Part of my weekend was spent working one of my favorite hobbies – searching for hard-to-get European designer fabrics.  They are hard-to-get because most of the companies do not sell directly to the public so you must purchase them through interior designers.  However, sometimes there are remnants left over from a project that buyers sell.  I came across many that are just g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s and were on sale for around $60 – $100 per yard.  I know that sounds crazy expensive but many of these can range hundreds of dollars per yard.  My impulsive side wanted to just jump and buy a few yards but I have incorporated a rule when buying fabric – I must have a specific project it will be used for.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bought pretty fabrics with no purpose in mind only for it to sit on a shelf.  So as you can imagine, I’m working hard at thinking where I could use the newly found fabrics before purchasing them.

While on my hunt of fabrics, I came across Jane Claire, a UK based shop owned by Jane Kitching and Claire Scott – both international interior designers.  While they do not sell fabric, they do design their own eclectic fabrics using lots of color, silks, and even vintage fabrics.  These designs and fabrics on their own line of cushions.

Images:  Jane Claire

I began my visit at Rozmallin where I met Dawn Tennant, Showroom Manager.  She was extremely accommodating and informative about the layout of her showroom and the fabric lines her company represents.  It was no surprise that she is also a Design Professor at Baker College in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The walls are lined with endless amounts of fabrics.  Some of the lines include Clarence House, Peter Fasano, and Motif just to name a few.

She even took the time to show me her sample stockroom which was extensive and very well organized.  As we chatted, she provided me with gorgeous brochures from various suppliers Rozmallin deals with.  I was quite fortunate to receive these brochures as I imagine that only retailers and designers generally have access to them.

Aside from carrying fabrics, Rozmallin also sells wallcoverings, handmade French iron chandeliers by Ironware International, and furniture by Farmhouse Collection.  The bed above just happens to be one of the beds on display from the Farmhouse Carondolet Collection.  Thank you Dawn for the wonderful tour – I would love to come back and visit again!

Duralee happen to be another fabric showroom filled with colorful fabrics and wallpapers.

They have a well organized resource center and are quick to find what clients are looking for.  While taking my photos, a client had called in looking for an item seen in House Beautiful magazine.  The staff quickly looked up the issue and immediately hunted down the item.

I was told they have the largest collection of wallpapers on display (take a look above).  The wallpaper display seems to go on forever.

My final stop was at Tennant & Associates, a well established fabric showroom.  I spent quite a bit of time with the owner as he explained the layout and design of his showroom (which is 19 years old and still looks so current and beautiful).  “Good design is timeless”, he said.  We talked about how he went to architecture school, the military, and finally how he landed in the design business.

There were so many fabric – contemporary, transitional, and traditional.  The polka dot fabric above is by Tessuti Uno.  He also told me about the legendary Jim Thompson Fabrics line.  I found the history (and unsolved mystery) to be so interesting that I did additional research that evening.  Through my investigation, I found a book on it here.

Tomorrow will be the last of a week long series on the Michigan Design Center.  Come back and join me again!

Images:  House of Many Hues

]]> http://www.houseofmanyhues.com/2011/02/visit-to-the-michigan-design-center-part-iii/feed/ 0 http://www.houseofmanyhues.com/2011/01/visit-to-the-michigan-design-center-part-i/ http://www.houseofmanyhues.com/2011/01/visit-to-the-michigan-design-center-part-i/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:23:11 +0000 Kristina @ House of Many Hues http://www.houseofmanyhues.com/?p=5336 I’m just busting at the seams to share with you my visit at the Michigan Design Center – “…a one-stop shopping resource for the finest names in interior furnishings“.  The Troy, MI based location has 215,000 square feet filled with fabrics, wallpapers, sofas, lighting, tiles, artwork, accessories – just about anything for the home you can think of.  So when I received an invitation to their Sample Sale a few weeks back, I was beyond excited.  Days before the sale, I contacted their main office to obtain a photography clearance.  It was suggested that due to the high volume of people expected, I come a couple days before the sale actually started to take photos.  This was not only helpful, but quite the treat for me!

Upon my arrival at the Design Centers concierges desk, I was greeted with warmth and lead to the Manager’s office to confirm my arrival.   Shortly thereafter, I went off to explore the 30+ showrooms.  I took so many photos and spoke to some of the finest designers that there was no way I could capture it all in one posting.  Therefore I have dedicated this week to the Michigan Design Center!

I began my journey at TRA Art Group where they offers tons of glasswork, sculptures, paintings for purchase, framing, and art rental.

My next stop was at Brunschwig & Fils fabric, upholstery, and trimming company.  There was wall after wall of luscious fabrics.  I was really happy to see such a wonderful and extensive contemporary collection.

I inquired about the stunning fabrics above and was told that they were by Stark Fabrics.  This set is from the Lelievre collection.   Below is a designer’s work in progress.  So many beautiful fabrics to choose from!

I continued my way to the next showroom which happened to be Michael Coyne Design.  As I walked into his showroom, I immediately recognized the rope chandelier hanging in the middle of the room.   He was a sponsor at last years Dining by Design and it was used in one of the displays (you can see it in my post here).  As I was nearing the end of my photo session at his exhibit, in walks Michael Coyne himself!   I introduced myself and briefly spoke to the designer noting that I had recently seen his famous chandelier.

I spent hours at the Design Center and could literally have used another 3 hrs. – there was so much to see!  One thing to note if you are going to visit is that products not offered at the Sample Sale  generally must be purchased through a designer.  Don’t know one?  Not a problem.  The Design Center can help you connect with one.

Thank you to the Staff and Showroom Employee’s at the Michigan Design Center for your superb hospitality and informative experience.  Stay tuned for more…

Images:  House of Many Hues

If interested in purchasing some of her work or her latest fabric collection, Nani Iro, it’s available for sale on Etsy and Super Buzzy (a Japanese fabric and craft supply shop).  Ok, it’s now time to think about what I can make with this fabric…

Images:  Naomi Ito

Want to print your designs at home?  Inkbloom offers their Loomtrack technology (printable vinyl) to use on your home inkjet printer (not designed for Laser printers).  You can purchase a roll of Loomtrack (8.5″ x 108″) for around $18.50, print your design, and then stick it to a base fabric (also sold on their site).  No heat required – just stick it on!

The second company is Spoonflower located in North Carolina.  Their process is simple – upload your design, choose your fabric (type of cotton), and the yardage.  Spoonflower uses eco-friendly inks and natural fiber fabrics.  Prices range from $18 to $32 a yard with no minimum order.  Want to share your original designs with the world?  You can sell your fabric designs in the Spoonflower marketplace and earn 10% of the sales price.

I haven’t quite given up on finding a fabric similar to what I have in mind.  However, I do have a great excuse to try out one of these services if nothing comes up.  I’ll let you know if I do!

Images:  Inkbloom, Spoonflower

So what else did this shop have to offer?  Beyond the Belle Notte display were other designer fabrics and clothing.  How could I have missed this specialty shop before?  Unfortunately, the shop lacks any store front appeal and the organization inside is less than desirable.  It’s such a shame because the products carried are so beautiful.  But it goes to show that no matter how “high end” a product is, without visual merchandising (retail decorating), shoppers may be inclined to leave for something brighter and better organized.  I wish to nominate this shop for Style Networks business makeover show Peter Perfect (if they ever bring it back!).

Images:  Bella Notte Linens

One possible reasons my sewing machine is working harder (and needs oiling) this summer is the availability of so many great fabric designs and projects.  Looking for a new fabric project?  Sandi Henderson Design offers some free projects for download (must have Adobe).  One of the options is a fabric pinwheel that looks great placed over a bed or on the wall of a playroom.  Pair up different fabrics and see the magic that forms.

These are some of the fabrics that Sandi designs and offers for sale.  Look how delicious the bright bold colors are!

Images:  Sandi Henderson Design

Regal – Ritz Collection.  I love the turquoise color and how it gives this fabric dimension.

Cocktail Fabric – Ritz Collection and Regal Wallpaper from Glamour

Damask Wallpaper from Wild Flora Collection

Velvet Jacquard Wallpaper from Wild Flora Collection

Images:  Anna French