Perusing our outdoor rated textiles yesterday and this happy stripe from Janus et Cie caught my attention. Doesn’t it just make you crave summer?
A few of us are relaxing in the triangle for the holiday and Molly & Ashley are headed to the beach (lucky!)
This photograph by Paul Octavious at 20x 200.com will be this weekend’s inspiration. Yes, please. Bring on the summer.
Hope you have a fabulous holiday!
-Brittany
Design Challenge: Creating a functional office for a military couple in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Before the room was bare and the walls were painted in a boring builder beige.
Ashley and Brittany took on this challenge to create a peaceful place to work in a palette of pale blues, chocolates, and grays. Polished nickel accents on the lamp, fan, and nail head trim along with a mirrored top gourd table infuses this space with a modern twist.
Ashley and our client’s favorite part of the room, are these oh so comfortable chairs from Lillian August, while Brittany’s favorite piece of the room is this large format artwork from Soicher Marin.
Keep in mind that our design solutions are not bound by the Triangle. We enjoyed designing livable solutions for this couple from Fayetteville and we only hope they get to spend plenty of time in this home office before their next tour abroad.
May has finally arrived! However, before I begin, in looking back at April’s forecast there were two blog opportunities that got away from us. We admit we’re busy! Thank you for being so understanding.
One of our main goal’s this month is to give you, our readers, updates on the Farmhouse and the NC State University Club that we promised in April. As far as the East -2-West Series we have done a lot of preliminary research and have interest from all different corners of the United States. We will do our best to keep you updated and informed on when our next post will be published.
Now, onward with the other events for May! Brittany will be interviewed this month for the Designer Profiles and our other goal this month is to have at least five current projects for our readers to see. We have been doing a ton of installations lately.
As always, the Drool-worthy Weekly will continue!! If you have any products or cool interior design inventions, you want to share please email us.
In Raleigh, during the month of May there are several social events; so you just might see Design Lines making an appearance. One is the Banana Republic Fashion Show at the Renaissance Hotel at North Hills May 16th, the 5th Annual Green Home Tour starting May 15th and Triangle Restaurant Week hosted by Triangle Blvd, May 17 through 23rd. We will give you all the latest from the events, pictures, and our personal feedback.
Design Lines will also begin taping their 1st of 13 series for My Carolina Today, a local television show. We will show you behind the scenes footage and give you all the information you need to know on when to set your DVR.
Finally, How do you define your style? Clients often times come in knowing exactly what they like and don’t like, however, others come in wanting some guidance. During this post Brittany will educate our readers on key characteristics of different interior design styles.
Yesterday, April 28th was the kickoff for the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market 2010 season, which runs April 28 through October 27. Legendary chef and pit master Ed Mitchell from The Pitt was on hand preparing the barbecue for the barbecue sandwiches. My were they worth the long line. So why was Design Lines out and about at the Market? Who wouldn’t want to support the local economy! We are all about it.
Above: Ed Mitchell the Pit master.
No, there is a reason for our outing. Brittany and I met up with Damon and John from Triangle Blvd for a sandwich at the kickoff. For about a year now we have known each other. The business partnership started when Design Lines was approached by Damon. He said we can help your firm produce a really hip and cutting edge video for our website and whipped out his iPhone to show us exactly what he was talking about.
From there we produced the video you see today on our site and have joined forces on another video for Howard Parry & Walston on how to spruce up before you sell your house.
The team at Triangle Blvd is all about promoting the great city of Raleigh and surrounding areas through their Triangle Web-TV network. We are huge supporters. Be on the lookout for one of their most popular events Restaurant Week coming up May 17-23.
Above are shots of local vendors at the kickoff.
Twice a year the team heads to High Point Furniture Market. It is just like Fashion week in NYC or Paris but with furniture. For a week High Point is the mecca capital for all things furniture, fabric and every home accessory you can think of. On Monday we spotted many trends. Here we have narrowed it down to our 7 favorites for 2010!! Lauren was our official trend-spotting photographer.
The team on the High Point shuttle.
Trend # 1 – Turquoise & Shades of Blue as predicted.
(Lee Industries High Point Showroom)
Trend # 2- Painted Furniture in brightly colored hues.
(Stanley Showroom -Coastal Living Collection)
Trend #3 Unique Wood Finishes
Ashley, Judy and Brittany experiencing a wood finish on a tri-fold table from Stanley’s new European
Farmhouse Collection (think Michael Thonet)
Above: Stanley’s Modern Craftsman Studio Collection, we especially love this sawhorse table.
Here Brittany sits on a sofafrom the McAlpine Home collection-perfect for a formal living room while a MacRae table graces the floor.
Tomorrow we’ll share more from our market trends. Expect purple, animal influences, trellis and floral sofas (yes, you heard us) In the meantime here is a review on Market from: Apartment Therapy.
Brittany, Lauren, Judy and Hilaire joined others from the local Cary area to celebrate the re-opening of Opulence of Southern Pines at Saltbox Village last night. This re-opening happened after a horrible fire left the first store completely damaged from all the flames and smoke.
The move couldn’t come at a better time. This new location is perfect, right next to the fabulous Write Image, and a couple doors down from Cary’s hottest new neighborhood butcher “The Meat House” .
Owners Neal and Tanda of Opulence of Southern Pines with Cary Chamber of Commerce President Howard Johnson for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
This is an amazing rainbow of color made from towels!
Brittany, Lauren & Hilaire
It was raining outside!
A beautiful display of red and coral pillows, right in front of the luxury linen line – Sferra.
As we browsed at all the new items, these two floral pillows wowed Brittany.
And what would be a party without a raffle! Above Judy with her poppy hand towels that she won.
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to visit one of our new construction projects in windy Blacksburg, Virginia. Situated beautifully atop a mountain, the European manor style home feels more like a comfortable fortress. The duties of the day included an electrical walk through with the electrician as well as finalizing the paint schedule with the client. The most satisfying part of the day was seeing this door that Judy & I had designed: 
come to fruition in real life!
Did I mention the spectacular view?
Be sure to check out Design Lines in other states, like New Hampshire, here!
-Brittany
We should yet again receive Gold medals in Olympic Sport Spectating. I asked the Design Lines team to answer the following question: What 2010 Winter Olympics event have you enjoyed watching the most?
Hilaire’s answer was half-pike Snowboarding, Laurie & Molly answered that they adore watching the mens & women’s snowboarding events, as well. How about those US Snowboarding team jackets? We found them to be cool and fashion forward- it would fit right at home in this child’s study designed by Judy & Lauren.
Lauren’s answer to my question: ” Ice skating & Apolo Ohno- I know he’s not an event, but still.” Apolo Ohno has won his fair share of Olympic medals (the Vancouver medals shown below) but who doesn’t want to go for the Gold with this fabulous Fang Gourd Table Lamp in Antique-Burnished Brass with Natural Paper Shade from Visual Comfort?
Personally, I like watching the ski jumping and the women’s Aerial. I find both events to be thrilling- though I’m happy when they land on the ground again. Wouldn’t it be great if the Olympic inspired Rio rug from our friends at Niba Rugs in warm Miami was underfoot?
Ashley’s favorite:” Curling, it is so amazing & addicting.” Judy has been watching figure skating and has been cheering on the US Hockey team on its way to a gold medal! Go Team USA! Check out Jasper John’s beautiful interpretations of the American flag:
What’s your favorite Olympic Sport to watch? For our 2008 Summer Olympics Inspiration from China, click here.
-Brittany
Cinderella Cinderella Cinderella! Hurry before the clock strikes midnight! This past Saturday Carolina Ballet hosted their annual Cinderella Ball at the Downtown Marriott City Center in an effort to raise money for the ballet company. Today Carolina Ballet is one of the top ten dance companies in the country. Design Lines started helping with prepreations back in late November 2009 on both the Logistics and Decorations committees.
(Above Brittany and Judy pin tulle on the table skirt.)
(The Design Lines team helping decorate the carriage table.
This is the first thing the guests see when they arrive.)
(Above Brittany and Molly tying turquoise ribbon on the back of the carriage.)
That evening Carolina Ballet honored Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Roberg and Mr. & Mrs. Steve Techet, who have contributed to Carolina Ballet since the company started 12 years ago. The Techets and Susan Garrity, the Cinderella Ball Chair, also happen to be two of our longtime clients. Susan, the ball was fabulous! Thank you for letting us be a part of such an amazing event. Michele Weathers of Carolina Ballet and the rest of the committee chairs did wonderful job!
The velcro slipcover carriage was inspired by Stewart Woodard was engineered and built by Walter Newton and painted by William Strickland. At midnight the carriage turned into a pumpkin! How awesome is that! Stewart and Nancy Church collaborated on the decorations and overall the look of the evening to create a stunningly beautiful event. Below are a two shots of the ballroom centerpieces. Stewart and Nancy, they look awesome.
Let the ball begin! The evening had many surprises. The Live Auction Items included trips to Paris, Tortola, BVI and even a two night stay in NYC. There were also 70 silent auction items that attendees could bid on. My favorites were the dove hunt in VA and a weekend trip to a mountain home in Echota, North Carolina. Oh did I mention the food was delicious! Beef Tenderloin seared with toasted cardamom seeds and to top it all off a white chocolate editable slipper with fruit for dessert. Yummy! By the end of the night our tummy’s were full and ready to hit the dance floor.
(Molly and Judy at the Cinderella Ball.)
To see more on Carolina Ballet’s 2009-2010 Season click here. Also please join us in helping and spreading the word about the “Fund A Dream” program, which helps a specific need for every dancer, pointe shoes. These shoes are the lifeline for the dancers and with each pair costing $70 the shoe bill adds up. Over the course of a year, the bill exceeds $90,000. By contributing to this effort we can help the dancers at Carolina Ballet have the best pointe shoes. To donate call (919) 719-0800 ext. 229.
To see more of Design Lines in the community head to our community involvement category.
With the Winter Olympics opening this weekend and the weather in Raleigh becoming ever more blistery- our thoughts turned to the Winter Wonderland that is Salt Lake City, Utah. For this new series, Design Lines is interviewing our friends in other cities. I had the pleasure of interviewing designer Kathryn Evans of Denton House Interiors.
1. Best antique store in Salt Lake City, Utah?
Housed in a historic Greek revival mansion, Anthony’s does not only unique and ultra high quality antiques, but some lovely fine art as well. For eclectic items in a lower price range, Salt Lakers are also big on consignment shops, with the charming Emilee Jayne leading the way. My favorite thing about Emilie Jayne is the way its organized, all vignettes are arranged by color and the displays are flawlessly styled by the shop owner.
Anthony’s Antiques
401 East 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
801.384.2231
Emilie Jayne Home Consignment
801 South 800 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
801.359.3356
2. After you have had a morning to shop what is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat and take a load off your feet?
The perfect lunch spot for the truly weary shopper is Cafe Niche. With a simple yet elegant menu (And brunch on the weekends! Yum!), the cafe is also adjacent to a fabulous salon. Dexterity (http://www.dexteritysalon.com/) is the perfect after lunch relaxation with a whole selection of “quickie” services, like a half hour massage, express facial or express pedicure.
Cafe Niche
779 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
801.433.3380
3. What is artistically unique about Salt Lake City, Utah? Or what is Salt Lake City, Utah known for?
Most well known as the headquarters of the LDS church, Salt Lake’s rich history is exemplified in its historic downtown area, the heart of which is Temple Square. The most visited place in all of Utah, Temple Square is a 10-acre enclosure with meticulously cared for gardens and centered around the stunning 6-spire LDS temple a granite feat that took Utah pioneers over 40 years to build. If you visit around Christmas time you are in for a special treat as the whole area is lit up with hundreds of thousands of lights, a life-size Nativity scene and regular musical performances.
My favorite modern bit of architecture is the Salt Lake City Public Library. Designing by Moshe Safdie of Habitat ’67 fame, the structure is spiral shaped and ethereal, with a five-story curved glass wall making up the front facade and a spiraling grand staircase. The library also houses an art gallery for local artist’s work and a rooftop garden with a path that walks you along the ridgeline of the descending spiral and lands you back on the ground at the end.
(Image by Rick Satterfield)
Temple Square (Visitor Center)
50 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
SLC Public Library
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
4. Describe the current design trends in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As any mountain city would be, Utah style is typified by a rustic Western American look, especially in its posh ski resorts in and around Park City (which is just 20 minutes up a canyon from downtown Salt Lake). As we say in my office, “very Ralph Lauren.” However there is a growing trend towards more transitional, luxe looking pieces. The perfect example of this is the gorgeous Alice Lane Home Collection in Orem, a short 45 minute jaunt down south and well worth the trip. A little modern and a little vintage, Alice Lane speaks to the next generation of taste makers in Utah.
Alice Lane Home Collection
1350 South State Street
Orem UT 84097
801.802.6266
5. Best art gallery in town?
With its architecturally striking space and unique collection, A. Gallery is our go-to place for fine art and custom framing. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and professional, I did a job with over 150 images with them last month and they were wonderful to work with.
A. Gallery
1321 South 2100 East
Salt Lake City UT 84108
801.583.4800
6. What is one unique thing you can do in your city?
Salt Lake is fantastically located within easy distance of a number of outdoor activities. Park City, with its 5 world class ski resorts and high-end shopping is only 20 minutes away. There are also literally hundreds of other spots for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, and during the summer there are any number of water activities on the various lakes and reservoirs, as well as plenty of rock climbing, hiking and backpacking. Downtown Salt Lake has the perfect “Little-Big City” feel with restaurants and clubs and concert venues, its always full of life but without running the risk of feeling over crowded.
7. Top 2 favorite accessory stores in Salt Lake City, Utah?
Hip and Humble A jumble of collectibles, many on consignment. This place is true to its name!
1043 E 900 South
Salt Lake City UT
801.467.3130
Light Spot THE spot for all designer favorite modern brands, like B&B Italia, driade, Tre-P, movi and Gallotti & Radice. Plus their space is stunning, a simple visit is sure to inspire.
2927 South Highland Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
801.355.1553
8. According to you, where is the coolest place to stay in your city?
The Peery Hotel is a charming boutique hotel in a wonderful building that is actually on Utah’s National Historic Register. From the romantic facade to the crisp white bed linens, this hotel is all about understated elegance. And when you stay there you must go across the street to Setebello, Salt Lakes only true Napoletana style pizzeria. Unfortunately the decor does nothing to whet your appetite, but the margarita pizza is to DYE for!
The Peery Hotel
110 West Broadway
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.521.4300
Settebello
260 South 200 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.322.3556
9. What is your connection with Design Lines, Ltd?
My best friend and college roommate, Brittany Ruch, has been working there since we were both starry-eyed interns in the summer of 2006. A few times a year I make the trek down south and have had the wonderful opportunity to meet the other designing women of DLL.
Be sure to check out Denton House’s You Tube channel.
-Brittany