Allison Kettlewell on color

On Friday we introduced you to Allison Kettlewell, who's designing the textiles of Suzanne Tucker Home. She's pictured on the right, with her collaborator Vera Vandenbosch, who also works with Suzanne, and just happens to live up the street!

How awesome is this string ball wreath? It was hanging high on her wall, another example of the myriad examples of textiles that fill the studio.



We were dying to know how a designer conceives of color -- especially when there are so many possibilities. We've sprinkled in snapshots of some of the best-sellers. Here's what Allison had to say:



"Suzanne is so specific -- in a good way -- in her color sense. She absolutely loves color, especially pinks and lilacs."


"Most designers are still too fond of beige and neutrals, in my opinion."



"One color you'll never see here though is teal. Suzanne has a very specific blue she loves, it's between Wedgwood and robin's egg with a touch of aqua. Recently I found myself in an inky blue period." [Which is evident on her inspiration board].


"We're now at just 52 fabrics total in the line -- which is a number some houses would introduce every few months. But we know what we're missing–stripes for sure—and we're working on new prints."


"I'm hoping that Suzanne and I will plan a visit to India, where I know we'll find plenty of inspiration."



No doubt they'll also come back with suitcases full of antique textiles!



Be sure to see the collection in person at Thomas Lavin at the PDC and Holland & Sherry at the DDB.

Alexandra Champalimaud for Holland & Sherry

What better way to kick off a fabulous new collection, especially in the summer, than with a terrific party? Especially an outdoor affair to debut an outdoor fabric collection. That's exactly how interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud and Holland and Sherry celebrated their collaboration on the Portugese native's Comptoirs collection. If you didn't get an invite, see what you missed with ElleDecor's great story.

This bespoke suit, made from one of the new introductions, also showcases the company's origins (and continued talent) as bespoke clothiers.


It's refreshing to see some playful patterns in an indoor/outdoor collection, which have been tending towards basic neutrals, in our humble opinion...Stop by and see the complete line at the DDB (Suite 1402).

Images courtesy of BFA via ElleDecor

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.

Two new fabrics from Suzanne Tucker

San Francisco designer Suzanne Tucker is considered the unofficial decor doyenne in the Bay Area. The latest designs for her two-year-old Suzanne Tucker Home collection show her skill with reinvigorating two things we've all seen before: embroidery and linen. The results are breathtaking!



The finely detailed Celestria is derived from a 19th century English document with references to astronomy and antique celestial charts. It comes in three colors.


Samirah is a botanical paisley, pictured below, available in two colors and dreamy as a window treatment.



The name Samirah comes from Arabic, meaning "entertaining companion", which is also how many would describe the charming designer herself!
Stop by and "meet" Samirah and Celestria at Thomas Lavin at the PDC and Holland & Sherry at the DDB.

A peak inside the bloggers' goodie bags

As a BIG thank you to the participants of last week's DDB Spring Market, the 20 bloggers went home with some very nice treats, most of which were one-off, specially created batches. Many showrooms showed their thanks for the bloggers' attention, coverage and participation with goodies ranging from tote bags to pens to jewelry. Thanks to everyone who donated, and once again to the bloggers for all of their great reporting. (We'll continue to share all that the bloggers have to say in their post-market recaps, so keep checking back.)

ANICHINI: Merino Wool Scarves, made in Italy from 100% Merino wool, and renowned for their soft, silky feel. Designs are exclusive to Anichini
CREATION BAUMANN: Umbrellas
CRESTRON: Zipdrives, that are both techy and adorable
DONGHIA: Leather Notebooks, made with a soft cover and lined pages to document your every design need
GRACIE: iPhone Case, with Gracie’s scenic hand-painted wallpaper, combining the finest level of hand painted detail typical of the 18th century Chinese designs with a modern bold orange accent
HOLLAND & SHERRY: Fountain Pens, covered in their signature wool
HOULES: Beaded Key Chain and Post it Compact. This beautiful beaded keychain offers a glimpse into Houles newest trim line, the Palais Royale
KNOLL LUXE: Nail Polish in Knoll Textiles custom color, “Tryst”
LUTRON: Maestro Wireless Dimmer, Single Pico® Wireless control has the power to control up to 10 Maestro Wireless dimmers and switches, up to 100 feet
MAYA ROMANOFF: Slink Notebooks
NEKTAR DE STAGNI: Bracelets, Nektar De Stagni  "Smiley Face" Freshwater Pearl earrings, with black Crystal pave

PIPINO 57: VIP Member Cards
POTTERTON BOOKS: Book Du Jour
QUADRILLE: Tote Bag
QUINTESSENTIALLY: A two-week pass to Quintessentially Unlocked
ROBERT ALLEN: Ikat Pouches
ROSE TARLOW: Leather Coaster. It's 5 o’ clock somewhere! Coasters in RTMH leather with our signature house emblem – the perfect desk accessory
SCUBE DESIGN: Hand-crafted pencil pouches, with silver-foiled glass beads and Swarovski crystal stones
VAUGHAN: Tape Measures

Summer shopping with Darren Henault

Last week we introduced you to Darren Henault, whose extraordinary talent for creating luxurious, livable spaces has won him awards, accolades, and the attention of the most important design publications in the world. His clients include celebrities, business leaders, and the social elite. For Henault, “living beautifully is about editing and figuring out what positive changes to make that will affect how you feel about your home and, ultimately, yourself.” Epitomized in this home in Millbrook:


And this New York living room, seen in New York Spaces:

We spent an afternoon with him on the hunt around the DDB looking for his favorite finds for summer. Here's what he loves, and why.


-"This Diana églomise chest of drawers from Jean de Merry is a great find. A gorgeous Old World technique on a clean and very usable piece of furniture:

-"The Windsor étagère from Frederick P. Victoria & Son is gorgeous. As it's custom, you can lacquer it, distress it, whatever you like. Again something old made new:

-"The textured linens and silks from Nancy Corzine are beautiful. They're formal but crisp and light enough to live with in the summer."
-"New bedding from Leron! Change the room from Winter to Spring just by having the folks there whip up something light and airy:


-"Have I mentioned my new rug collection at Holland & Sherry? How about using my designs and making them in cotton or linen? They're happy to oblige."

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.

Calling all Holland & Sherry fans

For those who love the assortment of Holland & Sherry at the DDB (seen above), get down to Holland & Sherry Bespoke in SoHo. The 180-year-old textile company, which started on London's legendary Savile Row, has opened its first store, selling not just custom wares in their incredible fabrics, but a variety of affordable, cash-and-carry items. Sandra Jordan barware, assorted sizes of bags made by Libero Ferrero in leather and Holland & Sherry fabrics, and terrific gifts like throws and table linens. 209 Elizabeth Street, Suite B, 212-343-1261.

New collection: Suzanne Tucker Home

San Francisco-based interior designer Suzanne Tucker, principal of Tucker & Marks, focused her peripatetic vision on Africa when designing Caravan, her latest Suzanne Tucker Home fabric collection. Eight new designs, ranging from cut velvet to silk jacquard and hand-woven ikat, pay homage to the vast continent and its visual splendors: desert, animals, and jungle. Cotton velvets Duma, a cheetah-inspired pattern, and Nomad, a geometric cut and loop pile, are made in the U.S., while the other fabrics come from Europe, India, Asia. Available at Holland & Sherry at the DDB and Thomas Lavin at the PDC.



(Above, from top: Sahara in olive, Serengeti in bark, Mirage in earth, Duma in pistachio and Sahara in cocoa.)



Below, at left: Marrakech in persimmon; stack, from top: Duma in chocolate, Marrakech in persimmon, Sahara in cinnabar and Serengeti in bark.

In the News: Holland & Sherry Hosts Clothing Trunk Sale

If you love Holland & Sherry as much as we do, it's possible that you've wondered if you could not only dress your home in their product, but yourself as well. Fortunately, we are all in luck because the interiors and apparel showroom is hosting a trunk show this week.

Barware, scarves, ties and belts are included in the trunk show, and for your personally styled Holland & Sherry custom clothing, schedule an appointment for a fitting.

The trunk show will be held this Thursday and Friday, March 8-9, during the DDB's building hours in the Holland & Sherry showroom. Contact Will Sofrin for more information and to make your appointment.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 2 of 3)

New York-based owner of Otium and designer, Thomas Fuchs, spent some time with us to talk about his signature collection, Otium. We know from our last post that 'Otium' is Latin for “aristocratic leisure," so we felt perfectly comfortable kicking our feet back as we posed questions to him about his work. We hope you’ll do the same as you read our Q&A below.

GDG: What helped to progress your skills in the industry?

TF: I started my professional training in a museum surrounded by the very best examples of art in a city where the museums were all free and their archives were there for even a curious student. This taught me to appreciate the finest of the fine.

I moved on to working in the auction business where I quickly became a furniture expert at the age of 25. This taught me period characteristics and social significance of design, which has always been influenced by culture, trade, and politic and technical advances.

After this, I moved to create my first collection of furniture called Quatrain, where I honed my knowledge of craftsmanship, business savvy and the importance of the relationship and mutual respect with the artisans that create the visions I have.

GDG: Did you have any major influences along the way?

TF: My two biggest influences were my parents who encouraged my art and my elementary art school teacher with whom I am still friends!

GDG: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

TF: Well, I am not big on collecting. After working in the auction business and being constantly surrounded by so much stuff it is easy not to get emotionally attached. I am also willing to wait until I can get the very best example of something other then just filling in space.

The one thing I do admit to collecting is Han Dynasty and Neolithic pottery. I do not have a lot but what I have is important. I never feel like I am the sole owner, I feel like I am holding these for the next owner. You cannot help but feeling that a 2,000 year old object is now solely for you. I also “collect” or adopt stray dogs!

Next week, Thomas tells us what he's been busy with recently and which DDB showroom will carry his latest work. Find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 1 of 3)

We recently had the chance to chat with Thomas Fuchs, New York-based owner of Otium and designer, about his signature collection, Otium. Tapping his classical training in the fine arts and his love of furniture and design, Thomas created a line of neo-classical glass lamps, cases and candlesticks for Otium Collection.

GDG: What does 'Otium' mean?

TF: Otium in Latin means 'aristocratic leisure.'

GDG: What was the inspiration or direction behind Otium?

TF: The clearest direction for Otium was to work with the Maestro of Murano, Italy. Although glass is made all over the world, I have yet to see the finesse that comes from the Maestro of Italy. The tradition in 600 years of glass blowing has only been altered by the addition of electricity—otherwise the pieces we create today are produced with the same technical attributes of the same pieces being made in the 17th century.

Glass is magic and being in the furnaces working is even more magical. To have these amazing Maestro willing to put up with this crazy guy from the United States is a gift for which I will be forever grateful.

GDG: How did you get started in the fine arts world?

TF: I have studied art my entire life. I have a degree in Art History and Studio and I went to the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC.  I am a member and student of the Art Student League of New York and I have also studied at the Academy of Art & Design, NYC. My last job before starting Otium eight years ago was to be the design director of furniture & decorative art for Donghia.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more about Thomas and his Otium Collection, but in the meantime, you can find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Event Recap: Holland & Sherry Celebrates Cullman & Kravis After Hours at the DDB

Holland & Sherry presented the first-ever fabric collection by Cullman & Kravis at a stylish event last week featuring C&K signature cocktails, piquant hors d'oeuvres and of course, neck ties and outfits made from the new Cullman & Kravis fabrics.

"I've been so excited about this launch and about taking this huge step," said Elissa Cullman, interior designer and co-founder of Cullman & Kravis. "I shop at Holland & Sherry more than anywhere else because I love what they have and I love to work with them. There was no other showroom that I wanted to work with once I decided to launch a fabric collection, it was an obvious choice."

We asked Elissa what the inspiration was for her fabrics, and why she decided to take this venture.

"I really felt there was a need in the industry for what this collection offers," Elissa said. "I wasn't finding everything that I was looking for and even though this collection is slightly different from Holland & Sherry's overall look, I wanted it to be a partnership with them. My inspiration was really the need that I saw."

"We love working with Elissa and we couldn't be more excited about this collaboration," said Bryan Dicker, President of the Holland & Sherry Interiors department. "Elissa really understands fabrics and the needs of our clients. We've been working with her for years and we couldn't be more thrilled to carry her collection."

Bryan then proudly showed us the tie he and other Holland & Sherry associates were wearing, made from one of the new collection's fabrics. "These were all made from Cullman & Kravis fabrics, and make sure you look around because there's a little girl her whose dress is also made from the fabrics!" said Bryan.

A few of the notable guests in attendance included top editors Margaret Russell, Erin Swift, Eugenia Santiesteban Soto, Nanjoo Joung, and Orli Ben-Dor; and top designers Christopher Maya and Shari Markbreiter.

Be sure to stop by Holland & Sherry to see the collection for yourself!

Event Spotlight: Cullman & Kravis Launches First-Ever Fabric Collection

Holland & Sherry is the showroom to swing over to tomorrow evening at the DDB. The showroom is presenting the first ever fabric collection by Cullman & Kravis, Inc., a New York-based interior design company, and we can't wait to see what they've got.

Enjoy white wine or the C&K signature cocktail, made with Ketel 1, fresh cucumber, club soda and fresh mint and lime juice, as well as hors d’oeuvres.

The event takes place tomorrow, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the DDB's Holland & Sherry showroom in Suite 1402.

Leathers, Linens, Wools, Oh My!

For the first time in the company’s history, Holland & Sherry’s custom rug collection introduces hand-woven artisanal leather rugs.

"It's an entirely new direction for us. We have primarily used wool and silk in our rug collection," Janet Mercel, Holland & Sherry Showroom Sales and Public Relations, explains. "There's never been anything like this in this showroom so we're extremely excited about it."

We also checked out Holland & Sherry’s new fabric collections: Carlton, St. James & Hyde Park, which are being introduced this month. Carlton is a linen jacquard developed from a 19th-century French wallpaper available in 12 linen colorways. St. James & Hyde Park are wool-linen blends—both available in 6 colorways.

Cullman & Kravis Introduces....

Cullman & Kravis, esteemed Interior Design firm located in New York City, is pleased to introduce their very first fabric collection. Inspired by their signature color palette and design aesthetics, these fabrics, woven from linen and wool fibers, are made exclusively by the venerable firm of Holland & Sherry. The collection, ranging in both textiles and designs (small geometrics, plaids, stripes, curvilinear motifs) exhibits a fresh look into a variety of interiors are now available at Holland & Sherry showrooms throughout the country.

visit cullmankravis.com for more information.
for additional showrooms: hollandandsherry.com.