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 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
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
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
When it comes to straight up decorating, I think the most mis-understood aspect is the selection of upholstery. Why is this? Because there are three distinct parts of a piece of upholstered furniture and the least important part, the fabric, is the only one that is visible. We see a pretty chair (this above from … Read more
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
I’m having my little Nook Cottage photographed next week for my portfolio and am getting all those last minute items checked off the long list. One of my items was to find a new chair for my little antique painted desk. I’ve had this little desk since I was very young. My dad found … Read more
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
Often, we hear terms relating to design styles and are not entirely sure what they refer to. In the second of my ongoing Design Glossary posts, I wanted to explain the Gustavian Style, which is a personal favorite of mine. I asked Tricia Mitchell of the fabulous Avolli – Scandinavian Antique Furnishings – in Maine … Read more
Biedermeier style (1815-1830) came about after the end of the Napoleonic wars in Germany, Denmark and Austria as a turning away from the French inspired over-the-top Rococo style. There was no Biedermeier; the name came from a combination of names that sifted down to mean Beider (Plain) + Meier (common German name, think Smith). Furniture … Read more
(photo by Michael J. Lee) I’ve been wanting to do a post about Studio 534 at the Boston Design Center for a long while. Owner Josh Steinwand has gathered together a gorgeous collection of classic and fresh products that are unique in the Boston market. Josh is also totally the nicest guy ever. He didn’t … Read more
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
If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you may recall that my father, Bob Merrill, passed away a while ago. In fact, it was three years ago today. A hard day that time has most certainly softened, as is meant to happen. I don’t cry every time I think of … Read more
I don’t know why, but the weekend around the 4th of July always finds me tackling some unexpected DIY project. Today, I wanted to share how to reupholster a chair seat. I bought these chairs several years ago and the fabric on them (see above) was fine – would never show wear and mostly matched … Read more