M Designs

One of my favorite fabric sources is The Robert Allen Group.  We specify fabrics from all four brands of their fabric collections:  Beacon Hill, Robert Allen, Robert Allen Contract, and Robert Allen@Home.

Robert Allen designs are always fresh, innovative, stylish and original.  I love how the inspiration for their designs comes from art, history, and nature, to name a few.  Robert Allen products and are of the finest materials and construction found in the industry today.

M Designs has turned to Beacon Hill many times over when asked to create window treatments for our clients.  Beacon Hill’s use of refined materials and opulent color palette enables us, as designers, to provide a luxurious, one-of-a-kind product.

Fabric being woven on the loom

As I prepare for a photo shoot for one of our recent installations, I am left to ponder how to best style the deep teal library we designed for the Mrs. of the house. 

While this room faces south, it receives bright light most of the day.  This created a requirement for a cool, sophisticated color palette and we turned to our favorite teal palette.  This was over a year ago, before turquoise became so very HOT…so are we abandoning teal now for the younger, fresher turquoise? 

Below are my favorite teal inspirations…just don’t forget that popularity often fades and we are left to depend on our tried and true friends…don’t forget teal…it gets along so well with turquoise.

Photos from Lonny Magazine

Fabrics by Trina Turk for Schumacher Fabrics

I recently worked with a client to furnish their family room, and found the most wonderful animal hide furnishings.  The designer of these unique furniture creations is Kyle Bunting.  In his studio, nestled in the Texas Hill Country outside of Austin, TX, Kyle and his design team have created a groundbreaking collection, and have redefined the use of hide in interior furnishings.  He is passionate about working with hide, and has worked strictly with hide for the last decade of his career, developing interesting designs, techniques and applications for this medium.

Kyle Bunting has product offerings such as rugs, wall coverings, upholstery, furniture and art.  His style is a combination of classic, contemporary design and impeccable craftsmanship.  All products can be custom specified for hide color and wood finishes.  In his collection you will see every color from white to black, shocking pinks, vibrant greens and calming creams, just to name a few.  By combining hides and textures, even his monochromatic rugs take on a multi-dimensional life of their own and become incredible works of art.

Primarily recognized for their collection of luxurious hide carpets and wall coverings, Kyle is also a supplier of hides for upholstery and architectural applications.  Kyle and his team have designed projects for design and private clients world-wide, for both residential and commercial use.  Kyle’s productions are of the highest quality in the world, and I think you’ll agree after viewing these photos, that his work is nothing short of incredible, for instance, the Custom Feature Wall – Cowboy Hats – Designed by Tracy Overbeck Stead for the W Hotel in Dallas, TX.

If you are considering making a bold, innovative statement in your décor, I suggest checking into Kyle Bunting’s line.  With the addition of just one wall covering, rug or set of interesting hide upholstered chairs, you’ll be the talk of the town!

During the month of January, we have had an opportunity to spend many hours inside.  We have had the coldest month on record here in Texas and we’ve even seen snow several times. 

As a result of many hours spent inside this month, many of my clients have decided it’s “out with the old and in the with the new” when it comes to the upholstered pieces in their family rooms.

We often have questions about how to buy these pieces, so here are a few of my favorite tips and furniture styles.  We are offering 10% off through the end of January on select pieces, so if you’re looking to purchase, now is the time.

Style: Timeless is the key here.  Look for a classic style that will fit you and your family for years to come.  This is an investment, so spend wisely.  Go trendy on pillows, not on the entire sofa.  Think neutral for the base and add pop with the accents.  Below are a few of my favorites from Pearson Furniture.

Fill and Frame: I recommend that you don’t go with 100% down fill - too much fluffing and not much satisfaction in the end.  I prefer a foam core with a down wrap.  This gives you the comfort and the form you need to keep that piece looking fab through the years.  We sell 8-way hand tied frames and always will recommend quality over price.

Trust your salesperson: If you aren’t asked your seating preferences or height of family members, this person doesn’t know what they’re selling.  If the seat is too deep, you will feel like Alice in Wonderland.  If it’s too short, your husbands’ knees will be up around his ears…..buy from an experienced firm when purchasing your investments.

Dating 101: When you are pairing sofas and chairs, it’s important that they can live together comfortably.  Style, back height, arms and legs are all important.  An experienced designer will combine skirted pieces with legs and coordinating finishes.  The same goes for the accessory pieces such as lamps, tables and ottomans.  A well coordinated room “sings” – you know it when you see it.  I love these pieces from Barclay Butera, Hickory White and Visual Comfort as companions.

When to buy: Often January – March is one of the best times to buy upholstery.  Manufacturers are preparing to launch their new fabrics and styles for Spring and there are deals to be had.  It will also allow you to have a fresh new look come spring and give you that update that is well deserved.

Give us a call to answer any other upholstery questions you might have.  I would LOVE to assist you in breathing fresh life into your rooms.

As  you can see, I took a blogging sabbatical during the month of December to make some exciting changes in our business.  You will be able to access our blog now on our website – so easy to do, it’s just taken me time to focus on getting to this.  We have also restructured some positions in our firm so that we are able to provide a higher level of service and turnaround times for our clients.

We installed 2 homes with new furnishings, drapery and art just before the holidays.  I am also excited to show you our latest project which should install in February.  I will send a few sneak-peek shots once we complete the accessories on both jobs.

I am most excited about the multiple requests we have received this week for updated furnishings.  I have said it before, but its worth repeating – OLD WORLD IS DEAD.  In our market, we often see a trend that wears out it’s welcome in the suburbs and I would say Old World is it.  By that I mean:  Brown everything – drapes, leather sofas, hardwood floors and then adding more dark details and fake floral arrangements.  Stop it!!  You know who you are.

What we see clients wanting is a lighter, fresher look and we have included some of our new favorites when it comes to changing your look for 2010.

I love this light airy direction we are headed in for 2010.  These are our new favorites and they would look amazing in your space.  Stay tuned for more new favorites in fabrics and upholstery.  We have lots of new vintage finds to share with you.

Paxton Sofa- Clean lines and great hardware detailing

Pair this Bel Air Ottoman in front of a sofa or at the foot of a bed

This great King Size upholstered bed bridges the gap between clean lines and aged finishes - love it!

Try this nightstand next to your bed for a little light and lots of storage

A little traditional tufting and clean lines bring the chaise into NOW. This would be great next to the fire or in your master sitting area.