Shopping the PDC with Trip Haenisch

Fresh off a vacation in the Hamptons, we managed to catch up with Trip Haenisch. The L.A.-based interior designer's work has been a favorite of Architectural Digest, which selected him as one of the top 100 architects and interior designers. His work has appeared in over 70 publications worldwide, including Elle Decor, Interior Design, W, Vogue, House Beautiful, House & Garden, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, Los Angeles Times and numerous coffee table books. No doubt this helped earn him such plum clients as Christina Aguilera, David Arquette and Courteney Cox, Hank Azaria, Cher, Producer Leonard Goldberg and wife Wendy, Merv Griffin, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, Chris McMillan, Edward Norton, Aaron Sorkin, John Stamos and Rebecca Romijn, Cheryl Tiegs, and William Morris Endeavor Co-CEO Patrick Whitesell and Lauren Sanchez.

Here's one of his serene spaces, photographed by Tim Street-Porter:

We tagged along on one of his weekly visits to the PDC. Here are his own snapshots of showrooms he never misses.

"Thomas Lavin is my go-to place for fantastic fabrics, and especially linens."

"I love David Sutherland for their outdoor furniture and they have innovative outdoor fabrics as well. Their outdoor furniture is so versatile it can be used indoors and out. I love this white sectional - it's quintessentially California."

"Cowtan and Tout has a great selection of fun, fresh fabrics – the interiors are like going through a fantastic maze."

-Kneedler-Fauchere is another one of my favorite showrooms.  They have great furniture and fabrics from traditional to high glam.

Here's a look at another one of his residential projects, photographed by Patrick Cline:

Check out his firm's website and be transported to California (it's not all beach-chic!) no matter where you live.

For Kristie Strasen, Blue is Summer

As you know, we've been asking designers how they spent their summers. Today we're checking in with Kristie Strasen of Place Textiles. Here's how she spent her summer—and what's in store for Fall from Place:
"I didn’t take any vacation this summer. But, after 30 years of living in the thick of the crazy activity that is Manhattan, I moved to Brooklyn Heights. I bought an apartment in an 1850 brownstone that overlooks New York Harbor including Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry and the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan. The water of the harbor is now a part of my everyday life and it is endlessly inspiring. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest with a sweeping view of Puget sound and I did not realize how much I loved and missed seeing the water until I moved to Brooklyn Heights.

So -  my summer has been influenced by blue – the color of the water – the color of the sky. My few weekends out of the city have taken me to places heavily influenced by their relationship to the water – in Maine [pictured below] and in the Hamptons. And when my Brooklyn bedroom came together, it did so as a strong reflection of my love of blue. Things I have collected over the years – some beautiful blue bowls; a magnificent Inuit print of an giant blue-tailed owl; an old indigo-dyed bedcover and two exquisite bowls a friend made for me – all some manner of blue and all coming together for the first time in one room!

In October, Place has a yummy new collection coming out – produced from lamb’s wool and linen. The collection is called River Aire and is named for the river in northern England where the fabrics are woven and where the water comes  from to finish the fabrics."

"The River Aire Collection has a classic blue color called “North Sea” which is a deep, moody blue. I LOVE it! I have always loved blue and I will definitely explore different permutations of it in future Place collections but right now I am very excited about the River Aire Collection and its take on blue."

See the new assortment for yourself at the David Sutherland showrooms at the PDC (Suite B182), DCOTA (Suite C-450) and at Pollock at the DDB (Floor 17). Here's a look back at some of the Moon collection we shared this Spring (http://godesigngo.com/new-product-showcase/textiles-with-a-sense-of-place/).

July 19: DCOTA's Custom Furnishings day

The second event in the DCOTA's International Design celebration will take place on July 19. Devoted to custom furniture, carpets and textiles the day kicks off at 11am with a keynote on how classic design remains relevant today. Here's a run through of what else is in store for the day.


Reagan Hayes, president of Reagan Hayes, Inc., Yasmina Benazzou, Director, Design & Creative Development for Tai Ping Carpets, and Christine Aliverto, Director of US Operations for Andrew Martin will discuss how classic design today is not lacking in luster and freshness, it is simply timeless. Each will captivate with their own unique expression of how “timeless” can stem from texture to clean lines and all that is in between the two.



Keynote lunch reception at David Sutherland, Suite C-450 followed by dessert and coffee at Andrew Martin, Suite C-126, and wine reception at Tai Ping/Edward Fields, Suite C-228.

1–3pm, Decorative Crafts, Suite B-218
Meet the Artist, Oscar Acosta, “Beaches” Landscape. Oscar joins us once again to share his talent bringing tranquility and harmony through his beachscapes.

3–4pm
Jaime Perczek Design, Suite C-468
Perczek offers you the opportunity to recognize and harness the positive energy both inside and in our surroundings. As a specialist personally interviews you, probing into the energy and emotions of the person you are and identifying what details will best suit your spirit and create harmony and balance in your surroundings. This is a holistic approach to furniture design that starts with the person that will live in and with the piece created. The designs are one-of-a-kind originals – each custom made to promote well being, bring comfort, showcase top quality and offer great value. Perczek's Portovita bar design is pictured at top.

Meet the designer: Darren Henault

We asked NYC designer Darren Henault to reveal some of his must-see showrooms at the DDB. Henault, one of the multitude of talented professionals available through the DDB's Designer Referral Program, is known for his luxurious and yet liveable environments, as seen in the bedroom of this NYC townhouse:


-Christopher Hyland. He's got the most gorgeous jacquards and lampas' I have ever seen. If you want super high quality, Old World weaving techniques, this is where to find it. Being a textile fan, it's love love love.
-Chesneys. We're currently installing a beautiful marble mantel into a home upstate New York. Chesney’s has got everything and if they don't, they will make it. They have done a very good job of offering very traditional profiles in a modern way by varying the stone selections.
-David Sutherland. They have got beautiful seating based on Louis XVI furniture. I'm tired of all of the distressed finishes that are ubiquitous and poorly done. They're doing furniture in a waxed, unfinished quality that is more beautiful.
-Farrow & Ball. Finally I can get their gorgeous colors in wallpapers as well.
-Fortuny.  Even before I visited the printing facility in Venice I was hooked.  Now I'm addicted.
-Gracie. We're using their papers in clean monochromatic tones, taking the tried and true and making it fresh and crisp.  The ever-lovely Jennifer Gracie is so nice to work with besides.
-Holland & Sherry. The ability they have to turn anything we come up with into the most exquisitely executed embroidery is unbelievable. I'm, of course, loving their new ever expanding rug collection which includes my own designs, including China Gate [pictured below].

-Jerry Pair & Associates. More and more clients who like traditional are asking for cleaner lines.  The Madeline Stuart collection is perfect and fits to a T.
-John Rosselli. If you are looking for a masterful mix of furniture, Bunny Williams and John Rosselli have done all the work for you.
-Pindler & Pindler. Wonderfully cheerful fabrics. If you're on a budget, you're going to find all of the same basic solids and textures here as everywhere else but for half the price.

Check back soon when we'll share what caught Henault's attention for summer on an afternoon of shopping at the DDB.

Textiles with a sense of PLACE

Kristie Strasen has spent more than 30 years designing, coloring and styling textiles for both residential and commercial clients. She launched her own collection, Place, in January 2006, and we've been following her ever since. As its name suggests, Place is inspired by distinct locations, both in each collection's color palette and textures. She never introduces more than one or two collections a year, focusing on presenting an edited, refined assortment.

Her latest, Moon Festival, was unveiled this winter and is now available at Pollack at the DDB, David Sutherland at the PDC in L.A., DCOTA in Florida and DCH in Texas. Future Fortune, a polyester, is pictured above. It takes inspiration from an ancient Chinese tradition that found its way to Thailand over 3000 years ago. In Thailand, it honors the summer harvest and pays homage to the moon.

This is Sky Lantern, a polyester with 1 percent cotton added:



Lanterns are set afloat in the sea and launched into the sky, and participants let go of their negative thoughts and celebrate their good fortune. Strasen's collection pays homage to this idea with a shimmering, though subtle palette of silver and golds, made even better in their high-performance. Each is incredibly durable making them ideal for commercial applications, with a soft hand that makes them workhorses in residential projects, too.

A Moon Festival assortment:

Event Recap: Sutherland & AD Present 'The Furniture of John Dickinson'

We recently attended David Sutherland's presentation The Furniture of John Dickinson, hosted with Architectural Digest at the Sutherland showroom at the DDB. The evening event included flutes of champagne and hors d'oeuvres—and of course, the guest of the affair: fabulous Sutherland interpretations of John Dickinson's furniture.

Guests crowded around the limited series of estate-authorized furnishings cast from the creator's original works and molds before browsing through Sutherland's newly expanded showroom.

"David Sutherland has been working with the estate to bring back to life John Dickinson's work," said Debbie Burgos, Sutherland sales associate. "The pieces are made from reinforced concrete glass, so they're truly outdoor pieces."

Debbie, along with sales associate Katie Woodall, told us that designers and clients have had nothing but good things to say about the collection, and a lot of good things at that.

"People absolutely love the collection!" said Debbie. "There are so many followers of John Dickinson, and now that his work has been combined with Sutherland's, the positive response is nearly overwhelming."

Debbie and Katie agreed that Sutherland's re-creations of John Dickinson's Africa tables are their favorite piece, and we can't argue. Stop by the Sutherland showroom at the DDB in Suite 813 and pick out your favorite.

Event Spotlight: Sutherland Presents John Dickinson Furniture

The David Sutherland showroom hosts a presentation of John Dickinson's furniture; Sutherland's newest line this season.

The special evening celebration honors and introduces John Dickinson's limited series of estate-authorized furnishings cast from the creator's original works and molds.

The event takes place this Thursday, February 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the David Sutherland showroom in Suite 813 at the DDB. For more information and to RSVP, call Sherie at 212.871.9717 or email sherie@davidsutherlandshowroom.com.

In the News: Sutherland Releases Masterpieces from John Dickinson (Part 2)

Design icon John Dickinson left behind him innovative and iconic creations, and his work is now represented at the David Sutherland. David Sutherland furniture is taking the opportunity in 2012 to celebrate the design of Dickinson with a limited series of estate-authorized productions cast from the creator’s own works and molds.

Darrin Alfred, curatorial associate of architecture and design at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), once said, “Dickinson’s designs demonstrate his ability to both startle and amuse in a constant pursuit of originality.” A major exhibition of the San Francisco-based designer’s drawings and furniture pieces were on display at the museum in 2004. “His designs … still look unique and fresh even after 20 years,” Alfred added.

Part of the reason for this freshness was Dickinson's use of industrial materials in neutral tones. Dickinson preferred to create drama by altering the scale, shape, and texture of furniture instead of using colors and patterns, which would date with the passing of years and changing styles. Using an austere, classically inspired visual vocabulary, he drew upon historical and cultural references to define a style that appeared refined yet casual, and timeless yet up-to-date. Today’s examples by Sutherland are Dickinson’s original creations, in a stronger, more durable material.

David Sutherland has built his company partly on Dickinson's refined design sensibility but also by partnering with the greatest artists working in the design world today. Now he reaches to the past and the future at the same time by bringing vigorous life to the work of one of design history’s acknowledged masters.

To view the collection, visit David Sutherland online; call 1-800-717-8325 for further information; or drop by the David Sutherland showroom at the DDB, PDC, DCH, or DCOTA.

In the News: Sutherland Releases Masterpieces from John Dickinson (Part 1 of 2)

David Sutherland furniture is celebrating the design of John Dickinson in 2012 with a limited series of estate-authorized productions cast from the creator’s original works and molds.

As one of the most innovative and imaginative designers of the 20th century, John Dickinson (1920 – 1982) left behind a stunning array of whimsical, iconic creations. For years, his furniture has only been seen in museums or offered on auction sites. Selections from Dickinson’s collection in the newly manufactured Sutherland John Dickinson Collection are being offered exclusively through Sutherland and authorized showrooms.

Dickinson’s creations were originally crafted of plaster. New productions made by Sutherland are composed of concrete reinforced with glass fiber. Sturdy and sustainable for outdoor use, the pieces can withstand moisture, weather erosion, freeze-thaw weathering, alkaline, and rust.

Included in the collection are both the Medium and Small African Tables, classic Dickinson pieces that display the combination of elegant refinement and playfulness that was his hallmark. An inverted conical tabletop tapers down to three anthropomorphized out-pointing feet, each with defined toes. The rarely seen Large Six Legged African Table, designed by Dickinson for his own use in the firehouse, is cocktail table sized and shares similar whimsical “feet.”

Check back with GoDesignGo tomorrow to learn more about the masterful Sutherland John Dickinson Collection.

Product Spotlight: Road Trippin' is Bazaar & Nit Witty

David Sutherland is looking for a road trip and we're sure because of the newest Perennials collection now available at the showroom. A melding of bold, scintillating patterns, solids and textures that go beyond one civilization come together in the stunning Road Trippin’ collection.

Designed by Perennials Studio, Road Trippin’ is an exotic, thoroughly modern collection rich in its deliverance of nature-based colors that range from indigo blues and deep cheerful reds, to quiet, neutral shades of the desert. The color palette is perfectly matched to each design, taking this collection beyond the expected for indoors and outdoors.

Two of the eight new patterns are complex woven jacquards with strong Moroccan influences. Bazaar and Odyssey are daring, drawn from a mix of diverse cultures that meet on the road to Marakesh, and they define this collection. Think Kilims, but with a contemporary twist in colors that awaken the senses. Smaller in scale, the remaining six designs, Zig Zag, Groovin', Vibes, Nailhead, Nit Witty and Chenille Number 5, have French, Spanish, and Moorish Mediterranean influences.

To view the Road Trippin' collection, stop by the David Sutherland showroom at the DDB, PDC, DCH or DCOTA or visit Perennials Studio online.

Third Thursday Series at DCH: New Year, New Design at Fabricut, David Sutherland and John Brooks (Part 2)

We're not finished sharing the Decorative Center Houston’s Third Thursday Seminar Series day of events.  We've got a few more great events to tell you about below.

The Fabricut showroom, Suite 3022, opens its doors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as to unveil Roger Thomas's newest fabric collection with S. Harris. A five-star interior designer, Roger brings a sophisticated, engaging and memorable touch to the new fabric collection. The Roger Thomas collection is rich with festive color, captivating texture, creative styling and elegant simplicity.

Roger’s design touch inspires both the hospitality and residential markets and his pairing of bright, clear colors with neutral grounds create a broad appeal for traditional, modern and boutique interiors.

The David Sutherland showroom, Suite 170, welcomes event-goers from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the first viewing of the 2012 Perennials® Road Trippin’™collection. Inspired by world travel along with the adventure of taking a road trip across America, the collection transcends national to international and back again.  Exotic new patterns, new colors and rich textures combine with Perennials high performance 100 percent Solution-dyed acrylic technology in the Road Trippin’ collection.

Drop by the John Brooks showroom, Suite 2001, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to celebrate Made in America. John Brooks hosts lunch and a presentation from Kevin Brady of Pearson Furniture Company at John Brooks.  See new fabrics and frames from Pearson, the maker of finely crafted American furniture since 1941. The Pearson collection offers more than 500 styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary, dressy to casual, plus a number of custom options. Every piece is made to order and you can choose from over 1000 stylish fabrics and leathers or select your own COM or COL.

Lunch will be served between 11:30 and 1:30, with the presentation at noon.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more events during DCH's Third Thursday Seminar Series from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., January 19, 2012.

Product Spotlight: David Sutherland Gets Geometric and Gothic

While summer may be starting to wind down, David Sutherland's outdoor fabrics have the durability to last you as many New York City summers as you can bear.

Perennials is an elegant new collection of high performance outdoor embroidery accent pillows with exceptional fade resistance and durability. These sophisticated designs utilize the line’s trademarked 100% solution-dyed acrylic technology combined with the craftsmanship and artistry of Holland & Sherry.

The newest Perennials fabrics’ high performance embroidered pillows are known for outdoor endurance. The embroidered appliqués are offered in two distinctly-crafted designs to fit any outdoor retreat. Leonardo reflects transitional chíc and Dedale shows a modern refinement.

"Leonardo’s braided quatrefoil design is perfectly symmetrical," said a sales associate. "It reminds us of European Gothic architecture. The Dedale design, on the other hand, is a classic modern geometric pattern that, when sewn in contrasting yarns, creates a three-dimensional effect to complement the many dimensions of posh outdoor seating."

To view the Leonardo and Dedale, stop by the David Sutherland showroom at the DDB, PDC, DCH or DCOTA or visit www.perennialsfabrics.com.

Product Spotlight: Year Round Comfort with Camano Collection

Designed by Terry Hunziker, Sutherland's new Camano collection offers the sort of nautical precision and architectural simplicity that could anchor any maritime interior. The collection beckons us aboard to retreat and reflect.

"Terry's work is a fabulous offering of updated classics," said a company representative. "The pieces come in natural and dark sealer and the variations offer such year-round retreat. You can keep them outside all year long or bring them in for the winter months and they continue to grab your eye and convince you to take a load off!"

Make your way over to the David Sutherland showroom at the DDB, PDC, DCH or DCOTA and take a seat on Camano.

Save the Date: David Sutherland Open House

The David Sutherland showroom is one of the many places to be during the International Design@DCOTA’s Summer Series because tomorrow, the showroom is hosting an all day open house to premier the new Sutherland Woven Classics collection.

Some of Sutherland's most popular and iconic designs are being re-released in an all-season woven synthetic, giving these acknowledged classics a new look while allowing them to stand alongside the rest of Sutherland's beautiful home furnishings. Durable and easy to maintain, this new synthetic resists UV rays, frost, heat, chlorine and salt, so bring the grill and swimsuit!

Visit David Sutherland in Suite C-450 tomorrow and get the first glimpse of Sutherland Woven Classics.

Product Spotlight: Perennials' Perfect Plush Pillows

While we may be working up a sweat outside this summer, choosing outdoor fabrics will be a breeze—and Perennials has it all.

The newest Perennials Fabrics high performance embroidered pillows are known for outdoor endurance. The embroidered appliqués are offered in two distinctly-crafted designs to fit any outdoor retreat. Leonardo reflects transitional chíc and Dedale shows a modern refinement.

"Leonardo’s braided quatrefoil design is perfectly symmetrical," said a sales associate. "It reminds us of European Gothic architecture. The Dedale design, on the other hand, is a classic modern geometric pattern that, when sewn in contrasting yarns, creates a three-dimensional effect to complement the many dimensions of posh outdoor seating."

To view the Leonardo and Dedale, stop by the David Sutherland showroom at the DDB, PDC, DCH or DCOTA or visit www.perennialsfabrics.com.

Drum Roll: Reagan Hayes Collection Takes the Stage

The Reagan Hayes collection breathes new life into classic forms with clean lines, intense attention to detail and architectural symmetry.

From sofas, lounge chairs and dining chairs, each piece has been carefully edited to ensure it emerges as the centerpiece of a room while exuding the confidence of their customers, the home owner.

“It’s Youthful Elegance for the refined home,” says a company representative.

Check it out at David Sutherland showrooms at DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH.

Product Spotlight: Fringe Benefits

Perennials Fabrics introduces new collection of fade-resistant trimmings including Fringe Benefit, Borderline, Spiral Cord and Cable Cord, each offered in 14 colorways that complement Perennials’ fabrics.

Fringe Benefit is a super-rich, luxurious fringe with the flirt and fun of a flapper girl. Borderline is an inch wide band with a basket weave effect that gives structure and definition to any fabric creation. Spiral Cord adds a flowing finish to any piece with its finely tailored twist. Cable Cord takes inspiration from the sea with a nautical look that recalls the cordage of a classic racing yacht.

Eight varieties of trimmings already offered include Tiny Cord and Big Cord in 31 colors, Fuzzy Cord in four colors, Ticker Tape in 20 colors, Chinese Knots and Turkish Knots in small, medium and large, the wonderfully playful Puff Balls and their companion, the Puff Ball Tieback.

Because Perennials fibers are solution-dyed, the color permeates to the core, enabling Perennials Fabrics to resist fading, which means they are great for outdoor drapery and high-sunlight areas.

You can find Perennials Fabrics at the David Sutherland Showroom  in the DDB, PDC, DCH and DCOTA.

To view the collection, visit www.perennialsfabrics.com, or call 888-322-4773 for further information.

Urban Jungle™

David Sutherland introduces their latest collection of high performance fabrics from Perennials® and transforms the urban into the urbane.  These 100% solution-dyed acrylics are ready for life whether they’re indoors or out.  Urban Jungle brings six new patterns and the delicious new Tuscan colorway to the cityscape, the countryside or the beach.

Look out, Perennials®

Look out, Perennials® is bringing sex appeal to its latest collection, Urban Jungle™.  These high performance fabrics from transforms the urban into the urbane.  Sleek, bold and versatile these 100% solution-dyed acrylics are ready for life whether they’re indoors or out.  Urban Jungle brings six new patterns and the delicious new Tuscan colorway to the cityscape, the countryside or the beach.

Clodagh for Perennials

Do yourself a favor and check out the stunning new fabric collection designed by Clodagh for Perennials! Utilizing Perennials' trademarked fiber technology, the Clodagh for Perennials Collection is not only easy on the eye but shares Perennials’ industry leading abrasion, mildew, stain, UV and fade resistance technology, making it ideal for usage outdoors, indoors, and all spaces between.