Monday, March 17, 2008

SPRING FLING


In the same way that flowers are my garden’s spring fling, my home is ready to bloom. After a winter wrapped in solid down comforters and cashmere throws, fun floral patterns feel right.

This morning, I picked up a book, a biography about flamboyant Australian designer Florence Broadhurst, which I had finished reading weeks ago, to look at the illustrations of her ultra-modern florals.
Filled with gorgeous full-page reproductions of Broadhurst’s graphic silk-screened fabrics and wallpaper designs, the book by Helen O’Neill is a work of art, too.

Today, many of Broadhurst’s iconic designs are available again from Signature Prints...
thanks to New Zealand native David Lennie, who purchased the original silk-print screens, ten years after Broadhurst's mysterious murder in 1977.
Photos courtesy of Signature Prints

Lennie archived Broadhurst's unique legacy, and, in partnership with his wife Helen, began marketing Broadhurst's fabric and wallcovering designs.

I continued my “flower picking” mission by visiting Joel Dewberry’s Eclectic Modern website. His quilt and home décor textiles have a fresh exciting look. Their color palettes inspired by history and a global sensibility are outstanding. Dewberry's current collection includes Aviary, Manzanita, Chestnut Hill and the brand new Ginseng line. Each and every print is inspiring.
Photo courtesy of Joel Dewberry

Next, I checked out Thibaut Wallcoverings’s just-released Chelsea collection.
The patterns are reminiscent of a tour through England’s famous Chelsea Garden Show and equally thrilling.
I'm going to continue my virtual bouquet of designs, so be sure to check back soon.

RED LETTER DAY: Today is my son Fred's last day of class at UCLA. He's graduating a semester early. Never one to waste time, he starts work as a web developer tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM. He'll be working at an LA design firm.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***
Looking for a blast of spring? Follow the housemartin. This always-inspiring blog by Pam Zsori’s features great home décor and garden inspirations.
Pam, a Portland, Oregon Renaissance woman and floral designer, is in the process of opening an organically inspired shop called Ink & Peat. Get a sneak preview at www.inkandpeat.com

21 comments:

Sandy said...

Oh, your bouquet was quite refreshing! I have never been one for bold graphic prints, however, I am finding myself drawn to them lately. These examples are wonderful!

Dianne said...

Oh wow, FABRICS...another weakness of mine....:) In fact I've been stocking up for some new projects I have planned. I LOVE the Joel Dewberry's collection. And the room with the floral wallpaper. Just beautiful.!!
Can't wait for MORE of your FLOWER SHOW...:)
You must be so proud of your Son. And a web developer, looks like Mom will have any help she may need.
Hugs to you,
Dianne

PAT said...

Barbara, what a great post. Enjoyed so much and now to explore the links you added.

Thanks!
Pat

Anonymous said...

I LOVE those prints - just love them. My husband and I were fortunate one year when the company he worked for held their convention at The Greenbrier in West Virginia - and we were able to attend! Oh how I loved staying there! I adored the bold, floral wallpaper prints that were used throughout the resort. These remind me of them. Thank you for sharing! Congratulations to Fred AND you - that is wonderful!

xo,
Kim

Natasha Burns said...

I love Florence Broadhurst's designs, thank you for sharing them!

Congratulations to Fred! He sure doesn't mess around!

LiLi M. said...

Hi Barbara! Thanks so much for dropping by at my blog AND leaving a comment! It's so nice to meet new people through blogging, in my opinion. I guess it will be very exciting to work on a book. That's one of my three million secret wishes. I like flowers too. As well as in the garden as in the house. What a lovely post.

NeereAnDear said...

Some fabulous websites you have touched upon... being a lover of both fabric and art.. I am totally enjoying these fabulous prints!!

Congratulations to your son.... and a semester early too... what a coo.. you must be so proud..

PS... You really do crack me up!

HUGS

JO

Anonymous said...

Love all the pretty pictures. I have a serious fabric weakness and have been collecting it for years. (fabric and patterned paper much to the chagrin of my hubby-lol)

I love the contemporary lines of designers like Joel Dewberry, Amy Butler and Heather Bailey whose lines are colorful and oh so mod and ultra fun to sew.

Celestina Marie said...

Barbara, Thank you for sharing these wonderful fabric designs. So inspiring for spring! Congrats to your son and Good Luck to him on the new job!!
Smiles,
Celestina
La Rea Rose

Jessi Nagy said...

hey girl
thanks for stoping by!
nice to see you!
im with ya sister on the spring floral thing! im ready!
it is still cold here, im ready for some color!!
oxoxox,
jessi

Elizabeth said...

I always love floral patterns - I grew up in England after all.
You have shown a super selection.
Are there fewer flower prints around nowadays?
Are we all getting a a bit minimalist as per "Wallpaper"?
However you have a most romantic eye and style.
In New York we are all bare walls.
In Marrakech strange colored glass and architectuaral elements.
No flowers.
Sad.
I enjoy your blog.

Anonymous said...

I'm delighted to visit your blog. I really love the photo of your room. It's so inviting.

Reading your profile was very intersting. Good luck with your book. No doubt you have been hard at work for a while with the publishing date set for 2009. I hope you will add me to your list and let me know particulars when it become available.

This was a wonderful post. You've found some very fun things.

I'll be back for more!

Wishing you a fabulous Wednesday.

Hugs,
Cookie

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Love all these beautiful prints!
It's definitely Spring-fling time...

And congratulations to Fred for his early degree and his job!

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

Love the pink and green patchwork, and thanks for the link to housemartin! I'm heading there now!
~Angela :-)

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

I love all the patterns you've showcased. I'm a big fan of floral patterns with a contemporary twist (even working up my own designs right now). And Congratulations to you and your son for his stupendous accomplishment!

Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

THE HOME THAT LOVE BUILT said...

Gorgeous prints! Thank you for sharing.
XO
Brook

cjan said...

Hi Barbara,

Would love to try your recipe for the Eggplant Lasagna!! It sounds yummy too. Maybe you can post it sometime... Congratulations for your son on His graduation!!It's great he already has a job too. My son lives in LA too. He's cartaking a defunct ski resort above LaCanada. Also works at Neucombs Ranch restaurant..
We still have 2 feet of snow up here.. So tired of Winter.. But your spring colors are inspiring!!
We just drywalled our last turret room. Any ideas for decor.. 5 large windows overlooking the lake. I'm blank on decor... That's a first. I never thought I would be in this situation. LOL.
Hugs,
Jan

CIELO said...

Good morning, Barbara! Beautiful designs.... and good luck to Fred on his new endeavors...


cielo

Mosaic*Queen said...

I am in love with the new nature inspired designs and prints that are coming out. Being a decorating junkie, it makes me want to redecorate!
Congrats to your son!
Michelle

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Congrats to your son!!! How great! My fav fabric in the post is Joel Dewberry's. I love the color combos...
Penny

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Oh, What FANTASTIC floral print fabrics.
I can't wait to get my hands on some of Joel Dewberry's new collection.
Now that spring is officially here, I'm inspired to lighten up my home decor.

Thanks for the wonderful web links and "Congrats" to your son!

Kimberly :)