A Pair of Chairs

A pair of chairs is a classic design solution. Some of the most beautiful vignettes I have seen and created happen with a pair chairs. Aside from the obvious symmetry of a pair, I like the idea of just two. It seems to inspire conversation and intimacy, especially when the pair (people or chairs) aren't in front of a tv. The next time you're wondering what to do in front of the fireplace or in that empty corner of the room, or even in the entry way....think about a pair of chairs.

In the image at the top, the look is clean and crisp with a contemporary feel. A pair of chairs doesn't always have to be traditional or have a bold print. These are understated and very elegant.

Here are a few more examples of the elegant use of a pair of chairs:


Above: Suzanne Rheinstein makes a comfortable haven in front of the fireplace with these oversize chairs.



Above: Mary McDonald changes it up in this dramatic (and well publicized) entry hall. The bold color is great, and matching the chairs to the wall makes it work. Especially with the also dramatic zebra rug.

Here are a few chairs... food for thought. What would you do?


Pairs of chairs show available on 1st Dibs

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

Hollyhock & Suzanne Rheinstein

If you read any shelter publications you've likely heard of Suzanne Rheinstein & her Los Angeles store Hollyhock, Inc. I've long admired the antiques and new pieces that Hollyhock has decided to carry or reproduce. There is something very easy and old-fashioned , yet somehow current, about the aesthetic they share. The web site www.hollyhockinc.com is somewhat informative, but I'm still anxiously awaiting a trip to LA with Hollyhock at the top of my list.

One of my all-time favorites, Lee Jofa, has teamed up with Suzanne Rheinstein for a collection of fabrics that came out last fall. Prints that look hand blocked and have a lovely antique like feel... I love this collection of fabrics and I'm anxiously awaiting seeing a group of them used in one place (i.e. one of my clients' homes).

Check out these images of Rheinstein's home (same home for 27 years) featuring her Lee Jofa fabric collection. Plus a few fabric detail shots.