Monday, April 30, 2012

A Star Studded Week




Wow, what an awesome week for a designer in High Point. I've been going to HP twice a year now for 12 years and never have I been so privileged to meet some of the top designers in the US.


Alexa Hampton

My day began by  meeting Alexa Hampton, who was just a delight.  She has a way of making people feel very comfortable, just like her designs.
Alexa Hampton

Alexa has a line of furniture for Hickory Chair Furniture based on reinterpreted historical pieces and known for  making classic designs comfortable.

Photograph by Rosa Dest Interiors with her line of furniture


Susan Hable


Read more about Susan Hable and Hable Construction

Susan,  is the first textile designer that Hickory Chair Furniture has ever used to develop  a line for them. 



Her textile design firm offers clean, simple silk screening and domestic manufacturing.

This was one of my favorites of her fabric combinations, I love the use of textures combining cut velvets and silks.  The paintings are original water colors by Susan.


I've had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne twice and although she may never remember me, I will never forget her.  I first met her at the Brunschwig showroom in Charlotte, NC where she was debuting her fabric line for Lee Jofa and then last week at Hickory Chair.  She is charming and so enthused about her lines of fabric and furniture.
 


I took this photograph at the Hickory Chair showroom,where you can see her beautiful line of furniture and fabrics.  Suzanne mixes both antique and modern pieces to create a timeless environment.


Merging traditional with modern, Thomas O'Brien uses  textures and colors not prints to merge cool and warm creating an evolving feeling.  He likes his rooms to "Not look decorated", "love it and let it be" is what he feels a home should be.

Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair




Barclay Butera, "Furniture does not make a home, Life does"     
I love his quote, it resonates in my practice of design.  "Design is the way you present your lifestyle to the world".


I feel like I hit the jackpot last week at High Point, not only getting to meet these fabulous designers but also learning about their lines, their inspirations and what drives them.
A big thank you to Laura Holland of  Hickory Chair for taking time during market to reacquaint me with your company and beautiful furniture.




 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Spring in the Carolinas

                             

              Spring in the Carolina's

 You could say I've been on spring break or a bloggers vacation, or simply been   to  busy to blog.  All of the above are true, so I'll ease into blogging by sharing the beauty of spring in the Carolina's.

Spring came early to Charlotte and with a big welcome.  I look so forward to spring despite the pollen that comes with it; the air is fresh, the colors are lovely and Charlotte looks spectacular!
There's  nothing more beautiful to me  than to look outside my windows and see the beauty of nature.  This Varnadoe pink Azalea has moved with me from two different locations.  It is the one plant in my garden I get the most excited to see bloom.

Varnadoe pink Azalea

The roses are in their glory!  I could not do it alone and if it weren't for Robert from The Perfect Rose, I would not enjoy the bounty of roses that bloom from March through November in my garden.


As an interior designer, I find it imperative to have the exterior of the home enhance the interiors.  Remember, it is the exterior we see first.   The colors seen through your windows should complement the colors inside your home.



  Charleston Home & Garden Tour
  Charleston, SC was in it's glory during the Charleston Home & Garden tour in March.  Make plans to attend next years garden tours.  You will be very happy you did.
 
     
These are just a few shots I took of the beautiful gardens
 
Serene backyard path


Repetition of plants unifies the garden; in home interiors, we use the repetition of color to bring unity. 

Vertical hanging garden       





Charleston version of an English garden