High Point Furniture Market Spring 2011....Fabulous Fun & Finds

Twice a year High Point Furniture Market takes place.......it's ALWAYS a fabulous time. Between seeing what's new & what's hot, there is also the many extremely talented gifted souls one has the pleasure of seeing that make market so much fun. The best part of it all for me is that I get to experience this with my dear friend and talented designer, Gloria Blalock of Blalock Interiors.

Here you will find just a few of the exciting things and amazing people that one bumps into along the exciting as well as exhilarating whirlwind of the High Point furniture market. Come join me for the intoxicating ride.

Hickory Chair, one of the most talked about showrooms at each market, and as predicted, they did NOT disappoint.

Alexa Hampton's furniture collection offers style & class for modern living.

Mariette Himes Gomez collection is clean, refreshing that offers a classic and contemporary vibe.

   

One of the highlights was sitting down with some brilliant designers and having a comfortable, relaxed and funny (Alexa Hampton is not only designs gracious and classic furniture, but she is also quite the comedian) conversation with Alexa Hampton, Mariette Himes Gomez, Mary Douglas Drysadale and Gloria de Lourdes Blalock.

  

Thom Filicia's line for Vanguard (which their ENTIRE showroom rocked) is best put in their words to describe this man's amazing talent and style..... "Thom Filicia, a designer of sexy, hip and exciting environments. Mixing refined details with raw edges, blending industrial and organic objects. Perfectly balancing elements in unique and beautiful ways."

The ever so talented Thom Filicia, along with president of Thom Filicia Designs, Marc Szafran.

Barclay Buttera, the name and man, well he has it all. Style, class, charisma and charm.

Barclay Buttera Lifestyle Showroom is always exceptional to visit, for the stylishness that this man creates is extraordinary. As one meanders from one room setting to the next, each one draws you in, wanting to linger and savor all that the eye beholds.

This spring at the Barclay Buttera Lifestyle Showroom, I was particularly drawn to this stylish buttery soft leather sofa which was just as comfortable as it was sophisticated in style.








Love..This market he also paired up with Eastern Accents to introduce a fabulous new bedding line (I don't think this man has time to sleep). To die for! Need I say more? Didn't think so.

The adorable Amy Jo Cosgrove has paired up with her mother in law, Barabara Cosgrove in selling her stunning & stylish lamp line, which sell in fine establishments such as Neiman Marcus & ABC Carpet & Home.....

There were so many beautiful, classy, and innovative lamps throughout it was hard to pick a favorite for sure.

So much to see, so little time.... this is just a sneak peak into the all the eye candy and remarkable people that we were able to catch a glimpse of.  

There was also amazing art, beautiful beds....

Trendy tables, cheetah chairs..........

Striking Chest of Drawers and magnificent mirrors. 

Vintage finds......

 And, the list goes on and on and on and on.........  

Stay tuned, for I will share more terrific highlights later along with some sensational people we saw along the way.

Blue Skies…..Bring Them On In…Up On The Ceiling

When one gazes outside, who’s mood can not help but to lift at the thought of blue skies?  So, why not illuminate the too often forgotten about element inside…..the ceiling?  Let’s step inside and take a peak at the dynamic difference blue can make up on a ceiling.

Elizabeth Hague in this serene bedroom mixes a very relaxing palette complimented beautifully with the blue ceiling.

  Veranda room by Nathan Turner  A soothing palette of blue and beige sets the stage for relaxation in a “Belgian aesthetic.”   European antiques and ethnic textiles are mixed with a combination of textures. Weighty elements are balanced against lighter ones, establishing a gracious equilibrium with shades of blues sprinkled throughout.

   This tranquil palette and amazing view is absolutely heavenly bringing a feeling of calmness where one might linger for hours days at a time.  Designed by Ali Schwarz.

Restful in muted tones, the eye wanders up for a relaxing soft pale shade of blue grey.  Victoria Hagen

  
The charming beach cottage in Maine is the retreat of designer, Francine O'Donnell  Salomon Photography  as seen @ Willow Decor.. “I like to feel the color with out getting overwhelmed by it.”  Love the details in this kitchen, the old blue urn is to die for.

The ever so talented Suzanne Kasler creates a fresh vibe in this gorgeous kitchen.  The dark rich wood floors enhance the rich tone of the blue paneled ceiling that pops with the crisp white throughout.   Traditional Home    Wall paint White Dove Benjamin Moore   Ceiling paint Cowgirl Blue" #VM137, reduced by 50 percent Ralph Lauren Paint

The blue ceiling is the perfect complement with the black and white foyer.  Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 

The vibrant punch of colors on this porch would brighten up any dreary day.  Amanda Nisbet Design

A unique bed wall makes a statement with a stunning salvaged piece from the stage set of the Titanic screen play. Walls are painted in our "Adobe" and the ceiling in "Gustavian Grey".  Ellen Kennon Paints

  Tobi Fairley adds pizzazz to this space by wrapping the whole room in many shades of different hues of blue, creating a nice balance from top to bottom.

 The classic color combination of blue and white will never go out of style, but the modern way to use blue is a confident mix of related colors: turquoise, aqua, cobalt, and robin’s egg all layered for an easy, fresh look with a spectrum of ocean blues.” Suzanne Brown of Gordon Alvarado  Coastal Living 

If you would like help creating the right feeling and balance in your home, contact Interior View about on line  design services or to set up a design consultation in person.

xo
Laura

Add Pizzazz With Painted Wood Floors

Rejuvenate tired old floors with a fresh coat of paint or stain.  Whether with a pattern such as a geometric, stripe, solid, damask, skies the limit with the options, from classic, to contemporary to snazzy to whimsical.  Painting and decorating the floor is a clever creative way to add personality to a space that's often overlooked.

 
 Octagonal Key pattern hand painted sealed with a high gloss foyer floors by Billet Collins.  Interior design by Brown Davis

Billet Collins is proud to be recognized as one of Washington, DC’s most influential decorative painting studios and I’m thrilled to share just a few of their fabulous projects (along with others) with you here.  Extremely talented, gifted artists that are also big fans of painted floors, ranging from classic to contemporary.  With patience making sure the layout is just right, and taking the time to do it correctly (there is lots of prep work involved in the process) floors painted by Billet Collins will be durable, creating many years of enjoyment.  If you want gorgeous professionally painted wood floors (and more) these are the gals to contact.

 
The Music Room, a room at the WDC Design House. The floor design was inspired by DC's radiating layout by L'Enfant.  Floors hand painted by: Billet Collins.  Interior design by Barbara Billet

Many layouts are geometric and can be quite complicated, figuring out the math would be in my mind something only a brilliant mathematician would be able to do. Brilliant is definitely what Billet Collins must be!  To have them laid out precisely so (which they nail every time) makes all the difference in the world.  If not laid out properly the pattern can certainly break the entire design.

 Billet Collins preference of water based paints and glazes also allows them to feel better about using eco friendly products.  And they are just as effective in use and durability as the more toxic oil paints.  See how the glaze allows the wood grain to show through? 

Welcome and wow all your guests by making a bold statement at the front entrance with a painted geometric floor.  Small spaces like foyers or hallways can handle a large dose of pattern -- and even look larger with an expansive repeat.
Suzanne Rheinstein’s City Escape the painted floor is by Bob Christian.  Elle Decor

 Joel Woodard  Created an intimate sitting area with modern artwork, cozy lighting, and added a lot of dimension with an amazing two-tone floor of contrasting squares in chocolate brown and a silver grey.  Image via House Beautiful

Chevron pattern along with a subtle stripe runner adds a fabulous dimension to this foyer.   Nancy Bozhardt 

In the kitchen: Painted floors in an extra large checkerboard pattern to add an unexpected interest and a little playful fun under your feet.  Coastal Living 

The large bold geometric pattern strong contrast of the white and chocolate with kisses of golden hues and sharp black accents create a space with a lot of punch.  Source Unknown….anyone?

 Billet Collins Floors faux painted with wood grain, then stenciled with two tone star and the dining table fabric was painted with a lion motif.

Designer: Elizabeth Mayhew  adds a soft touch in the bedroom with a diamond pattern with accents in taupe and white.  Fantastic interview (as they all are) with/Ronda of All The Best Blog

 

 

 

 

Tobi Fairley adds a touch of playfulness and sophistication with a little whimsy thrown in to this kitchen and breakfast room by introducing a unique soft blue and off white striped painted floor.  Perfection!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary McDonald as seen @ Hirshfield

 Billet Collins One fish, two fish...Koi on the master bedroom floors.  Just plain lovely whimsical fun….LOVE!  Painted in porch paints for great durability and easy clean up after a sandy day at the beach.  Interior design by Mary Douglas Drysdale of  Drysdale Inc.

For all you DIY’s who might want to tackle a project like this on your own, head over to read a great article: How to Paint a Wood Floor.  

For anyone else that is liking the idea but would like some professional guidance and help pulling it all together contact Interior View for all your design needs. 

xo
Laura