Welcome to ELLE DECORANDUM, a shopping “memo” from the editors of ELLE DECOR. Each month, we’ll share a first look at what we’re seeing—talking about, and adding to our shopping lists—so you can stay ahead of the curve.
Collectible Furniture Inspired by Portuguese Sailing Ships
Each of the three table designs features an edited material palette made up of metal and glass.
Diogo Corte-Real, a New York City-based Portuguese designer, is enamored by sailing and the sea. “This collection is a contemporary expression of my heritage, along with its direct relation to the Caravel, 15th century Portuguese sailing ships,” he says. “Each piece follows the idea of the vessel as a capable tool—one that is practical, patient, and quietly confident.” The poetry of sailing isn’t the only thing Corte-Real is enamored with. The materials he has chosen—stainless steel, glass, and aluminum—are all intended to act as a foil to the lightness of the Caravel. He notes, “These materials allow a balance of fluidity and strength.” The Caravel Collection is comprised of three tables, each of different scale, function and weight. From $9,500 darling-studios.com.
The Next Must-Have Design Accessory: A Book
Dunham’s book cover (left) features his Fig Leaf fabric design by Peter Dunham Textiles.
While many books shy away from bold exterior covers, The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood, is swathed in the iconic Fig Leaf printed textile for which the celebrated Los Angeles-based interior (and textile) designer has become known. He notes, “Fig Leaf was an obvious for the cover. It’s the print that most people associate me with. Why does everyone love Fig Leaf? I think it’s because it is evocative, making you dream of the South of France and Brigitte Bardot and being on holiday.”
Once inside, “Figuring out the structure, which ultimately landed in chapters by design concept versus by house project,” the designer says, “allowed me to organize the book how I approach a design project, which clicked and got me excited. Ultimately, the process was creative, humbling, and rewarding.” Pouring through the vast compendium of projects ranging from a modernist 1963 Horace Gifford house on Fire Island to lush, sprawling residences in Los Angeles and Montecito, seeing how to decorate with a pattern and color forward approach without being overwhelming has never felt better. Edited by former House Beautiful and Town & Country editor Stephen Drucker, this beautifully produced tome doles out the Peter’s own personal design tenets: color, rhythm, togetherness, and nature, all strong reminders of what’s important in our interiors and in our lives too. $75, vendomepress.com.
A Meeting of the Minds Over Textiles
KUFRI founder Mili Suleman with interior designer Josh Greene.
There’s a playful and sumptuous new offering hitting the textiles market this month. New York-based ELLE DÉCOR A-List interior designer Josh Greene and Texas-based handloom weaving brand KUFRI are set to debut Chromia, a collection of micro prints and solids, totaling four designs and available in four colorways each. Drawing inspiration from the natural environment, cubism, and even early 20th century Italian Futurism, Greene notes, “In my design work I’m so fabric driven. Textiles are one of the main reasons I got into this industry and are usually the starting point when I’m concepting a room. I wanted to combine KUFRI’s earthy, handmade energy with my tailored interiors and color sensibility. I wanted fresh tones that my industry peers would be excited to use!”
Each design in the collection is handwoven in natural fibers and comes in 54-inch widths. “We loved working with Josh,” says KUFRI founder Mili Suleman. “He took us out of our comfort zone in terms of color. Marrying his more playful, vibrant aesthetic with traditional textile making, like hand-dyeing and handloom weaving, resulted in a wonderful collection. It’s the best of modern design with heritage craftsmanship.” Chromia includes four designs—Brick, Bolt, Slant and Topo—available to the trade. Kufrilifefabrics.com.
Who’s Best to Advise on Your Rug? An Interior Designer of Course.
Stella, one of 12 rug designs in a new collection, Monochromatic Patterns, by interior designer Luis Fernandez for Modern Rugs LA.
Seeking more texture underfoot? Architect and interior designer Luis Fernandez has a solution for you. He remarks, “I’ve always sought a balance between form and function, and these rugs fill a niche I’ve spent years searching for.” The designer has collaborated with Modern Rugs LA to create Monochromatic Patterns, a collection based on lessons learned from listening to clients. “They often want a rug that’s solid and easy to work with—not too outrageous—but also not boring or bland.” One standout piece in the collection is Stella, pictured above. The design is based on fragmented modernist landscapes and features gradient wool colors outlined in silk. The collection includes twelve original designs and offers endless customization. From $4,320, modernrugsla.com.
Modern Wicker Enters the Chat
A new pendant and sconce by Workstead, each features natural wicker and brass detailing.
Sourcing high quality vintage wicker lighting in good condition can be a challenge for even the most adept shoppers. Fortunately, Brooklyn-based design studio Workstead is debuting the new Woven Collection, celebrating the fine art and rich history of wicker-weaving. In considering the material, co-founder Robert Highsmith notes, “We recently moved back to Charleston and have been thinking a lot about how to decorate a home in a warmer climate. Years ago, when we designed the Charleston Townhouse, we incorporated caning into the cabinetry as a way to merge a material that felt appropriate for the climate with traditional millwork. This is a natural evolution of that idea.” With a modern sensibility, the collection features three distinctive and useful lights. Details like a pull-chain on the large, domed wall sconce not only adds extra functionality, but also allows its user to engage with the piece in a more direct and meaningful way. From $2,750, workstead.com.
