Design Trends!

The final installment of my trip to Market was to look at the overall design trends for 2011.

We saw a lot of furniture that mimicked Tara Shaw Maison and Aidan Gray - some were more rustic like Restoration Hardware, some were more chippy and distressed. There were a variety of price points and quality. But if you are interested in this look you will be able to find it at any price. My only caution when shopping is to look at the finishes - some of these vendors are doing great work that looks authentic and others are not. I was very impressed with almost all the pieces from BLISS (above) - they were my favorite vendor for quality versus price.

We continued to see in almost every showroom neutrals and linens. This bedding ensemble from Legacy Linens was just beautiful.

But the one new element we noticed the most was the introduction of more organic and textural type materials. We saw more rattan, raw wood and specifically we saw a lot of driftwood/wood.

We saw wood made into sculptures like this wonderful horse -

And this large seahorse!

Pieces like this mirror were in several showrooms but Currey and Company seemed to have the best selection and the best quality.

Here it is with several lamps with wood bases.

This large mirror was just striking - and notice the chandelier in front.

They had several other interesting Chandeliers like this trellis style.

We fell in love with this standing lamp - we loved the texture and scale.

Their smaller lamps were also interesting. They had several styles like this ball lamp.

and the figure - we loved this one.

Over all we saw little departure from the past year - most vendors playing it safe and neutral with lots of gray, taupe and brown. It was a great trip and I came back even more inspired than before, with many new sources with quality products. I would be interested to hear how you all feel about seeing more of this look and your thoughts on trends for 2011.

(all photos Willow Decor not be copied without permission)

Tara Shaw Maison - America's Mart Part III

One of my most favorite areas at the Market is the "High Design" section. It houses beautiful temporary showrooms dedicated to those designers that have very exclusive lines. Of course Tara Shaw was there, amid a backdrop of chocolate brown walls, with the most beautiful furniture.

It was so fun to see my friend Tara Shaw again! As usual her "Maison" Line stopped everyone in their tracks. She has added over thirty new pieces and her beautiful collection has over 75 items now. Let's have a look at some of my favorites:

The Italian Grisaille Panels were just stunning. You all know how I love Grisaille (to read my post on Grisaille click HERE). These panels were almost a perfect pair in gorgeous sepia tones.

Her new upholstered pieces were also beautiful. I loved this Italian Monogram Chair. It can be custom monogrammed to your specifications.

People were buzzing around the Baroque Canape - the back is removable so it is like two different pieces in one.

The silver leaf bench had a much more beautiful finish than my camera captured and look at all that hand carving.

The Italian Fragment mirror would be a fabulous focal point in any room - it's beauty really commands attention.

It was hung over this Italian Buffet. The finish of soft blues and golds were just extraordinary.

Of course she also had her signature lighting, but this Gilded Iron Corona Chandelier really caught my eye.

And the popularity of her small crowns prompted her to create this Corona on a stand. So many beautiful new things to see and wish for!! If you are interested in purchasing any of these fabulous items do let me know and I can send on pricing and shipping estimates.

By the way , my friend Millie, of M Design and Consultation, is now Tara Shaw's exclusive Interior Designer, you can contact Millie HERE. You can read all about my visit to New Orleans with Millie HERE. And my previous post on the Tara Shaw Maison Line HERE. To visit the Tara Shaw Maison website click HERE.

See you in few days with my final post - Trends at the Atlanta Market. Until then I will be shoveling out from under another Boston snowstorm!! Did I mention my back hurts??!!

America's Mart - Part II Napa Home & Garden

One of the highlights of my trip to Atlanta was visiting the showroom of one of my favorite companies, Napa Home & Garden.

Napa Home & Garden is owned by Jerry and KC Cunningham. Over the past 10 years they have grown their company exponentially, and in these trying times that is saying a lot!! How did they do it? Well, after meeting KC Cunningham and having the great privilege of spending some time chatting with her, the reasons for their success are crystal clear!

First let me say that I have never met a more gracious and stylish woman. Not only is she chic but KC is also an astute business woman. Her incredible eye and design sense are evident at every turn. Their product line provides high quality solutions for many client's design needs. I have been a fan of Napa Home & Garden for several years, but to say I was even more impressed after I met KC was an understatement. Let me show you why I hold this company is such high regard.

KC mentioned her number one selling items are her Firelites line. What is so wonderful about Firelites are that they use an eco friendly gel fuel made with recycled post-consumer waste from materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills. KC explained to us that it means with almost no fumes they can be used both outside and inside!! Of course you need to follow some basic rules, but used appropriately, they really can add so much to your outdoor and indoor decor. Above are the Vintage Pots line - look at the amazing crackle glaze and the colors.

They add an instant ambiance to any space.

Just like a candle, but when not in use they become a wonderful design accessory. I love this style called the Lion Tower - It comes in four finishes - I adore the Matte Black.

But I am equally enamored with the turquoise.

I also really love the shape and finish on the Party Time line. Firelites come in almost 50 styles and also come in larger sizes up to 45" tall, so the possibilities are endless.

I was also smitten with their FibreClay faux lead outdoor planters. The company brochure says "they only look heavy" and that is the truth!!

Both Di and I easily lifted them and marveled at the true life, aged lead finish! Gorgeous!

Of course they also have more traditional planters as well, including the famous Guy Wolff line. The displays at the Mart were just beautiful when all the different lines and statuary were shown collectively.

Isn't this display amazing?

Not just a company for outdoor decor, they also have a stunning preserved greens line. They use a unique, proprietary process so the greens look fresh indefinitely.

They come in many different containers, including these lovely distressed gray pots

And more formal mercury glass containers

The line is varied and includes wreaths as well.

But perhaps the most exciting products I saw were from artist John Lamos. He created the "John Lamos Studio Line" exclusively for Napa Home & Garden.

John's work has become synonymous with sustainablity. He creates his items with a "cementitious" material - cement mixed with two thirds recycled material that yeilds a product that is lighter and stronger than concrete and unlimited in its design appplications.

His current designs, exclusive to Napa Home & Garden, include unique planters, bowls, pedestals, firepots, pavers and chargers. The shapes and forms were all inspired by nature and are made in the USA by hand.

Here are the some photos of the pavers

A close up shows the incredible texture and color that mimics real wood

The color is intergral so even scratches don't show.

Although my flash over exposed this shot - the petal bowls were also lovely

The forms were just so elegant and beautiful

The collection also includes fire burning Torchieres, like the one above, and other items called "Wormwood" plates

It was such a treat to see all the exciting, new things from Napa Home & Garden

And a special thank you, from Di and I, to the wonderful KC Cunningham. We are so thrilled for your company's success and excited to see where you take us next!!

For more information on Napa Home & Garden click HERE. And stay tuned for America's Mart -Part III - Tara Shaw Maison.

(all photos property of Willow Decor and Napa Home & Gardren - not to be used with out permission)