How 'Bout This?

Drapery Row is offering 15% off on any purchase at www.draperyrow.com by using the coupon code "InStyle". Offer valid until March 5, 2010.

What have we got here?

A box came in today and it was an assortment of Motif Designs fabrics. Motif is a New York based company that was founded by Lyn Peterson. Lyn is an exceptionally talented designer who has clients all over the country.

One of my good friends in the industry worked as a landscaper for her and spoke glowingly of her drive for design perfection and her meticulous eye. Motif's fabrics bring together elements from all over the world- from Belgian mohairs to Scottish wools and wonderful vintage stripes and plaids from the United States.

I've uploaded the first dozen fabrics from Motif with much more on the way!

Drapery Row Reviews the Thomas Paul II Print Collection from Duralee

Having been able to spend lots of time with new Duralee Thomas Paul II prints collection, I can safely say that this is currently my favorite collection of indoor prints. Thomas Paul has chosen an eclectic mix of motifs but stays true to his vintage aesthetic. The collection boasts Asian, aviary, botanical and spyrographical designs.

The design that most people will remember from this collection is Perch. Perch features the beautiful colorful birds and insects against the sketch outline of tree branches and birds nests. Perch is printed on a mostly cotton cloth (there is a negligible hint of linen- probably for texture). Like all of the designs in the collection- the coloration hits just right and makes the pattern look like it came straight out of the arts and crafts movement.

Other Highlights:

Skimmer is another excellent design, featuring a top down view of an endless formation of dragonflies. There is some very subtle detail in this design- especially in the aqua and lavender colorways. The cotton and linen cloth makes a return appearance here giving Skimmer that great organic and vintage look.

Neptune, the first of two coastal designs, features the iconic Tonna Cepa shell printed on a nicely weighted cotton duck. The monotone print just keeps pace with the fidelity of the design making it appear like vintage newscopy. Neptune comes in five colors, pictured below is Neptune in Persimmon.

The large scale of Oceania makes me long for an outdoor version of this design. It would be a showstopping pattern- not at all dissimilar to Scalamandre's great outdoor turtle pattern from a few years ago. Where this pattern has that beat, however, is in the fantastic level of detail in each of the sea creatures. I'm not sure if the folks at Duralee realize this, but this isn't just a good design- this is a timeless design that should do well for them for years and years.

The Asian inspired pagoda design, Folly, looks like a Post World War II era cloth brought back to America from overseas. It features a colorful fretwork design with medallion overlays with pagodas in cameo. Also of note, is the interesting large scale print, Plume, which is a monochromatic peacock feather print.

Summary:

The great price point and uniqueness of these patterns make it a Collection that I'd definitely recommend. It seems that Duralee is really hitting their stride when it comes to bringing in talented designers to create exclusive lines for them. Everything from the packaging to the marketing roll out on Thomas Paul II shows Duralee's confidence in the product. They should be confident- these are the nicest prints you will find anywhere for under $50 a yard.

This is a new collection and all new collections tend to evolve into something else over time. I hope Duralee and Thomas Paul continue down this path and I wish them nothing but success with it. Some of these patterns would make stellar outdoor designs.



Thomas Paul II highlights:



Neptune Persimmon by Duralee



Oceania Indigo by Duralee




Perch Multi by Duralee

The Thomas Paul II Print Collection is made exclusively for Duralee. Drapery Row offers these patterns for sale at www.draperyrow.com.

Drapery Row picks a new Motif

I had a great conversation with my friends at Motif Designs today and I'm happy to announce that I will soon be carrying a range of current Motif patterns as well as a great selection of discounted Motif Wallpapers.

I've worked with Motif over the years and have always been struck by their distinctive look- which is at once traditional and understated. They will soon launch a 50+ color collection of drapery weight linens. They also carry a range of beautiful mohair velvets at a great price!

Motif Designs is a New York based firm that carries fabric, wallcoverings, mirrors, lighting, and furniture. They also offer superior interior design services.

Travers Wallpapers: A Complete List

It's going to take a little while to cycle through all of the Travers Wallpapers that draperyrow.com is going to offer. There are so many of them. I've created a list of patterns those who want to know ahead of time which patterns we have.

 Travers Wallpapers: Available exclusively through Drapery Row (while supplies last)

Animal Kingdom Border
Quo Vadis Border



DEUTZIA   
LEAF FRIEZE   
LEAF FRIEZE   
DAMASK   
DAMASK   
OPEN FLOWER   
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR    yel
MILLBROOK BOR    beige
MILLBROOK BOR    yellow
MILLBROOK BOR    pongee
MILLBROOK BOR    beige
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR    brn/wh
MILLBROOK BOR    bl/gre
MILLBROOK BOR    GREEN WIDE
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR   
    gre
 RADAGE BOR    bei/or
RADAGE BOR    red
RADAGE BOR    orange
RADAGE BOR    ora/tan
RADAGE BOR   
RADAGE BOR   
RADAGE BOR   
RADAGE BOR   
FOX RUN BOR    pink
FOX RUN BOR   
FOX RUN BOR    blue
CASCAIS BOR   
CASCAIS BOR   
PALM COURT BOR    yellow
PALM COURT BOR    red
PALM COURT BOR    GREEN WIDE
CATESBY BOR   
CATESBY BOR   
BELMONT STRIE   
   
BELMONT STRIE   
BELMONT STRIE   
BELMONT STRIE    yellow
KIMBALL STRIPE   
KIMBALL STRIPE   
KIMBALL STRIPE    salmon
KIMBALL STRIPE   
KIMBALL STRIPE    ivory
KIMBALL STRIPE    blue
KIMBALL STRIPE    yellow
DOUBLE STAR   
DOUBLE STAR   
DOUBLE STAR    gold/wh
DOUBLE STAR    blu/whi
DOUBLE STAR    beige
DOUBLE STAR    lt blu
DOUBLE STAR    carolina
MILTON STRIPE    yellow
ANIMAL KINGDOM       blu whit
ANIMAL KINGDOM    pink wh
STOCKTON STRIPE   
STOCKTON STRIPE   
STOCKTON STRIPE    peach
STOCKTON STRIPE    grey
STOCKTON STRIPE    carolina
STOCKTON STRIPE   
EMPIRE STAR    gld beig
EMPIRE STAR   
EMPIRE STAR   
EMPIRE STAR   
SPENCER STRIPE    lt yel
SPENCER STRIPE    beige
SPENCER STRIPE    green
SPENCER STRIPE    pink
SPENCER STRIPE    blue
SPENCER STRIPE    beige
PORCELAIN STRIPE    blue
JUNGLE TOILE    blue
JUNGLE TOILE    azalea
JUNGLE TOILE    gre whi
SEASIDE/STARFISH    peach
SEASIDE/STARFISH    blue
SEASIDE/STARFISH    blue
STARFISH    yel
STARFISH    blu whit
PROVANCE STRIPE    off whi
ISLAND FISH   
ALCHEMY   
ALCHEMY   
ALCHEMY    beige
ALCHEMY    red
ALCHEMY   
MERLIN    yel
MERLIN    ivory
MERLIN    red
MERLIN   
MERLIN   
MERLIN    dk blu
MERLIN   
CAMELOT    Z
CAMELOT    S
MATISSE   
MATISSE   
MATISSE    gre whi
MATISSE   
MATISSE   
THOMPSON STRIPE   
PUZZLE FISH    blu red
PUZZLE FISH    gre tur
   
MELROSE  DAMASK    ecru
FONTANA DAMASK    wht br
FONTANA DAMASK    BLU WHI
FONTANA DAMASK    gld whi
FONTANA DAMASK    yel
TOYLAND    multi
AUSTIN STRIPE    beige
AUSTIN STRIPE    yel
FRESCO   
FRESCO   
SINCLAIR STRIPE    tqn
SINCLAIR STRIPE    beige
SINCLAIR STRIPE   
LE MAGASIN    407
LE MAGASIN   
LE MAGASIN    beige
LE MAGASIN    tan gold
LE MAGASIN    midnite
MONTVALE STRIPE    dk gren
FLORENTINA    burg gol
MORNING GLORY STRIPE   
LA PETITE MAGASIN    tan gold 
BLAKEFORD DAMASK   
SMALL STAR    silv gold
SMALL SHELLS    blue
QUO VADIS    
QUO VADIS   
TRIESTE    yel
STARS AND BORDER    gold
BEAUFORT DAMASK    sea
BEAUFORT DAMASK   
MISSENDEN    yel
SPONGE    ochre
SPONGE    melon
SPONGE    green
SPONGE    pink
SPONGE    yel
SPONGE   
SPONGE    tangerin
SPONGE   
ROYSTON    tan
STRIE    pink
STRIE    green
MEDIUM ROPE    blue whi
MULTI SHELL WITH NET    blue whi
MULTI SHELL WITH NET   
MULTI SHELL WITH NET   
MULTI SHELL    
MULTI SHELL    blue
MULTI SHELL    coral
MULTI SHELL    sand
PROVENCE TOILE    pongee
NET & CATCH    blue
NET & CATCH   
NET & CATCH    craft
NET & CATCH    teal
PINEAPPLE    citrus
PINEAPPLE    naturals
THE AMERICAS 1631    brown
THE  AMERICAS 1631    multi
VAUXHALL GARDENS   
VAUXHALL GARDENS    sea
VAUXHALL GARDENS    melon
VAUXHALL GARDENS    blue
RIBBON & TASSEL    pink
RIBBON & TASSEL   
RIBBON & TASSEL    green
RIBBON & TASSEL   
EVE'S STAR    pink
EVE'S STAR    bue
EVE'S STAR    ecru
EVE'S STAR   
EVE'S STAR    butterscotch
PALLADIO    blk tan
THE PRINT ROOM    blk tan
BLUEPRINT    blu whit
BLUEPRINT    blu whit
TIMPERLEY    blue whi
   
   
BRISTOL STRIPE   
BRISTOL STRIPE    tan
TYLER STRIPE    cream
MEDFORD STRIPE    beige
BURSHED STRIE    melon
BRUSHED STRIE   
BRUSHED STRIE    lime
BRUSHED STRIE    apple
BRUSHED STRIE    bisque
BRUSHED STRIE   
BRUSHED STRIE    straw
BRUSHED STRIE    ochre
BRUSHED STRIE    tan
BRUSHED STRIE   
BRUSHED STRIE    white
BRUSHED STRIE   
CARNAGIE STRIPE    beige
MORANO   
MELBOURNE DAMASK    taupe
MELBOURNE DAMASK    ecru
MELBOURNE DAMASK    beige
MELBOURNE DAMASK    whi/bieg
MELBOURNE DAMASK    golds
SUTTON STRIPE    ECRU
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE   
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE    gren
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE   
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE    la orang
COCONUT PALM    beige
COCONUT PALM   
COCONUT PALM    yellow
COCONUT PALM    cream
PAPIER CHINOIS   
PAPIER CHINOIS    melon
PAPIER CHINOIS    yellow
PAPIER CHINOIS   
PAPIER CHINOIS    beige
PARKER HOUSE    blue
TUSCANY    beige
TUSCANY    nickle
HAMILTON STRIPE   
HAMILTON STRIPE    berry
HAMILTON STRIPE    yellow
FERN GARDEN    green
FERN GARDEN    mint
   
FERN GARDEN   
PALAMPORE    floral
PALAMPORE    yellow
PALAMPORE    red
BROADBENT BOUQUET    beige
BROADBENT BOUQUET    taupe
BROADBENT BOUQUET    straw
BROADBENT BOUQUET    yel
BROADBENT BOUQUET   
STRIE STRIPE    yel
STRIE STRIPE    beige
STRIE STRIPE   
STRIE STRIPE    green
STRIE STRIPE    beige
KATIE    berry
KATIE    teal
KATIE   
KATIE    agean
KATIE   
KATIE    pink
KATIE    yellow
KATIE    olive
KATIE    beige
EMPIRE URN    melon
EMPIRE URN    sand
EMPIRE URN    blue
EMPIRE URN    yel
BELCOURT    bllu whi
BELCOURT    taupe
HOLLINGSWORTH    yel
HOLLINGSWORTH    ecru
HOLLINGSWORTH    blue
HOLLINGSWORTH    pink
MORN GLORY TREL     cream
MORN GLORY TREL     yellow
MORN GLORY TREL     pink
PAPER BACKED FELT   
PAPER BACKED FELT   
PAPER BACKED FELT    burg
PAPER BACKED FELT    green
BASKETWEAVE   
HUNT SCENE    horses
BURNHAM    straw
BURNHAM    melon
BURNHAM    pink
BURNHAM    yel
BURNHAM    la orang
BURNHAM    lime
BURNHAM    beige
BURNHAM    blue
BURNHAM    pink
BURNHAM    camilia
LYNFORD    beige
LYNFORD    tan
LYNFORD    beige
LYNFORD    ecru
LYNFORD    yel
LYNFORD    straw
LYNFORD    ochre
LYNFORD    sun
LYNFORD    lemon
LYNFORD    green
LYNFORD    grass
LYNFORD    pink
LYNFORD    melon
LYNFORD    tan
MARSTON    sun
MARSTON    ochre
MARSTON    yel
MARSTON    mint
MARSTON    tan
MARSTON    melon
MARSTON    beige
MARSTON    sea
UNDERWOOD    gold wh i
UNDERWOOD    melon
UNDERWOOD   
UNDERWOOD   
UNDERWOOD    beige
UNDERWOOD    mint
UNDERWOOD    red
TAPLOW    melon
TAPLOW    ecru
TAPLOW    whi gold
TAPLOW    yel
TAPLOW    blue whi
TAPLOW    melon
TAPLOW    tangerin
WINSLOW    green
WINSLOW    yel
WINSLOW   
WINSLOW    ochre
WINSLOW    grass
WINSLOW 134    blue
WINSLOW   
WINSLOW   
BOURNE    ecru
BOURNE    cream
BOURNE    beige
BOURNE    tan
BOURNE    sun
BOURNE    yel
BOURNE    straw
BOURNE    ochre
BOURNE   
BOURNE    green
BOURNE    lt yel
BOURNE    yel
BOURNE    grass
BOURNE   
BOURNE    lt green
BOURNE   
BOURNE    blu gren
BOURNE    lime
BOURNE    green
BOURNE   
BOURNE    tan
BOURNE    blush
BOURNE    peach
BOURNE    melon
BOURNE    tangerin
BOURNE    peach
BOURNE    ecru
FOXCOTE    ECRU
FOXCOTE    oyster
FOXCOTE    sun
FOXCOTE 409    ochre
FOXCOTE    mint
FOXCOTE    melon
ARDSLEY HOUSE    chocolate
ARDSLEY HOUSE   
ARDSLEY HOUSE    burg
ARDSLEY HOUSE    gol
ARDSLEY HOUSE    whi blue
CALLIGRAPHY   
CALLIGRAPHY    olive
CALLIGRAPHY    tan
CALLIGRAPHY    blue
EGREMONT    multi
EGREMONT    blue
EGREMONT    yel red
EGREMONT    white
EGREMONT   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
ADAM    red
ADAM    lichen
ADAM    gold
ADAM    blue
ADAM    nichol
AUBUSSON ROSE    rust
AUBUSSON ROSE    duck egg
AUBUSSON ROSE   
DIONYSUS   
DIONYSUS    parch
DIONYSUS    olive
PICOT STRIPE    rust
PICOT STRIPE    tan
PICOT STRIPE    gol brn
PICOT STRIPE   
PICOT STRIPE    yel
PICOT STRIPE    brown



Victorian Sprig: Beige, La Orange, Tan Blue
Chadwick: Purple, Yellow, Foil
Wexley: Green, Pink, Yellow Blue








Catesby Stripe:  Pastel, Multi
Cluny: Beige, Tan, Metallic
Flower Tree: Green White
Palm Court: Red Green, Green, Yellow
Porcelain Flowers: White Blue, Yellow, Blue, Ecru
Roxbury Hall: Red, Green, Gray, Yellow
Small Damask: Oyster, Yellow, Cream, Red, Grey, Pink, Aqua
Stoneleigh: Sage, Tan, Brown, Green, Olive
Tea Rose: Beige, Green, Tan Green,  Green, Yellow, Pink
Travor: Brown, Red, Dark Green, Mint, Yellow, Blush
Twist: Mint, Exru, Pongee
Venetian Damask: Tan, Sea, Adobe, Bone, Sage, Corn, Flax

Shopping Around Town...

My wife and I went shopping. It's Saturday and we were wont for things to do. Of course, I'm the king sucker of impulse purchases. Well, I found two "opportunities" that I couldn't pass by.

A delightful polka dotted piggy bank

With Coinstar taking their cut and this piggy bank costing about $20 - you are already pretty deep in the hole before you start saving your pennies- but who could resist the cute little piggy and his classic design motif?

Fisher Price's 1966 Classic TV Set

Fisher Price made so many great toys throughout the 1960s and 1970s that it's hard to think of what my early childhood would have been like without them. Probably just sitting in a room bored by not having cable. This TV set has been reintroduced for a limited time and I thought my little guy would be mesmerized by it.

Tattoo Parlor Ideas? Yeah, I Got Some...

An unusual question came my way via Crafster. How can you turn tattoo parlor space into something fun. Fixing up a small white workspace is not easy- but it got me thinking about the very nature of tattoo parlors and what they bring to mind.

I couldn't help but thinking of far away Asian ports awash with sailors with mermaids tattooed across their arms and also 1950s post-war American Rock-a-Billy dives detailed in animal print with hot rods ablaze with enormous engine blocks. Maybe this isn't your idea of a tattoo parlor- but the fun part of design is evoking feeling and coming across in your own unique way.

As for animal designs, here are a few of my favorites:



Amur Olive by Duralee



Tonga Outdoor Black/ White by Suburban Home



Tonga Outdoor Black/ White by Suburban Home



Sea Things Goldenrod by maharam

Powers of Ten Day: 10/10/10

We all love Charles and Ray Eames, that loveable husband and wife design team that is reponsible for such a wide swath of post war innovation that their impact is still being felt.

Every year the Charles and Ray Eames foundation holds Powers of 10 day. On which day, you ask? Well 10/10 of course.

To get your juices flowing, check out this creative implementation of their short film, Powers of 10, in "We Are All Connected" by Symphony of Science:



http://powersof10.com

Of course you can check out Eames designs from maharam's Textiles of the Twentieth Century Collection at www.draperyrow.com.

Love is in the Air

There's no stopping it now. Valentine's Day is soon upon us. Treat yourself to something totally decadent with Robert Allen's joyous hommage à l'amour, Love Notes. This beautiful decorative fabric is best served with a pillow and a paintbrush. 

Any ten yard or more order of Love Notes will come with an assortment of Godiva chocolates (offer expires February 14th).





Love Notes Alabaster by Robert Allen



Love Notes Scarlet by Robert Allen


Love Notes is a Robert Allen exclusive design which is available through www.draperyrow.com

Get Your Style On!

Now through February 15, 2010, Drapery Row is offering 15% off your entire order. Type the coupon code "Presidents" in the coupon box field during checkout.

www.draperyrow.com

Travers & Company Wallpaper Sale

Beautiful Travers & Company Wallpapers are a thing of the past, I'm afraid. When Travers was bought by Zimmer + Rohde, the wallpaper line was discontinued. Luckily, I found a source for the last remaining papers and am making them available exclusively through Drapery Row.

Unlike most wallpapers you will find at your local store, these are hand printed papers- with patterns derived from English manor homes and top American stylists.

This morning I listed nine great patterns with more to follow soon...

Roxbury Hall Red Wallpaper

Pineapple Gold Wallpaper

Star Fish Aqua Wallpaper

Palampore Green Multi Wallpaper by Travers & Company


The above listed Travers & Company wallpapers are available exclusively through www.draperyrow.com

In the Summer Sky, All Eyes Turn toward Celestial Bodies

An endless sky of glittering lights; bright shining globes against the velvet of the night sky. drapery ROW's Celestial Bodies is a loving tribute to the timeless wonder of space.

Celestial Bodies is a premium quality 100% solution dyed acrylic outdoor fabric that features a reversible random polka dot design. Celestial Bodies is part of 2010's North Shore Outdoor Collection and is available in four stylish colors.

Celestial Bodies Taffy

Celestial Bodies Kiwi

Celestial Bodies Midnight

Celestial Bodies Chocolate Mint


Celestial Bodies is an exclusive outdoor pattern that can be purchased at www.draperyrow.com

Keep Dreaming...

One of the real joys I've had in the textile business over the years was the opportunity to buy out a ton of Clarence House closeouts. I think it was in 2003 when Clarence House moved their warehouse from New York to South Carolina and there was a treasure trove of fabrics that were not making the trip. When I say treasure trove, I literally mean it... some of these rolls were in vaults under lock and key.

To my eye, these fabrics were works of art. Nothing comes close in terms of textile composition or style.

While its been many years since I've had such unfettered access to their products- I do like to browse every now and then to see what just might be down the road.

So when I found Jembala, I was instantly taken back. Back to a sense of awe and wonder. Keep it up Clarence House... and I'll Keep Dreaming

 

Jembala by Clarence House / Cost: I Don't Wanna Know

My Favorite Patterns: Circuit Multi by Altizer & Company

If you are as passionate about good design as I am, it is rare that you'll find a pattern that is so original and so unique that it's unlike anything you've ever seen before.

That's how I felt when I first found Circuit, a beautiful Austrian print from Altizer & Company.

Circuit features more colors than just about any print I've ever featured. What makes the coloration so great, however, isn't the volume of colors (I've counted over 30) but the subtle graduation of the colors. It's as if they were able to multi-faceted gemstones on cloth.

Circuit is made for upholstery, bedding, and draperies. It's a fantastic one of a kind print that will always leave you humming with pure energy!

Circuit Multi


Circuit Multi is an exclusive pattern that can be purchased at www.draperyrow.com

Terraza Outdoor Collection Review

Suburban Home's Terraza Outdoor Collection closes the gap between Duralee's more expensive designer line and their value priced retail store brand. With this collection, Duralee never allows the budget price point get in the way of some truly interesting designs. In fact, Terraza is bursting at the seems with creativity and more than capably keeps up with the main brand's Pavilion Prints Collection from a few seasons ago.

There are so many directions that this collection takes, that its hard to keep up. You have a beautiful large scale interlocking loop, a number of contextually unique florals, a gorgeous mosaic tile design, the Haight-Ashbury infused Monteray, and what seems like a random inclusion, a Grevy's Zebra stripe.

My favorite design, by far, is Redondo. This large looped pattern seems like a perfect fit for outdoor furniture. It's at once nautical and geometric. You can invision it in almost any surrounding and it certainly would garner attention.

There are two retro florals, if that's your thing. The first is a tropical lined floral called Balboa. Balboa comes in Olive, Paprika, and Ultramarine. Ultramarine is the showstopper and Duralee supports it with a coordinating stripe. The second retro floral, as I mentioned earlier, is a Haight-Ashbury inspired tulip design called Monteray. Duralee offers two looks at Monteray- with colorways in Aegean (which is a brown and oceanic blue/green) and Sundance (which builds on the blue/ green theme and adds cream and paprika).

For those lovers of black and white, I recommend you consider Lyon, a floral, and the beatiful looped Redondo as an accent. Redondo also comes across beautifully in a patriotic color scheme when matched with Brazoban.

Terraza comes with two coordinating stripes (Brazoban and Suva) and a highly versatile textured solid print (Tropez).

Highlights from the Terraza Collection:

Balboa Ultramarine

Lyon Black

Redondo Harbour


The Terraza Outdoor Collection by Suburban Home can be purchased at www.draperyrow.com

Whimsy by Altizer & Company

A Bit of Whimsy...

My nieces are all princess crazy. That's why when I first saw Altizer & Company's beautiful juvenile paisley print, Whimsy, I thought of them.

Whimsy is a cotton and polyester print fit for the princess of your house. It features a crisp colorful print and has a hand drawn coordinating stripe.

Whimsy is perfect for bedding, window treatments, and upholstery.

Whimsy Sand



Whimsy Camelia

Whimsy Aqua

Whimsy is an exclusive design that can be purchased through www.draperyrow.com