Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks- Update

I got my fabric samples of the Kelly Wearstler collection for Lee Jofa. Let me just say that the internet and photos don't do them justice. The colors are great, as are the textures. But Wearstler is a genius at mixing textures and knowing just when to give your eye a definitive break and a resting place. The proportions are even different than I expected- in the best way. The photos illustrating the samples were taken at different distances and it was difficult to get a sense of scale.

Needless to say, the collection is great and Lee Jofa is the right company to represent it. Even the tags saying "Kelly Wearstler" on each sample were exquisite. Check them out at Lee Jofa or call your designer.

Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks

I think it was almost a year ago when I heard that one of my favorite designers, Kelly Wearstler, was going to be designing a line of fabrics for Lee Jofa/ Groundworks. I immediately asked to get on the sample book list (which, disappointingly, hasn't happened). When I saw the line on the web site I got busy ordering memos. I haven't seen them in person yet, but online they look great. In keeping with her style, there are a wide variety of textures that coordinate in color. Some have sheen and others have a slubby texture, but they look great together. A strong textural mix is a key to successful design.

Here are a few of the new fabrics. I'll report back again after I get my samples.

What's New

Image courtesy of Southern Accents

When I was in New York a few months back I began to notice a common theme among many of the better fabric houses. A very ethereal, sophisticated line of fabrics that had a bit of a glamorous feeling to them. Not so "Hollywood Regency" that they felt toocontemporary... they actually bridge the gap to tradition in a beautiful, current way. Most of the collections that caught my eye had a silvery, pewter, metallic theme and incorporated true naturals or (better yet) dusty jewel tones that almost go pastel. Fabric make-up wasn't an issue- everything from wool to silk and many in between. I collected a few samples, one of which lives in my dining room, waiting to be transformed into new draperies.

Here are a few of the basics, which essentially become a neutral. Add in color as you wish. I would prefer to see no more than one or two other colors paired with these chic new textiles. Think layers and texture instead....

(Above: Robert Allen's Londra in color Sand Dollar)

Above: Fabric from Robert Allen

Above: Fabric from Lee Jofa, Suzanne Rheinstein Collection

Above: Fabric from Lee Jofa, Suzanne Rheinstein Collection

Above: Fabric from Lee Jofa Threads Collection

Lee Jofa in Blue & White

Blue & White Fabrics

I've frequently said that if I had to choose just one brand of fabric to work from it would be Lee Jofa. With it's umbrella of brands and many designer collections (Kelly Wearstler forthcoming this year) it works in so many situations.

I've been talking about blue & white a lot, so I've pulled a few of my favorite blue and white fabrics from Lee Jofa.

Lavender

Lavender is regal... let's face it, it's in fashion now and it's so dreamy at home. Here are a few options to consider bringing the color into your home. Think about contrast when using lavender; blue, gray, and white are clean and crisp combinations that bring the lavender to life. Use it in moderate doses such as artwork and accessories or a single upholstered piece. Above: Designer Angie Hranowsky used lavender in a stunning way throughout her mother's home. This was featured in a magazine issue about color recently, and I made the error of not making a note of which one. If you remember, let me know.

Above: A beautiful lavender velvet sofa toned down by surrounding blues, grays, and light pastel pillows. Design by Myra Hoefer. Image source unknown.



Above: a group of fabrics we're working with for a bedroom design. The central print is from Lee Jofa, as is the lavender velvet in the upper right corner. Image Jenny Bova Associates.


Above: Not feeling so brave? Add instant pop to a bath or entry way with a small tightly arranged group of fresh flower. Notice how lovely this arrangement looks next to the blue/gray/seafoam tile. Image courtesy of Southern Accents.