Trends: Too much of a good thing?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2012/06/avoiding_the_trendc.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1339478897508.351" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jhm6vjPaFY4/T9YW6Hxg8rI/AAAAAAAAKxY/rkfQOXQEoHI/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252011%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> My latest article on <a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2012/06/avoiding_the_trendc.html" target="_blank" title="">Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace</a>. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2012/06/avoiding_the_trendc.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="582" id="blogsy-1339478897568.2612" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wc_-uy_oKL0/T9YW_qmTfnI/AAAAAAAAKxg/V-PpeCKFsbg/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252010%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A29%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> Love to know your thoughts! <br/><br/> <br/><br/>

Trends: Too much of a good thing?

My latest article on Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace . Love to know your thoughts!  

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Five Trends to Watch at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)

By <a href="http://web.mac.com/ldolnick/iWeb/my%20website/Welcome.html">Lori Dolnick</a><br /><br />The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, NV was a leaner exhibition – a reflection of the economy and home building sales no doubt. But traffic and designer interest was brisk for the exhibitors present – hopefully a positive sign for the future. KBIS is one of my favorite shows. Homeowners really invest in their kitchens and KBIS is the place to see what’s new, what’s trending and where the kitchen of the future is going. Here are some of the trends I saw and hot new products coming out this year.<br /><br /><b>1.    Transitional or New Traditional</b><br />Transitional or New Traditional is here to stay - a real style in its own right. From <a href="http://www.totousa.com/">TOTO</a>’s new Vivian faucet<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93ywoVfVmgc2oWANi8mfpnImls5KuLt8nVW0WgJ1P_9CIWSK7Xj6e4xxz0Jlba17iSgzOQmocgl_8U2b5eEIGin9dRFF5KDUEAD6s9EpO2ryQPqfeeRY4Ymj4IsqouLawMVWOrqAdp1ku/s1600/vivian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93ywoVfVmgc2oWANi8mfpnImls5KuLt8nVW0WgJ1P_9CIWSK7Xj6e4xxz0Jlba17iSgzOQmocgl_8U2b5eEIGin9dRFF5KDUEAD6s9EpO2ryQPqfeeRY4Ymj4IsqouLawMVWOrqAdp1ku/s400/vivian.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Vivian%20Widespread%20Cross%20Handle%20HEF%205x7%20Horizontal.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=13049419950001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br />to <a href="http://www.hardwareresources.com/">Hardware Resources</a>’ Lyn Design Bath Vanities in Chocolate – what’s old is new again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/VAN080/web.jpg?ver=13049367920001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/VAN080/web.jpg?ver=13049367920001" /></a></div><br />Today’s Traditional offers cleaner lines, less ornamentation and a more updated, sophisticated feel. <br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>2.    Personal Style</b><br />We’re not designing for resale value. We’re designing for ourselves – for the long haul.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Trevi%202/web.jpg?ver=13049364800001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Trevi%202/web.jpg?ver=13049364800001" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.topknobs.com/Default.aspx">Top Knobs </a>launched their unique new Passport Collection at KBIS – inspired by global landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Victoria Falls, Sydney Opera House, Tower Bridge and the Great Wall of China. What could be more personal than decorating with a souvenir from somewhere special? It’s what we all do when we travel, but now you can get a free sample shipped to your home without going anywhere at all. Design meets destination.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Hands_Cups/web.jpg?ver=13049417190001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Hands_Cups/web.jpg?ver=13049417190001" width="320" /></a></div><br />Another example… someone at the show told me to visit the <a href="http://www.scotsman-ice.com/?xhtml=xhtml/sct/us/en/homepage/default.html&xsl=homepage.xsl">Scotsman Ice Systems</a> booth because they love to chew ice. You can’t get more personal than that! Me – I like the big cubes in my water. But if someone needs them small and chewy – this would be the system for them. Personal taste is a trend that is hot right now.<br /><br /><b>3.    Personal Luxury</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Image_INAX_SATIS_4d.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=13049408960001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Image_INAX_SATIS_4d.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=13049408960001" width="400" /></a></div><br />If KBIS is any indicator – toilets are the next hot new must-have gadget. <a href="http://www.inax-usa.com/">INAX</a>’s latest offering, for example, plays music, lights your way at night, heats the seat, offers a personal cleansing massage plus automatically opens and closes. Plasmacluster technology cleans the air with antibacterial ions. Never mind its advanced flushing technology, green features and sophisticated design. So when I was asked would I pay $4,800 for a luxury spa toilet, my answer was simple, “it shuts the seat?” Worth the price of admission for me!<br /><br />My kids did ask if it knows to open for a boy or a girl. The INAX representative told me it opens the lid for girls. Sorry fellas, you’ll have to lift the seat on your own. <br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>4.    Design Matters</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/DCT365S%20angle%20environment%20oct10.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=13049354520001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/DCT365S%20angle%20environment%20oct10.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=13049354520001" /></a></div><br />From Michael Graves’ teapots to Poggenpohl’s Porsche kitchen, branded design partnerships are not new. Design and Designers matter to homeowners. And the elements do not have to be expensive to offer high performance or design. <a href="http://www.dacor.com/">Dacor</a>’s new Distinctive 36” cooktop was created in partnership with BMW Group Designworks USA and is a perfect example of an accessibly priced appliance that has name plate designer status attached. <br /><br /><b>5.    Green as a Greens Fee</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Slide13/web.jpg?ver=13049368970001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/Slide13/web.jpg?ver=13049368970001" width="320" /></a></div><br />OK, I’m a golfer. To me a “greens fee” means something you pay just to play. And in today’s marketplace, you need to be green to play. While it’s still not high on the consumer’s punch list, designers, architects and manufacturers recognize that they must be environmentally friendly. Products like LED lighting from <a href="http://stonelightingdesign.com/">Stone Lighting</a> and<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/25CS906_d/web.jpg?ver=13049512600001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/101195/25CS906_d/web.jpg?ver=13049512600001" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.staron.co.kr/staron/eng/products/introducing.do">Samsung’s Radianz Quartz</a> with recycled content, demonstrate that the building community has embraced green as a long-term necessity that won’t go away like gas rationing in the 70’s. Let’s applaud the design community for creatively leading us to be environmentally responsible instead of waiting for us to ask. <br /><br /><br />Lori Dolnick is a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/">::Surroundings::</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s1600/loripic2SML.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s320/loripic2SML.jpg" /></a><br /><br />See all Lori's posts <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Lori%20Dolnick">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Five Trends to Watch at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)

By Lori Dolnick The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, NV was a leaner exhibition – a reflection of the economy and home buildin...

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Burlap and Grainsack - Cheap Chic or Faux Humility?

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgXq8j8QoatDq_I2fXNcHlM8npMZyH83ssYddu8-4Jti5W1PkzIIU_4391K84WzvO_XMLdlm0hsFxNLBF1JczMMnoe8fnTyApvaecvP1M7RG3XN92dIm7GDCqXsuGfgdCfdPu5jJjeJOL/s1600-h/le-mirande-sofa-burlap-main.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353339457754525474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgXq8j8QoatDq_I2fXNcHlM8npMZyH83ssYddu8-4Jti5W1PkzIIU_4391K84WzvO_XMLdlm0hsFxNLBF1JczMMnoe8fnTyApvaecvP1M7RG3XN92dIm7GDCqXsuGfgdCfdPu5jJjeJOL/s400/le-mirande-sofa-burlap-main.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 445px; height: 445px;" /></a>This <a href="http://www.danmartydesign.com/">Dan Marty</a> settee in burlap retails for $5,450.<br /><br /></div>When I was in middle school, the hot "must wear" clothes were Levi's jeans, Fair Isle sweaters and Izod shirts (collar up, of course!) - and I lived in a town listed in the Preppy Hand Book, so the pressure was on! Of course, I was dying to go along with the crowd and wanted all these must have brands. My family was going through tight times financially during those years and the budget did not include these "label" prices. My mother had a friend in the clothing industry who told her that Levi-Strauss made Sears Roebuck jeans - so guess which I wore. According to Mom - they were the same thing. NOT!<br /><br />Okay, so fast forward a few years and I've grown into an adult who generally shuns fads and labels. I don't want brands where I have to pay for the privilege of promoting their label (think Louis Vuitton) and I'm very quick to tire of seeing the same thing over and over (think coral, think zebra rugs, think "Keep Calm and Carry On"). No thanks.<br /><br />And what's the purpose of these "anti-design-establishment" rantings? I've been contemplating the whole grainsack and burlap fad recently - this new/old trend is everywhere. And, for the most part, is certainly a very attractive trend. But, I wonder... why is this suddenly trendy? Why burlap and why now?<br /><br />A recent article by David A. Keeps for the LA times (which I read in the <a href="http://www.projo.com/home/content/lh_recessionstyle_07-05-09_F2ELIJM_v20.12eb789.html">Providence Journal</a>) making the syndication rounds posits "Burlap upholstery proclaims an era of faux humility". Is part of the current "in" state of burlap and grain sack due, in part, to the current economy and a desire to "dress down"? And, if that's true in some cases, is this a genuine desire to dress down, or only "look" dressed down? I know of designers whose clients have put projects on hold because they think a big new design project will look bad. I know of an antiques dealer who was asked to deliver an expensive piece in a plain truck - the decor version of the plain brown wrapper. Burlap is, of course, the quintessential plain brown wrapper.<br /><br />So, do you like burlap and grain sack for its vintage-y feel or does it make you feel like you're keeping it real?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3677325650_8514f18289.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3677325650_8514f18289.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 392px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Los Angeles Times / KEN HIVELY</span></div><span class="vitstorybody"><span class="vitstorybody"><p class="vitstoryimagecaption">The armchair, above, for sale at Colcha in Venice, Calif., has reclaimed wood legs and is upholstered in European feed-sack fabric; it goes for $1,600. The recycled burlap cushion is $42, and the feed-sack pillow $198.<br /></p> </span></span><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3677325806_4d729a5fd0.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3677325806_4d729a5fd0.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>The French hemp napkins from <a href="http://www.vintageweave.com/store/page9.html">Vintage Weave</a> are admittedly adorable. But, at $275.00 for the set, one might not want to dab one's mouth with them while eating ribs and friend chicken...<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3677325744_34650b1720.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3677325744_34650b1720.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 166px;" /></a>These graphic antique grain sack pillows from <a href="http://www.3finegrains.com/_product_40570/Double_stripe_salmon_pillow">3 Fine Grains</a> run into the hundreds of dollars.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3677325900_0b7bfbb9f0.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3677325900_0b7bfbb9f0.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" /></a>Well, I'll admit I love this printed burlap sack available on <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-French-Grain-Sack-Burlap-Rooster-Provence-D_W0QQitemZ110408014193QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b4d49971&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30#ebayphotohosting">Ebay</a>. But, it only dates to 1960 (barely vintage in my book - ahem...) and at $115, I'm not sure it's worth the price.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3677325694_d17ce646bd.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3677325694_d17ce646bd.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>These loosely "upholstered" French style chairs, seen on<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/seating-sofas-armchairs/look-french-chairs-upholstered-in-burlap-055733"> Apartment Therapy</a>, were reportedly on sale for $1,400 for the pair at the Paris Boutique. Keeping things real, these look to have been upholstered by someone with all thumbs and dangerous access to a staple gun. Horrific on so many levels! They are no longer listed - did someone actually buy these?<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3676510885_6d534e64ee.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3676510885_6d534e64ee.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 406px; height: 493px;" /></a>Of course, the shelter mags are up on the trend - this from the current <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/">Elle Decor</a>, a design by Dale Saylor. Note that not only is the day bed filled with grain sack pillows, but the standing lamp on the right also has a burlap shade.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3676510697_2bb5e60bdc.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3676510697_2bb5e60bdc.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 506px; height: 396px;" /></a>The dining room of designer Abby Rizor's 1920s Florida house was originally a porch. From <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/earthy-florida-wolfe-rizor-0908?click=img_sr">House Beautiful</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3676510653_06bdfcdf0e.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3676510653_06bdfcdf0e.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 547px; height: 341px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3677325282_ef5cc8f735.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3677325282_ef5cc8f735.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 467px; height: 564px;" /></a>Local magazine <a href="http://dovetalesantiquesandhome.com/home.html">Dovetales Antiques and Home Magazine</a> is au courant...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7al0DlO48fxvktQC79xeJ0Rcf9PKp_unsnfg9uY-AlYbTzBFyakMLVTIRXfkM8r9pL3gKlhcHO7yOfQvQsh_5jnA-Cv_QtbTlN9Yc4E01XKHma41tE3naYCiPAHPfpuLIr2oHqu4cBa1/s1600-r/roundtable1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7al0DlO48fxvktQC79xeJ0Rcf9PKp_unsnfg9uY-AlYbTzBFyakMLVTIRXfkM8r9pL3gKlhcHO7yOfQvQsh_5jnA-Cv_QtbTlN9Yc4E01XKHma41tE3naYCiPAHPfpuLIr2oHqu4cBa1/s1600-r/roundtable1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 184px;" /></a>Even <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/">The Skirted Roundtable</a> banner is in on the act!<br /><br />And, at Baker Furniture in the Boston Design Center, they have in their window an upholstered settee in faux grain sack. Seriously. It's upholstery weight fabric that is woven to look like a printed burlap with red stripes. I didn't manage to take a photo, but the price is likely a few thousand dollars. Huh?<br /><br />Of course, burlap can be a very cost effective textile. Just check out Rhoda at<a href="http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/search/label/burlap"> Southern Hospitality</a>'s posts on how she upholstered the back of a cabinet with a bolt of the stuff:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaS0PhEjYuHSeqCKKgaQQi0_Sp5B8E8aXg-fPUkL6S3TVafmF5Snw-pGksQ092-LUDPu8T3cZujx_6_tp6_RKymnEHxrNq2VF-au0rhyphenhyphen07i0kU5cXDtUe1dYbVQcc3cS1VThmJ3flEFY8/?imgmax=800" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaS0PhEjYuHSeqCKKgaQQi0_Sp5B8E8aXg-fPUkL6S3TVafmF5Snw-pGksQ092-LUDPu8T3cZujx_6_tp6_RKymnEHxrNq2VF-au0rhyphenhyphen07i0kU5cXDtUe1dYbVQcc3cS1VThmJ3flEFY8/?imgmax=800" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 484px; height: 644px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3676511111_d9c61d5ed1.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3676511111_d9c61d5ed1.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" /></a>On Etsy, you can purchase very price effective grain sacks at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6914863">Antique Linen Store</a> for around $44.00.<br /><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Tufted-Rosettes-White-Chair-GTL0407-de.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Tufted-Rosettes-White-Chair-GTL0407-de.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 460px;" /></a>And this little flea market find footstool has been covered in about 88 cents worth of burlap, with mini-ruffle. From <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/linen-slipcovers-0407">Country Living</a>. A very easy DIY project for someone who can sew.<br /><br />OK - so, we've seen high end uses of burlap and grain sack as well as more moderately priced examples. While this is a trend I'm not likely to jump on board with simply because we're seeing it everywhere, I do see the appeal to others. But honestly? I see it only on the low end. Some of the truly antique grain sacks may have value for their provenance but I still can't wrap my head around paying high end prices for what was made to be cheap goods to transport grain and flour.<br /><br />Edited to add - Alex from The Real Housewives of New York. As suggested by <a href="http://comfortandluxury.blogspot.com/">Tracy @ Comfort and Luxury</a>. Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.wmagazine.com/w/blogs/editorsblog/2009/05/06/stalking-the-real-housewives-i.htm">W Magazine Editor's Blog</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-Akt7NYCMbZ6ODTGRRKEjSn_r-7Nes6BZHj9dfCtKMUqBXbgWJQLYYQX48kHCTCUJCbZlZ43GlN3G_aEewZW7ai9yAvh72GQ0QTZ0v2tNcoHvqwjqmjNLEUWos4mJMxtK22Qj2ulE1Au/s1600-h/blog_housewives_party_02.jpg+%28JPEG+Image,+590x388+pixels%29_1246493096669.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353647213089465218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-Akt7NYCMbZ6ODTGRRKEjSn_r-7Nes6BZHj9dfCtKMUqBXbgWJQLYYQX48kHCTCUJCbZlZ43GlN3G_aEewZW7ai9yAvh72GQ0QTZ0v2tNcoHvqwjqmjNLEUWos4mJMxtK22Qj2ulE1Au/s400/blog_housewives_party_02.jpg+%28JPEG+Image,+590x388+pixels%29_1246493096669.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 387px;" /></a><br /><br />So, the question is - is this trend faux humility or simply shabby chic? Take the poll and let me know how you feel about this trend? And, for bonus points, how long do you think the trend will last? Will it outlive the recession?<br /><form method="post" action="http://poll.pollcode.com/qeT"><table style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;" background="http://pollcode.com/images/bg/gold.gif" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="500"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" bg="" align="right" style="color:white;"><span style=";font-size:78%;color:black;" >pollcode.com <a href="http://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></span></td></tr><tr><td width="500"><strong>Burlap and Grain Sack - Faux Humility or Shabby Chic</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 2px;" align="center" width="500"><input name="answer" value="1" type="radio">Faux Humility <input name="answer" value="2" type="radio">Shabby Chic <input value="Vote" type="submit"> <input name="view" value="View" type="submit"></td></tr></tbody></table></form><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Burlap and Grainsack - Cheap Chic or Faux Humility?

This Dan Marty settee in burlap retails for $5,450. When I was in middle school, the hot "must wear" clothes were Levi's jean...

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"... what abides, is beauty. "

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp07.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp07.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 568px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">In Chanel Haute Couture. Shoes by Roger Vivier. Fan from Defrise, Paris. Men’s clothing by John Galliano.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This month's Vanity Fair had an <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2009/05/emily-blunt200905">excellent short article by A.A. Gill</a> on the importance of beauty and quality - especially in down times. The Paris fashion shows this year served up some opulent confections that had some asking if they were in bad taste, given the state of the economy. A.A. suggests that we need it now more than ever!<br /><br />Accompanying the article is a photoshoot by Michael Roberts of actress Emily Blunt wearing some of these gorgeous gowns. While almost none of us will ever wear anything like these, it sure is fun to imagine that life!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp05.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 437px; height: 548px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">In Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp06.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp06.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 308px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">In Christian Lacroix Haute Couture. Men’s clothing by D&G.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp03.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 443px; height: 549px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">In Dior Haute Couture. Necklace by Mikimoto. Men’s clothing by Number Nine.</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Okay, so this Dior blue gown above is spectacular, but let's look past it to the silk rosettes pinned to the couch - how fun is that?<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.vanityfair.com/images/style/2009/05/emily-blunt-0905-pp01.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 303px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Emily Blunt, in Dior Haute Couture, photographed in Le Raincy, outside Paris. Bracelet by Mikimoto. <i>Styled by Jessica Diehl.</i></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Emily Blunt is starring in the upcoming movie The Young Victoria.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://outnow.ch/Media/Movies/Bilder/2009/YoungVictoria/movie.fs/05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://outnow.ch/Media/Movies/Bilder/2009/YoungVictoria/movie.fs/05.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 271px;" /></a></div></div>See more images over at <a href="http://silverscreensurroundings.blogspot.com/2009/04/young-victoria-2009.html">::Silver Screen Surroundings::</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

"... what abides, is beauty. "

In Chanel Haute Couture. Shoes by Roger Vivier. Fan from Defrise, Paris. Men’s clothing by John Galliano. This month's Vanity Fair had a...

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Trend Watching: From a Paris show to the pages of Restoration Hardware

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCj2uZtRXSfEzrMiewCeMnb6G1nZFDJzS-fAwollhBj-GJNY8W6wEg3OEj4n2K4RCQtylMIMBazE3kRCBKDoZPiN_Yo0PB9ZQ_cBTP_do6m7ANjK_wekG9oqKfBGr7FMdS_aP-fg-uNUP/s1600-h/RestorationHardwareCatalogue.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320276856452221762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCj2uZtRXSfEzrMiewCeMnb6G1nZFDJzS-fAwollhBj-GJNY8W6wEg3OEj4n2K4RCQtylMIMBazE3kRCBKDoZPiN_Yo0PB9ZQ_cBTP_do6m7ANjK_wekG9oqKfBGr7FMdS_aP-fg-uNUP/s400/RestorationHardwareCatalogue.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" /></a>I've been intrigued with <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com">Restoration Hardware</a>'s new "look" on their catalog cover and advertisements. The dark backgrounds and oversize, shiny lamps - certainly eye catching. But, also very familiar to me. It finally occurred to me, that this look was reminding me of one of the stands I'd visited last year at <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2008/02/maison-et-objet-2008-bright-lights-big.html">Maison et Objet</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://image.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1593067_av2?$av$" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://image.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1593067_av2?$av$" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 429px; height: 418px;" /></a>And finally, I actually read the cover of the catalog and realized that these fantastic lamps are from the same designer - <a href="http://www.eichholtz.com/"> Theo Eichholtz</a> of Amsterdam - whose stand I photographed last year:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9hrobuDuBbDumuVpKpt0ayH5CcabN_fAFP6n2EbxQ6Kzfv5YIko6T9-tujBJHGDV8FERpHbpgvQOjVqtDXDvq4t9FSbAmMPE4bfwAJ4MVv-QEww3_vLFG0PociOwSnundvsadmmH2shT/s1600-h/100_2990.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320269632929131506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9hrobuDuBbDumuVpKpt0ayH5CcabN_fAFP6n2EbxQ6Kzfv5YIko6T9-tujBJHGDV8FERpHbpgvQOjVqtDXDvq4t9FSbAmMPE4bfwAJ4MVv-QEww3_vLFG0PociOwSnundvsadmmH2shT/s400/100_2990.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkS1Xo3ilUyTHtNg0MFJ6Kvx-YJrunFR48-eHQOdzrGpQ_BHmmi8jAcSvvxA3UgtU6hyphenhyphenWt7-UQju_K_l9lkVWR4EKOb0SDGdLEUIRuc8ejjYMdYPtrghJxwA2ZWsSLVKk4URJbYlDk_kV/s1600-h/100_2989.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320269629319511954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkS1Xo3ilUyTHtNg0MFJ6Kvx-YJrunFR48-eHQOdzrGpQ_BHmmi8jAcSvvxA3UgtU6hyphenhyphenWt7-UQju_K_l9lkVWR4EKOb0SDGdLEUIRuc8ejjYMdYPtrghJxwA2ZWsSLVKk4URJbYlDk_kV/s400/100_2989.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLt6SmKmtYkOXdQzK_JPMQdCfuaTe4oLesBx9oDrIP0DC0R7BBRAR27yMyPYB5s9wWo1QbLxxeCCLY6uuI_pmfW7Tv0XSDktvpA2lIFiXFYywQYG0A-QClLDjXhASCDDDy206o6bfaH7v/s1600-h/100_2988.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320269627231411378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLt6SmKmtYkOXdQzK_JPMQdCfuaTe4oLesBx9oDrIP0DC0R7BBRAR27yMyPYB5s9wWo1QbLxxeCCLY6uuI_pmfW7Tv0XSDktvpA2lIFiXFYywQYG0A-QClLDjXhASCDDDy206o6bfaH7v/s400/100_2988.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiildtvOYhlhi8ghw7AYUXVSo0MM_1aXnvpbB8fczCiVANcmPvNLWIWSiVJeh9l5Df9JFece4QtEdqnFBZQCrVQqs2WdlR43KbcDy9-23ZadWmlbctDLFieMJ-m1ROLtfHjaJSEkCbB0q2P/s1600-h/100_2987.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320269624793294802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiildtvOYhlhi8ghw7AYUXVSo0MM_1aXnvpbB8fczCiVANcmPvNLWIWSiVJeh9l5Df9JFece4QtEdqnFBZQCrVQqs2WdlR43KbcDy9-23ZadWmlbctDLFieMJ-m1ROLtfHjaJSEkCbB0q2P/s400/100_2987.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />What do you think of RH's new look?<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Trend Watching: From a Paris show to the pages of Restoration Hardware

I've been intrigued with Restoration Hardware 's new "look" on their catalog cover and advertisements. The dark background...

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Architectural Digest 2009 Trend Report

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJR9qw_FMcVKtMp2i5wvGH_-_YTMuLQGoBYsxmxF3sXYpEW_Cm6_nenr47wPI9d0mABNT6xPZUXP_eQ_SVa0GCAk19Dc3H_gPRBDoEXDRcFVb7mMTqvldBlmUMgf54yGD9NUCMyykd4f-/s1600-h/Arch+Dig+Home.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318636933740769154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJR9qw_FMcVKtMp2i5wvGH_-_YTMuLQGoBYsxmxF3sXYpEW_Cm6_nenr47wPI9d0mABNT6xPZUXP_eQ_SVa0GCAk19Dc3H_gPRBDoEXDRcFVb7mMTqvldBlmUMgf54yGD9NUCMyykd4f-/s400/Arch+Dig+Home.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s1600-h/loripic2SML.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280613870814583778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s200/loripic2SML.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 86px; height: 72px;" /></a><br />Contributed by <a href="http://web.mac.com/ldolnick/iWeb/my%20website/Welcome.html">Lori Dolnick</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I attended the <a href="http://www.archdigesthomeshow.com/">Architectural Digest Home Show</a> on Trade Day, Thursday March 26. There was great attendance and very interested designers roaming with and without clients in tow. It was a promise of a spring thaw in the economy, as was the rain that pelted those brave enough to come out in the weather.<br /><br />A few impressions on what was around the show…<br /><br />It’s New York City, so minimalism isn’t anything new, but there seems to be a reserved, unornamented quality about a lot of the designs being shown. As if to say, “I appreciate beautiful things… really… I’m not showing off.” Avoiding the ostentatious, for the green, the beautiful or the natural.<br /><br />- Reclaimed elements coming through in design. Reclaimed floors from industrial buildings, doors, hardware, rod iron.<br /><br />- Pure design – low VOCs – more organic – safe.<br /><br />- Worldly possessions – artists and artisans from around the world mingling design forms.<br /><br />- Tables, decorative elements, chairs – all in nature’s shapes or using natural elements. Trees, gourds, branches.<br /><br />I also noted more than the usual bedroom designs being displayed. Is the bedroom the next chic area after the kitchen makeover? Is it a sanctuary from today’s stresses? Or is it the one inner sanctum we can freely express and decorate without prying or judging eyes? “You spent what?” It’s not like all your guests get to see your bedroom. It’s a safe place.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/purekitchen/web.jpg?ver=12383402590001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/purekitchen/web.jpg?ver=12383402590001" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 598px;" /></a><a href="http://www.purekitchen.com/">Pure Kitchen </a>in Brooklyn offered green, LEED-qualifying kitchens. Made locally, low-VOC finishes. Minimal look, Minimal footprint.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/10729/web.jpg?ver=12383402540001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/10729/web.jpg?ver=12383402540001" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 289px;" /></a><a href="http://www.tojgallery.com">TOJ Gallery</a>, Annapolis, MD featured beautiful Japanese wood block prints.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/lornaleejohnmullerdesigns/web.jpg?ver=12383402570001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/lornaleejohnmullerdesigns/web.jpg?ver=12383402570001" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 452px; height: 228px;" /></a><a href="http://lornaleejohnmullerdesigns.com/">Lorna Lee John Muller Designs</a> shows furnishings using natural forms.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/grapevines/web.jpg?ver=12383402650001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/grapevines/web.jpg?ver=12383402650001" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 354px;" /></a><a href="http://www.bennettbeanstudio.com/">Bennett Bean Studio</a> rugs are designed in New Jersey and crafted in Nepal.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/adshowhouserendering_new21/web.jpg?ver=12383402550001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/adshowhouserendering_new21/web.jpg?ver=12383402550001" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 479px; height: 217px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/photo/web.jpg?ver=12383402520001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100913/photo/web.jpg?ver=12383402520001" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 561px;" /></a><a href="http://www.suzannelovellinc.com./">Suzanne Lovell Inc.’s</a> “Portrait of a Lady” is a private sanctuary of couture living.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFvwWNvUVVNV7wRciRYUMEPO83iuk8V8mfy3xY2zlm-nJvl1apBoylIKfJ4u9MYPL2D9PMlkEmmyxNTbK6hSJ-_JI1fym4Dc4WOPYXB4UwEe5nx4Tvfcd8sV6opMpkVytPPw7Ia4s5lLV/s1600-h/loripic2SML.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253863744380485666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFvwWNvUVVNV7wRciRYUMEPO83iuk8V8mfy3xY2zlm-nJvl1apBoylIKfJ4u9MYPL2D9PMlkEmmyxNTbK6hSJ-_JI1fym4Dc4WOPYXB4UwEe5nx4Tvfcd8sV6opMpkVytPPw7Ia4s5lLV/s200/loripic2SML.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Contributed by <a href="http://web.mac.com/ldolnick/iWeb/my%20website/Welcome.html">Lori Dolnick</a>.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Lori%20Dolnick">here</a> to read all of Lori's posts.

Architectural Digest 2009 Trend Report

Contributed by Lori Dolnick I attended the Architectural Digest Home Show on Trade Day, Thursday March 26. There was great attendance and v...

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