What's inspiring you now, Stephen Elrod?

We are HUGE fans of Lee Jofa, the American fabric house founded in 1823. We also adore its VP and creative director, Stephen Elrod, who seems to embody the brand's refined-but-never-stuffy-aesthetic.

We asked Elrod to share a picture with us of something that recently inspired him. Here's what he had to say.

"I took these pictures of the Joseph window display at their shop in Knightsbridge, London. I really loved the unusual assortment of saturated bright and jewel toned colored dresses combined in such a fresh and sophisticated manner."

"I'm always finding something in London that gets my creative juices flowing. I suppose it is the unique mix of tradition juxtaposed with modernity that one finds in London that makes it so special for me. Whether I'm just walking down the street, as in this instance early this summer, or seeing the latest exhibition at the Tate Modern, there is an abundance of beautiful and exciting experiences that infuse my work."

Elrod pulled together this assortment of Lee Jofa fabrics for us.

A new multi-colored velvet stripe and coordinating textures in a range of colors you can see nicely captures the mood of the Joseph window in a palette perfect for our Fall interiors. Thank you, Stephen!

Stop by and see more of the finished product of his inspiration at the DCH (Suite 150), DDB (Suite 234), PDC (Suite B639), DCOTA (Suite C150).

More "refreshed" classics from Cole & Son

Yesterday we previewed Cole & Son's new Contemporary Restyled collection. As Cole & Son Creative Director Shauna Dennison said, “The prints in the new collection have been carefully selected - we wanted to be able to provide our clients with an update on some of their most loved designs. These prints embody the glamorous 50s and 60s in which they were originally created but by adding different colors, changing the printing technique or enhancing with a new element, we are able to create a more modern feel." We couldn't agree more. Here are the rest of the 13 new designs.

Flamingos is pictured above.

Hicks Grand:


Hicks Hexagon:


Malabar:


Orchid:


Pompeian:


And last but not least, Summer Lily, just right for the end of this season:


As Cole & Son holds a Royal Warrant, we wonder if Will and Kate, or even the Queen mum, might have these on their decorating shortlist?

Visit Lee Jofa showrooms at the DDB (Suite 234), PDC (Suite B639) and DCOTA (Suite C150) to see the complete line in person.

Cole & Son revisits the classics

For its latest introduction, English wallpaper experts Cole & Son revitalized some of their enduring classics. Thirteen designs, which remain classics and best-sellers for the company, were invigorated with new colors, scales and reworked patterns.

Lily is pictured above.
Palm:


Palm Jungle:


Flamingos:


Rajapur:


Woods and Pears:


Cow Parsley:


Check back tomorrow when we'll share the rest of the the collection that will surely be successful as their predecessors. It's available through Lee Jofa showrooms at the DDB (Suite 234), PDC (Suite B639) and DCOTA (Suite C150).

Michelle Workman goes Hollywood Glam at the PDC

This morning we introduced you to Michelle Workman, who was nice enough to whisk us around the PDC with her while she shopped the building. So far we've seen some fabric and upholstery, but we're dying to know how she'll complete the look. Without further ado, here are the rest of her elements for her client's "Hollywood Glam" request. We hope she'll share the final product with us!

"After a coffee break, I stopped by Fabricut and come across this Vervain silk and velvet stripe that will be perfect for curtains. The dash of powder blue and grey with chartreuse-y gold will keep the right warmth in my scheme."


"...something about that gold makes me remember these magnificent sconces I saw at Lee Jofa. Perfect classic glamour!"


"And last but certainly not least, I'll use this amazing mirrored screen from Nancy Corzine. The starburst and rosette make it a must-have for this Hollywood interior."


Have your own shopping story to share from the DDB, PDC, DCH or DCOTA? Let us know what you love.

A visit to the PDC with Michelle Workman

We've admired Michelle Workman's talent from the pages of magazines, including her published designed for John Travolta & Kelly Preston, Kirstie Alley and Leah Remini. The L.A.-native also has an office in San Francisco, and describes herself as an "easygoing perfectionist." Known mixing contemporary and vintage styles, she can parlay French with Federal. As with many of her peers, she relishes "the hunt". We asked her to bring us along on one of her frequent pilgrimages to the PDC as she shops for a new client seeking a "Hollywood Glam" look.

F. Schumacher's Shockwave, pictured on the Copenhagen sofa, adds subtle shimmer:


Somehow the F. Schumacher velvet (54860 in Platinum and Jet) doesn't seem too flashy.


I think a little Art Deco will go a long way in this home. I stopped into A. Rudin and found these gorgeous chairs:


I'll upholster them in this great sort-of neutral silk from Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa:


And then I swoon over this side table from A. Rudin, I love pairing modern design with organic elements -- it's a combination that adds up to CHIC!


Check back this afternoon to see how she'll finish off the room!

A decadent dose of Mulberry

Grandiflora II is the name of the latest collection, just three designs, from Mulberry Home. Opulent. Decadent. Luxurious. Rich. These are words that barely begin to describe their details. Even the names -- Anastasia, Alexandria and Constantine sounds dramatic.



With their velvet and satin appliqués and hand-finished embroidery, all on linen ground, these fantastic floral and fruit trails are perfect statement pieces. Picture them in a duplex living room, or decorating a foyer.



Stop by Lee Jofa at the DDB (Suite 234), PDC (Suite B639) and DCOTA (Suite C150) to see all of the intricacies in person.

GP & J Baker - good enough for the Queen!

GP & J Baker was founded by brothers George Percival and James Baker way back in 1884. Ever since they've been known for their extraordinary prints and wovens that today constitute a very impressive textile archive. As one must, they continue to innovate today. GP & J Baker holds a Royal Warrant, meaning their textiles are used in the residences of the Royals throughout the U.K.



Marwood is the latest collection of embroideries and weaves, like all of GP & J Baker, available at Lee Jofa. The embroideries use innovative techniques to create florals that look strikingly of the moment. The weaves include two stripes, a chenille and four upholstery velvets.





Lismore is another new offering from GP & J Baker, perfect patterns for layering together, as shown in these playful images.





Stop by Lee Jofa at the DDB (Suite 234), PDC (Suite B639) and DCOTA (Suite C150) to see both new collections in person.

Meet Fawn Galli

We want to introduce you to Fawn Galli, a member of the DDB's Designer Referral program. Here's a look at one of her recent projects, an apartment in NYC that you might recognize from a recent issue of House Beautiful.

What is inspiring you now?
The fantasy mushroom fabric by Missoni at Stark (MZ 0170RQ29), hot pink damasks from Osborne and Little, Cole and Son's wallpaper from Lee Jofa.



What are your favorite showrooms at the DDB?
I adore Christopher Hyland and Old World Weavers for luxuries silk mohair, Holland & Sherry for their C&C line of Italian linens, Rogers & Goffigon for subtle chic fabrics and de Gournay wallpapers (pictured below)!







What are you working on now?
Townhouses in NYC and country homes in Cornwall, Connecticut and Amagansett, NY.



What is your design philosophy?
Decorating should be fun with many layered vignettes but it should also tell a consistent story.



What are some of your favorite summer accessories? Solar powered outdoor hot pink lanterns, outdoor umbrellas from Walters Wicker, outdoor fabrics from Quadrille.

Fawn Galli

We want to introduce you to Fawn Galli, a member of the DDB's Designer Referral program.
What is inspiring you now? The fantasy mushroom fabric by Missoni at Stark (MZ 0170RQ29), hot pink damasks from Osborne and Little, Cole and Son's wallpaper from Lee Jofa.

What are your favorite showrooms at the DDB? I adore Christopher Hyland and Old World Weavers for luxuries silk mohair, Holland & Sherry for their C&C line of Italian linens, Rogers & Goffigon for subtle chic fabrics and de Gournay wallpapers!

 
What are you working on now? Townhouses in NYC and country homes in Cornwall, Connecticut and Amagansett, NY.

What is your design philosophy? Decorating should be fun with many layered vignettes but it should also tell a consistent story.

What are some of your favorite summer accessories? Solar powered outdoor hot pink lanterns, Outdoor umbrellas from Walters Wicker, outdoor fabrics from Quadrille.

Kelly Wearstler rocks again for Lee Jofa

The Los Angeles-based designer Kelly Wearstler is well-known for her iconoclastic interiors and ability to shake things up (you might be familiar with her pink, graffiti-like wallpaper in her own home foyer).



She designs fabrics and trim for Lee Jofa, and has a collection of carpets for The Rug Company, which will open shortly at the DDB.

Less known are her fashion designs. She'd just debuted her fifth collection, resort 2013, the highlights of which we just saw on Style.com.




Here are some of our favorites from her second Groundworks collaboration, which is now available at Lee Jofa. The prints, wovens, and embroideries all capture her graphic sensibility, in a palette that ranges from black and white to smokey plums, corals and pistachio green.


From top: Mala, Agate, Sonoma, Barcelo, Oblique, Channels, Sunbleached, Mineral


Mineral in Indigo/Slate


From top: Channels, Patina Linen, Barcello, Serpent Linen, Sonoma, Agate, Oblique, Barcelo, Currents Linen


Channels in Ebony/Ivory

Visit the Lee Jofa showrooms at the PDC (Suite B639), DDB (Suite 234), DCH (Suite 150), DCOTA (Suite C150).

Allegra Hicks references the elements for Lee Jofa

Allegra Hicks's latest collection for Groundworks is now on view at Lee Jofa. The itinerant designer, raised in Italy and based in London, drew inspiration from Earth, Fire, Air and Water for the four new designs.


Jungle in Taupe and Calypso in Lavender

Panarea, a reversible fabric, references the earth. Hicks says, "It reminds me of fallen leaves - pick one up and hold it against the light and like this design, one side has the mirror imprint of the other."


Top: Calypso in Natural and Panarea in Taupe.

Calypso represents fire, which the designer says, "can be romantic, warm and cozy or dangerous."

Jungle has a breezy quality that captures the Air and evokes a watercolor painting.

Starfish represents the water in a wide range of blues, "reflecting the ever-changing, mysterious and colorful facets of the ocean."

Visit the Lee Jofa showrooms at the PDC (Suite B639), DDB (Suite 234), DCH (Suite 150), DCOTA (Suite C150).

Blogfest 2012!

If the DDB feels particular bustling today, it's probably because of the upswing of bloggers. Blogfest 2012, the second annual, by-invitation-only event that brings bloggers from across the country to NYC during Design Week, kicked off yesterday. The three-day event connects bloggers not only to each other, but to design and publishing professionals. It's sponsored by some industry heavyweights, including Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. For a complete list of sponsors, click here.

This morning the 170+ bloggers enjoyed private tours and visits with Veranda, House Beautiful and Elle Decor. Here's what in store for them this afternoon:

-Lunch at Lee Jofa, sponsored by Traditional Home with special guests Keith Granet and Robert Brown

-A Traditional Home Event at Kravet, hosted by Editor in Chief Ann Maine, featuring Alexa Hampton

-A Visit to the Brunschwig & Fils Showroom, followed by a cocktail reception and preview of the soon-to-open Baccarat Showroom.

Sample Sale Alert: Furniture Sample Sale at Kravet & Lee Jofa

Both the Kravet and Lee Jofa showroom at the PDC are hosting furniture sample sale until supplies last.

Significant savings on products are available, so make your way over to the Kravet showroom in Suite B624 and the Lee Jofa showroom in Suite B639 at the PDC and start shopping!

In the News: Allegra Hicks Shares the Four Elements with Lee Jofa (Part 2)

Allegra Hicks' Italian upbringing, life in England, and travels to the Far East have all informed her work in a large way. By combining her experiences abroad and her timeless sense of fashion and design, Allegra has found the precise meeting point of traditional and modern, historic and cultural in her newest collections for Lee Jofa.

"From walking the streets of Renaissance Florence to exploring Victorian Manor houses in the English countryside or trawling the colorful and aromatic markets of Rajasthan, I continually strive to make my fabrics timeless," says Allegra. "There is something interesting about breathing new life into antique furniture by using modern prints on an 18th century chair!

"Out of this new collection, Jungle has retained the essence of its original watercolor the most. Air is represented by leaves suspended in the wind, which was best captured by the flowing nature of a medium life watercolor. To me, Jungle has a breezy quality—from the light blue and natural whites to the sunset red and twilight mauve.

"The fourth and final element is earth, and this is represented by Panarea. There is something more solid, less translucent about Panarea; yet like many earthly elements, it has hidden qualities. The fabric is reversible; one side is the negative of the other, making it possible to cover a sofa with one side and the cushions upon it with the other. Panerea also reminds me of fallen leaves—pick one up and hold it against the light and, like this design, one side has the mirror imprint of the other."

Allegra has created several collections with Lee Jofa, and her newest in 2012 are some of her most inspired fabrics yet.

"Seeing my collections in the Lee Jofa showrooms never stops being a pleasure,” says Allegra. “I love catching the unexpected glimpses of patterns that remind me of my inspiration and their inception in watercolors!"

Allegra Hicks’ newest collections for Lee Jofa will be unveiled in showrooms in March.