Participating in the Traditional Home / Junior League of High Point Showhouse in April was one of the most gratifying experiences I have had in my career. I The creativity and camaraderie of the design community blew me away and seeing it in print brings back a flood of fond memories! We have all been anxiously awaiting the October issue to share all of our hard work for a wonderful cause…benefiting the Junior League’s community programming for High Point. Thank you to all of the gracious editors at Traditional Home, the countless volunteers from the Junior League and the amazing sponsors that brought our visions to life! Click here to read the full story and see the complete portfolio of images.
I want to especially thank Bernhardt Furniture, Stanton Carpet, Made Goods, Circa Lighting, Pratt & Lambert, Addison Weeks, and Hidell Brooks Gallery that loaned and donated pieces for the space.
The final stop on the second floor is Cathy Austin’s beautiful daughter’s bedroom. Blessed with great bones—note the 10 1/2-foot ceilings and swoonworthy windows—the space is impeccably tailored from head to toe. Shaped valances mimic the Moroccan scalloping on the patterned headboard.
Circa Lighting’s brass orb chandelier and the pillows’ chopstick monogram reiterate the room’s Eastern influence. Overhead, Pratt & Lambert’s pale-pink paint in high-gloss finish complements the vintage Murano glass lamp on the bedside table. A tufted-velvet bench with Lucite legs and an antique English settee updated in sumptuous animal print round out the dazzling sanctuary.
There’s a lot to love in these beautiful showhouse bedrooms…click on the image below for a video tour of the spaces.
I envisioned my “imaginary” client as the sophisticated daughter of the family. She is well-travelled, artistic, and likes a modern, yet glamourous room that still reflects her Southern roots. A portrait by favorite artist, Kate Long Stevenson, (from Hidell Brooks Gallery) became my muse for the project. I had her in mind whenever I was making decisions for the space. The portrait and the large vintage abstract provided the color palette that inspired the design scheme. The room is a blend of unique pieces from High Point based craftsmen along with a collection from her travels around the world. A Moroccan inspired headboard, Murano glass lamps, original modern art, bespoke linens, dressmaker detailed drapery, and glamorous materials such as shagreen, agate, brass, and velvet add to the feminine mystique of the space. I indulged myself with an “imaginary” trip around the world for inspiration for the space…from the palaces of Morocco and India to the Murano glass factories and sunsets on the Nayarit Riviera.
Playing with scale and color to find the best vignette.Painting by Alexis Walter , Accessories from Made Goods, Necklaces from Janet Gregg and Candyshop Vintage
A few of my favroite things…Louise Gaskill vintage Murano Glass lamp, Addison Weeks brass turtle, Made Goods linen wrapped box , and Bernard Segal watercolor from 214 Modern Vintage
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Every market, I am always anxious to see what Bernhardt Furniture is introducing. Their showroom is always one of the best in terms of decor, styling, and creatively showing their new lines each season. I have especially loved their most recent collections that epitomize “Modern Glamour.” Their artisans take traditional forms and enhance them with luxurious finishes and jewelry-like details giving them a more contemporary feel.
In all of the new introductions, especially the Criteria Collection, each item is designed to be a showpiece. Lighter finishes such as pearly white and dove gray allow the character of the wood to shine through. Exotic surfaces including mother of pearl, silver leaf, mirror polished metal, lizard and embossed reptile leather add a unique and luxurious element to the collection. Inspired by jewelry, cabinetry hardware in intricate forms such as geometric pierced pulls and knobs inset with embossed leather adds a perfect finishing touch. “The furniture we bring into our homes can be a form of self- expression,” says Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development. “These inventive surfaces play with visual perception. We think they will help people to express themselves with a new kind of power, drama, and simplicity.”
In addition to these finishes, Bernhardt has also introduced pattern including inlays, laser-cuts, and frame motifs in casegoods and occasional furniture, along with patterned upholstery items. “Pattern creates energy in a purposeful object that can also be read as something decorative,” says Heather Eidenmiller. “As these pieces are intriguing, but not overtly trendy, we think people will find them to be powerful, fresh, and timeless.”
The entire Criteria Collection is sophisticated and sleek, showing influences of Sheraton furniture especially in the table bases and chair legs. The pieces can easily mix with various styles to create a modern and luxurious interior. I have included some of my favorite pieces below followed by some other pieces that I define as “Modern Glamour” from Bernhardt’s other lines. All of the new introductions will be available this fall.
CRITERIA COCKTAIL TABLE . Elegant pattern. Translucent, low-sheen, Pale Ivory finish on quartered ash. Mirror-polished stainless steel inlines. The astroid inline pattern is repeated in the lower shelf shape. Solid brass nickel-plated ferrule.
NORTON SOFA AND CHAIR: Upholstered in dove grey texture with gentle padded track arm. Accents of lapis on a tossed petal shimmering pillow and damask pillow.
CRITERIA BAR: Pale Ivory finish. Constructed in ash solids and quartered ash veneers.Mirror-polished stainless steel inline.
CRITERIA DESK: Covered in Faux Lizard with jewelry inspired nickel pull and ferrules.
CRITERIA SIDE CHAIR: Heather Gray finish.
CRITERIA CONSOLE: Ash solids and quartered ash veneers. Heather Gray finish. Stainless steel metal inlay on top and drawer fronts. An elegant long and narrow profile.
CRITERIA ARM CHAIR: Lively shape feels retro and modern at the same time. Translucent, layered, pale Heather Gray finish. The astroid shape (neoclassic star-circle) backsplat, and arm, are curved for extra seating comfort. Shown in a multi-tone grey woven.
CRITERIA METAL BAR CART: Expresses a lot of creativity. Classic fretwork pattern, modern material. Nickel plated steel with a Radiant Nickel finish. Inset mirrored top and shelf. Casters.
CRITERIA SCREEN: Consisting of three upholstered folding panels with decorative nailhead trim in astroid pattern.
CRITERIA BUFFET: In ash solids and quartered ash veneers in Heather Gray finish. Stainless steel metal inlays on top and door fronts. Fancy face veneer pattern on door fronts. Drop pendant door hardware.
CRITERIA ENTERTAINMENT CONSOLE: Simple with an unexpected dazzle. Soft touch, low-sheen, pale Heather Gray finish on quartered ash. Mirror-polished stainless steel inlines and outlines. Solid brass nickel-plated pulls. Saber leg.
CHELSEA SOFA & OTTOMAN/ BERNHARDT UPHOLSTERY in winter white full grain leather. Track arm with buttonless tufting all over. Geometric velvet and flame stitched accent pillows.
DRISCOLL CHAIRS/ BERNHARDT UPHOLSTERY: The mini wings and nailhead outline on charcoal aniline leather add to the masculine detail on a reinterpreted slipper chair.
WINSTON CREDENZA/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: A gorgeous reeded silhouette is covered by hand in a nickel silver alloy. The interior containing drawers and shelves is painted black.
ELKA CHAIR/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: One of the company’s best selling chairs, this sleek faux horn frame is covered in a hair on hide.
TRIMBELLE COCKTAIL TABLE/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: A statement piece for any interior. White onyx stone top and case resting on a steel plinth base in an antique pewter finish.
BENNISON COCKTAIL OTTOMAN/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: Soft + hard. Cool + warm. Corrugated cast metal slab leg with a bronzy finish. Plush upholstery with softened lines, shown in a high-texture smoky grey faux-mohair.
CABOT CHAIR/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: A cast iron faux bois frame extends down the back to the legs of this sleek slipper chair.
KENSINGTON BED/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: The shining star of last year’s market, this bed embodies high style 70s chic. Highly polished plated brass in tightly-machined frame, posts, and canopy. Padded upholstered headboard with crisp buttonless tufting. Shown in a rich chocolate velvet.
BAYONNE BED/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: Channeled upholstered headboard and footboard with nailhead trim between channels and around frame. Covered in a soft brown faux mohair.
EXETER COCKTAIL TABLE/ BERNHARDT INTERIORS: Square cocktail table covered in Faux Crocodile embossed leather
Bernhardt recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with a year-long celebration honoring culture, heritage and a legacy of giving. This iconic brand has always been one of the industry’s most dynamic and stable furniture institutions. I was very grateful to have Bernhardt sponsor me for this past market and always look forward to seeing what they create next. Devoted to creativity and the artistry of furniture making, the new introductions each market are always highly anticipated. In addition to producing extraordinary collections, the company is still a family owned business with a strong commitment to people, relationships, and the welfare of the local community.
To see more of my design inspiration, please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to Bespoke Banter….Thanks for reading and please visit again!
Bernhardt Furniture is one of the generous vendors that has helped me with my bedroom for the Traditional Home / Junior League High Point Showhouse opening this weekend during High Point Furniture Market. I fell in love with so many pieces introduced this past fall and knew I had to use them in my bedroom designed for my “imaginary” client, who is the sophisticated daughter of this family. She is well-travelled, artistic, and likes a modern, yet glamorous room that still reflects her Southern roots. Bernhardt’s Salon and Jet Set collections were perfect for this storyline and I am thrilled with how the room is coming together. If you are coming to High Point for market, please come by for a visit and see how all of the designers have worked their magic on this grand old High Point manse. Click here for tickets and hours.
Bernhardt recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with a year-long celebration honoring culture, heritage and a legacy of giving. This iconic brand has always been one of the industry’s most dynamic and stable furniture institutions. Devoted to creativity and the artistry of furniture making, the new introductions each market are always highly anticipated. In addition to producing extraordinary collections, the company is still a family owned business with a strong commitment to people, relationships, and the welfare of the local community. Since the theme of the Showhouse is “From High Point to the World,” I could not think of a more appropriate brand to showcase in my room.
For the Showhouse, I styled the brass bookcase with a collection of design books, brass animals art and objects from the daughter’s travels abroad . The various shelf heights makes the piece incredibly versatile in any interior for display or for storage. The luxurious finish also adds a touch of glamour to the room.
The Salon Nightstand is the perfect scale for any bedroom. Here I have used two to flank a kingsize upholstered bed. The tabletop provides ample space for any size lamp along with other bedside necessities and the drawer is an added bonus. The square tapered legs, cross stretcher, and brass escutcheon add elegant detail.
Bernhardt let me take an exclusive “sneak peek” at some of the pieces being introduced at market this week. Over 100 new works of 21st century modern furniture will be exhibited. Each item is designed to be a showpiece with simplified classic forms and luxurious multidimensional surfaces and fabrics.
EVE CHAIR N1023 Geometric abstractionism. Ebonized wood outline. Shown in a magenta and ivory broken trellis pattern woven. Available in other fabrics and COM.
“Pattern creates energy in a purposeful object that can also be read as something decorative. As these pieces are intriguing, but not overtly trendy, we think people will find them to be powerful, fresh and timeless.”- Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development
PEARL BAR CABINET 362-840 Crushed pearl constantly changes color. Crushed mother of pearl surface on doors, shelf, sides and interior. Pure silver leaf , with a protective topcoat on leg, frame, and top.
New surfaces include mother of pearl and true silver leaf, and wood finishes in layered, translucent pearly tones that change with the light of day / night and are designed to work with most any color palette choice. A number of accented upholstered seating pieces are covered in bold classic patterned wovens. All are designed for big visual impact in small amounts.
To see what captures my eye at High Point market, please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to Bespoke Banter….Thanks for reading and please visit again!
For all of the maximalists out there, High Point Fall Market was heaven! Bold, colorful, attention grabbing pieces took center stage signaling a lovely return for a more optimistic outlook for the future of design.
Having pulled out of the great recession, consumers seem to be enjoying a return to “more is more” and “big is better”. Almost a celebration, it is perhaps the desire to distance ourselves from the last ten years of financial woes. We are seeing displays of maximalism everywhere—jewelry, watches, fashion. Even homes are returning to their larger proportions with square footage trends back to all time highs. Such displays of wealth are making a comeback, and this fall Century pays homage to this moment with a lobby full of bold patterns, rich textures and jewel tone finishes. Indeed a sensory playground, it is amazing how much punch can be packed into one room!-Century Furniture
Century Furniture set the tone with their private elevator upholstered in Schumacher’s bold Chiang Mai print. Their showroom sparkled with a mixture of glamorous finishes such as brass, lacquered surfaces and lucite. Updating a traditional form with a modern flair, their high-backed chair (also upholstered in Chiang Mai) on lucite legs was the first piece seen in the entry continuing the theme from the elevator.
A stunning dining with a malachite top and lucite and brass base takes on many different personalities with customization options. It is equally as stunning in an oxbood red top with a black lacquer base.
Design icon Windsor Smith designed this beautiful tete-a-tete which is almost 6 feet in diameter. It is a perfect sculptural object for any room or grand hall. Here it is shown in a subdued grey with cream legs but can be customized in any finish or fabric for maximum impact.
Rugs are often thought of as art for the floor. This silk /wool abstract rug from Marc Phillips certainly makes a statement. The collection is a tribute to action painting and characterized by being both naughty and smart, the same combination the artist Jurgen Dahlmanns likes in people.
I have used this image in a previous post, but these colorful patchwork hide rugs from Madisons were absolutely DIVINE and I cannot wait to use them in a future project.
Kindel’s brilliant blue lacquered Westbury dressing chest is from the Dorothy Draper Collection. Originally designed by the design icon in 1939, it still feels chic and modern today. The chest is punctuated with beautiful brass detailing highlighting the curves of the legs and hardware.
Brass continued to be a dominant trend in many collections. Bernhardt employed jewelry like detailing in several pieces from this bookcase to cabinetry hardware.
The cerulean blue leather and brass chairs had a 70s/ Halston-esque vibe that is both dazzling and sophisticated.
Introduced at last market, the bold brass bed only comes in a king so the scale and proportion of the bed are spot on.
In another brilliant designer/ manufacturer collaboration, Jamie Drake created gorgeous pieces for Theodore Alexander that reflect his eye for unique and exuberant detail. His eclectic juxtaposition of materials is seen in this cocktail table composed of lustrous brass orbs and a gorgeous veined stone top.
The Petite Kelly Brass Cocktail Table from Taylor Burke Home looked like an Op Art painting with its Mirth Studio tiles used as the top. The London Tufted Ottoman in hot pink velvet in the background is equally as bold.
Laura Kirar’s new collection for Baker Furniture was inspired by her travels as well as her evolving art and design. She is known as a designer with the soul of an artist. The modern channel low backed Helena sectional blends beautifully with a grouping of her Jade Accent Tables.
Even the accessories took on a more is more flavor. Sklo Studio debuted their join and mantle vessels. The join vessels are composed of two separate cylinders fused together while hot. The color combinations are complimentary and the palette bright. The mantle vessels are organic spherical shapes with overlapping triple color schemes of two opaque colors cupping a third transparent color void. They are then given a thick outer layer of clear crystal making them appear to float.
Please contact the design studio if you are interested in design services or any of the works seen here.
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