Fashion and Decor Embrace The Divine Feminine!

After the cruelest winter to wit, we are all looking for a mood elevator to leap into Spring. Fashion and Decor decant from the same cultural elixirs. What we are seeing is the resurgence of color, florals, embroidery and I will add the "L" word--luxury.  In the interior design world floral chintzes are emerging with bold graphics and Indian paisleys. Rich hand embroidered silks are expanding their real estate section in the racks of the textile showrooms.

 Alexander McQueen at Saks on Worth Avenue

Sumptuous hand embroidered draperies from Designers Guild. Yes, I want to wear it!

  

 Hello Manolo Blahnik!

 Frida Giannini, as Gucci's  creative director (successor to Tom Ford) shifted the  emphasis from typography and initials to iconic patterns from their extensive library of pattern and design. While this new style got the thumbs down from the fashion critics, consumers snapped up these Gucci heritage inspired bags. 

Oscar de la Renta

Mariette Himes Gomez at Hickory Chair treated us to a pleasant return to the classic Lee Jofa Althea print, smartly mixing in a relaxed check with a humble mattress ticking, balancing a fresh traditional aesthetic. I hail from the days when we started a room with a floral chintz and the room came together exactly like this. I'm all in for the bit of sunlight to the look I love. 

Then, for October market, Alexa Hampton takes it to another level. 

Alexa stirs up a delicious cocktail of a room incorporating graphic plums, warm green velvets, John Robshaw and Muriel Brandolini Indian patterns with the Cowtan and Tout floral chintz as the fulcrum for the room scheme. 

Alexa Hampton gave us a finger wagging style lesson in her Hickory Chair space last October. It was a brilliant idea to work with a floral chintz to show young people, who might never have considered using this traditional stand-by. We are back to the future of florals in fashion and interior design. Bring on the Spring!! 

More Later!!

Liz

Visit our online store for 

more design ideas for your home!

336-705-1316

liz@dovecotedecor.com

More New York International Gift Show

I was lured to alicia adams alpaca, as we were both guests in the Take Fun Seriously House. We were ships crossing in the night, so I went over to introduce myself.  We were amazed to learn about alpaca fiber, in contrast to Llama and cashmere, not to mention charmed by an effervescent Alicia!

Alpaca is one of the rarest fibers in the world, is softer than cashmere and comes in over 24 natural colors. The wool is fabricated and formed into Alicia's designs by traditional Peruvian artisans. The prices are reasonable, relative to cashmere, so naturally we were excited. 

Alicia and her family raise a herd of 200 Alpaca on their 80 acre farm. Her stylish designs executed by the indigenous people of Peru, combine quality and style, while supporting communities whose craft would be lost without the support of well traveled designers and consumers. 

While Alicia's soft designs entranced me, I embrace the opposite end of the spectrum with equal delight. 

One of a kind Uzbekistan quilts still rock my world. 

Dovecote Decor carries these traditional rag rugs HERE.  Using upholstery grade fabrics in varying color combinations, Patricia Lukas will customize your rug to blend seamlessly with your wall paper and fabric schemes. Sister Parish used them in numerous projects to achieve the understated American Country House look. They are still fresh, sensible and work in a multiple settings. 

In this Maine cotttage, Sister Parish layered bold stripes, quilt patterns and fabrics to achieve her signature of comfortable eleganceW. 

Note how the hooked rug beneath the coffee table makes the graphics pop, when layered over sisal. 

A few examples of hooked rug patterns that we use at Dovecote Decor to layer a room can be seen HERE.  We have many different patterns, so call if you are looking for something not on the website.   

John Robshaw's quilts are another fresh traditional way to punch up a traditional room. 

Annie Selke's Pine Cone Hill has a glorious selection of linens and pajamas, a leading cause of increased bedhead.  Down the aisle there were some more irresistible bed time options. 

On a more formal note, I was searching for some table top items, inspired by House Beautiful's October 2011 issue. It is hands down, my favorite dining room of the year. 

I love the soft green and lavender glassware in this stunning Pat Healing dining room. Lately, clear glass is looking tired to me, so in search of chic table setting ideas, we found some great inspiration. 

Laurent Trade and Designs had nicely scaled hand blown Italian glasses that I am longing for. 

Kiss that Frog (above) has delightfully French themed accessories. These glasses say bienvenue!

All of these glasses are on my wishlist, but our big purchase is my favorite new invention EVER!

We purchased three of these, as shown. This rolling English hamper of suede and leather from Gourmet Trotters and co. U.K. has exquisite details such as, salt and pepper grinders, French cutlery, cutting boards, linen napkins. Both the Queen and Prince Andrew own several! They are very clever in design, as the modular nature of the sections, makes it easy for loading. The lids and bases are magnetized to increase their stability while rolling across a bumpy lawn. I have sold two already, so if you must have one, give us a call. 

Dovecote Decor offers a fine selection of furniture, lighting and accessories

HERE

If you are looking for a specific item that you do not find on our website, please call us: 

336-705-1316

Thank You for visiting!!

Lennox Hill Neighborhood House Designer Decorated Tables!

Its that time of year again! My daughter, Devon, who works for Lindsey Coral Harper sent us wonderful images of the gala tables. 

Lindsey created a lush Indian themed feast for the deities with this sumptuous Kravet fabric. 

Serious flower power comes from Sebastian Li. The place cards are from John Robshaw stationery. 

Eddie Ross, always has the most glorious arrangements. Just when you think he's outdone himself, he wows us again. 

The table is a collaboration with Carleton V. The table cloth is from his atelier. Jaithan just checked in with me, and wanted to convey credit for these charming match boxes:. "Those are handmade matchbooks from our friend, Susan Schneider, of Shandell's in Millerton at every place setting!" 

If you are going near the D and D, pop in to see Eddie's windows for Carleton V. They've been a sensation! The additional Jaithan news flash is: "We're also including Lindsey's (Lindsey Coral Harper's) tables in our next window!" 

Little Rock Arkansas designer, Tobi Fairley, chooses a "big rock" Tiffany Blue for her color scheme. 

Don't you just want to tear into that package, not to mention the dinner?

David Duncan Antiques, presents a tropical cornucopia of fruits and orchids. 

Lynde Easterlin sets off her turf with silks and trophies.

Florida native, Ashley Whittaker, sets another tropical note with a Cowtan and Tout tablecloth.

Chairs- Greenwhich Living

Fabric on chairs- Alan Campbell Zig Zag

Ferns- Plaza Flowers

Christopher Spitzmiller centers his signature hand made lamp base over an Indian quilt recently purchased on a trip to India. The mogul turbans are from John Robshaw.

A sophisticated El Morocco themed table stands out graphically against the riot of color. I am waiting to find out who made this fun table, then I'll let you know.

Last but not least, we have Lucca and company, the only participant that brought their own gorgeous table. It is a custom Belgian blue stone table with solid steel handmade black base.

 Lucca and Company is known for their understated, signature combination of stone, pewter and crystal with Belgian linen.

Thanks to my daughter Devon Morten of LCH interiors for the great pictures!

And....

The Winner of our Giveaway is...

Jeanne Berrong, designer, GDC Home, Charleston, SC