Stalking the Jet Set at Walker Zanger LA

#BlogTourLA paparazzi capturing the reveal of “Jet Set”

the new mid-century modern collection from Walker Zanger

Even though I work at a bath showroom, I am discovering that there is still a lot for me to learn about designing with tile. There are so many great options out there beyond white subway and tumbled marble! While an invited guest on #BlogTourLA in early October, I was exposed to some of the latest collections released from the tile artisans at Walker Zanger. I was inspired!

The members of #BlogTourLA were invited for a showroom tour which began with the introduction of the Jet Set collection which is a nod to mid-century design. This modern day collection was influenced by the bold graphic patterns of the 1960s – an era when air miles were not accumulated for points, they were enjoyed en route to exotic (often times this meant domestic) destinations. Patterns from around the globe are present in this worldly collection that speaks to a time when traveling by air was indeed a luxury. After flying over 3,000 miles from the East Coast to enjoy being a part of #BlogTourLA, I felt a kindred spirit with the concept behind this collection.

Jet Set Collections from Walker Zanger

Below are some snapshots from our blogger’s tour of the beautiful Walker Zanger showroom ... 

Architectural Digest West Coast editor Mayer Rus welcoming
#BlogTourLA to Walker Zanger showroom on Melrose Avenue

A bit of brunch served at Walker Zanger showroom

Fabulous showroom moment: marble soaker tub with

Perrin + Rowe tub filler, Afina mirrors, mosaic tile

Tile love: subtle bubble backsplash

I am also loving: chevrons!

Moroccan style: a favorite for Cheryl Kees-Clendendon

Noteworthy: blogger Ronique Gibson posing with tile that poses as wood

On trend: rustic furnishings paired with sleek tiles in neutral colors

Recently discovered that these monogramed decanters (there is a W on one wooden orb and a Z on the other) are available via West Elm. They looked striking next to the mosaic wavy wall tile in the Walker Zanger showroom.

Thank you, Mindy Miles Greenberg, for taking this photo

of me with a favorite pattern from Walker Zanger: AnTeak

Stay tuned for some upcoming bath and kitchen tile projects inspired by Walker Zanger! For now, check out my #JetSet inspiration board on Pinterest.

Mad Men Style @ADHomeShow

Designers Rosanne Palazola and Katherine Hawkins

behind the bar at The New Traditionalists space at the

Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2012

The AMC cult classic Mad Men Season 5 premiered this past Sunday night, just as my friends and I were returning home from our road trip to New York to view the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. It appears the design industry is trending nostalgic for the simple lines of unplugged times, as mid-century modern classics were being served up in many a vignette. Below are some Draper-era sightings that I thought were pretty nifty. 

The New Traditionalists:

bed, side table, desk

The New Traditionalists:

modern bar keeping

Herman Miller: dinner party

Wud Furniture Design: sleek bar storage  

USM: the modular office

CF Modern: mid-century made custom 

Jonathan Adler: mad potters print mash-up

Design Within Reach: chair classics

large and small 

Stay tuned for more of my design favorites from the show ...

Mad for Mid-Century Modern

Do you love Mad Men style decorating? I am really starting to appreciate the clean lines and cool vintage vibe. I recently wrote a series of posts featuring this Mid-Century Modern design aesthetic. Check them out on the Alluminare design blog.

• Can Mid Century Modern design be youthful?

• Inviting Mid Century Modern to dinner.

• A Mid Century Modern Inspired Living Room


Where do you like to shop for Mid Century Modern?

In search of treasures ...

Wednesdays at 10pm on the Sundance Channel

Can I just say how much I adore this show? Keith Johnson, buyer-at-large for over 100 Anthropologie stores in the United States, has the stellar job of treasure hunting for decorative antiques and found objects to sell, reproduce and repurpose for the unique market place that is “Anthropologie.” In viewing several of the last episodes of this new design TV favorite of mine, I was pleased to see the story behind some of the pieces that I have presented to clients (or have chosen as favorites of my own). As a decorator, I am always on the lookout for that unusual piece ... something I haven’t seen before. I always try to show my clients something they might not have chosen for themselves, but still a piece that may be reflective of their “inner designer.”

My chair! Photo taken while watching the Sundance Channel

I used the Antwerp Chair (shown above and below)
on a polyvore ad that I created awhile back.
I love it for its bold twist on the traditional ...
And here it is in my vignette ...


Design Vignettes

I thought this colorful Magpie Chandelier from Anthropologie would look so cool paired in a room with this modern piece of original art that is in the home of one of my clients ...

“Flowers for my Love”
A collaboration between two artists:
Clemente and Jefro

Made up of bits-and-pieces, the uniquely playful chandelier was ridiculously expensive, but after watching a recent episode I have now learned why ... it is commission-based and completely handmade by a collaborative of artists based in South Africa!

The challenge Johnson faces as a buyer of artful items is finding never-seen-before pieces that will be both eye-catching and profitable for the Anthropologie stores. While the hunt from antique store to roadside markets isn’t always an easy journey, it sure looks like fun. Sign me up, please!

If I had to pick a few items from Anthropologie to go with the theme of Beth Hylan’s Design Studio, these are what I would use either for display or resale ...

Buzzwords Pillow
These would so go with Beth’s
vintage collage pieces




This gravure printed wallpaper available exclusively at Anthropologie would look fab on the back wall of my designer corner in Beth’s studio.


This reference book available at Anthropologie reminds me of the large collection of vintage books that Beth uses to create her works of art, combining steel plate prints with antique text.

Lace-Strewn Knob

I might use a set of these knobs
on a “trash-to-treasure” piece that I am
planning on putting in the Studio.

I like how this piece matches my item tags ...

Castle Key Bottle Opener


I die! This one-of-a-kind Gladiator Bird Finch with Key (so me!) has already been snatched up and is no longer available. Sigh! If I were to pick out something to cheer me up for my loss, I would take home these ...

How cute would these holiday ornaments be hanging in a boys room? However, I would need just one more!

Designers take to the road.

Furniture by Sebastian Carpenter Design
I love how the round feet contrast with the
straight edges of this chair and ottoman set,
which are dressed in a new-to-the-line geometric
print and trimmed in chocolate brown velvet.

I had the opportunity to get a sneek peak at this warmly modern furniture vignette that was set up over the weekend at the home of architect/furniture designer Sebastian Carpenter. These pieces (including the very cool sculptural green wall) will go on the road to the Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show being held in Providence, Rhode Island this weekend from Friday, October 23rd to Sunday, October 25th at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Admission is only $10 to view over 100 American artists showing and selling handcrafted furniture, accessories, fine art and craft. Get a chance to see a wide variety of pieces – from traditional to contemporary – and talk to the designers themselves, just like I did (I love to hear the stories behind the design process). Here is what I saw this weekend:

Sebastian’s pieces are strongly influenced by his architectural training along with an inherited artistic eye (see my previous post from June ’09).

He strives to create furnishings that honor the use of natural resources. Many of his techniques, like the rich patina achieved by actually burning the wood of the sofa frame as seen above, employ unique methods to create aesthetic pieces in a “green” way.

His lamps, with shades from Blanche P. Field, are elegantly sturdy and would certainly fit in the back of most cars if you are lucky enough to make it to Rhode Island to see the show. These pieces are also available through the Boston Design Center or contact SCD directly to plan in advance for your next fine furnishing purchase.

These always make me smile ...
a pair of Pony Cubes from SCD.

Also at the show (among other exhibits) will be some incredible work presented by students that are currently enrolled in 3 furniture making programs throughout New England (one being at Rhode Island School of Design). I always wonder if my life would have been different if I had gone to RISD when given the chance way back when. Perhaps one of my boys has inherited my artistic talent and will take that route (although to be fair, BC was very good to me!) Either way, I guess my husband and I should start saving ...

“Mom and me” by Ben, age 5


As for me, this weekend I will be in Reading, MA for
the opening of my friend Beth’s new design shop:



Check out her new website and blog (which I designed for her) and be sure to stop by some weekend to see the great stuff that she has put together. She has taken antique paper (that she has been collecting for years) and has combined it in the most amazing ways to create jewelry and home decorating items that are simply inspiring. Beth will also be offering fresh floral arrangements “to-go” along with vintage treasures. Her shop already feels very “Beth” to me. I find that I feel more creative just being around her!


This week, I will be helping with some prep work on the display areas in the shop for the Trunk Shows that will showcase guest designers over the nine weekends that the studio is open. As I have mentioned, design items from my collections will be on display in the store (thanks, Beth!). These pieces have been my own personal field of dreams (if you build it, they will come). In my case, if you are compelled to create art out of fabric and wallpaper, a store will magically appear to sell them!

From my “Best Friends” collection.


Items like these are looking for a good home ...
come check them out for a limited time at:


Beth Hylan Design Studio
159 Ash Street, Reading, MA
Open Saturdays from 10 am – 5 pm
Sundays from 12 noon – 5 pm
Call 781.246.8552 for more info.


PS...
If you stop by the store, please sign my
guest book if I am not around to say hi!