New York Design Blog | Material Girls | New York Interior Design

I’ve just returned from the famous High Point market in North Carolina where I was able to browse through some of the best showrooms in the business, mingle with editors, store owners, buyers, publishers, designers, bloggers and more.. and let’s just say, the trip was a success.  It’s not often that you get to have lunch with  Alexa Hampton, Suzanne Kasler, Thomas O’Brien, Mariette Himes Gomez and Katharine Hable.   

Century Furniture

There were so many amazing things to see at Century this Market but a few things really caught my eye.  They have such a wonderful range and variety of pieces and styles, so it makes it easy to find something you love.  They’re constantly evolving and refreshing their lines so that what you saw as traditional yesterday, is still tradtional, but with a twist and a touch of the unexpected.

 I entered through their garden room which emerged from nature and organic inspired fabrics.  Botanicals and gardens are very relaxing and refreshing in general, so who wouldn’t want to bring that into their home?

 A gorgeous sideboard with beautiful carved details and a touch of whitewash

Notice the fern tree fabric on the headboard and the branch-like legs on the bedside table

This chest of drawers is nature at its best.  Such a great and unique piece that will catch the eye of just about anyone

Another collection that stood out for me at Century Furniture was Ed Robinson’s natural, weathered (yet practical) line seen below.  Ed knows how to push the envelope ever so slightly to create a natural feel that’s modern and approachable.

Here you see Ed explaining his line beside his gorgeous sandblasted center table with the most exquisite base I’ve seen in a long time

 A hand rendered sketch by Ed sitting on top of the actual DR table that was produced from the sketch.  Rustic yet divine!

soft and serene

The chair below was created by a student who was selected as this years winner in Century’s student design competition known as Project UDesign.  Ryland Quillen created this fabulous next generation sustainable wing chair that wowed the judges and you can see why!  What a great and fun idea to bring a new piece into your line.

Ryland Quillen’s winning chair!

 

Hooker Furniture

I was pleasantly surprised when walking into the Hooker showroom which seems to be moving more in a transitional direction as opposed to the traditional and classic styles I remember them for.  Their Melange line stood out for me the most because every piece in the line was inspired by textiles, art, jewelry and apparel rather than existing furniture.  It just goes to show that inspiration comes from everywhere and all creations come from things that are beautiful.

A beautiful silver leafed scalloped chest of drawers lined with a fun wallpaper design on the inside!

A rustic and weathered chest of drawers with a beautiful interior lining.  Notice the ornate knobs on this piece.  Hardware can do wonders to your furniture

Hand woven water hyacinth dark mahogany bed that’s even prettier in person!

 

Sligh

Sligh furniture specializes in quality home entertainment and media furnishings that are highly practical.  So much thought goes into each piece which made me realize how focused they were on their consumers needs.  If you’re going to build a media cabinet you need to think about all the elements that are going to make that cabinet function while still keeping it stylish and well made.  It was clear that Sligh did just that.

A simple yet beautiful desk with more function than meets the eye

Here you can see how they incorporated a secret outlet for all your charging and plug-in needs!

A close up of a cabinet with a lovely robins egg blue background

One of my favorite moments in the Sligh showroom was when they showed me their room filled with 1000 (almost) oragami birds which are supposed to bring you good luck.  I’ll let you know if my luck changes in the next few days.  fingers crossed!

 

Theodore Alexander

TA struck me as high end, well crafted English furnishings that will give your home a sense of  distinction.  Although I wasn’t allowed to take pictures while in the showroom I did catch the Keno brothers showing off their unbelievable new collection exclusively sold at Theodore Alexander.  This collection is a must see because of its innovative, modern approach to fine, handcrafted and extremely labor intensive work. 

The Keno brothers (known best from ‘Antique Road Show’) explaining their collection and concepts behind each design which i have to say are extremely unique and breath taking.  They have a variety of finishes which include olive ash burl veneer and tamo veneer to mention a few.  You can see the gorgeous chevron box in the foreground that was enough to make me want more. 

 

I’ll be back to share more from my trip to the high point market including one of my all time favorites, Hickory Chair.  Until then, browse around the websites of the companies mentioned above – you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are always new designers that have a few tricks up their sleeve and Christen Maxwell is one of them.  She and her team have been busy creating fun new fabric designs that are sold by the yard as well as used to make laminated linen trays, throw pillows, lampshades, ottomans and more.  Christen was a first timer at the NYIGF this winter where her product was flying off her booth!  I had the priviledge of speaking to Christen herself and when asked what we have to look forward to she said this: ” As far as right now, we’re focusing on expanding our availability to customers nationwide, working on developing some new prints,  plus have a possible letterpress stationary collaboration line in the works.  We’re also continuing to grow our laminated linen accessories line (it’s been SUCH a hit) and work on new product development – holiday oriented (perhaps stockings and gift-y items).  Sounds like we have a lot to look forward to!  Keep your eye on the rising designer and her products by visiting her website.  You won’t be disappointed.

luxurious patterns and colors that will brighten up any room

 laminated accessories for your bath, desk or bedroom

 have a designated spot for keys?  you do now..

 this laminated bowl is great for jewelry or even nuts at your next cocktail party!

 I’ll be sure to keep you posted as Christen develops more fabrics and product in general.  Until then, shop away at her online store and take home something snazzy!

House Beautiful dedicated their entire March issue to “the Power of Pink” and have shown us some very enticing ways to use the color without going overboard.  If you don’t subscribe to the magazine pick up a copy at your local magazine stand so you can see how to bring pink back into your life.. without having it look too feminine.  The men in your house have probably been steering you clear from pink because of its girly reputation.  Don’t let them stand in your way!  It’s warm, flattering, sexy and can help just about any mood  

This den has just the right amount of pink in the lacquered walls to make it warm and cozy without screaming barbie pink.  Plus the blue carpet cools down the room quite a bit as does the white sofa and ivory coffee table.

This MBR has a very soft hue of pink which keeps it warm and inviting

This LR ramps it up a bit with some florals mixed in with greens and citrines

It’s always nice to play earth tones (grey, brown, beige) against pink so that it doesn’t become the focus of the room and has interesting contrast throughout

You can never go wrong with making your daughters room the center of pink.  Afterall, the color was created for girls!

The greys play nicely in this tradtional room where you would never expect pink on the walls

So soft and serene.  I wouldn’t mind climbing into this bed at night!

All photos are from House Beautiful Magazine and can be seen online or in their March issue which will be on stands shortly.  Take a look at the entire issue to see how pink can inspire you even if it’s just a small chair in the corner of your room or a throw pillow that can easily be replaced.

 

So as it turns out, one of the stenciled floors I posted last week (the turquoise bathroom with white medallions) was a stencil created and sold by Sunny Goode.  She designs these stencils to make it fun and easy for you to create a whimsical touch on your walls, your floors, your furniture – wherever your heart desires!  Check out Sunny’s website for more decorative paint ideas and products.  Looks as though she’s come up with some pretty bright ideas!

One of the best aspects of the bedroom is the bed where you lay your head every night to sleep.  It’s the one thing and the one place you can honestly say you’re going to use every day – hopefully for at least 8 hours.  With that being said, why not make your bed a stylish and comfortable spot to rest and install that upholstered headboard you’ve been dreaming about.  They come in all shapes and sizes and the best part is you can dream up and create your own shape!  If you’re extra crafty and can handle a big project there are all kinds of instructions on the internet that show you how to make your own headboard.  However,  if you know what you want but don’t quite have the patience or the skills- ask your local upholsterer to make it for you.  Take a look at some of the different headboards below and decide which style best fits your head!

 

Sleep tight!

Looking for a change but don’t want to break the bank on this project?  Why not paint the floor in your powder room or or entry hall or guest bedroom or wherever you’re dying to mix things up.  It’s something you can do yourself if you carve out the time and kick your family out of the house for a few days   Below are some fun examples of what you can do to make a pretty big statement without having to spend a ton of money.

 

Get out your stencils, purchase your paint and give your floors the funk they deserve.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly it will change the room and how easy it is to do a quick and cost efficient make-over.

My obsession with artists continues which brings me to my next feature artist of the week.  Hannah Lynde is an incredibly talented photographer (and graphic designer) whose work speaks for itself.  Her abstract pieces of the reflections off water take my breath away.  Take a look at her collection and tell me you aren’t tempted to hang at least one of these in your house.  I am…and I will!

Visit Hannah’s website for more information!

My obsession for Nate Berkus has grown after viewing his collection on HSN.  He has the best collection of modern, stylish pieces at affordable prices and what’s great about HSN is you can pay in installments.  A shoppers dream!  I’ve selected my favorites from his collection but you need to take a look at HSN yourself to find some of the best deals out there.  There’s no excuse to put your home decorating project on hold anymore.

luxury silk throws $34.95

bamboo and glass coffee table $199.95

dhurrie chevron rug $29.95-$399.95

gold poof $99.95

tufted headboard $349.90

hexagon cocktail ottoman $399.95

leather studded table $199.95

slipper chair $329.90

handcrafted orbit lamp $129.95

tufted slipper chair $399.95

I’ve been noticing a lot of bars and restaurants lately that have that rustic yet chic atmosphere to them and I’m liking what I see/what I’m surrounded by.  From the old fashioned Edison bulbs, to rustic wood paneling, wood floors mixed with the perfect subtle and smooth stones on the bar or the tables, there’s something so calming and inviting about these spaces.  I’ve shared a few of my favorites I’ve been to recently so you can get an idea of what I’m talking about. Enjoy the viewing and definitely visit one if not all of these spots when in NYC.  Not only is the atmosphere delicious but so is the food!

De Santos on W. 10th Street

This garden is my new favorite in the neighborhood

L’Artusi on West 10th Street

This restaurant is a little more chic than rustic but I had to share because I really enjoyed my meal and the atmosphere.  The stripes on the ceiling might be my favorite touch.

Wilfie & Nell on West 4th Street

Smith and Mills on N. Moore Street

Talk about a fabulous garage make-over with coffered ceilings. wow!

Highlands on W. 10th Street

I went to an event tonight at Pierre Frey hosted by none other than Pierre Frey (grandson to the man who founded the company in 1935), Nicole Gibbons (author of So Haute) as well as Joshua Greene and Alex Kale (founders of Shagreene).  The event had a magnificent panel that included the following four extremely talented designers:

Nate Berkus

Not only is Nate Berkus filled with amazing decorating advice, talent and good looks but he’s also one of the better spoken, easy going and funnier (is that a word?) decorators I’ve come across in awhile.  It’s nice to know that there are people out there who can decorate your home with a sense of style yet still have a great sense of humor about life.  I’d work with Nate any day!

Steven Gambrel

Steven Gambrel established his firm in 1995 and has done wonders ever since.  He spoke a lot about texture and surface materials, something he’s “obsessed” with at the moment.  He’s obviously remarkable at what he does and a true artist/designer who’s looking to create amazing homes for great clients.  Another one I’d work with..

Laura Kirar

Laura is the founder and creative director of Laura Kirar TRU Design which creates elegant, innovative interiors and products for the home.  She has a wonderful presence about her that seems somewhat modest.  Something I admire in talented designers.  Laura has been extremely successful in creating high end products for the home such as furniture, tile, carpets, lighting and much more.  Another one to keep your eye on!

Jessie Carrier and wife Mara Miller

Most recently Carrier and Company was named one of the country’s “Top 20 Young Designers” by Traditional Home and if you browse his portfolio you’ll know why.  Jessie was rather soft spoken and felt very small against a larger panel of great designers but with out a doubt deserved the recognition that Trad Home gave him.

Now for the dirt…

Tips for designing and decorating your home:

1. Keep your interests, favorite colors and surroundings in mind when choosing home furnishings

2. Stay consistent with your project, your vision and stay focused until the project is complete

3. Keep quality in mind when purchasing things and don’t just buy something because it’s less expensive – go for the throw or the side table that’s going to make a statement, last a lot longer and make you happier in the end

4. Focus on a combination of colors that you like instead of just choosing one.  If you like greens and blues, make it your palette

5. Be passionate about your choices and select items and finishes that you’re crazy about!

If I had to choose one of these designers to work with or decorate my home I’m not sure who I’d choose.  They all have their own flare and their own style that would make any home great.  Take a look at some of their work below and see if you can decide who you’d want to hire..

Nate Berkus apartment

Nate Berkus Bedroom

Nate Berkus Kitchen

Steven Gambrel Living Room

Steven Gambrel Bedroom

Steven Gambrel Bedroom

Laura Kirar Living Room

Laura Kirar custom designed carpet

Laura Kirar barrel lounge chairs designed for McGuire and used by a good friend of mine who decorated this living room in the hamptons

Jessie Carrier Living Room

Jessie Carrier Bedroom

Jessie Carrier barn conversion

Thank you Pierre, Nicole, Josh and Alex for a great night!