Smitten | Galraith and Paul

 Monarch

 Lotus

Trellis

Lotus Wallpaper, Amber Interiors

Small Star and Tulip

There are a lot of things that I get excited about: shoes, furniture, and fabric most certainly falls on that list, which is why I'm talking about it two posts in a row! Yesterday I mentioned my love of John Robshaw textiles and today I wanted to share another outstanding American textile source, Galbraith & Paul. Founders Liz Galbraith and Ephraim Paul's Philadelphia studio create hand block-printed textiles, handmade rugs, studio printed wallpaper, and lighting.  They have built a business based on craftsmanship, quality, and creativity. G&P recently released new sets of fabric and wallpaper patterns so I made sure to stop by Holland and Sherry (the Chicago showroom that reps the line) to check the insanely beautiful creations during my visit last Friday.

In talking to the showroom rep I learned that all of the fabrics and wallpapers are made to order.  Like the Robshaw prints, the pictures do not go these textiles justice.  Many of the patterns have almost a 3D effect because the artisans use multiple colors and shades to give the prints depth and character.  Having just learned the basics of block printing (using only one color and trying to keep the edges clean) I'm in complete awe of the artisans that work at G&P.

So what are your thoughts on Galbraith & Paul's creations? To me, their style is really versatile and could be used in a casual or formal setting. Besides loving their patterns and colors, I also appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind all of their products. That's pretty hard to come by these days!

I'm planning on placing an order soon so if you want a few yards or a pillow feel free to email me at kkerrdesign@gmail.com!

My Weekend in Pictures

Well I finished off September with a bang!  This past weekend was the perfect balance of work and play.  Here are some of the highlights: 

. I received a bunch of questions about my leather coat when I posted this picture on Instagram so I thought I'd share the details on the blog.  The jacket, made by June, has been a part of my fall uniform for a few years now, the buttery tan leather really goes with everything.  As you can see from the pictures above, I wore the jacket numerous times this weekend. On Friday I threw it on over my favorite basic black tee , these midrise dark skinny jeans and J.Crew leopard heels--perfect for a quick jaunt to the mart--then on Saturday I broke it out again with a striped skirt and blue button up shirt from Club Monaco. I'm having trouble finding my exact coat online but I did find a similar style in burgundy and brown. If neither one of those will do then try calling Tangerine in Wicker Park...that's where I purchased the coat a few years ago!

. Like I said above, I spent a few hours at the Merchandise Mart on Friday sourcing fabric for a project.  I found a bunch of great options but for some reason I continue to gravitate to the fabulous selection of John Robshaw block prints available at John Rosselli.  Pictures do not do these textiles justice, the colors and patterns are jaw dropping in person. I also fell hard for the block prints by Galbraith and Paul.  Clearly I'm having a moment with hand printed textiles (see last week's post).

. On Saturday I partied like it was 1999.  Seriously, my friends and I had a 12PM brunch reservation at Pump Room and ended up staying out until 2AM.  I honestly did not start to feel normal until Monday morning (hence no blog post yesterday).  It was fun but I now need a major detox.

. Despite feeling like complete hell on Sunday I did manage to make a few design decisions. I'm having this vintage credenza refinished and I about died when I received this picture of the stripped down piece...so long 1970s finish, hello ebony stain.  It's going to look so good, just you wait!  I also received a snapshot of this chair I had refinished and reupholstered for a client.  Isn't that the happiest blue velvet you've ever seen?

Now on to October, my favorite month of the year!

(images via my instagram)

Smitten | Eskayel

What do you see? These watery prints by Brooklyn design studio Eskayel remind me of a Rorschach inkblot.  I ran upon this amazing company while obsessing over Moda Operandi’s Artistic Director Taylor Tomasi Hill’s Chelsea loft feature on Vogue.com.  Designer Shanan Campanaro of Eskayel digitally manipulates sections of her paintings to make wallpaper, fabrics, pillows, carpets and ceramics. While a roll of wallpaper will set you back about $500, the fabric and pillows pack the same punch for a fraction of the price. If I had my way, I'd upholster an antique gilt Louis XVI armchair in the graphic Madagascar fabric then top it with a solid cashmere throw and a textured pillow.  What would you do?

Smitten | Rosemary Hallgarten Ombre Fabric

I stopped in the Holland & Sherry showroom yesterday while searching for the perfect peach velvet (still looking..any suggestions?) and the lovely Rosemary Hallgarten hand-dipped ombre fabric pictured above greeted me at the door.    I am smitten, smitten I tell you!  I'm selective when it comes to patterns because I'd hate to tire of something but this one is timeless and oh so chic.  Someway, somehow, it is going to find its way into my home.  I love the green but which color do you prefer?

(Images Kristin Kerr and Rosemary Hallgarten)

Lush Leaves

Truth be told, I have a bit of a design crush on LA-based designer Peter Dunham. The designer's enviable background – he grew up in England, France and Spain and worked for design legend David Hicks – led him to design an enviable, fresh feeling textile collection. So it's days like today, when the sun is hiding and the sky is gray, that I wish I had just the smallest piece of Dunham's "Fig Leaf" fabric in my home. Lord knows I have a brown thumb and kill just about every plant I touch (this topiary included), so I think this textile could be my happy alternative for lush leaves.

Dunham says that this print was inspired by a similar fabric he saw as a child in his neighbor, Spanish surrealist painter, Salvador Dali's home. It has such a summery, fresh, classic look and since plant life is practically a neutral this print works perfectly in just about any eclectic, evolved interior.

(Images 1 /2 Diane Bergeron / 3-7 Peter Dunham / 8 Ruthie Sommers)

Abyssinia

I'm in love with the show-stopping embroidery and hand knotted detailing in Oscar de la Renta's fabric, Abyssinia, for Lee Jofa. The texture, the colors, the ethnic pattern, and the 3D effect of the embroidery are to die for.  The moment I saw this fabric I knew I had to use it somewhere.  So when a client recently asked me to design a sort of bohemian room around her gorgeous painting (pictured above) and Anthropologie's yellow chesterfield sofa I knew this was my chance.  It really almost seems like they were made for each other, don't you think?  The colors in the embroidery and the painting play off each other quite well - muted reds and golds with hints of blue and green.  Plus I love that the embroidery is made from rayon so it has a little bit of (tasteful) shine.  I think a large bolster pillow in this fabric is just what the leather sofa needs - it'll instantly add texture and a handcrafted element to the space.

(Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Jaguar Velours Soie

An enduring favorite of decorators, pick up just about any good design magazine and you'll see some type animal print.  Among the best known and my personal favorite is Clarence House's Jaguar Velours Soie, a silk velvet that is hand woven in Venice.  You may recall from yesterday's post that Ted Tuttle used the fabric throughout his beautiful and sublime home.  The luxurious velvet popped against his crisp white walls and upholstery...but as I've said before, animal print is a neutral and really goes with just about any pattern and color.  I would die for the two chairs in the Miles Redd designed room pictured above.  Unfortunately at a staggering $600-a-yard I can only dream of laying my head down on even the smallest of pillows.  So for now I'll admire it from afar and add it to my ultimate wish list....

Jaguar Velours Soie seat cushions with a vintage suzani tablecloth in a Miles Redd designed dining room 

Miles also used it for pillows throughout this house featured in Town and Country

Nick Olsen used a small pillow to pop against a purple chair in the July issue of House Beautiful...

he also used it in his own home, featured in Lonny

Tory Burch (above) and Palmer Weiss (below) both used the fabric with a green sofa - love this look!

Images: 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Runway to Room | Poppy Print

So I know I’ve blogged about my love for solid textiles a couple of times now, but these prints are giving me serious heart palpitations. Michelle Smith and Sara Gilbane’s designs embody a modern sensibility and vintage vibe that I simply can’t resist. Their ability to give new life to traditional pieces with modern fabrics and styling is quite inspiring. Here, Michelle paired a tailored floral coat with a turban and Sara updated a classic corona with a bold poppy print (Lallarookh by Brunschwig & Fils) and a coordinating suzani. I never would have thought of mixing saturated florals and tribal elements but these look prove it can be done…and look chic!
Images: style.com and sara gilbane

Help! Ikan't Stop...

Do any of my dear readers know where I can find this lovely ikat fabric? Ikan't stop thinking about it...and ikan't help a good pun!  It was love at first sight when Oscar de la Renta sent it down the spring 2008 runway then my love for it only grew when I spotted it in this bold bedroom designed by Miles Redd.  If you know where I can find even the smallest remnant please email me at kkerrdesign@gmail.com 

Image by Thomas Loof for NYMag

Inspired Interior | Tulu Textiles

I'm feeling completely inspired by Tulu Textiles' boho-chic vibe.  The Istanbul-based textile company, founded by antique textile dealer and original pioneer of the Central Asian Ikat resurgence, Elizabeth Hewitt, produces some of the most beautiful modern Ikats and hand-blocked prints I have ever seen.  To me, this line feels fresh. And although new, Hewitt's designs have a well-traveled look that would instantly add personality to any interior.  I declare...I'm seriously smitten! 

Tulu Textiles I Moroccan Lantern via L'Enfant Gallery I Italian Octagon Mirror by Wisteria  I Vintage Bleached Chest via Revision Chicago  I Orange Capiz Lotus via Furbish Studio I  Augustin Cotton in Bronze by Old World Weavers  I X Upholstered Stool by Worlds Away I Ingrid Bed by Oly Studio I Jute Rug by Pottery Barn I Morocco Side Table by Dransfield and Ross I Murano Lamp via Swank Lighting