Andrew Raquet

 Meg Braff

But earlier this week I received a promotional email from The Rug Market (a wholesale rug source) and this was one of the rugs they have on sale.  Is it me….or is the look similar?

I’ve recently found this company (I am doing a zebra rug from their indoor/outdoor line for Maddie and Harry’s playroom) and went to take a look at the construction of the rugs over at the Market last week.  In terms of price point and perceived quality….I was really impressed. 

So, do you agree…..

See the resemblance?

House Beautiful.  Photo credit Francesco Lagnese.

Despite the less than friendly treatment I received from their ABC carpet store this summer, I am a big fan of the unique fixtures from Canopy Designs.  In fact, I’ve got one of their pieces in my own home.  (See it in my old dining room here.  I brought the chandelier with me).

Doesn’t the fixture above look like the little sibling of the blue beauty that seems to be all over the place these days?  See more images here.

Bear Hill Interiors

I kindof like the little version. 

What about you?

 Bear Hill Interiors

House Beautiful.  Photo credit, Luca Trovato

Do you like it? 

Now I just need to decide on the fabric I want to use for the cusions.  For some reason….I am really liking this at the moment….

But I digress, as this is not the point of this post.  While in the showroom ordering my chairs I was reminded that the same company makes these fun chairs which come in a number of finishes.  They have a great black finish with a bit of red distressing and they look great in a more natural wood tone as well.

They remind me of the now infamous red chair from Ruthie Sommers (via House Beautiful).

They are sold in pairs….in a variety of finishes. 

Do you like them?

Lynn Morgan, photographed by Jeremy Samuelson

Once we identified the fabrics we were in business and below is what we ended up with.  (Sorry for the plastic over the pillows but at least I got to see them!)  Each pillow is 22″ x 22″ with a 100% down insert and self-welt.  They have hidden zippers and in this case, full pattern match from front to back.  Any left over yardage is returned with the order.

Quadrille Zig-Zig in Navy on Tint

Lee Jofa / Seacloth Gypsy Bloom in Midnight

And finally, unrelated to the above inspiration image, the client purchased these as well.  Aren’t they fabulous?

Quadrille Kazak in Orange Pale Magenta on Tint

Pricing on the pillows depends on size, construction and fabric source and specifications.  For instance, these cost $69 each plus the cost of fabric.  Compare this to the same pillows that are available retail and I’d say it is a pretty good deal.  Contact me if you need help with your next project.  I’d love to help.

I love this chest…..called “Pardon my French”

And this sweet side table….

What about this gem of a mirror, called “Mood Ring”

And they have some unique sofa silhouettes, like these two favorites….

Love this chair too….so glamorous!

And finally, I am considering these two chairs for potential hostess chairs in the kitchen.  The previous chairs I’d chosen sadly won’t work because the arms are the same height as the apron on the table.  These will clear it and I love the shape.

“Watch my Back”

“Hostess with the Mostess”

Do you have a favorite?

Paul Marrot Lillies via Natural Curiosities

I learned that the vendor, Natural Curiosities, recently acquired the textile archives of French engraver, painter and textile artist Paul Marrot (1902-1987).  Barry Dixon used a piece from this collection in the below room that was recently featured in House Beautiful.

photo by Johnny Valiant

I love pink and this piece really speaks to me.  Check out the whole Paul Marrot Collection here.  Or, want something a little different.  How about the Jean Baptiste Collection?  Below is an image of some of this collection in use.  I think this image is from House Beautiful but I am not certain (if anyone knows the source I’d be greatly appreciative so I can give credit where it is due).

via

Finally, designer Lindsay Reid used many of their framed sea plants in the room featured below.

photo by Amy Neusinger

Want to see more?   Hop on over to Natural Curiosities.  They have some beautiful pieces.

Windsor Smith

Windsor Smith

Many of the chairs like this that are available retail are offered in a limited selection of colors (black, white or cream). But, I may want to liven mine up so I have been searching for manufacturers who will do a custom finish vs. having to buy chairs and then have them sprayed after the fact. I’ve found a few at varying price-points.

First, these are sold in pairs and the price is fairly reasonable. This chair is actually a hand carved wood chair. The pair sells for less than $1,000 even with a custom finish. The cushions are down filled burlap.These may be the winners for me given the price. I need armless as well and like the lines.

This next version is quite a bit more. But, it is a beauty don’t you think? Again, they will do custom and pricing depends on if you want the frame only or want the cushions (and what type of fill).

This last chair can also come in a custom finish. It costs considerably more than the above two options and has more of a fretwork pattern. It is probably too much for us (especially since we don’t need arms….which would be custom) but I do love this manufacturer and this piece reminds me why.

I have also started my search for the right wing chairs for the table ends. Last night we entertained 7 adults and 6 kids for dinner. It always amazes me how everyone ends up in the kitchen standing up all night. It just reiterates to me how important kitchen seating really is!   Are you the same, do you always end up in the kitchen while entertaining?

image via Edyta & Co. Interior Design

 image via Little Green Notebook (Jonathan Adler for Liz Lange, via Domino)

 Kristen Hutchins and Hillary Thomas 

I am particularly in love with the version(s) from wholesaler, Made Goods.

Gorka Mirror

The mirror comes in several sizes and is available in both a silver and an antique gold finish.  I am currently enamoured with the silver finish.  If you are not familiar with Made Goods, you should hop over to their site and take a look….they have some amazing products!

Image via DC by Design

I am loving the “Poof” Ottoman from Global Views.

I am thinking this would be great for a playroom or TV room….

This design comes in green, orange, gold and off white pillows too….how fun?