Reeded and Tambour Finishes on Furniture and More

Linda Merrill casual coastal design cabinet reeded and tambour finishes

Reeded and tambour finishes are not new, but they sure are trending!  They really are a classic to be found on bedposts and table legs, inspired by Greek and Roman fluted columns (though unlike concave flutes, reeds are convex). This is an excellent example from The Surface Studio in the UK. What is tambour then? … Read more

Bentwood and Bistro Chairs For Cozy Dining

Bentwood and bistro chairs are always a classic. From sidewalk cafes and Paris to small apartments anywhere else – they certainly add a bohemian flare to most any interior or exterior. Perhaps I’ve got the travel bug, but Paris is calling! What is a bentwood chair? Per the Encyclopedia Britannica: Bentwood furniture is made by … Read more

Five Designer Collections You Should Know About

I think most interior designers have a wish to launch their own designer collections. Many big name designers have collections through traditional industry brands including fabrics, lighting, furniture and more. The key here is that in order to gain the backing of a major brand, one needs a big name and, these days, usually a … Read more

A Visual History of Sitcom Sofas

HomeAdvisor recently put together this compendium of Sitcom Sofas (and chairs) that I thought would be fun to share, as part of my long-standing Silver Screen Surroundings movie and television set design series. If you click here you can see a bigger version of this. Thanks again  HomeAdviser for the trip down upholstery lane! You … Read more

Dining banquettes and settees and sofas – Do’s and Don’t

Duralee Mina settee dining banaquette and settee

When this issue of House Beautiful landed in my mailbox and I was struck with how pretty and minimalist the cover was. I also noted the dining settee behind the round table and just love the elegant shape which draws the eye up along the ceiling line of the room. I just love a good dining banquette, … Read more

In the Pink – Maison et Objet 2008

Designers Guild In the Pink Maison et Object 2008 pink and green stripes and florals

In the Pink! Designers Guild  really had a spectacular booth at the 2008 Maison et Objet show in Paris. I was just drooling over this color palette and mix of patterns and textures. I wouldn’t say flocked wallpaper became a huge trend after this point. But when it’s done well, it’s really great.   Sparking business … Read more

Ikea & the tyranny of bland beigeness

Ikea has launched an interactive website Brave Not Beige, that’s loaded with films, interactive devices, tips, links to products and a rallying cry to “end the tyranny of bland beigeness”. I’m all for ending bland beigeness myself, so I encourage you to have a look! You might also enjoy: Why I don’t like Beige and … Read more