Market Musings: Highlights from High Point Spring 2012

High Point Market’s trade shows are such a source of inspiration, and this spring was no exception. I’ll share a few of my favorites…

For the first time, Tommy Mitchell, my friend who makes absolutely exquisite metal botanical sculptures, showed his lovely things at market. His display of these phenomenal pieces was probably the most creative thing that I saw there! His art is featured in one of the chapters of my book, The Collected Tabletop, and every time I see more of his creative work, I feel SO fortunate to have him as a part of my own project!!

(photo credit: stylebeat.blogspot.com)

Another favorite of mine at High Point was the new upholstery line from Thibaut!

I have used Thibaut wall coverings and fabrics for many years, because they provide exquisite design at an equally great value. At this market, they introduced a wonderful new line of upholstered furniture: it is amazing! One of my favorite pieces is this fabulous little chair with the tufted back. The piece is a lovely size, and I marveled at how comfortable it is! It can be ordered with the exposed legs (in any Benjamin Moore color if you can’t settle on one of Thibaut’s own finishes) or skirted.

What I love about this new line is how it gives a fresh update to a very classic, traditional look — just like this sofa.

(photo credit: pigtown-design.blogspot.com)

David Byerly’s Blacksheep Antiques gets my vote for favorite antique find of the week:

And, of course, there was much to love over at Hickory Chair!

This area was so fresh, yet classic, with its yellows, blues, and whites. I particularly loved the new yellow/gold linen damask (pictured on chair, below)! Note the interesting chest with the artwork pulled from the bench!

 

I also loved this new Hickory Chair console! Would be perfect for an entry or a study.

I was also drawn to the always-classic style of these arm chairs.

One of my favorite pieces in the entire Hickory Chair line is their “Lake House Bed” and I love the painted finish they chose for this market!!

And who could resist this clean, fresh, pink and white bedroom? Glamorous! Did I mention it’s all made-in-America, too?!

I can’t wait to incorporate some of these brilliant design ideas into my own work!

Here’s to another great market week at High Point.

-Kathryn

 

Share
Posted in Market Musings | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A “Happily Ever After” Home + Guest Post at SavorNC!

Can you hear the bells? It’s wedding season once again!

This year I have the great pleasure of helping Kristen Anderson create a “happily ever after” newlywed home. Kristen is the daughter of one of my dearest friends, and I couldn’t be more excited for her to marry her charming groom, Aaron Hudson.

Having worked with Kristen’s family on several design projects for their homes, I felt like I had a good grasp of her taste — which tends toward traditional — and set out to create a dining area that would be as beautiful as the tabletop wares she sells in her shop, Quintessentials. Here is what I came up with:

I love starting with this soft green from Benjamin Moore and then working in some traditional pieces.

Having a round dining table allows for easy conversation and, of course, these chairs from Hickory Chair will always be timeless.

Now, of course, no dining room would be complete without a collection of china — especially for the owner of a tabletop shop! I didn’t leave her guessing when it came to what to pair with this room either. Head over to SavorNC’s blog to see the china selections for this room.

Have a lovely day,

~Kathryn

Share
Posted in SavorNC Magazine | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Dressing for The Derby – Four Outfits to Fall For!

If you’re headed to the Kentucky Derby one week from today, I couldn’t be more jealous! It has long been a dream of mine to go and someday soon I will be there. However, for this year it’s enough for me to sit back, sip a mint julep and dream of the finery I would wear at such an event. I have selected a “collection” of dresses from one of my all-time favorite designers, Lee Anderson for the Derby and paired my favorite “collection “ of hats with them. Here are my four favorite outfits!

Look #1: Dress – Lee Anderson / Hat (far left) – “H. H. Dip Brim” from Eric Javits / Hat (top right) –  ”Lauren” from Suzanne Couture Millinery / Hat (bottom right) – “Ascot” from Kokin

Look #2: Dress- Lee Anderson / Hat (top center) ”Peekaboo Ruffle” from Kokin / Hat (bottom left) – “Wicker Luncheon” from Kokin / Hat (bottom right) – “Sicilian Bravissimo” from Kokin

Look #3: Dress – Lee Anderson / Hat (top left) – “Emily” from Suzanne Couture Millinery / Hat (bottom left) – Sparkle Floppy from Kokin

Look #4: Dress- Lee Anderson / Hat (top center) – “Stripe Dip Brim” in Red/Aster from Eric Javits / Hat (bottom center) – “Savannah Brim” from Kokin /Hat (far right) – “Pretty in Pink” from Suzanne Couture Millinery

I must say, the millinery shops I selected to use here are also among my favorites and along with Lee Anderson are located in NYC (several excuses to go to shop in NYC are better than one!!). Years ago I found Suzanne’s Couture Millinery shop when she was on Madison, and recently “stumbled upon” Kokin on Lexington on my way to Lee Andersons! They carry the most charming, feminine pieces and if none of the hats you see in store “will do,” both Suzannes and Kokins will do custom work!

If I were going, I would be in the black and white “Sure Bet” dress from Lee and one of my black and white hats.

However don’t cry for me — I’m very much looking forward to being in Madison, Georgia at Belles and Beaux on Saturday, May 5 for a book signing. If I’m not at the Derby, there’s no place I’d rather be! I do hope you’ll drop by to join me!!

Never, I say, never go to the Derby without a “collection” of hats to choose from, or for that matter a “collection of Lee Anderson dresses!”

Yours in style,

Kathryn

 

Share
Posted in Style Guide | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

May 2 Book Signing in Birmingham

The Collected Tabletop is on the road!! Next Wednesday I’ll be making a stop in Birmingham, Alabama at Table Matters for a book signing as well as a meet and greet.

 

 I have heard so many wonderful things about this store for many years and I’m truly looking forward to meeting everyone there!! I’m sure I’ll have to go home with a few “goodies” as well, as I know they carry some of my favorite lines! Please consider this your invitation to join me…

Wednesday, May 2

Table Matters

Birmingham, AL

 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

205.879.0125 / 2402 Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook Village

For more info visit table-matters.com.

I do hope you’ll drop in to chat and I’d be happy to autograph a copy of the book for you while you’re there!

Be sure to check out my calendar for more stops around the Southeast next week.

Have a lovely weekend!
-Kathryn

Share
Posted in Book Signings, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

At Home in Arkansas Flow Blue Feature!

As you may remember I traveled to Arkansas back in the winter. Not only did I get to catch up with my good friend Tobi Fairley, I also made a few new friends in the process. This group included the lovely ladies with At Home in Arkansas magazine.

If you aren’t familiar this is truly one the of the best regional publications around — particularly if you live in Arkansas or have an interest in its beautiful landscapes.

While I was on the trip I admittedly gushed about my collection of flow blue — you do know, dear reader, how I love my flow blue!! Lucky for me this kind group decided to feature my story and pieces like the ones I have in my collection in a story for their April issue!!

Just look at these stunning images…

I hope you’ll take a moment to read the full tale…

READ THE FULL STORY

Enjoy!
-Kathryn

 

Share
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments