LRM Interior Design » Schumacher

Top Five Faves: Patterned Wallpaper

jennifermyers — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:36:46 +0000

We warned you—we have more to say about wallpaper. Not quite as much as last week, as we were able to narrow down our patterned choices to the required five…just. Where last week presented wallcoverings that were nigh on incredible, this week we’re staying more in the realm of what most people would call wallpaper. But that doesn’t mean they’re boring….

Schumacher Imperial Trellis

1. Schumacher Imperial Trellis: This pattern is a staff favorite, and although it comes in 14 colorways, including Parchment/Midnight, Citrine and Cinnabar Gloss, we love it in Charcoal. Although it’s in Schumacher’s “Modern” section, we think that the pattern has such a classic feel to it that it could be used in a traditional setting, too.

Romo Kimura in Turmeric

2. Romo Kimura in Turmeric: The name and color of this wallpaper conjure up two different Orients—Japan and India. The combination of florals, using both lotus flowers and cherry blossoms, give this wallpaper a balanced pattern, and the grey looks fantastic against the deep yellow background.

Graham & Brown Drama Wallcovering in Boheme

3. Graham & Brown Drama Wallpaper in Boheme: This pattern also comes in burnt orange and black, but we love it in chocolate—could it be the name? Actually, we love how the retro feel of this paper comes into its own in the chocolate color, but the updated pattern keeps it feeling modern. This paper would be great for a den, game room or dining room, and we can’t wait to use it to create something fabulous. And when we do, we’ll definitely post it!

Cole & Son Apana Gold on Blue

4. Cole & Son Alpana in Gold and Blue: This wallpaper made us feel like we were going to have high tea at the Ritz in London, what with its delicate gold design on the eggshell blue. Think about an elegant afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and scones in the most divine setting. Designer Kristen Rusert commented: “The pattern is beautiful, and I love the color combinations—it also comes in gold on black. It looks so regal!”

Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon

5. Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon: Back to the Orient, but this time—China. We’ve loved this pattern in a fabric, and we love it just as much as a wallcovering. Out of the four colorways, we love the Aquamarine over Lacquer, China Blue and Alabaster. We are enchanted with the dragon winding through and peeking out from behind the peonies and dahlias.

Top Five Faves: Unusual Wallcoverings

jennifermyers — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:40:50 +0000

First confession: this week we fudged. Just a little bit. We were beat at our task by the multitude of wonderful, exquisite and downright fantastical wallpapers on the market, and we could only narrow our Faves down to seven. Don’t hate us because they’re so beautiful!

Second confession: we couldn’t even fit all of our favorite wallpapers into one Faves blog! So watch out for part two, when we present our favorite patterned wallpapers.

But now, for our favorite—shall we say off the wall?—choices:

Schumacher Kyoko Mica

1. Schumacher Kyoko Mica in Silver: Jan Smith wowed us with this one, especially since we have used it in one of our high-end bachelor pad guest bathrooms. “For that project, we used a bronze colorway of this paper, and in the small bathroom, it added sparkle, texture and a much-needed presence,” Jan explains. “It is the first thing you notice when you enter the room, and the impact of it stays with you after you leave.” It’s a lot to ask from a wallpaper, Jan admits, “but it delivers!”

Maya Romanoff Chevron Mother of Pearl wall tiles

2. Maya Romanoff Chevron Mother of Pearl: These wall tiles made out of real, hand-inlaid shell are sure to impress. “The chevron pattern gives this design and edge over the traditional horizontal application,” comments Melissa Morgan, LRM Interior Design’s latest addition to the design team. “Plus, this wall covering is so beautiful it can stand alone on any wall.” These 18-inch square tiles come in natural or golden pearl, and look like they were taken from a Russian imperial palace.

Phillip-Jeffries Horsehair Wallcovering Collection

3. Phillip-Jeffries Ltd. Horsehair: Kari Seydewitz, lately the model for the Designer Runway Extravaganza win for ASID, turns her pretty head back to design by choosing this textured wallcovering. “I couldn’t choose any of the colors—I love them all, and the texture,” she says. Phillip-Jeffries reinterprets a “true classic” with inspiration from the rich fabrics woven in early 19th century France. This elegant and modern collection certainly brings a nobility to any design.

The incredible Nest Collection from Schumacher

4. Schumacher Nest Collection: Yes. Real feathers. It’s hard to believe, and even more so when you see the large selection of patterns and colorways! This example is made from peacock and pheasant feathers, and all versions are crafted entirely by hand, and thankfully, the feathers are all humanely gathered. Not recommended for our clients with birding dogs or indoor cats…but for those with luxurious tastes and a lofty vision.

Innovations Murano Molto Beaded Wallcovering

5. Innovations Murano Molto: From the animal to the mineral…this wallpaper has to be seen to be believed. It is made from 100% glass beads, and as Jan Smith says, “The picture of this wallcovering doesn’t do it justice. You have to see, touch and experience the glamour of it to fully appreciate how special it is. I love it because it reminds me of a fabulous red carpet gown.” Jan also warns against the faint of heart installing this wallpaper, just for those who “have the aesthetic that’s just as bold and dazzling!”

Wallteriors Limestone Wallpaper

6. Wallteriors Limestone: Another favorite of our Senior Designer Jan Smith, this wallpaper comes in 30-foot long panels and five different widths, plus the choice of a straight or hand-torn stained edge. “This paper has it all! The look of a stone or natural rock wall, or even something you’d find in the deepest ocean. The application is so versatile that you can create patterns that are unique, evoking a feeling of nature and art.”

Innovations Grasscloth

7. Innovations Grasscloth Collection: We at LRMID love many things, and one at the top of the list is grasscloth. Why? Well, for one, it’s wallcovering with texture, and although it is subtle, it gives a room more detail. Another reason is that it’s a natural product that is more environmentally friendly, and we always like that. One more? It’s so versatile that it can work for any room in the house. Our favorites are Innovations’ Kyoto, Fuji and Sapporo-Soba.

As always, if you’d like a consultation on how to use these fabulous faves in your home, office, retail space or resort, please contact LRM Interior Design by calling (949) 497-6806 or click here for our form.

And remember, these wallpapers are not ones that are recommended for the DIY enthusiast. Many of these specialty fabrics are not only expensive, but are difficult to work with, and require expert installation.

West Week: Trina Turk & David Dalton Talk

lisa — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:36:32 +0000

I was so happy to be able to make Trina Turk’s talk at the Laguna Design Center’s West Week. I was even happier to find out that David Dalton was joining her! I wanted to share some of the important points I picked up from them, as I was inspired and excited by hearing about their rise to fame:
Trina feels that the Elle Décor spread featuring her home launched her into the spotlight, and gave her the most publicity and feedback she’s ever received. As for David Dalton, his collaboration with another type of artist – the singer Meatloaf – proved enjoyable and promotional: Meatloaf’s redesigned home was featured in Architectural Digest. Dalton’s own home was featured in Western Interiors, Loft, Dwell, Shelter and Angelino magazines, which helped propel him into the public eye. Dalton spoke of how easy it was to design – the empty space itself was unbelievably inspiring!One of Dalton’s favorite projects was a showcase house with an Italianate courtyard in Pasadena. The courtyard was an ideal setting, but needed lots of furniture. He placed a Moroccan banquette in one corner, then searched for a classic ironwork look, but 11 years ago, it was not to be found. In order to complete his vision, Dalton designed his own outdoor furniture for the showhouse. Overnight, he found himself in a completely new business! After using a few pieces in a design house, Dalton sold a 23-piece collection, and the rest is history, as they say!
As for Trina Turk, I had always wondered how she had started working on her own line for Schumacher, and she discussed it during her talk. Again, the inspiration came from necessity: Turk was working in her own yard and decided one of her own prints would work perfectly for the furniture. She took the print, put it on canvas and had it installed, but it was not practical – it needed to be printed on acrylic. Her manufacturing department contacted Schumacher about their outdoor line, and a partnership was born. Turk explained that developing the fabric line was completely different from the furniture line, as fashion has 11 collections a year! She found it a relief to work on home furnishings, where the longer life-span made production less hectic.
How long have these two known each other and worked together? Almost 20 years, since Dalton designed Turk’s house. Dalton, a fan of color himself, says that Turk has always been colorful and adventurous. Both designers believe that rich, saturated colors add spark to traditional or conservative pieces, making them more elegant and something special.
In closing, Trina Turk confirmed something I already believed in my heart: it is important to stay true to your own personal style and maintain your own signature rather than trying to chase the next trend. So let’s all try to remember: keep true to your own style and do what you love!
Since I’m not too shy, I went up to chat to Trina after the event. She said she couldn’t wait for a designer to use her outdoor fabric line when designing a top resort. I said I’d do it the next time a resort hired me, and we both had a giggle. Trina Turk is a lovely person – hopeful and uplifting, just like her fabric designs.
Another exciting part of West Week was meeting Schumacher’s top brass and confirming that I will be decorating their winter window at the Laguna Design Center. I cannot wait for this opportunity to really show my creativity to my contemporaries, my industry and my clients – both existing and future! Watch this space on more news about this wonderful upcoming event.