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

A good friend of mine recently brought my attention to John Robshaw’s collection for Duralee and after looking through the fabrics I have to say I’m slightly obsessed.  The textiles are stitched, woven, worn piqued, filled with gorgeous color, block printed patterns,  and have that oh so John Robshaw ethnic touch.  I thought I’d share my obsession for the moment and show you some of my faves below:

 

The grey and yellow combination is so soothing

citrine zebra – yes!

So soft and subtle yet the detail is divine

A perfect stitched geometric that will coordinate beautifully with florals and smaller prints

Great color!

A subtle blue paisely

Loving this combo of blues

A preppy touch

Aqua prints to die for

Indigo dots

 

The Valspar Color Project

Valspar has launched the first of three celebrity videos with Molly Sims which is part of their Valspar Color Project.  The project is to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity which is a non profit organization building low income housing for families in need.  Every time you view and/or share this video, Valspar will donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity to help each celebrity reach their goal of $100,000.  It’s that simple.  You get to see the behind the scenes footage of Molly Sims as she decorates her nursery for her first baby and donate to a great cause while doing so.  View, donate and share!  Who knew it could be that easy?

 

 

 

Abstract art seems to be the “it” thing these days and it’s hard to stay focused on just one artist when there are so many amazing talents out there like Reagan Geschardt.   Reagan and her husband Danny (who is also an artist) recently moved back to the NYC area from Naples, FL where they ran a very successful decorative arts business.  Reagan was trained in trompl l’oiel  murals and fine art  but has now started to focus on creating and selling her abstract works which are interpretations of her daily experiences.  Some of her current paintings study the interplay of color and light using water and landscapes and things that surround her.  The colors are magnificent and might be just what your room is missing.  For more information visit Reagan’s website here and find out about upcoming events so you can see her work in person!  Art is beautiful no matter how you look at it, but let’s be honest, it’s best in living color!

 

Water Lilies

Abstract Barn

Barn

Danny Geschardt (Reagan’s husband) also sells his abstract paintings and these two seem to work well as a team!  See Danny’s work below:

Between the two of them I’d say there’s something here for everyone.  The colors are enough to make me forget about all the rain we’ve been getting lately.  So don’t let your home get too gloomy – it’s time to add some abstract color!

 

Mark your calendars for the mad rush to Target stores on October 21 — Nate Berkus has recently announced his new line specifically made for Target which means it will be affordable and ultra chic.  The assortment will include stylish and relatable pieces that feel like they were collected over time and can be easily layered into existing decor.

 

Nate  Berkus

In his own words: “I created this collection for Target with my philosophy that homes should evoke a feeling, not a theme.  There is something for everyone in this line so I’m thrilled to offer Target guests’ patterns, colors and objects that represent what I love most for the home”  Visit the following link to view his interview: Dine and Design: Nate Berkus Reveals His New Home Collection at Target

Some of the pillows and throws in his new line

Adorable faux snake skin box

I can’t wait to get a hold of a few things for my own home

It’s no surprise that renowned interior designer Genevieve Gorder from HGTV designed a fabulous vignette at this years Design on a Dime event.  She shows us how easy it is to pull a room together using almost everything from Housing Works thrift store.  The key ingredient: Valspar paint.   It’s truly amazing what you can do with a can of paint and some thrift store finds.  All you need is a little imagination and the desire to freshen things up a bit.  I had the opportunity to speak with Genevieve and found out exactly where the inspiration came from and how she was able to pull it all together so perfectly.

Here’s Genevieve’s DOAD vignette.  How amazing does that Luscious Green look on the walls? (Valspar 6010-7)

Q:  What was the inspiration for your palette?

 

A:  I tend to go through phases where I’m obsessed with certain colors and at the moment, it’s emerald green.  I’m also really drawn to golds, yellows and peonie pink so I was ready to bring out  all the big players and really make the room come alive.  I of course had to work in the neutrals to balance everything out and make sure one color complimented the next.  The seasons also help to inspire, as do the latest colors in fashion.

 

Those Golden Delight chairs are a ray of sunshine (Valspar 3005-1A)

 

Q: Did you use spray paint or was everything brushed on?  How easy is it to re-purpose the furniture?

 

A:  The emerald green on the walls was rolled out like you would with any wall but all the furniture was sprayed using Valspar’s non drip spray paint which is truly remarkable.  It really doesn’t drip which makes refurbishing furniture very easy and gives each piece an even finish.  You can do anything with this paint and truly turn anything dull and tired into something fabulous

 

 

Q: How did you decide on the accent colors?

 

A:  It was all about being really graphic and using bright pops.  Accents are made to be colorful

 

 

Q:  Are all the pieces in your vignette from Housing Works?

 

A:  95% of it is from Housing Works on 17th Street.  My original thought was to create a living room but when I got there and realized they didn’t have a sofa I could use,  my vignette became a dining area.  Regardless of the room you’re designing, you can always find great pieces at Housing Works

 

Not only is her room stunning but so is she.  A very pretty woman on tv but even prettier in person

 

Q: What’s your favorite piece in the room?

 

A:  These Falcon pendants.  Who wouldn’t want these, right?  When I bought them they were full of terrible color and looked tired and dated so I sprayed them with a high gloss black which instantly made them cool.  Now they really stand out and add a great element to the room

 

Amazing!  I believe Genevieve bought these herself because she was so pleased with the transformation! (color: Valspar Lincoln Cottage Black 2009-2)

 

Q: Is there anything people should know about Valspar paint in particular?

A: The thing I love about Valspar is they have a love your color guarantee.  If you don’t love the original color you put up, you can purchase another color and get reimbursed for the first one that didn’t work out.  It’s amazing.  They really know how to take care of their customers.

 Visit Valspar Paint for more information on their Love Your Color Guarantee

In addition to Genevieve’s vignette there were many other colorful rooms thanks to Valspar Paint.  Take a look at some of the creative designs and goodies that were selling like hot cakes.  A lot sold on opening night but I went by the sale on Saturday with a client and there were still great deals to be had.  If you missed Design on a Dime this year, be sure to put it on your calendar for next.  It’s a great night for a great cause and you won’t go home empty handed

Tilton Fenwick designed an adorable kids’ room with lots of color and a fabulous wall treatment done by TalkingWalls.  Daybed: The New Traditionalists, Striped Rug: Merida Meridian

The Tilton Fenwick team looking beautiful as always!

C Wonder’s beautiful blue and white table (with splashes of red)

ARDEN

Nick Olsen’s colorful space including that gorgeous Spitzmiller lamp which went home with Stylebeat – lucky girl!

So many things to swoon over – I was lucky enough to snag that black and white pillow for my own home

Harry Heissmann Inc

Housing Works

Matthew Patrick Smyth

Miles Redd

Flair – I know the proud owner of that smashing desk

Tiger Lily’s Greenwich

Amanda Nisbet

One of my all time faves – Lillian August

Lifestyle by Maria Gabriela Brito

Dering Hall

Neal Beckstedt Studio

High Falls Mercantile

So many amazing designers and fun people to see at this event.  Most importantly all the proceeds enable Housing Works’ efforts to end homelessness and AIDS.  It’s a win win for all.  Enjoy the beautiful designs from this years benefit and join us next year for another bound to be successful party.

It’s here!  The new LuLu DK line for your child has arrived at F. Schumacher and it will be flying out of stock.  From adorable animal prints to simple stars and sailboats she’s created a colorful and smashing collection that will brighten any kids room.  I’m already showing them to clients and can’t wait to see the rooms once they’re finished.  Check out the complete collection here and see below for my top picks.  Warning: the images are very small so you’ll have to visit F. Schumacher to get a good look!

 

Ode to Matisse

Jelly Bean

Macaroni

Star

Cha-Cha

Love

Skittles

We all know how annoying it is to get inundated with junk in our inboxes which is why it’s sometimes hard to weed out the bad and find the good without just deleting everything you don’t recognize.  Today I came across a gem (pun intended) of a site, so I thought I’d share my find of the day.  RabLabs is a home decor and accessories company that features naturally and biologically inspired products that seamlessly fuse ancient materials with cutting edge design.  Take a look at their website for more information but until then take a look at a few of my favorite pieces below:

Candlestick holders

Spreaders

Platters

Book Ends

Spreaders/Bottle Opener

There are so many amazing fabrics out there it’s hard to decide how exactly you want your bed dressed every day.  Do you choose a fun and colorful fabric for your headboard and keep the bedding on the simpler side?  Or do you keep the headboard simple and solid so you can mix and match with your bedding and easily swap it out when you need a change?  This is a battle that a lot of my clients have until one day they make the decision to just go with what they love.  Which way would you go?

This bold and colorful headboard is that of Michelle Adams from Lonny Magazine and I think it was a great choice!

photo via effortless style

The shape can sometimes speak for itself so the simpler the fabric, the better

While the headboard has some flare, this room is still very soothing

It’s almost like a puzzle piece

A whole lot of bold thrown in one bedroom for the daring

The height on this headboard adds an element

Simple headboard, splashes everywhere else

Whatever you decide, i hope your bed allows you to sleep well at night!

I spent most of my afternoon at the Soho House visiting with the Merida girls who gave us the inside scoop on the textile design process from concept to creation.   The creativity and detail that goes into each design convinced me that I need to take a trip to Boston to see their design studio and get a tour of the weaving mill – so that’s the plan.  I’m hoping to make my way up this Fall with my friends from Tilton Fenwick who are both former Boston girls (BC and Tufts), as am I.  Until then, I leave you with this; some beautiful images from Merida’s website so you can see a glimpse of their beautiful collection.

A design by Barclay Butera via Merida Meridian

Another Design by Barclay

The viewpoint wool collection

Celerie Kemble’s collection which there will be more of this summer!

Waffle Weave

Felted Cable design

Diamond sisal from their Broadway collection

Thanks again to the team (Catherine, Roxanne, Nicola, Maegan, Siobhan, Whitney) at Merida for having us today and showing us such a beautiful collection.  Each and every member of the team was so welcoming and talented.  I can’t wait to see you all in Boston soon!

I found another artist (Mimi Chen Ting) who brightened up my day so I had to share her playful pieces with you.  I can see these compositions and colors in all kinds of rooms and spaces – especially if it’s on the traditional side and you’re looking to make a modern statement.  Take a look at her work through Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery and let me know how you feel after a viewing.  It should be cheery!