Lulu de Kwiatkowski

At the moment I'm counting the days until the release of textile designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski's new book. Previously titled Notebook: The Trail Of Inspiration, apparently now it will be titled simply The Notebook. Amazon says the lavishly illustrated book will be available June 1, but we all know how these publication dates are subject to change.

Essentially Lulu's book is expected to show where her inspiration comes from, using photos, collage, design samples, and memoir. No doubt we will see how her fresh graphic designs are informed by her travels to India, Morocco, Paris and other international destinations, as well as by her love for the sea. If anyone has seen the book in print yet, let me know!

luludk.com highlights Lulu's entire fabric and wallpaper collection, as well as baby bedding.

John Robshaw

I'm a huge fan of John Robshaw textiles. Did anyone else catch him a few years ago on Martha Stewart's show demonstrating block printing?

His new Pondicherry collection of bed and table linens, with a geometric pattern that seems inspired by Indian or Mid-East architecture, is my favorite of the spring offerings. In addition to its pattern, I'm so drawn to the turquoise, white and rust. The pillows and men's ties represent a fresh new direction with color and delicate lines. Can you see one of those whimsical ties at a beach wedding? I love how the stylist set them against the dark intricately carved screen.

Sometimes Horchow or Neiman Marcus online has a few Robshaw table linens and a bit of the bedding, and there are some boutiques in Atlanta that carry his things, but it would be nice to find more online options.

Saturday Shopping Suggestion: Interiors Market

Walking into Interiors Market in Atlanta feels a bit like you have stumbled onto the estate of some great fashionable collector with a lifetime of possessions being assembled for the auction house. While many of the pieces are quite grand, the atmosphere is completely relaxed. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable but they leave you alone to browse through the stalls at your own pace.

Whether you love true antiques, seek some glam mid-century modern items, or simply hope to find an unusual lamp to add punch to your contemporary living room, Interiors Market is worth a trip. The prices vary roughly from $75 to over $10,000. I think it is fair to say items under $150 are less abundant, but I've been amazed by a few wonderful original drawings and paintings I've spotted under $200. More art is available in the $300-$400 range. As you are hunting, you may find vintage decorating books, leather trunks, shells, old silver trophies and peacock feathers, in addition to the furniture, mirrors and lighting. There is a cute on-site cafe too.

The website, http://www.interiorsmarket.com, does not really do the place justice. In Atlanta, Interiors Market is located at 55 Bennett St. The phone number is 404-352-0055. There are also locations in Birmingham, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi.

Chapman Radcliff on 1stdibs

Earlier I posted about my passion for Chinoiserie and red painted finishes, so it is no surprise that this lantern jumped out at me as I browsed the new inventory of dealer Ruthie Sommers, the designer behind Chapman Radcliff over on 1stdibs.com. I just love the combination of the turquoise and red. Is anyone else out there reminded of Tony Duquette? If this lantern appeals to you, you may find quite a few fab fantasy pieces for your wish list among the Chapman Radcliff inventory.

Samperton's Red Lacquer Chairs

I'm a big fan of the design team Schuyler Samperton and Anna Hackathorn and for about three years now I've saved the pictures above (Samperton's living room as seen in Elle Decor, November 2003) for inspiration. The lacquered red chairs are among my favorite pieces in the room. Recently I discovered similar chairs at Mecox Gardens (see pic above of single chair). If you have a thing for Chinoiserie, too, check out Mecox for other related antiques, repros and accessories.

Photos by Grey Crawford

Sylvie's Style

Isn't this room lovely? Look at the luscious mix of colors and delicate lines. It's the work of Sylvie of sosylvie.typepad.com. You can see an array of her pretty pictures on her blog, which is also fascinating to read, or check out more photos over at design sponge. Today Grace featured Sylvie's room makeover: http://designsponge.blogspot.com.
Enjoy!

Brunschwig & Fils' Dzhambul

This colorful linen-and-cotton Brunschwig & Fils' print first caught my eye last year as I flipped through Domino's premiere issue (the editors' used it to cover a pouf). I think it was the punchy mix of aqua, orange and raspberry, and the suzani-inspired design that drew me in.

Note the similarities to the late-19th-century Bukhara suzani in Doris Duke's collection? Densely embroidered coverlets like this were historically made by Central Asian women, and Duke became enamored with the textiles while circumventing the globe in the 1930s. More on Duke's many suzanis to follow in an upcoming post...