Going Green

May we have the envelope please: AND THE WINNER FOR 2017 PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR IS GREENERY.

Pantone's interpretation of Greenery is both a yellow green and also, a green that harmonizes with many color contenders.

When thinking of "Greenery", it might be a delightful trip through the great outdoor, and the robust beauty of springtime. Certainly Pantone is encouraging positive thoughts of optimism and "good times around the corner" when they launched their 2017 color of the year.

Historically, and very briefly, the 2015 color of the year was Mergala, described as a naturally robust and earthy wine red. In 2015, Rose Quartz and Serenity were crowned colors of the year. These colors were described as a warm rose tone and a tranquil blue. One wonders how soothing and peaceful 2016 played out.

Referencing history, the original St. Patrick color was not green, but instead, BLUE. However, upon thinking of Ireland as the Emerald Isle, GREEN became the symbolic color of Ireland. The first St. Patrick's Day Parade was in New York, in the 1700's. Since that time, in this great land of immigrants, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated throughout the United States, whether Irish or not!!

Saint Patrick's Day is a perfect time to salute the color GREEN.

Chella Textiles' indoor and outdoor collection shows off a plethora of green tones in some of the fabrics below. You can view more on their website: www.chellatextiles.com

The JD Staron Collection of rugs bursts forth with optimistic greens as seen in these samples. You can view their products on their website: www.jdstaron.com

Sabira Collection, offers up for hospitality and residential, an exciting collection of custom pillow designs that show the harmony of greens with other colors. More products are available at www.sabiracollection.com

And yes, all that glitters is not just gold. Christopher Hyland's plush and sophisticated textiles also tip their fabric hat to the color green.

Lastly, and most importantly, a joyous, fun and safe St. Patrick's Day celebration and splendid weekend to all.

Fondly, 
Mimi

Designing From The Ground Up

J.D. Staron / Carpets and Rugs: Creativity and experience in a cosmic explosion of just great design. So much for subtlety, let's just introduce and learn and have fun knowing about J.D.Staron.

Jakub Staron , charismatic, hip and very GOOD LOOKING (which cannot hurt) is the artistic force behinds the designs, colors and textures found in the J.D. Staron collection of rugs and carpets. Jakub travels the world, whether it be India, Nepal, Tibet or China, sourcing and working with the finest mills and local weavers. I believe Jakub would credit the many people who weave for J.D Staron as a major key to the success of the carpets. He created an almost family like relationship with both individuals and families, many with over 40 years of experience in weaving, that work with him.

His team of weavers pay close attention to every detail from the initial carpet drawing to setting up the warp, to ultimately creating works of art for the floor.

DO COME VISIT THE SHOWROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SAN FRANCISCO DESIGN CENTER. We love working with Jakub and "showing off" exceptional rugs and carpets.

A preview of coming attractions: A collection of outdoor rugs! For when the rain stops!!

Below are Michael and Maggie at the helm, Stephen to keep us all organized and someone has to bring both samples and sweets, right?

The Most Famous Residence in the United States

When a new president moves into the White House, the decor also changes. Each President and First Lady, and in this case, perhaps the first family will change the living quarters to reflect their personal preferences, style and taste.

A brief walk through some of the highlights and controversy of past White House interiors often encourages opinions, either correctly or incorrectly, of the First family. Traditionally the First Lady is responsible for the decorating of the White House. Renovation of the public rooms, including additions to the rather large collection of art and furniture, is overseen by the Preservation committee, with the First Lady presiding over that committee.

Their private living quarters are different. Here the First Lady, with her chosen designers, will implement their own personal design schemes.

Below are a few highlights that have been written about past president's personal interiors, with naturally, the blame or praise shouldered by the First Lady.

Jacquelyn Kennedy used Sister Parish for her family quarters in the White House. Often the focus was antiques. One of her wallpaper choices were illustrated scenes from the American Revolution. An article in the Chronicle states that many thought the Kennedy White House was too French.

Lady Bird Johnson will be remembered more for her efforts in conservation than for her interests in the White House Interiors. However, the Texas White House, where LBJ spent about 25% of his time during his presidency did reflect Lady Bird's statement: "There is nothing more inviting than pillows, flowers and a view." (@Conde Nast)  AD 1986 talks of the LBJ Ranch, snuggled into Central Texas Hill Country, approximately a 63 mile drive from Austin, as a personal home, steeped in history, filled with memorabilia encouraging visitors to "come in and rest".

Nancy Reagan chose her friend and California designer Ted Graber to help with the interiors. It was said her taste reflected a "somewhat" Hollywood style. Perhaps many remember her China ( $210,000 ), that was seen as overwhelming extravagant. Others wrote about her excessively overdone Chinese wallpaper and her penchant for rich colors with red being her favorite.

Hillary Clinton: In a recent Architectural Digest November 2016 issue suggested the private quarters of the Clinton's would be "classic", just like her signature pantsuits. " As First Lady, there was a great interest in traditional furniture, cheery yellow colors and florals.   

Michele Obama chose Los Angeles designer, Michael Smith, as the official White House designer. It was said her taste was both elegant and simple. In the art world, many contemporary, often considered "radical" artists, such as Mark Rothko, Jasper Johns and, Alana Thomas, the first African Artist to be shown in the White House were borrowed from museums to be hung in the  Obama White House.

The Huffington Post 11/1/2016 states that "of course the Obama's white House decor is as cool as they are". The December AD calls Obama's decor choice "elegant, simple and chic".

And now, on to the the Trumps.  It has been said and seen: "the Donald loves things shiny, and opulent. Perhaps  there will be a plethora of mirrors and gilded furniture. 

In googling Donald Trump, Interiors, I came across Introspective Magazine, which had 5 designers illustrate their design schemes for Trump's White House.

https://www.1stdibs.com/introspective-magazine/white-house-decorating/

I found it amusing and perhaps you will also.

One more really important design addition as seen in the January 13, 2017 issue of US Hello Magazine regarding Melania Trump: "Absolutely there will be a room designed for hair makeup and wardrobe".

Just think, just like the cartoon attached , we will soon see the "... new design " of the Trump White House.

Lastly, if you do scroll on down, you would see I have kept my family photos intact on this blog, as along with design, they are important.  And, Ava is sitting in the chair upholstered in Michael Smith's fabric.  Their dogs are adorable, and the entire first family will be missed by me.

Infinite Opportunities

Hi all, 

Latest update for the holiday season: briefly professional and rather personal and certainly fun! One month into testing my former English skills, here goes....

This blog is somewhat family oriented. The photo of Ava, the redhead, is my granddaughter with the White House dogs; part of the Obama family, right? Ava is lounging on a chair upholstered in Michael Smith's Jasper fabric. The Jasper fabric and furniture line is represented at Shears & Window. How did this happen? Briefly, my daughter-in-law's aunt was a roommate with Nancy Pelosi and both my son and Michelle went to Georgetown Law with Laurence Pelosi... so the tour was a "given". Ah yes, if only everything else had turned out that easily!!

New addition to my lines and fortunately not new to you all is Chella Textiles. A rather extensive and highly regarded outdoor textile line, with an abundance of new FR sheers suitable for both residential and hospitality.

Lastly, the photo showing a large group of children, interspersed with adults: This is "US" wishing you all "A YEAR OF INFINITE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE VERY BEST EVERY DAY, EVERY YEAR."

M