What did you do this summer, Lulu?

This morning we introduced you to Lulu DK's new Eden collection, available at Donghia. Now we're thrilled to have her kick off a little series we pulled together to commemorate summer drawing to a close. We asked some of our favorite designers to share a peek, or memory, of their summer vacation. Herewith is what Lulu de Kwiatkowski had to say from her studio in California:



"Tides and Rainbow from our Eden collection are inspired by nature, fun and summer...like the spots of pastel colors that make summer alive. I love to mix the organic colors of nature with the pop colors of life. I love this picture (above) from my month in Porto Ercole, Italy, which exactly captures the color and playfulness of our new Eden collection while still holding the sophistication that everything in life should have a touch of. If you have ever been to Italy, you know how good the gelato is in its many color displays...balls of sorbet seemed to grace our many dinners and afternoon lunches...this was also the inspiration for these colors and fabric fan displays.


Tides


Rainbow

I always look forward to the "new year" that starts in September (particularly since I don't have to go to school anymore)! It is a time I get to put all my summer doodles and designs in action, whether making them into the next printed fabric line or prints for Matouk bedding, towels or tabletop...or revisiting paintings that I have created during the holidays. I am particularly looking forward to working on a documentary that I am painting for 10x10. It is a big project which will bring me back into making collages again (which I haven't really done since the creation of my book LULU). In any case stay tuned for more details on that!"

Thanks, Lulu! Be sure to check back soon for more late-summer envy as designers and creative types share the highlights from their summers. Don't forget to see all of the Eden collection at Donghia showrooms at the DCH (Suite 1000), DCOTA (Suite C250), PDC (Suite G196), and DDB (Suite 700). And be sure to check out her line for Schumacher at the DDB (Suite 832), PDC (Suite B489), DCH (Suite 4017) and DCOTA (Suite A-108).

Child's Play with Lulu DK at Schumacher

In case you missed the panel discussion at Schumacher last week during DDB Spring Market, we wanted to share this excellent report by Nicole Abbott of Chic & Cheap Nursery. Nicole was one of the bloggers on site throughout the day, catching up on all the building has to offer, including a number of parties!


Carolyn Sollis, a contributor to Editor At Large, moderated the panel discussion on "Designing for a Sophisticated Child" with designer (and mother of three boys) Lulu de Kwiatkowski and Susan North, Schumacher's SVP of Design and Creative Director. Click here to see Nicole's full report on the discussion.

DCH Spring Market, April 18

The Decorative Center Houston is well underway with preparations for Spring Market on April 18th. Highlights include:

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Morning Keynote.
PaperCity Magazine presents DESIGN ACROSS DISCIPLINES
Design Across Disciplines ... Exploring aesthetics in design, architecture, photography, retail, product, and more.

PaperCity Magazine Editor-in-Chief Holly Moore and Features Editor Laurann Claridge will sit down with celebrated designers Blair Gordon, West Coast Interior Designer and founder of Windsor Smith Home Collection, Windsor Smith, interior architect Lauren Rottet, as well as the acclaimed design and cultural institution photographer, Scott Frances for a lively discussion exploring design across disciplines.
Please join PaperCity Magazine and the keynote panel for progressive keynote reception at Kravet, Suite 150 and a private gallery tour hosted by Scott Frances, Suite 1050. RSVP to 713.961.9292 ext. 1320 or email marketing@decorativecenter.com.

12:30 – 2:00 PM
Keynote Reception, Suite 1050


Scott Frances: MonoVisioN – Tour and Book Signing
Meet architecture and lifestyle photographer, Scott Frances for a private tour of his exhibition MonoVisioN followed by book signing.

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
2:00 – 3:00 PM, Ground Floor Gallery

BILL STUBBS: MORE FUN MORE BUSINESS
Join Bill Stubbs, AD 100 interior designer, author and esteemed host of the Emmy nominated TV series, Moment of Luxury for a special Keynote entitled “More Fun More Business”. Learn from the master himself on how to grow your business in alignment with your passion.
Reception to follow at Schumacher, Suite 4017.
RSVP to 713.961.9292 ext. 1320 or email marketing@decorativecenter.com.

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Schumacher, Suite 4017
Keynote Champagne Reception and Open House

Please join Schumacher for a Keynote Champagne Reception and an Open House to celebrate the launch of the spring 2012 offerings at 3:00 PM in the showroom. The new collection includes Côte d’Azur, Indoor/Outdoor fabrics inspired by the French Riviera, and LuLu DK | Child, a joyful and sophisticated collection of prints and embroideries for children, from infants to teens.



And of course, Stars of Design, and the debut of Stars on the Rise




7:00 – 9:00 PM
Exhibition Opening Reception, Suite 1050

MonoVisioN
ScottFrances
Architectural Photography

Charles S. Cohen and Decorative Center Houston are pleased to present acclaimed design and cultural photographer, Scott Frances. A frequent contributor to such illustrious magazines as Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, New York Times Magazine, and Departures. Scott has worked with many of the world’s most famous architects, designers and celebrities.

RSVP to 713.961.9292 ext. 1320 or email marketing@decorativecenter.com.

Visit DCH for the complete schedule.

In the News: Schumacher Announces Indoor/Outdoor Design Winners

Schumacher recently put a call out to all designers to show off how they see the company’s indoor/outdoor fabrics, and how the designers can fit the fabrics into their personal designs and homes. The results are in, and Schumacher is thanking those talented designers who shared their work.

"We loved seeing how Schumacher’s indoor/outdoor fabrics are being used in innovative ways," said a company representative. "It was difficult to select from all of the incredible projects."

Congratulations to the winners on such inspiring entries! The top winners were Sheila Lyon and Meredith Sanders of Sheila Lyon Interiors in Houston.

The following each received an Honorable Mention:

Samantha Culbreath of Beckwith Interiors in Nashville.

Margaret Kirkland of MKC Designs/Margaret Kirkland Interiors in Atlanta.

Carole Reed of Carole Reed Design in Southampton, New York.

Show Off Your Schumacher Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics

Schumacher is inspired by creative uses of indoor/outdoor fabrics in a range of environments, from poolside cabanas to traditional dining rooms. The company is now calling out to all designers to show off how you see Schumacher's indoor/outdoor fabrics, fitting them into your designs and homes.

Submit your favorite projects featuring Schumacher's indoor/outdoor offerings for the chance to receive a $200 credit on your next order. The contest winner and three finalists will be featured on the Schumacher blog.

To enter and for more information, email whatsnew@fsco.com with images of your installation featuring Schumacher indoor/outdoor fabrics, a brief description of your project, contact information, and a recent headshot of yourself.

Winners will be announced the week of February 20, 2012.

Design Contest: Show Off Your Schumacher Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics

Schumacher is inspired by creative uses of indoor/outdoor fabrics in a range of environments, from poolside cabanas to traditional dining rooms. The company is now calling out to all designers to show off how you see Schumacher's indoor/outdoor fabrics, fitting them into your designs and homes.

Submit your favorite projects featuring Schumacher's indoor/outdoor offerings for the chance to receive a $200 credit on your next order. The contest winner and three finalists will be featured on the Schumacher blog.

To enter and for more information, email whatsnew@fsco.com with images of your installation featuring Schumacher indoor/outdoor fabrics, a brief description of your project, contact information and a recent headshot of yourself.

Contest will close on February 14, 2012 at Midnight (EST). Winners will be announced the week of February 20, 2012

Schumacher Introduces Indoor/Outdoor Côte d'Azur

Schumacher gives us the ocean blue, and we have to confess—we're ready to jump right in. A luxurious Mediterranean paradise pampered with sultry breezes, azure waters and sandy white beaches sets the scene for Côte d’Azur, Schumacher's newest indoor/outdoor collection.

Côte d’Azur's fabrics are inspired by the splendor of the illustrious French Riviera. This collection of beautifully textured weaves, all suitable for indoor and outdoor use, provides style and sophistication without compromising performance. Woven with soft yarns of solution-dyed acrylic, these fabrics have warranties for lightfastness, chlorine/mildew resistance and stain repellency, creating perfect options for the exterior living room or for the frequently used interior space.

The color palette is inspired by the sand and sea: chic neutral shades of driftwood, grey and oyster layer with watery hues of turquoise, pool and navy. A mix of bold and graphic patterns blend with velvet, chenille and matelassé weaves, providing enduring luxury and drama for a wide range of environments.

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH or check out the collection online.

Product Pick: Schumacher Shares Chic & Modern Ottomans

Schumacher has introduced two new ottomans in the New Year and we can't possibly choose between them—we want both!

Schumacher's ottomans are versatile in shape and size and are irresistible. The Tribeca Ottoman offers a square silhouette that's perfect against a wall or fits quaintly into a cozy corner. The Chelsea Ottoman is cylindrical in form making it perfect as a floating piece. Both are available in either a plain or mitered and button-tufted top.

The clean and modern appearance of these ottomans isn't the only new feature. They are also 18 inches smaller in size than Schumacher's other ottomans and make for a perfect accessory in pairs or used solo to accent a variety of traditional and contemporary settings.

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH or check out the collection online.

Product Spotlight: Jaipur, the Art of the Hand Block

Schumacher shows off its worldly side with its newest collection, Jaipur. Jaipur Hand Block wallcoverings offer an ethnic, elegant flare to design and spice up any style of decor you have in mind.

The art of the hand block is highly prized for its beautifully crafted appearance—subtle, softened and varied, each motif shows the hand and mark of its maker. Even the wood blocks used to create the designs are carved by hand, and much of their natural beauty lies in their intricately detailed forms and time-worn edges.

"This exquisite collection of wallcoverings is entirely hand block printed," said a company representative."The process uses traditional methods that are as amazing as they are timeless. It's truly hard to pick just one that best suits you; you're soon falling in love with several!"

Jaipur's classic patterns are shown in new interpretations and colorations created exclusively by Schumacher. The designs vary in scale, from small and delicate bhuti prints and decoratively detailed stripes, to bold damask motifs, Greek key patterns and multi-hued paisleys. The timeless quality of these prints is enhanced with durable surfaces and inks, creating versatile wallcoverings that are suitable for a variety of modern and traditional interiors.

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH or check out the collection online.

Product Pick: Schumacher Gets Chromed Out

Schumacher has expanded its palette this season with luxurious collections of wovens by color. With names like Cinnabar and Mulberry, the Chroma collections will ease you into the colder weather in style.

Plush cut velvets, finely detailed embroideries, rich tweeds, sumptuous wools and chunky cotton weaves are combined in saturated hues and sophisticated neutrals. We love what layering these fabrics looks like, creating a statement of exquisite and vibrant interiors.

Peacock and Chartreuse will get your greens going in the home, while Cinnabar and Mulberry will rouge up everything red for the holidays. We love Charcoal and Dove, which give frosty and fresh new meanings to black and white.

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH or check out the collection online.

Tech Talk: Schumacher's New App

Schumacher has introduced its essential digital resource for discerning interior design professionals and registered to-the-trade users. Schumacher for iPhone is a product catalog of all of its current fabric and interior accessories. And no need to stress, it's also available the iPad.

The new application allows customers and clients to view the latest offerings; stay up to date on product information, stock, and order status; place memo and product orders; create project lists and tag favorite products; search for nearby showrooms using GPS; view pinch and zoom high resolution photographs; review product details; and learn about new trends, events and offerings!

Visit Schumacher online to learn more about the Schumacher App, or visit iTunes to get it now.

Product Spotlight: Schumacher Glimmers with Glamour

With a thoroughly modern approach, Schumacher's new collection shines with glittery glamour. Modern Glamour Wallcoverings are Schumacher's newest collection and we can't deny how much we love the way it sparkles.

The collection of handcrafted and embossed wallcoverings evokes the allure of precious metals and the natural beauty of exotic materials. Stripes, damasks and fret designs in this collection are enhanced with layered grounds as well as combed, striated and raised effects.

The collection offers subtle neutrals and rich hues that shimmer with the luster of gold, bronze and silver. Bold mixes of texture, pattern and unexpected color create glamorous surfaces for modern living spaces.

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH or check out the collection online.

PDC Fall Market Recap: Martyn Lawrence Boullard On Launching a Fabric Collection

Schumacher's showroom was bustling for the panel The Road to Landing a Licensed Fabric Collection, with designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Schumacher senior vice president and design/creative director Susan North, and C Magazine contributor Andrea Stanford.

The panelists discussed examples of designer fabrics and the process of developing a designer fabric collection from concept to launch and some fun stories of their personal experiences in the process.

"The audience was electrified with the descriptions of Martyn’s new delicious, invigorating fabrics with Schumacher!" said Michael A. Bernal, showroom manager of Schumacher at PDC. "His humor and his star personality completely captured the audience!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on the PDC's Fall Market recaps.

Fall Market Buzz: The Road to Landing a Successful Fabric Collection with All-Star Panel

If you loved Schumacher's Spring Market panel, Designs on Film, you'll love the upcoming panel it's hosting at the DDB's Fall Market. The Road to Landing a Licensed Fabric Collection features an all-star panel for a conversation on the process of developing a designer fabric collection, from concept to line launch.

The panel will feature celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, star of Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators and author of Live, Love and Decorate; Susan North, senior vice president and creative director for Schumacher; and Carolyn Sollis, contributing editor of Editor at Large. The panel will discuss the inspiration and collaboration involved in creating a collection.

The panel discussion takes place October 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the DDB's Schumacher showroom in Suite 832. Join the panel for lunch following the discussion and for more information visit www.ddbuilding.com.

Product Spotlight: Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Schumacher

Schumacher has just increased its celebrity status with the introduction of a new fabric collection with internationally acclaimed interior designer, star of Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators and author of Live, Love and Decorate, Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

Martyn’s fabric collection with Schumacher is inspired by his passion for exotic travel, luxurious materials and a unexpected color and scale. The collection contains prints and wovens that are derived from antique textiles, motifs and patterns gathered during the designer’s journeys.

This collection includes a wide range of exquisite ikats, embroideries, tree of life prints, paisleys, hand-woven silks and silk velvets. Produced by some of the finest printers and weavers in the world known for a tradition of creating textiles using artisanal methods, many of these fabrics incorporate hand-made elements, giving them a stunning, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH and check out Martyn's collection online and let us know what you think.

Fall Market Buzz: PDC Event Highlights (Part 1 of 2)

The PDC's semi-annual Fall Market 2011 is weeks away and the anticipation is building. This year's theme is The Collaborative Community, and we’ve put together a few showroom events and lectures we think you shouldn’t miss. Best of all, they're all before lunchtime!

Schumacher (Suite B259) will host Martyn Lawrence Bullard, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators and author of Live, Love, and Decorate (Rizzoli), along with Susan North, Senior Vice President, and Design/Creative Director for Schumacher, and Andrea Stanford, contributing editor at C Magazine, for a conversation on the process of developing a designer fabric collection from concept to launch. The A-list panel will discuss the designer fabrics and each of their personal experiences in the process. The discussion runs from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a meet and greet with the panelists.

Atelier Lapchi (Suite G176) will host an open house to showcase the season's new colorways and coordinating patterns of GoodWeave certified silk and wool carpets from Nepal starting at 9:00 a.m. Refreshments will be served.

Mimi London (Suite G168) will host Mark Boone, noted AD 100 designer and CEO of Mimi London, Inc. from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The discussion Change Comes Naturally will present his journey of transforming a dated, weirdly-shaped structure into a stylish, personal, beachfront oasis, later featured in the pages of Architectural Digest. The presentation will touch on what inspires designers and how to bring those ideas into reality for clients.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more showrooms events and Fall Collection previews during Fall Market at the PDC.

Product Spotlight: Schumacher Shows Its True Stripes

There’s no better time to strut some stripes than in the height of summertime. Schumacher's stripe-savvy patterns make it easy with its organic cotton Brook Stripe collection, which has all kinds of colored parallels perfect for hot summer décor.

"I love the Brooke Stripe collection because they are casual and summery," said a sales associate. "I love the way the Maize colorways just invite you to relax and slowdown."

Make your way over to Schumacher at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH to select your summer stripe.

Guest Blogger Julieta Alvarez Shares Her Favorites From the Kips Bay Decorators’ Showhouse (Part 2)

Yesterday, Guest Blogger and Pierre Frey Sales and Marketing Assistant Julieta Alvarez gave us the behind-the-scenes scoop on being a Kips Bay Showhouse volunteer, and today she's sharing a few of the rooms and designs she loved most. Here are a few of Julieta's many favorites.

By Julieta Alvarez

It's hard to narrow down and pick favorites, but one of the rooms that really stood out most was Brad Ford's The Stereo Lounge. I loved how calm and comfortable the room was. It really helped gravitate people to hanging out and socializing in the space, and it even avoided being too masculine or too feminine—which is hard to do!

An oversized paper lantern ballooned over the room and the fabrics that Brad used were gorgeous, soft and sophisticated. A pair of shaggy stools sat near to the natural skins on the sofa and rugs made the room casual and earthy. What a versatile room!

I can see it in a beach house in Montauk, a penthouse loft in Manhattan or anywhere in California. And did you notice the turntable on the coffee table? What a fabulous idea! And while the coffee table isn't from one of the D&D Building showrooms, the stunning beige rug came from Stark Carpet and the sheer, linen drapery fabric hanging as a backdrop are from Schumacher.

I was also a huge fan of the staircase designed by Janet & Carolina Rauber (Rauber+Rauber). This staircase was a beacon of glow! Taking advantage of high ceilings, the sisters upholstered the walls in a large-scale Ikat pattern. Beautifully colored in a graphite grey and mustard yellow, it was just beautiful! Of their product, the wall upholstery 'artwork' is from Dedar, which can be found in the Jerry Pair showroom.

And if you missed it this year, don't stress, there's always next year! And if you doubt a visit or two will give you your fill—then you can volunteer!

You can expect more from Julieta on GoDesignGo, but in the meantime, visit her fabulous design blog.

Product Spotlight: Schumacher Updates the Classic Wing Chair

If you've been keeping your eye out for a new classic piece for your office or living room, head to Schumacher and check out three new wing chairs in their Furnishings collection.

Madison, Wilshire and Weston each have classic wing silhouettes that have been reinterpreted with a refined and modern eye. The look is versatile too--these new pieces are made to fit seamlessly in modern and traditional interiors alike.

To top it off, now through June 30, Schumacher is offering free shipping on all Schumacher orders shipped ground to addresses within the U.S.

Product Spotlight: Schumacher Goes Au Naturel for Spring

If you’re in the mood for natural and comfy this Spring, look no further than Schumacher’s Spring collection. Au Naturel combines luxuriously quiet, yet surprisingly dramatic neutral patterns and natural textures. It's a perfect pattern for cozy evenings in while these Spring showers keep us inside.

"Au Natural is a lovely, wholesome look that Schumacher is really proud of," a Schumacher sales associate said. " It comes in an extensive range of complementary fabrics and wallcoverings and it's just such a tempting collection!"

The collection offers a modern, worldly design sensibility and features coordinating trimmings, which are a mix of natural materials enhanced with couture-like details of pleating, ruching and handcrafted elements.