May Designer Dish: The Timeless Value of Luxury

Last week, we traveled to Atlanta for Design ADAC’s annual designer series. This year’s theme was The Timeless VALUE of Luxury. We had the privilege of listening (and meeting!) some awe-inspiring industry celebrities including Celerie Kemble, Barry Dixon, Trina Turk, Peter Dunham, Lloyd Princeton and Deborah Sanders (Managing Editor of Veranda).  Here’s a few highlights and exerpts from our trip…

 

Presentation and book signing with Celerie Kemble

It was truly a delight to hear Celerie chat about her design philosophies, experiences, and insights.  Her quirky and vivacious disposition [not to mention the slide show of her beautiful, bold interiors] captivated the audience.  Her passion for design and keen ability to mix vernaculars of styles, periods and ethnicities dazzle us.

 

 [Notice her outfit is a perfect shade of celery?]

 

We are enjoying our autographed copy of To Your Taste. 

Interesting tidbit from her presentation: The two chairs on her cover were junkyard vintage finds used for the photoshoot, and she dubbed the fabric “The Vomit Fabric.” Now…these made the cover of her book! Another nod at how charming vintage pieces can be and how they can be relished for years on end.

She also humorously admits her book looks like multiple personalities created it, but that her taste has evolved with each new client.  She credits learning from each client and project has molded and cultivated her design style today.  [and what amazing style it is!]

 

Everything New is Old Again with Barry Dixon

 

If we had to describe Barry Dixon’s work in two words, they would be “timeless beauty.” A master of mingling, he creates tastefully classic interiors that are truly timeless.  Point in case, the cover of his new book, Barry Dixon Interiors,  is an image of an installation completed 13 years ago.  He adopts a “neither, nor” mentality of neither a museum or period interior, nor a room comprised of current, trendy elements but an interior that incorporates both antique elements and current, quality pieces.

“The mix is what makes it modern…interesting.” — Barry Dixon

Very well said.

 

Luxury Panel Discussion with Peter Dunham, Lloyd Princeton & Trina Turk

Deborah Sanders, Managing Editor for Veranda, leads a panel on timeless luxury and if the concept of luxury has or is changing in our current economy.  A few of our favorite takeaways…

[Peter Dunham]

“Quality, convenience, comfort is what, as a designer, you have to offer to clients right now and consider what has lasting value.”

“Stick with a high quality product, just buy less of it.” 

Great point he makes…consider your purchases and invest in the ones you know you’ll have for a long time.  You will want these to be quality products that you can enjoy for years to come rather than buying more of of inferior products.  Even if you have to wait and save for these pieces, it will be worth it in the long run and well worth the wait! 

[Trina Turk]

“Do the best you can do and just keep moving forward. ”

“We are about optimism. I’m moving forward.”

Great attitude, Trina. We agree wholeheartedly.

[Lloyd Princeton]

“Let’s be optimistic. What can we do in the confines of your budget?”

He stresses the bang for your buck mentality, which is very important right now, but note to self, always be sure you know the quality of what you’re buying to determine its value.

 

Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres with Trina Turk at Schumacher

Schumacher showroom window display with Trina Turk textiles.

 

We had the opportunity to meet and chat with Trina Turk over cocktails at Schumacher.  She has such a pleasant and down to earth demeanor which made talking with her a joy.  Her optimistic, forward-thinking attitude was extremely inspiring and infectious…much like her bold, cheerful textiles and clothing collections.  We cannot wait to see what’s to come next with her product development.

 Optimistic, positive attitudes never go out of style either. As mom always says, “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.”

 

Last but not least, a couple of showroom images we wanted to share.

We love this Brunschwig & Fils print and loved seeing it on these two occassional chairs in their showroom.

 

Creative showroom display at Kravet.