Get Them Before It’s Hot!
- At May 05, 2011
- By catherineschager
- In Tips and Advice
0
Believe it or not, Summer will be here very soon. Unofficially at the end of this month. It’s time to get some great outdoor furniture at the Merchandise Mart floor sample sale! May 12-14, showrooms on floors 15 through 17 are open to the public! You can save up to 75% on names like Lloyd Flanders, Brown Jordan and more. Hours are from 9-6 on Thursday and Friday and from 10-3 on Saturday. Of course, if you see something that you’d like to order I’d be happy to arrange that, as custom orders need to be placed by a designer.
Here are some cool warm weather looks!
Teak furniture is great for the outdoors!
Funky and space-saving!
Makes me want to grab a cool drink and relax!
You can find out more at:
www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com/outdoorsamplesale
Enjoy and get ready for fun and sun!
Versatile, Voluptuous, Velvet
I spent some time in the Donghia showroom in the Merchandise Mart lately and one of the things that I noticed was that most of the upholstery was done in velvet. Ahh, velvet. It’s one of the most luxurious fabrics and can be one of the most durable as well. Surprised??
Don't you just want to feel this?
Velvet is made differently than most fabrics. Do you remember latch-hook rugs? It’s sort of similar to that. You actually have two pieces of fabric that face each other, and then the velvet fiber gets punched through the fabric. The velvet nap is now between the two pieces of fabric, sort of like a sandwich filling. Once the fabric is finished, a knife blade separates the top and bottom halves and you have the beautiful velvet nap!
As I’ve said there are many types of velvets; cotton velvets, velveteens (short nap velvets), mohair velvets (my favorite), acrylic velvets, rayon velvets (shiny and silk-like) and silk velvets (oooh, very plush with a gorgeous sheen). What makes velvets durable is the fact that they are tightly woven and the more dense the nap, the more durable the fabric. The type of fiber used in the velvet also influences the durability. One of the most durable velvets is Mohair. It’s plush and dense, and is made from the hair of the Angora Goat. I love it because it takes dyes beautifully, has a fabulous feel, and because of the natural oils in the hair, it’s naturally stain resistant. There’s also nothing better for a really plush, regal look and feel.
Angora Goat- cute, huh?
Many people think velvet can only be done on a traditional style piece, but clearly the Donghia showroom proved that notion to be incorrect. Most of the styles in the showroom would be considered transitional to contemporary. People will also shy away from using velvet because they don’t like it’s characteristic of reflecting light differently depending upon which way the nap is running. So if you look at your sofa, you’ll see darker and lighter colors, but that’s just because of the way the light is hitting the nap. One way it looks light and the other way it looks dark. If you love velvet, you understand and embrace its depth and sumptuousness.
Contemporary frames done in velvet
I looked up velvet on Wikipedia and found that it was made in Kashmir around the beginning of the 14th Century, although mohair was known in England as early as the 8th Century and was associated with nobility. Cool, huh?
What do you think? Do you love it or hate it? Why?
Wowed by Walls!
As a design professional, I’m often invited to events that feature some of the latest and greatest products for your home. This week I had the pleasure of attending 2 very informative events, both having to do with wall treatments.
The first event was sponsored by ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and was graciously hosted by the Donghia showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. The subject was wallpaper and we saw some of the most beautiful wallpapers that I’ve ever seen. Usually, I’m not a huge fan of wallpaper as a lot of it looks: a)fake, b)ugly, c)common. These papers were anything but. The showroom carries its own line of papers, as well as lines from Luludk, Lori Weitzner, David Goldberg, and fabrics by Bart Halpern that are often used as wallcoverings (some really yummy silks!) Here are some of my favorites:
Donghia paper- Looks like tapacloth
This one is from Donghia’s own line and is quite lovely.
Lori Weitzner "Cartouche"
This one, from Lori Weitzner has a raised pattern on the paper and can actually be painted. I thought this elegant design would look fabulous in a dining room. By the way, Lori’s website is quite cool. I recommend watching the video. www.weitznerlimited.com
Lori Weitzner's "Aura Spliced"
This was a really stunning paper. It’s actually fiber from fig trees that’s been made into a wallpaper. You would paint your wall first and then apply the paper. The wallcolor is seen through the open holes in the fiber. It gives great texture and interest to a wall. She even has a wallpaper made of recycled newspaper that’s pretty neat. Now granted, some of these papers are not inexpensive. But if you’re looking to add some interest, sophistication or just a “wow” factor to your room, you could do just an accent wall in one of these and create a stunning room.
The next event, a few days later, was sponsored by Sherwin-Williams paint and hosted in the Robert Allen showroom at the Mart. They were introducing designers to some of their new faux-finish products. These were also pretty awe-inspiring. Again, I thought that faux-finishing was passe’, which was ok with me. These finishes were really sophisticated with metallics, linen finishes and also venetian plasters that are tactile, interesting and visually draw you into a space. Check out www.sherwin-williams.com and take a look. Unfortunately I couldn’t download any of these pictures, so you’ll have to take a look for yourself! I would definitely recommend many of these for a spectacular, one of a kind look for your home.
I encourage you to think about your walls in terms of color AND texture when you’re contemplating a project. Sometimes just a little jolt can amp up a room’s interest enough to make you say “wow”!
By the way, as part of my new year’s blogging campaign, I’ve signed up for WordPress’ “Post a week 2011” group. I’m promising to post at least once a week (really my goal is twice a week) throughout the year. It’s great to buddy up, so if there are any other bloggers out there that would like to be my buddy for twice a week posts, let me know!
Decoding the Mart’s Design Center
Have you heard the news? The Merchandise Mart is now opening it’s showrooms to the general public. Well, sort of. Here’s how it works: You go to the Merchandise Mart and check in with the Concierge who gives you a pass to visit showrooms on floors 6, and 15-18. You also receive a complimentary one hour consultation with the “designer on call.” This designer can discuss your project with you, and should you find something in one of the showrooms, the designer will make the purchase for you. See, the showrooms aren’t going retail, they’d just like to encourage you to see what they have and buy from them. You just can’t do it directly.
Chicago's Merchandise Mart
I understand the Merchandise Mart’s goals, and while I applaud their efforts to keep up with what design centers in other cities are doing, I also have some concerns for you- the client. Granted, some people are good at navigating the showrooms, are able to spot what they want immediately and know what they want to achieve when they arrive. For those few (and they’re very few), this is a great opportunity.
Just one of 150 showrooms!
For most people, this can be an invitation to confusion, with the result being less than you had envisioned. Why? Well, here are some of my concerns:
- First, the Mart is a HUGE place and the showrooms can be overwhelming. Sure, you can walk in and look around, but you may become a victim of visual overload before you find what you want.
- Second, if you find what you want (let’s say a sofa or chair), if it isn’t in a fabric that works for you it’s time to trot off to the fabric showrooms to find one that will. (see above regarding visual overload)
- Third, while the showroom employees might be helpful- they’re not in the business of retail. They want to work with designers who can bring them continued business.
- Fourth, working with the “designer-on-call” is great if you’re one of the few that can immediately spot what they want and know it’ll be perfect, but how much can a designer really help you if you only talk to them for an hour, and they don’t even get to see the space they’re helping you with? Pictures can be helpful, but it’s very hard to give you a fabulous outcome without seeing the space and getting to know you. Both of those take some time.
My suggestions for visiting the Design Center are:
- Engage a designer for your project BEFORE going to the Mart. They’ll get to know you and your project and direct you (even accompany you) to the showrooms that will fit the style and budget that you’re looking for.
A designer can help you have a plan- a great place to start!
- Know what you’re looking for before you go. Know the sizes, the colors, and style before heading off into the world of visual overload. Again, here’s where working with a designer ahead of time is going to make this easier for you.
- If you don’t have a designer and want to find one, you can check out “Find a designer” on the Mart websitehttp://www2.mmart.com/designcenter/findadesigner/ as well as ASID Illinois’ website http://www.asidillinois.com/find_a_designer.php. Both of these sites can help you find someone to work with.
Next time- how to choose and work with a designer. Enjoy the wonderful Chicago weather!
