Not often do I spend early Tuesday mornings having coffee with celebrity interior designers. In fact, not ever? The ABA Agency and Washington Design Center graciously invited DC Design Coop to join them over breakfast at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel alongside adorable Martyn Lawrence Bullard {of “Million Dollar Decorators”}, Schumacher & Co textile executives and a handful of local magazine editors and fellow Washington DC bloggers. And let me tell you, it was “deelliicciioouuss”.
A fan of the hit Bravo show, I knew meeting the fabulous 44-year old interior decorator was going to be a fantastic treat. After all, he is well-traveled, uber-talented {Cher, Elton John and Kid Rock are on his client roster}, and successful with his own line of furnishings, textiles and even candles to name a few. Top that off with a handsome face to boot! At 123 year family-owned old textile house Schumacher & Co., Martyn teamed up with Creative Director, Susan North {who he sweetly coined the “Empress of fabric”} to produce a gorgeous collection of chevrons, ikats, strie silks, stripes and paisleys.
One of my favorites: Adras Ikat print in Caravan.
Inspired by The Tree of Life: Sinhala Linen Print in Bittersweet
One of Martyn’s favorite patterns: Darya Ikat Print in Caravan
Luxury at your fingertips: Maharajah Silk Velvet in Verde.
During a post-breakfast panel chat moderated by DC Modern Luxury Editor in Chief Karen Sommer Shalett, Martyn and Liz wowed a room with their insight into textiles and their around-the-world journeys to locate artisan weavers and luxurious materials for the collection. It was important to reflect a unique perspective and specific style for the embroideries and weaves that were inspired by historical patterns and Martyn’s personal souvenirs from exotic countries.
{another somewhat blurry shot} The Fab Four panel at WDC.
Through his charming nature and witty commentary, Martyn told us of the interesting people he met along the way and how he became one of the worlds best interior designers {did you know he’s one of Elle Decors top 25?}. I learned that mixing and not exactly matching colors in a room makes for a more beautiful palette. And that there is soul in good fabric – so may artisans put their time and heart onto making these wonderful textiles. Martyn also enthusiactically shared with us details of his new book, Live, Love & Decorate and signed copies for guests at WDC’s Schumacher showroom {check out my signed copy below! Eek! Kisses to you too!}.
And that, ladies and gentleman, was how I spent my Tuesday morning and afternoon. Wonder what Wednesday has in store for me?
Stay tuned for more successful endeavors from the talented MLB brand. And look out in January 2013 for his fellow “Million Dollar Decorato” star, vivacious Mary McDonald to launch her fabric collaboration with Schumacher!
My honey picked up some 1″ x 12″ wood shelving material, L- brackets, and some staples for my handy staple gun. With tool box in tow, he took them out to our mini patio and cut them down to my specific plans. The cost at Home Depot was less then $30!
I headed to the craft store and picked up 1/4″ batting to give the cornice a slightly upholstered look. I did not require more then a 45″ x 60″ peice. The store had a sale going on and to my surprise, I only paid $2.05! Score!
