Fashionable Fabrics

New York Fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg. Is rolling out something new, more like rolling out new bolts of her own fabric. It’s true, she has just recently launched her very own fabric line for the home. This is exciting news if you are a DVF fan like me!

For DVF, the fabrics were an opportunity for her to play with scale, the line offers checks small and large, blooms blown up or reduced in size, and fun animal print in bright colors like hot pink, yellow, and lavender. “Patterns are natural for me, “says DVF. “I capture them from nature, through photography, and then reinterpret them.” Many of her fashion favorites translated beautifully to interiors. “It’s all about mixing –scales, patterns, and colors, “she says. The fabric line features, animal prints, Ikats, and Batiks. Take a look.

collage created by chelsea murray

These fabrics are available at Nathan Turner. DVF has designed many of the rooms at the Calridge Hotel in London. Here is one of the guest rooms she designed.

*images via elle decor

These fashionable fabrics are cheerful and sophisticated, and will add a little DVF flair to your stylish space. One of my favorite ways to get inspiration when designing a space is through fashion. Fashion makes a great source of inspration by pulling color, texture and pattern from an existing garmet and transposing it into upholstery, draperies, furniture etc...

The Stylized Interiors of: Sex and the City 2

The Stylized Interiors of: Sex and the City 2


“I’ve been cheating on fashion with furniture, “says Carrie Bradshaw played by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City 2 movie. Carrie I feel the same way, it’s hard having two loves fashion and interior design. This is one of my favorite quotes.

One of the many reasons we loved the tv series Sex and the City and the recent motion pictures is, of course, the fashion. However, this time watching the sequel I found myself being more intrigued by the fabulous interiors. I also recognized many of the fabrics used, which made it kind of fun. The sequel finds Carrie growing up, and learning how to share a new apartment with new Husband Big and extending her passion for all things fashionable to the world of interior design.

Carrie is trying to make a new apartment for the two of them, not just for her. Carrie and Big’s apartment is a blend of masculine and feminine elements. The masculine elements are portrayed through the use of linear midcentury furnishings, and dark exotic woods. To feed Carrie’s feminine side, feminine accessories were used such as; whimsical rugs and botanical fabrics. Their apartment is the idyllic description of masculine vs. feminine.

The living room features Montauk Sofa upholstered in blue wool mohair from (of course) Donghia. Flanking the sofa are two midcentury side chairs. For a Carrie “touch”, the bright floral Birdie Blossom cushion by Paul Smith for the Rug Company was used. I love the deep blue mohair upholstery; against the rich yellow artwork. The two bold colors complement one another so nicely. Straight lined midcentury furniture looks great upholstered in any kind of mohair, silk or wool, it’s a gorgeous look and becoming increasingly popular. Interesting paint color selection. Gray is becoming a new neutral. I never was a gray person until the design industry introduced it as a new neutral, and now I love it. It looks stunning with white and really can set off any bright or bold color. The gray paint choice paired with the straight-lined midcentury furniture does feed the “Big” side. It looks very tailored and refined. It’s a great look.

Since Carrie isn’t one to cook. The kitchen was designed with Mr. Big in mind. The Kitchen features a blue modern motif tile backsplash by Heath Ceramics from (the beloved) Ann Saks.

The dining room features an incredible chandlier from Property (a new found favorite source for lighting). This piece hangs above a french 1940’smahogany table from Alan Moss. The custom chairs were upholstered in a signature Lee Jofa print fabric. I love the colored bottles and vases used to decorate the book shelves it adds just enough color to the setting.

Entry hallway features a blown-glass chandelier by Lindsey Adelman Studios. A statement piece for their hallway.

The bedroom has texture and pattern. The headboard is upholstered in a favorite Kravet fabric of mine. The headboard stands out against the Rococo Stripe wallpaper by Cole & Son from Lee Jofa. The bedding is Anichini. The Rococo Stripe wallcovering is a definite feminine element. But, I am not sure I would have chosen it to go with the upholstered headboard. But, the neutral taupe color does make it more subdued. The lamps are stunning with the draperies.

Masculine vs. Feminine. The closet says it all. On the left we have Big’s side custom cabinetry in a dark wood finish and contemporary straight lines. On the right is Carrie’s side. White finish, decorative hardware and ornate cabinetry detail suggests girly-feminine qualities. This closet is a more subdued closet. It’s more sophisticated and grown up compared to her closet in the last movie.

I know we all loved Carrie’s fun-flirtatious room in the last movie. The cobalt blue walls and the awesome arrangement of artwork. I want to re-create this artwork display because I think it is so unique and visually stimulating. I love the vivid blue walls against the white trim. The rugs are fun and very chic, they add just enough interest and pop of color. The slipper chairs upholstered in a botanical print are very feminine acts as a perfect driver in tying all the colors together.

We are going very neutral in Charlotte’s kitchen. There is nothing I love more than tasteful white cabinetry in a kitchen. It’s a clean refreshing look. Once again, a very neutral application on the floor. The white and gray ceramic tiles add a subtle pattern. Nothing sets off color like white. I think that is why the stripped window valance looks so great and provides just enough color to this simple kitchen.

Gorgeous Gradients

J. Robert Scott introduces their new ground breaking furniture line, Ombre. Yes, this gorgeous gradient which is hitting the fashion runways now for fall has transcended into furniture. Ombre fashions inspired furniture/textile designer, Sally Sirkin Lewis, who is the owner of this fabulous furniture and fabric line. The new line features finishes in: Ombre Daybreak, Ombre Twilight, and Ombre Mist. Sally Sirkin Lewis has translated a dreamy impression of shades and gradients into a proprietary finishing technique that results in one-of-a-kind furnishings. Each piece is carefully hand-crafted and as individual as your very own fingerprint.I know this to be true because I work in the J. Robert Scott showroom. I am eagerly anticipating these arrivals.

Aug + Sep Issue of Interiors Magazine

Inspired by fall fashions......

Sally Sirkin Lewis has never been afraid to be different or be the first one to move in a new direction. A member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame in America, Lewis, who is president and CEO of J.Robert Scott, began her career in the mid-to-late 1950's as an apprentice/assistant in various U.S. East Coast Architectural and design firms specializing in corporate and hospitality projects.

Lewis since built up an international clientele, with projects extending from Manhattan and Palm Beach to Tokyo and Bangkok. These projects included international celebrities and prominent business leaders. Her design design signature has become a formality. She attributes much of her success to the fact that "feelings for understatement and balance have a lasting appeal."

As Lewis' interior design business grew, she recognized an  increasing difficulty to find existing designs that reflected her simple yet luxurious style. So in 1972, she opened her own showroom, a first for a female designer, in Melrose Avenue named after her children, J. Robert Scott featured Lewis' vision for a full range of interior products, including furniture, textiles, wall coverings, lighting, and accessories. Her innovative mixing of zebra rugs , sisal carpets and African and Asian antiques set a new standard for elegance and glamour. Through her use of natural materials, textures and neutral color palettes, Lewis pioneered a style that became known as the "California Design." Soon, her unique influence was felt in the Los Angeles design community, attracting attention and, ultimately a following from across the globe. Today, many of Lewis' furniture designs are regarded as interior design classics. Here is just a sampling of some of my pieces.

Louis XVI Fauteuil

I love this chair we have it in our showroom. It truly is a statement piece (pictured above).

Tuscany II Uncarved Fauteuil

Tuscan Dining Table

Ming Coffee Table

Cononda Console

Athena Chandelier

Chiara Mirror

Adelphi Tea Ta

Eve Sofa

 This sofa is shown upholstered in one of the fabulous superkidskin leathers. These leathers are the softest most luxurious leathers you will ever find!!

L'Etoile Candlesticks

X Occasional Tables

L'Hermitage Chandelier

French Line Tete A Tete Sofa

Anyone watch the Today Show? Features J. Robert Scott chairs and side table.

J. Robert Scott Salon Deco Lounge Chair

Clindro Side Table

Residence designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis

J.Robert Scott had probably the best fabrics out there, and I am not just saying that because I am bias. J. Robert Scott is known for their unique upholstery fabrics from silks to chenilles to velevets they cover all the bases. If you are not familiar with these textiles you need to be, because they are that great! Here is one of their many ombre fabrics featured in the most recent La Creme fabric collection.

Falling Leaves Ombre

Confetti in Nutmeg

Klimit in Nutmeg

Lichen Collection

Moss Fringe from the Golden Collection

Elephant Collection

Golden Collection

Bayadere Satin in Nutmeg

 Sally Sirkin Lewis founded J. Robert Scott with the dream of creating hand crafted furnishings of exceptional quality and beauty. Over the years her furniture designs have been recognized by the design community for her innovative use of rare and precious materials. Check out the J. Robert Scott website!

"California Gurls"

Yes I did mean to spell "Gurls" that way, it's a shout out to the Katy Perry song "California Gurls."

 Here is my tribute to Trina Turk. I have a huge obsession with Trina Turk clothing! I feel a special connection to this designer in particular. Maybe it's that we are both 'California Girls', both born and raised in the beautiful golden state. Or, that Trina was also raised in Seattle, WA, (where my mom grew up) and where my family and I have a home and spend/and have always spent our summers. How ironic! I just can't get enough! The Trina Turk style features one-of-a kind patterns and bright colors. It's just me portrayed through clothing...haha. This contemporary fashion line is inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture, and landscape of Los Angeles and California. One of my favorite places to go for a weekend getaway, and a place my family and I would vacation to frequently growing up is, Palm Springs, California. For us "Los Angelenos" it's just a 3 hour drive to this (what I like to call) Paradise. Trina has drawn constant inspiration from the cocktail party and poolside lifestyle of the desert, so it was fitting that the first Trina Turk boutique opened in March 2002 in Palm Springs. When I am back home in California and my mom and I visit the Newport Beach Fashion Island Boutique...it's never a good thing. I mean it is and it isn't, as far as, the wallet is concerned.

TT Herself

 What you are probably wondering is how this fits into the theme of my interior, and exterior tips and trends design blog. Well....as if her clothes didn't have me already, in May 2008 Trina Turk residential opened. As if, the bond between Trina and I wasn't close enough, it was even more after this! In Spring 2009 Trina launched a line of indoor/outdoor fabrics with the up-scale home furnishing manufacturer, Schumacher.  Not only was I obsessed with her clothing, but now I had to be infatuated with her fabrics as well, and it's easy to do because they are incredible!

Here is a look at Trina Turk Residential:

Check out some of my favorite Trina Turk pillows pillow collection

Here's a secret, I heard that there are plans of a Trina Turk Bedding collection. That would be amazing! I will be the first in line to snag one of those.

Trina Turk Indoor/Outdoor Fabric Line by Schumacher:

collage created by chelsea murray

Visit Schumacher Trina Turk Collection to see this wonderful fabric line.


One of my favorite design icons is, Kelly Wearstler. Interior Designer, Kelly Wearstler, was the designer behind the LA and Palm Springs Trina Turk boutiques. They are amazing! Kelly Wearstler truly brought out the style and flair of each city, but also captured the Trina Turk panache. Kelly Wearstler has some great books and has designed some of my favorite spaces. She is pretty much my idol and I strive to be like her someday. I will be talking about her in a post to come. So more on Kelly later.

Kelly Wearstler

Palms Springs Trina Turk Boutique designed by Kelly Wearstler:

I love the minimalist look (only) in this particular space. Normally I am not a fan. However, this interior truly brings out the spirit of Palm Springs in the 1960's where our good friend, Frank Sinatra, had a home. Palm Springs in those days was a thriving Mecca for hot celebs to retreat to get away from their busy LA lifestyle. Wearstler uses retro- inspired pieces such as the tables and light fixtures used. I can appreciate these lattice-garden chairs. They remind me of a chair you would find in a 1960's sun room or outdoors. The space is glamorous yet true to the retro charm of the desert in the 1960's.

Los Angeles Trina Turk Boutique designed by Kelly Wearstler:

The LA boutique is so Chic. As most people know, I am a sucker for coral. I love how they applied the coral on stainless steel modern chairs. I love the simple glamour the space provides. It's sleek yet elegant. I love the light fixtures, they are a stunning focal point.  The gold gilded accents and mirrors provides the space with a vanity type feel, it is so girly...I love it.  The soft walls, with a unique display at your feet with an distinctively-shaped ceramic tile and shagged areas rugs gives the space a textural elegance.

I am sooo excited about Trina's Fall collections! Here's a sneak peak on what's falling your way...

Thanks TT for your amazing work as a designer. I give you my praises!

pictures via trinaturk.com