Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A Lot is Cooking in California








There is certainly a lot going on design-wise in California right now. So much so that it's becoming difficult to stay on top of things out there. First off in Los Angeles, those gurus of fabulous furniture David Serrano and Robert Willson of Downtown have started a new venture- Outside Downtown. The shop's aesthetic is warmer and a bit more casual- perfect for beach or country houses. Think lighter finishes and stain resistant fabrics. This is definitely my idea of relaxed glamour (All images at top are shots from Outside Downtown.)

And further up north in San Francisco is designer
Kendall Wilkinson. I always make sure to stop by her shop on my twice yearly trips to San Fran. Wilkinson is set to launch her Home collection which will include a bright blue leather tufted chair (which I believe is similar to those she featured in her show house room a few years ago) and a glass and lucite table- very glam. Wilkinson also has a wallpaper and fabric line in the works. I'd say she is definitely a designer to watch.

So... have you booked your trip to California yet?


A vignette of Wilkinson's shop


The soon to be famous blue leather tufted chair, inspired by one designed by Albert Hadley


Another shop vignette


Part of Wilkinson's new Home collection- a glass top table with a lucite base.


12 comments:

  1. I really need to plan a West Coast shopping trip. It looks like there is a lot to see since my last visit. Thanks for the updates.

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  2. Anonymous9:52 AM

    When I look at that tufted blue leather, I think less of Albert Hadley than I do William Pahlmann. That particular blue was one of his primary colors, as it was of Mme. Castaings. Either way, it's a beauty. And it's nice to see shiny leather again, no matter what color it is.

    Also, love the Egyptian chair in an all-white finish.

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  3. Millie- You should b/c there is a lot happening. I'm hoping to get out there this Fall.

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  4. Magnaverde- You know, you really have a point about Pahlmann. He used that color quite often. Love that Egyptian chair too. I've got a question for you- will you email me please?

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  5. SOOOOOOO CHIC! Love it!

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  6. I love the second pic with the fabulous screen, the great wall color and the outrageously fun chandelier!

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  7. The Hadley chair is a copy of a set once owned by Nancy Lancaster and used by Albert in a dining room for Louise Grunwald. The originals had a brass handle or pull attached to the uppermost part of the chair for easy movement. Nancy's chairs were dark green leather.

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  8. The pair of flaming torcheres from Serrano & Willson's shop is stunning, although obviously you'd need a lot of height in your room.

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  9. Wish I could get out there soon. The colors in the image at top are gorgeous.

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  10. Congrats about the NYTimes today! My sis was apart of the story too. Very cool.

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  11. Thanks Porter! I love your sister's picks... and I had to laugh about how your father responds to her email updates. So cute!

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  12. wow, that black and yellow vignette, is beautiful!

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