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

Michael Smith to consult for Brunschwig

This just in: Brunschwig & Fils has tapped renowned interior designer Michael S. Smith as creative consultant. California-native Smith will help guide the brand’s future direction and product development through an exclusive consulting agreement. This collaboration will catapult Brunschwig & Fils to the top of the high-end, luxury home décor market, a space the company has occupied since the 1960s, and reinforce its position as the most prestigious brand in the industry. Smith will work closely with both Stephen Elrod, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Director for Brunschwig & Fils and Lee Jofa, and with the entire Brunschwig team, on designs released as soon as next year.



For more than a century, Brunschwig has been synonymous with quality and fine French-influenced design. The company was founded in 1900 as a tapestry-weaving mill in Aubusson and Bohain, France. Several of Brunschwig’s most beloved designs have remained top sellers for decades.
“Michael Smith’s experience and advice will be invaluable to the product and merchandising teams,” expressed Cary Kravet, President and CEO of Kravet Inc., which acquired Brunschwig & Fils in 2011. “I look forward to his fresh approach to this brand, which I am confident will help to present new collections that match the brand image and equity with the discerning palette of our customers. Michael will be an integral part of the Brunschwig & Fils team.”



Smith, known for his multi-layered take on traditional interiors, has redefined American design for a new generation. His influence appears throughout the country, from his classic design for the Oval Office in the White House to the cover of Architectural Digest and many fine residences in between. His first memories as a young designer are of the iconic rooms created by Billy Baldwin, Geoffrey Beene, Parish Hadley and others that featured floor to ceiling Brunschwig fabrics.


“It is a great testament to the longevity and beauty of Brunschwig fabrics that when I look through the archives, so many designs from decades past are still relevant. Brunschwig fabrics remain a symbol of absolute elegance and the iconic prints used throughout the years are always present, always Brunschwig, and still resonate today. Many of the classic Brunschwig patterns are go-tos in my own work,” said Smith. “My goal for Brunschwig is to marry its incredible archives with the talent of the brand’s artists, and create a new era of design inspiration based on the beauty of the past.”

Mark Pollack steps aside

Recently, Mark Pollack, co-founder of the textile company Pollack, announced he was promoting Rachel Doriss, VP of design, pictured below, to take over his responsibilities.



He will remain an involved consultant and co-owner. We came across this terrific profile of the man himself, with tributes by colleagues and industry friends, in Reviews Land and thought you'd enjoy reading about the influential Pollack as much as we did.

As seen in: New York Cottages & Gardens

New York Cottages & Gardens debuted with an April/May issue. You can shop for these favorites at the DDB. We're always glad to see another beautiful print publication!

Knoll's Womb chairs are pictured above.
Maya Romanoff's new showroom gets a shout out:


Along with pendant lamps from Holly Hunt.


We're looking forward to the second issue, due out any day now, before the NY edition closes up for the season and the focus turns to the Hamptons edition.

As seen in: Elle Decor

Earlier this week we saw some great DDB showrooms and products in the May issue of Elle Decor. Thomas Jayne and Katie Ridder selected an armoire by Julia Gray, and a Ralph Lauren Home end table, below:


Ralph Lauren Paint:




Romo:


Maya Romanoff:


Fabrics from Duralee, Clarence House, Ralph Lauren Home, Kravet and Manuel Canovas, Brunschwig & Fils, Fabricut, de le Cuona, Pollack and Zimmer + Rohde:

As seen in: Elle Decor

Have a peek at these great discoveries in the May issue of Elle Decor, found throughout the DDB showrooms.
The Holly Hunt shelving (above) is one of multiple picks in their Miami showhouse, as is this chaise:


And a Holly Hunt blue velvet in front of a wall in Ralph Lauren Paint:




Holly Hunt, Ralph Lauren Paint and Jerry Pair:


Sutherland:


Stark and Ralph Lauren Paint:


And fabrics from from Zoffany, Pierre Frey, Fabricut and Osborne & Little:


And that's not all...check back soon to see more great items featured in the same issue -- and pick up your copy today!

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.

In the News: Zoffany Paint—the Interior Designer's Choice

Zoffany paint has been selected as the first choice of interior designers for its superior quality, coverage, and broad range of beautiful, versatile shades. Carefully developed by the design studio to complement its wallcoverings, weaves, and prints, Zoffany paints offer an extensive selection of shades for interior schemes from clean and neutral to rich and vibrant.

"I can always rely on Zoffany paints to provide a color that is rich in tone and that decorators praise for its quality and ease in application," said Abigail Owen, design director at Carolyn Parker Design. "It is very rare that I can't find the perfect paint to match a scheme, and there are no surprises when it goes onto the walls; it stays true to its surroundings and has a depth that most paints lack."

Zoffany paints are available in flat emulsion, oil eggshell, and acrylic eggshell.

View Zoffany paint collections at Zoffany at the DDB in Suite 409; Nessen at DCOTA; Culp Associates at DCH; or online.

In the News: Philip Gorrivan Graces CT Cottages & Gardens Pages

With spring on the horizon and some surprisingly mild temperatures in New York, Philip Gorrivan has started thinking of the beach and summer months to come. With this in mind, Philip is sharing one of his recent seas projects recently published in Connecticut Cottages & Gardens magazine.

The Ocean House apartment in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, was decorated by Philip and is nothing short of an “iconic New England seaside resort,” as stated in the magazine. As one of nine designers asked by the resort's owners to design several of its apartments, Philips’ designated space included its own private terrace and pavilion.

"I went for seaside glamour because I wanted the place to feel modern and also to balance the past," Philip told Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. "I worked within the structure of the building, with its quirky architecture.

"The place was amazing! The sea is literally all around you! I didn't want to use too many metaphors; this is clearly a residence on the ocean, but I wanted it to feel like it could be on any ocean!"

Click here to read the full article about Philip's work, and to check out the stunning photographs of where he worked.

Event Spotlight: Innovations Showroom Celebrates Grand Opening

The Innovations showroom is celebrating the grand opening of its new showroom at the D&D Building in Suite 1717. Innovations will preview its 2012 collections upon appointment. Refreshments will be served.

The open house is taking place today and tomorrow, March 15-16 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the DDB in Suite 1717. For an appointment, contact showroom manager Rachel Smislogg by emailing rsmisloff@innovationsusa.com.

In the News: Gracie Graces the Cover of Vanity Fair

Gracie Studios is excited to announce the use of its Pewter Tea Leaf wallcovering (GT-2) as the backdrop for the glamorous March 2012 Vanity Fair Hollywood cover. The chic cover screams Hollywood, and Gracie's Tea Leaf backdrop perfectly complements the elegant models who are front and center.

The photograph, by Mario Testino, features the “fresh young stars of 2012” lounging across a three-panel foldout. The stars include Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jessica Chastain.

"A Vanity Fair stylist came by after we had accepted the offer to be involved and worked with us to pick a wallcovering," said co-owners Jennifer Gracie and Mike Gracie of the family-owned company. "The stylist told us that they were looking for a Hollywood glamour-type of backdrop, so we helped them find what we thought best depicted it. We think it's perfect, and we're honored to be involved!"

Pick up the March issue of Vanity Fair to see the cover, and stop by the Gracie Studios showroom in Suite 1411 at the DDB.

In the News: PDC Welcomes Witford Showroom

The PDC proudly welcomes the new Witford showroom this year, and we're excited to check it out. Known as a “one stop” experience, Witford prides itself as a “one project, one showroom, and one stop solution for the design professional.”

The new showroom offers furnishings that are always available off the floor to ensure satisfying clients’ and designers’ needs.

Stop by the Witford location in Suite B517 at the PDC and let us know what you like!

The PDC proudly welcomes the new Witford showroom this year, and we're excited to check it out. Known as a “one stop” experience, Witford prides itself as a “one project, one showroom, and one stop solution for the design professional.”

The new showroom offers furnishings that are always available off the floor to ensure satisfying clients’ and designers’ needs.

Stop by the Witford location in Suite B517 at the PDC and let us know what you like!

In the News: Dakota Jackson Receives Design Icon Award

Academy of Art University (AAU) recently bestowed its first Design Icon Award to noted furniture designer Dakota Jackson. The award was presented to Jackson by AAU president Dr. Elisa Stephens at a special reception at the school.

The following day, Jackson delivered a lecture to students attending AAU’s School of Interior Architecture and Design and talked about his design philosophy and process as well as thoughts on his work.

Watch the video to see highlights from the award presentation, including interviews with Dakota Jackson and Dr. Elisa Stephens as well as with designers and national shelter magazine editors.

In the News: Black Cat Bakery Opens at PDC

The Black Cat Bakery is now open at the PDC, serving a selection of coffee, daily baked goods, breakfast and lunch. Black Cat is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The bakery offers cozy European decor, comfortable window booth seats, brunch-style menus, freshly baked loaves of bread and tempting muffins, brownies, cookies and other baked goods to choose from.

Stop by Black Cat for a break from your PDC shopping and enjoy an espresso while your feet rest, or join friends for some shop talk over lunch. Let us know your favorite pick on the menu—we can't decide!

In the News: Marc Phillips on Fab.com

Marc Phillips is pleased to announce that it can now be found on Fab.com, the design-loving website featuring daily design inspiration and sales. It's the company's first time on the site, and Marc Phillips is excited to share its current sales there.

Check out Marc Phillips' collection of colorful Tibetan rugs, now 50 percent off—and if that doesn't satisfy your fix, head over to the Marc Phillips showroom at the DDB in Suite 211 to browse all the beautiful rugs on display.

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.

In the News: ASID Student Design Day Challenge Winners Announced (Part 3)

ASID NY Metro Chapter’s recent partnership with the Decoration & Design Building for a student challenge had the DDB full of students and young professionals eager for the day's events. The schedule consisted of a full day of events with two separate student challenges, a variety of showroom tours, design industry speakers, and a keynote panel sponsored by Editor at Large.

Students and showrooms alike shared in the day's events and mutually embraced the industry and its future. The day ended with many kind words for the building and the event.

"To everyone involved in the Student Day event, I wanted to send my thanks for a superb experience," said Becky Spector, NYSID student. "As a new student at the New York School of Interior Design, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and the information provided by the guest speakers and showrooms staff. The event was very well done. I look forward to many future visits!"

The Student Group Challenge among New York Metro interior design schools produced student teams of five given the task of creating a functional, visually appealing vignette by pulling pieces from a pool of pre-selected furniture within a one-hour time limit. Out of the four teams competing in the challenge, the Art Institute (AI) of New York, was crowned the winner by the panel of judges.

Supporting showrooms Artistic Frame, Anichini, Jerry Pair, Léron, Niedermaier, Romo, Schumacher, Stark Carpets and Vaughan provided accessories and additional items to make this a fun, eclectic challenge.

In addition to the fabulous prizes of installing the winning design in a display window for the individual challenge and publication in Editor at Large for the group challenge, the winners also received the professional 2012 version of AutoCAD generously donated by Autodesk. Lynda.com provided a one-month premium subscription offering a vast array of online tutorial support, and Herman Miller contributed a copy of their new award-winning inspirational DVD, Eames: The Architect and the Painter. The ASID winning goodie bags also contained other design-related tools to help the winners transition from student life into real-world design.

Photos by Who We Are Studios & Jennan Al-Hamdouni.

In the News: ASID Student Design Day Challenge Winners Announced (Part 2 of 3)

ASID NY Metro Chapter partnered with the Decoration & Design Building earlier this month for a student challenge. The schedule consisted of a full day of events with two separate student challenges, a variety of showroom tours, design industry speakers, and a keynote panel sponsored by Editor at Large. The turnout was a packed building of students and emerging professionals, not to mention countless impressive design submissions.


Submitted boards were reviewed, and students were interviewed to discuss their concept before the two judges, Mariette Himes Gomez, ASID, and Charles E. Pavarini III, Allied ASID. The judges chose Anastasia Berestova from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). Her winning design will come to life and be on display for the month of March in the lobby of the D&D building. The individual challenge was an excellent opportunity for students to become acquainted with a variety of showrooms, form relationships with staff, and create a successful, dynamic design within very tight parameters.





The Student Group Challenge created some friendly competition among New York Metro interior design schools when teams of five students were set to the task of creating a functional yet visually appealing vignette by pulling pieces from a pool of pre-selected furniture within a one-hour time limit.


Out of the four teams competing in the challenge, the Art Institute (AI) of New York was crowned the winner by the panel of judges: Harry Daniell, Harry Daniel Interiors; Jacqueline Hosford, ASID; Benjamin Huntington, ASID; and Julia Noran, Editor at Large. The students instrumental in creating the winning vignette were Erin Conley, Carlos Coronado, Jessica Williams, Maritz Hevia, and Kristine Boyd. AI’s design concept was to "Create a cohesive space while allowing the two areas to work separately. We were given neutral colors to start with and took a Southwestern-inspired approach incorporating warm oranges and natural materials.”


Visit GoDesignGo next week for more on the ASID Student Design Day Challenge and the young designers who won.


Photos by Who We Are Studios & Jennan Al-Hamdouni.

In the News: ASID Student Design Day Challenge Winners Announced (Part 1 of 3)

Earlier this month, ASID NY Metro Chapter partnered with the Decoration & Design Building for this year's student challenge, creating a full day of events with two separate student challenges, a variety of showroom tours, design industry speakers, and a keynote panel sponsored by Editor at Large. This combined effort allowed hosts and sponsors to embrace future leaders of the interior design industry.

"One hundred twenty students and emerging professionals attended the event, taking the DDB student initiative to a new level," said Ashlee Harrison, Director of Marketing at the DDB. "The building now has 150 new contacts to add to the digital database, and the best part is, they are all young designers!"

Showrooms within the DDB opened their doors for the Individual Challenge, where students created a design concept and rendering, Celebrating the Best of the D&D Building, to fit inside an existing display window in the building’s lobby. Students were given window dimensions and a list of participating showrooms, and were required to create a unique vision using available merchandise.

"In addition to the amazing turnout and participation of the students, we're also so appreciative of the nearly 30 sponsoring showrooms who collaborated on these challenges," said Ashlee. "The showrooms donated their time, resources, and labor in making this happen. For a first-time event, the event evolved and grew [and] proved to be a HUGE success!"

Check back with GoDesignGo tomorrow to hear more on the ASID Student Design Day Challenge and the young designers who won.

Photos by Who We Are Studios & Jennan Al-Hamdouni.

In the News: Knoll Acquires Outdoor Furniture Company Richard Schultz (Part 2)

Now that Richard Schultz Design has announced that it has been acquired by Knoll, we're getting the scoop on what the transition means for both companies.

"The acquisition of Richard Schultz reflects our ongoing interest in remixing our business with high design, high-margin specialty offerings which appeal to both commercial buyers and consumers worldwide," said Andrew B. Cogan, Knoll's CEO. "Richard Schultz began his career as a designer with Knoll and co-founded his company with his son Peter in 1992. Together, they have built an international reputation for exploring new materials and forms for outdoor furniture. We look forward to the continuous success of the Richard Schultz brand," he added.

Shultz's mother was hired by Florence (Shu) Knoll in 1950 to work with her on interior design projects. His father was hired by Hans and Shu in 1951 after he graduated from design school, and proceeded to design the iconic 1966 Collection and Petal Table Collections, among others.

In 1992, Richard Shultz Design was created with the goal of continuing to explore new product ideas specific to outdoor furniture. With Knoll’s permission and assistance, they were able to re-introduce the 1966 Collection and Petal Tables.

Peter Schultz, President of Richard Shultz Design, will remain a consultant to Knoll, and most of the current staff will remain in place.