MICHAEL S. SMITH TO CREATIVE DIRECT BRUNSCHWIG AND FILS FABRICS

 Photo courtesy of WSJ Magazine by François Halard Styling by Carolina Irving

It is not an understatement to say Michael Smith is a design wunderkind of sorts. He started his own firm at a tender young age and has gone on to design major homes for American titans of industry as well as the Obama White House. So it makes sense that he has recently been tapped to advise on Kravet's latest fabric house acquisition, the esteemed print - centric grande dame, Brunschwig and Fils.  As creative director, he will assist on brand direction, design, and archival mining, working alongside one of the creative fabric geniuses I adore, Stephen Elrod.  He will be doing this in addition to everything else, so it makes for one packed schedj. Smith's layering of textures and prints in his interiors, use of unusual rich/dirty color combinations (a good thing),  and primo antiques makes him someone we all watch for inspiration, education and elevation. He has created a covetable niche in color palette and print execution with his Jasper line, so I cannot wait to see what he cooks up with B and F! Stay tuned..

Photos courtesy of Jasper

Indian Flower in blue

Tree of Life in sage

Moghul Panel

Remy in brown

LIVING OUT LOUD: LILLY

This week at Blogfest 2011, over 100 design bloggers descended on the Lee Jofa showroom at the D and D for a picnic lunch. We got to see the unveiling of the just installed Lilly Room and the result was fabulous. I was ready to move right in.

A papier mache turtle adds a lively element to the space, and you know how Lilly loves critters!

Graphic modern artwork in coordinating colors makes the space very now.

The room mixed Lilly with great accessories and furniture, showing applications of the fabrics in a variety of appealing ways.

Stephen Elrod, the creative director for Lee Jofa, enjoying the bevy of color.

A needlepoint backgammon board accents the game table nicely.

Details are oh so Lilly- lipstick traces on a chocolate cigarette.

What fun! A swing chair for lounging in reverie.

This juicy print is a favorite that works well in panels.

Solid green upholstery with blue trim and a zig zag carpet together with the floral print balance each other out.

AT HOME WITH LILLY

Lilly's design director Janie Schoenborn makes every season a reason to love Lilly. Her preppy retro sensibility and new take on the classics has guided the brand to attract a whole new legion of followers. Happy happy joy joy!

A wall of Lilly wearing through the years hangs in their offices

A Lilly clad lady crossing Worth Avenue

With classic Palm Beach style, new Lee Jofa fabrics and HFI furniture from Lilly Pulitzer are here! Channeling a carefree life of leisure with a dose of fun has never been easier. The happy prints created by Stephen Elrod, creative director of Lee Jofa, are exactly what I had hoped for- they harken back to the tiny via Mizner store I would visit years ago in Palm Beach-- full of bold florals, incredible vibrant combinations and wonderful details. The entire collection of prints, solids and trims is terrific, whether you decide to go all out with the prints or do white upholstery with pops of color.

THE FURNITURE
Including woven materials, rattan, bamboo and brass detailing, the line gets classic traditional and mid century influences just right. To learn more about where it will be available, visit Lilly Pulitzer.

The Beacher Peacock Chair
The Beacher Bar Stool
The Seagate Bunching Bookcase
The Seagate Side Chair in lime green

THE LEE JOFA LILLY FABRICS:
Here are some favorites

And yes, all the prints have the word Lilly on them somewhere!