Specialists of Design: Kristina Larson Shares the Scoop on Decortex & Donghia

We recently introduced you to Kristina Larson, the marketing manager of the Decorative Center of Houston. Now, we’re excited to share her recap of the Third Thursday Seminar at the DCH.

By Kristina Larson

Last Thursday, I attended the wonderful Donghia showroom to view the premier of the new line with Decortex. Completing the well-attended event was Damiano Petrioli, president of Decortex, who came in from Italy to share his exquisite line of fabrics.

Manufactured in the birthplace of the Renaissance: Florence, Italy, the fashionable fabrics are loyal to tradition. Paired with research, design and experimentation, the fabrics' history has merged to offer up fresh, new ideas that reinterpret their collections and set trends.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the innovative use of fabrics. The 1970s polyester is trying to make a come back and Decortex has polyester silk that looks and feels as smooth as silk but can be washed and treated less delicately. They also have an amazing blend of linen and hemp that looks rich and supple and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!

From traditional to modern, the collections offer a wide selection of patterns including some notably reversible fabrics that will make an impact in any project. Further expanding your options, Decortex textiles come in a myriad of colors to choose from, with over 162 colors.

What also fascinated me was how color and style translated around the globe. Russia and the Middle East gravitates toward bright bold colors and Singapore prefers ultra modern design. How interesting! So make your way over to Donghia to experience the Decortext line for yourself—it's too good not to!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from the Cohen Design Centers' Design Professionals.

Specialists of Design: Kristina Larson at DCH (Part 2)

The Design Professionals of the Cohen Design Centers are the ones to go to for the inside scoop on design whether you’re in New York, Florida, Texas or California. Providing a unique Consulting and Buying Program for those of us who aren't currently working with a designer, they extend the coveted privilege to select from the textiles and furnishings available throughout the design centers.

Here's more from the DCH's design professional and marketing manager Kristina Larson.

GDG: What do you love most about design?

KL: I really love the color and texture of things when it comes to design. Color and texture are the more expressive of the visual features and the core implementation of design.

GDG: What made you love the design industry?

KL: Lots of things made me love the design industry! Specifically, I am a very visual person and, like both the fashion and art industry, design is an extremely visual industry. I love how design constantly changes and I love how techniques learned in one industry can be used in other design-related fields.

GDG: Do you have a personal design philosophy?

KL: I don't! I guess I go by loving what I personally love in design and respecting what others love - even if it differs from my taste!

GDG: Are there any items that you couldn't live or design without?

KL: Yes! I would be lost without my iPod, my camera and my cell phone!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from the Cohen Design Centers' Design Professionals.

Specialists of Design: Kristina Larson at DCH (Part 1 of 2)

Last week, we introduced you to the DCOTA's Design Professional, Alex Matamoros. Our next design professional that we would like you to meet is Kristina Larson, the marketing manager of the Decorative Center of Houston.

Kristina joined DCH as the marketing coordinator in 2005 and was soon promoted to marketing manager in 2007.  She's every bit the pro when it comes to Texas-living, business and design. A Houston native , Kristina graduated with honors with a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business.

Kristina has spent countless hours volunteering at the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Society for the Performing Arts and Houston Downtown Alliance, all of which fostered her interest and love for the world of design. But it doesn't stop there—she is also a member of the Museum of Fine Arts and The Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for our interview with Kristina to learn more about her.

Holiday Tips, Tricks and Tales: Kristina Larson

What’s your favorite holiday memory? Best and worst gift? What about do’s and don’ts for this holiday season? Let's find out what DCH Director of Marketing Kristina Larson had to say.

GDG: What was the best gift you ever received over the holidays?

KL: When I was four years old, I asked Santa for a black and white kitten with green eyes. My dad, AKA Santa, found the exact kitten I wanted, but he had to drive to another city in order for me to get it on Christmas Eve. I had her for fourteen years and I will always remember the complete delight and surprise of getting exactly what I wanted on Christmas Eve!

GDG: What should people never give as gifts?

KL: Never give socks especially that are unwrapped! Additionally, people should always remember to remove price tags.

GDG: What things are crucial to keep in mind when you’re decorating for the holidays?

KL: Less is more! There is no need to fill in every empty space with holiday decorations. Rule number one is to know how high your ceilings are and make sure you know what size of tree fits your space. People should also never ignore their neighbors. When decorating outdoors keep in mind that too many lights and mixing colors affects all of those around you!

GDG: What are you most looking forward to during this holiday season?

KL: Spending time with family and friends!

Leave a comment and tell us the greatest gift you've been given and your holiday never-do's.

GDG Gift Guide: "Loom: Woven Paper"

A great gift to adorn the coffee table or design book library is the beautiful, hard-cover book, "Loom: Woven Paper" sold at JANUS et Cie.

The book highlights the elegance of Lloyd Loom, a unique manufacturing process of twisting resin-infused Kraft paper around a galvanized steel wire.

Written by JANUS et Cie president Janice Feldman and featuring a foreword by Architectural Digest’s Editor-in-Chief Paige Rense, the vivid narrative and rich imagery illustrate the history, design and versatility of Lloyd Loom in exotic locales around the world, from the rustic countryside of Provence to the mysterious halls of Marrakesh, Morocco.

"This is a perfect coffee table book and it would make a great holiday gift," Kristina Larson, DCH Director of Marketing, told us. "Every design enthusiast will love it!"

PDC, Suite B146/B193

DCH, Suite 155

DCOTA, Suite A-123