Photo Credit: Calico Wallpaper
Over the last two years we have seen various patterns pop up in fashion and home décor that are reminiscent of marble and watercolor paintings. Trend watchers have forecast numerous times that it will be the biggest trend of the year, and yet it never seems to make a huge splash. Cool patterns pop-up and then it’s gone. But this year seems to be different. Hand-marbling and various manipulated ink patterns are popping up in more luxurious designs – a sign that they are here to stay. At the 2015 New York Design Week last month, marbleized and hand-dyed patterns were found in furnishings, décor, fabric and artwork. During the 2014 & 2015 fashion weeks in Paris, London and New York, various designers used fabrics covered in brushstrokes, ink-blots and watercolors. And in the makers & artisan scene, marbleizing or hand-marbling has become the latest experimental craze.
One of the reasons the marble pattern hasn’t exploded in years past is the patterns were too literal. The faux marble look has been done, and each time it has looked cheap and awkward. And for the watercolor effect, the colors and style have been a bit immature. The key is to either keep it simple and use the real material/or style, or reinvent the pattern into something completely new. This year I am finally seeing a new creation – lyrical, abstract patterns with natural movement made from a mixture of marble patterns, ink manipulation, and hand-dying. And of course, the real deal is being used in furnishings and home decor as well. Beautiful white Carrera Italian Marble in tables, shelves, dressers and home accessories. Many of them paired with brass hardware and it is absolutely stunning.
What about the geometric patterns and cut-outs we saw trending earlier this year? This is where it gets exciting. The biggest trend of all is the juxtaposition of hard-line geometric patterns paired with blurred organic movement. So be on the lookout! The marbleizing and painterly watercolor trend is already trickling in. And come fall, we are going to see a whirlwind of pattern play.
CERAMIC DINNERWARE & DECOR: Tortoise Marbled Dinnerware by Tao Oudomvilay, The Gradient Vase by Leif, Modern Black and White Teapot & Cups by RK Ceramics, Rose and Gold Swirl Plates by Suite One Studio, Belay Dinnerware by CB2, Blue Ebru Marble Ceramics by Simple Life Instanbul, Botticino Marble Coasters by Anthropologie
FURNISHINGS: Surf Coffee Table by Worlds Away, Anne Marble Dresser by Steven Shell, Marble & Brass Wall-Mounted Shelf by CB2, Elke Side Table by Crate & Barrel
AREA RUGS & WALL FINISHES: Night Slate by Calico Wallpaper, Marble Wall by Kelly Wearstler, Marble Rock Zebra Rug by Lulu & Georgia, Droplet Rug by Michelle Weinberg, Banshee Rug by Surya
PILLOWS & LAMPS: Marble Cushions by Ferm Living, Marble Cascade Pillow by CB2, Carrera Italian Marble Holiday Rose Pillow by Society6, Casa Bonita Indigo Pillow by Scout & Catalogue, Flynn Lamp by Arteriors, Swirl Orange Table Lamp by Safavieh
DIY: Marbleized Ribbon by Oh Happy Day and Marbleized Paper by A Beautiful Mess
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Photo Credit: Rough Southern Home
These days it’s hard to find home décor and furniture made in the U.S, let alone in your region. But over the past few years, makers and designers specializing in lighting, furniture and home accessories are popping up all over the South. Not only are they regionally made, they are all handcrafted using the highest quality of materials and the designs are exquisite.
Here are 8 Southern companies that are making waves in the home décor industry:
1. Holler Design: Home furnishings inspired and designed from traditions of the “South” with a modern, clean-line aesthetic. Each piece is locally sourced, designed and handcrafted on the family dairy farm of designer, Matt Alexander, in Tennessee.
Where in the South? Lascassas, TN
Favorite Home Goods? Beam Stool
2. Alabama Chanin: Founder Natalie Chanin, is a former NYC stylist, who left New York to return to her southern roots in Alabama. She now runs a textile manufacturing company, a café, a community center and is world-renowned fashion designer, textile designer and author. And! When she’s not too busy, she’s designing home goods that have the same richness as her textile lines. Decadent and yet, delightfully simple.
Where in the South? Florence, AL
Favorite Home Goods? Grapefruit + Watercress Candle and Facets Stripe Pillow
3. Southern Lights Electric: Vintage-industrial inspired light fixtures handcrafted by designer Adam Gatchel. Adam uses a combination of old and new techniques, as well as materials. His work can be seen in numerous restaurants and hotels across the country, including local establishments Pinewood Social, Barista Parlor, and Rolf & Daughters.
Where in the South? Nashville, TN
Favorite Home Goods? The Sputnik
4. Garza Marfa: Minimal, modern furniture with a subtle southwestern vibe. Designers, Jamey and Constance Garza, moved from LA to the creative Texan town Marfa and began designing contemporary furniture with leather and steel. Their designs are inspired from their surroundings of the high plains desert of the Trans-Pecos.
Where in the South? Marfa, TX
Favorite Home Goods? Saddle Leather Round Chair and Saddle Leather Cot
5. Rough South Home: A collection of handmade and one of a kind modern-rustic furniture, lighting and home accessories made from repurposed industrial finds. He has recently added small batch collections of tables and chairs made from local hardwoods and salvaged metals. Clark Titus is all about giving objects a second chance and designing furnishings that make a strong statement.
Where in the South? Atlanta, GA
Favorite Home Goods? Pullman Chair and Warehouse Light on Rope
6. Ann Ladson: Ann Ladson has been working with her hands for as long as she can remember. As a pastry chef, audio engineer, floral designer and metal worker, Ann has had a fascination of the material exploration of art and science. She designs jewelry, hardware, vessels and utensils – all made by hand with impeccable craftsmanship. Ladson has a beautiful understanding of composition, form and finish.
Where in the South? Charleston, SC
Favorite Home Goods? Brass Finishing Spoon
7. Moran Woodworked: A furniture company that cares about their environmental impact, as much as the design of each piece they create. They are committed to responsible selection of materials and a modern approach to design. Michael James Moran and Celia Gibson are interested in the balance of form and function, and honoring the natural beauty of wood through high quality craftsmanship.
Where in the South? Charleston, SC
Favorite Home Goods? Charred Conical Lamp
8. South of Urban: Modern, sustainable furniture designed by local designers in Atlanta. Most of the materials used are salvaged, reclaimed, and recycled. The rest of the materials are eco-conscious and within close proximity of the city. The furniture collections have a minimal, mid-century aesthetic.
Where in the South? Atlanta, GA
Favorite Home Goods? 1301 Z Lounger
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“Imagine a yard sale full of great finds from Nashville’s best closets, guest rooms and garages, and so big it takes up an entire warehouse!” – 12th & Broad
12th & Broad is hosting their first ever Broadlandia Yard Sale this Saturday, just in time for spring. They’ve rented out Track One – a large warehouse space in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood (near the Sounds stadium), and they’ll be filling it up with a city-wide yard sale complete with boutique gallery, bloody mary bar, and great non-profit partners like ThriftSmart.
And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, Flock South will be there! My dear friend (and partner in design crime) Samantha Oaks with Lucien Porter Design Company, will be sharing a booth with me at Broadlandia. You remember her? She’s the one that designed the oh-so fabulous airbnb in the 12 South Neighborhood. This is our first event together, and the beginning of an exciting partnership.
So what are we selling? Home goods, lots and lots of home goods. From decor to lighting to kitchen-ware to rugs and small furnishings. It’s going to be a hodge-podge mix of items from our homes, vintage pieces from my booth at Gas Lamp Antiques, and props from past projects. Plus! You get to meet us, ask questions and find out more about what we are doing with our companies.
DETAILS
When: Saturday, March 28
Where: Track One, 1211 4th Avenue South, Nashville TN, 37203
Time: 8-10 a.m. Early Bird Shopping (w VIP ticket; includes bloody mary and breakfast)
Open House: 10 a.m.-noon (free admission)
Want first dibs on all the best stuff + free breakfast, a bloody mary and other special perks?
Procure your Early Bird Shoppers ticket for just $20. You’ll get a VIP shopping experience from 8-10 a.m. before the doors open to the public.
VIP Tickets: www.broadlandia.eventbrite.com
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Modern Punched White and Copper Shades 1, 2, 3, 4 (use as a pendant or lamp shade)
Favorite Ikea 2014 Collection 1, 2, 3, 4
Pillow Color Crush 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Cabinets, Chairs and the Cutest Dolly I’ve Ever Seen 1, 2, 3, 4
Summertime Party in the Garden 1, 2, 3, 4
Stripes and More Stripes – Blankets 1, 2, 3, 4
Modern Picnic Style tables 1 and 2
Geometric Rugs 1, 2, 3
I am swooning over all the colors, patterns and designs Ikea has put out this spring. The combination of the 2014 and 2015 collections are gorgeous together. Once again, the designs are mixing bright and muted colors, and the patterns are bold with a unique softness. A winning combo that fits in with so many styles. If you haven’t jumped on this years design trends, I encourage you to try it out.
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Since 3/4 of my meetings this week have been canceled due to our bizarre winter weather, I’m home catching up on projects, emails and editing photos. I found these gems from last weeks shopping expedition at the Nashville Downtown Antique Mall.
I really want a client who needs this painting. It’s quirky, imperfect & full of fantastic color.
This antique sofa paired with these vintage lockers is downright delicious.
Isn’t this leather sofa divine? And what about that German distillation chart? It would look gorgeous hanging above, wouldn’t it? Add a sexy brass bar-cart and a mid-century modern coffee table, and you’ve got the perfect mad men lounge.
If you are in town, check out the Downtown Antique Mall. This place never dissapoints. Set up in an old warehouse on 8th Avenue, this shop is chock full of unique, bizarre, and delightful treasures. You could spend hours in this place and never get bored. I stop by weekly and I am always surprised by all the new things that have arrived since my last visit.
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