The Journey of Two Chairs (Part 3)

A frayed or unfashionable exterior doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the line for a well-loved classic. Christie’s Interiors teamed up with Beacon Hill to put this theory to the test with the estate of the late Amy Perlin, who passed away in May of 2010.

Beacon Hill’s Director of Fabric Design, Alexis Audette, explains how to go about working with interior designers when restoring and how to do it yourself.

CI: What do interior designers keep in mind when selecting slipcover fabrics?

AA: Designers have additional considerations when selecting fabric for slipcovers. The material must drape well over the upholstered piece, much like a coat or jacket. Slipcovers in lighter weight, made with more casual fabrics like linen or cotton blends, lend themselves to more relaxed living during summer months. Natural fibers, such as cotton or linen in neutral colors, are very much on-trend right now. Slipcovers can also provide a way to try out different motifs and colors, such as a bold bohemian ikat or a muted and romantic floral.

CI: What advice would you offer to someone preparing to embark upon an upholstery project of their own?

AA: To achieve great results, take the time to do the research, check references and select your upholsterer carefully. They should see your piece of furniture in person; if this isn’t possible, at least take pictures to show them.

CI: What advantages does this process offer over the retail experience?

AA: A custom upholstered piece is the equivalent of a couture gown, and participating in the creative process makes the personal investment even stronger.

Visit Beacon Hill for more on their fabrics and tell us about your experiences in furniture restoration!

The Journey of Two Chairs (Part 2)

Christie’s Interiors recently teamed up with Beacon Hill to test whether old or unsightly upholstery means the end of the line for a beloved furniture piece with the estate of the late Amy Perlin, who passed away in May of 2010.

Beacon Hill’s Director of Fabric Design, Alexis Audette, explained how to restore your most lived-in product.

CI: Why slipcovers have you chosen here?

AA: The short, corner pleated slipcover is a tailored and casually elegant design. I chose Laurel Stripe in Frost, a blend of linen and Egyptian cotton, which combines the texture, and strength of linen with the softness of cotton. The stripes are ideally suited to the small-scale chairs, and they help create an updated, contemporary look.

The more formal, traditional of the two slipcovers I call a “frog eye” design, referring to the decorative passamenterie that secures the pleat on the chair back and is repeated on the legs in the front. The fabric is a wool and linen blend from Italy called Ashland in a color known as Driftwood. Mixing wool with linen creates a more durable textile with a crisp, sculptural quality.

CI: How should one go about selecting a fabric?

AA: Seek expert advice. Interior designers have the training and experience to know what types of fabric and what colors and patterns will work best in your interior space. Another option is to seek advice from a good upholsterer.

Beacon Hill fabrics are sold exclusively to interior designers. We design singular and bespoke fabrics, and work with boutique textile mills around the world. We specialize in natural fibers, including silk, wool and linen. The designers who purchase our fabrics consider usage and the kind of frame to be upholstered, and also fabric weight and texture.

An additional consideration is color and pattern scale and type. If the sofa will be used daily, they’ll choose a fabric with high durability. For a lighter look, linen and linen blends are durable and easy to clean. A more delicate fabric, such as silk, won’t stand up to daily use but is a good choice for a decorative bench or occasional chair.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more with Alexis Audette's tips on old and new.

The Journey of Two Chairs (Part 1)

The creative team at Beacon Hill believes a frayed facade doesn’t mark the end of a well-loved classic. In collaboration with, Christie's Interiors, the company showed what’s possible when you combine classic forms, top-quality fabrics, artisanal expertise and a little imagination with the estate of the late Amy Perlin, who passed away in May of 2010.

Their results paid homage to Perlin’s collecting philosophies: “I like strong pieces that show their age” and “It’s all about line and proportion.”

Beacon Hill’s Director of Fabric Design Alexis Audette offered his expert advice about upholstery and slipcovers, and retells the process of restoring antique French chairs to highly desirable works of art.

CI: What excited you about these chairs and how did you know they were ripe for “reinvention”?

AA: I loved these chairs because of their beautiful lines. Because of their unusual small scale, the chairs can be used in a setting where space is limited, such as an alcove or a small bedroom.

CI: Tell us about the fabric you selected for the re-upholstery.

AA: We wanted a versatile look that could work well in a traditional or contemporary interior. Given the current demand for natural and sustainable materials, I selected Beacon Hill’s Natural Linen fabric in a flax color called Linen. Certified organic, this beautiful Belgian textile has the necessary weight for upholstery.

CI: Why are slipcovers important, and what have you chosen here?

AA: Slipcovers are essentially “clothing for furniture.” They can lend a whole new personality to a room, to reflect a new season, trend or even mood. Of course, a more practical purpose is to extend the life of a piece of upholstery.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more with Alexis Audette's advice on transforming old to new and making over oldies but goodies.

The Eclectic Interior: Dennis Hopper Auction Preview at DDB

In collaboration with Christie's Interiors, Robert Allen | Beacon Hill is showcasing a mini-exhibition of the Dennis Hopper (May 17, 1936 – May 29, 2010) Estate at its DDB showroom through January 4, 2011. If you’re just passing through the DDB, check the lobby window display, which previews a few important pieces in Hopper’s collection.

The exhibition will be moved to Christie's at Rockefeller Center on January 5, where it will be on display through January 10.  The sale takes place January 11-12, 2011.

“What I love about Dennis Hopper’s Collection is the way his extremely eclectic tastes paint a picture of 20th Century America,” Alexis Audette, Design Director of Beacon Hill, told us. “Our collaboration with Christie’s is a focus on 'The Eclectic Interior,' so it was a perfect fit.”

Best known as an actor and filmmaker, Dennis Hopper’s creative expression took many forms including sculpture, photography and painting. A lifelong art enthusiast, Dennis amassed a collection that virtually tells the story of 20th century art through works by artists such as Marcel DuChamp and Gerhart Richter. His collection does nothing short of revealing his insatiable appetite for new experiences.

The fabrics, part of Beacon Hill’s upcoming Rustic Collection, will be available

at Robert Allen | Beacon Hill in January 2011.