AbbeyK — On Interior Design

Bobo Does Restoration

Another buzz at this year's market was the news that Bobo Intriguing Objects had licensed to Restoration Hardware. Their look is all over the Spring cover. I got the catalog just a bit before market and thought hmmm... looks a lot like Bobo. And sure enough, I found out it was.

As the saying goes, so goes CA, so goes the rest of the country. The same is true for trade-only sources. They spread like wildfire to retail. Quicker than in the past, I am told.

I guess Bobo figured before someone else knocked them off, they should do the deal themselves. Restoration should call this collection the Bobo Collection, not the Spring Collection.

Bobo is everywhere. What is Bobo you ask? Think rustic finishes, French-inspired, garden, metal and glass.

Kinda chunky. Kinda funky. Good in small doses, but it can look dirty to me.

 

In a word, like the Restoration photo. Whatever you do -- just don't do too much of it.

High Point Fabric Trends 2010

My name is Abbey and I am a fabric addict. I cannot help it. I just L.O.V.E fabric. Just back from NC, here are some trends I noticed while in High Point. Although High Point is a furnishings market, well fabric and furnishings go hand in hand. Here's a sampling of what I saw.

• Purple (from Century)

• Acidy and bold color combinations -- teal, orange, brown

• Botanical prints made into fabric -- These are in my best of show category from Design Legacy.

• Shiny! This one is a non-crushable velvet. (from Pearson)

• Words and letters, especially if they look like they might have come from a burlap sack from France or a signage of some kind. (from Pearson) Sorry this one's a bit blurry....new camera.

• Strong geometrics and cut out motifs -- The pagodas and the headboard geometric I saw at more than one showroom. How does that happen? (from Century )

• Suzannis and ikats and other ethnic prints. This exact ikat I saw a few times, as well.

It's Free to Be Nice v. How to Have an Unpleasant Shopping Experience

Today I ventured in the rain to Southeastern Massachusetts. There are some shops I've been meaning to visit to for some time. 

Meaningless information alert: Did you know that they call hot dogs "wieners" in SE MA and RI? There are a lot of wierner stands. I know this because I drove around in circles for about 2 hours and I noticed an unusually large number of weiner stands. (GPS I could have used.)

First stop, Staples Cabinet Makers in Plainville. They are known for their reclaimed wood tables. I've been thinking of one for myself for my kitchen. Do you like it? I might buy this one. I'd have to have them cut it down a bit in length. They said no problem.

 

 

If you are looking for something a bit different, that's green (most of the wood there is reclaimed lumber) and local, the work is lovely and there's a real sense that someone touched the items. The folks there were just wonderful. It's a family run business. They are kind. Real. They care about what they do. Had a nice conversation with them. The shop was busy, which is also nice to see.

Then I went to another store in MA, right by the RI border. This is a well-known antiques store that shall remain nameless and although what I am about to report is true, and actually happened, my sister, the lawyer, says I should not name the company.

I walked in.There was a young woman at the front desk. She did say hello. And I also encountered a few sales people as I walked around the shop, which has many rooms and a few floors. NO ONE SAID ANYTHING TO ME. No connection. No attempt.

I don't like the sugary, sweet "hello" from a mall greeter. That's super annoying. But the way staff connects with a potential customer is an important extension of the company. It tells you a lot. Robotic, fake, real, nonexistent. I prefer real. But most importantly make some kind of attempt.

Unless I was in the need of a bed, I would not come back to this shop. Not only because they barely acknowledged my presence, but also because their stuff is yawns-ville.

I wonder whom they are selling to? I wonder if a tour of wiener stands of Southern MA and RI might be worth a second road trip?

Wanna See Where Bernie Madoff Lived?

Then check out this slide show highlighting B.M's various homes and their contents. 

Selling Bernie Madoff's belongings - Boston.com

What's wrong with these pictures?

• There's a photog. in the mirrors of the bathroom shot.
• There's an open garbage can in the kitchen.
• The mattresses are bare.

Weird. Weird. Weird.

And then on the plus side, you'll see stunning homes, amazing rugs and some great antiques.

Shamefully voyeuristic. (Shame on him, too.)

What's New at AbbeyK

I am so sorry for not posting in a while. Things have been NUTS around here. 

A new staff member, Carey started about 2 months ago, full-time. Please join me in welcoming Carey. He's been a huge help, a great addition, but training and getting used to each other takes some time.

My work load is up to better than before the economy tanked. Thank goodness.

• I have a whole house project in Cambridge. I wrote a bit about that. I'll try to include more on the blog. We're making good headway and he's picked some wonderful pieces so far. Mix of antique and new.
• I am finishing up another whole house project. That one we are doing in stages and are about ready for stage 2. End tables, window treatments, master bedroom. Fun! 
• A new project, a referral, in Newton starts today. I had interviewed a year ago, so I am delighted to have gotten the job. Smallish, but a really nice client.
• Another new project with a repeat client starts as soon as I can get the contractors in to give a bid. It's another small one, but I am always happy to help an old client if I have the time. These folks live abroad and they need some repairs done and some re-decorating to the living room. We can fit this in among the others, no problem.
• Working with a young couple in Boston, whom I also interviewed a year ago. We are doing really fun and happy colors. They are quick decision makers, so we should be ready to order soon.
• Two Interviews this week. One on Monday and another Friday. One was a referral from the young couple with the happy colors, another from the web.

Phone's been ringing. Looks like we are gearing up for a busy spring and summer. Projects seem well paced as I write this, with room still for a big project or two, in case you are wondering.