Bargello Pillows

It may conjure up memories of the early 1980's, but flame stitch, aka Bargello needlework, has been around for centuries. The earliest accounts of this embroidery work date back to a set of 17th century chairs at the Bargello palace in Florence. The patterns are generally characterized by diagonal lines in gradating tones to resemble a flame or in some cases a curved or geometric floral motif.

From top:
A pair of flame stitch pillows adorn the sofa of designer Evan Lobel, a champion of the eighties resurgence. (photo from New York Magazine).

Jonathan Adler "Bargello" pillows adorn Liz Lange's New York Apartment (photo from Domino).

Flame stitch pillows are spotted in Trina Turk's mid century living room in L.A. (photo from Elle Decor).

Bravo

If not for Jonathan Adler's interview with Top Design winner Matt Lorenz in Elle Decor this month, I would have completely forgotten the show ever existed. I never made it past the initial episodes--actually, I barely made it past the annoying theme song.

When first announced, Top Design seemed full of promise. With host Todd Oldham and judges Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler and Margaret Russell, the ultimate, design dream-team had been assembled. Plus it was to air on Bravo, home to the Cadillac of creative contests, Project Runway. So what happened?

This interesting article about the Bravo network in New York Magazine breaks down why some shows are hits, why some are flops, and what happens to the legitimately creative talents of Top Design, Top Chef and Project Runway after the cameras stop rolling.

The Dining Library

The shape of the American floorplan is ever evolving. Where once a multitude of purpose-driven rooms stood, now stands the hybrid. Working in New York, I saw many of these "dining libraries", but even in homes where space is not so limited I rather like this idea. After all, books make a great conversation starter at dinner parties.

Top image: designed by Jonathan Adler
Others: from my random collection of tear sheets--my apologies. If I had ever known I was going to start blogging, I would have taken better notes!

Welcome to the Parker

With television decorating shows being notoriously unwatchable, there is one bright light this season on Bravo. While not a traditional design show, "Welcome to the Parker" is actually an unscripted drama about the everyday, goings-on inside the lush, Jonathan Adler designed Parker Palm Springs hotel.
Watching the daily routine of the hotel staff is fairly entertaining, but the real star of the show is the unique, mid-century hotel and surrounding desert property. This former Holiday Inn was redesigned and opened in 2004 with Adler's artistic vision. He occasionally visits the show (with his dog, Liberace) to lend a manic decorating hand. Meanwhile, the frazzled management team rolls their eyes at some of his more outlandish suggestions (like that they hire a full-time pillow fluffer/macrame curtain untangler for the lobby). Great TV!
On Bravo Thursdays 10/9 c.