Today we are introducing a new blog series “Design Book Club” where Callie Bullock of Designer Effects in Little Rock will share her favorite design book each month. She’ll share her favorite images with lots of design inspiration. We are excited to have you here on the blog, Callie. Enjoy everyone!
One of the first design books I purchased post-design school was In With the Old by Jennifer Boles. I was instantly drawn to its dainty size and the tagline “Classic Décor from A to Z.” Having recently finished two very thorough classes on architecture and antique furniture, I was looking forward to seeing how the author was going to incorporate these legendary elements into modern design.
The book takes you on an alphabetical journey of 100 classic design essentials. It was very hard to narrow it down and pick only five to highlight today! To see the rest, swing by Bear Hill Interiors in Little Rock and grab a copy for yourself!
Chinoiserie
Pagodas, trellises, dragons, tea ceremonies, bamboo. For centuries, these Oriental motifs could be found on jars, furniture, wallpaper, woodwork in the home, dishes, etc. Thibaut has had Chinoiserie influences in multiple collections over the past few years. An added bonus is that most of their fabrics have matching wallpaper!
[Thibaut, From L-R]
Pagoda Garden/Yellow, Imperial Dragon/Charcoal & Yellow, South Sea/Green, Luzon/Green & Raspberry
[Turquoise, Tulips, and Bliss]
Chintz
Our veteran designers cringe when they come in the showroom and hear that chintz is coming back. It isn’t until we show them samples of the bright, fun color schemes that they start to get on board with the idea. These glazed cottons (and sometimes linens!) usually bear large floral patterns, but can now be found with geometrics or stripes. Schumacher is one company that is leading the way in modern design for this technique. Manor Rose, featured below, was one of Dorothy Draper’s first patterns with the company in 1944.
[Schumacher, From L-R]
Peacock/Red by Miles Redd, Manor Rose/Nightfall, Bagatelle/Citron Vert, Elizabeth/Multi-Rouge by Alessandra Branca, Coromandel/Prussian Blue-Rouge also by Alessandra Branca
Faux Bois
Coined by the French, the term is understood as “false wood.” Much like Chinoiserie, this motif can be found on any design element from flooring to tile, and lighting to fabrics. Martha Stewart is huge fan of Faux Bois! She is a collector of concrete furniture of this theme from the early 1900s. The velvets featured below are by Arkansas’ own, Tobi Fairley, for Duralee Fabrics.
[Tobi Fairley for Duralee Fabrics, Clockwise from top L]
Pattern: Rivers | Colors: Fuchsia, Blush, Citron, Jade, Wedgewood, Mineral, Toffee
Portiere
One of my biggest takeaways from this book is a term I had never heard before: Portiere. “To compensate for the absence of doors, curtains were hung at the outer edges of the opening to help ward off cold drafts as well as to visually soften the transition between rooms.” I have the perfect doorway that is screaming for this type of application. Comfort, beauty, and privacy – what more could you want?
Skirted Tables
Skirted tables serve many purposes and can be produced from just about anything in your home – A bedside table, a few pieces of MDF, a small dining table, that table of your grandmother’s that has great structure but doesn’t match anything, a pedestal sink. With endless possibilities and styles, these items are sure to graciously accept a custom-made skirt.
[Furbish]
Thank you for joining me on this very new journey. I look forward to bringing you a new design book each month. Do you have a favorite? If so, leave us a note in the comment section! I will be sure to check it out!
You can find Jennifer’s blog at http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/
Callie
Callie is the fabrication manager and designer at Designer Effects, a To-the-Trade fabric and wallcovering showroom in Little Rock. She is the curator of @fdworkrooms, an Instagram account where she showcases the work of fellow drapery and upholstery workrooms across the world. She enjoys baking and has been in love with Harrison Ford since she was 10.
Designer Effects // designereffects.net
