Divine Distractions

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

We've got a scoop!

I love it when the fabric sales reps pay us a visit. They always have new things to show us and usually bring some kind of news that will give me some insight into how to service my clients better.

Recently, we had a sit down with our friend, Dean Groves from Duralee. He was just busting with new fabrics to show us. We love it when they bring the big market samples so that we can get a real good look at the patterns and textures.

Dean announced that Duralee has become the North America distributor for the English fabric and wallpaper company Clarke and Clarke. (here for the press release)

Clarke & Clarke was founded in 1999 and is family run by brothers Duncan and Lee Clarke. They are both passionate about the high quality fabrics and wallcoverings they design & distribute. The products are developed in the U.K. and are currently warehoused in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Clarke & Clarke is internationally recognized as one of the leaders in the world of contemporary home fabrics and wallpaper.

Dean left 3 Clarke and Clarke fabric and wallpaper books...the first ones to be distributed in Texas. I love getting the scoop first!

Here's a sneak peak of some of the wonderful products from Clarke and Clarke.

Fabulous wallpapers.....

Lampshades...on the wall...no less.

Clarke and Clarke "Orlanna" collection

"Florica"

So many lucious fabrics!

Astoria Velvets

I love the color combinations that come from the UK and this fabulous company, and I'm excited to be able to create with all these new palettes.

We would love to put together a special design for you with the new Clarke and Clarke line.

Contact the team at Sally J. Designs here for all your design and decorating needs. We love making your dreams a reality!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

It's a Stone's Throw......

I'm a big fan of audio books. I download them to my IPhone and listen while I do other things..... my favorite way to multi-task!

I've just finished 40+ hours of Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet.

What a story!

The scene is the 12th century in England, and centers around the building of the cathedral at Kingsbridge. There were many discussions within the story about architecture and engineering. It was like peering into the design history books to see the initial thought processes that created the historic cathedrals of that time.

It's a story of stone...aquiring them, building with them, engineering them.

It got me thinking about how we use stone in structures today.

Certainly, it's easier to shape them and use them as an architectural element in our designs, but

I think their impact is still the same...dramatic, warm and timeless.

Country Living

Cathy Kincaid in House Beautiful

Mark Cocanougher, Interior designer

Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design

Jill Sharp Interior Design

Canadian House and Home

Blue Star Trading Co. Hico, Texas

Bouldin Castle

Richard Powers, Interior Designer

Austin, Texas

The Pillars of the Earth has been made into a TV mini-series for Starz and will debut July 28.

I'll be watching...will you?

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Thanks, My Favorite French Antiques

Remember this from yesterday's post?

I asked Nance of MY Favorite French Antiques if she could tell us anything about the painted secretary. She was so kind to respond. Thanks Nance. Yall go check out her lovely blog....beautiful images and great stories!

The top of the secretary throws me...but the paint makes me think Venetian. I saw a Venetian style painted secretary (early 20thc) on Ruby Lane...the drawers reminded me of the secretary used in the room.

I see they like a mix of French and Italian.

So now I'm on a quest!

Just what is Venetian style?

It seems that the Venetian style of painting was developed in the 16th century from the Venice area of Italy, primarily by decendants of the Bellini family (and I thought they just made frozen peach girly drinks!)

The Venetian artisans and furniture makers developed their own style which became very popular thoughout Europe. They were highly influenced by the Chinese laquered pieces, and chinoiserie.

Their style centered around cabinets, shelves and mirrors. Carvers used local woods like walnut or olive wood to shape simple legs and ornate uppers.

The surface preparation using a gesso technique insured a fine ground for decoration and detailed work. The Venetians had a fondness for pastels, and most of the pieces crafted during this time were painted and decorated with soft pastel tones.

Another favorite combination was black with pearl or silver handles.

This incredibly prolific, artist region of Italy also gave us Venetian mirrors....

This is an antique Venetian mirror, circa 1700's

which we still copy and make new today.

The technique for authentic Venetian plaster walls came from the artists of the region...

Plaster Artistry

and we're still creating the finish in homes today.

Obviously, this period and region has been an influencer in design for hundreds of years, and is responsible for much of the classic designs that give character to our current homes.

Do you think they are responsible for Venetian Blinds as well??? I think that's a story for another day!

Friday, June 4, 2010

A Dallas Fav

This month's edition of D-Home Magazine reminds us of some of the most wonderful interiors featured in the magazine over the last 10 years.

This living room, designed by Dallas designer, Myrl Talkington, was a real favorite of mine as well.

I love the beautiful, saturated color on the walls, the Aubusson rug and the rich coffered ceiling. The abundance of rich fabric on the upholstery and drapes bring that feeling of casual elegance to this room.

Arched doors are always unique, and the detailed carving on these is magnificent!

I don't even have words for this painted secretary....how about fabulous!

I'd love to know the back story on this piece, wouldn't you?

If I'd seen the glass coffee table in a showroom, I don't know that I would have thought about it for this space, but now that it's in place, the transparency of the glass allows the beautiful rug to show well. Would you have pushed the envelop and placed this table, or something else?

Do you love the color palatte? Robin's egg blue and yellow...a very traditional combination. Even though the damask fabric usually brings a formal look to a room, the painted and distressed finishes on the chair frame bring a more casual feel.

I love the fringe on the oversized pillows too.

Photos of this room were first published in D-Home in May on 2008. I think it's still a classically designed room that will continue to look fresh for more years to come.

What are your favorite features of this room?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tiny Tables

When you are blogging, you are looking at millions of pictures to find just the right image to display for your blog. After a while they all seem to run together.

But lately I've been noticing a trend toward interesting little tables and benches being used instead of those matching end tables that have become passe' .

So, when I began to really LOOK for them, I'm amazed at the variety of ways they are used in a room.

Obviously, they are found next to chairs, sofas and chaises.