Tuesday, May 31, 2011

John Robshaw via Barbara Franceski

Those of you in the DC area likely know that John Robshaw spoke at the Corcoran Gallery of Art last week. I not only bought a ticket, but made a pre-show dinner date with DC-based interior designer Barbara Franceski to catch up on her recent accomplishments to share with you guys.

Alas, other last-minute commitments kept me from attending the presentation and said dinner, but Barbara agreed to give us a peek into her thoughts on John Robshaw's lecture.

Enjoy Barbara's post!...

Images via johnrobshaw.com

A BIG THANKS, Daniela, for this special opportunity to guest blog for Aesthetic Oiseau!

The minute I learned John Robshaw would be speaking at the Corcoran, I bought a ticket. His textiles beckon us to faraway places, so I knew his personal insights on India and Asia would be a treat. As one eye-catching slide topped another, I found myself wowed not only by the striking dyes and intricate block patterns he uses, but by Creativity itself. Vegetables seen in the local markets, birds, exotic doorways, even camels influence color palettes for his lovely designs!


Robshaw joked that camels being traded at festivals “all look like they are going to a cocktail party.” How could you not want to spend time there?

Being open to new experiences and opportunities is what originally led him to India. Instantly intrigued by the country’s traditions and great respect for hand work, he found local workshops to connect with and most of all, learn from...these same interests also steered him to Indonesia, Nepal and Thailand. In the mode of doing new things, his unique brand emerged.




His greatest lesson as a purveyor of all this beauty? Patience. Robshaw is now even having fun with fashion. Lucky is currently featuring prints that have been picked from his archives.


I’m mesmerized by how John Robshaw has put his own spin on “the fabric of the world” for us. All due to his penchant for exploration, discovery, and the vision to take creative liberty with generations-old traditions and methods. You can purchase his line (and enjoy more photos) here.

After the Corcoran event with John, who wore a blazer crafted from some of his gorgeous upholstery fabric!

Thank you so much Barbara!

 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday Crush

Photo by Scot Meacham Wood via The Adventures of Tartanscot

The powerful duo of Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa. So, so good.

I'm taking Monday off for a little rest, so see you Tuesday (with a fabulous post you won't want to miss I might add.)

 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Oriente Italiano

A stunning, romantic Chinoiserie china pattern for your consideration:




This beautiful pattern by Ginori is called Oriente Italiano. I am a strong proponent of mixing china patterns on your table, so I love the mismatched feel of this otherwise traditional pattern. And the soft blues and pinks are so feminine and lovely. And Chinoiserie to boot. Quite a doozy. If you happen to have a pink dining room, you most definitely need at least four place settings.

Click here to check out all the available pieces...

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Another West Elm Duvet

West Elm did it again. I have seen another duvet that has me thinking I may need to redesign a bedroom in our house. Actually, this is the exact duvet I would choose for my non-existent beach house...the colors are perfect for a seaside retreat!





Do you actually have a beach house where this would be perfect? If so, I'm jealous. And you should click here to get the duvet.

 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Ladies


I am just back from celebrating the most wonderful vacation in Mexico for my darling friend Tyler's wedding. Here we are, the ladies, taking a picture break in the middle of a full-on dancing session (on the beach). It was a glorious, glorious time.

Friends are wonderful things, and I'm convinced I have the best ones available.

 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Holy Headboard

Image by Michael Graydon

All that talk last week about fabric got me thinking about the many ways we can use it to enrich our lives and spaces. Case in point - a crazy good oversized headboard in a miraculous green ikat. The scale is mind-blowing, and yet so simple! Genius.

Design by Philip Gorrivan and spotted on Decorati.

Hope this kicks off your week splendidly.

 

Friday, May 20, 2011

Friday Fabric Crush: Indigo Tie-Dye by Greenhouse Design


I'm stepping a bit outside my comfort zone because this fabric is true blue (a shade I shy away from for no good reason) and its pattern is reminiscent of tie-dye. But, I've seen and heard that tie-dye might be the new "it" trend, and I like to be hip like the kids. I think this moody indigo could hold court quite well on a comfy armchair in a wood-paneled library. The perfection injection of cool in a serious space.

You like it too, don't you? Get it here...

Have a fab weekend. See you Monday!

 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Fabric Crush: Joonas Summer Fabric


Summer in a fabric. Go find a vintage patio set and spraypaint it yellow. Then cover its cushions in this gorgeous, happy floral. Or, if you are lucky enough to have a sunroom, this fabric would be a shoe-in for pillows...trimmed out in coral pom-poms, of course.

Buy this very budget-friendly fabric here...

 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Fabric Crush: Bali by Scalamandre


Note the textured fretwork pattern in the background of this fabtastic Chinoiserie floral from Scalamandre. Could you imagine walking into a room whose windows were curtained in this fabric? Especially a room whose walls were painted that aqua-ish blue that appears in the print. I would nod my head in approval if I saw such a pairing of wall and curtain...a modest nod, to hide my raging jealousy.

Go splurge and buy it here...

 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Fabric Crush: Eileen Kathryn Boyd for Duralee


Y'all, Eileen Kathryn Boyd has designed a plethora of fabric for Duralee. And it would be incredibly false for me to say that I have one favorite. So I'm showing you a couple below, mostly because they feature the chicness of orange, but you need to set aside some time today and sift through everything that is available. You will die. Promise.







 

Monday, May 16, 2011

Fabric Crush: Mirabella Ikat


Welcome to a week of fabric crushes on the blog! I have so many current favorites, I thought I would dole one out each day this week.

I'm starting with this eye-catching ikat from Ballard Designs in the most attractive hue of sea green. I would use it for a headboard and bedskirt combo in a bedroom whose walls would be painted an ivory stripe. And said bedroom would also have a pair of red tufted-velvet chairs in its bay window, with a lucite table nestled betwixt them.

Click here to make it happen in your home...

(Do you notice that every room I imagine has velvet, tufted furniture? And yet I don't own any in real life. Clearly I need some.)

 

Friday, May 13, 2011

Friday Crush

Photo by Patrick Cline via Lonny

The most recent issue of Lonny features projects by two of my absolute most-favoritist designers - Angie Hranowsky and the duo of John Loecke/Jason Oliver Nixon. This space is by the latter, and the wall treatment is just awe-inspiring. I love the idea of setting up a small table and chairs in a living space - perfect for games, a light meal and conversation.

Happy weekend! See you Monday!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Mexican Black Pottery

This Mexican black pottery is so chic, don't you think?






Get it here...

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Coral Chandelier

If you liked the chandelier in this Friday Crush room by Meg Braff:


Or the one in this room by Ramey Caulkins that I spotted over on Shelter:


I have good news. A similar version is available from Ballard Designs for $300:



Go and get your coral on.

 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Belle Epoche by Nymphenburg

In my never-ending quest to obsess over china that will look stunning in my lavender-and-green-hued dining room, I chanced upon this pattern. And my obsession has hit new levels.











Belle Epoche by Nymphenburg. The plates are kinda scary, but I love that. These would be total showstoppers on my table.

And don't worry - the dessert plate is only $2,698, so I will definitely be getting a couple.

 

Monday, May 9, 2011

More Chinoiserie for Your Patio

Remember this post where we enjoyed looking at some patio furniture with Chinoiserie flair? Well, I have another option for you and it's amazing...truly.

Look at this:




The Galante Collection from Ballard Designs. Now, if you owned this set, you would have the most chic backyard on the planet. Definitely the envy of the block. It's not inexpensive, but these are the times when paying a premium for good design is worth it. Shop it here.

 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Friday Crush

Photo by Isa Salazar via Lonny

Pink and gold, combined, are a supreme force. And executed on this fireplace at the Kips Bay Showhouse by Amanda Nisbet is a prime example of said power. I don't decorate enough with pink.

Have a wonderful weekend - hope you relax and/or get a lot done. See you Monday!

 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Modernity

If, say, this chair was put in a room next to a velvet tufted sofa...




...i would collapse, overwhelmed by the brilliant juxtaposition. This char is my new best friend. I've been so attracted to modern chairs recently. Can't get enough.

You can get this one on Etsy from seller HarBenger2 - check it out here.

 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Jamie Drake's Color






Jamie Drake certainly knows what to do with color.

I snagged these images from his Gilt Group sale going on now.

 
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