It's a Blue New World

The BDC’s DesignBoston2010 wrapped up Thursday 9/23. There was a realistic but hopeful atmosphere in the showrooms. Plus, I learned how to blog, what “like” really means on facebook, made new friends, and reconnected with some dear old friends. All in a day and a half.

And so many beautiful, blue, new products.

Oscar de la Renta's fabric collection for Lee Jofa. I'd wear this skirt. But I'm sure it will look just as nice on a cocktail ottoman. This fabric is going to make great oversize pillows on a neutral sofa. It would look good on the window too. 

Blue and white ceramics everywhere in Kravet’s showroom! This large piece will hold umbrellas when not filled with fresh sun flowers. A classic in a large size like this does a couple really good things: we don't need to acquire a collection of small ones to make an interesting display, and the large size is pleasingly dramatic (as opposed to "over the top" dramatic, unless that is your goal).  

The Versaille pattern from Farrow and Ball's new Baroque Papers. This exuberant pattern was inspired by Queen Victoria. Farrow and Ball’s Pavilion Gray paint makes a great consort, taming it (just a tad) and the effect is elegant, but not too serious. I was unable to get the gray paint to line up with pic, but all of my 2 readers have great visualization skills.

And what chest doesn't look good in black. I can see Versaille as a feature wall in a foyer, rest of the walls Pavilion Gray, crisp white trim. A white painted floor like the one shown here keeps the tone light and gives the feeling we might not take ourselves too seriously (at least some of the time….). Not sure why they named it Versaille if it is channeling Queen Victoria. Maybe I misheard the lecture. Versaille does roll off the tongue quite nicely. If anyone knows, please comment.

Schumacher’s Boston Showroom has emerged rejuvenated from its makeover. New and thoughtfully assembled vignettes, and some fabulous new product.

“Leaves” in Azure from Schumacher's just released Modern Nature wallpaper collection. The perfect balance of a comforting matte aqua blue with an on trend gray jazzed up as silver with a sheen (tasteful sheen, of course). Approachable glamour. This paper would be stunning in a foyer. Or powder room.

Schumacher’s Mr. Gerald Puschel was in Boston for the events. He gave me a page by page tour through the Modern Nature book. A gentleman, family man, really nice guy, and a runner! Are we star struck yet?

Here's the Twiggy also from Modern Nature. In Silver. Elegant.

Twiggy in Silver from Schumacher's Modern Nature Collection
Photo from House and Home, design by Jennifer Worts.

Schumacher's Brighton Bench, photo by Linda Pakravan

Chiang Mai Dragon in Mocha, photo by Linda Pakravan

Schumacher’s Chiang Mai Dragon in the latest colorway, Mocha, perched on this lovely sofa with new blue partners and the Brighton bench as cocktail ottoman. Skipping the skirt on this traditional sofa and using a neutral fabric gives a modern but comfortable look and feel. Plus, the neutral is timeless; change the pillows a few years down the road for a new look. Frankly, I can’t imagine parting with these pillows, at least not willingly. I like the choice of a solid on the bench – we can really appreciate the detail of the frame. The trellis effect in the all wool carpet is nicely echoed in the pillows and the angles of the Brighton frame. PFM's wool broadloom, Cite.

photo by Linda Pakravan

I took this detail shot of the Ogden rug designed by Matthew Patrick Smyth for Schumacher’s carpet division, Patterson Flynn and Martin. It is gorgeous.

Schumacher rep Timothy McSweegan in vintage 70’s blue madras.

Thanks for reading,
Linda Pakravan

All pictures by Linda Pakravan except: Versaille wallpaper, Pavilion Gray paint from the Farrow and Ball, Leaves in Azure from Schumacher, Twiggy in Silver from House and Home.

This was an unsponsored post.