can really see how humongous this thing was!) Now if only we could see the house that this incredibly tall piece is going in….

Some more of their lighting. Isn’t the piece on the right gorgeous?

If you are a local interior designer and haven’t visited Pettigrew’s new showroom yet, it’s a must! It’s a great trade resource for clients with lots of unique and diverse pieces!

1805 Market Center Boulevard, Dallas, 75207

Last night Kelly Wearstler came to Neiman’s in Dallas to promote her new fashion line.  When I heard she was coming, of course I had to go check out her creations in person! Needless to say, they did not disappoint.

Of course the first thing I noticed was that she used her Tracery rug that she designed for the Rug Company in her “store within a store”.

Remember my client Stacey who stayed at Viceroy Anguilla a few Spring Break’s ago?  Well, she is equally as smitten with Kelly as I am, so she joined me on this little fashion adventure-

Stacey almost walked out with this pink chair…too bad it wasn’t for sale!

I noticed Kelly used a lot of blues in her collection. Super cute jacket-

LOVED all the jewelry, especially the cuff bracelets!

More cute jackets for Fall…

Leslie Pritchard from Again and Again chatting with Kelly..I’ve always thought they looked like sisters so it was too weird to finally see them right next to each other!

These scarves would make great winter gifts for someone who loves bold colors and prints-

And more of her fabulous jewelry-

Even her models were gorgeous!

I wonder if anyone else caught on to the fact that this mannequin’s outfit was so careful coordinated to the colors in the rug?

And then right before she departed, we managed to squeeze in a quick photo with Mrs. Wearstler, which was a fun ending to the night. She was wearing a jacket from her new collection and looked very pulled together (as usual)…

Now that we have entered the month of November… tasty holiday drinks are back on the menu, stores are stocking shelves with holiday decorations, and it is finally time for the once-a-year Dallas Sample Sale!! Trust us you don’t want to miss it!

This fabulous event starts with a preview night this Thursday, November 3rd, from 6-9 p.m. and lasts all weekend! The Dallas Sample Sale takes place at the Dallas Market Center (see directions here).  This is your chance to get a head start on all of your holiday shopping and get amazing gifts at wholesale prices! There is something for everyone on your list… Jewelry, toys, children’s clothing, home accessories, holiday decorations, furniture… you name it there’s a showroom for it!

Also, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program will kick-off during the preview event on Thursday! Shoppers can make selections for their angel and drop them off that night, if they’d like!

The sale takes place Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Last year’s sale drew more than 15,000 people! Tickets are only $20 at the door so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! See you there!

This holiday season I will be a featured vendor at Hope for the Holidays, a fundraiser benefiting Catholic Charities of Dallas! The event will take place Friday, November 18th, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pettigrew Associates in the Dallas Design District! It is such a great fundraiser and we would love for all Dallas MG readers to come out and support!

We are creating a glitzy “Hollywood Regency Holiday Tree” to be auctioned off at the event as well as revamping furniture from their World of Goods store with fresh paint and fabric that will be available for purchase that night! All proceeds from the auction will go toward the Catholic Charities of Dallas – giving hope to thousands of struggling families this holiday season.

The Hope for the Holidays event will feature local vendors, artists, businesses and more showcasing unique services and merchandise to shop from! This would be the perfect opportunity for you to grab some great one-of-a-kind gifts for your family! Also, as I mentioned before, there will be an exciting silent auction where you can bid on designer themed table-top Christmas trees and and baskets! Who wouldn’t want a fabulous themed Christmas tree to spice up the dining table this season?! PLUS there will be food, wine, and signature cocktail tastings from top caterers, hotels, and shops in Dallas! For a sneak peek at some of the vendors that will be featured this year visit the Catholic Charities of Dallas website HERE.

Tickets are $35 pre-sale and $40 at the door, so hurry and get yours because you don’t want to miss this amazing event! You can even purchase your tickets online HERE!