Abbe Fenimore, Studio Ten/25
It's not what you think . . . I didn't ask Dallas designers to talk about ponderous things, such as how high to lift the debt ceiling (although when it comes to ceiling heights, most designers I know prefer them lower, say around 10-12 feet). I asked instead about things near and dear to their hearts -- what's beautiful, what's new, and where you can get it. I reached out to some designers I don't hear nearly enough from, and this is what they had to say:
William Yeoward's Mirroed Brick Cabinet at ID Collection
"I am head over heels for William Yeoward's furniture, lighting, and pillows right now. ID Collection has a gorgeous display of his latest pieces in their showroom. My favorite piece has to be the Mirrored Brick Cabinet. I'm insanely drawn to the mirrored doors and sides -- I've never met a mirrored piece I didn't like. It's the perfect blend of masculine and feminine, and a piece that can be used as media storage, a swanky bar, and a conversation piece for any space. His casegoods are timeless, elegant, and bring an extra something to a room." - Abbe Fenimore, Studio Ten/25
Tiffany McKinzie, Tiffany McKinzie Interior Design
"I love Conrad's natural, handwoven shades. I am doing and installation right now and we did the entire house. They're made by hand, with one single continuous weave. They cut the heat and filters the light, but you can still see through them, except at night when they turn opaque. A subtle little bling for your windows. Men especially love Conran shades. When you mention window coverings to men, they conjure images of draperies with heavy, gaudy bullion fringe. But men gravitate towards their clean look. The new Daybreak weaves they just launched look like raw silk with reflective weave through them. They sparkle like diamonds when the sun hits them." - Tiffany McKinzie, Tiffany McKinzie Interior Design
Beth Dotolo, PULP design studios
"I love the Greek Peak arm chair by Thom Filicia! The design gives a nod to the ancient Greek klismos while bringing it up to date for modern interiors. I especially love the sexy splayed black legs and how it's integrated with the t-back. The best part for me as an interior designer? It's completely customizable!" -- Beth Dotolo, PULP design studios
Thom Filicia's Greek Peak arm chair
Emily Johnston, EJ Interiors
"I recently attended the Home and Gift Market at the Dallas Market center and came across an amazing chest from Global Views. The Greenbrier Chest is a classic piece with a bit of contemporary flair. Its swanky metallic finish and bold geometric pattern are just some of the details that have put this chest at the top of my list of market must-haves! The best thing about it is that it's not only gorgeous, but versatile. It could be used in a dining room as a small buffet, in a bedroom as a dresser, or as a table in an entry hall." - Emily Johnston, EJ Interiors
Global Views' Greenbrier Chest
Susan Smith, Urban Interiors
"I love all of Donna Karan's home accessories at Neiman Marcus, especially the Rippled Wood vases in bold pieces of carved wood and quietly colored ceramics. They're all oversized and stunning. Use them in a grouping or a single placement. We used these in a recent project at the Azure, and the collection was a perfect complement to our soft contemporary furnishings and art." - Susan Smith, Urban Interiors.
Donna Karan's Rippled Wood vases at Neiman Marcus
Kathy Adcock-Smith, Adcock-Smith Design
"When I walked into the new Promemoria showroom on Slocum for the first time I was in heaven. Each item is well-designed, has staggeringly flawless craftsmanship, and just incredibly beautiful. Definitely furniture important enough to hand down through the generations in a family. Many of the pieces, such as the Margot, have an interesting double base that adds a sense of presentation. I love perfection, and the Margot is it! Just adore the simplicity of the lines, the organic quality of the pulls, the exotic look of the wood, and an interior that's as beautifully detailed as the exterior. And for a bonus, LED lights come on when the door is opened." - Kathy Adcock-Smith, Adcock-Smith Design
Margot Small Cabinet at Promemoria
"I'm super excited about the introduction of Christian Lacroix's line of fabric and home accessories for Designer's Guild. Lacroix has managed to introduce the same colorful, rich, and textured chic to his new home line, as he has done in his couture clothing collection. Since my personal style leans toward the "modern traditional", my favorite pattern is the Vuelta pring, which was inspired by flowers thrown at the torrero after a bullfight. Its warm French blue background is sprayed with colorful flowers, full of texture and depth.
In a more traditional setting, I would use this fabric as a toile. I can see it used in a completely upholstered bedroom (walls, headboard, drapery, etc.) -- traditional warmth with a kick. Pair it with a patterned wool carpet and some fabulous custom lamps and blue and white porcelain, and you have an updated version of the classic English bedroom." - Melissa Woody, Melissa Woody Interiors & Accessories
Christian Lacroix's Vuelta fabric at ID Collection