Schumacher 125th Anniversary collection

I'll start by saying this. I'm a sucker for almost anything deemed "iconic", pulled from the past and at the time fabulous!!! Albert Hadley designs, Jackie O, David Hicks, Jane Birkin, Grace Kelly, Eartha Kitt...are just a few people who inspire me. 

I've been on the hunt for "great finds" lately. So I was thrilled to see Schumacher's 125th Anniversary collection at their show room last week.. Hanging was row after row of amazing fabrics that not only had a beautiful hand but also rich prints. I'm sharing a selection of my favorites! Head over to the Schumacher site to see the rest!

Okay, which client of mine wants to use that fabulous leopard??...hmmm I think I have one in mind. ;)


"To celebrate Schumacher’s 125th Anniversary, we’ve mined our archives to pull together a best hits collection of the house’s most iconic fabrics—updated for rooms that draw on the past to redefine the way we live today."

Citrus Garden

Shock Wave

Shengyou Toile

Serengeti - Tigre Blanc

Iconic leopard - returns from the 70's

Zanzibar Trellis

Happenings...

Photography: Sarah Winchester

Happy Monday. I hope this little sneak peek doesn't frustrate you. I can't show the entire room quite yet. This job consisted of a small powder room, a mud room and an entire kitchen renovation. The fabrics are from Peter Dunham, Starburst and Hable Construction. The rug, HomeGoods, believe it or not.

Rose Cummings - Zebrine in blue

I've also been working with a client remotely on another small, budget friendly kitchen renovation. She's given the thumbs up to using Rose Cummings Zebrine in blue to line the back of bookshelves + also in a small mudroom. Whoo hoo. I love this wallpaper and may HAVE to use it in my own powder room someday.

Speaking of my own home..the search will resume and intensify this Spring. There hasn't been much on the market. Remember I promised to show you what's available for about $315,000 in this area.  Wish granted, here's a sample of what's out there. It's not a bad little house, I could make it shine, the issue is it's only 1050 sq feet with two bedrooms. I need three...

I thankfully caught fashion photographer, Mario Testino 's exhibit at the MFA this past weekend. It was perfection. From the lighting, to the photographs (obviously), to the wall color selected, to the frames..I loved it.

 On a final fashion note...I've decided to go to a Gala/fundraiser this Spring in honor of a friend and the local Boys and Girls club. I'm not sure of the exact dress code, but wouldn't it be fun to have an excuse to buy a gown and dress up? Here are a few beauties I'd like to wear. 

Classic black lace with a modern silhouette, I've always loved Monique Lhuillier dresses. This form fitting one looks like it would be flattering on. 

I love navy when the shade is right. It also would work well with my light hair. This Michael Kors version is pretty.

You have to chose color wisely with gowns but for a Spring event this Emerald green dress nails it. Although I'd have to see how the pleats fall, I'm sure this model is a soaring 5'11". (which I can be with heels) It's also way out of my price range..but a girl can be inspired, can't she?

or as my reader mentioned (see comment) I could go with a cocktail dress.. They're sort of more my style and I'd wear it again...and again..here's some gorge cocktail dress (+ skirt) inspiration. I would love to find a feathered skirt to wear with a sequin top. I ADORE all of these looks.

Temperley London

Hip Mama

I admire a woman with her own style and image. Solange Knowles, a singer, model and mommy (and yes Beyonce's younger sis), has an uber indie style layered with color, texture and pattern! As you know, I love a look fashionably speaking and at home that doesn't feel forced or expected. Here's a peek at Solange's Brooklyn home featured in September's issue of Elle magazine. The images were taken while Solange hosted a cocktail party for all her stylish, creative type friends. Solange remarks that she loves throwing "rowdy till the wee hours roll up the rug" dance parties. Sounds like my kind of girl! I can't wait to entertain again!!

Adoring the mix of ethnic patterns found throughout!

Coincidentally I just included this pillow from John Robshaw in a nursery presentation for a great client! Rug: Madeline Weinrib

 Here's a sample of her music, love the retro sound of this song! A bit more up my alley then her big sister's sound!

All photography by: Paul Costello

On My Radar

I love the concept of layering pattern and texture in design right now! Remember don't be afraid to take risks and be sure to vary the scale and direction of the patterns to keep the look from getting chaotic! 

Kelly for Groundworks + more...

I'm loving Kelly Wearstler's refined fabric collaboration for Lee Jofa's Groundworks collection. Charcoals, blacks and cream tones paired with bright shades are sitting well with me right now! A couple of my girl friend's and I are thinking of heading to Miami for a getaway this Fall. (the plus side to using my Amex too much - free miles) I vote that we stay at the Miami-Viceroy. I'll at least grab a drink there to take in the amazing design details! I've been a fan of Kelly's work since I was in grad school, that was about 12 years ago. (I hate to date myself) The entire design hits on so many details that I'm currently adoring! See my mentions below! I love that Kelly marches to the beat of her own drum, her designs and fabrics feel more artist and dynamic then anything else.

When I move I think I need to cover something in the charcoal and cream faux bois print (top pillow above)

LOVE: Limed wood paired with aqua and deep cobalt

Architectural outdoor spaces

Graphic chairs, tufting and limey-yellow ( a color predicted to trend next winter)

Rope details and small club chairs - working on a nursery with rope details right now!

Oversized lamps and tufting! (Did I mention tufting ? )

And as ALWAYS, fret work..I'm always searching for the next best fretwork design.

Custom Chandeliers and citrus yellow

DVF home line?

How do you feel about Diane Von Furstenberg's design for the Claridge in London? Her twenty guest suites launched in June 2010. Does her signature mix of textiles and prints work for you here? or not? Her full fabric-home line will be available January 11'.

Image credit: Town and Country image one,