Tara Shaw Maison - America's Mart Part III

One of my most favorite areas at the Market is the "High Design" section. It houses beautiful temporary showrooms dedicated to those designers that have very exclusive lines. Of course Tara Shaw was there, amid a backdrop of chocolate brown walls, with the most beautiful furniture.

It was so fun to see my friend Tara Shaw again! As usual her "Maison" Line stopped everyone in their tracks. She has added over thirty new pieces and her beautiful collection has over 75 items now. Let's have a look at some of my favorites:

The Italian Grisaille Panels were just stunning. You all know how I love Grisaille (to read my post on Grisaille click HERE). These panels were almost a perfect pair in gorgeous sepia tones.

Her new upholstered pieces were also beautiful. I loved this Italian Monogram Chair. It can be custom monogrammed to your specifications.

People were buzzing around the Baroque Canape - the back is removable so it is like two different pieces in one.

The silver leaf bench had a much more beautiful finish than my camera captured and look at all that hand carving.

The Italian Fragment mirror would be a fabulous focal point in any room - it's beauty really commands attention.

It was hung over this Italian Buffet. The finish of soft blues and golds were just extraordinary.

Of course she also had her signature lighting, but this Gilded Iron Corona Chandelier really caught my eye.

And the popularity of her small crowns prompted her to create this Corona on a stand. So many beautiful new things to see and wish for!! If you are interested in purchasing any of these fabulous items do let me know and I can send on pricing and shipping estimates.

By the way , my friend Millie, of M Design and Consultation, is now Tara Shaw's exclusive Interior Designer, you can contact Millie HERE. You can read all about my visit to New Orleans with Millie HERE. And my previous post on the Tara Shaw Maison Line HERE. To visit the Tara Shaw Maison website click HERE.

See you in few days with my final post - Trends at the Atlanta Market. Until then I will be shoveling out from under another Boston snowstorm!! Did I mention my back hurts??!!

America's Mart - Part II Napa Home & Garden

One of the highlights of my trip to Atlanta was visiting the showroom of one of my favorite companies, Napa Home & Garden.

Napa Home & Garden is owned by Jerry and KC Cunningham. Over the past 10 years they have grown their company exponentially, and in these trying times that is saying a lot!! How did they do it? Well, after meeting KC Cunningham and having the great privilege of spending some time chatting with her, the reasons for their success are crystal clear!

First let me say that I have never met a more gracious and stylish woman. Not only is she chic but KC is also an astute business woman. Her incredible eye and design sense are evident at every turn. Their product line provides high quality solutions for many client's design needs. I have been a fan of Napa Home & Garden for several years, but to say I was even more impressed after I met KC was an understatement. Let me show you why I hold this company is such high regard.

KC mentioned her number one selling items are her Firelites line. What is so wonderful about Firelites are that they use an eco friendly gel fuel made with recycled post-consumer waste from materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills. KC explained to us that it means with almost no fumes they can be used both outside and inside!! Of course you need to follow some basic rules, but used appropriately, they really can add so much to your outdoor and indoor decor. Above are the Vintage Pots line - look at the amazing crackle glaze and the colors.

They add an instant ambiance to any space.

Just like a candle, but when not in use they become a wonderful design accessory. I love this style called the Lion Tower - It comes in four finishes - I adore the Matte Black.

But I am equally enamored with the turquoise.

I also really love the shape and finish on the Party Time line. Firelites come in almost 50 styles and also come in larger sizes up to 45" tall, so the possibilities are endless.

I was also smitten with their FibreClay faux lead outdoor planters. The company brochure says "they only look heavy" and that is the truth!!

Both Di and I easily lifted them and marveled at the true life, aged lead finish! Gorgeous!

Of course they also have more traditional planters as well, including the famous Guy Wolff line. The displays at the Mart were just beautiful when all the different lines and statuary were shown collectively.

Isn't this display amazing?

Not just a company for outdoor decor, they also have a stunning preserved greens line. They use a unique, proprietary process so the greens look fresh indefinitely.

They come in many different containers, including these lovely distressed gray pots

And more formal mercury glass containers

The line is varied and includes wreaths as well.

But perhaps the most exciting products I saw were from artist John Lamos. He created the "John Lamos Studio Line" exclusively for Napa Home & Garden.

John's work has become synonymous with sustainablity. He creates his items with a "cementitious" material - cement mixed with two thirds recycled material that yeilds a product that is lighter and stronger than concrete and unlimited in its design appplications.

His current designs, exclusive to Napa Home & Garden, include unique planters, bowls, pedestals, firepots, pavers and chargers. The shapes and forms were all inspired by nature and are made in the USA by hand.

Here are the some photos of the pavers

A close up shows the incredible texture and color that mimics real wood

The color is intergral so even scratches don't show.

Although my flash over exposed this shot - the petal bowls were also lovely

The forms were just so elegant and beautiful

The collection also includes fire burning Torchieres, like the one above, and other items called "Wormwood" plates

It was such a treat to see all the exciting, new things from Napa Home & Garden

And a special thank you, from Di and I, to the wonderful KC Cunningham. We are so thrilled for your company's success and excited to see where you take us next!!

America's Mart International Home Furnishing Market -Part I - Bobo Intriguing Objects

What a fabulous time I had in Atlanta this past weekend. I traveled with my BFF, Diane who is a Designer in Virginia Beach. We just had so much fun!! "Di"and I also met up with Millie, my Designer friend from New Orleans, who is now the exclusive Designer for Tara Shaw, but more about that later in the week. (You can read all about my previous trip to New Orleans to shop with Millie HERE). We spent three LONG days visiting showroom after showroom and seeing the most recent products and trends for 2011.Over the next week I will profile several of my favorite stops. Today lets have a look at the amazing items from BoBo Intriguing Objects. You might remember that BoBo is the brain child of Mark Sage and Rudi Nijssen, the celebrated designers/manufacturers that have recently partnered up with Restoration Hardware. You can read a great interview with Mark Sage by Brooke at Velvet and Linen HERE. Mark also owns Love Train Antiques, but unfortunately I did not have time to go there this trip. Let's have a look at the Bobo Showroom. I was so charmed by these wine jug sphere pendent lamps. I loved the installation of several sizes hung together. Also notice the ceiling mounts, they were beautiful and a perfect compliment to the fixture. This is where Bobo always sets themselves apart; they do not skimp and have a wonderful attention to detail.

Mark is a master of "the collections", and these domes really caught my eye.

Also these wonderful copper pails - You can do so much with these - I envision them with plants and food, and silverware. Beautiful catch-alls in a boy's room or mud room - How about a set on bench filled with mittens and hats??? The table was also a find. I adored the metal detail that wrapped around the edges.

Another collection that really caught my eye was the mercury glass cake stands. Again these lend themselves to so many different uses. The wood carved angel wings really make a statement as well. Can't wait to find the right client's entry or console table to display these beauties.

I love all things with a Swedish flair and the Halo crowns remounted on metal stands really resonated with me.

Of course it wasn't all Home Decor for us - Di and I met a few celebrities as well! Here we are with Cat Cora from Iron Chef, who just launched a new line of cookware! She is a such a tiny little thing in person (remember I am only 5' 2"). Cat is on the right and that's Di on the left.

We also got a chance to finally meet and have lunch with Holly of Things that Inspire. Holly and I have been blog friends for years and it was such a treat to finally meet her in person. Her blog is one my favorites, you can read it HERE.

I have several other great finds to share with you, as well as some trends and other exciting things from Market, so keep checking back!

Gorgeous Downsizing New

Recently there has been a huge increase in the news that the era of the McMansion is coming to a close. It is said that as the baby boomers move into retirement many are wanting to downsize. Of course downsizing immediately conjures up images of a smaller cramped and uninteresting house, but not if you are acclaimed architect Peter Zimmerman. A master of proportion and scale, Zimmerman, generally designs larger homes, but was intrigued about developing a home limited to 2,500 square feet. This home is part of a community of smaller homes in Pennsylvania.
Notice his great attention to detail - the thicker clapboards, copper gutters and balcony millwork. Which is echoed inside in the loft millwork. Here is the view from the entryway Though not grand in size, the open floor plan gives the illusion of much larger space. The larger scale of the fireplace balances the cathedral ceiling height. Notice the wall of built ins; the home was thoughtfully designed with lots of storage. Furnishings are neutral, using primarily linens and seagrass rugs to bring more texture to the space and enhance the gorgeous barn beams and beadboard ceilings.
Right beyond the dining area is the small kitchen with center island. The window placement and the walkway/hallway between the two spaces adds to the illusion of a larger kitchen.
Off the great room is a cozy study with another fireplace. The master suite is on the first floor and the house has a loft with two additional bedrooms. With a home so thoughtfully designed and wonderfully decorated it seems to easy to downsize. To read more about this beautiful home click here. Readers, what are your thoughts, is downsizing the trend for 2011?
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Also thanks to Sherri of Inside Out Design for the Stylish Blogger Award - Head over to her blog for some great inspiration!